Leopard on tree - 400mm FOV vs 560mm FOV - which one?

[thelordofthelight]

Shot this leopard on tree with 400mm F2.8S TC lens at both 400mm f2.8 and 560mm f4. Which image do you prefer and why?

Leopard on tree by Ganesh B, on Flickr

Leopard on tree by Ganesh B, on Flickr

 

[Jaap L]

I prefer the second one at 560 mm. I like to add space for the model's environment, but in this case, there is still much of the tree and branch to see at 560 mm. at 400 mm, there is in my opinion too much of it.

 

[ButlerKid]

I much prefer the first image which shows more of the size and expanse of the environment. The second is a nice portrait.

 

[Hooligans Imagery]

I will note that in the first, I find the background trees distracting, but I don’t in the second one. I favor the second one.

 

[JAS]

I agree with Karen. They are two different shots. The first is more "environmental" showing the subject in its natural setting giving a view of where it lives, while the second is a portrait of the leopard without the wider background so you will focus on the leopard only. I like both, but if framing one it would be the first showing the beautiful animal in its full environment. If looking for a straight up leaopard portrait, I would crop the second shot more.
JMHO - it is all up to you and mine is just an opinion.

 

[MikeJ]

I'll agree with Karen and Joe, they are both very nice, but I prefer the wider environmental image.

 

[Topper1946]

Both are beautiful but with the first I find all of the lighter background trees distracting. I like the second better and think there is enough of environment shown - but would like the lighter trees to be toned down a bit.

 

[MrFotoFool]

Both outstanding - really - and preference would depend on final use in my opinion. If it is to be printed small, such as a greeting card or a print up to 11x14 inches, then I would say the closer up shot (560mm). If it is printed large, 20x30 inches or bigger, then I would say the farther back shot (400mm).

 

[Woodyg3]

I prefer the second. Did you try an even wider shot than the first? tTat might have made a pretty nice environmental shot. The first, for me, doesn't show enough of the tree for a distant shot, and the cat is not big enough in the frame for a detail shot. Just my two cents. Both are great shots.

 

[Anjin San]

#2…and I would crop in a bit on the left so the cat is t centered. TBH…8 would lso have taken a wider shot for an environmental view.

 

[Irap]

Nice shot, I prefer the wide.

 

[ajrmd]

I would play with the cropping proportions a bit to see if you can improve the perspective. Personally, I prefer the first one as I find the second image crowded. I'm thinking a 16:9 maybe for the first or perhaps a square crop for the second?

 

[thelordofthelight]

Thank you all so much! Selecting a frame was so confusing. I personally prefer the 400mm FOV but it's almost like 50:50 when I show both the pics to my friends and family. Pretty much the response here as well. Luckily with the TC lenses it's just a flick of a switch to go back and forth so I'm lucky that way.

 

[thelordofthelight]

#2…and I would crop in a bit on the left so the cat is t centered. TBH…8 would lso have taken a wider shot for an environmental view.

Thanks. I do have a wider shot but it was from a different angle and i composed it vertically to show the height. Will add that Pic here in sometime. These are dense forests where getting the right angle is so challenging.

 

[viper699]

Definitely the second one for me - reasons given by others are above

 

[JPtri]

2

 

[marc]

Nicely done your "LordShip"
The first one @400mm for me, not only do you have the inclusion of more habitat, it's that arching tree branch that frames/anchors the image too,
the only nit is the intersecting lighter BG tree that cuts the head of the Leopard. AI/Gen fill can of course fix that if your ethics allow.
I gather this was taken in either SL or India, as Leopards from the sub continent always look slightly different to African leopards which (in general) have a broader head/face.

 

[Lance B]

Both great but the second one for me.

 

[thelordofthelight]

Nicely done your "LordShip"
The first one @400mm for me, not only do you have the inclusion of more habitat, it's that arching tree branch that frames/anchors the image too,
the only nit is the intersecting lighter BG tree that cuts the head of the Leopard. AI/Gen fill can of course fix that if your ethics allow.
I gather this was taken in either SL or India, as Leopards from the sub continent always look slightly different to African leopards which (in general) have a broader head/face.

Thanks Marc! Yes, the one at 400mm is my preference as well. Regarding the BG, i did think about applying Gen AI but then decided not to. This was photographed in South India and this one is a sub-adult. Adults are bigger but not as big as African leopards for sure.

 

[thelordofthelight]

Thanks a lot Lance!

Both great but the second one for me.

 

[ElenaH]

I like the first one because it tells a story .. of a king of the forest ;-)
I like images where you can see the environment where the animal lives, his home. And here the leopard is very good placed in environment.
For a portrait I would crop even more. probably I would also make a vignette.

 

[Highbow]

The second one is my pick, both very nice!

 

[Steve]

Those eyes!
Both are good, although I think I favor #1 - I would favor it more with a 16:9 crop and taking a little off the right side

 

[JAJohnson]

I prefer the 2nd photo. It shows the leopard’s environment without asking the viewer to work hard to see the detail of the big cat. Of course, both photos are well done!

 

[sh1209]

Fantastic!