We are up early again headed for Sebastian Inlet. The state park is roughly 1 1/2 hours from my home at ILE. There was lots of action with diving Brown Pelicans along with a very few fly-over Ospreys when we visited on Tuesday 6 OCT. Two days later, diving activity at the inlet was zero. Facing a totally abysmal morning photo session, we ventured south to look for some Wood Storks. We ended up having a fine morning. Today’s blog is the result. Read on to learn how I have integrated Topaz DeNoise AI and Topaz Sharpen AI into my regular workflow.
We have made the long trip to Sebastian four times and have only rarely seen any Ospreys diving for fish. To learn what keeps us heading back to the inlet, see the images in the Stunned Again. The Osprey Flying Circus. Give Me Ten Good Minutes! And My SONY Gear Takes a Saltwater Bath … blog post here. Wish us luck 🙂
I was glad to learn that the sale of Karen McCormick’s Nikon 24-120 became pending the first day it was listed.
This blog post took about five hours to assemble. The best way to thank me is by using my B&H affiliate links or using Bedfords and enjoying a 4% discount on your new photo gear.
If you have a moment, please leave a comment and let us know which of today’s four featured images you like best along with your reasons. Thanks!
The BAA Used Gear Page
The Used Gear page continues to be 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 Recent Sales list for the past year at the bottom of the page.
New Listings
FlexShooter Pro
Multiple IPT veteran and BAA good friend William Schneider is offering a barely used FlexShooter Pro for a very low $549.00. The sale includes 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. Payment by Zelle is now available or PayPal +4%.
I fell in love with the FlexShooter Pro moments after I first mounted it on my Induro tripod. It is a ballhead that acts like a gimbal. Not convinced? See the video here.
Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G Lens & Filter Holder Kit with Landscape Circular Polarizer
Mansoor Assadi is offering a Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G lens in near-mint condition and the NiSi S5 150mm Filter Holder Kit with Landscape Circular Polarizer for Sony 12-24mm lens in new condition for the very low price of $1,163.15.The sale includes the original box, the rear lens cap, the front lens cap, 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.
Ultra-wide and versatile, the FE 12-24mm f/4 G Lens from Sony is a flexible zoom lens for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, characterized by its constant f/4 maximum aperture. Benefitting the wide field of view is a sophisticated optical design that incorporates aspherical and low dispersion glass elements to control both spherical and chromatic aberrations for improved sharpness and clarity. A Nano AR Coating has also been applied to individual elements to reduce surface reflections, flare, and ghosting for greater contrast and color fidelity when working in bright, backlit situations.
In addition to the optical attributes, this lens is also distinguished by a Direct Drive SSM autofocus system, which benefits both stills and video application with its quick, quiet, and precise performance. The lens also sports a dust- and moisture-sealed design to support shooting in inclement conditions and a dedicated focus hold button and AF/MF switch. B&H
I loved my Canon ultra-wide-angle 11-24mm lens especially for big skies. This combo sells new at B&H for $2,163.15. Save a very handsome $1,000.00 on the pair. artie
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 is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Great Topaz News!
Folks who use the BAA Topaz link to purchase Sharpen AI, DeNoise AI, or the Utility Bundle (or any other Topaz plugins) will receive a 15% discount by entering the ARTHUR15 code at checkout. To get the discount you must use my link and you must enter the discount code. Be sure to start with this link.
Topaz Stuff
As I said on Sunday and have said often many times before, I should have listened sooner. If you, like me, are new to the Topaz party, please use this link to purchase. Right now I can wholeheartedly recommend both Topaz Sharpen AI and Topaz DeNoise AI. Though I have not yet worked with JPEGtoRAW AI or Gigapixel AI, I have installed both of these plug-ins and look forward to trying them on some I-Phone 11 images fairly soon. If you are thinking like me, consider the Utility Bundle that includes all four plug-ins mentioned above at a money-saving price.
Again, those who purchase Sharpen AI or DeNoise AI using my link, can e-mail to request a short Getting Started with Topaz e-Guide. I had a bit of trouble getting the two plug-ins installed and having them appear in the Photoshop Filter Menu. In addition, I will explain how to best learn about the two plug-ins by applying them on a Layer (in Photoshop). I amazed myself yesterday by completing this guide in the car on the way to and from Sebastian. Huge thanks to Anita for doing the driving. Please include a copy of your Topaz order when requesting the guide.
