Sandhill Cranes Taking Off at Sunrise

Nikon D1h, 500mm f/4 AF-S, Matrix Metering, 1/1000sec, f/8, -0.7EV, ISO 200, Gitzo 410, Wimberly Sidekick, RAW Format

Here's another study in cropping. I eliminated about 30% off the top to remove some dead space caused my me centering the AF sensor on his shoulder. While this AF technique works great for keeping things in focus, it does crap for composition. It just happens that this perspective and framing works very well. And, the cranium is as sharp as anyone could expect.