Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

What’s Up?

After my morning photo session I watched lots of golf, swam, did my bursts and Stairmaster, and ate too much sweet stuff. The afternoon temperature on the pool deck was 104 F. The pool is now a delightful 80 degrees.

The forecast for this morning — Sunday 9 AUGUST 2020 — is for gorgeous, still, and sunny. Since it did not rain at all yesterday, I will head back down to the lake. I did find a third large colt with the adults yesterday; I was not sure where it came from …

I completed the first draft of the RawDigger e-Guide and sent a few copies out to be reviewed. When I get back from shooting this morning, I will be creating an ILE 2020 JULY folder, doing a third edit, and watching the rest of the PGA Championship. I am rooting for Brooks Koepka but Dustin Johnson will be hard to beat if he plays as well as he did yesterday. The public course, Harding Park in San Francisco is — as it should be — very difficult.

This image was created on the morning of 8 AUGUST 2020 at Indian Lake Estates. Walking with the cranes on the North Field, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 600mm) and the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body. ISO 500. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/640 sec. at f/6.3 in Manual mode; the exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger. AWB at 7:25:39am on a sunny morning. Upper Zone AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed superbly; the system selected an AF point on the base of the bird’s chin right on the same plane as its eye. Image #1: Sandhill Crane adult looking back over shoulder

The Situation

There have been about a dozen cranes preening and feeding in the North Field each morning. Recently, I have spent lots of time photographing them from my vehicle with the Levered Clamp FlexShooter Pro/Induro/GIT 204-mounted SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens with the a7r iv and either teleconverter. On Saturday, on a whim, I grabbed the 200-600 with an a9 ii, took a walk, and had lots of fun.

This image was also and obviously created on the morning of 8 AUGUST 2020 at Indian Lake Estates. Walking with the cranes on the North Field, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 284mm) and the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body. ISO 500. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/640 sec. at f/6.3 in Manual mode; the exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger. AWB at 7:26:41am on a sunny morning. Upper Zone AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed superbly. Image #2: Point your shadow at the bird …

My #1 Sunny Day Bird Photography Tip … Get my drift?

Hope so. But for the occasional strongly backlit image, ninety-nine point nine percent of bird photographs taken ten or more degrees off sun angle on a sunny day are insta-deletes. If you think that you have a good image in that .1%, shoot me a 1200 pixel on-the-long-side jpeg via e-mail for a free critique.

Image Critiques

Have your best images critiqued over the phone with Arthur Morris: Ten images for $100. Online digital galleries are best. 1400 pixel on-the-long-side sharpened JPEGs are best. Please call 863-221-2372 to pay via credit card or send a PayPal to birdsasart@verizon.net and include your e-mail address and the words Image Critique. Copy me via e-mail. You can shoot me a link to your photos or send them attached in a single e-mail.

You will get an honest but gentle, no-holds-barred critique during our phone consultation. If I think it’s great, I will say so and tell you why …

What’s Up?

Me, early, as is usual. The forecast for today — Friday 7 AUGUST 2020 — is for a sunny morning with a negligible breeze from the NW. I will be heading out to do some photography at about 7:15am (as the days are getting shorter). My morning photo session streak is somewhere around 130!

Late on Thursday, I added the SONY extension tube info to yesterday’s blog post and wound up screwing things up a bit. Scroll well down to see the now-corrected version.

If you would like to get out to do some great photography and learn a ton, see the info below on the 2020 Bosque IPT and the 2021 San Diego IPT.

In Images #3 & #4, take a look at the EXIF data and leave a comment detailing the rookie mistake that he made.

Please Remember

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.

BIRDS AS ART

BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

SONY e-Guide Discount Program

Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.

Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save $50. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.

108 sold to rave reviews. The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris

The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)

Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.

Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.

Click here to learn more about the SONY e-Guide.

The BAA Used Gear Page

The BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Past Sales list at the bottom of the page.

Money Saving Reminder

If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase over $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.

This image was created by participant Muhammad Arif on the 2019 Bosque IPT. He used the tripod-mounted Canon 500mm f/4L IS II(the “old five”), the 1.4X III teleconverter, and the EOS R. ISO 400. 1/3200 sec. at f/6.3. Image courtesy of and copyright 2020: Muhammad Arif/Arif Photos Click on the image to enlarge and see those sharp eyes! Image #1: Sandhill Crane in flight, Bosque del Apache, NWR, NM

The Canon EOS R

I first had an inkling that Canon might be onto something AF-wise on the 2019 Return to Bosque IPT when I saw multiple IPT veteran Muhammad Arif’s fine flight images. At the time I did not realize that you needed the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R in order to us the EOS R on EF lenses. Or maybe I forgot … IAC, Muhammad raved about the speed and accuray of the AF system. And he made some very fine images.

Note: a second, more expensive Canon EF to EOS-R adapter is available, the Canon Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. At a glance, there do not seem to be any great advantages with the Control Ring Mount Adapter …

This image was created by participant Muhammad Arif on the 2019 Bosque IPT. He used the tripod-mounted Canon 500mm f/4L IS II(the “old five”), the 1.4X III teleconverter, and the EOS R. ISO 1600. 1/2000 sec. at f/6.3. Image courtesy of and copyright 2020: Muhammad Arif/Arif Photos Image #2: Snow Goose, blue morph in flight

Why Now?

I bring up the Canon EOS R Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only) now because Canon recently introduced both the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only) and the Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only). I will be sharing my thoughts (along with some R5 images) in a blog post here soon.

If you are hot to get an R5 or an R6, Bedford is likely your best bet by far because the B&H waiting list is very long and as is usual, production and shipping of the two bodies is currently delayed … IAC, your using either of the BAA links would be greatly appreciated.

Image #3: Brown Pelican, Pacific race resting

Luis Alberto Grunauer and the EOS R

Luis is a great friend and has been on many IPTs. He showed up in San Diego with an EOS R and used it quite a bit with his 800mm f/5.6L IS lens. As you can see here, I was impressed with the sharpness andd the rich color and quality of the proccesed images. Luis preferred his 1DX II over the R for flight photography because of the much faster frame rate. The R is advertised as 8 fps but Luis felt that in reality, the frame rate was about 4 or 5 fps …

Luis put the big lens rig on the ground to do some handheld shooting with his 100-400II and inadvertently left the lens pointed at the sun. Oops! (Been there, done that with a D850.) IAC the sensor was fried and Luis had the camera repaired. And then sold it. He is Number One on the list to receive his EOS R5 from Steve Elkins next Bedfor shipment.

This image was created by participant Luis Alberto Grunauer on the 2020 San Diego IPT. He used the tripod-mounted Canon 800mm f/45.6L IS lens and the EOS R. ISO 1000. 1/6400 sec. at f/6.3. Image #4: Brown Pelican, Pacific race preening

Don’t You Hate It?

Don’t you hate it when you teach someone exactly how to do something and they wind up doing it better than you? I teach the horizontal preening pose on every San Diego IPT; the key I say, is to get the bill perfectly parallel to the ground and perfectly square to the sensor. With this fine EOS R image, Luis did both better than I have ever done. Do I hate that? No, I am actually quite proud of my little brother Luis.

Bosque del Apache 2019 IPT Notice the incredible variety of images that you can learn to make by developing your skills and your creative vision on a BAA IPT.

Bosque del Apache NWR 2020 IPT

NOV 18 (afternoon session) thru the morning session on November 23, 2020. 5 DAYS. Four full and two half days. $1999.00. Deposit: $500.00. Limit: 8 photographers/Openings: 7.

Did I mention that there are lots of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter? Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.

San Diego 2021 Brown Pelican IPT

January 12 thru the morning session on January 16, 2021. Four full and one half day: $1999.00. Deposit: $500.00. Limit: 8 photographers/Openings: 7.

SONY Extension Tube Info Corrected

Thanks to Patrick Sparkman

Thanks to Patrick Sparkman for alerting us to the (off-brand) Neewer Metal AF Auto-Focus Macro Extension Tube Set 10mm & 16mm for Sony NEX E-Mount Camera NEX 3/3N/5/5N/5R/A6000/A6300 and Full Frame A7 A7S/A7SII A7R/A7RII A7II.

2 Piece Extension Tube Set for MK-S-AF3A, made of metal.
Compatible with Sony NEX, E-mount series Micro DSLR.
Support Exact TTL Exposure and Auto-focus;Built-in Electronic Pins and internal driver.
New adapter aperture hole design, perfectly support Sony full-frame camera A7/A7R/A7S/A7 II.
Including two tubes (10mm, 16mm), 3 different combinations.

Thanks Also to Byron Prinzmetal

Thanks also to Byron Prinzmetal for letting me know about the (off brand) Kenko DG Extension Tube Set for Full-Frame Sony E-Mount.

For Sony E-Mount Cameras & Lenses
Compatible with Full-Frame & APS-C
Reduces Minimum Focus Distance of Lens
Provides Macro Capability
Retains Autofocus/Auto Exposure
10 and 16mm Tubes
Can Be Used Individually or Combined
Internal Flocking Prevents Reflections
Metal Mount

Reduce the minimum focusing distance of your full-frame or APS-C Sony E-mount optics with this DG Extension Tube Set from Kenko. Featuring both 10 and 16mm tubes, users will be able to gain macro abilities with nearly every lens in their arsenal, while maintaining full autofocus and auto exposure. These tubes can be used individually or combined and they feature internal electrostatic flocking with synthetic fibers to prevent reflections that can be detrimental to image quality.

