Ruby-throated Hummingbird III

One thing I've been finding with the hummers on my yard is that I can get away with a fairly short lens, and not scare them away at all (this time of year anyway). I've actually gotten flight shots this week with just a 70-200mm lens only ... as they circle the feeder in the middle of my yard. I was standing about 4 to 5 feet away from the feeder, and having about 5 or 6 hummers flying around me the whole time. I've also gotten awesome hummer shots this spring with my 400mm f/4 DO lens.

So, having said this, I think you could easily just go with your 500mm lens only ... thereby being able to increase your shutter speed to a nice high number. This way you may be able to avoid some of the softness you seemed to have gotten.

Getting a deep, rich green background would really help this shot tremendously as well. I've got some thick brush & trees surrounding my yard, and this greenery makes for a great bokeh. Maybe just change your angle a bit ... or move your feeder to a place where you have more options for a distant background.

Keep 'em coming!

Nice one Dan, it could go a bit brighter.

A little brighter as suggested; love the presence and placement of the flower in this image, Dan!

Hugh

These little ones are so much fun to shoot. I think Peter made some really good points about the shorter lens and higher shutter speed. You've got a very nice pose of the bird and position with respect to the flower- waiting til they back off instead of beak in flower is usually the best way. Since you have cropped this I'd suggest just a tad more room on the right - not much!

Very cool shot Dan--I like the complete blur of the wings.

Steve

A super shot, Dan.

Dan a very nice shot. I'm seeing a slight light halo around the bird. When choosing a flower, go with a darker color. Yellow is tough to expose, although you did well here.

Thanks Pete, your points are well taken. I'll take the TC off next time!

Love that cure tongue sticking out!!!!!