RawDigger e-Guide and Video Advance Copy Available
Save $10 Now
The RawDigger e-Guide and Video is almost finished. It will sell for $51.00. If you are anxious to get started with RawDigger, learn to mega-Expose to the Right, and wind up with the highest quality image files, you can save $10.00 and have a chance to review a pre-publication copy of the guide by sending a PayPal for $41.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net with the words RawDigger e-Guide and Video Pre-publication Copy cut and pasted into the Subject line.
You will of course receive a link for the completed PDF when the guide is finished.
New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!
You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.
Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free overnight shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time). Be sure to mention the 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 and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and 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.
Upper Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and nailed focus on the eye.
Image #1: Wood Stork head and neck portrait
Click on the image to see a larger, sharper version.
The Situation
The Wood Storks at Sebastian Inlet State Park will walk right to fisherman throwing cast nets. But if you approach them with a long lens in your hand, or even worse with a tripod on your shoulder, the will usually next stage left. Or right. So when we spotted several iron heads feeding in a large rain pool we went to the 600s with a 1.4X TC and approached slowly and carefully. We did OK. After a while, the birds sensed our presence and headed toward the shore. Again we approached slowly. I was hoping for some head portraits, so I headed back to the car and switched out the 1.4X TC for the 2X TC. Anita stayed at 840mm. We tried several ways of herding the birds and those techniques paid off nicely. I wound up with 34 decent keepers. Three more of those are below.
Image #1A: Topaz DeNoise AI screen capture
Click on the screen capture to see a larger version.
DeNoise with Perfect Images
DeNoise does remarkable things to images that appear on the surface to be perfect. I run DeNoise on Auto to every image no matter how perfect the exposure and regardless of the ISO. Note above that Auto set the Reduce Noise slider to 2 out of 100 indicating that this image showed virtually no noise even with the extensive BLACKs and other dark tones. Since using RawDigger I have learn to mega-expose to the right to decrease noise in the shadows and dark tones and to use the entire dynamic range of my SONY sensors.
Two weeks ago I thought that I was thisclose to having the SONY e-Guide finished. I received an e-mail from IPT veteran Bart Deamer who asked some very good questions. Not knowing the answers, I have been e-mailing back and forth with Iliah Borg. I believe that Iliah is the brains behind RawDigger and FastRaw Viewer, and the man in charge of LibRaw, LLC. He has been exceedingly generous with his time and knowledge. A lot of what he has said has shaken my (admittedly limited) photographic knowledge to the core. Sometime last night, my brain came up with a way of incorporating what I have learned into the guide. I hope to be working on that this week.
So the bottom line is that DeNoise will make your very best images even better with reduced noise, an amazing crispness, and increased fine detail. Click here to order any Topaz plug-in and remember to use the ARTHUR15 code at checkout to save 15%. Then e-mail me your receipt to request a copy of the short but very helpful Getting Started with Topaz e-Guide.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and nailed focus on the eye.
Image #2: Wood Stork with baby lobster (I think …)
Click on the image to see a larger version.
The Baby Lobster
Though this bird took more than five minutes to swallow its prey, the bird simply would not turn its head toward us. Anita was to my left and a bit off sun angle but with the bird keeping its head turned away from us she was in a better position than I was. In addition, she was much wider at 840mm than I was at 1200mm. I took lots of images and deleted all but the one above either because of head angle or because I clipped the creature’s antennae. The head angle in the image above is barely acceptable to me …
Image #2A: Topaz Sharpen AI screen capture
Click on the screen capture to see a larger version.
Sharpen AI Stabilize to the Rescue for Motion Blur
When I examined this image at 200%, it was quite obvious that it suffered from motion blur because I struggled with the framing. In the Before image in the screen capture above, note that some of the specular highlights on the eyeskin show as small streaks, especially the one at one o’clock. Even the highlight in the eye shows as somewhat oblong, angling from our upper right to our lower left. All of these are clear indications that I was panning the lens down and left at the moment of exposure and that the relatively fast shutter speed of 1/1000 second was not fast enough to freeze that movement.
Sharpen AI on Auto did a great job of salvaging this image. Note that Auto chose Stabilize for the repairs. In addition to the improved sharpness of the eye, note the incredible improvement in the detail on the top of the stork’s head. Since motion blur is a common problem with action shots of birds, Sharpen AI — in many cases — will greatly improve your images.