My Thoughts …

The Neewer Metal AF Auto-Focus Macro Extension Tube Set 10mm & 16mm sells for $39.99 on Amazon. The Kenko DG Extension Tube Set (10mm & 16mm) for Full-Frame Sony E-Mount sells for $129.90 att B&H. Superficially, the two items are quite similar. Patrick thinks that it is likely that they were made in the same factory … Judging from the photos, the build quality of the Kenko set looks far superior to the build quality of the Neewer set. With off-brand extension tubes fit is sometimes a problem. In general, I will almost always opt for the more expensive version of a given item. But with the huge price discrepancy here and given Amazon’z return policy, it might be a good idea to try the Neewer set and see if they are decent.

If In Doubt …

If you are in doubt about using the BAA B&H affiliate link correctly, you can always start your search by clicking here. Please note that the tracking is invisible. Web orders only. Please, however, remember to shoot me your receipt via e-mail.

Please Remember to use my Affiliate Links and to Visit the BAA Online Store 🙂

To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog or Bedfords, for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.

As always, we sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And please remember that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

I would, of course, appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links or Bedfords for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above, and for everything else in the new store, we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and those who regularly visit the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store as well.

Facebook

Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right.

Typos

In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).

What’s Up?

I headed down to the lake early on Tuesday morning in search of birds. My first perched young Great Egret had a filthy neck so after a few frames I headed south on the South Peninsula to scope out another perched Great Egret. Read on to see what happened.

The forecast for this morning — Wednesday 5 AUGUST — is for sunny and still. My plan is to do some flowers very early and then head down to the lake in search of birds …

Please Remember

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.

BIRDS AS ART

BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Via e-Mail from Multiple IPT veteran and good friend, Donna Bourdon

Donna is a long-time Canon shooter who is dipping her toes into the SONY waters. After purchasing her a9 ii and 200-600 from Steve Elkins at Bedfords, she enjoyed a healthy discount on the SONY guide. She sent me this last night:

I never could have set my new a9 ii without the video. It is amazing that you and Patrick were able to figure out this complex camera so quickly and then develop and shar the guide and the videos with us. Donna

SONY e-Guide Discount Program

Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.

Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save $50. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.

108 sold to rave reviews. The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris

The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)

Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.

Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.

Click here to learn more about the SONY e-Guide.

The BAA Used Gear Page

The BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Past Sales list at the bottom of the page.

Money Saving Reminder

If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase over $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.

This image was created from the driver’s seat of my new SUV with my i-Phone 11+ using two tips that I learned from the iPhone Photography e-Guide by Dr. Cliff Oliver. Image #1: Great Egret, juvenile perched atop large bush

The Situation A

I had been photographing this young egret at 1200mm from my new SUV. From the get-go, with that lovely cloud, I knew that there was a nice bird-scape there for the taking. But both my Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM and my Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 lens were out of reach in the back of the X5. So I grabbed my cell phone and went to work.

This image was created on 4 AUG 2020 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates. Working from my new SUV, I used the Induro GIT 204/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and the 61-MP Monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body. ISO: 400. Exposure determined by Zebras with exposure compensation on the rear wheel: 1/640 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. The exposure was confirmed as perfect in RawDigger. AWB at 7:41am on a mostly sunny morning. Tracking Flexible Spot (M) AF-C performed spectacularly well as it tracked the bird’s eye as it leaned forward to call (all while I was constantly re-framing). Image #2: Great Egret, juvenile calling

Lots of Boring Portraits …

Along with Sandhill Crane, Osprey, and an occasional group of Wild Turkey, Great Egret can often be counted upon as one of the few dependable subjects down by the lake at ILE in summer. I often find them preening atop The Perch or atop this or that bush or small tree. In those situations, I create a few portraits and then hope that bird executes one of those gorgeous stretched underwing preening pose. They rarely do.

Yesterday, since my cell phone was right on the passenger side front seat, I decided to try an old trick. While this trick does not always work, the results can be spectacular. See also Image #3 below where the same trick paid huge dividends.

To learn this cell phone trick, send a PayPal for $5.00 to BIRDSASART@verizon.net. You will receive a short e-mail outlining this easily-implemented technique, the one that only works sometimes … See another example below.

This image was created on the miracle morning of April 9, 2018 at the Riparian Preserve at the Gilbert Water Ranch in Phoenix, AZ. I used the Induro GIT 304L/Mongoose M3.6-mounted Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lens, the Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III, and the Nikon D850. ISO 400. Matrix metering about +2/3 stops as framed: 1/1250 sec. at f/7.1. AUTO1 WB at 7:18am on a sunny morning. Center Group (grp) AF point/Shutter button AF was active at the moment of exposure. The left hand AF point in the array was right on the bird’s face. If you do not click on the image to see the larger version you are missing something very special. Focus peaking AF Fine-tune: +4. Image #3: Cinnamon Teal drake flying right at us

The Situation B

This was adapted from the April 11, 2018 Miraculous Monday Morning at the Gilbert Water Ranch blog post here.

I was scoping out three gorgeous but distant drake Cinnamon Teal at the Gilbert Water Ranch. I had the Group AF array on the one in the middle. I had been photographing avocets hoping for flight so I was at 1/2000 sec. at f/7.1/ISO 400. Instinctively while watching the teal displaying — there was a female in the group — I went two clicks slower on the shutter speed to allow for the darker subject. Then, the drake in the middle jumped off the water and flew right at me looking something like an apparition. I followed and focused and created five quick images. I was thrilled to see that on my laptop every one of them was tack sharp on those amazing red eyes.

Incredibly, this series of images was made possible using the same cell phone trick mentioned above. To learn this technique, send a PayPal for $5.00 to BIRDSASART@verizon.net. You will receive a short e-mail outlining this easily-implemented technique. Please remember that this technique works only a small percentage of the time. But when it does, the resulting images can be very different and very special.

If In Doubt …

If you are in doubt about using the BAA B&H affiliate link correctly, you can always start your search by clicking here. Please note that the tracking is invisible. Web orders only. Please, however, remember to shoot me your receipt via e-mail.

Please Remember to use my Affiliate Links and to Visit the BAA Online Store 🙂

To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog or Bedfords, for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.

As always, we sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And please remember that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

I would, of course, appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links or Bedfords for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above, and for everything else in the new store, we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and those who regularly visit the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store as well.

Facebook

Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right.

Typos

In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).

What’s Up?

I went down to the lake on Sunday morning determined to find some birds to photograph. And I did. I swapped out the FlexShooter Mini for the Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro. It was the first time that I gave the Levered-Clamp head a good field test and I am happy to report that I fell in love with it; the levered-clamp is very easy to use as compared to a knob. In addition, I appreciated the stronger spring-loaded counter-balanced tension (as compared to the Mini). I will begin using the Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro whenever and whereever I use the 600 GM. I will stick with the FlexShooter Pro for my macro work as it is much easier to move the plate as a sort of focusing rail with the Pro, especially when you need to point the lens down at a steep angle.

We will be receiving our next shipment of Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro heads this afternoon; several folks took my advice and placed their credit card orders with Jim via phone: 1-863-692-0906. We will ship those heads today or tomorrow at which time we will run the credit cards.

While the hurricane did not get anywhere near us, the unsettled weather showed up mid-morning yesterday and continues today, Monday 3 AUG 2020. I will be heading down to the lake at about 7:30am.

I put in several hours of work on the RawDigger e-Guide yesterday and hope to get lots more done this week. Best of all, I came up with a fabulous revelation.

I recently upped my swims to 72 lengths (88 to a mile). Do not be too impressed as I swim very slowly …

Please Remember

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.

BIRDS AS ART

BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Via e-Mail from Multiple IPT veteran and good friend, Donna Bourdon

Donna is a long-time Canon shooter who is dipping her toes into the SONY waters. After purchasing her a9 ii and 200-600 from Steve Elkins at Bedfords, she enjoyed a healthy discount on the SONY guide. She sent me this last night:

I never could have set my new a9 ii without the video. It is amazing that you and Patrick were able to figure out this complex camera so quickly and then develop and shar the guide and the videos with us. Donna

SONY e-Guide Discount Program

Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.

Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save $50. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.

108 sold to rave reviews. The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris

The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)

Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.

Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.

Click here to learn more about the SONY e-Guide.

The BAA Used Gear Page

The BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Past Sales list at the bottom of the page.

Money Saving Reminder

If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase over $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.

This image was created on 2 AUG 2020 on the edge of the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates. Working from my SUV, I used the Induro GIT 204/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 1.4xteleconverter, and the 61-MP Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera Body. ISO 800. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear dial: 1/2000 sec. at f/6.3 in Manual mode was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger. AWB at 8:05am only cloudy morning. Tracking Flexible Spot (M) AF-C performed perfectly and produced a razor-sharp eye. Click the image to see a larger version. Image #1: Juvenile Great Egret hunting in marsh

My Critique and Comments

I love the diagonal of the head and neck, a result of the hunting pose. The image design is spot-on, the image is sharp, and the exposure is dead-solid perfect. I like the marsh background. I considered greening up the three light-toned areas in the lower-right corner of the frame but eventually passed on that idea. I also considered removing the single blade of grass from the bill but decided against that as well. The only negative for me is the small patch of dirty feathers front-middle of the long neck …

Shutter Speed Choice

I raised the ISO from 400 to 800 so that I could utilize a faster shutter speed, 1/2000 as compared to 1/1000. Why? The bird was hunting and I wanted to be sure to freeze the action if it struck.

