Awww, shucks, thanks David.

I've spotted one that not only the face "jumps out of the screen".

I really don't know, it just seemed like it couldn't make up its mind.

Maybe it was only when dealing with the enclosures between me and the animals, and I'm just dealing with an exaggerated memory. Or when the animals were moving, which I guess would be a problem for any tele lens.

Anywho, even though MF wasn't easy, I still found it better than dealing with the AF.
(and can someone tell me what's happening when I manipulate the focus and red dots/squares flash in the viewfinder? what is my camera telling me? [i've misplaced my manual])

Thanks for everyone's comments!

Thanks, well, these are the best of the bunch. Many more that just aren't quite there.

I posted a while back that I was frustrated with the reach of the kit lens during a trip to the zoo. Well, the first warmish weekend came around, so I went back with the Sigma 70-300 to see what it can do.

Seemed like everyone else in Memphis relieved their cabin fever at the zoo that day too, so the new tripod stayed in the car.

Thing I enjoyed most is the ability to obliterate bars/screens/enclosures that separate you from the animals. Thing I enjoyed the least was the autofocus hunting around. So I switched it off for the most part, and I realize now I need to brush up on manual focus skills.



f5.6, 300mm, 1/250sec





f5.6, 300mm, 1/250sec





f4.5, 160mm, 1/250sec


I'm pleased with them, but I'd like to know if anyone sees mistakes that I could correct.

#1 for me too. I like that it seems lively, what with all that color

How jealous I am that you have that kind of bird flying around your backyard! Beautiful.

Not so jealous of the fly, we have plenty of those.

Agreed, big improvement here.

Try taking this lily out of the arrangement and shoot it by itself or with a few leaves, against the solid background shown here. You'll be able to get that flower focused the way you want, and satisfaction with a nice shot. Keep the natural light!

Click on "Prieni" over his avatar and you will find out his name (not James).

I agree, much better. Really opens up that front-on face.