ShunCheung

It is a 2005 camera. Wouldn't be that surprising that it is no longer totally functional.

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc.). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit. Starting the thread a bit early: a hotel lobby

Kicker Rock

I know I am crazy, as I currently have four 70-200mm Nikkor lenses, versions 1 and 2 of the F-mount 70-200mm/f2.8 AF-S VR and the 70-200mm/f4 AF-S VR. The only F-mount version I don't have is the last E FL version, which is supposed to be great. The Z 70-200/2.8 is of course excellent. Version 1 of the F 70-200/2.8 is weak into the corners near 200mm. Version 2 is a big improvement but has focus breathing, but it is good enough for me that I didn't bother with the E FL. The f4 is very good also and much lighter, but that doesn't seem to be a popular lens. Since I have the Z 70-200/2.8 S, I don't bother with the Tamron/Nikon 70-180/2.8. That lens has no VR and is a major drawback for this type of lens. I occasionally adapt the 70-200mm/f4 AF-S VR on my Z bodies for video capture.

Lava flowing into the ocean at the Fernandina Island in the Galapagos, Ecuador.

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc.). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit.

That is a Galapagos hawk in Santiago Island (in Ecuador). I initially saw the hawk on a tree, and I posted an image to Monday in Nature: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/551850-monday-in-nature-15-april-2024 It turns out that the hawk is banded on both legs, which would make it a questionable/inappropriate image for Monday in Nature. They use strong metal bands on hawks or they could have removed them with their beak. Initially I thought it was a tiny tracking device (which they occasionally use on birds) until I looked at that image enlarged.

It turns out that this Galapagos hawk is banded on both legs, but that is obscured by the tree. Later on the hawk flew down to feed on a dead fish on the beach, and I captured some video where the bands are very much visible.

Long-tailed Sylph

Note: Consider keeping uploads no larger than 1600 pixels on the long side when it matters, and sticking with 1000 pixels when the image feels no pain at that resolution. On data size/compression, try to keep things under 1mb, shooting for 600kb when you can stop there. Note that this includes photos hosted off-site (at Flickr, Photobucket, your own site, etc.). New to this thread? The general guidelines for these Wednesday threads are right here: https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/398109-guidelines-for-nikon-forum-wednesday-image-threads. For now, we're sticking with 1, 2, or 3 images per week as you see fit.

I did not turn off VR.

800mm PF @ 1/5000 sec. I was using 1/2000 sec initially but noticed a bit of motion blur, and I increased the shutter speed to 1/4000 and 1/5000. ISO was up to 1000 with plenty of sunlight.

Canon's 28-70mm/f2 is a 3-pound lens. I wonder how much any 24-70mm/f2 will weight. I would much rather not carry that kind of weight for a mid zoom, because I tend to hold such lenses for a long time. Actually I use the 24-70/2.8 and 24-120/4 in low-light conditions. A lot of times I also need the depth of field so that I don't use the 24-70/2.8 wide open; instead I tend to stop down to f5.6 or so. It is the 70-200/2.8 and 400/4.5 that I use wide open to isolate the subjects.