RawDigger

With my flower photography I bracket the exposures (manually) like a maniac. We cannot, however, do that when photographing birds (unless you are in the process of learning RawDigger and find a bird that is simply not moving). IAC, once you master the concept of mega-exposing to the right (M-ETR) with RawDigger (RD), you will learn to mesh your current method of determining the best exposure with what you learn in RD. For me that involves correlating Zebras with what I have learned in RD. As with today’s featured image, I am finding that I am routinely and consistently able to create perfect exposures in a variety of situations.

7r iv

Note that unless I am in a pure flight or action situation, I find myself going more and more to the a7r iv. For pure flight and action, I will usually stick with the a9 ii …

If In Doubt …

If you are in doubt about using the BAA B&H affiliate link correctly, you can always start your search by clicking here. Please note that the tracking is invisible. Web orders only. Please, however, remember to shoot me your receipt via e-mail.

Please Remember to use my Affiliate Links and to Visit the BAA Online Store 🙂

To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog or Bedfords, for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.

As always, we sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And please remember that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

I would, of course, appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links or Bedfords for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above, and for everything else in the new store, we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and those who regularly visit the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store as well.

Facebook

Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right.

Typos

In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).

What’s Up?

On Wednesday morning, I spent almost three hours photographing what I think were Tropical Royalblue Waterlily flowers in a drainage ditch on Orange just past Alba. The longer I stayed with them, the more the blossoms opened up and the more beautiful they became. Finally I succumbed and waded into the ditch almost up to my waist with the 180 macro on the tripod!

This morning, Thursday 30 JULY 2020, was one of those whatever could go wrong did go wrong mornings. First, I returned to the Alba spot to photograph a new-to-me species of yellow wildflower. There had been about 30 beautiful blooms there on Wednesday. The roadside strip had been mowed … Next was a gorgeous, just-fledged baby Osprey that sat in a field for ten minutes as I set up the 600 GM in my new vehicle. Just as I positioned my SUV, got the right exposure, and framed the image mama flew over calling and the handsome young bird flew off. And so it went …

Feel free to leave a comment as to which of today’s featured flower images is your favorite. And do let us know why you made your choice.

Wanted to Buy, Again

If you are looking to sell a Canon 600mm f/4L IS II lens, please get in touch with me via e-mail. I have another potential buyer. The first notice like this resulted in a sale before the lens was even listed …

SONY a7r IV Sale: only one in stock

Bedford’s is offering $300 off on the SONY body that I use the most, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera. Was $3,498.00, now $3,198.00. Use the BIRDSASART code at checkout and save another $50.00. In all, you save $350.00). Most of my tight head portraits are created with the 600 GM, the 2X TC, and the a7r iv. In addition I use it for most of my bird photography and all of my macro photography. Click here to order, but hurry as there are only two in stock. And don’t forget to enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout to save an additional fifty bucks.

Please Remember

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.

BIRDS AS ART

BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The BAA Used Gear Page

The BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Past Sales list at the bottom of the page.

Via e-Mail from Multiple IPT veteran and good friend, Donna Bourdon

Donna is a long-time Canon shooter who is dipping her toes into the SONY waters. After purchasing her a9 ii and 200-600 from Steve Elkins at Bedfords, she enjoyed a healthy discount on the SONY guide. She sent me this last night:

I never could have set my new a9 ii without the video. It is amazing that you and Patrick were able to figure out this complex camera so quickly and then develop and shar the guide and the videos with us. Donna

SONY e-Guide Discount Program

Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.

Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save $50. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.

107 sold to rave reviews. The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris

The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)

Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.

Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.

Click here to learn more about the SONY e-Guide.

The BAA Used Gear Page

The BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Past Sales list at the bottom of the page.

Money Saving Reminder

If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase over $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.

This image was created on the morning of 22 JULY 2020 in our butterfly garden at Indian Lake Estates. I used the Induro GIT 404L/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens with the Metabones Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Sony E Mount T Smart Adapter (Fifth Generation) and the 61MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body ISO 1600: 1/5 sec. at f/32 in Manual mode. The exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger from a series of bracketed images. AWB at 7:52am on a still, partly cloudy morning. Manual focus using the combination of Manual Focus Toggle and Focus Magnifier tips from the SONY e-guide along with the 2-second timer. The flower, resting on a wooden fence, was perfectly still. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #1: Passion Flower, Maypop, or Apricot Vine (Passiflora incarnata) detail.

Macro Photography Plan B: Part II!

I’ve always liked the narrow field of view of longer macro lenses like the Canon EF 180mm f/3.5. When I gave up on the Sigma 150mm macro (for Nikon) with the Vello adapter for SONY, Patrick Sparkman suggested that the Canon 180 macro with the Metabones adapter would be a great combination. He was right. Having sold my Canon 180 macro (along with my Canon 100mm f/2.8 IS macro) years ago, I purchased a used Canon 180 macro from NYC friends Alan and Sara Levine and the Metabones Adapter from B&H.

I am still working on occasion with the Laowa 100mm 2X lens when working with tiny subjects. That despite the fact that the tripod collar designed specifically for that lens is very close to being non-functional. That said, working with the solid, sturdy, beautifully-designed tripod collar on the Canon 180 macro is an absolute pleasure. With the rock-solid Induro GIT 404L and the Induro GIT 404L/FlexShooter Pro, my macro efforts are now an absolute pleasure. When I need to work with tiny subjects, I can always go to the trunk of my new SUV for the Laowa …

The combination of the Canon 180mm (1X) macro lens and the Laowa 100mm (2X) Ultra Macro is working perfectly for me. The former is my workhorse macro lens while I go to the latter for tiny subjects and super-close-ups.

Depth-of-Field with Macro

Notice that when working close to 1X magnification near the minimum focusing distance of a macro lens that even f/32 does not get everything sharp …

This image was created on the morning of 24 JULY 2020 on Orange Avenue about a half mile from my home at Indian Lake Estates. I used the Induro GIT 404L/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens with the Metabones Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Sony E Mount T Smart Adapter (Fifth Generation) and the 61MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body ISO 800: 1/60 sec. at f/8 in Aperture priority +2.7 stops. Yes, Aperture priority. This exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger from a series of bracketed images. AWB at 8:20am on a sunny morning with the flower shaded by my torso. The blossom was picked and Plamped. Note that this roadside patch is mowed regularly. Manual focus using the combination of Manual Focus Toggle and Focus Magnifier tips from the SONY e-guide along with the 2-second timer. Image #2: Yellow Milkwort (Polygala rugelii) blossom.

Learning Exposure from RawDigger

RawDigger has been a Godsend as far as learning to expose to the right to the max. In an effort to improve and learn more about meshing Zebras with the Canon 180 macro and the 7r iv, I began working in Av (Aperture) priority; I can note the exposure compensation (EC) after the fact. With the subject in Image #2 shaded by my upper body and the background in the sun, RawDigger showed that I needed to add 2.7 stops to the metered exposure to come up with a dead-solid perfect exposure.

Neighbor/friend Ralph alerted me to this stand of flowers when we stopped to chat for the first time five weeks ago.

Image #2A: Photo Mechanic Screen Capture for Yellow Milkwort (Polygala rugelii) blossom.

Photo Mechanic Screen Capture for Yellow Milkwort

Most folks would be shocked to learn that a RAW file that looked over-exposed, too bright, flat, and washed out, was actually the perfect exposure and that it would produce a lovely optimized image after the RAW conversion in Capture One … That’s how learning about Exposure with RawDigger goes! I am hoping to have the RawDigger guide finished by the end of August.

This image was created on the morning of 25 JULY 2020 on Orange Avenue in neighbor/friend Ralph’s backyard. I used the Induro GIT 404L/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens with the Metabones Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Sony E Mount T Smart Adapter (Fifth Generation) and the 61MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body ISO 800: 1/30 sec. at f/11 in Aperture priority +1.7 stops. Yes, Aperture priority. This exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger from a series of bracketed images. AWB at 8:31am on a partly sunny morning with the flower shaded by my torso. The blossom was picked (with permission) and Plamped in place on a spare tripod. Manual focus using the combination of Manual Focus Toggle and Focus Magnifier tips from the SONY e-guide along with the 2-second timer. Image #3: Spanish Needles (Bidens alba) blossom.

Spanish Needles

This native wildflower species is common and widespread. They introduced themselves to our backyard. But nearly all of the flowers that I have examined have been torn and ratted. I was happy to find this pretty-much-perfect blossom in Ralph’s backyard.

This image of the same flower was of course created on the morning of 25 JULY 2020. For this one I used the Induro GIT 404L/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Sony E and the 61MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body ISO 800: 1/30 sec. probably at f/8 in Manual mode. The exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger from a series of bracketed images. AWB at 8:45am on a partly sunny morning with the flower shaded by my torso. Manual focus using the combination of Manual Focus Toggle and Focus Magnifier tips from the SONY e-guide along with the 2-second timer. The blossom was picked (with permission) and Plamped in place on a spare tripod. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #4: Spanish Needles (Bidens alba) — close-up of flower center.

Going to the 2X Laowa

With a lovely flower and little wind, I walked back to my new SUV and switched the 180mm (1X) macro for the 100mm (2X) Laowa so that I could photograph the flower center at about 1.5X magnification. I could not have achieved this subject size with the Canon 180mm (1X) macro. Yes, the tripod collar is an absolute pain to use but the results are well worth it.

Image #4A: an unsharpened 300% crop!

A 300% Crop!

The astounding detail in this unsharpened 300% crop shows exactly why I go to the SONY a7r iv for all of my macro photography and much of my bird photography …

If In Doubt …

If you are in doubt about using the BAA B&H affiliate link correctly, you can always start your search by clicking here. Please note that the tracking is invisible. Web orders only. Please, however, remember to shoot me your receipt via e-mail.

Please Remember to use my Affiliate Links and to Visit the BAA Online Store 🙂

To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog or Bedfords, for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.

As always, we sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And please remember that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

I would, of course, appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links or Bedfords for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above, and for everything else in the new store, we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and those who regularly visit the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store as well.

Facebook

Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right.

Typos

In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).

What’s Up?

Monday morning proved to be perfect for flower photography. The breeze that came up as the sun peaked through early disappeared as early clouds took hold. Macro Plane B Part II is working to perfection. Lots on that here soon. I did some rough-roading with my new SUV and was a bit nervous going through some really deep puddles that left a bow wave rushing over the hood! The all-wheel drive worked to perfection and I was able to breathe easy when I made it back to pavement.

Amazingly, Canon used gear prices are rebounding a bit and there have been many recent sales. I spent a good part of Sunday brokering a deal for Dane Johnson’s practically new Canon 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens. A deal is pending priced at $5,900.00.

There are lots of dark clouds to the east at 6:23am on Tuesday 28 JULY 2020 and I will be heading out for more flowers soon. With the daily afternoon and evening monsoons I do not dare head down to the lake …

Feel free to leave a comment as to which of today’s three featured images is the strongest. And do let us know why you made your choice.

Please Remember

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.

BIRDS AS ART

BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Via e-Mail from Multiple IPT veteran and good friend, Donna Bourdon

Donna is a long-time Canon shooter who is dipping her toes into the SONY waters. After purchasing her a9 ii and 200-600 from Steve Elkins at Bedfords, she enjoyed a healthy discount on the SONY guide. She sent me this last night:

I never could have set my new a9 ii without the video. It is amazing that you and Patrick were able to figure out this complex camera so quickly and then develop and shar the guide and the videos with us. Donna

SONY e-Guide Discount Program

Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.

Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save $50. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.

105 sold to rave reviews. The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris

The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)

Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.

Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.

Click here to learn more about the SONY e-Guide.

Are eBay Used Photo Gear Listings Bogus?

You tell me …

In the comments at the “BAA V-log: How to Carry a Long Lens On a Tripod. Or Not? Tons of Used Canon Gear at Great Low Prices!” blog post here, Steve asked:

Artie, could you explain why you think eBay prices are “bogus”?

Here is my expanded reply:

Here is one example: I just did a search on eBay for a Canon EOS-1DX Mark II. There were many. The last two sold on the BAA Used Gear page for $2798.00 and $2698.00. On eBay, there has been one listed for several days with less than 1700 actuations priced at $1700.00. With zero bids. There are about 50 listed for somewhere between $3,000 and $4,499.00. About 15 of those are listed for more than $4,000.00.

Now refine your search by checking the box for Completed Items. “eBay Completed Listings are listings that have run their course and ended either with a sale or as unsold. Before listing items on eBay, and to get the most money for an item you are selling, it is a good practice to research completed listings and price accordingly.”

There are at least 60 bodies — I gave up counting — listed as Completed Items. The prices range from $1900.00 to a high of $4299.00. Oh, and there is one listed for 99 cents. Of interest is one listed for $3250.00 with 15 bids as high as $2375.00. The listing was removed. About half of the completed listings showed zero bids.

Now refine your search to Sold. The first listing is one that supposedly sold for $3,312.00 on July 24, 2020. I say supposedly because the same camera had been listed for several days for $1700 (with zero bids). Another was listed as sold on May 20 for US $4,050.00 while just below that one was listed as sold for $1700.00 just two days before …

Does anything seem fishy to you? IAC, keep reading.

The B&H Preliminary Offer for a 9+ Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

Lastly, do you remember that I sold two 1DX II bodies hear recently for $2798.00 and $2698.00? I contacted the Used Department at B&H to see what they would offer for a 1DX Mark II. There offer — as above was an abysmally low $1550.00. Notice that it is a preliminary offer. They pay the shipping but once they have your gear, they are free to lower their offer … You might say that their offer is somewhat of an indication of what your gear might actually be worth. On average, each of the last two 1DX Mark II bodies sold on the BAA Used Gear page for $1198.00 more than the B&H low-ball offer. That works out to 77% more (less the cost of insured ground shipping). It looks as if e-Bay is not the only bogus operation around …

Do know that on very rare occasion, I might — depending on demand for various items — recommend that folks look into accepting a low-ball offer from B&H or another of the big guys …

artie

The BAA Used Gear Page

The BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Past Sales list at the bottom of the page.

Money Saving Reminder

If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase over $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.

This image was created on 24 OCTOBER 2018 at Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. I used the handheld Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens (at 370mm) with my back-up Nikon D850. ISO 400. Matrix metering plus about 1 2/3 stops; 1/2000 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. Auto1 WB at 2:14pm on a cloudy-bright day. Image #1: Emperor Penguin adult

Bucket-list City: Re-visiting the Emperors …

Was It Worth It?

I spent many tens of thousands of dollars to fulfill a decades-long dream of getting down to photograph an Emperor Penguin colony, especially the incredibly cute teddy-bear-like chicks. I do not think that I have sold a single image from that trip … Truth be told, I have not even tried.

I am often asked, Was it worth it? I do not hesitate to answer, Yes. I got to do something wonderful for three whole days. I got to check an item off my bucket list. After the morning of Day 3, I was exhausted (it was a 4+ mile round trip to the colony). I was suffering from snow blindness — thank the lord that new friend Sue Flood loaned me a pair of sun-goggles! And I was so sated by the experience that I headed back to the ship way-early.

This image was also created on 25 OCTOBER 2018 at Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. Again I used the handheld Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens (at 400mm) with my back-up Nikon D850. ISO 400. Matrix metering plus about 1 2/3 stops; 1/1600 sec. at f/11 in Manual mode. Auto1 WB at 12:45pm on a cloudy-bright day. Image #2: Close-up of neck of Emperor Penguin

Clean, Tight, and Graphic

If any three words in the English language can be used to describe my style of bird photography, they would be clean, tight, and graphic. At times I get where I want to be at 1200mm. At times I get low and approach slowly. At Snow Hill, visitors are not permitted to approach the penguins. The Emperors are, however, allowed to approach the visitors. My strategy was to find a few birds in an area of clean snow — things can get pretty messy around penguin colonies, sit down on the ice, and wait. As the penguins are very curious, I usually did not have to wait long.

I never even dreamed of being able to create a neck-pattern abstract with “only” the 80-400 VR.

This image was created on 25 OCTOBER 2018 at Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. I used the handheld Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens (at 95mm) with my back-up Nikon D850. ISO 400. Matrix metering plus about 1 2/3 stops; 1/1250 sec. at f/11 in Manual mode. Auto1 WB at 1:01pm on a cloudy-bright day. Image #3: Creche of Emperor Penguin chicks

Too Cute!

King Penguin chicks are round and fat and brown and ugly. They are named Oakum Boys after the tar used to seal the planks on old-time sailing ships. Emperor Penguin chicks on the other hand, resemble cute little gray and white stuffed toys. Are they the cutest bird chicks on the planet or is it that they are so difficult to see? Perhaps both. In any case, they were the stars of the show.

Creche is from the French for “nursery.” For image #3, one or two adults tending this group of almost fifty young Emperors led them up on a small hill before leading them away in a long line to an unknown location.

The Nikon 80-400 VR

Two Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lenses sold recently on the used gear page. The first generation of this lens was a dog, but the newest (and still current) version was a gem. I micro-adjusted mine with my back-up D-850 and the results were consistently razor/laser sharp. As with all of the intermediate telephoto zoom lenses, the 80-400 VR is amazingly versatile. The only negative of the Nikon version is the 7 foot minimum focusing distance that pales in comparison to the .98 meter close focus of both the SONY and the Canon 100-400mm zooms.

If In Doubt …

If you are in doubt about using the BAA B&H affiliate link correctly, you can always start your search by clicking here. Please note that the tracking is invisible. Web orders only. Please, however, remember to shoot me your receipt via e-mail.

Please Remember to use my Affiliate Links and to Visit the BAA Online Store 🙂

To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog or Bedfords, for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.

As always, we sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And please remember that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

I would, of course, appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links or Bedfords for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above, and for everything else in the new store, we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and those who regularly visit the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store as well.

Facebook

Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right.

Typos

In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).

What’s Up?

I now have everything I need for Macro Plan B Part II. I used the new rig to photograph wildflowers on the past two mornings but a good breeze made things challenging. Details soon. I will be headed out early today, Friday 24 JULY 2020. Thursday morning was my first photo-ride with the new SUV!

Please Remember

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.

Wanted to Buy

If you are looking to sell a Canon 600mm f/4L IS II lens, please get in touch with me via e-mail. I have a potential buyer.

BIRDS AS ART

BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The BAA Used Gear Page

The BAA Used Gear Page is the place to sell your used photographic equipment. We will help you to get your gear sold quickly for 20 to 60% more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Past Sales list at the bottom of the page.

Money Saving Reminder

If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase over $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.

How to Carry a Long Lens On a Tripod. Or Not?

When walking long distances, I suggest that carrying your super-telephoto lens in one hand and your tripod in the other is best for long-term shoulder health. In this 15-minute video, I show you the best way to carry your tripod-mounted big lens on your shoulder while minimizing the damage to your shoulders.

We demonstrate the technique using the best tripod heads known to mankind.

You will also learn why I have been using and loving my super-sturdy, very tall Gitzo 404L more and more when I am working close to my vehicle …

As promised in the video, here are the weights of each of those heads:

FlexShooter Mini: 1 lb., 1.5 ozs. Ideal for the intermediate telephoto lenses that we all love.

FlexShooter Pro: 1 lb, 8.9 ozs. The new standard. A versatile ballhead that acts like a gimbal head.

Levered Clamp FlexShooter Pro: 1 lb., 9.9 ozs. As above, but perfect for folks with weak hands and fingers.

FlexShooter Extreme: 2 lbs., 9 ozs. The perfect FlexShooter head for those needing maximum rigidity.

Wimberley V-2 Head: 3 lbs., 3.4 ozs. Preferred by old school folks who want the ability to almost completely lock down their head. I say “almost completely” because their is always some play in every long lens rig no matter the head.

Original Wimberley Head: 4 lbs., 2.6 oz. As above but taller. Ideal in situations where you need your lens as high as possible. Two used available. Cheap. Please inquire.

The Mongoose 3.6.1 Action Head: 1 lb., 6.1 ozs. I used and depended on this head for more than a decade with great success. It is not as versatile as a FlexShooter heads. It cannot be used to mount a camera body with a short lens and cannot be used from a vehicle. IAC, I can’t believe that I left the Mongoose out of the video. You would carry it as detailed in the video.

Questions?

If you have a question on tripods, tripod heads, or carrying a big tripod-mounted lens in the field, please leave a comment below.

Induro Tripods

Please understand that Gitzo went down the drain about five years ago. If you need advice as to the best tripod for you, please shoot me an e-mail and include your height and info on your longest lens. And please, please, pretty please purchase your Induro tripod here and only here. Many tanks!

The Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro

The Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro is now sold out. We will be getting our second shipment next week. If your fingers are not as strong as they used to be, it is recommended that you place a phone order (863-692-0906) now to ensure getting one from our that shipment; your card will not be charged until your head is shipped.

Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART

Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charged a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. They went out of business. And e-Bay fees are now up to 13%. Please understand that e-Bay prices are bogus. And the same is true of the prices of used gear including my dear friends at B&H and the other mega-outfits. They offer you pennies and then try to sell the stuff to ignorant folks for ridiculously high prices. With their huge international exposure, they occasionally find someone …

The minimum item price here is $500 (or less for a $25 fee). If you are interested please shoot us an e-mail with the words Items for Sale Info Request cut and pasted into the Subject line :). Stuff that is priced fairly — I offer pricing advice to those who agree to the terms — usually sells. With the pandemic and the down economy, the market had been somewhat depressed, but sales have been brisk for the past few weeks. And over the past year, we have sold many many hundreds of items. Do know that prices the used prices of many items have been dropping steadily. The prices garnered for used Canon gear has tanked completely as demand has dropped tremendously. It is ironic that for decades Canon gear had very strong resale value … Recently, however, the Canon used gear market has shown some signs of life. Prices on used Nikon gear have also dropped as well. You can see all the current bargains here on the Used Gear Page.

Note: all BAA Used Gear sales include insured ground shipping via UPS to lower 48 US addresses only. Others who live elsewhere are invited to e-mail the seller for shipping surcharge info. Sellers should charge you only the difference between shipping to the farthest US location from their home and the charge to a non-lower-48 address.

Recent Sales

Long-ago IPT veteran Art Leyenberger sold his Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto lens in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $2349.00and a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM zoom lens in near-mint condition for a BIRDS AS ART record low $449.00 both soon after listing them in mid-July.
Jamie Baker was offering a Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4D ED-IF lens in excellent condition for $2500.00 (was $2750.00) but decided to withdraw the listing and kindly offered to send me a check for 4% of the original asking price as detailed in the Items for Sale Info e-mail. Multiple IPT veteran Patricia Fishburne sold a Canon EF Extender 2X II (teleconverter) in near-mint condition for a very low $129.00 and another Canon EF Extender 2X II (teleconverter), this one in excellent condition, for a BAA record-low $99.00, both on the first day of listing in early JULY 2020.
Long-time friend Alan Levine — Alan and Sara knew Elaine! — sold their Canon Macro EF 180mm f/3.5L USM Macro Lens in like-new condition for the BAA record-low price of $799.00 in early July 2020.
Patrick Hogue sold his Nikon D500 DSLR Kit in excellent condition and a 16mm-80mm F2.8-4.0 VR Nikkor zoom lens in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $985.00 and a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens in near-mint condition for a very low $3195.00 (was $3450.00), both in mid-JUNE 2020.
Anita North sold her Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens in excellent plus condition for a BAA record-low $3045.95 (was $3095.95) in early JUNE 2020.
Arthur Morris sold his Nikon D850 DSLR Camera (Body Only) in excellent plus to like-new condition for a BAA record-low $1,795.95 (was $1995.95) in early JUNE 2020.
Patrick Hogue sold his Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens in excellent plus condition for $850.00 (was $896.95) and a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV Digital Camera in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $998.00, both soon after being listed in late-MAY 2020.
Carol Anderson, wife of the late Walt Anderson — inventor of the Better Beamer, sold a Canon 200-400 f/4L IS USM lens with internal 1.4X Extender in excellent plus condition for $4998.00 and a Canon EOS-1DX Mark II camera body in like-new condition for $2798.00, both soon after they were listed in early June 2020.
Anita North sold her Nikon D500 DSLR in excellent plus to near-mint condition for a BAA record-low price of $895.95 in mid-June 2020.

New Listings

Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens

BIRDS AS ART Record-low Price!

Charlie Curry is offering a Canon 11-24mm f/4 L lens in like-new condition for a BAA record low $1499.00. The glass is immaculate and there are no signs that the lens was ever used. The sale includes the product box, the soft case, the front and rear lens caps, the lens hood, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Charlie via e-mail or by phone at 1-407-448-7797 (Eastern time zone).

The 11-24 is a truly versatile ultra wide-angle zoom lens that features an advanced optical design and constant f/4 maximum aperture. It is a member of the esteemed L-series of lenses designed for full-frame EOS DSLRs. One Super UD element and one UD element offer a significant reduction in chromatic aberration while four aspherical elements help to minimize distortion throughout the zoom range and provide consistent edge-to-edge sharpness. Both SWC and ASC coatings have been applied to the elements in order to reduce lens flare and ghosting for increased contrast and color accuracy. Ideally suited for landscape and architectural photography, this lens covers ultra-wide to wide-angle perspectives and backs up its versatile zoom range with sophisticated optical components and intuitive handling. The lens is both water and dust-resistant, and fluorine coatings have also been applied to the front and rear elements to protect against fingerprints and smudges from affecting image quality. I loved my Canon 11-24 especially for huge stormy skies. artie & B&H

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto Lens (with lots of extras!)

BIRDS AS ART Record-low Price!

BAA friend, California botany expert Bob “BugBob” Allen, is offering a Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto lens in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $2348.00. There are no dings, dents, cracks, scratches, blemishes, or signs of wear. The sale includes the front lens cover, the rear lens cap, the lens trunk, the Canon PL-C 52 Drop-in Circular Polarizing filter, a RRS Lens Plate 63A, a LensCoat neoprene lens cover, and insured ground shipping via Fed-Ex Ground to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bob via e-mail and please include the item name or names in the subject line and be sure to include your full name.

The 500mm f/4 lenses have been the world’s most popular telephoto lenses for birds, nature, wildlife, and sports for many decades. I owned and used and loved my “old five” for many years. If you use Canon and don’t have the cash for a 500 II and can handle the additional 1 1/2 pounds, then this is your best super-telephoto option. Most everyone can produce sharp images with this lens and a 1.4X TC. Folks with good to excellent sharpness techniques can do the same with a 2X TC. A new 500 II sells right now for $8,999.00 so you can save an amazing $6,651.00 by grabbing Bob’s original version 500mm f/4 IS lens (the “old five”) right now. artie

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM Zoom Lens

Sale Pending first day of listing!!

BAA friend, California botany expert Bob “BugBob” Allen, is offering a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM in near-mint condition for $1399.00. The lens is in perfect working order with no dings, dents, cracks, scratches, blemishes, or signs of wear. The sale includes the original box, the LZ1324 zippered Lens Case, the front lens cover, the rear lens cap, the lens hood, and insured ground shipping via Fed-Ex Ground to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bob via e-mail and please include the item name or names in the subject line and be sure to include your full name.

