300mm F/2.8 first light.. Raptor.

[AlexN]

Well I received my Tokina 300mm F/2.8 lens and 2xTC on monday this week, It has taken me some time to get used to the weight and length of the lens, and obviously the 600mm focal length is VERY hard to get used to, especially hand held... but I prevailed this afternoon... And very happy I am...

Shot 1 - Osprey: 600mm F/5.6, ISO400, 1/1250 sec shutter
Shot 2 - Sea Eagle: 300mm F/2.8, ISO100, 1/2000 sec shutter

[Ian Robinson]

That's a big lens to hand hold ....

How's it perform in astroimaging ?

[AlexN]

haven't been able to mount it up yet... which is somewhat devastating.

[AlexN]

few more this afternoon.. My arm is aching, but the shots are worth it in my opinion.

All 3 shots were 300mm 2.8 ISO200

[leon]

There great shots Alex, and when your arm gets used to the weight, I expect we will see some exceptional images.

Leon

[RB (Andrew)]

Great shots Alex, lovely work, you're going to have a lot of fun with that lens.

If I may make a small suggestion though, give some of your images a little bit more room when you crop them, allow a little bit more space around your subject.
IMO it would just give that little bit more 'breathing space' to some of them around the wing tips or body, etc.

You've captured very nice detail and the second one has that real 'sense of speed' to it.

Well done mate.

[Matty P (Matt)]

Wonderful images Alex, I particularly like the first one you have posted.

All are great and very detailed. Well done.

[ving (David)]

wowie zowie alex!
top stuff.

i have shot at 600mm, but with my old cheapie nikon f4.5 and 2x TC... had way too much CA. i need a better lens

[Kal (Andrew)]

Nice shots.

Are these birds close to where you live or did you have to go out and hunt for the shot?

[AlexN]

Thanks guys...

Andrew : Yeah, they were done in a hurry although some of those aren't cropped all that heavily... the osprey for example I just removed a 200px wide slice off the left hand side...

Kal : They are nesting perhaps 5km from my house

[Dennis]

Excellent photos Alex. I saw and held the monster lens at Astrofest where the (larger) photos looked even better on your computer – top shots!

When will you be purchasing a tripod and gimbal mount to ease the burden on your arms! I’m sure your hands were dangling a few inches lower when you left the Qld Astrofest this morning! LOL!

Cheers

Dennis

[AlexN]

I've already had a look at the Jobu site, and have decided to go for the heavier weight gimbal head.. Just gotta save up some $$