Ready for lift off...

[Jaysfan8]

This is my first shot with my new lens (CANON 70-200 L USM IS). It was taken on F2.8 (which to be honest, I regret using because the image is slightly blurred around the birds head). I begged for him to flap again but it didn't happen...haha). I have cropped it, to take the bird out of centre. Have I done the right thing?

[jiminyClickit]

Jaysfan8,

Hard to find willing duck models. That water reflection is good so crop is still interesting and probably stronger. Lighting and blur - what can you do? I just took 73 shots of an icicle to get one drop to show; go back, call your duck.

[hsroxas]

Jaysfan8
First, congratulations on your new lens. There are lots of terrific reviews on that lens and I am sure it will reward you with good images. I have wanted so much to have that lens but eventually settled for the f4 IS version due to size and weight considerations.
On the cropping, yes, the duck if it remained at the center would have not created the same impact as the cropped version.
On the use of the maximum aperture, it will serve you well on low light situations and indoors. As you have discovered, the extremely shallow depth of field can cause unwanted softness on some parts of the image.
I find the image on the under exposed side. The reflections of the water could have cause the camera meter to read the exposure incorrectly.

[KagoGrl]

A nice shot with good composition. I find it a bit under exposed (perhaps from the water) but I wouldn't want to ruin the colour of the water so it's a tough call. Have you played around with any post-production software to brighten the duck at all? or even to try to sharpen him up ever so?