This incredibly versatile zoom lens — with its .98 meter close focus — was my favorite Canon telephoto lens. By far. It sells new for $2,199.00 so you can save a very nice $800.00 by grabbing Bob’s lens. artie

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L Zoom Lens USM (I)

BIRDS AS ART Record-low Price!

BAA friend, California botany expert Bob “BugBob” Allen, is offering a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L lens USM (the original version) in excellent condition for a BAA record-low $398.00. The sale includes the front lens cover, the rear lens cap, the hood, the lens bag, and insured ground shipping via Fed-Ex Ground to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bob via e-mail and please include the item name or names in the subject line and be sure to include your full name.

The 24-105 was my never-leave-home-without-it all-purpose mid-range zoom lens. I made a zillion sale-able images with mine. artie

Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens

BIRDS AS ART Record-low Price!

BAA friend, California botany expert Bob “BugBob” Allen, is offering a Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $299.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, the lens hood, the lens pouch, and insured ground shipping via Fed-Ex Ground to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bob via e-mail and please include the item name or names in the subject line and be sure to include your full name.

I owned and used this fun lens for many year when I shot Canon. Best advice: use it on cloudy days or in very soft light. artie

Canon EF Extender 1.4X III (teleconverter)

BAA friend, California botany expert Bob “BugBob” Allen, is offering a Canon EF Extender 1.4X III in near-mint condition for a very low $229.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps and insured Fed-Ex Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bob via e-mail and please include the item name or names in the subject line and be sure to include your full name.

Regular readers know that I have long depended on both teleconverters for much of my bird photography. The series III TCs are designed to improve AF with the series II & III super-telephoto lenses. artie

Canon EF Extender 1.4X III (teleconverter)

BAA friend, California botany expert Bob “BugBob” Allen, is offering a second Canon EF Extender 1.4X III, this one in excellent condition for a very low $199.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, and insured Fed-Ex Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bob via e-mail and please include the item name or names in the subject line and be sure to include your full name.

Regular readers know that I have long depended on both teleconverters for much of my bird photography. The series III TCs are designed to improve AF with the series II & III super-telephoto lenses. artie

Canon EF Extender 1.4X teleconverter (version I)

BAA friend, California botany expert Bob “BugBob” Allen, is offering a Canon EF Extender 1.4X (version I — designed for the older IS lenses –such as the 500mmm listed above) in very good condition for a very low $119.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, and insured Fed-Ex Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bob via e-mail and please include the item name or names in the subject line and be sure to include your full name.

Regular readers know that I have long depended on both teleconverters for much of my bird photography. The series III TCs were designed for the series II super-telephoto lenses but if you have an older lens (like Bob’s lens above), the series I TCs will perform well for you. artie

Canon EF Extender 2X teleconverter (version I)

BAA friend, California botany expert Bob “BugBob” Allen, is offering a Canon EF Extender 2x I (version I, designed for the older IS lenses) in very good condition for a very low $89.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, and insured Fed-Ex Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bob via e-mail and please include the item name or names in the subject line and be sure to include your full name.

Regular readers know that I have long depended on both teleconverters for much of my bird photography. The series III TCs were designed for the series II super-telephoto lenses but if you have an older lens (like Bob’s lens above), the series I TCs will perform well for you. artie

Kenko C-AF 1.4X Teleplus Pro 300 Extender (white body teleconverter) for Canon EOS EF-S and EF lenses

BAA friend, California botany expert Bob “BugBob” Allen, is offering a Kenko C-AF 1.4X Teleplus Pro 300 (white body) Extender for Canon EOS EF-S and EF lenses in very good condition for a very low $59.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, and insured Fed-Ex Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bob via e-mail and please include the item name or names in the subject line and be sure to include your full name.

An older model, this one works best with pre–2015 EF lenses. I owned and used one of these at one point and was amazed by the sharpness and the way it functioned perfectly with my Canon super-telephoto lenses. artie

Kenko C-AF 1.4X Teleplus Pro 300 Extender (black body teleconverter) for Canon EOS EF-S and EF lenses

BAA friend, California botany expert Bob “BugBob” Allen, is offering a Kenko C-AF 1.4X Teleplus Pro 300 (black body) Extender for Canon EOS EF-S and EF lenses in very good condition for a very low $59.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, and insured Fed-Ex Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bob via e-mail and please include the item name or names in the subject line and be sure to include your full name.

An older model, this one works best with pre–2015 EF lenses. I owned and used one of these at one point and was amazed by the sharpness and the way it functioned perfectly with my Canon super-telephoto lenses. artie

Canon EF Extension Tube Set

Sale Pending/first day of listing!

BAA friend, California botany expert Bob “BugBob” Allen, is offering the Extension Tube Set, the EF 12 II and EF 25 II, in excellent plus condition for $124.90. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps and insured Fed-Ex Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bob via e-mail and please include the item name or names in the subject line and be sure to include your full name.

As regular readers know, I used extension tubes often to reduce the minimum focusing distances of my two Canon macro lenses and my super-telephotos. I used them behind a TC to focus closer with AF and at times, in front of a TC to get even closer while having to use manual focus). The pair sells for $224.90 so you can save an even $100.00 by grabbing the pair. artie

Lowepro Large Nature Trekker AW Photo Backpack in Black & Green

BAA friend, California botany expert Bob “BugBob” Allen, is offering a Lowepro AW Large Photo Backpack in excellent condition for $99.00. Bob used this pack to carry his 500mm f/4 L IS lens into the field. The bag is 24” tall x 16” wide x 12“ deep. The sale includes the adjustable hip belt, an ergonomic harness, thee sternum strap, the load adjustment straps, the quick release bungees, the tripod pocket, & rain cover, and insured Fed-Ex Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bob via e-mail and please include the item name or names in the subject line and be sure to include your full name.

If In Doubt …

If you are in doubt about using the BAA B&H affiliate link correctly, you can always start your search by clicking here. Please note that the tracking is invisible. Web orders only. Please, however, remember to shoot me your receipt via e-mail.

Please Remember to use my Affiliate Links and to Visit the BAA Online Store 🙂

To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog or Bedfords, for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.

As always, we sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And please remember that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

I would, of course, appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links or Bedfords for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above, and for everything else in the new store, we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and those who regularly visit the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store as well.

Facebook

Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right.

Typos

In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).

What’s Up?

I left home at 6:15am Sunday morning and drove to Tiger Creek Preserve in search of some new wildflowers to photograph. I hiked a total of two miles with my macro gear. It was hot and still and started off with some fog and clouds but the sun came out at about 8am … There were lots of flowers close to the parking lot but I wanted to do some exploring and since the flowers I was seeing were the same as I have been working with at Indian Lake Estates, I continued on in search of “better subjects.” Not. I did find and photograph one tiny, white, low-growing flower that was new-to-me. I walked through a variety of beautiful habitats, saw a zillion dragonflies and many amazing spider webs, but did not make any images.

Near the end of my long hot walk, I stopped to photograph some orange-colored milkweed flowers. On the way to Publix I stopped at the Ridge Audubon Center near Crooked Lake to do some scouting. I need to return there soon on an early morning before the sun gets too high and the breeze picks up to photograph the blooming Florida Greeneyes, a beautiful species that I have been on the lookout for.

I have struggled getting my swims in between the thunderstorms.

Please Remember

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.

BIRDS AS ART

BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

SONY e-Guide Discount Program

Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.

Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save $50. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.

103 sold to rave reviews. The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris

The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)

Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.

Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.

Click here to learn more about the SONY e-Guide.

Money Saving Reminder

If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase over $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.

Click on the screen capture to enlarge. Image #1: 161 images of the same blossom …

161 Images of a Single Blossom: Why?

Looking at the Photo Mechanic screen capture above, you would probably think that I was nuts. Is it really necessary to create so many images of the same flower? The answer to that question is an absolute yes! After enlarging the screen cap, you can see that I began with one image design and then moved the tripod a bit to come up with a better one: 35 of the first version, and 126 of the second version.

It is obvious that I varied my exposures usually shooting as many as nine different exposures in a single sequence. I do that for two reasons:

1- to be guaranteed winding up with a perfect exposure as determined by RawDigger.

2- to learn more about RawDigger.

In addition, though I am able to focus incredibly accurately, I am not always sure as to exactly where to focus. So if there are two possible choices, I will shoot an exposure sequence of each. Then comes the main subject of this blog post- depth-of-field. I am pretty sure that I created sequences of this single blossom at f/2.8, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, and f/22. And possibly at f/4 and f/16 as well.

This image was created on the morning of 17 JULY 2020 in our butterfly garden at Indian Lake Estates. I used the Induro GIT 404L/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Sony E and the 61MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body ISO 400: 1/15 sec. at f/? (probably f/2.8) in Manual mode. The exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger from a series of bracketed images. AWB at 7:20am early on a still, partly cloudy morning. Manual focus using the combination of Manual Focus Toggle and Focus Magnifier tips from the SONY e-guide along with the 2-second timer. Plamped in place to combat the breeze. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #2: Bloodberry aka Rouge Plant, Pigeon Berry, Turkey Berry, Baby Peppers (Rivina humilis) blossom Shallow depth-of-field

On Depth-of-Field at Very High Magnification (2X) …

The minimum focusing distance of the Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Sony E is 9.7 inches. Here are the total depth-of-field numbers at 10 inches, just about twice life-size:

At f/2.8: 0.02 inches. In other words, next to nothing.

