What’s Up?
Saturday morning was spent with the Mother’s Day crane family. I left home at 5:30am headed for Sebastian Inlet despite the forecast of thunderstorms all morning. Not scattered thunderstorms, just thunderstorms …
I was glad to learn yesterday that the sale of IPT veteran Morris Herstein’s Sony a9 and the sale of IPT veteran Larry Master’s Canon 1DX Mark II are pending.
The August sales below just might keep me from having to become a greeter at Walmart:
Multiple IPT veteran Larry Master sold his Canon EOS-1DX Mark II in near-mint condition for the $2750.00 (was $2797.00) locally in early September and kindly sent me a check for 4% of the original asking price.
Multiple IPT veteran Larry Master sold his Canon Extension Tube Set, the EF 12 II and EF 25 II, in excellent plus condition for the BAA record-low price of $122.90 in late August. And he sold his Canon EOS 70D in like-new condition to a friend for $400 (was $499.00).
IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV body in excellent plus condition (was $1399.00) and his Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens in near mint condition (was $549.00) to a single buyer for $1900.00 in early September.
Multiple IPT veteran and good friend William Schneider sold his Sony FE 2.8/16‑35 GM wide angle zoom lens in like-new condition for the very low price of $1400.00 (was $1498.00) in early September.
BAA friend Kay Kaylor sold her Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens in near-mint condition for a very low $524.00 (was $649.00) in early SEPT 2020.
IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold his Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens in excellent plus condition for a very low $549.00 in early September 2020.
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 within the first two days of being listed in early SEPT 2020.
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.
Ben Clemens sold his Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM in near-mint condition for $1449.00 the first day it was listing in mid-August 2020.
BAA friend Kay Kaylor sold her Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (zoom) lens in near-mint condition for the you-might-as-well-give-it-away-free price of $88.00 (was $98.00) and a Canon EF Extender 1.4X II teleconverter in near-mint condition for the BAA silly record-low price of $119.00 (was $139.00) in late August.
Dennis Westover sold his Nikon D5 dSLR (XQD version) in excellent-plus condition for a BAA record-low $3396.95 (was $3696.95) in late-AUGUST 2020.
Anita North sold her Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lens in excellent condition for a BAA record-low $8265.95 (was $9265.95), a Nikon Battery Grip & Charger Kit w/two extra batteries for a ridiculously low $798.00 (was $1148.00), and a Sony a7 r iii Mirrorless Digital Camera body in excellent plus condition for the BAA record-low-by-far price of $998.00 (was 1198.00). The a7r ii had a nick on the rear monitor, no battery, and no eye-cup. All three of these items sold on 22 AUGUST 2020.
I sold my Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 VR lens in like-new condition for a BAA record-low $426.95 (was $546.95) on 22 AUGUST 2020.
BAA friend Kay Kaylor sold her Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto lens in like-new condition for a BAA record-low $2147.00 (was $2347.00), a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Zoom lens (the original 100-400) in near-mint condition for a BIRDS AS ART record low $387.00 (was $447.00) and a Canon EOS-1D Mark II in near-mint condition for a silly low $149.00 (was $174.00).
The BAA Used Gear Page
Right now, the Used Gear page is red hot! It is 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% or more than what the big guys are offering … Doubt me? Check out the Past Sales list at the bottom of the page.
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.
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.
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114 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 at Indian Lake Estates, FL on Thursday 10 September. On foot on a very wet North Field I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 400mm) and the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body. ISO 800: 1/800 sec. at f/6.3. The exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger. ABW at 7:37am on a clear morning. Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection; I pushed the shutter button when the AF points danced on the colt’s face. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #1: Sandhill Crane preening wing of adult |
Rain, Rain, and More Rain
I cannot remember a spring and summer with so much rain. For months we have had torrential afternoon thunderstorms almost every day. For the past week it has rained most evenings. And yesterday took the cake — it began pouring at 9am and rained hard off and on all day. I have been leery about driving on the fields in fear of getting stuck in the puddles on the grass. That despite full time 4 wheel drive (X Drive). So for the past few mornings I have been parking by the pier and walking the fields with my surf booties. On Thursday, I walked with the hand held 200-600 and did quite well as noted and seen in the Red and Pink Crane Caps Explained blog post here. BTW, my favorite of the three photos was Image #3. On Saturday I walked around with the 600mm f/4 GM lens on the Induro GIT 404L and a Levered-clamp FlexShooter — the levered clamp is much faster and easier to use than the version with a knob.
