How Did the Canon EOS-7D Mark II Perform for Flight Photography with the 1.4X III Teleconverter?

The Streak Continues: 351

On Saturday, I photographed at the refuge morning and afternoon. Not too bad. I got lots of rest during the day. Tomorrow we start work on a seven segment “Bird Photography” video project that is being created by the Canon Digital Learning Center. At some point you will all get to see them, and hopefully learn a ton. This blog post, the 351st in a row, took about 2 hours to prepare. It was published from my hotel room in Socorro, NM at 3:31am.

Alas….

I learned from Chuck Westfall that the ET-83D lens hood, the hood for the new Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens does not fit the old lens and vice versa. It was announced only as a replacement.

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Thanks a Stack! October was a Great Month.

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This image was created at 7:51:23am on the clear morning of November 15, 2014 at Bosque del Apache NWR, San Antonio, NM. I used the Gitzo 3532 LS carbon fiber tripod), the Mongoose M3.6 head, the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens, the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III, and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II . ISO 400: 1/1600 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. Central sensor AI Servo Surround/shutter button AF just caught the bird’s face and was active at the moment of exposure. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #2: Snow Goose juvenile in flight

Incoming

The geese were feeding in an alfalfa field a good ways from the tour loop road. Even worse, the wind was from the north, not too strong, but from the north. The trick in these situations is to find a bird or two with a mind of its own, that is, not flying and landing in the typical pattern. You need a bit of patience but as long as the wind is not strong, this strategy usually works pretty well.

Exposure for the white geese in full sun will always be very close to ISO 400: 1/2000 sec. at f/8. Since the young geese are a shade darker than their parents I opened up one click of shutter speed to 1/1600 sec. at f/8. I used techniques from APTATS II to move the bird forward a bit and down a bit in the frame. Then I cleaned up the left-over wing tips with the Patch Tool.

Digital Basics

Everything that I did to optimize both of today’s images is covered in detail in my Digital Basics File–written in my easy-to-follow, easy-to-understand style. Are you tired of making your images look worse in Photoshop? Digital Basics File is an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. It includes my complete digital workflow, dozens of great Photoshop tips (including the Surface Blur settings as taught to me by Denise Ippolito), details on using all of my image clean-up tools, the use of Contrast Masks, several different ways of expanding and filling in canvas, all of my time-saving Keyboard Shortcuts, Quick Masking, Layer Masking, and NIK Color Efex Pro basics, Contrast Masks, Digital Eye Doctor techniques, using Gaussian Blurs, Tim Grey Dodge and Burn, a variety of ways to make selections, how to create time-saving actions, and tons more.

APTATS I & II

Learn the details of advanced Quick Masking techniques in APTATS I. Learn Advanced Layer Masking Techniques in APTATS II. Mention this blog post and apply a $5 discount to either with phone orders only. Buy both APTATS I and APTATS II and we will be glad to apply at $15 discount with phone orders only. Please call Jim or Jennifer at 863-692-0906 weekdays to order.

This JPEG represents an unsharpened 100% view of the optimized image above.

7D II AF with the 1.4X III TC

The 600II/1.4X III TC performed superbly with the 7DII. Initial AF acquisition was fast and the tracking was accurate. Unlike previous camera bodies, the AF locks on with a bit of a thud and then does not let go….

This image was created at 7:51:43am on the clear morning of November 15, 2014 at Bosque del Apache NWR, San Antonio, NM. I used the Gitzo 3532 LS carbon fiber tripod), the Mongoose M3.6 head, the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens, the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III, and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II . ISO 400: 1/2000 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. Central sensor AI Servo Surround/shutter button AF just and was active at the moment of exposure. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #3: Snow Goose adult in flight

Sun Angle

As always at Bosque, the biggest mistake that the average photographer makes on a consistent basis is failing to work on sun angle. Study the two images above and note the absence of almost all shadows. This happens when you work with your shadow pointing pretty much at the subject.

This JPEG represents an unsharpened 100% view of the optimized image above.

Your Thoughts?

How would you rate the image sharpness based on the two 100% crops?

This image was created at 8:43am on the clear morning of November 15, 2014 at Bosque del Apache NWR< San Antonio, NM. I used hand held Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III, and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II . ISO 400: 1/6400 sec. at f/4.5 in Manual mode. Central sensor AI Servo Surround/shutter button AF on the tip of the near wing was active at the moment of exposure. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #1: Snow Goose taking off: adult with mud on bill, full downstroke

300II/1.4X III/7D II

After one great blast-off–story and image coming soon–I got bored quickly and decided to look for a better situation. I found some geese landing close to the tour loop road, grabbed the 300II/1.4X III/7D II, and sat just above the irrigation ditch so as not to scare the birds. Several folks joined me and as they exited their vehicles I asked them to sit explaining that if they did the birds would most likely begin landing again. They did and the birds did. Best of all, the wind had switched from west north to east northeast: the birds were landing at us. It was pretty much a shooting gallery situation and the 7D II performed admirably with the 1.4X III in place. Most of the 200+ images that I created with the LensAligned/Focus Tuned rig were razor sharp on the birds eye. The soft images were a result of operator error.

