Nightski

Were you using manual focus, CM? Auto focus might struggle trying to focus on the snow flakes in front of the bird.

And yes, tell the hubby you need a nice 100mm with IS.. :-) or one of those 75-200mm with the IS...

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

I can't see well enough to use manual on a zoom lens. I do ok with macro in manual or if I have lots of time on a tripod but it is hopeless any other time. Let me tell you I have tried. :-D
Maybe someday for the lens. You never know.

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

The big issue I have with the photo is the sky. The picture could have just as well have been in black and white. The foreground gets totally lost in the background. I stopped shooting snow and skies like this decades ago. Just my own taste.

However, this picture could be a lesson learned. How about changing the dull sky to blue? I would play with this but am not at my graphics computer. I would mask off the foreground and either replace the background or its color. The selection wand in PS/PSE may not work well because of the poor contrast between the foreground and background. However, you might find a channel that will work. Of course, refine edge may work.

The focus issue is another matter. Autofocus may not work well because the amount of contrasting material is so small. You might try manual focus and a depth of field table.

Good luck.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

Thank you for the suggestion but, there is actually no sky in this picture. It is all snow. At the top of the picture you can see the blurred fence that is in the background. I am afraid that a blue sky would look unnatural as it is snowing like crazy.

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

That never stopped me from dropping in a new background!

Nightski

I love this bird in the snow. I wish there was a way for you to use manual focus, because I know you would nail it then. You're so good with your flower & foliage images. Maybe you just need a dioptric adjustment.It is very difficult to use manual focus in the cold however. Borrow your husband's zippos. :-) Or is it because you can't hold the camera still? I can't. I have to use a tripod. I'm praying that you get a lens with IS. :-) It's amazing.

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

The image stabilization on my 18-200 walk-around is just about useless. However, my monopod does make a difference.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

I actually do well if I have a lot of light. I don't worry about the cold when shooting birds as I open the kitchen window and shoot. :mrgreen: I am pretty steady most of the time and on one of the cameras I have replaced the diopter to match my glasses. It works great, but that camera won't operate my zoom lens. I just need better equipment, but I always choose to travel instead of a new lens or camera. :shock: