{"id":33368,"date":"2016-05-26T03:28:59","date_gmt":"2016-05-26T07:28:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/?p=33368"},"modified":"2016-05-26T10:52:40","modified_gmt":"2016-05-26T14:52:40","slug":"a-lightweight-hand-holdable-150-600-zoom-lens-for-under-1000-it-cant-be","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/2016\/05\/26\/a-lightweight-hand-holdable-150-600-zoom-lens-for-under-1000-it-cant-be\/","title":{"rendered":"A Lightweight Hand Holdable 150-600 Zoom Lens for Under $1,000?  It Can&#8217;t Be&#8230;"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>What&#8217;s Up<\/h3>\n<p>I am thisclose to finishing my 2015 taxes. I will have them on the way to Chip Jackson tomorrow for sure. I enjoyed another wonderful 30 lap swim (22 laps is a half mile). My ice bath was very chilly. Not sure why but I have lost a solid five pounds in the last ten days. I tried to gain some weight today \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<p>If you are interested in the 2017 Japan in Winter trip see yesterday&#8217;s blog post; and please <a href=\"mailto:samandmayasgrandpa@att.net\">e-mail<\/a><\/center> for couples or repeat customer discount information.  <\/p>\n<p><center><noscript><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/servedby.flashtalking.com\/click\/8\/55973;1705289;0;209;0\/?ft_width=728&#038;ft_height=90&#038;url=9277912\" target=\"_blank\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/servedby.flashtalking.com\/imp\/8\/55973;1705289;205;gif;BirdsAsArt;728x90\/?\"><\/a><br \/>\n<\/noscript><br \/>\n<script language=\"Javascript1.1\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\nvar ftClick = \"\";\nvar ftExpTrack_1705289 = \"\";\nvar ftX = \"\";\nvar ftY = \"\";\nvar ftZ = \"\";\nvar ftOBA = 1;\nvar ftContent = \"\";\nvar ftCustom = \"\";\nvar ft728x90_OOBclickTrack = \"\";\nvar ftRandom = Math.random()*1000000;\nvar ftBuildTag1 = \"<scr\";\nvar ftBuildTag2 = \"<\/\";\nvar ftClick_1705289 = ftClick;\nif(typeof(ft_referrer)==\"undefined\"){var ft_referrer=(function(){var r=\"\";if(window==top){r=window.location.href;}else{try{r=window.parent.location.href;}catch(e){}r=(r)?r:document.referrer;}while(encodeURIComponent(r).length>1000){r=r.substring(0,r.length-1);}return r;}());}\nvar ftDomain = (window==top)?\"\":(function(){var d=document.referrer,h=(d)?d.match(\"(?::q\/q\/)+([qw-]+(q.[qw-]+)+)(q\/)?\".replace(\/q\/g,decodeURIComponent(\"%\"+\"5C\")))[1]:\"\";return (h&&h!=location.host)?\"&ft_ifb=1&ft_domain=\"+encodeURIComponent(h):\"\";}());\nvar ftTag = ftBuildTag1 + 'ipt language=\"javascript1.1\" type=\"text\/javascript\" ';\nftTag += 'src=\"http:\/\/servedby.flashtalking.com\/imp\/8\/55973;1705289;201;js;BirdsAsArt;728x90\/?ftx='+ftX+'&fty='+ftY+'&ftadz='+ftZ+'&ftscw='+ftContent+'&ft_custom='+ftCustom+'&ftOBA='+ftOBA+ftDomain+'&ft_referrer='+encodeURIComponent(ft_referrer)+'&cachebuster='+ftRandom+'\" id=\"ftscript_728x90\" name=\"ftscript_728x90\"';\nftTag += '>' + ftBuildTag2 + 'script>';\ndocument.write(ftTag);\n<\/script><\/center><\/p>\n<h3>The Streak<\/h3>\n<p>Today\u2019s blog post marks an insane 202 days in a row with a new educational (and fun) blog post. And I still have dozens of new topics to cover; there should be no end in sight until my big South America trip next fall. As always-\u2013and folks have been doing a really great job recently\u2013-please remember to use our B&#038;H links for your major gear purchases. For best results use one of our many product-specific links; after clicking on one of those you can continue shopping with all subsequent purchases invisibly tracked to BAA. Your doing so is always greatly appreciated. Please remember: web orders only. <strong><em>Please remember that if you are shopping for items that we carry in the BAA Online Store (as noted in red at the close of this post below) we would appreciate your business.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/jrobelamerican-oystercatcher.jpg\" class='shutterset'><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ngg-singlepic ngg-center\" src=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/jrobelamerican-oystercatcher.jpg\" alt=\"jrobelamerican-oystercatcher\" title=\"jrobelamerican-oystercatcher\" width=650 \/><\/a>  <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>This image was created on the recently concluded Fort DeSoto IPT by multiple IPT veteran Jim Robellard with the hand held <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1082152-REG\/sigma_150_600mm_f_5_6_3_dg_os.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SI1506005SC\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSI1506005SC\" target=\"_blank\">Sigma 150-600mm f\/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports lens for Canon EF<\/a> (at 600mm) and the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1221604-REG\/canon_0931c016_eos_1d_x_mark_ii.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/CAE1DX2K\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xCAE1DX2K\" target=\"_blank\">Canon EOS-1D X Mark II with the Premium Kit: 64GB Card and Reader<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>ISO 2500: 1\/1600 at f\/6.3.  <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Image #1: American Oystercatcher double overhead wingstretch<br \/>\nImage courtesy of and copyright 2016: Jim Robellard  <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"468\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"60\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/mer54715.datafeedfile.com\/widget\/aff_widget_prdt_generate-2.0.php?aff_num=7226&#038;aff_net=1&#038;size=468x60&#038;mode=m&#038;bucket_num=8083&#038;link_target=y&#038;sid=\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\"><\/p>\n<p>Your browser does not support iFrame.<\/p>\n<p><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Jim Robellard and His Sigma 150-600mm Sports Lens&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p>I like to do a critiquing session on Day 2 of most IPTs with folks sharing some of their images from the trip. This helps me to learn if someone needs extra help in the field. When I saw Jim&#8217;s images I was most impressed and quite a bit curious: &#8220;Just what is that lens that you have been hand holding?&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Turns out that it was the Sport version of the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1082152-REG\/sigma_150_600mm_f_5_6_3_dg_os.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SI1506005SC\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSI1506005SC\" target=\"_blank\">Sigma 150-600mm f\/5-6.3 DG OS HSM for Canon EF<\/a>. The images were quite sharp. Jim loved having a relatively light zoom lens that could offer him 600mm of reach. And with the amazing high ISO performance of the 1DX II the lenses relatively slow maximum aperture of f\/6.3 is not much of a hindrance. <\/p>\n<p>Thanks a stack to Jim for allowing me to share this collection with you. It is quite an impressive group of images by any standard. <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/jrobelblack-skimmer-full.jpg\" class='shutterset'><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ngg-singlepic ngg-center\" src=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/jrobelblack-skimmer-full.jpg\" alt=\"jrobelblack-skimmer-full\" title=\"jrobelblack-skimmer-full\" width=800 \/><\/a>  <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>This image was created on the recently concluded Fort DeSoto IPT by multiple IPT veteran Jim Robellard with the hand held <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1082152-REG\/sigma_150_600mm_f_5_6_3_dg_os.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SI1506005SC\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSI1506005SC\" target=\"_blank\">Sigma 150-600mm f\/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports lens for Canon EF<\/a> (at 450mm) and the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1221604-REG\/canon_0931c016_eos_1d_x_mark_ii.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/CAE1DX2K\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xCAE1DX2K\" target=\"_blank\">Canon EOS-1D X Mark II with the Premium Kit: 64GB Card and Reader<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>ISO 2000: 1\/1600 at f\/6.3.  <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Image #2: Black Skimmer skimming<br \/>\nImage courtesy of and copyright 2016: Jim Robellard  <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"468\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"60\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/mer54715.datafeedfile.com\/widget\/aff_widget_prdt_generate-2.0.php?aff_num=7226&#038;aff_net=1&#038;size=468x60&#038;mode=m&#038;bucket_num=8083&#038;link_target=y&#038;sid=\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\"><\/p>\n<p>Your browser does not support iFrame.<\/p>\n<p><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Black Skimmer skimming<\/h3>\n<p>I do not quite remember where I was when this skimmer flew at us but I was on a tripod with the 600 II and a TC so I had no chance to get on the bird. As I say here often, when you are hand holding a shorter focal length lens you will be able to get on unexpected flight and action much more easily than if you were working with a big lens on a tripod. <\/p>\n<p><center><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"728\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"90\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/mer54715.datafeedfile.com\/widget\/aff_widget_prdt_generate-2.0.php?aff_num=7226&#038;aff_net=1&#038;size=728x90&#038;mode=m&#038;bucket_num=8085&#038;link_target=y&#038;sid=\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\"><\/p>\n<p>Your browser does not support iFrame.<\/p>\n<p><\/iframe><\/center><\/p>\n<h3>Better News? <\/h3>\n<p>After seeing Jim&#8217;s images I learned that the Sigma 150-600 is not only available as a Nikon-mount version (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1082151-REG\/sigma_150_600mm_f_5_6_3_dg_os.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SI1506005SN\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSI1506005SN\" target=\"_blank\">the Sigma 150-600mm f\/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens for Nikon F<\/a>) but that they make a lighter inexpensive version in each mount for folks on a budget ( the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1082154-REG\/sigma_150_600mm_f_5_6_3_dg_os.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SI1506005CC\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSI1506005CC\" target=\"_blank\">Sigma 150-600mm f\/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF<\/a> and the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1082155-REG\/sigma_150_600mm_f_5_6_3_dg_os.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SI1506005CN\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSI1506005CN\" target=\"_blank\">Sigma 150-600mm f\/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Nikon F.<\/a>) And the lighter weight Contemporary versions are just as sharp as the Sport versions. What times these are: you can get a sharp, lightweight hand holdable zoom lens that gives you 600mm of reach for under $1000. Amazing. <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/jrobeldunlin.jpg\" class='shutterset'><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ngg-singlepic ngg-center\" src=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/jrobeldunlin.jpg\" alt=\"jrobeldunlin\" title=\"jrobeldunlin\" width=700 \/><\/a>  <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>This image was created on the recently concluded Fort DeSoto IPT by multiple IPT veteran Jim Robellard with the hand held <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1082152-REG\/sigma_150_600mm_f_5_6_3_dg_os.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SI1506005SC\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSI1506005SC\" target=\"_blank\">Sigma 150-600mm f\/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports lens for Canon EF<\/a> (at 600mm) and the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1221604-REG\/canon_0931c016_eos_1d_x_mark_ii.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/CAE1DX2K\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xCAE1DX2K\" target=\"_blank\">Canon EOS-1D X Mark II with the Premium Kit: 64GB Card and Reader<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>ISO 2500: 1\/1600 at f\/8.  <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Image #3: Dunlin feeding<br \/>\nImage courtesy of and copyright 2016: Jim Robellard  <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"468\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"60\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/mer54715.datafeedfile.com\/widget\/aff_widget_prdt_generate-2.0.php?aff_num=7226&#038;aff_net=1&#038;size=468x60&#038;mode=m&#038;bucket_num=8083&#038;link_target=y&#038;sid=\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\"><\/p>\n<p>Your browser does not support iFrame.<\/p>\n<p><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Way to Go Jim!<\/h3>\n<p>Jim Robellard is a quiet man. But he is always paying attention. All the exposures for today&#8217;s featured images were spot-on and with the Dunlin image, he got down low. Being so close to the subject, he knew to go for a bit of extra depth-of-field. Getting the bird with an invertebrate tidbit in its bill was a nice bonus for doing everything right. <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/jrobelfighting-ibis.jpg\" class='shutterset'><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ngg-singlepic ngg-center\" src=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/jrobelfighting-ibis.jpg\" alt=\"jrobelfighting-ibis\" title=\"jrobelfighting-ibis\" width=650 \/><\/a>  <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>This image was created on the recently concluded Fort DeSoto IPT by multiple IPT veteran Jim Robellard with the hand held <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1082152-REG\/sigma_150_600mm_f_5_6_3_dg_os.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SI1506005SC\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSI1506005SC\" target=\"_blank\">Sigma 150-600mm f\/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports lens for Canon EF<\/a> (at 400mm) and the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1221604-REG\/canon_0931c016_eos_1d_x_mark_ii.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/CAE1DX2K\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xCAE1DX2K\" target=\"_blank\">Canon EOS-1D X Mark II with the Premium Kit: 64GB Card and Reader<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>ISO 400: 1\/1250 at f\/9.  <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Image #4: Squabbling White Ibises<br \/>\nImage courtesy of and copyright 2016: Jim Robellard  <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"468\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"60\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/mer54715.datafeedfile.com\/widget\/aff_widget_prdt_generate-2.0.php?aff_num=7226&#038;aff_net=1&#038;size=468x60&#038;mode=m&#038;bucket_num=8083&#038;link_target=y&#038;sid=\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\"><\/p>\n<p>Your browser does not support iFrame.<\/p>\n<p><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Stand Up!<\/h3>\n<p>One afternoon I had the whole group having a ball photographing a cooperative White Ibis catching fiddler crabs right in front of us. In addition, there were some nice shorebirds around including a few Dunlin, a Willet, and some Short-billed Dowitchers. When the ibis took flight, nobody was distraught as we had been photographing it for quite some time. I looked across the tidal pool that we were working and learned why the ibis had flown: it was involved in a knock-down drag-out battle with another White Ibis. Everyone started photographing. &#8220;No&#8221; I screamed, &#8220;stand up!