At f/8 that jumps to 0.05 inches, still pretty close to next to nothing.

At f/22 we get up to 0.13 inches, a bit more than 1/8 inch.

This image was created on the morning of 17 JULY 2020 in our butterfly garden at Indian Lake Estates. I used the Induro GIT 404L/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Sony E and the 61MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body ISO 800: 1/8 sec. at f/? (probably f/8) in Manual mode. The exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger from a series of bracketed images. AWB at 7:20am early on a still, partly cloudy morning. Manual focus using the combination of Manual Focus Toggle and Focus Magnifier tips from the SONY e-guide along with the 2-second timer. Plamped in place to combat the breeze. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #3: Bloodberry aka Rouge Plant, Pigeon Berry, Turkey Berry, Baby Peppers (Rivina humilis) blossom — Medium depth-of-field

On Depth-of-Field at High Magnification (1X) …

Working at about 14 inches, the magnification is 1X. Note what happens to the total depth-of-field:

At f/2.8: 0.04 inches. In other words, still pretty close to next to nothing.

At f/8 that jumps to 0.11 inches, just a bit less than 1/8 inch.

At f/22 we get up to 0.31 inches, just short of a relatively whopping 1/3 inch.

Thus, if you can keep the flower perfectly still and there is no wind, it seems like a non-brainer to shoot everything at f/22. Or not?

In short, the greater the magnification, the shallower the depth-of-field. And that principle holds true when working with telephoto lenses as well. When photographing flowers, it is difficult to note the effectiveness of your depth-of-field choices on the back of the camera so it is pretty much always best to vary the aperture significantly to give yourself lots of choices once you are viewing the images on your computer.

This image was created on the morning of 17 JULY 2020 in our butterfly garden at Indian Lake Estates. I used the Induro GIT 404L/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Sony E and the 61MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body ISO 400: 1.3 sec. at f/? (probably f/22) in Manual mode. The exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger from a series of bracketed images. AWB at 7:20am early on a still, partly cloudy morning. Manual focus using the combination of Manual Focus Toggle and Focus Magnifier tips from the SONY e-guide along with the 2-second timer. Plamped in place to combat the breeze. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #4: Bloodberry aka Rouge Plant, Pigeon Berry, Turkey Berry, Baby Peppers (Rivina humilis) blossom Deep depth-of-field

Your Call on Depth-of-Field

Please leave a comment ass to which of the three versions of the same blossom you like best. And please let us know why you made your choice.

To sum up, Image #2 was made at the wide open aperture of f/2.8 and thus features the narrowest depth-of-field.

Image #3 was made at a medium aperture, f/8, and thus features what you might call medium depth-of-field.

And Image #4 was made at f/22, the lens’s smallest aperture. It features deep depth-of-field that rendered most of the flower in sharp focus …

As usual, I have a clear favorite and a clear second choice. And I do consider one of the three an artistic failure. I will share my thoughts on these with you here in a few days.

If In Doubt …

If you are in doubt about using the BAA B&H affiliate link correctly, you can always start your search by clicking here. Please note that the tracking is invisible. Web orders only. Please, however, remember to shoot me your receipt via e-mail.

Please Remember to use my Affiliate Links and to Visit the BAA Online Store 🙂

To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog or Bedfords, for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.

As always, we sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And please remember that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

I would, of course, appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links or Bedfords for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above, and for everything else in the new store, we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and those who regularly visit the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store as well.

Facebook

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Typos

In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).

What’s Up?

On Wednesday morning I found a ditch a few blocks from home surrounded for two hundred yards on each side by large (as-yet-identified) blooms. I did some flowers, and as the sun came up, several butterfiles began nectaring on the rather plain-looking blossoms. There were several swallowtails species including Black Swallowtail, Tiger Swallowtail, and the object of my desire, the smaller but spectacular Zebra Swallowtail. One of the Tiger Swallowtails was somewhat sedentary, often landing and drinking from the same blossom for a minute or more, but bird’s had pecked its hindwings and damaged them; what’s a swallowtail without it swallowtails? There were two pristine Zebra Swallowtails just out of their chrysalides.

I tried for almost an hour to create a good Zebra Swallowtail image, traipsing up and down the both sides of the canal in the heat. They would land but only for a second. And when they did, they rarely spread their wings flat. Heck, maybe they never do. Anyway, I give up at about 8:30am and headed home for breakfast. On Thursday morning I did a few flowers and spent a few minutes down by the lake when I created Image #2.

I will be heading out early today — Friday, 17 JULY 2020.

I was glad to learn yesterday that John Buswell sold his Canon EOS 7D Mark II within hours of it being listed on the Used Gear Page.

Color or B&W?

In the recent Some Respite From the Heat; this would make a nice jigsaw puzzle. On Not Letting the Old Man In … And a Used Like-New Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens! blog post here, opinions were divided about 50-50. My very great preference is for the color version because I love being at Bosque early in the season when the cottonwoods are still sporting some yellow fall color.

Please Remember

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.

BIRDS AS ART

BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

SONY e-Guide Discount Program

Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.

Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save $50. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.

103 sold to rave reviews. The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris

The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)

Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.

Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.

Click here to learn more about the SONY e-Guide.

Money Saving Reminder

If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase over $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.

This image was created at Gatorland on 28 APR 2019. I used the handheld Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at at 560mm) and the AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear dial. ISO 800: 1/320 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. AWB at 8:21am on a mostly cloudy morning. Expand Flexible Spot (S) AF-C was active at the moment of exposure. Great Egret — head portrait of large chick

A Matter of Degree A

In Image #1,the young Great Egret, still at the nest, the bird’s heaad is turned about six degrees toward us. As a result, the bird seems quite engaged with the viewer, but the bill tip — not covered by the shallow depth-of-field while working wide open, is soft.

Would you stop down to get the bill tip as sharp as the eye? Why or why not?

Gatorland

Gatorland re-opened on June 20 with social distancing and masks required (for the humans)! But it does not open until 10am and closes at 5pm. The Photographer’s Pass program ended during the pandemic. Assuming that they continued feeding the gators while the joint was closed, it is likely that there will be some birds around, especially young of the year. With the middle-of-the-day hours, a cloudy day would be best for photography. If you visit, let us know how you do.

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens

With or without the 1.4X teleconverter, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens is fabulous for close work with tame birds and large flowers, frogs, large insects like butterflies, and lots more.

Before I got some longer SONY lenses I used it with success on a Saan Diego IPT with the 2X teleconverter!

This image was created on 16 JULY 2020 at Indian Lake Estates. Working from my SUV, I used the Induro GIT 204/FlexShooter Mini-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and the 61-MP Monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body. ISO: 400. Exposure determined by Zebras with exposure compensation on the rear wheel: 1/250 sec. at f/9 in Manual mode. AWB at 8:02am on a sunny morning … Trakcing Flexible Spot (M) AF-C performed perfectly and produced a razor-sharp eye. Image #2: Sandhill Crane — head portrait of 9-week old colt

A Matter of Degree B

In Image #2, the young crane’s head is just about parallel to the back of the camera, i.e., the sensor (formerly known as the film plane). Perhaps, the head is angled one-half degree away from us. WDYT? In any case, the eye, the face, and the tip of the bill are in sharp focus, but the bird does not seem engaged with the viewer.

Your Call

Which of today’s two featured images do you like best overall? Why?

Do you prefer the head angle in Image #1, the head angle in Image #2, or somewhere in between.

I like one of these images a lot, the other, not so much. I will share my thoughts with you here in a few days.

The Surviving Mother’s Day Colt

It is hard to believe that the bird in Image #2 is one of the two chicks that hatched on May 9th or 10th of this year. If my math is correct, that makes it right around nine weeks old. How fast they grow! In the next few weeks, I hope to photograph this bird with a nice pink cap.

If In Doubt …

If you are in doubt about using the BAA B&H affiliate link correctly, you can always start your search by clicking here. Please note that the tracking is invisible. Web orders only. Please, however, remember to shoot me your receipt via e-mail.

Please Remember to use my Affiliate Links and to Visit the BAA Online Store 🙂

To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog or Bedfords, for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.

As always, we sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And please remember that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

I would, of course, appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links or Bedfords for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above, and for everything else in the new store, we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and those who regularly visit the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store as well.

Facebook

Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right.

Typos

In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).

What’s Up?

I’ve been having fun each morning with the Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Sony E despite the problems with the Venus Optics Laowa Tripod Collar for 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO. I have figured out several ways of making a negative into a positive. I will share them with you here soon.

I will be heading out early this morning — Monday 13 July 2020, still concentrating on wildflowers. We have had torrential rains here every afternoon for the past week. The pool is close to overflowing and it is not advisable to drive on the fields down by the lake as the chances of getting stuck in the mud and wet grass are high (and will be for some time).

On Not Letting the Old Man In …

Many folks reacted to the Don’t Let the Old Man In video in the recent blog post here. If you missed it, you might wish to check it out, especially if you are getting on in years.