Do note that neither Sharpen nor Stabilize will repair completely out-of-focus or totally motion-blurred images. The plug-in can, however, perform miracles on images that show as slightly soft when viewed at high magnifications. Sharpen AI completely replaces the use of the Contrast Mask, and unless you over-ride the Auto slider settings, never produces any crunchiness.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and nailed focus on the eye.
Image #3: Wood Stork in flat flight
Click on the image to see a larger version.
Unexpected Flight
When two fishermen walked right up to our birds, all three of the storks took flight. One circled left and headed right toward sun angle. Though I knew I was only at 1/800 second, too slow for flight photography according to most, I followed my own advice and fired off four flight shots at 1200mm — when unexpected action occurs, press the shutter button. If you try to change your settings you will miss the action. Once again, I jerked the lens a bit in an effort to get the bird in the center of the frame; as expected, there was a bit of motion blur as you can see in the Before portion of the screen capture below.
Image #3A: Topaz Sharpen AI screen capture
Click on the screen capture to see a larger version.
Sharpen AI Stabilize to the Rescue Again for Motion Blur
Enlarge the image to compare the Before and Preview images at 200% to note the incredible improvement in sharpness. I experimented with Sharpen and Focus but Stabilize as suggested by Auto did miraculously better. This image went from a delete to a keeper in .001 seconds. Note again that the it takes a minute or two to render the image once you hit Apply. Both Topaz plug-ins discussed today have opened a whole new world of sharper images for me.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and nailed focus on the eye.
Image #4: Wood Stork in flight/wings down
Click on the image to see a larger version.
Smoother Panning!
For this one, the fourth frame in the sequence, I must have smoothed out my panning; the face and eye were much sharper than in Image #3.
Image #4A: Topaz DeNoise AI screen capture
Click on the screen capture to see a larger version.
DeNoise with all Images
Here we have another pretty darned good image that was improved a bit by DeNoise on Auto with the Reduce Noise Slider set to 1 via Auto, we see another perfect Exposure thanks to what I have learned in RawDigger. After clicking on the image to enlarge it, note the crispness of the bird’s face and eye in the Preview version on our right. When I clicked the eyeball for the DeNoise layer on and off in Photoshop at 400%, the reduced noise in the background became quite apparent.
As far as Topaz is concerned, I have said it here often before and I will probably say again, “Better late than never.”
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: 6.
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 fully-refundable $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 fully-refundable deposit on a credit card. Balances must be paid in full by check no later than two months before the IPT. If you cancel due to COVID 19 concerns, all of your payments will be refunded.
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 :).
We got the Thule Roof Bars installed on the top of my new SUV as we are beginning to get ready for the Big Road Trip. Our plan right now is to head west on the early morning of 22 OCT. Yikes!
Wednesday morning was flowers. This morning Thursday 8 OCT 2020 — we are headed back to Sebastian Inlet with hopes of lots of diving Ospreys catching jacks. On Tuesday past, we had lots of action with diving pelicans but only a very few chances with the Ospreys.
Food for Thought
Thanks to Alpha Epsilon Pi/Phi Theta Brother Don Dunning for sharing this with me.
“Fame or integrity: which is more important? Money or happiness: which is more valuable? Success or failure: which is more destructive? If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never truly be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”
~ Lao-tzu, 6th century BCE Chinese philosopher, founder of Taoism
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 is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
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 Recent Sales list for the past year at the bottom of the page.
Karen McCormick sold her Nikon D5 in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $3200.00, a Nikon D500 in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $750.00, and a Nikon D800 in very good condition for a very low $450.00, all within two days of being listed.
Amazingly, I arranged for the sale of Patty McCulloch’s Canon 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens in excellent plus condition for the BAA record-low price of $5497.00, the sale of her Canon EF Extender 1.4X III in near-mint condition for a very low $229.00, the sale of her Canon EF Extender 2X III in excellent condition for only $228.00, and the sale of her Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro lens in excellent plus condition for a very low $499.00,all before they were to be listed in late September 2020.
Sean Werle offered his Canon EOS-1D X body in excellent condition for $1499.00 but it never sold. He made a gift of the camera to a friend in South America — he said that the camera had been “re-homed” — and kindly offered to pay 4% of the original asking price.
