What’s Up?
On Saturday morning I photographed the young Great Egret featured in today’s blog post, several Wild Turkeys, and a single Turkey Vulture. Most of the birds at 1200mm with high ISOs on a very cloudy morning. I finished up with some flower center abstracts made at 2.1X magnification with the Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Sony E.
If you would like to learn from today’s blog post, be sure to check out the two-frame juvenile Great Egret comparison Photo Mechanic composite just below before scrolling down.
I was glad to learn yesterday of the sale of five of Mark Overgaard’s Canon lenses all within the first two days of listing:
IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold his Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens in excellent condition for $1349.00, a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens in excellent plus condition for $799.00, a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens in excellent plus condition for $549.00 and a Canon EF 400mm f/4L DO IS II USM lens in near-mint condition for a BAA record low $3049.00 all withing the first two days of being listed in early SEPT 2020.
Having priced Mark’s lenses a bit more aggressively than in the past few months, these sales are another strong indication that the used gear prices of Canon lenses are strengthening a bit. That most likely because of the raving reviews of the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only). Learn all about this great new body in the Canon Comeback Fueled By Mirrorless Bodies & Lenses. The skinny on everything that you wanted to know about Canon Mirrorless but were afraid to ask … blog post here. As always, if you purchase any new gear, please use my B&H affiliate links or get in touch with Steve Elkins at Bedford to get your stuff faster and save a few bucks as well.
I also learned of these two recent sales:
Dennis Bartsch sold his Canon EF 500mm f/4L USM Telephoto lens in near-mint condition for $2399.00 in mid-August 2020.
Jim Babbitt sold his Canon 500 mm f/4L IS II lens in excellent plus condition for the BAA record-low price of $5125.00 (was listed for $5248.00) the first day it was listed in late August 2020.
Right now, the Used Gear page is red-hot!
The forecast for today — Sunday 6 SEPTEMBER 2020 — is par for the course: early sun turning cloudy with afternoon thunderstorms and a high of 88 degrees. I will be headed down for yet another morning photo session before 7:30am.
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.
BIRDS AS ART
BIRDS AS ART is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
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 and remember to enter the BIRDSASART code at checkout, 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 to 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.
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These images were created on 5 SEPTEMBER 2020 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. 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 blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body for each of them. ISO 2500. _A9B6457 was at 1/250 sec., _A9B6463 at 1/320 sec. Both at f/8. AWB for both just after 7:30am on a cloudy day. Tracking Flexible Spot (M) Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly as is usual. Click on the image to see a larger version. Great Egret juvenile/two-frame comparison |
Learning by Comparing Two Similar Images
The image on the left was created at 7:32:46am. After backing up my SUV and maneuvering it forward to get a bit closer (while staying roughly parallel to the subject), the image on our right was created just 51 seconds later at 7:33:37am. What can I say? I drive too fast …
In any case, click on the composite to enlarge it and — before scrolling down to see my favorite — decide which image you like best. Feel free to post a comment especially if you disagree with my choice. And as always, let us know why you think I was wrong.
The Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro
The more I use the Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro, the more I love it. Simply clamping and unclamping the jaws is considerably faster and easier than tightening or loosening the knob on the FlexShooter Pro. The frustrating days of struggling to loosen the knob after over-tightening it are gone. I still use the FlexShooter Pro for my macro work. Why? When I point the lens down at a flower or a bug, it is easier to move the lens plate forward and back as a focusing rail with the original model than with the Levered-Clamp model.
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.
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109 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 of more than $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.
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This image was created on 5 SEPTEMBER 2020 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. 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 blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body for each of them. ISO 2500. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel and confirmed as perfect in RawDigger: 1/250 sec. at f/8. AWB at 7:32am on a cloudy day. Tracking Flexible Spot (M) Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly as is usual. Great Egret juvenile hunting in marsh optimized |
My Favorite of the Two
Though the subject is larger in the frame in _A9B6463, and though that frame offers a slightly better view of the egret’s head, I prefer _A9B6457 for several reasons.
- 1- I like the wider view that included just a smidgeon of the lake at the top of the frame. It gives the bird more room in the frame.
