Nice set, a good example of how not all photographs need be super sharp and noise free.
Sometimes the setting means much more.
Well done.

davex

A good sharp image, and the lens was?

But they may be viewable, if such a word exists.

400mm f5.6 non apo.
see discussion here

And here

Already have one John, it`s a Sigma and it cost £220.

Davex.

Highly regarded here, was my first walkabout, sold it after 6 months, it always seemed a bit "loose" to me + physically quite long. Great 16mm but a bit short at 45mm.

A cracking lens if you can put up with the weight, used one for around a year, loved the IQ but it can get tiring after a day out.

I now have a Tamron 28-200 as a walkabout, small light and decent IQ, cost £50

Davex.

OK folks, thanks for all the input. Have a final version for you;
Different crop, rotation, tweaked exposure, and unsharp mask.

It does have a fairly bad reputation, but I am actually quite enjoying it, there are issues over poor contrast in certain circumstances but generally I think i`ve been lucky and got a decent copy.

Not sure about the elephant shot, when I look at the original it does look a bit sharper.


Davex.

Wise words, perhaps you will explain this to my wife after I am mauled by a leopard while on safari this year

Davex.

These where taken with a 400mm Sigma f5.6, non apo.
The lens has its critics but easily available off ebay for circa £220;






All handheld.
With some PS work they could look quite impressive.
IMHO If you put ANY teleconvertor on your 55-300 you will lose so much light and gain so much shake at the long end it will be a waste of time, and money. Remember your SR on the converted zoom will not work properly unless you change the fl every time you move the zoom.
Teleconvertors only work in the field on large aperture primes, or expensive large (f4 or larger) aperture zooms. If you cannot afford one of the big Sigma zooms I honestly believe you should look at a cheaper long range prime. Do not waste your cash on teleconvertors for small aperture zooms, I speak from experience over the last 2 years.

Davex.