IPT veteran Mark Overgaard sold his Canon 11-24mm f/4L USM lens in near mint condition for $1530.00 (was $1599.00) in mid-September 2020.
Multiple IPT veteran Morris Herstein sold his Sony a9 in mint condition (with about 900 actuations) for the bargain price of $2498.00 just a few days after listing it in early September.
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.
Price Correction
Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens (with a great extra!)
Art Leyenberger is offering a Canon EF 100mm Macro USM lens in near-mint condition with a great extra for the silly low price of $349.00. The sale includes the original box, the front and rear lens caps, a near-mint Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (36mm, 20mm, 12mm) for Canon EOS lenses (a $129.90 value), 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.
This, the original non-IS version of this hugely popular very sharp macro lens, was Denise Ippolito’s favorite for many years. It is great for flowers and bugs large and small. The tripod collar for this lens requires a separate purchase. This lens, still in production, sells new at B&H for $599.00 (though it is currently on back-order). The IS L version II sells for $1299.00, artie
New Listings
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR Lens
Karen McCormick is offering a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR lens in excellent plus condition for the very low price of $650.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps 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.
The relatively lightweight and inexpensive 16-35mm wide angle zooms are great for serious landscape shooters on a budget. The heavier faster Nikon AF-S Zoom-NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED lens sells for a shopping $1951.95. Who needs the speed when you are on a tripod? The 16-35 f/4 Nikkor sells new for $1096.95 so you can save a pretty penny by grabbing Karen’s lens. artie
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens
Sale Pending First Day of Listing
Karen McCormick is offering a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens in excellent condition for the very low price of $500.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps 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.
I loved my versatile, all purpose, don’t-leave-home-without-it, mid-range 24-120 zoom lens when I used Nikon. I felt it was much sharper than all versions of the Canon 24-105 lenses. And the VR allowed me to create sharp images handheld at silly-low shutter speeds like 1/8 second. This one sells new for $1,096.95 so you can save a very cool $596.95 by purchasing Karen’s copy. artie
Karen McCormick is offering a Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens in excellent plus condition for the very low price of $850.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps 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.
The I loved my versatile, all purpose, don’t-leave-home-without-it, mid-range 24-120 zoom lens when I used Nikon. I felt it was much shaper than all versions of the Canon 24-105 lenses. And the VR allowed me to create sharp images handheld at silly-low shutter speeds like 1/8 second. This one sells new for $1,096.95 so you can save a very cool $596.95 by purchasing Karen’s copy. artie
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens and TC-1401 1.4x Teleconverter Kit for Nikon F
Karen McCormick is offering a Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens and TC-1401 1.4x Teleconverter Kit for Nikon F in excellent plus condition for a remarkably low $500.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps 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.
Offering an impressively versatile range with a portable form factor, the Nikon F-mount 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM from Sigma is a Contemporary-series telephoto zoom characterized by its sophisticated optics and flexible handling. One FLD element and three SLD elements are used to reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range and a Super Multi-Coating also helps to suppress flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color accuracy when working in strong lighting conditions.
Balancing the optical design, this lens also features a Hyper Sonic Motor, which provides especially fast and quiet autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override. An Optical Stabilizer also works to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting. Additionally, a removable, rotating tripod collar is included to suit working on a tripod or monopod. B&H
I have seen many excellent sharp images created by folks on IPTs and on BPN. As this kit sells new for $1,289.00 Karen’s offering is a great bargain for a beginning bird photographer using Nikon gear. artie
Great Topaz News!
Folks who use the BAA Topaz link to purchase Sharpen AI, DeNoise AI, or the Utility Bundle (or any other Topaz plugins) will receive a 15% discount by entering the ARTHUR15 code at checkout. To get the discount you must use my link and you must enter the discount code. Be sure to start with this link.
Topaz Stuff
As I said on Sunday and have said often many times before, I should have listened sooner. If you, like me, are new to the Topaz party, please use this link to purchase. Right now I can wholeheartedly recommend both Topaz Sharpen AI and Topaz DeNoise AI. Though I have not yet worked with JPEGtoRAW AI or Gigapixel AI, I have installed both of these plug-ins and look forward to trying them on some I-Phone 11 images fairly soon. If you are thinking like me, consider the Utility Bundle that includes all four plug-ins mentioned above at a money-saving price.
