Bats in Flight at Dusk. This evening as it was getting dark I noticed there were several bats flying around in my backyard. I knew that it would be a challenge to capture an image of the bats as they darted around chasing insects. The following images were taken with a Nikon D3s camera at 12800 or 102400 ISO using a 400 mm f/2.8 D II lens. The bats were moving too fast to follow using a tripod or monopod, so I was doing this hand-held. This is not a combination that you can hand-hold for long periods. I also wish that I had the VR version of this lens. There was no way that autofocus would work, so I manually set the focus distance to 25 feet and shot in high-speed burst mode anytime the bats flew by at about that distance. Of about 600 images, the following 6 were the best. I am open to suggestions how to do a better job capturing images of bats in flight.
Bat in Flight at Dusk. Summer Nature in New Jersey. Image taken with a Nikon D3s and 400 mm f/2.8G II lens (ISO 12800, 400 mm, f/2.8, 1/320 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One Pro 6, Nik Define 2, and Photoshop CS5. (David J Mathre)Bat in Flight at Dusk. Image taken with a Nikon D3s and 400 mm f/2.8G II lens (ISO 12800, 400 mm, f/2.8, 1/320 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One Pro 6, Nik Define 2, and Photoshop CS5. (David J Mathre)Bat in Flight at Dusk. Image taken with a Nikon D3s and 400 mm f/2.8G II lens (ISO 12800, 400 mm, f/2.8, 1/320 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One Pro 6, Nik Define 2, and Photoshop CS5. (David J Mathre)Bat in Flight at Dusk. Image taken with a Nikon D3s and 400 mm f/2.8G II lens (ISO 12800, 400 mm, f/2.8, 1/320 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One Pro 6, Nik Define 2, and Photoshop CS5. (David J Mathre)Bat in Flight at Dusk. Image taken with a Nikon D3s and 400 mm f/2.8G II lens (ISO 102400, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/250 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One Pro 6, Topaz DeNoise 5, and Photoshop CS5. (David J Mathre)Bat in Flight at Dusk. Image taken with a Nikon D3s and 400 mm f/2.8G II lens (ISO 102400, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/250 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One Pro 6, Topaz DeNoise 5, and Photoshop CS5. (David J Mathre)
Author: David Mathre
I am a scientist by training (Eckerd College, BSc; Caltech, Ph.D.). I worked for 27 years as a Chemist in the Pharmaceutical Industry developing processes to manufacture medicines for human and animal health. I now spend my time as a photographer and world traveler. My interests include the natural world, wildlife, landscapes, sky, and seascapes, travel, and astrophotography. I look for unique ways of viewing the world and presenting my images. I have traveled to over 55 countries in six continents, often on Semester at Sea voyages. While at home in New Jersey, I spend time on home renovation and expansion of a wildflower garden/meadow.
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