&#8221; Everyone stood up and kept firing and quickly realized that by standing we had eliminated the Sunshine Skyway Bridge from our photos. Now, don&#8217;t get me wrong, it is a beautiful bridge, but not one that I want as a background for a battling ibises image&#8230; <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/jrobelleast-tern.jpg\" class='shutterset'><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ngg-singlepic ngg-center\" src=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/jrobelleast-tern.jpg\" alt=\"jrobelleast-tern\" title=\"jrobelleast-tern\" width=550 \/><\/a>  <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>This image was created on the recently concluded Fort DeSoto IPT by multiple IPT veteran Jim Robellard with the hand held <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1082152-REG\/sigma_150_600mm_f_5_6_3_dg_os.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SI1506005SC\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSI1506005SC\" target=\"_blank\">Sigma 150-600mm f\/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports lens for Canon EF<\/a> (at 600mm) and the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1221604-REG\/canon_0931c016_eos_1d_x_mark_ii.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/CAE1DX2K\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xCAE1DX2K\" target=\"_blank\">Canon EOS-1D X Mark II with the Premium Kit: 64GB Card and Reader<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>ISO 800: 1\/4000 at f\/8.  <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Image #5: Sandwich Tern with baitfish in bill<br \/>\nImage courtesy of and copyright 2016: Jim Robellard  <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"468\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"60\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/mer54715.datafeedfile.com\/widget\/aff_widget_prdt_generate-2.0.php?aff_num=7226&#038;aff_net=1&#038;size=468x60&#038;mode=m&#038;bucket_num=8083&#038;link_target=y&#038;sid=\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\"><\/p>\n<p>Your browser does not support iFrame.<\/p>\n<p><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>A Big Crop<\/h3>\n<p>This was a big crop from the original but Jim sent it along to show the neat behavior; Machine-gun Mike Hankes alerted the whole group to the fact that it was possible to create images of the terns emerging from the water after they had dived by focusing on the splash. It was easier said than done but here Jim pulled off somewhat of a miracle by making a nice image of the tern with not one but two baitfish in its beak. <\/p>\n<p>I ran some extra NeatImage to clean up the noise caused by the large crop. Noise is increased with a big crop at the same time as image quality is degraded a bit; here you can note some posterization of the background (upper right) along with a few funky color shifts. <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/jrobelmarbled-godwit.jpg\" class='shutterset'><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ngg-singlepic ngg-center\" src=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/jrobelmarbled-godwit.jpg\" alt=\"jrobelmarbled-godwit\" title=\"jrobelmarbled-godwit\" width=525 \/><\/a> <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>This image was created on the recently concluded Fort DeSoto IPT by multiple IPT veteran Jim Robellard with the hand held <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1082152-REG\/sigma_150_600mm_f_5_6_3_dg_os.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SI1506005SC\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSI1506005SC\" target=\"_blank\">Sigma 150-600mm f\/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports lens for Canon EF<\/a> (at 600mm) and the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1221604-REG\/canon_0931c016_eos_1d_x_mark_ii.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/CAE1DX2K\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xCAE1DX2K\" target=\"_blank\">Canon EOS-1D X Mark II with the Premium Kit: 64GB Card and Reader<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>ISO 800: 1\/1250 at f\/7.1.  <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Image #6: Marbled Godwit<br \/>\nImage courtesy of and copyright 2016: Jim Robellard  <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"468\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"60\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/mer54715.datafeedfile.com\/widget\/aff_widget_prdt_generate-2.0.php?aff_num=7226&#038;aff_net=1&#038;size=468x60&#038;mode=m&#038;bucket_num=8083&#038;link_target=y&#038;sid=\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\"><\/p>\n<p>Your browser does not support iFrame.<\/p>\n<p><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Marbled Godwit<\/h3>\n<p>Here Jim used his new gear to create a stunning portrait of one of my all-time favorite shorebirds. Note throughout the collection that Jim did not hesitate to go to the higher 1DX Mark II ISOs when he needed them, especially with his beautiful oystercatcher image. <\/p>\n<h3>The 1D X Mark II<\/h3>\n<p>If what you read or today or what you have read on the blog over the past few weeks inspires you to purchase a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1221604-REG\/canon_0931c016_eos_1d_x_mark_ii.