I remember getting back from my last Galapagos trip in early August 2019. I was exhausted and laid on the couch for about a week. I began thinking that if I continued it would not be long until they were putting me in a box. So I got back in the pool, started walking every day, and returned to my cardio bursts program. Since then, I have lost about ten pounds and added a daily walk on the StairMaster. I have gotten out to photograph every single morning since I began isolating on 22 March 2020. If you are not doing much and think that you are doomed, I urge you to begin with perhaps a short walk every day and go from there. At age 62 my younger sister Arna chose to let the old woman in, and laid in her bed at the rehab center until she died … Life is about choices. What’s your choice?

Please Remember

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please remember to use one of my two affiliate programs when purchasing new gear. Doing so will not cost you a single penny and if you use Bedfords, you will save at least $50.00 on all orders greater than $1000.00. In these crazy times — I am out at least forty to sixty thousand dollars so far due to COVID 19 (with lots more to come) — remembering to use my B&H link or shop at Bedfords will help me out a ton and will be greatly appreciated. Overseas folks who cannot order from the US because of import fees, duties, and taxes can always help out by clicking here if they see fit.

BIRDS AS ART

BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens

BAA Record-low Price!

Angie Birmingham is offering a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR in like-new condition for $7,996.95. The sale includes the rear lens cap, the lens trunk, the original tough front lens cover, the lens strap, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only.

Your item will not ship until your payment clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Angie via e-mail or by phone at 1-361-815-8852 (Central time zone).

This, the lightest,latest, greatest version of the Nikon 400mm f/2.8 lenses, is superb for large mammals in low light and birds at close range. It is superbly sharp alone or with the TC-14E III. It offers the world’s sweetest Boken. As a new goes for $11,196.95 right, you can save a very smooth $3,200 by grabbing Angie’s lens. artie

This super telephoto prime is designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras, however can also be used with DX models where it will provide a 600mm equivalent focal length. Its impressively bright f/2.8 maximum aperture excels in difficult lighting conditions and also enables extensive control over depth of field for isolating subjects using selective focus techniques.Two fluorite and two extra-low dispersion lens elements work to reduce chromatic aberrations; improve overall image sharpness, clarity, and color fidelity; and help to minimize the overall weight of the lens. Vibration Reduction image stabilization helps to reduce the appearance of camera shake by up to four shutter speed stops, benefiting this lens’s use in low-light conditions. Additionally, a designated Sport Mode is well-suited to working in fast-paced conditions and a Tripod Mode helps to suppress subtle ground vibrations when working atop a support system. The Silent Wave Motor affords quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. An internal focusing design is also used, where only the internal lens groups are moved during focusing, to maintain the overall length of the lens during use and to promote faster focusing speeds. Dust- and moisture-resistant magnesium-alloy lens barrel benefits the lens’ use in inclement conditions. A removable tripod collar is included with the lens for well-balanced support when working from a monopod or tripod. The collar ring also incorporates ball bearings for smooth transitions between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations. Specialized electromagnetic aperture mechanism provides greater exposure control stability that is especially beneficial when working with fast continuous shooting rates. This 400 f/2.8 is compatible with optional AF-S Teleconverter TC-14, TC-17, and TC-20 teleconverters. B&H

SONY e-Guide Discount Program

Purchase a (new) qualifying SONY camera body (a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, a9 ii) from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $40 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 200-600mm G lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a $25 discount on the SONY e-guide. Purchase a (new) SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens from Bedfords or using a BIRDS AS ART B&H affiliate link, and you will receive a free SONY e-guide with one or two videos.

Please send your Bedford’s or B&H receipts to me via e-mail to receive your discount and your ordering instructions. Folks purchasing from Bedfords and using the BIRDSASART code will save $50. Folks sending their B&H receipts may need to wait a few days to have their purchases confirmed. Folks using Bedfords will have their purchases confirmed immediately.

102 sold to rave reviews. The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris

The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide (and Videos)

Click here to purchase the guide with one Camera Set-up Video. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your camera body so that we can send you a link for the correct video.

Click here to purchase the guide with two Camera Set-up Videos. Be sure to e-mail us by clicking here to specify your two camera bodies so that we can send you links for the correct videos.

Click here to learn more about the SONY e-Guide.

Money Saving Reminder

If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase over $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.

This image was created at Bosque del Apache NWR on the 2019 Return to Bosque IPT. I used the handheld Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens (at at 259mm) and the 61-mega-pixel monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear dial. ISO 400: 1/400 sec. at f/11 in Manual mode. AWB at 9:40am on a snowy day. Flexible Spot (S) was active at the moment of exposure. The AF point was right on the bird. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #1: Red-tailed Hawk perched dark morph

I returned to Bosque in late November of 2019 and found conditions much improved. And best of all, the IPT was blessed when six inches of wet snow fell. While long focal lengths are needed to photograph single geese or cranes in flight, the shorter focal lengths are often best for blurs and bird-scapes. For today’s featured image I went with the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens. In addition I often used the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4G OSS lens and the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS.

I am hoping to do a Bosque IPT again this year a bit earlier than the last one in hopes of finding lots of birds close to the road while praying for winds in the morning with a southerly component … With the uncertainty of the pandemic, folks may cancel at any time for any reason and still receive a full refund.

This image was created at Bosque del Apache NWR on the 2019 Return to Bosque IPT. I used the handheld Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens (at at 259mm) and the 61-mega-pixel monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear dial. ISO 400: 1/400 sec. at f/11 in Manual mode. AWB at 9:40am on a snowy daaay. Flexible Spot (S) was active at the moment of exposure. The AF point was right on the bird. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #2: Red-tailed Hawk perched dark morph — Black and White Wet Rocks

Black and White Wet Rocks

I created this B&W version using the Wet Rocks pre-set by going Filter > Nik Collection > Silver Efex Pro II. SEP II gives you lots of pre-sets — 38 in the version that I am using. After checking most of them I usually wind up going with Wet Rocks. Other favorites include High Contrast (harsh or smooth), High Structure (smooth), Push Process (N + 1.5), Full Dynamic (smooth), and Fine Art Process.

Your Preference?

All are invited to leave a comment letting us know whether they prefer Image #1, the color version, or Image #2, the B&W version. As always, please let us know why you made your choice. I have a clear favorite and will share my thoughts with you here soon.

Bosque del Apache 2019 IPT Notice the incredible variety of images that you can learn to make by developing your skills and your creative vision on a BAA IPT.

Bosque del Apache NWR 2020 IPT

NOV 18 (afternoon session) thru the morning session on November 23, 2020. 5 DAYS. Four full and two half days. $1999.00. Deposit: $500.00. Limit: 8 photographers/Openings: 5.

Extra Day Options: Please e-mail to learn about the before or after In-the-Field Day options.

The very best news is that the 2020 Festival of the Cranes has been canceled so we will be able to visit on what are usually the perfect dates!

I quit going to Bosque several years ago as conditions had worsened each year for several seasons running. In 2018, things had improved dramatically and in 2019 the photography was great. Simply put, I know Bosque better than anyone. Join me to learn how wind and sky conditions influence bird photography, how to create dramatic sunrise and sunset silhouettes, how to be in the right place at the right time, and how to create contest-winning blurs. As usual, you will learn to get the right exposure every time, to use your camera’s AF system to create pleasing, balanced image designs, and to improve your flight photography skills.

We should get to photograph many thousands of Snow Geese, more than a few blast-offs, some Ross’s Geese, and lots of Sandhill Cranes in the water, taking flight and flying. Depending on local conditions we may get to shoot some ducks: point-blank American Wigeon and Wood Duck. With any luck, we might enjoy sunrises and sunsets that leave you in tears. Live, eat, and breathe photography with one of (if not the) world’s premier photographic educators at one of his very favorite locations on the planet. Top-notch Photoshop instruction. Join me to learn to think like a pro and to recognize situations and to anticipate them based on the weather. Every time we make a move, I will let you know why. When you get home, applying what you learned will prove to be invaluable.

Lunch is included.

To Register

To register, send your $500 deposit — check made out to BIRDS AS ART — via US Mail to PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Or call Jim weekdays at 863-692-0906 to put your deposit on a credit card. Balances should be paid in full by check no later than two months before the IPT. Remember that with the uncertainty of the pandemic, folks may cancel at any time for any reason and still receive a full refund.

If In Doubt …

If you are in doubt about using the BAA B&H affiliate link correctly, you can always start your search by clicking here. Please note that the tracking is invisible. Web orders only. Please, however, remember to shoot me your receipt via e-mail.

Please Remember to use my Affiliate Links and to Visit the BAA Online Store 🙂

To show your appreciation for my continuing efforts here, we ask, as always, that you get in the habit of using my B&H affiliate links on the right side of the blog or Bedfords, for all of your photo and electronics purchases. Please check the availability of all photographic accessories in the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store, especially the Mongoose M3.6 tripod head, Wimberley lens plates, Delkin flash cards and accessories, and LensCoat stuff.

As always, we sell only what I have used, have tested, and can depend on. We will not sell you junk. We know what you need to make creating great images easy and fun. And please remember that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail.

I would, of course, appreciate your using our B&H affiliate links or Bedfords for all of your major gear, video, and electronic purchases. For the photographic stuff mentioned in the paragraph above, and for everything else in the new store, we, meaning BAA, would of course greatly appreciate your business. Here is a huge thank you to the many who have been using our links on a regular basis and those who regularly visit the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store as well.

Facebook

Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right.

Typos

In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors. Just be right :).