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This Peregrine Falcon image was created with the hand held Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS II lens, the 1.4X III TC, and the Canon EOS-5D Mark III. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/3200 sec. at f/5.6 in Manual mode. Central sensor/Surround/AI Servo Rear Focus active at the moment of exposure. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. |
Canon EOS-5D Mark III User’s Guide Pre-Publication Version Available Now!
Save $10
Regular readers here know that I have been loving my 5D Mark III ever since I got my hands on it. I love the light weight, image files and especially the killer new AF system. Right now, the 5D III’s AF system is the best by far on any Canon camera body and that includes the vaunted EOS-1D Mark IV. Don’t get me wrong, I love my two MIV bodies and use then every time I am in the field, but for birds in flight and in action I go with my 5D MIII.
I have been working on the 5D Mark III User’s Guide for more than three months. While the end is in sight, lots of folks have been clamoring to hear what I have to say about setting up the camera and to learn about my autofocus settings and my thoughts on the various AF Selection Area Modes. I have, therefore, decided to offer a pre-publication version of this User’s Guide. When it is complete, the guide will sell for $50. It will be our most expensive camera user’s guide yet because the 5D Mark III is pretty much all-new and the menu is the most extensive ever in a Canon camera. I have put in a ton of work already and still have lots more important stuff to work on.
The pre-publication version is available now for only $40.
Here’s the best news: You will automatically receive the final version at no additional cost when it becomes available. (On the off chance that you do not, please e-mail Jim and he will rectify the situation.
Though this pre-publication copy is incomplete, it will help you set up your camera exactly as I have mine set up right now. Almost all of the stuff dealing with autofocus and the various AF Selection Area Modes is included. Even in its present form, this guide is quite extensive. You can learn everything that I know about the following important topics:
- 5D III exposure fine points
- Handling the WHITEs
- The top LCD and all camera control buttons
- 5D Mark III drive modes
- How to manually select an AF sensor
- Choosing an AF Area Selection Mode; how and why (includes extensive detail)
- Menu Item Access
- Setting a Custom White Balance
- Using Live View
- HDR Mode
Coverage of almost all Menu Items and Custom Functions including the following: Image Quality, Auto Lighting Optimizer, Highlight Tone Priority, AF Configuration Tool (includes details on the custom setting that I use), Acceleration/deceleration tracking, Tracking sensitivity, Lens drive when AF impossible, Orientation linked AF point (I love this feature on the 5D III!), Highlight alert, Histogram display, Auto rotate, Custom Shooting Mode set-up, Safety shift, using the Q button, and setting up rear focus.
The guide is–of course–written in my informal, easy-to-follow style.
Important items that are not included in the pre-publication version (but will of course be included in the final version) include:
- AF Microadjustment
Please note: Some Menu items will not be mentioned in this guide either because they deal only with video (which is not covered in this guide) or they are irrelevant to nature photography. Each should be left at the default setting.
To Order
To order your copy of the pre-publication version of the Canon EOS-5D Mark III User’s Guide call Jim or Jennifer at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand, find it quickly in the BIRDS AS ART Online Store by clicking here, or send a Paypal for $40 to us by e-mail. Overseas folks might do better with this e-mail address.
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This Long-billed Curlew image was created with the tripod-mounted Canon 800mm f/5.L IS lens and the Canon EOS-5D Mark III. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop: 1/1250 sec. at f/5.6 in Manual mode. Central Sensor–far right side Expand AF area/AI Servo Rear Focus active at the moment of exposure. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image for a larger version. |
Shopper’s Guide
Below is a list of the gear used to create the images in today’s post. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide.
Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS II lensI finally broke down and purchased my own copy of this great flight photography and general purpose lens.
Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS lens. Right now this is my all time favorite super-telephoto lens.
1.4X III TC The latest version of the 1.4X TC is designed to work best with the Series II Super-telephoto lenses.
Canon EOS-5D Mark III. Man, I am in love with this camera body. Both the files and the AF system are superb.
And from the BAA On-line Store:
LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders 🙂 And you will love them in mega-cold weather….
Gizo GT3532 LS CF Tripod. This one replaces the GT3530LS Tripod and will last you a lifetime. I’ll be commenting on this new model soon. In short, I like it.
Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
BreezeBrowser. I do not see how any digital photographer can exist without this program.
What a lovely peregrine shot! Perfection! I must admit that I am sometimes frustrated by the 7D’s AF performance for birds in flight. That said, most of the blame ought fall on my shoulders…lack of experience, and the like. Anyhow: I keep thinking about selling my pianos and books so as to afford a 5D mark 3. Part of the insanity of photographic addiction, perhaps? Anyhow, I just wanted to compliment you on the simple and elegant peregrine shot. A speedy bird indeed!
Thanks Jack. I did like the 7D for flight too. The 5D III is just better. Much better. That said when I get an out-of-focus flight image I always look in the mirror…. And yes to speedy–it’s the fastest bird on the planet. And thanks again for your kind comments on the image.