White-breasted Nuthatch

It's a pretty good yard bird, Cynthia. Classic pose, nice perch and background.

Beautiful photo, Cynthia!

Wonderful pose Cynthia!

I've had really good results from the Nikkor 300 f4 plus the 1.4x TC. It looks like you didn't have ideal lighting conditions with this image, so this may not have been a perfect test. I'm not basing this comment on the quality of your image, but on your shooting data. 

as Karl said. Classic. gorgeous feel to the image as well

Cindy, this is the best shot I've seen so far from your new D500/300mm combination. The tree bark has a wonderful warm glow to it. And the pose of the nuthatch, its detail, and the soft out-of-focus background are all excellent. Beautiful job, Cindy! Look forward to seeing more great images.

Looks like a great start for your new combo Cynthia.

Beauty shot Cynthia

Mike Wooding wrote:I've had really good results from the Nikkor 300 f4 plus the 1.4x TC. It looks like you didn't have ideal lighting conditions with this image, so this may not have been a perfect test. I'm not basing this comment on the quality of your image, but on your shooting data. 

Hi Mike

Could you explain what you mean about the "shooting data"?  Just curious how you can tell about the lighting conditions from that info. Perhaps because it was such a slow shutter speed?
Not at all offended- just curious.

Thanks!

Thank you, everyone, for taking the time to comment of this photo and my progress with a new camera. I welcome all kinds of feedback!

Cynthia Crawford wrote:

Mike Wooding wrote:I've had really good results from the Nikkor 300 f4 plus the 1.4x TC. It looks like you didn't have ideal lighting conditions with this image, so this may not have been a perfect test. I'm not basing this comment on the quality of your image, but on your shooting data. 

Hi Mike

Could you explain what you mean about the "shooting data"?  Just curious how you can tell about the lighting conditions from that info. Perhaps because it was such a slow shutter speed?
Not at all offended- just curious.

Thanks!

Hi Cynthia

I was afraid that I might not have been clear in my first post...sorry about that. The reason I said that the lighting conditions were likely not ideal, was that you had to go to 1000 ISO, f5.6 and 1/320 shutter speed in order to get the correct exposure. I would much prefer to shoot at a much lower ISO, a smaller aperture and a faster shutter speed, especially for these little guys. The faster shutter speed in particular would definitely increase your chances of seeing how sharp this lens is. I am sure that the more you use this lens, with or without the converter, the more you will appreciate it, as I do. 

Cheers, Mike

Mike Wooding wrote:

Cynthia Crawford wrote:

Mike Wooding wrote:I've had really good results from the Nikkor 300 f4 plus the 1.4x TC. It looks like you didn't have ideal lighting conditions with this image, so this may not have been a perfect test. I'm not basing this comment on the quality of your image, but on your shooting data. 

Hi Mike

Could you explain what you mean about the "shooting data"?  Just curious how you can tell about the lighting conditions from that info. Perhaps because it was such a slow shutter speed?
Not at all offended- just curious.

Thanks!

Hi Cynthia

I was afraid that I might not have been clear in my first post...sorry about that. The reason I said that the lighting conditions were likely not ideal, was that you had to go to 1000 ISO, f5.6 and 1/320 shutter speed in order to get the correct exposure. I would much prefer to shoot at a much lower ISO, a smaller aperture and a faster shutter speed, especially for these little guys. The faster shutter speed in particular would definitely increase your chances of seeing how sharp this lens is. I am sure that the more you use this lens, with or without the converter, the more you will appreciate it, as I do. 

Cheers, Mike

Thanks, Mike!  I prefer those qualities too- I see what you mean. This was taken in the 2 PM-light wasn't too bad....for Vermont in the winter!  I'm finding with this rig that I have to go high ISO to get decent shutter speeds, in general. Not so sure about the aperture. But as I say, winter days are dark here, even in what looks like pretty good light. I also used EV +0.67. So far, my Nikon pictures generally come out darker than Canon with the same settings.