Surfing Dolphins and Wading birds

ashruggedashrugged Registered Users Posts: 345 Major grins
edited July 10, 2012 in Wildlife
I finally got to evaluate my new D-800 in real life with someting other than the 300mmf4 and 1.4 tc combo, which tends to strugle. I have recently callibrated the camera with all my lenses and verified that all my focus points. are sharp. July 4th was the day to see how my camera preformed without the TC.
1) bird in flight
RK81631-L.jpg


2) I am not sure if the quality of this picture will come through on line. Though the picture may not be the best composition, I find the detail on the orginal exceptional. The water droplets in his wings, the multi colors in his eyes and the texture of his bill. wow.

RK81624-L.jpg

3) 300mm
RK81589-L.jpg

4) 50 mm,
RK81775-L.jpg

5)
RK81753-L.jpg
Robert

http://rckimaging.smugmug.com/

Comments

  • racefanracefan Registered Users Posts: 133 Major grins
    edited July 8, 2012
    really like the dolphin pics....great work
  • peargrinpeargrin Registered Users Posts: 191 Major grins
    edited July 8, 2012
    What a beautiful collection! The detail on the birds is terrific! And the dolphin shots make me feel like I could actually be swimming with them...just amazing. I love #4. Congrats! Cheers, pear. (p.s. I was very interested in your comments about calibrating your lenses. Would you be willing to share how you went about it? I have a 200-400mm in need of assistance... Thanks!)
  • EphTwoEightEphTwoEight Registered Users Posts: 552 Major grins
    edited July 9, 2012
    Flippin' awesome!
  • JohnDCJohnDC Registered Users Posts: 379 Major grins
    edited July 9, 2012
    I say both the camera and the photographer did a great job.
  • Dick on ArubaDick on Aruba Registered Users Posts: 3,484 Major grins
    edited July 9, 2012
    Awesome! thumb.gif

    I guess you'll be happy with this gear-combo.
    "Nothing sharpens sight like envy."
    Thomas Fuller.

    SmugMug account.
    Website.
  • DreadnoteDreadnote Registered Users Posts: 634 Major grins
    edited July 9, 2012
    Those are wonderful, especially the dolphin pics. Makes me want to go fishing.
    Sports, Dance, Portraits, Events... www.jasonhowardking.com
  • ashruggedashrugged Registered Users Posts: 345 Major grins
    edited July 9, 2012
    racefan wrote: »
    really like the dolphin pics....great work

    Thanks racefan, They were a blast to photograph, I plan to do it again soon.
    Robert

    http://rckimaging.smugmug.com/
  • FlyNavyFlyNavy Registered Users Posts: 1,350 Major grins
    edited July 9, 2012
    Wonderful pics!!!!
    http://jmledy.com/


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  • ashruggedashrugged Registered Users Posts: 345 Major grins
    edited July 9, 2012
    peargrin wrote: »
    What a beautiful collection! The detail on the birds is terrific! And the dolphin shots make me feel like I could actually be swimming with them...just amazing. I love #4. Congrats! Cheers, pear. (p.s. I was very interested in your comments about calibrating your lenses. Would you be willing to share how you went about it? I have a 200-400mm in need of assistance... Thanks!)

    Thanks Pear. The Web and youtube, are full of info on calibrating the newer cameras. The photo stores also sell tools and charts to make it easier. just google " focus test chart. "
    Robert

    http://rckimaging.smugmug.com/
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited July 9, 2012
    The 4th image is a real wall hanger and the rest are pretty darn good too. clap.gif Looks like you are as happy with your D800 as I am with my D800E.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • lifeinfocuslifeinfocus Registered Users Posts: 1,461 Major grins
    edited July 9, 2012
    Like em' all, especially the dolphin shots.

    You mentioned that you recently calibrated your camera with all your lenses. Could you say a few words about what that means and how it is done?

    Phil
    http://www.PhilsImaging.com
    "You don't take a photograph, you make it." ~Ansel Adams
    Phil
  • BilsenBilsen Registered Users Posts: 2,143 Major grins
    edited July 9, 2012
    Terrific set.

    The dolphin frames are spectacular.
    Bilsen (the artist formerly known as John Galt NY)
    Canon 600D; Canon 1D Mk2;
    24-105 f4L IS; 70-200 f4L IS; 50mm 1.4; 28-75 f2.8; 55-250 IS; 580EX & (2) 430EX Flash,
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  • ashruggedashrugged Registered Users Posts: 345 Major grins
    edited July 10, 2012
    EphTwoEight wrote: »
    Flippin' awesome!

    Thanks , glad you liked them.



    JohnDC wrote: »
    I say both the camera and the photographer did a great job.
    Thanks John, I am sure the camera will keep me happy for the next few years.
    Robert

    http://rckimaging.smugmug.com/
  • ashruggedashrugged Registered Users Posts: 345 Major grins
    edited July 10, 2012
    lifeinfocus wrote: »
    Like em' all, especially the dolphin shots.

    You mentioned that you recently calibrated your camera with all your lenses. Could you say a few words about what that means and how it is done?

    Phil

    Thank you Phil. I will try to answer your question.

    The new cameras have the ability to make an adjustment to correct for front focus or back focus. This adjustment can be made on Nikon cameras under "AF fine tune" located in the setup menu. Each lens need to be adjusted individually.
    The method I used to determine if my lens was dialed in, or in need of adjustment. was to print a focus chart that I found online, and calibrate with that. The idea is to place your camera on tripod at a 45 degree angle to the test chart and use the center focus point to aim at the focus target. Shoot wide open, so the focus falls off over a small area.

    My picture her is just an example ,
    RK81411-M.jpg

    Ideally your picture will reveal a very sharp target area with equal falloff to blur before and after the focus area. if not adjust the fine tune and reshoot.

    Check out this link It demonstrates a type of focus chart and how to use it. It should help.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JPTnz_mimo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

    hope this helps
    Robert

    http://rckimaging.smugmug.com/
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