Hand holding the 300II with my new lightweight 7DII was a snap. While waiting for another group of birds to land I would rest my left elbow and thus the lens on my left knee. Hand holding makes it easier to get on and frame the birds than working on a tripod.

How Did the Canon EOS-7D Mark II Perform for Flight Photography with the 1.4X III Teleconverter?

Just fine, thank you. It performed amazingly well as I expected. If you are gonna buy one, please scroll up and use my B&H affiliate link :).

Your Favorite?

Which of the 3 images is the best? Be sure to let us know why. I have a clear favorite.

IPT Updates

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Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART

Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog or via a BAA Online Bulletin is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charges a minimum of 20% plus assorted fees! Yikes. The minimum item price here is $500 (or less for a $25 fee). If you are interested please e-mail with the words Items for Sale Info Request cut and pasted into the Subject line :). Stuff that is priced fairly–I offer free pricing advice, usually sells in no time flat. In the past few months, we have sold just about everything in sight. Do know that prices on some items like the EOS-1D Mark IV, the EOS-7D, and the original 400mm IS DO lens, have been dropping steadily.

Used Gear Cautions

Though I am not in a position to post images of gear for sale here or elsewhere, prospective buyers are encouraged to request for photos of the gear that they are interested in purchasing via e-mail. Doing so will help to avoid any misunderstandings as to the condition of the gear. Sellers are advised to take care to photograph their used gear with care against clean backgrounds so that the stuff is represented accurately and in the best light; please pardon the pun :).

Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM Lens

George Snyder is offering a used Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM lens in like new condition for $879. The sale includes the tripod ring, the front and rear lens caps, the tough fabric case, the original box and lens manual, and insured shipping via UPS Ground to US addresses only. Your new gear will be shipped only after your check clears unless other arrangements are made. You can contact George via e-mail or by phone at 715 359-2929. Central time.)

The 300 f/4 is a great starter lens for bird photography, a great, lightweight flight lens, and with its great minimum focusing distance, a fine macro lens for medium sized subjects like flowers and frogs. It will be just fine with a 1.4X TC with the new 7D II….

Used Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens

Kathleen Graff is offering a used Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM lens in very good to excellent condition for $4799. The sale includes the front leather hood, the rear dust cap, the original case with keys, a Lens Coat, a 4th GD Custom Lens Adapter Plate CP-51, the lens manual, and insured shipping to US addresses only. Photos available. Your lens will be shipped only after your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Kathleen via e-mail with a copy sent here. Alternatively, you can try her by phone at 262-797-2530 or 262-389-7998.

The old five was at one time the world’s most popular telephoto lens. It still makes great images with both TCs.

Used Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens

Mike Stevens is offering a used Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM lens in like-new condition (used just once) for a ridiculously low $4999. The sale includes the front leather hood, the rear dust cap, the original case, a Wimberley P-50 lens plate, and insured shipping to US addresses only. Your lens will be shipped only after your check clears unless other arrangements are made; Paypal is an option.

Please contact Mike via e-mail, by phone at 951-260-2507, or on his cell at 951-821-1600.

The old five was at one time the world’s most popular telephoto lens. It still makes great images with both TCs.

Used Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens

Mike Stevens is offering a used Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM lens in like-new condition (used just once) for a ridiculously low $7999. The sale includes the front leather hood, the rear dust cap, the original case, a Wimberley P-50 lens plate, and insured shipping to US addresses only. Your lens will be shipped only after your check clears unless other arrangements are made; Paypal is an option.

Please contact Mike via e-mail, by phone at 951-260-2507, or on his cell at 951-821-1600.

The 800 was my go-to super-telephoto lens for about 4 years.

Used EOS-1D Mark IV Digital Camera Body

Price reduced $249 on 10/30/2014!

Multiple IPT veteran and good friend Monte Brown is offering a used EOS-1D Mark IV digital camera body in excellent condition (with about 22,000 shutter actuations) for $2200. The sale includes the charger and an extra battery, the original box, cables, software, manuals, and insured ground shipping to US addresses only. Your camera will be shipped only after your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Monte via e-mail or by phone at 765-744-1421 (Eastern time).

Two Mark IVs served as my workhorse bodies for more than three years.

