Black and White Warblers show up somewhere in Santa Cruz County each year and this winter is no different. A B&W was spending time in a 4 block long green space called Bethany Curve in Santa Cruz proper. This space has had other not so common birds during the migration and winter seasons as well. I had rented a 600mm f/4 lens from BorrowLens to check out the quality of the images with my D800 and D7100 bodies. It was a sunny day so I was able to stop down to F/5.6 with a 1/1000s shutter speed with image stabilization (VR) on. I was able to keep the ISO fairly low at ISO360. The lens was noticeably sharper with the D800 but at 12.4lbs (5.6kg) this is not a lens I would want to walk around with long term. Maybe an 8lb 500mm would work.
Featured Photo 17: Black-and-White warbler (Mniotilta varia)
EQ: D800 600mm f/4 VR on Taken: 1-2-15 12:16
Setting: 600mm, 1/1000s, f/5.6, ISO360 Condition: Sunny but in shade
The B&W Warbler's range is from the East Coast thru the Midwest during breeding season. In winter they show up on the West Coast but mainly winter in Florida and Mexico. Warblers are difficult to capture but they are not as difficult as Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Because they are very active you can capture their personality and behavior fairly easily. Don't get me wrong, I have had times shooting them and walking away with nothing. This time I captured this Warbler in some nice poses.
Setting: 600mm, 1/1000s, f/5.6, ISO220
Setting: 600mm, 1/1000s, f/5.6, ISO320
Setting: 600mm, 1/1000s, f/5.6, ISO450
Your comments are welcomed and if you have any questions about the photo or any other questions leave me a message.