For those interested, this was shot with the old Nikkor 400mm f3.5 coupled to the TC-301 2X converter, mated to the PK-11A extension tube (so that I could focus closer than the prime's sucky minimum distance of 15 feet). Hundred-percent crop, with minimal sharpening and some curve.
This is a testament to the quality of the 400 that it can handle those two pieces between it and the body, which was a D700.
Also, this was shot at ISO 1250, and no noise, and no noise reduction. Shutter was 1/320th.
Frankly, I'm amazed what modern gear--and very old gear--can do together.
Just noticed that the exif fell away, so I should tell you that this was shot at 5.6 (or f11 if you factor the TC).