Again, those who purchase Sharpen AI or DeNoise AI using my link, can e-mail to request a short Getting Started with Topaz e-Guide. I had a bit of trouble getting the two plug-ins installed and having them appear in the Photoshop Filter Menu. In addition, I will explain how to best learn about the two plug-ins by applying them on a Layer (in Photoshop). I amazed myself yesterday by completing this guide in the car on the way to and from Sebastian. Huge thanks to Anita for doing the driving. Please include a copy of your Topaz order when requesting the guide.
Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro back in stock!
We received a dozen Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pros via DHL. We ordered twenty … Anita North has been using one and said, “With my weak fingers, the Levered-Clamp is a Godsend.
RawDigger e-Guide and Video Advance Copy Available
Save $10 Now
The RawDigger e-Guide and Video is almost finished. It will sell for $51.00. If you are anxious to get started with RawDigger, learn to mega-Expose to the Right, and wind up with the highest quality image files, you can save $10.00 and have a chance to review a pre-publication copy of the guide by sending a PayPal for $41.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net with the words RawDigger e-Guide and Video Pre-publication Copy cut and pasted into the Subject line.
You will of course receive a link for the completed PDF when the guide is finished.
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 is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!
You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.
Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free overnight shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time). Be sure to mention the 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 and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and 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.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and worked well. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #1: Mixed terns/skimmer/gull flock blur
Lucky Thirteen
When doing pleasing blurs, the classic blur shutter speed for flocks in flight and running animals has long been 1/15 sec. But it always pays to experiment. Working in Shutter Priority it is easy to roll a wheel or a dial (depending on which system you are using) and change the shutter speed even in the middle of a blast-off. For some reason, 1/13 second often proves to be a winner, as it was — at least for me — with Image #1 above. In this one I love the pan-blurred effect on the water and the waves and the beach.
Learn more in The advantages of using the Shutter Priority/Exposure Compensation/AUTO ISO method in low light blog post here. Despite the huge-for-most-folks Exposure Compensation (EC) of +2.7 stops, Raw Digger showed that this image was a bit less than 1/2 stop too dark. But with the low ISO and without any dark tones, noise was a non-issue. When was the last time you worked at almost +3 stops?
This image was also created at Fort DeSoto Park in Pinellas County, FL on the morning of 3 OCT 2020. Again, I used the handheld Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 257mm) and the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body. A Singh-Ray George Lepp 3-stop Solid Neutral Density Filter was screwed on to the front of the 200-600 G. (More on that below.) Exposure was determined via Zebra evaluation with ISO on the rear dial as detailed in The Sony Camera User’s e-Guide and One Camera Set-up Video. Multi-metering + 2.7 stops: 1/15 sec. at f/6.3 in Shutter Priority mode. AUTO ISO set 100. ABW at 9:09am on a now cloudy-bright morning.
Center Zone Continuous AF was active at the moment of exposure and worked well. Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #2: Mostly terns blast-off blur
Why a 3-stop Solid Neutral Density Filter?
In image #1, the light levels were so low early on the dark cloudy morning that achieving a slow shutter speed while keeping the ISO low was no problem at all. By 8:30am it has gotten much, much brighter so I affixed the 95mm 3-stop ND filter to the front of the lens so that I could work at a slow shutter speed without having the system choose a tiny aperture like f/22. At very small apertures, dozens of microscopic dust spots will require time and effort to remove.
I have a variety of 77mm ND filters for my SONY 100-400 lens along with a Singh-Ray 77mm Circular Polarizer. They are all left over from my Canon 100-400 II days. But the front element of the SONY 200-600 G requires a 95mm thread. You get to choose from the 3-, 4-, and 5-stop filters. The five-stop will likely be best on bright sunny days, but the 3-stop is better on cloudy bright days as you will always be able to maintain a low ISO. I was undecided as to whether to get the 3-stop or the 4-stop but wound up purchasing the 3-stop.
If you own the 200-600 and enjoy doing pleasing blurs, a good ND filter is a valuable tool. Can you say Bosque del Apache?
Order a Singh-Ray 3-stop ND filter for your SONY 200-600
To Order a Singh-Ray 3-stop ND filter for your SONY 200-600
To order a Singh-Ray 3-stop ND filter for your SONY 200-600, click here and then make your selections as shown in the screen capture above. Be sure to enter the ARTIE10 discount code at check-out to save 10% on your Singh-Ray order.
