Retreat
by Phocal

Comment by Jules1x:
Looks like fun. I like the single tones you used.

Retreat
by Phocal

Comment by Revecca:
A reenactment of sorts, I presume? Awesome composition and the chosen tone really makes this one stand out quite a bit. Great timing for an awesome effect on that weapon, too!

Oh No........
by Phocal

Comment by Ja-9:
what wonderful detail....

Sushi
by Phocal

Comment by jomari:
Congrats on the ribbon. Beautiful shot.

Sushi
by Phocal

Comment by Phocal:
Beatabg Thank you, I am still trying to improve my nature photography. Gets better every time I go out.

trotterjay Thanks for the wonderful comment. With telephoto lenses (especially 300mm +) it is pretty much impossible to zone focus. The DOF is pretty small when using a lens like my 400mm, even stopped way down. I try to always shoot at ƒ8 (which is the sweet spot for this lens and gives more DOF), but will open up if needed. This photo I actually took at ƒ5.6 and I am starting think I can shoot at this aperture without worry of softness (but the CA is worse then at ƒ8). Not going to lie, manual focus is tough. I miss some shots because of it and get a number of blurry photos. I have gotten to where I have about a 50% keeper rate (maybe a little better) as far as focus goes, lower when you take composition into account but you would have that problem with autofocus. I pretty much set up on an animal and continually adjust focus as I wait for the action. I can tell when a bird (the ones I photograph a lot) is about to strike by its body language. When I see the sign I hit the shutter button.

Here is a link to my Flickr gallery of wildlife photos, all taken with a manual focus lens. Wildlife Photos

Oh No........
by Phocal

Comment by hiltonmd:
Very good clarity and framing.

Sushi
by Phocal

Comment by Trotterjay:
As a beginning wildlife photographer you have no idea how much I love this photo. You got a 10 from me only because they wouldn't let me score it any higher. To do this in manual focus blows my mind. I don't think you could even effectively zone focus when shooting birds. You are the master.

Oh No........
by Phocal

Comment by illini75:
So nice and sharp with a wonderful background blur

Sushi
by Phocal

Comment by neenee1999:
Beautiful!! Congratulations on your ribbon.

Sushi
by Phocal

Comment by Ammie:
So beautiful, congrats on the ribbon