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Me and my Z9
Jun 8, 2023 15:39:46 #
So, after waiting 9 months, I received my new Z9 end of June last year. Just missed a trip to Columbia, not to worry, my D 850's continued to amaze me. But now, I had this fancy mirrorless with all the bells and whistles. A week after receiving it I was at my favorite marsh in the USA, Pitt St. Bridge in Mount Pleasant S.C. My daughter moved there 10 years ago and it is always a pleasure to take the walk and see who's around today. That day, after reading Steve Perry's set up guide, I took the walk.
I was amazed to find a small flock of Gull-billed Terns, a first for me anywhere. I spent several hours, getting a success rate of about 1 in 50. Wow, was I disappointed. Went back to reread Steves words of wisdom. Just after his focus section, he suggested going out and giving it a try, BUT : "DO NOT GO OUT AND TRY SHOOTING A BUNCH OF TERNS!!!" Wow, how did he know.
Went back the next day, a little better, but definitely needed some practice.
Fast forward, Australia in October, New Zealand in November, Cuba in February, and here I was back at the marsh last weekend for my grandson's graduation. First walk, there they were again, a small flock of Gull-billed terns. My success rate was now over 80%, probably higher.
But, as they were the only birds where I was, that is all I was shooting. Until, focused on a tern, a black bird came streaking across my lens. Refocused, and in the less than one second it was there, I got 7 of 8 tack sharp photos of a RWBB, my first in flight. I was amazed. Same thing, but this time a small flock of Peeps, ditto. Next, a Tri-colored, some Oystercatchers, a snowy flying right at me. All of these while I was focused on terns, and they flew across my lens.
Admittedly I have now had a lot of practice, and 3 firmware updates, mostly addressing focusing issues.
But that RWBB blew my mind.
Heading to Svalbard in 2 weeks, going "Bear Hunting". Wish me luck.
CM
I was amazed to find a small flock of Gull-billed Terns, a first for me anywhere. I spent several hours, getting a success rate of about 1 in 50. Wow, was I disappointed. Went back to reread Steves words of wisdom. Just after his focus section, he suggested going out and giving it a try, BUT : "DO NOT GO OUT AND TRY SHOOTING A BUNCH OF TERNS!!!" Wow, how did he know.
Went back the next day, a little better, but definitely needed some practice.
Fast forward, Australia in October, New Zealand in November, Cuba in February, and here I was back at the marsh last weekend for my grandson's graduation. First walk, there they were again, a small flock of Gull-billed terns. My success rate was now over 80%, probably higher.
But, as they were the only birds where I was, that is all I was shooting. Until, focused on a tern, a black bird came streaking across my lens. Refocused, and in the less than one second it was there, I got 7 of 8 tack sharp photos of a RWBB, my first in flight. I was amazed. Same thing, but this time a small flock of Peeps, ditto. Next, a Tri-colored, some Oystercatchers, a snowy flying right at me. All of these while I was focused on terns, and they flew across my lens.
Admittedly I have now had a lot of practice, and 3 firmware updates, mostly addressing focusing issues.
But that RWBB blew my mind.
Heading to Svalbard in 2 weeks, going "Bear Hunting". Wish me luck.
CM
Jun 8, 2023 15:46:33 #
What a great set especially the RWBB. Equipment is rapidly becoming the deciding factor in wildlife photography
Jun 8, 2023 16:02:03 #
Check out Landscape Photography section of our forum.
Jun 8, 2023 16:05:35 #
Jun 8, 2023 16:12:16 #
Great captures of these fliers! I especially like the one with the 4 birds flying across from right to left.
will
will
Jun 8, 2023 16:12:24 #
Jun 8, 2023 17:40:16 #
Check out Close Up Photography section of our forum.
Jun 8, 2023 17:46:07 #
Jun 9, 2023 07:08:06 #
capmike wrote:
So, after waiting 9 months, I received my new Z9 e... (show quote)
Excellent BIFs. The Red-winged is my favorite. 👍
Jun 9, 2023 07:34:11 #
Jun 9, 2023 10:47:49 #
Jun 9, 2023 12:05:43 #
capmike wrote:
So, after waiting 9 months, I received my new Z9 e... (show quote)
You and your Z9 make a really great pair
Jun 9, 2023 12:54:09 #
Jun 9, 2023 19:43:43 #
Jun 10, 2023 11:14:01 #
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Check out Landscape Photography section of our forum.