To order any Singh Ray filter, click here and then click on the Camera Filters tab and see the options on the dropdown menu. Again, be sure to enter the ARTIE10 discount code at check-out to save 10% on your Singh-Ray order.
A Guide to Pleasing Blurs
Learn everything there is to know about creating pleasingly blurred images in A Guide to Pleasing Blurs by Denise Ippolito and yours truly. This 20,585 word, 271 page PDF is illustrated with 144 different, exciting, and artistic images. The guide covers the basics of creating pleasingly blurred images, the factors that influence the degree of blurring, the use of filters in creating pleasing blurs, and a great variety of both in-the-field and Photoshop techniques that can be used to create pleasingly blurred images.
Artie and Denise teach you many different ways to move your lens during the exposure to create a variety of pleasingly blurred images of flowers and trees and water and landscapes. They will teach you to recognize situations where subject movement can be used to your advantage to create pan blurs, wind blurs, and moving water blurs. They will teach you to create zoom-blurs both in the field and during post-processing. Artie shares the techniques that he has used and developed for making blurred images of flocks of geese in flight at his beloved Bosque del Apache and Denise shares her flower blur magic as well as a variety of creative Photoshop techniques that she has developed.
With the advent of digital capture creating blurred images has become a great and inexpensive way to go out with your camera and have fun. And while many folks think that making successful blurred images is the result of being a sloppy photographer, nothing could be further from the truth. In “A Guide to Pleasing Blurs” Artie and Denise will help you to unleash your creative self.
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 :).
Today is Tuesday 5 OCT 2020. We hit the road at 5:35am for another crack at Sebastian Inlet despite the “scattered thunderstorms” forecast … Continuing with my plan to share some really good photos with you here on the blog, you get to enjoy two spectacular focus-stacked flower images by my long-time friend and colleague George Lepp.
They’re Playing Our Song
Even if you never saw They’re Playing Our Song on Broadway (I did twice!), you will enjoy this amazingly clever YouTube video of Lucie Arnaz and Robert Klein reprising their starring role from 1979 in 2010. The synching of the two performances is superb and Robert Klein is too, too funny.
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 Recent Sales list at the bottom of the page.
Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens (with a great extra!)
Art Leyenberger is offering a Canon EF 100mm Macro USM lens in near-mint condition with a great extra for the silly low price of $349.00. The sale includes the original box, the front and rear lens caps, a near-mint Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG (36mm, 20mm, 12mm) for Canon EOS lenses (a $129.90 value), 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.
This, the original non-IS version of this hugely popular very sharp macro lens, was Denise Ippolito’s favorite for many years. It is great for flowers and bugs large and small. The tripod collar for this lens requires a separate purchase. This lens, still in production, sells new at B&H for $599.00 (though it is currently on back-order). The IS L version II sells for $1299.00, artie
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L Ultrasonic Lens (with TCs!)
Art Leyenberger is offering a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L ultrasonic lens in excellent condition and both series I teleconverters for the very low price of $650.00. The sale includes the original box, the lens hood, the lens pouch, the front and rear lens caps, a Canon EF 1.4X teleconverter with both caps and the lens pouch, a Canon EF 2X teleconverter with both caps and the lens pouch,, 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.
This sharp, super-fast, mid-range telephoto zoom is incredibly versatile and is the favorite zoom lens of many nature, wildlife, and landscape photography pros. It kills in point-blank flight situations; I used mine on flying gannets in Scotland, for Bald Eagles at Homer, and with the pelicans at La Jolla, CA. And often for granddaughter Maya’s dance recitals. This lens is still in production and sells new at B&H for $1299.00. artie
Great Topaz News!
Folks who use the BAA Topaz link to purchase Sharpen AI, DeNoise AI, or the Utility Bundle (or any other Topaz plugins) will receive a 15% discount by entering the ARTHUR15 code at checkout. To get the discount you must use my link and you must enter the discount code. Be sure to start with this link.
Topaz Stuff
As I said on Sunday and have said often many times before, I should have listened sooner. If you, like me, are new to the Topaz party, please use this link to purchase. Right now I can wholeheartedly recommend both Topaz Sharpen AI and Topaz DeNoise AI. Though I have not yet worked with JPEGtoRAW AI or Gigapixel AI, I have installed both of these plug-ins and look forward to trying them on some I-Phone 11 images fairly soon. If you are thinking like me, consider the Utility Bundle that includes all four plug-ins mentioned above at a money-saving price.
