Second outing with the Canon 200-400 f4 lens

The days are getting longer. It is spring here in the southern hemisphere. I had been waiting to go out and use the Canon 200-400 again now that I had everything set up.

The Canon 200-400 f4 fits in the bag that I had ordered with the 7D gripped body attached. I had also ordered the harness system &  the waist belt along with it. Once all  is in place you can use it like a back pack and walk /hike comfortably for a few kilometres without any discomfort.

I had been watching the light for the last few days and had made a mental note of the right time & light. One fine afternoon I got home early and the time being right got the gear together quickly with the Canon 200-400 along with the 7D safely in the bag I headed for the local water body just a short hike from home.

I had scouted the place before and knew there would be a few water birds around.  Breeding season was over for some of the birds and the chicks were growing up fast.One could still find the juveniles with the adults.

Getting close to the water body I stopped behind some trees and removed the camera and the lens from the bag, Put the empty bag back on my back. I  the mounted the Canon 200-400 on the monopod which was also attached to the bag & made sure I had the right settings dialled in.

I had got the timing right, the sun was low in the sky and at the right angle. Now it was a matter of finding some birds and getting close to them. The sun was low in the sky casting a beautiful warm glow. One thing was sure, the sun being low the golden glow was not going to last long and I would have to quickly grab some shots.

This water body is not much frequented by people and making the birds are a bit shy and additionally with chicks still accompanying the adults, the birds were more cautious. I spied some Purple Swamphens [ Porphyrio porphyrio], also known as the Purple Moorhen, through the bushes a little distance away and made my way slowly towards them. I was close enough but the birds were partly obscured by the bushes. Had it not been for the intervening bushes I could have shot them from where I was but I had to get a clear shot. I had to creep up slowly.  Finally I was in position. The birds were not aware of my presence and went about their business. One was preening and the other one was with a grown up chick. I had a few minutes of proper light left and I started shooting. I did note that the backgrounds were not exactly as I wanted the and could have been better but with the time at my disposal I had to keep shooting. I did manage to get a few decent shots not the very best but good enough to show the potential of the Canon 200-400 f4 lens    

I am pleased with the colours and the sharpness and I am looking forward to a proper outing  with the Canon 200-400 f4 lens. I should be getting more shots next week. 
Watch this space.