- 2- I love that the small whitish flower below and in front of the bird is better positioned in the first image. In the second image, it is too close to the left frame-edge.
- I liked the background Bokeh and background detail more in the first image. But not by a huge margin.
Image Optimization Quiz for Eagle-eyed Readers
After enlarging the composite, compare the RAW file for _A9B6457 with the optimized version just above. If you see some of the things that I did during the post-processing to improve the image, leave a comment describing the changes. There are only two or three changes of note and they are small.
The Greatest-ever Bald Eagle Experience IPTs
IPT #1: SAT 20 FEB 2021 through the full day on THURS 25 FEB, 2021. Six full days: $5499.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 4.
IPT #2: SAT 27 FEB 2021 through the full day on WED 3 MAR 2021. Five full days: $4599.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 4
Please note the slightly revised dates for IPT #2 above.
From Homer, Alaska
We will do two 2-hour or one 4-hour boat trip to Kachemak Bay each day (weather permitting). Our schedule will be flexible and driven by the wind and sky conditions. We will have numerous and varied mind-boggling opportunities to photograph Bald Eagle, a hugely popular species. We will be feeding the eagles to attract them into photographic range. The trip is costly because chartering the boat is expensive, the fish are very expensive at $1.25/pound (all on me), the cost of breakfasts and one sit-down meal/day are included, hotel to dock transfers are included, as is lodging (double-occupancy). The cost of a single supplement is $90.00/night
We will do lots of flight photography from the boat and on land until you can no longer lift your lens. We will get off the boat on various islands to photograph the birds both perched and in flight. This species takes five years to reach maturity; we will get to photograph birds of all age-classes from juvenile plumage to full adults with their gleaming white heads (and everything in between). There will be numerous informal Image Editing, Photoshop, and Image Review sessions throughout each trip. As I am conversant in Canon, Nikon, and SONY I can help you better understand your gear no matter what you are shooting.
Going up earlier than all other tours this year proved to be fantastic with tons of snow on the ground to light up the eagle’s underwings. You will usually not enjoy those conditions on the March tours (unless you are very lucky). In addition, the eagles are more ravenous early in the season. In FEB 2020 we often had 30-40 or more eagles in the air around the boat with as many as 75 perched in trees or resting on the black sand beaches. Folks who want to do some photography locally during downtime may wish to rent a vehicle.
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All images copyright 2020: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART Click on the card to enjoy a larger version Homer 2020 IPT Images |
It is best to register right now to save your spot. Register for both trips and apply a $300 discount.
A $2000 credit card deposit is required to hold your spot. Call Jim ASAP at the office weekdays at 863-692-0906 to leave your deposit. Your balance will be payable only by check no later than November 31, 2020. If you fail to pay your balance, your spot will be forfeited to someone on the waiting list and you will lose your deposit. If you plan on joining me, please e-mail immediately or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372 with any questions or to let me know of your plans. First come, first served.
Not included: your round-trip airfare from home to Homer, AK through Anchorage and back. Your second sit-down meal each day. Alcoholic beverages at our sit-down meal.
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All images copyright 2020: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART except for Sea Otter with pup which is courtesy of and copyright 2020: Anita North Click on the card to enjoy a larger version Homer 2020 IPT Images |
On the Homer IPTs you will learn:
- 1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
- 2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
- 4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
- 6- To spot good situations and to choose the best perspective.
- 7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
- 8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
- 9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography.
- 11- More than you could ever imagine.
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.
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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 :).
I agree with Pat and David about the head angle and I feel too that the bits of water are distracting as my eye goes to them. I agree with you Artie about the white flower being in a better place in the first image. It’s a real plus in that image.
I prefer the head angle on the large-in-the frame image. Also, I find the glimpse of the lake distracting. I much prefer the green to the top of the frame on the second picture — it really puts the emphasis on the bird’s head.
Hi, Artie. I prefer the other image. I like the better, clearer view of the bird’s eye and whole head. I would never have noticed the flower, at least on my phone. Yes, the distant water view is nice but not nice enough for me to choose that image.
Thanks you sir.
with love, artie