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/CAE1DX2K\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xCAE1DX2K\" target=\"_blank\">Canon EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR Camera Premium Kit with 64GB Card and Reader<\/a> please use the active link or click on the logo-link above. Doing so will be greatly appreciated. Many who used our link right off the bat already have their 1DX Mark IIs. <\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/jrobelwhite-morph-sunrise.jpg\" class='shutterset'><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ngg-singlepic ngg-center\" src=\"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-content\/gallery\/general\/jrobelwhite-morph-sunrise.jpg\" alt=\"jrobelwhite-morph-sunrise\" title=\"jrobelwhite-morph-sunrise\" width=700 \/><\/a>  <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>This image was created on the recently concluded Fort DeSoto IPT by multiple IPT veteran Jim Robellard with the hand held <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1082152-REG\/sigma_150_600mm_f_5_6_3_dg_os.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/SI1506005SC\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xSI1506005SC\" target=\"_blank\">Sigma 150-600mm f\/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports lens for Canon EF<\/a> (at 600mm) and the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bhphotovideo.com\/c\/product\/1221604-REG\/canon_0931c016_eos_1d_x_mark_ii.html\/BI\/6633\/KBID\/7226\/kw\/CAE1DX2K\/DFF\/d10-v2-t1-xCAE1DX2K\" target=\"_blank\">Canon EOS-1D X Mark II with the Premium Kit: 64GB Card and Reader<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>ISO 400: 1\/1000 at f\/8.  <\/p>\n<h2><strong>Image #6: White morph Reddish Egret wing-raised feeding strategy<br \/>\nImage courtesy of and copyright 2016: Jim Robellard  <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"468\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"60\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;\" border=\"0\" src=\"http:\/\/mer54715.datafeedfile.com\/widget\/aff_widget_prdt_generate-2.0.php?aff_num=7226&#038;aff_net=1&#038;size=468x60&#038;mode=m&#038;bucket_num=8083&#038;link_target=y&#038;sid=\" marginheight=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\"><\/p>\n<p>Your browser does not support iFrame.<\/p>\n<p><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3>Silhouette Education <\/h3>\n<p>I spent lots of time on the IPT showing folks how to create some nice silhouettes both at sunrise and sunset. I think that I was asleep at the switch when Jim made this lovely image.<\/p>\n<h3>Image Questions<\/h3>\n<p>#1: Why does a Reddish Egret raise its wings and hold them over its head?<\/p>\n<p>#2: Which of Jim&#8217;s wonderful images do you think is the strongest? Please let us know why you made your choice. <\/p>\n<p>#3: In which image is the subject to sensor plane (the back of the camera) slightly less than ideal?<\/p>\n<h3>Please Remember to use our Affiliate Links \ud83d\ude42<\/h3>\n<p>To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&#038;H affiliate links on the right side of the blog for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/\">New BIRDS AS ART Online Store<\/a>, especially the <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/mongoose-action-head\/\">Mongoose M3.6 tripod head<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/plates-and-replacement-feet\/wimberley-arca-swiss-style-lens-plates\/\">Wimberley lens plates<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/digital-media\/\">Delkin flash cards and accessories<\/a>, and <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/lenscoat-covers\/\">LensCoat stuff<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>As always, we sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And we are always glad to answer your gear questions via <a href=\"mailto:samandmayasgrandpa@att.net\">e-mail<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>I would of course appreciate your using our B&#038;H affiliate links for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. <font color=red><strong>For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above we, and for everything else in the new store, we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. <\/strong><\/font>  Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and those who will be visiting the <a href=\"http:\/\/birdsasart-shop.com\/\">New BIRDS AS ART Online Store<\/a> as well.   <\/p>\n<h3>Facebook<\/h3>\n<p>Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack!<\/p>\n<h3>Typos<\/h3>\n<p>In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to <a href=\"mailto:samandmayasgrandpa@att.net\">e-mail<\/a><\/center> or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right \ud83d\ude42  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What&#8217;s Up <\/p>\n<p>I am thisclose to finishing my 2015 taxes. I will have them on the way to Chip Jackson tomorrow for sure. I enjoyed another wonderful 30 lap swim (22 laps is a half mile). My ice bath was very chilly. Not sure why but I have lost a solid five pounds in the [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[599],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-33368","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-599","odd"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33368","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33368"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33368\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33368"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33368"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33368"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}