Five 'firsts' for me today

LoveT · #1 (**permalink**) 27-04-2010, 04:43 PM

I've got a new 'toy' - a Canon 7D and EF 400mm f5.6L lens, which I have found to be a very portable combination for my little hands!

So - today I went down to Keyhaven to have a go with lens and camera, and not only was it my first time out with my new toy, but I also had five 'firsts' in the bird spotting stakes:

No.1:
Eider Duck (drake)

No.2:
I think this may be a Meadow Pipit?

No.3:
Linnet (female)

No.4:
Whitethroat (male) - definitely my best (and favourite) of the bunch!

No.5:
Little Tern

I'm sure many of you will think that I'm easily pleased, but I was dead chuffed with my bird count today!

Thanks for looking

Thea

nigel_b · #2 (**permalink**) 27-04-2010, 05:28 PM

A great day out then. Good luck with the new camera keep posting!

Jonners · #3 (**permalink**) 27-04-2010, 06:09 PM

I have the same toy as you, and had a great time recently in Portugal. I particularly like your drake Eider, a real cracker. Hope you continue to have lots of fun with it

Stinky Bob · #4 (**permalink**) 27-04-2010, 06:31 PM

Great shots, I especially like the Eider

Beekeeper · #5 (**permalink**) 27-04-2010, 06:59 PM

Nice shots and very nice camera, i am envious, the 7d is my next purchase, either that or a Id if i can afford it, in the meantime it looks like my trusty 20d will have to suffice.

Ian

Ollie · #6 (**permalink**) 27-04-2010, 07:18 PM

Nice photos Thea and a great combination with the 7D and 400mm. It's a cracking set up and I'm sure it won't disappoint

annies1 · #7 (**permalink**) 27-04-2010, 08:18 PM

I don't know anything about cameras but I do know that these are great pics and the little white throat is my fave too.

thebeard · #8 (**permalink**) 28-04-2010, 08:09 AM

fantastic sightings and amazing shots too, you must be very pleased!

darrenm · #9 (**permalink**) 28-04-2010, 08:59 AM

stunning pics and a great selection of species

Will be getting the same set up when my property finally sells.

Have you found it easy to use hand held? or are you using a tripod?

LoveT · #10 (**permalink**) 28-04-2010, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darrenm

Have you found it easy to use hand held? or are you using a tripod?

I rarely use either a tripod or monopod if I can possibly help it! Yesterday was no exception - all shots were hand held. The 400mm I use is the non-IS version - it's smaller, lighter and easier to carry than the IS version, and the image quality is superb. I found the combination just right for me as I get problems with my shoulders etc. so I can quite happily carry this round all day without a problem.

Just to prove the point, the image of the Eider drake was taken from the back of the little water taxi that goes between Keyhaven and Hurst Castle - small boat, moving, engine vibration - and I still got quite a good image

Thanks to all for your very kind comments - they're very much appreciated. Now I just have to get more practice in!

Thea