I have been shooting this deer herd for a couple weeks now, the snow today seemed to help me stay quite, I knew where they would be, and I think they were needing to forage harder due to the cold. I tried to use Final Shots focus on the snout suggestion,(great advice) and the old axiom from my underwater work which is the three rules:

Get close

f5.6 @ 1/100 ISO 100

Get Close

f6.3 @ 1/200 ISO 100

And get closer

f6.3 @1/500 ISO 100

I still haven't been able to get the big buck but his son wasn't as shy today and I was glad to get the antlers finally after about ten times at this spot at least. I missed the money shot when some ice cracked under his weight and he bolted, I was at 400 mm and couldn't find him in the viewfinder after shooting static........live and learn... the does would have eaten out of my hand today, by being still they walked to within 20 ft of me. I wished I could silence the shutter on my 20D- cold helps sound travel. Definitly thought the snow made it easier and more interesting to shoot these guys. You guys probably think I am making up this big buck by now............. All with 20D 100-400 mm IS L lens on monopod with great light. In processing I used some intentional vignetting on shots one on two to darken the corners a tad, but not much else except slight brightness/ contrast and sharpening.
C & C on these appreciated..........

great job! that buck will show. He's just off checking other does. he'll be back.

I know the feeling shutter noise sucks! One advantage of a high end PS camera! No shutter noise. . .

Hey Marty,

I like these shots a lot. Very nice compositions. Are these in your back yard, or a bit further out?

"I wished I could silence the shutter on my 20D- cold helps sound travel. '

Yeah - this drives me crazy. Apparantly the 30d is a bit quieter. I never understood why the 20d is so darned loud...particularly as to how quiet the 10d was. I just have not felt that the 30d was worth the upgrade...so I wait...with the gong show for a shutter sound

-JM

Good job getting nice close shots. I use a 20d also, I havent startled too many critters with it but when I don't want to take any chances with noise I use my 300d (Rebel). Actually I like my 300d alot, it has a nice feel.

How do you like the 20d/100-400/monopod combo?

It is a great combination, although better with tripod where possible. I am coveting a 500mm prime though......I am also using a 5D now also.
Here are a couple hand held shots w/ 20D and 100-400mm







The Image Stabilization is great. I think the lens is a great value, especially when you look at anything longer. I wish it were faster though..........

Marty,

The Nature Center in Ogden on 12th Street has a healthy deer population running around in there area. At least 3 decent bucks that I've been able to shoot with a 400mm. Both times I've been there I found them on the west side in the evening.

Jim

Nice Pbase gallery, Jim.

Hey Marty,

The third in the last series is my favorite - but all are very well done.

Cheers
James