Hummer in the sage: Followed the hummingbird around, like a crazy woman, taking many shots of it. This one image was worth the effort. Taken with a Nikon D5100 camera and a Nikkor...

riverlass Loc: northern California

Followed the hummingbird around, like a crazy woman, taking many shots of it. This one image was worth the effort.
Taken with a Nikon D5100 camera and a Nikkor 105mm macro lens, a D700 speedlight and diffuser.

Hummingbird in flight

(Download)

wings42 Loc: San Diego, CA

Beautiful photo.

I also have a D5100 and have been using it more and more while my D7000 stays in a drawer. I'm finding it easier to use and much lighter weight. The main thing I miss over the D7100 is a grid on the display to keep things level and help in composition. I had my heart set on a D7100 a month ago, but now think I'll get a D5300 instead and keep the D5100 as backup. Any opinions on this?

riverlass Loc: northern California

wings42 wrote:

Beautiful photo.

I also have a D5100 and have been using it more and more while my D7000 stays in a drawer. I'm finding it easier to use and much lighter weight. The main thing I miss over the D7100 is a grid on the display to keep things level and help in composition. I had my heart set on a D7100 a month ago, but now think I'll get a D5300 instead and keep the D5100 as backup. Any opinions on this?

I really want the D7100, but I'm debating whether I should go up into the FX line or stay with DX and... I'm waiting for the price to go down. If I buy the D7100, I will keep my D5100. I love this camera. The more I use it, the more I learn.I would recommend that you get the D7100... as the D5300 seems like just a fancier version of what you already have. I would have to compare the two again.
I really feel that lenses are almost more important than the camera. I use my Nikkor 18-300 zoom and this 105mm macro the most. I don't leave the house without the zoom. It's heavy, but wonderful.
The 105 macro is still a work in progress. I'm learning macro photography and have posted images in the true macro section of this forum. It's my new passion.
Good luck with your decision. Thanks for the comment.

cogerox Loc: Northern Cal

riverlass wrote:

Followed the hummingbird around, like a crazy woman, taking many shots of it. This one image was worth the effort.
Taken with a Nikon D5100 camera and a Nikkor 105mm macro lens, a D700 speedlight and diffuser.

You must have been moving quickly to catch him with the 105! You've got to be close with that lens. Wonderful shot.

I enjoyed reading a little of your blog. We are practically neighbors. I live in Paradise.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Super-interesting perspective!

wings42 Loc: San Diego, CA

riverlass wrote:

I really want the D7100, but I'm debating whether ... (show quote)

There's a good comparison at http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D5100-vs-Nikon-D5300 . The things I'd buy the D5300 for are much better low light performance, viewfinder grid line option, faster burst mode for BIF, bigger battery, slightly lighter weight, and faster more accurate focusing.

I'm not ready to go to the greater size and weight of an FX camera, if ever.

Ptw Loc: Tennessee

You are good with that macro lens! Beautiful shot.

riverlass Loc: northern California

cogerox wrote:

You must have been moving quickly to catch him with the 105! You've got to be close with that lens. Wonderful shot.

I enjoyed reading a little of your blog. We are practically neighbors. I live in Paradise.

I always thought that Paradise was such a cool name for a town. Still think so. Must be a pretty place. I have never been to Paradise but I drove from Chico, up highway 32 to Susanville, to see my uncle, two years ago. It's beautiful country. My husband has a retired friend in Magalia, but I've never been up in your area.
Thanks for the comment. I was probably 12 to 18 inches from the hummer and this photo has been cropped. The bird was going from one flower to another. This is when a tripod would never work. I moved with the bird and hoped that, somehow, I would get a few good images. Out of probably 20 shots, this was the best. thanks again.

riverlass Loc: northern California

Linda From Maine wrote:

Super-interesting perspective!

Just luck, Linda. You are constantly moving with these little guys. I do try to focus the lens on their faces and wait until they are hovering.

riverlass Loc: northern California

Ptw wrote:

You are good with that macro lens! Beautiful shot.

Thanks Ptw, it's a labor of love.

wings42 Loc: San Diego, CA

riverlass wrote:

Just luck, Linda. You are constantly moving with these little guys. I do try to focus the lens on their faces and wait until they are hovering.

It's not luck. It's perseverance and patience, choosing the place and time where the shot is possible which involves some knowledge of the bird and the environment to get so close to it, willingness to endure discomfort, having the skill and knowledge to select adequate equipment, choosing the proper camera and lens settings for the shot, and finally aiming and holding steady during the shot in spite of all the movement and excitement. I think that fewer than one in ten thousand could do what you did to get that photo.

Hat's off to you, riverlass! :thumbup: :thumbup:

riverlass Loc: northern California

wings42 wrote:

It's not luck. It's perseverance and patience, cho... (show quote)

Well, thank you David. Sometimes I forget the work that I've put into this ability to photograph nature. Sharp photos of BIF(birds in flight) are a lot of work and knowledge of your equipment. I guess that I could give myself more credit. We are taught not to give ourselves credit and it becomes a habit. I've worked really hard to learn the nuances of macro photography and I'm always proud when I get a shot like this... but I still think that there is a bit of luck involved.
Thanks for your inspiring comment.

Swamp-Cork Loc: Lanexa, Virginia

riverlass wrote:

Followed the hummingbird around, like a crazy woman, taking many shots of it. This one image was worth the effort.
Taken with a Nikon D5100 camera and a Nikkor 105mm macro lens, a D700 speedlight and diffuser.

Wow! Great image!! Thanks for sharing

Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

It certainly was! This is a fantastic shot, Riverlass! Beautiful focus on the bird's head.

riverlass wrote:

Followed the hummingbird around, like a crazy woman, taking many shots of it. This one image was worth the effort.
Taken with a Nikon D5100 camera and a Nikkor 105mm macro lens, a D700 speedlight and diffuser.