liquidstone

Interesting tool/approach. I normally have no problem acquiring a BIF through the VF at 800 mm + 1.3x or 1.6x DSLR sensor. I have no trouble likewise catching the ISS streaking across the sky...

-- Romy http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4WF7vixEQhw/TdotGMbtisI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/uIoFdYfMjAs/s1600/avatar-120x90.gif PHILIPPINE WILD BIRDS (Over 260 species captured in habitat, and...

Can't agree more on the extra FOV. I wish the 7D had a FF 46 MP sensor and same AF/fps. The framing flexibility allows me more leeway in tailoring the comp to the user's/client's needs....

+10^1000 :) Among the more well written explanation on these concepts I've read. ...

Thanks, Jerry. Just catching the red planet within the frame of the 350D + 6400 mm was pretty tough. The manual focus was even more challenging, as the slightest touch on the Sigmonster's focus...

True, 16 MP at DX format (1.5 crop). But if we start comparing it to a 7D in a focal length limited regime, we have to equalize, say to the level of the smaller sensor. At 1.6 crop, the D800...

..... just for kicks. I was disappointed by the results, so I never made another Mars attempt again. Here's a link to the 6400 mm shot (Sigmonster + 8x worth of...

For people like me who are often reach-challenged, the D800 is a 14.2 MP 6 fps machine. The 7D (18 MP, 8 fps) still looks great, albeit the D800 has AF down to f/8....

Yes, the nostril area shows clearly the difference in captured detail. It is a significant difference to me, but it may not be the case for others. It's around 1.48x TC equivalent. Yes,...

With sharp lenses (like the big whites), the 7D's smaller pixels translate to more reach, at least at lower ISOs (400 and below). Here's my test between the 7D and 5D2 when shot from the same...

How are you, Rudi? You can use Zoombrowser EX (the one that came free with your 7D) to resize your video. You can also do basic edits with ZB...

And it's a good optical marriage, though AF is lost on non-1D bodies. Taping the pins is virtually ineffective. My copy of the Sigma 1.4x non-DG is actually a bit sharper than my Canon 1.4x II...

If you'll use a 7D, the AF of the 400 5.6L + 1.4x TC won't work as is. If taped or when using an unwired TC, AF speed will be too slow to grab critical surfing action. Even with fast big whites, AF...

Thanks, Ken. The 400 II is already available for testing at our local Canon distributor. I'm just engaged too deep in non-photo work currently to take it out for a spin....

Good point, Greg. Yes, DOF control at 800 mm and near MFD is indeed very tricky. If the bird is large in the frame and obliquely positioned relative to the sensor plane, even f/22 is not enough....

One advantage of the 400 2.8 IS in shooting small birds is its very close MFD (3 m). With a 2x TC, its magnification is amazing compared to the 600 f4, 800 IS and 500 f4. ...

Gimbal head or fluid head + tripod, bean bag or monopod..... never hand held. :) I can hand hold the 500 f4 and hike long distances, not the 400 2.8. The 400 2.8 is front heavy. Good...

IMHO, the 400 2.8 IS is the sharpest lens I've shot (I've shot all big whites, except the recent II versions). Here are crops from my 500 f4 and 400...

No debate on the highlighted statement. And this is why the 5D2 joins my birding kit. When my lenses are long enough to get the comp I wish, and /AF is not a critical requirement/, the 5D2 delivers...

I just answered the original question - the 7D's IQ can be better than the 5D2's when one is focal length limited. http://www.pbase.com/liquidstone/7dvs5d2 Who's talking about AF? BTW, I...