So true Ray. Definitely a challenging street camera. What I liked about the Merrill was getting that little extra IQ with a bit more discipline in my shooting. It also allowed me to get some high quality scenic shots without having to carry my D810. IMHO a Merrill or two combined with a Ricoh GR...
Yes Bill, the camera was smokin' and Sigma detail is impressive.
Ray, I've not used the DP1M but I can see why you prefer the Coolpix A which I have used. The Coolpix A has nice auto-iso implementation and handles higher iso quite well. This makes for a much more versatile street rig. My guess...
Despite warnings I recently picked up a Sigma Merrill DP2M and DP3M and decided to test them out in New York City. My intent was to use my Ricoh GR for street photography, but decided to give the two Sigmas a try. I know, I know, these cameras are not intended for quick candid shooting on the...
I rarely participate in these kinds of challenges, but when I saw the subject matter it reminded me of a photo taken about a year ago just outside of Tokyo. Enough said. Here it is.
Thanks RT Panther.
Bill, I'm unaware of a detailed comparison between the 70-300CX and 70-300G on a Nikon 1 camera. However, the G lens has a reputation of being a bit soft beyond 200mm and I've heard from individuals the CX lens is noticeably sharper at all focal lengths. Before the CX lens...
Ray, these are fantastic images. What a visual treat. You manage to bring out the best in all your camera equipment. Oh, and your timing in candid shots is top notch. Glad the Df is working so well for you. I've had my eye on the 24-120. Your shots make a strong case for this lens. Thanks again...
Thanks Peter, Tom and wolfie.
Tom, my three favorite from the first set are 1, 2 and 5. Have not printed these just because my living room is already filled with prints. However, may try a couple of large prints just to check it out. You are correct about bazookas with a FF or APS-C. Most...
Just noticed your comment above serhan.
Thanks for the shout out.
This morning saw this juvenile heron near the beach.
Managed to get close enough to get a couple of photos.
First at 150mm (400), the second at 300mm (800).
Thanks pete. Here are a couple of surfer girl paddler images while shooting into the sun in the late afternoon. Cropped and a little postwork in lightroom.
Thanks everyone. Very honored to have this post featured. Sorry Sue for throwing a wrench in your plans. These photos are a good example of the sweet spot of the Nikon 1 system. Unfortunately, I missed the finals of the Pipeline Masters (I'm shooting ballet at the moment). However, if a big...
Just before sunset had a moment before a ballet shoot so stopped off at a surf spot in Honolulu.
Here are a couple of tight shots just for fun.
About 700-800mm equivalent, handheld.
John, I hope you are right about the future of Nikon 1. Would love Nikon to produce a fast super telephoto prime like a 400, 500 or 600 (1080, 1350 or 1620mm equivalent). Would really shake up the bird, wildlife and sports photography world. If they can make a 70-300 native lens this sharp I am...
Very appreciative to receive your comments. Didn't realize the lens is still in short supply. Bad Nikon. However, I am aware of the short supply of sun and surf in the UK. Livinius, 200 to 600 is a nice zoom range for surf. The waves were so large at Pipeline I had too pull back from 800mm most...
The Nikon V3 and 70-300cx lens may be the ultimate lightweight surf photography combo.
This combo gets me to 800mm without a tripod or monopod.
Works best in good light, but does OK under less than ideal conditions.
Today I took a few photos at the Billabong Pipe Masters on the north shore of...
Nathan, I usually start out maxed at 300mm but adjust as needed. I did shoot with an Olympus OMD-EM1 but only had the 12-40 zoom. I tried action shots in low light and it just wasn't fast or accurate enough for my needs. I never tried a longer lens or daylight action shots so I can't make a...
Even though I've been shooting other stuff, I'll stay on topic and post a couple more BIF heron shots. Very challenging, fun and a joy when you get a decent capture. Here you go:
Thanks LouisB,
Having never photographed birds in the past, I find the V3 and 70-300cx a very fun combo. Experimenting with birds, macro, street, beach and whatever catches my fancy. Still waiting for the big waves to hit the north shore here in Hawaii and then the real fun begins. For serious...
Thanks Jock. Appreciate the nice comment.
Here's another low flying heron late in the day at iso 800.
This is about the upper limit of V3 iso for birds IMHO.
LOL. Fortunately not, otherwise I would have a few grand invested in a 400/2.8 or 500/4 or heaven forbid a 600 something. This bird stuff is damn addictive.
40 full size BIF shots at 20fps with continuous focusing of heron flying from grass to log with V3 and 70-300CX.
Downsized and converted to video clip.
First in real time about 20fps.
Second slowed down to 2fps.
This is the same log as before but from a different side.
Seems herons like this...
Thanks again Mr Doug, LuckyPenguin, Ray and Luke.
I just want to be clear this setup works well in good light but there will be some noise due to the sensor.
Here's an example from this morning.
Took this shot somewhat toward the sun at ISO 400 of someone picking up breakfast.
Applied noise...
The V3 is pricey no doubt, but has turned into my fun camera and is quite versatile. With the 70-300CX and grip it is a mini DSLR super telephoto rig reaching 800mm. With the 32/1.2 it produces lovely shallow DOF images and is fast enough for performances and night photography. With a totally...
Agree with you Dave. Who could have imagined a few years ago it would be possible to handhold a 800mm equivalent lens with a mirrorless camera and track BIF. Amazing times we live in.
Thanks Luke. Glad you enjoyed the V1 photos on my site. A very under appreciated camera and a bargain today. By...
Thanks Ray. Always nice to have you chime in. Never realized you're a birder. lol. Which Nikon are using for this? Yeah, sensors getting better for these small rigs, but not quite there yet. Soon, hopefully. Take care and hope to contribute more in the future. Regards, Joe
Thanks demiro. Well, I do shoot ballet so that helps. lol. Seriously, I have all the respect in the world for birders and their concentration, anticipation and reflexes. And for shooting in non-Hawaii weather. By the way,these were shot hand held. Lens does not come come with a tripod mount -...
Bill, yeah tough living in Hawaii. lol
Thanks RT Panther. This is precisely what the 1 inch sensor was intended to do and it does it quite well.
Thanks demiro and exactly - hard to find something this small, light and inexpensive when compared to Canon and Nikon.
I'm certainly not a birder and...
Appreciate the comments. Definitely a small package to get to 800mm. And yes expensive until you compare with other options to get this kind of reach. Have not seen any reviews as well but I suspect they will be positive. Now waiting for the surf to pick up here in Hawaii. Thanks again.
Hi Ray, the main reason I have a Coolpix A is battery and price. Uses the same battery as the V3 and AW1 and amazon warehouse deals had a like new one that kept going down in price to $450. Couldn't resist. Took lots of shots in Tokyo and worked great for street photography and all the tiny toys...
Spent a week in Tokyo and took the Nikon Coolpix A among others. The Coolpix worked well for street shooting and other things. Here's an image at the Shibuya crossing.
A few images of black crowned night herons on the edge of a marsh here in Hawaii. Used the Nikon V3 and recently released 70-300CX lens (189-810mm equivalent). The setup weighs less than two pounds so I was able to handhold for a couple of hours. Burst rate is 20fps with continuous focusing and...
For a short time I will post these V3 raw files for downloading. Taken with a Nikon V3 and 32mm lens. Best seen in Photoshop (no support on a mac and only beta support in Lightroom). Just for fun.
Glad you're enjoying the DF Ray. I believe it is simply the absolute best street shooting DLSR available. You have some very difficult decisions ahead. Good luck.
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