Dall sheep lambs, Brooks range, Alaska. Canon 5D Mark III, 500mm f/4L IS, w/1.4x (700mm), 1/160 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400.
The first few weeks of June in Alaska is the time when the newborn animals of the year begin showing up. They are pure cuteness in most respects, and they are also very susceptible to hungry predators as the circle of life takes its course in the wilderness landscape. For the latter, it means that adults with young ones tend to be more wary and alert, sometimes making photography more difficult. These three young dall sheep lambs chose to rest along the steep slopes of the Brooks range mountains, while the adults descended to a grassy patch along the tundra to graze. This image is cropped a bit, and I would have used a 2x converter instead of the 1.4x, however the 5D III will not auto focus with a 2x converter on the 500mm. What a shame Canon, you revamped the auto focus and upped the price of the 5D III by one grand but left it dumb in this one critical area. Yes, I know there is always manual focus, but my eyes and execution of this have not produced good results so far, static objects are a bit easier for sure but critical focus in manual mode is harder than one might imagine.
Wonderful capture Patrick, reminds me of our hike up the mountain in the snow to get the rams a couple of years ago.
Yes Phyllis, a different view in the summer for sure.
I agree on the 5D III autofocus issue. Some are taking to taping some of the pins in order to achieve f8 autofocus, but I’m not a fan of doing that. Otherwise a grand camera indeed! Still waiting for my 500 to ship. Nice image of the lambs.
Jim,
I’m not familiar with altering the pins to achieve focus, can you send me a little information on that?
I have had some luck taping the 1.4 extender on the Mk.II with a slow lens (like the 100-400), but never the 2x. The lens hunts a lot for focus. Using live view to achieve critical focus requires a very static subject (for example when I attempt use my Telyt 560mm with the 7D.
Patrick, The best explanation of this taping business I’ve found is on Michael Furtman’s website www. michaelfurtman.com But after reading it again I see it is indeed only for the 1.4 extender and not the 2x. I’m not smart enough to be able to link it here. I still struggle with some computer stuff. And I’m still waiting for my 500 to ship! The money is burning a big hole in my pocket.
Jim,
Yes, I did a little research on the new 2x and taping does not work. It does permit the auto focus engine and attempts to focus but hunts excessively and erratically. Unfortunately 🙁