Hi Robin
Your latest shots are really good! Are these with a Canon EF 400 mm F/5.6 USM lens? I'm looking at getting one to replace my 100-400mm as I'm nearly always at the 400mm end!
Nice and sharp!
Paul.
....Yes, I was interested in the Canon 100-400mm in spite of having the 70-200mm f4L with 1.4x Extender (making it fully functional as a 98-280mm f5.6L) but a very experienced bird photographer friend advised me that the prime Canon 400mm f5.6L USM (no IS) is a 'better' lens - He has owned both.
It would be nice if it had IS (Image Stabilisation for non Canon users) because I reckon my keeper rate would be higher but when I get it right (as the Robin singing shot) it's spot on. I personally find it easier to steady with the tripod ring mount fitted.
I now exclusively shoot RAW and can then enhance what's already captured by the camera body's sensor (Canon 70D). But if it's a turd, you can't polish it!
^ The 70-200mm is shown with the Canon 1.4x Extender fitted. It also fits the 400mm but then makes it a f8L and kills autofocus on the 70D body. You also really need a tripod/monopod to steady it at 540mm (actually more on my crop-sensor body). The Extender works beautifully on the 70-200mm though and lives on it most of the time.
Another 400mm sharp shot....
Dunnock_2580vns by
RedRobin_05, on Flickr
Not a bird but a flying creature and just to show how well the 400mm can perform for close-up (as long as you are further away than 12ft!)....
BumbleBee blossom_3568v1ns by
RedRobin_05, on Flickr