I've been trying to photograph birds in flight and this has tempted me in to trying other flying things; dragonflies. Previously I've only considered them when stationery, but I thought I might give them a try while flying.
These Southern Hawkers are fairly big (3" long) and briefly hover occasionally which gives you a slight chance to capture them inflight.
I couldn't get a shot with AF, but with MF and focus peaking I did get a few keepers.
2016 Monkwood - Southern Hawker banking by -Birm-
2016 Monkwood - Dragon Fly Reflections -S by -Birm-
Both with A99 and SAL 70-400 mk1.
There be dragons
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There be dragons
Nex 5, Nex 6 (IR), A7M2, A99 and a bunch of lenses.
Re: There be dragons
Those are cool! They usually flit around a lot and they are small so it can be difficult to catch them. You did good!
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Re: There be dragons
Great captures Andy. Excellent timing. I am sure it required considerable patience.
Sury
Sury
Minimize avoidable sufferings - Sir Karl Popper
Re: There be dragons
Thanks Henry and Sury
They are tricky subjects and I missed far more than I got. This particular species are quite inquisitive and if you stand near their patrol area they will fly over to check you out. They got so close when doing this they were closer than the minimum focus distance of the 70-400. I may have to try with the 90mm macro next time
They are tricky subjects and I missed far more than I got. This particular species are quite inquisitive and if you stand near their patrol area they will fly over to check you out. They got so close when doing this they were closer than the minimum focus distance of the 70-400. I may have to try with the 90mm macro next time
Nex 5, Nex 6 (IR), A7M2, A99 and a bunch of lenses.
Re: There be dragons
Bravo! excellent captures.
Re: There be dragons
well done Birma, what time of day did you capture these ?, I believe they are normally lethargic first thing in the morning before their blood warms up, a good steady hand and focusing there too
Re: There be dragons
Thanks Gio67
You're right that they take a bit of warmth to get going. I understand that many people go early to hopefully catch them up in their overnight roosts. I wanted to get pictures of them flying and so i left it until the afternoon. The different species rest and fly to varying degrees. The Southern Hawkers will hover momentarily while they carry out regular circuits of their territory, although they infrequently land. I spent a lots of time watching them, and then took a lot of pictures to get a few in focus. Fast shutter speed, high iso, and focus peaking was what I found most successful.
You're right that they take a bit of warmth to get going. I understand that many people go early to hopefully catch them up in their overnight roosts. I wanted to get pictures of them flying and so i left it until the afternoon. The different species rest and fly to varying degrees. The Southern Hawkers will hover momentarily while they carry out regular circuits of their territory, although they infrequently land. I spent a lots of time watching them, and then took a lot of pictures to get a few in focus. Fast shutter speed, high iso, and focus peaking was what I found most successful.
Nex 5, Nex 6 (IR), A7M2, A99 and a bunch of lenses.
Re: There be dragons
Birma
Congratulations on capturing these shots. I find it hard enough to get a decent shot of birds in flight let alone Dragonflies.
Ossie
Congratulations on capturing these shots. I find it hard enough to get a decent shot of birds in flight let alone Dragonflies.
Ossie
Re: There be dragons
Thanks Ossie! You have many fabulous bird pictures and I consider that a huge compliment
Nex 5, Nex 6 (IR), A7M2, A99 and a bunch of lenses.
Re: There be dragons
It's great shot! Difficult one, but you did very good, especially with timing.
Everything in the life unusual!
Re: There be dragons
Thanks Valery, it needed some patience and persistence, but I was pleased by the result.
Nex 5, Nex 6 (IR), A7M2, A99 and a bunch of lenses.
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