The Take Off

Very nice flight capture. Excellent work.

I like how this image illustrates the camouflage of this owl in snowy habitat. Nice takeoff shot, Ed.

Ron Day wrote:I like how this image illustrates the camouflage of this owl in snowy habitat. Nice takeoff shot, Ed.

+1.  Super shot Ed and lovely framing and comp.

What a wonderful flight shot. Love the surroundings. How do you like your 100-500?

rajandesai wrote:What a wonderful flight shot. Love the surroundings. How do you like your 100-500?

Thank you to all who have commented on this image.  Rajandesai, I love the 100-500. I have found it to be tack sharp.  I sold my 100-400 version II once I used this lens for a few days.  At 350-400 is is f 6.3.  Yes, at 500 is is 7.1, which sometimes registers as F8.  However, the high ISO capabilities of the R5, along with Topaz DeNoise AI allow me to routinely shoot at ISO 1600 and 3200.  I often also go to 6400 and rarely 12,800 with what I think are good results.  I am sure there are some compromises compared to my 500 F4.  However, when shooting this snowy owl series I was shooting at 500 AND 1/2000, auto ISO all day hand held.  This gave me the flexibility to move around without being encumbered with a heavy lens and tripod rig. I was also able to react quickly to the bird's movements.  I am 73 years old, in pretty good shape, but really greatly appreciate the much lighter rig. As an addition to this discussion, the animal eye tracking of the R5 is just outstanding, and everything it is said to be.  When the eye was not visible I did assist the AF by using single point AF to get it in the area I wanted, but this is very low contrast conditions.  At home, with songbirds in standard conditions, the animal eye detect picks out the birds without my help. I have the camera set up so one back button AF is for single point and another is for animal eye detection and tracking.  I hope this helps.

Wonderful winter vision.
Mary

I love to see shots of these beauties in flight, because then we get to see those beautiful 'furry boots'. You obviously had a lot of fun on this 'snowy' day, Ed!

Carol.

Another wonderful Snowy owl image, Ed! The new Canon mirrorless systems , seem to be getting very positive
reviews by those who are now using them. I'm glad you are pleased with yours.

Beautiful flight shot.