[Markulous]

Spent a week in Mid Wales and covered a fair bit of ground - and got to try a couple of lenses and cameras. Mostly the Canon 350D and here it's with the 100-400mm IS and 1.4x Extender

I've noticed that, in contrast to my Sigma, the 350D has poor dynamic range - difficult to pull detail out of underexposed areas and seems to overexpose easier. And, whilst the Sigma can be prone to more noise, it is much, much easier to correct than the Canon which tends to 'Nutella' right across the colours, even if only one colour selected for de-noising.

The 100-400mm I've really enjoyed using - I just have to make sure I don't get lazy and try to use it when another lens would make a better job of it!

Damsel'd Delight
This was about 10 feet from a landing stage, so no way I was getting to it with my 105mm macro, aside from geting low down to get the reflection




Lit Lighthouse
Went down to visit a Pixalonian down by Strumble Head - who pointed out to me all the sites for his superb landscapes, all within easy walking distance! Hopefully he won't see this - I've been telling him he takes rubbish pics, for years!




Tree on a Tree
OK, so I should've used my macro for this shot - but was keen to try the IS handheld!




Dragons up a Tree
No way were we getting close to these two........ without a ladder!
Halfway up tree, windy too and even f8 wasn't quite enough DOF (the max with 1.4x extender) somewhat soft - but worth the effort, I feel!




Flying in from Canada
The Canada Geese were moving south, coming down through the RSPB site of Ynys Hir where we were. I'm not keen on 'frozen' birds in flight, so was pleased to get the movement in this - my first attempt at panning the lens (mounted on a tripod but with a ball and socket head).




Final thoughts on 100-400mm are that I'm pretty pleased with the results. Not wild on the push/pull zoom action but I'm sure that'll come - and easier than with two rotating rings (I usually set zoom and just turn focus - I always manual focus). Handheld is manageable but a combo of the weight and the nausea inducing IS (well, to me!) makes having a monopod a good idea! The setting #2 works well with panning too! Oh, and I really must stop trying to push the shutter release when tripoded - no matter how careful I am I always induce movement!

[Billy Webb]

would love to have this lens in my arsenal. The goose in flight is perfectly treated. love the crop, love the borders, love that little motion blur of the wings. Great shooting!

[dogdots]

I agree with Billy that the goose picture is a great shot. You did capture the wings well with the head in focus. I like the tree on tree picture. And I don't think you needed a macro lens for a shot at this. It would have changed the look totally. Well done

[dwramynydd]

So, who else did you visit after you left us at Strumble Head?? That surely can't be me you are referring to...you've NEVER, EVER said my landscapes were superb...you've simply rubbished most of 'em! I see that, as usual, you didn't walk far from the car to take that one as you were able to rest the 350D on the roof of your go-cart in the car park, saved getting the pod out anyway!

Nice to see you on the day (Pam told me to put that) invoice in the post for the food!!!

PS Decentish shots of the lighthouse here Pembrokeshire Photo Gallery by Gwyn Howells at pbase.com

G

[Markulous]

LOL! Knew that was a mistake (now I have to make up a fictional 'tog who we met)

Please thank Pam - and for the food! I've bought a shredder just for the garbage you send!

[dwramynydd]

See you not denying the "resting the camera on the roof of the car again" bit then!

Twas good to see you I must say, hadn't laughed that much for weeks!

[Whipspeed]

Looking good Mark, the 100-400 is a seriously nice lens & one I use a lot over the winter for Rugby matches. How did it feel on the 350D though, as it is quite a small body?

[Markulous]

Originally Posted by dwramynydd

See you not denying the "resting the camera on the roof of the car again" bit then!

Didn't need to rest it - IS lens, doncha know!
Really was taken handheld (only way to find limitations, etc) - something I found distinctly queasy-making when the IS is on!
Plus I didn't think of resting it on the car........ hang on....... car down the road in the first parking bit. Didn't have the VIP badge that you obviously display to get closer!

Originally Posted by Whipspeed

Looking good Mark, the 100-400 is a seriously nice lens & one I use a lot over the winter for Rugby matches. How did it feel on the 350D though, as it is quite a small body?

350D has a power pack so it's nearly............. ummm...... half the size of my Sigma! LOL!

Was OK, but then I've never had probs picking up any camera - prefer larger/heavier if only for camera shake. I find way more probs with some lens configurations!

[gsgary]

That goose shot is spot on

[simpbow]

Nice images, like the goose, great shot.

[Markulous]

Thanks, guys!