In any case, working with the 200-600 allowed me to concentrate more on behavior and interactions. I have stayed away from getting lower on my walks for two reasons:
1- I do not want to get my butt soaking wet.
2- More importantly, I do not want the line of the marsh to intersect that bird’s heads or necks or bodies.
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This image was created at Indian Lake Estates, FL on Thursday 10 September. On foot on a very wet North Field I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 419mm) and the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body. ISO 800: 1/800 sec. at f/6.3. The exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger. ABW at 7:38am on a clear morning. Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and performed to perfection; Again, I pushed the shutter button when the AF points danced on the colt’s face. Zone is quite versatile. Image #2:Sandhill Crane colt begging |
Why the a9 ii?
I’ve been wondering why nobody has asked why I have recently abandoned the a7r iv. The short answer is that it is always easier to make sharp images with medium megapixel camera bodies than with high or mega-megapixel bodies. A9 ii files are 24.2MP while a7r iv files are 61MP. Higher shutter speeds and/or superior sharpness techniques are mandatory for success when working with the a7r iv.
Multiple Choice Question
Which of today’s featured image do you like best? As always, letting us know why you made your choice helps everyone to learn.
A: Image #1
B: Image #2
C: Both
D: Neither
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 :).
#2. I feel it is a more ‘intimate’ photo of parent & child. And both are attentive to the other.
Thank you sir.
with love, a
Image #2: I like the bird positions better, and the bird shadows are distracting in image 1.
I haven’t decided whether I like the bit of sky in image 1, or lack of sky in image 2.
Both images are so sharp – amazing.
Thanks, Tony. The shadows are only problematic when the sun is out 🙂 No sky, just the lake which I love. Yes, sharp.
Much love, be safe,’
a
I like all two of them!!
My kind of gal! with love, a
Yes, image #2 as per Pat’s comment and the light is glorious.
C. It’s all about the story and the second image has more emotion and tension. Out of curiosity, can you explain your choice of cropping in portrait mode or were you shooting that way?
Thank you Adam. Great question. Both of todays’ images are vertical originals. If both birds are parallel to the back of the camera, I will go horizontal. If one or both are facing the camera to any degree, I will go vertical.
with love, a
Will you be explaining more in the future about your comment under “Why the a9 ii?” “it is always easier to make sharp images with medium megapixel camera bodies than with high or mega-megapixel bodies.”
I’m looking into the new Canons and this might determine my decision. thanks
I certainly hope so, as my mind immediately went there also. Thanks Artie!
I’m sure Artie will opine, however he’s 100% right.
I do agree with most of what you write below.
A higher MP camera is more susceptible to shake due to higher resolution and will require higher shutter speeds, better IBIS, etc. (see, https://fstoppers.com/education/understanding-relationship-between-resolution-details-and-shutter-speed-489033)
I first noted this when I began using the 7D II with lots of highly packed pixels. Many folks said that I was wrong. But I was not. I read the article carefully and understood most of it … So in short, I cannot explain via the physics why it is true — my statements are based only my experience.
Having used the a7riv (which I recently sold) as well as the R5, I can attest that the R5 is a joy to use.
Fewer pixels makes it easier to create sharp images. That said, super-sharp a7r iv images are mind-blowing.
The images require lower Tv’s than the a7riv and it is less susceptible to shake though the difference is due in part not only to the lower pixel density but to a better IBIS system and faster read rate of the R5.
Me-thinks that “allow for” is a better choice of phrasing than “requires.” Note sure on the “better IBIS” with telephoto lenses. And I do not understand how the read rate would affect the sharpness of an image …
Another consideration is that high density MP cameras are more susceptible to the effects of diffraction.
I have never seen an example of diffraction with a telephoto lens. Feel free to send a sample. Lastly, a major factor is the level of sharpness techniques employed by the photographer …
with love, artie
Thanks Adam. Your information and the article were both so helpful.
C. I like #2 a bit better as the sky at top pulls my eye from the birds in #1. Even so, I do like seeing more of the habitat. In #2, I know what is going on better than the preening in #1 which, for me, needs the caption. There are 3 elliptical shapes in #1 with heads and bills in almost identical poses. In #2, the legs are almost identical verticals with the bills making a very flat V. I like the more simple lines in #2. But both are very interesting behavior and behavior photos are my favorites.
I agree wholeheartedly with Pat’s comment. It really is about the best part of #2
Thanks EO. Preening might not have been the best word. The colt might have been picking or pulling at the wing to get attention …
with love, a
Definitely Image #2 — love the look between parent and chick!
Thanks Pat. I have not abandoned you on the two plates. I will call mid-morning.
with love to you both, a