The Swallows have arrived or half a dozen of them have. This morning was dry and clear but by hell it was chilly.
I had just got back to the van and saw a buzzard circling low and getting lower. By the time I got Bertha out four rooks had arrived and started harassing the poor mite; it shot off low and to somewhere miles away. I thought I’d have a go at a Swallow. There I was swinging Bertha this way and that and I’ve not only put my back out again but dislodged a bit of rib.
The sum total of my efforts………………
Bertha is away to pastures new and I am getting the Canon 100-400mm IS USM lens. It is guaranteed not to rust, bust, pick up dust, buckle or bend for a year. I realised that my lack of strength and fitness were making the 400mm f2.8 at 4kg a trial and not a pleasure to use. I’ll never make a birder anyway so she was wasted in my hands.
It is sad that I have to admit to infirmity, sadder still that I accept incompetence. I'll look on the bright side on a bright and sunny day. Her replacement is a third of her weight.
Have a great weekend.
Hope the back recovers quickly Adrian.
ReplyDeleteA fine parting shot of the Jackdaw courtesy of Bertha.
Good luck with the new lens. I can recommend it; but don't take it on a sandy beach in the wind without some sort of protection. That's how I buggered up my first one.
Keith the back will never be right and neither will my ribs. I'll live with it for as long as i live.
DeleteIt's not new but nearly new. Bertha has not been a disaster. It has cost me £250.00p for well over a year of posing. I'll get it a wee jacket like Trevor has for his. While I'm here I could sew one up in the saddlery department. My sister made Alfies jacket in an hour I'll suggest she gets her arse in gear.
Harrison cameras did say is the lens still mint. I said course it is. There is a bit of mud in the hood, and crystallised salt spray round all it's buttons, possibly a couple of dead midges in it's innards but nothing to worry about.
They can clean stuff quick without using Vim and a scouring pad.
Good luck with the new lens Adrian, i've had no trouble with mine.
ReplyDeletepeter
I'm hoping it will be a pleasure and not a trial to use Peter.
DeletePoor old Bertha, being cast aside because the man in her life is no longer capable of stepping up to the job...and then he admits that he's had his head turned by a lighter and more flexible model, has he no morals? I hope she finds a good home?
ReplyDeleteShame you 'missed' the Swallows but you managed to get a more than decent shot of the bemused Jackdaw!
Have a good weekend, a swansong for Bertha maybe?...[;o)
Trevor, it is sad. She has character. I realised yesterday that I am not the man I used to be.
DeleteThe Swallows are a bit fast and somehow when they are sitting on the wire they don't look as good as when they are flying.
It's no good when your women get too big and unwieldy that you have to trade them in for a newer, skinnier version Adrian.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I don't like being old. Not to worry it's better than being dead.
DeleteAdrian did despite all disappointments still very happy Easter
ReplyDeleteBas, and the same to you. Give my regards to Cobie and tell her I hope she is well again soon.
DeleteA great week end to you! I like the rear view of the jack daw and the shadows he created with his butt. It makes for an interesting photo.
ReplyDeleteRed, it is a wonderful lens but just too cumbersome.
DeleteGood luck with the slimmer, sleeker model. I hope she's not high maintenenace.
ReplyDeletePauline, no they are cheap to run.
ReplyDeleteIs Bertha a lover? Mistress? Pet? Domestic appliance? Whoever she is, I wish her well.
ReplyDeleteFrances, it rather sounds as if she should be a girlfriend but she is much more complicated than that. She is a fast 400mm lens.
DeleteAh.
DeleteThe new ladyfriend is exactly the sort of lens I would want if (probably when) I revert to a full DSLR. I wish you (and us, your audience) luck in your new relationship.
ReplyDeleteGraham, It is a capable lens but has mixed reviews. It will be fine for me and more importantly get used.
DeleteNo not Bertha! Mind you the 100-400mm ain't too bad and despite some saying it goes soft after about a year mine never did, a bit of arning though due to the "pump" action like effect of ooming from 100 to 400mm watch the dust build up inside the lens barrel (especially if it isn't connected to a camera body) it sucks up all manner of dust and can blow it onto the sensors, I think this is the cause for many going soft, mine was faultless until I sold it for a 300mm f2.8
ReplyDeleteDouglas, yes a sad decision.
DeleteI just don't get the use out of Bertha. This being portable should suit me much better.
Many zoom lenses are soft in the corners on full frame so are some primes for that matter. For what I want it will do the job. Both Keith and Trevor get more than acceptable results from theirs.
pretty nice blog, following :)
ReplyDeleteBoo hoo, sending her to maker in the sky, it is disastrous. Wait for a while, 'cause I am trying out an old but a worth the camera lens.
ReplyDeleteToo late Bob. She is sold already.
DeleteThe last I heard was that there would be a new updated version of the 100-400mm L IS lens coming out soon. Is this so?
ReplyDeleteMaria, I don't know. I only buy secondhand so don't follow Canon News. I suspect it is possible as it has been out for a few years now.
DeleteRather than trying to capture birds of the feathered variety, perhaps you should aim for the human sort. (Hushed whisper) "Adrian has been waiting outside The Cock and Bull all evening but finally his patience has been rewarded. A red-lipped drunken bird. Instantly recognisable with its leopard print thong. Quietly, Adrian beckons her towards him, holding out a can of Stella and a packet of Woodbines. She takes the bait immediately and is ensnared. Now Adrian has her in his camper van and eventually he will take her to be ringed. The first red-lipped drunken bird he has ever caught."
ReplyDeleteYP, I suspect I'd fail in the mission you describe. I really ought to stick with things taht don't move much like plants.
DeleteUn buen primer plano!!!
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo
Gracias Laura.
DeleteI think everyone feels that about weight. I sometimes can't be bothered to carry an extra lens with me. One day we'll have an 18 - 200 mm that fits into a pocket !!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot.
Jay, it is a problem. Some days i just go out with the 50mm lens. It is heavy but bearable.
Delete