Sandhill Cranes

[wildlightphoto]

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Sandhill Cranes have returned to their wintering grounds in California's central valley from the Canadian and Alaskan arctic. The foreground crane is a young bird so it doesn't yet have the red forehead of the adult.

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[k-hawinkler]

Outstanding!

May I ask what equipment you used to capture the photo?

Thanks.

Edited November 3, 2012 by k-hawinkler

[wildlightphoto]

May I ask what equipment you used to capture the photo?

 

R8/DMR, 560mm f/6.8 Novoflex/Telyt

[k-hawinkler]

R8/DMR, 560mm f/6.8 Novoflex/Telyt

 

Doug,

 

Many thanks. That lens seems to perform beautifully in your hands.

 

How would you compare your current lens 560mm f/6.8 Novoflex/Telyt with the Leitz Telyt-R 560 f/6.8, you previously owned, with regards to optical qualities and handling?

 

Also, how would your APO-Telyt-R 1:4/280 with APO-Extender-R 2X compare in this case?

[tmldds]

Fantastic capture.

[wildlightphoto]

How would you compare your current lens 560mm f/6.8 Novoflex/Telyt with the Leitz Telyt-R 560 f/6.8, you previously owned, with regards to optical qualities and handling?

 

Optically identical. The optical units are literally interchangeable. The Novoflex version is heavier, the focus is less likely to bind and it has a very handy built-in variable-length extension tube. I've added a QR plate between the focus grip and the forward grip where I attach the monopod when necessary so the balance is quite good. I often had trouble with balance of the Leitz-mount version especially on a tripod. The Leitz-mount version is much easier to carry on a long hike.

 

Also, how would your APO-Telyt-R 1:4/280 with APO-Extender-R 2X compare in this case?

 

I tried to do some comparisons but I didn't allow myself enough time to get an adequate 280+2x APO sample. Perhaps I'll have more time in the next week or so. My initial impressions: I feel that the 560 Novoflex Telyt is quicker to focus on a flying bird, and the bokeh is certainly different. The 560 shows spherochromatic abberation when high-contrast objects are in the foreground or background, and the 280+2x APO does not (or I haven't noticed it yet). OTOH the 560's bokeh is typically smother than the 280+2x APO combination.

[pauledell]

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As usual, a stunning shot with perfect timing.

 

Paul

[stuny]

Doug -

 

Gorgeous! Bigger, please.

[albert]

Doug,

 

So Skilled

[Iduna]

Doug,

 

this is a first-rate portrait. Great capture of the details and the harmonious flight.

[allamande]

So awesome! You portray your subjects in a such way that let's the viewer make an instant connection with the grandeur. I love seeing your work!

 

Ece

[wildlightphoto]

Thanks all for your comments! The sandhill cranes are treasured by many here in the central valley and it's a privilege to see them return every fall.

[George Furst]

In the mid sixties I lived in Central Alaska when I was doing graduate work on the volcanics of the Yukon Tannah Escarpment. I lived in this lonesome Goldstream Valley where there were many Sandill cranes. During the mating season of our brief summer they make the sound one can make by running your fingers over the teeth of a comb. Unfortunately I did not have the money to purchase a good long tele but I do remember the beauty of their white against the greenish tundra.

[roguewave]

Doug, an inspirational image. Just divine.

[imported_peter_m]

They are back with you, seams like they started heading south a couple of weeks ago.

 

Peter

[fotografr]

Thanks all for your comments! The sandhill cranes are treasured by many here in the central valley and it's a privilege to see them return every fall.

 

If you can believe it, there was an attempt by Republican legislators here in Wisconsin a few years ago to legalize hunting these magnificent birds. It failed, fortunately.