A couple of Whimbrel shots

[BDennis]

We’ve been seeing some Whimbrels on the creek near the holiday rental where we’re staying on the Isle of Wight. It makes a change from Curlews! The crown marking, dark stripe through the eye and shorter beak are diagnostic when trying to ID these.

I took some shots from the deck of the place where we’re staying with the OM-1 and 150-400mm + 1.25x TC + MC-20 so 1000mm.

Bill

[blackfox]

Very nice bill

[MJ224]

Nice shots...at a wow 1000mm... Amazed..

[BDennis]

Thanks, a good chance to try out the x2 TC on it. Images can be a bit soft, these are the best from a number I took.

[Mark2112]

Bill, you have me stumped. I am surprised that you can couple the camera with 1.25x TC + MC-20 so 1000mm.

I have both MC-20 and MC-1.4, but they can't be coupled. It would have been nice to expand the reach of my 40-150mm, but obviously those two TCs are not designed for it.

[BDennis]

Hi Mark - this is the expensive white lens with the internal teleconverter. No trickery involved!

[huwnothugh]

I can see that the lens was at its limit (literally and optically) but nevertheless these shots are impressive. The question is, would you go to such extremes again?

[BDennis]

Thanks Huw. Yes, I think I would try the x2 TC on top again under similar circumstances if the bird is not too distant. It helps to get some more detail. I think these benefit from running through the DxO PureRaw DeepPrimeXD2 mode too - I'll post some comparison images below. I might also remove the filter I added to protect the front element too - I think this loses some sharpness when using an additional TC like the MC-20 but not done any real tests yet.

[Barr1e]

The first is stunning Bill.

Enjoy your break both of you.

[BDennis]

Thanks Barrie. We had a good trip to the Isle of Wight although a little chilly at times with the weather! Home now and playing around with some of the images. I hope you and Anne are well.

[Mark2112]

Wonderfully textured images, Bill. The bird ain't too bad either!

[BDennis]

Thanks Mark - they are characterful birds, nice to watch it working through the seaweed finding the crabs!

[antpitta]

While probably impossible to get absolutely top-drawer shots with that combination (& at that distance) these are way better than just "record shots" and show the extra reach of M/43 gear. 1st shot obviously catches the eye with your Whimbrel securing his snack!

[BDennis]

Thanks Chris - I don't think I've had one so close before and it was nice to see the detail on it to compare to Curlews.

[BDennis]

Another shot of the Whimbrel. I did a comparison of processing with DxO PureRaw DeepPrimeXD2 mode + CaptureOne and processing in OM Workspace using the AI feature in that. I tried to get the same crop to 3500px wide. OMWS processing is like trying to work the image with an arm tied behind your back though, I find it so hard to use. I think the OMWS version shows how soft using the MC-20 makes the image and if using this on the 150-400mm at full zoom with the 1.25x TC it might we worth considering using DxO PureRaw for processing. DxO maybe overcooks it a bit though?


DxO + CaptureOne Process


OM Workspace Process + JPEG export using AI Noise Reduction resolution priority, sharpness 0.8, +0.2 EV exposure comp, +2 clarity

[huwnothugh]

I use OMWS all the time, but can't recommend the sharpening tool. I think you'll find that you will get better results if you use the unsharp mask tool instead.

[BDennis]

Thanks I'll try the unsharp mask some time. I think the sharpness tool is emulating the in-camera setting for JPEG output. Unsharp always sounds like the opposite of what is needed but it is just named for the way it works!

[nc_killie]

very nice captures for you both! TFS

[DerekC]

Very nice show the capability of the combination well.