Are you watching me?

2010.09.16

I’ve hired a long lens (the Canon 100-400mm) ready for the Goodwood Racing Revival this weekend. In the past I’ve managed to get some good shots of planes and cars with my 70-200 plus extender but it’s still a bit on the short side for such events and I wanted to try out the alternatives before I consider buying anything. The lens arrived yesterday but my first real opportunity to try it out was this afternoon. I only had limited time so rather than seeking out any cars or planes to practise on I decided to use a rather smaller target – the sparrows in our front garden! It took a while before they were brave enough to come to the feeder with me in full view but eventually they settled down and I caught this female House Sparrow queuing up for the feeder on one of the branches. I like her inquisitive expression, as if to say, “Are you watching me?!” For a first encounter I enjoyed using the lens and I’m beginning to get a feel for its peculiar push/pull zoom. The real test will be tomorrow as I try to capture vintage cars and aircraft at high speed – at least they’ll be a bit bigger (and hopefully easier to focus on) than this young lady!

I confess, yes I'm watching you, for you are so cute and beautiful. ;)

Ryana · 2010-09-16: 13:53

I love sparrows and this one is really cute

GKorts · 2010-09-16: 13:57

Excellent photo Helen : I like it
And this young lady has a glance an impertinent bit...?

josy63 · 2010-09-16: 13:58

What a charming portrait

Lynda · 2010-09-16: 14:43

Beautiful!

Contesina · 2010-09-16: 15:57

Nice shot - beautifully sharp. I have a Nikon-equivalent lens (80-400mm) and it's fantastic - remarkably sharp for such a long telephoto. I'm sure you'll have great fun with it.

davids · 2010-09-16: 16:05