I still have the loan of Cordless Dave's 1.4 converter. I went out yesterday to give the AF on my 100-400 pump a final run through with the 1.4 mounted. All of these shsots are hand held unless otherwise stated. Following advice on the thread "Taping the pins...." I set my lens at around 360.
On the way, this little chap posed in poor light and high up; but the AF coped quite well.
I also had two other aims. The first was to get a keeper of Shoveller Ducks. These are always on the other side of the lake, and, even when I occasionally use a hide, never then in sight. I knew where they were likely to hang out, and thought this would be a good test. It was still pretty grey early in the morning when I located the ducks. They were 150 yards away across an open field. There was a slight hump on the bank that I was able to use for cover in the direct line of sight between me and the SDs - but it did not hide me from other birds on the water nearby. I was able to get within about 80 yards before these other birds became restive and took off. I slowly straightened up - I did not feel like crawling across a wet field - wimp, I know, and not dedicated enough. I took several shots, and the best is below. This is heavily cropped; but I am pleased with it, bearing in mind the circumstances, and will keep it.
My next aim was to try for pictures of the Kingfisher that patrols the opposite side of the River Great Ouse. Alongside the track en route is a good haunt for dunnocks, stonechats and reed buntings. This bloke was very kind to me and sat on a wire about ten yards away. Again, I am pleased with the result.
I was not able to get to the point on the river bank opposite the kingfisher's haunts. The next picture shows why - the line of railings and fence posts tops delineate the road.
Nothing daunted, I took a circuitous route that did lead me to the river bank, but further upstream than I would have liked. I did not see the kingfisher, but heard woodpeckers drumming. I walked yet further upstream as this was new territory for me. I looked across the much swollen river and saw this islet in a flooded field about 200 yards away. The following snap involved my monopod.
This is a heavy crop of a similar picture for reference. This would be acceptable for identification purposes, but nothing else.
The next two pics are hand held; the first to give a flavour of the distance, the second heavily cropped. The second is more than acceptable for identification, but not a keeper.
These are two monopod mounted shots of the shelduck; the first again to give an idea of the range, the second heavily cropped. The AF worked quite well as I had to focus through the intervening branches. Again, ok for ident but not a keeper.
In the late afternoon, I went barn owl hunting. My aim was to try to snap him on one of his favourite perches using the monopod, but he wasn't there. So I biked further up to where I have seen him on other occasions - but no luck. I returned to the first spot, and saw him way across the field. These two snaps both utilised the monopod - a mistake really, but I was set on the idea. Again, the first is to give an idea of the range; the second is a heavy crop. The second is clearly a barn owl, but destined for the bin. The light was pretty gloomy by then.
I have reached the following conclusion. Most of my bird watching is done on the hoof, and involves plenty of snap shooting. I don't think that the 1.4+100-400 readily lends itself to this. However, it did help me get reasonable shots of the shovellers that I would not otherwise have got. I shall therefore bite the bullet and order one from ebay. I will carry it with me as part of my armoury; but use it for distant and fairly static objects, and if I find myself in a static situation such as a hide. (Bittern at Slimbridge - I hope!)
Colin
and your photo's really tell the tale of your day/walk. I think my fav is the barn owls in flight because its how you saw it and it really comes across(obvious I know as its a picture but you know what I mean). I'm looking forward to your next day out. Ive been confined to quarantine indoors today after being wet all week Ive caught a cold......
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