My 1st image for serious critique !

[macker]

Feeling masochistic tonight ! I have to admit that I'm really pleased with this result from a £100 lens, but wondering if I got the crop right, should I have shot from a different angle to leave a little interest in the background or tidied the feathers up that are sticking out on his back (I mean in Photoshop, don't think he'd have let me brush him 1st !)

Anyway, the picture:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/2309732205_994d24a635.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mackerpics/2309732205/sizes/o/)

(Clickable for larger version)

Info: Sigma 70-300 APO / F8 / 300mm / -2/3EV

The sun was behind me and over right shoulder. Here is the original picture so you can see the crop I made:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/2311347158_f3aa33cd1b_m.jpg

[mole2k]

Nice shot. Its pretty sharp given the budget nature of this lens although you where shooting it at f8 which would help a lot.

I really must try shooting birds more often, they dont seem to like the food I have in my feeders :shrug:

[Shutterman]

Macker

Nice capture I might have given a little more space to the right with the crop, but that is just my views I am by no means the best person to comment.

I have been told in past posts if the image does it for you then it does not matter what everyone else thinks.

If you like it Macker then you have nailed it..

I can not quite make out the focus point but it looks like it was just below the eye on the chest feathers.

That is my only comment...

Cheers

Nigel

[kmlc]

First of all, i have that lens, great lens, hey? :)
I love the picture, its great, but i actually think, personally, i prefer the uncropped version.
I like the way it fit into one corner, and left the pleasant green bokeh in the background.

Fantastic anyhew, :)

[R8JimBob88]

The same lens just turned up on my doorstep yesterday! I havent had chance to use it just yet but if it produces results like yours above then i'm more than happy :)

[awp]

nice shot - I think you got the crop just right. Looks a little on the dark side on my monitor but other than that 1st class.

[macker]

Thanks very much to everyone for taking the time to comment, it's all taken on board and appreciated :thumbs:

[woollyback]

Great shot - we have exactly the same lens and you can get some super sharp shots with it.

Cropping is always personal choice but I would give it a tad more room above robins head. But lovely colours and great exposure - one for the portfolio for sure.

Rob

[Les McLean]

Yes this is nice, crisp and clean-and I like the first crop, with the empty space the same side as he is looking.

[whiteflyer]

A very good shot, and not done will a hugely expensive lens :thumbs:

I'm with Rob and would have left a little more head room, and I'd also give it a bit more sharpening in photoshop, but these are just a personal preference.