Small Blue Kingfisher!

[Praveen Siddannavar]

Shot this KF last month at Ranthambhore NP, this is a crop

Camera Model Canon EOS 40D, 100-400mm
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/320
Av( Aperture Value ) 8
ISO 400
Focal length 400mm
Hand held

[Sabyasachi Patra]

The head turn is fine. Unfortunately, you are facing the shadow side of its head. The composition is fine.

You need a longer gun for these birds. Longer focal length will also ensure more details in the subject. Ofcourse, shutter speed is also important.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Bibhav Behera]

I agree with Sabyasachi regarding the composition. Wish it were in the sun facing side. The details have been compromised due to the crop. Overall this is nice. What are the pink objects in the background? Thanks for sharing.

[Praveen Siddannavar]

Bibhav I did not notice it clearly but something was floating in the water.

Sabyasachi - apart from suggesting 800mm lens, what are the other options like 1.4 tc converter, or should I change my body from 40d to 7D
What is cost effective, pl suggest

[Mrudul Godbole]

Nice eye contact and perch. Agree about the light.

1.4 X Tc converter cannot be effectively used with 100-400mm lens, since you can only use the centre AF point for focussing that too with only 1 series bodies. Other bodes can't focus when the widest aperture is f8 of a lens or lens combination. You can go for 500mm + 1.4 x Tc and a 7D body will be really good .

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Praveen,
The 800mm f5.6 L IS USM lens costs 10500 USD in US. Though cost is not a concern for you, I think it is better to move step by step. Hence, I am not suggesting 800mm f5.6 L IS USM at this juncture.

A 500mm f4 L IS USM lens along with a 1.4x will be good. With a 1.4x the 500mm will give you 700 f5.6. So you will crop less and the quality will also be better. I am not suggesting the 600mm due to weight. You can handhold the 500mm lens. Not easy to handhold the 600mm lens.

The 7D body has higher megapixels and is better for cropping as compared to the 40D. However, the best is to get a longer lens.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi
PS: Ofcourse, if you want to buy a heavy lens and want a Caddy equivalent, there would be a stampede among volunteers. Though it is her idea, Anuradha stands no chance.