Wild Kestrels

[Zephyr]

Some close encounters with kestrels this weekend ... Really pleased with these shots. Definitely got to grips with this 800mm now, good handholding technique is vital

G

 

[RedRobin]

Those are both lovely shots! Great compositions and colour.

I bet a 800mm lens is a heavyweight! Canon?

 

[gramps]

#2 for me, just feels less cramped in the frame ... however great to get the shots

 

[Snooky]

Great shots! Bet anyone passing thinks you're crazy hand holding such a big object into the sky at eye level!

 

[Dave Semmens]

#2 for me as well - lovely capture, exposure and detail.
Hand holding an 800mm obviously produces the results - I am at my limit at 500mm

 

[gramps]

I can't even imagine hand-holding an 800mm if my 300-800 is anything to go by!

 

[SKM]

Good detail and very nice light. I might have cloned the odd sticks on the second shot

Stan

 

[Rustydon]

That weight training came in handy Graeme for hand-holding your 800mm lens
Two very good captures, number 2 for me as well

Russ

 

[Zephyr]

It's a heavy lens, granted but I'm now comfortable with it.
I wanted to keep #1 as a 8x12, it is a little close, but I think the composition works still. I have room to crop with more room, so might try a 8x10, but i didn't like my first attempt at that crop.
#2 I did debate cloning out the other twigs but i feel it gives it a very natural feel by leaving them in else there would just be a lot of empty space.

Thanks guys, really appreciate the feedback, totally blown away by all the messages

 

[RedRobin]

#2 I did debate cloning out the other twigs but i feel it gives it a very natural feel by leaving them in else there would just be a lot of empty space.

....I agree and IF I cloned out any it would only be the two which are well out of focus. I think that true-life environment is often an important part of a wildlife picture.

 

[elvis]

lovely shots what a beautiful little raptor

 

[cruso]

Very nice 2for me aswell

 

[deno]

I'll go with No2 also, that looks a very precarious perch, two good shots.

 

[Zephyr]

Cheers guys, seems number 2 is the preferred shot! There were a pair there, but one flew, it would have been something special to get a pair perched together, maybe another time!!

 

[Testudo Man]

Very nice images too.

 

[Joeturner11]

Lovely set of images pal, stunning light!

I can't even imagine hand-holding an 800mm

Surprising the 800mm weighs as much as the 400mm f/2.8 you use to have, which is the version I currently use

 

[Runner111]

Very nice

 

[BillN_33]

#2 is the better, IMHO

 

[dinners]

My head tells me number 2 but I'm drawn to number 1 with that light and expression.