Red-browed Finch

[wigz]

More from Lamington National Park last week. I was hoping to get one of these sitting on a branch but couldn't get a clear shot, but still happy enough with these. I've also seen these called Firetails.


Nikon D800, Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 + 1.4TC. 1/1250 @ f/5.6 ISO 2200


Nikon D800, Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 + 1.4TC. 1/1250 @ f/5.6 ISO 1400

[Alan]

Wonderful detail from the D800

Backgrounds looks a bit noisy, but you'd get that with high ISOs and/or cropping? - maybe some selective NR?

I can never get close enough to these birds here.

[wigz]

Thanks Alan, It is a bit noisy. I checked the original raw file and it looks pretty good. I think my contrast adjustment and sharpening have successfully enhanced the noise. The ISO is a bit high and these are about a quarter of the frame (50% width and height) which is relatively moderate by my standards. I'm rarely close enough. I'll try some selective noise reduction and sharpening. I wish all my shots could have this feather detail.

[Alan]

Pretty good for 1/4 frame. I dream of going FF - and then I wake up

[avkomp]

plenty of details on show from a quarter of the frame. did well getting the pic, very skittish around here.

[Ironwood]

I agree with the other, these are very nice shots.

[wigz]

Thanks Stephen and Brad. They run bird feeding of mostly Crimson Rosellas here, and the finches come for the dropped seeds. As long as you keep still they will come reasonably close. Seems like cheating but I'm glad to take advantage of it.

[Phoenix]

Gorgeous wee birds..
Bonus points for snapping them in the process of feeding.
The sharpening sure did bring out some fine detail. I agree with Alan, a bit softening on the background would improve the overall aesthetic appeal.