Used Canon EF 100-400mm L IS Zoom Lens

Multiple IPT veteran and good friend Monte Brown is offering a used Used Canon EF 100-400mm IS L zoom lens in very good to excellent condition for only $899. The sale includes both front and rear lens caps, the older-style tough fabric case, and insured ground shipping to US addresses only. Your lens will be shipped only after your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Monte via e-mail or by phone at 765-744-1421 (Eastern time).

I used and loved my 100-400 for many years. Monte’s is one of the sharpest copies of this lens that I have ever seen. On a bear boat trip he made dozens of super-sharp Bald Eagle images that amazed everyone in the group.

Used Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS Zoom Lens

Multiple IPT veteran and good friend Monte Brown is offering a used Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS Zoom Lens in very good to excellent condition for only $799. The sale includes both front and rear lens caps, the older-style tough fabric case, the original box, and insured ground shipping to US addresses only. Your lens will be shipped only after your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Monte via e-mail or by phone at 765-744-1421 (Eastern time).

I used this lens for about two years. It makes a great lightweight, intermediate telephoto lens that is sharp, easily hand held, and works well with a 1.4X teleconverter. It is great for hand held flight photography and would go great with a 7D II as a starter bird photography lens for folks who work around relatively tame birds.

Used EOS-1D Mark IV Digital Camera Body

IPT veteran Brent Thompson is offering a used EOS-1D Mark IV digital camera body in excellent condition for $2449. The sale includes the RRS L-plate, the charger and battery, and all the manuals and cables that came in the box, the camera strap, the original box, and insured ground shipping to continental US addresses only. Your camera will be shipped only after your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Brent via e-mail, by phone at 650-857-8695, or on his cell at 408-219-5023 (Pacific time).

Two Mark IVs served as my workhorse bodies for more than three years.

Used EOS-1D Mark IV Digital Camera Body

Price reduced $299 on 10/30/2014!

Marc Lombardi is offering a used EOS-1D Mark IV digital camera body in excellent condition with 57800 actuations for $2400. The body has one minor cosmetic scratch on top. The sale includes the charger and two batteries, a RRS plate, and insured ground shipping to US addresses only. Your camera will be shipped only after your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Marc via e-mail or by phone at 610-585-3500 (Eastern time).

Two Mark IVs served as my workhorse bodies for more than three years.

Used Canon EF 100-400 f 4.5-5.6 L IS Lens

Multiple IPT veteran Jack Panzeca is offering a used Canon EF 100-400 f 4.5-5.6 L IS lens in very good + condition for $999 including insured shipping via UPS Ground to US addresses only. The tripod collar has one small scratch. The sale includes the original tough fabric case, the original box, the front and rear caps, the lens hood, and the strap. Your gear will be shipped only after your check clears.

Please contact Jack via e-mail or by phone at 817 819 1756. Central Time Zone.

The 100-400 is a versatile intermediate telephoto zoom lens with 1,000+ uses. It makes a great starter lens especially for folks who do general nature and wildlife in addition to birds. I’ve sold 100s of images made with a 1-4 and denise loved hers for many years forsaking it only recently for the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens. Jack’s 100-400 is priced to sell.

Used Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens

Price reduced $350 on 10/17/2014!

Dan Womack is offering a used Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM lens in excellent condition with clean glass with a few small nicks on the lens hood for $5150. B&H is offering a virtually identical used “old 500” for $6,299.95; you can save more than $1000 by grabbing Dan’s lens asap. The sale includes the front leather hood, the rear dust cap, the original case with keys, and insured shipping to US addresses only. Your lens will be shipped only after your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Dan via e-mail or by phone at 337 412 1898.

Used Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Manual Focus Lens

Price reduced $100 on 10/17/2014

Multiple IPT veteran Shelly Goldstein is offering a used Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift Manual Focus lens in excellent condition for the ridiculously low price of $799. The lens sells new for $1,399.00. The sale includes the front lens cap, the lens shade, the rear dust cap, and insured shipping via Fed Ex Ground to US addresses only. The lens was cleaned and checked by Canon in September 2014.

You can contact Shelly via e-mail or by phone at 646-423-0392 (EST). Your lens will be shipped only after your check clears.

The 90 Tilt Shift is a specialized lens that enable precise control of depth of field along with perspective control. It is useful for portrait, product, and landscape photography. George Lepp loves it for flower field and macro photography, using it often with the 2X III teleconverter.

Used Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Lens

IPT veteran Stuart Hahn is offering a used original owner Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM lens in excellent condition with clean glass for $5250. B&H is offering a virtually identical used “old 500” for $6,299.95; you can save more than $1000 by grabbing Stu’s lens asap. The sale includes the front leather lens hood, the rear dust cap, a used RRS B-91 Flash Bracket, the original case with keys, and insured shipping via UPS Ground to US addresses only. Your lens will be shipped only after your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Stu via e-mail or by phone (after October 3) at 916-485-1630 (Pacific time).

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