Hummingbird with full wing extension detail @ 600mm, 1/250 sec. + good news!

[marclangille]

<p>Normally I don't take many (or post) hummer images while they are on a feeder, but the image clarity and wing feather details really caught my eye on this shot. <br /> <br /> It's uncropped from approx. 12 feet away. Image is approx. 33% of the actual size:<br /> <br /><img src="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/924531776_nhe7G-L.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="536" /><br /> Link to larger image: <a href="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/924531776_nhe7G-X2.jpg">http://www.marclangille.com/photos/924531776_nhe7G-X2.jpg</a><br /> <br /> Camera Details:<br /> Pentax K10D<br /> Shutter speed: 1/250 sec.<br /> Aperture: F/7.1<br /> Focal length: 600mm<br /> ISO 320<br /> AV mode<br /> Metering: center weighted <br /> <br /> Lens:<br /> FA* 250-600/5.6<br /> <br /> Support system:<br /> Gitzo 3541XLS CF tripod<br /> Wimberley WH-200 gimbal head<br /> Wimberley P50 lens plate <br /> <br /> <em><strong>The best part is that I now have given (SOLD) exclusive reproduction rights on this image - it will feature in the packaging, banners, etc. for their future products at every Wal-Mart/Lowes/Amazon/online retailers/other B&M stores carrying First Nature Hummingbird Feeders (owned by Daisy) in North, Central and South America. <br /> <br /> Received notification on Tuesday, Sept. 14th of the desire by First Nature Outdoor Products: they really wanted the image and accepted my terms! Apparently the marketing folks were in the midst of a refresh on packaging so they needed it by Wednesday... talk about short notice! </strong><strong>They signed the agreement I drew up without hesitation (</strong></em><em><strong>I still retain copyright!) </strong></em><em><strong>and then I handed over the digital images to them on Wednesday at their main office. I spent some time with the Marketing Manager and we talked for at least 30 minutes after the VP of Marketing headed out for appointments. Good to go and everyone is VERY happy. </strong></em> <br /> <br /> Examples of a simple retailer search online: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.google.com/products?q=first+nature+hummingbird+feeder&hl=en&aq=0&oq=First+Nature+Hummingbir" target="_blank">http://www.google.com/...er&hl=en&aq=0&oq=First+Nature+Hummingbir</a> <br /> <br /> I hope you enjoy the image! <br /> <br /> Cheers,<br /> Marc</p>

[miserere_mei]

<p>I'm not sure I believe you, Marc, because everyone knows Pentax is NOT a birding system, and the K10D is an ancient camera.</p>

<p>I demand to know the truth!!!!</p>

<p>But congratulations just in case ;-)</p>

[bob-c]

<p>Marc, way cool! That's great. Congratulations!! That is one h*ll of a capture.</p>

[marclangille]

<p>Hey, the K10D is still around for several reasons, including timed exposures at night... 8-)</p>

<p>Perhaps the truth is hard to bear Mis, so here goes - the link to <a href="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/newexif.mg?ImageID=924531776&ImageKey=nhe7G">EXIF data</a>.</p>

<p>For reference, here's the File Info... via CS4: <a href="http://www.marclangille.com/photos/1010773098_am6YK-XL.jpg">http://www.marclangille.com/photos/1010773098_am6YK-XL.jpg</a>. I know you are strong enough to handle the truth!</p>

<p>Cheers,<br />Marc</p>

<p> </p>

[mountainvisions]

<p>Looks good to me, congrats. That is a hell of a lens too.</p>

<p>The K10D still has a little life left, keep quiet about it though, Pentax couldn't end of life it fast enough considering I'm going to guess it was it's all time best selling DSLR in just a 18 month life span!</p>

[shots worth sharing]

<p>Great news, Marc--congratulations!</p>

 

[michael_elenko]

<p>Congratulations Marc, that's one primo photograph. I'm glad you sold it, but you know it pretty much sells itself.</p>

<p>ME</p>

[lauren_macintosh]

<p>Being in the right place at the right time is what makes this foto so great : good Job</p>

[MattB.Net]

<p>Wow, congratulations! And what a shot!</p>

[laur1]

<p>Congratulations! Great job!</p>

[davidmantilla]

<p>Great shot! Awesome! You gave me a (brief) case of LBA... but then I saw the price tag for the lens. Wow. Anyway, excellent shot, and congrats on the sale!!!!!</p>

[johankruger]

<p>Wow great shot! Just proves that pentax can still deliver. But you are in the lucky position to have a FA* 250-600. I know you can still get them second hand but Why does pentax not sell them anymore along with the FA*300 F2.8. Why not make a DA* version? Same lens just weather sealed. I know some people will buy it. Well sorry I just had to vent on that. I am also lucky enought to have a FA*300 and wold love to have a DA*300 f2.8 and a camera body with fast autofocus and 8 FPS shooting.</p><div></div>

[markus maurer]

<p>Your photo is so much better than what they had, no wonder they took it quickly :-)<br>

Such a beautiful bird, well done Marc.</p>

[JTG1]

<p >Doing a little research on this lens, I stumbled across an <a href="http://forums.steves-digicams.com/pentax-lenses/161166-lba-complete-fa-250-600-5-6-images-lens.html">old post</a> by Marc that shows his lenses, very nice collection...</p>

<p >Congratulations Marc.</p>

<p > </p>

<p >~Jack</p>

[JTG1]

<p>I also wanted to state, nothing wrong with the K10, I myself use very successfully the K110, at this point I'm very happy, albeit I do have plans to up-grade but not to the K-7, I'll wait and see if the next revision is better.</p>

<p>~Jack</p>

[personalphotos]

<p>Fantastic shot Marc Congrats on the sale. That's some excellent exposure for you as well. Good thing you use their feeders! Well Done.</p>

<p>So did you find them or did they find you? Btw, you should seriously consider water-marking any larger sized images you post anywhere if they are available for sale.</p>

[marclangille]

<p>@Robert: thank you very much!</p>

<p>@Justin: indeed and it is surprisingly sharp wide open throughout the entire FL. It's a phenomenal zoom and it's the best of any I've tried in the FA* range. Probably just as sharp as my FA* 300/2.8. That's a subjective statement of course, but I'm hard pressed to see any difference in the image IQ - it's usually me or the camera who caused any problems. I think the K10D is under-rated as you indicated. Much appreciated on the comments good sir.</p>

<p>@Dave: thanks Dave and hope all is well!</p>

[marclangille]

<p>@Michael: that's the best part - I just sent them a link to the image and they responded with an inquiry for an outright buy. It took them 2 more months to respond to my terms (they are very busy), but the timing on the market packaging refresh precipitated the acceptance and the desire for a very quick turnaround.</p>

<p>@Lauren/Matt/Laurentiu: thank you all for looking/reading/commenting - it's appreciated.</p>

<p>Best,<br />Marc</p>