Printing wildlife (and other) photographs

ValDa replied on 12/01/2017 11:26

ValDa

Posted on 12/01/2017 11:26

Recently we've had some disappointing results when printing some of our photographs. We're trying to get together a collection of favourites to frame and put up in our house in France. We've used a variety of photo papers, and I just wonder if anyone else has any particular favourite paper which prints successfully. We have an HP 8600 printer, which has new inks, but on photo paper (both matt and gloss finish) the ink seems to run and bleed and the overall image is very poor. On 'normal' paper the quality of the printing is better, and the detail much clearer, but the photo looks a bit 'dead'.

When printing to photo paper we select the appropriate settings, but still no joy. Our previous HP printer used to work fine - but we haven't done much printing recently. Anyone got any tips? We might even invest in a new printer if someone can recommend one which prints photographs as well as our old one! (Trouble is I can't remember what model it was!!!)

28 replies

Bluemalaga replied on 19/01/2017 08:59

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Posted on 19/01/2017 08:40 by greylag

I once bought a 2X converter and made the mistake of thinking the AF would work....wrong. Only ever got one photo of a MH coming up out of reeds, in the end I part ex for the lens I now have.

I guess I have the MK1, I have had for around 4 years, quality is top notch...I never have to sharpen the pic's...if they are not sharp enough they get thrown away. Usually it is me that is not sharp enough. I like to see the fibres of each feather if I can.

The only thing about the lens is....brighter the day, the better the pictures.

I took these pic's last year...it was the find of the year. A Kestrels nest beside a footpath......full story to follow if interested.

The first pic is its very first flight.

Posted on 19/01/2017 08:59

The 2x auto focus works only on f2.8 lenses, but the 1.4x works on your lens. The mk1 has push pull zoom action whereas the mk2 has a twist.

The kestrel shots are excellent, I Fully agree that the lens delivers great quality and the 1.4x gives you a top end of 560 plus the crop value of your camera either 1.3 or 1.6 is usual for canon. The 1.3 would give an equivalance of 728mm over a full size sensor.

Many images i have seen using 1.4 converters are stunning, so no loss of quality.

Definately worth the investment, especially as you point out, the better the weather, the better the photo, probably due to the higher shutter speed available.

Of course, the longer magnification is more difficult to hold steady, which is where the 4x image stabilisation of the mk2 version of the lens has an advantage when hand held, but use of a monopod helps when possible.

Oneputt replied on 19/01/2017 09:06

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Oneputt

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Posted on 19/01/2017 09:06

More great pics GL. I'm thinking that I need to use my DSLR more, usually carry my Bridge camera if I take my scope along. Thinking of getting either a 400mm Canon prime or a 100/400mm and a 1.4 extender, just can't make up my mind

Bluemalaga replied on 19/01/2017 09:20

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Posted on 19/01/2017 09:06 by Oneputt

More great pics GL. I'm thinking that I need to use my DSLR more, usually carry my Bridge camera if I take my scope along. Thinking of getting either a 400mm Canon prime or a 100/400mm and a 1.4 extender, just can't make up my mind

Posted on 19/01/2017 09:20

If it helps OP, I have a canon 400 f2.8 but it is far to cumbersome for trekking around. I am now using the100/400 mk2 and the1.4 converter,many others do likewise. Others are convinced that the best option is the 400 f4 DO lens, still quite heavy.

The images on flickr give the camera and lens info for the image and this shows that the 400 or 500 f4 is very popular with converters.

If weight is a factor as it is with me, then I would suggest the100/400 option.

We are hoping to get over to minsmere early spring, if we make it, you are welcome to try out my kit.

Oneputt replied on 19/01/2017 16:48

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Posted on 19/01/2017 16:48

Thanks for info BM, will let you know what I decide. I can try equipment at Wex photographic in Norwich.

Bluemalaga replied on 19/01/2017 18:05

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Posted on 19/01/2017 16:48 by Oneputt

Thanks for info BM, will let you know what I decide. I can try equipment at Wex photographic in Norwich.

Posted on 19/01/2017 18:05

Ask if I can have some of my cash back, spend more there than Tesco.

If you have not tried one, have a look at the black rapid type camera straps that cross the body, thay take the weight well and leave hands free for your scope.

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