Again, those who purchase Sharpen AI or DeNoise AI using my link, can e-mail to request a short Getting Started with Topaz e-Guide. I had a bit of trouble getting the two plug-ins installed and having them appear in the Photoshop Filter Menu. In addition, I will explain how to best learn about the two plug-ins by applying them on a Layer (in Photoshop). I amazed myself yesterday by completing this guide in the car on the way to and from Sebastian. Huge thanks to Anita for doing the driving. Please include a copy of your Topaz order when requesting the guide.
Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro back in stock!
We received a dozen Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pros via DHL. We ordered twenty … Anita North has been using one and said, “With my weak fingers, the Levered-Clamp is a Godsend.
RawDigger e-Guide and Video Advance Copy Available
Save $10 Now
The RawDigger e-Guide and Video is almost finished. It will sell for $51.00. If you are anxious to get started with RawDigger, learn to mega-Expose to the Right, and wind up with the highest quality image files, you can save $10.00 and have a chance to review a pre-publication copy of the guide by sending a PayPal for $41.00 to birdsasart@verizon.net with the words RawDigger e-Guide and Video Pre-publication Copy cut and pasted into the Subject line.
You will of course receive a link for the completed PDF when the guide is finished.
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 is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
New and Better Bedfords Discount Policy!
You can now save 3% on all of your Bedfords photo gear purchases by entering the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout. Your discount will be applied to your pre-tax total. In addition, by using the code you will get 2nd day air shipping via Fed Ex.
Grab a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III and save $14.99. Purchase a Canon EOS R5 and your discount will be $116.97. Purchase a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and save a remarkable $389.94! Your Bedford’s purchase no longer needs to be greater than $1,000.00 for you to receive a discount. The more you spend, the more you save.
Money Saving Reminder
Many have learned that if you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H and would enjoy free overnight shipping, your best bet is to click here, place an order with Bedfords, and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If an item is out of stock, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time). Be sure to mention the 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 and everywhere else. The wait lists at the big stores can be a year or longer for the hard to get items. Steve will surely get you your gear long before that. For the past year, he has been helping BAA Blog folks get their hands on items like the SONY a9 ii, the SONY 200-600 G OSS lens, the Canon EOS R5, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is personable, helpful, and 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.
Image courtesy of and copyright 2020 George D Lepp
Image #1: Gladiola blossom
George Lepp
I often said that George Lepp knows more about the technical side of photography in one fingernail clipping than I do in my whole brain. George has been a friend since the early 1990s. He inspired me early on in many ways. I learned a ton about gear, photography, and presenting by attending several of his one-day programs. At a show he did in Tampa, FL sometime in the 1990s, I first learned about Canon AF and about the only telephoto lens I could afford then — the 400mm f/5.6L, which went on to become my beloved toy lens.
In addition, he has always been glad to lend a helping hand whenever I asked. We were both founding members of NANPA and both were invited by Michael Newler and the late Dave Metz to become part of the original group of Canon Explorers of Light. When I was let go as an EoL about seven years ago, George was as puzzled as I was.
George is one of North America’s best-known contemporary outdoor and nature photographers. His passions for natural beauty, technical precision, cutting-edge technology, and environmental responsibility are revealed in his beautiful and compelling photographic images. He is also widely recognized for his unique dedication to sharing his photographic and biological knowledge with other photographers through his seminars and writing. In both realms, George Lepp is a leader in the rapidly advancing field of digital imaging.
Focus Stacking
When you are working at high magnification, it is pretty much impossible to have enough depth-of-field to render the entire subject in sharp focus. In order to do that you create multiple images focused as various points and then combine those to create an image with the entire subject in sharp focus. George has mastered that technique to the extreme.
George on Image #1
The lighting for Image #1 came from several small (inexpensive) LED light panels and a couple of LED Lume Cube photo lights. The focus bracketing (stacking) feature on the EOS R5 can only be used with continuous lighting. I enjoy this technique in part because I can see the effects of various lighting approaches as I stage the subjects. The focus-bracketed captures are compiled in ZereneStacker software and optimized in Photoshop. It’s good to remember that you can take too few focus- bracketed images, but seldom too many. At such high magnification and f/8, each capture covers only a fraction of an inch of depth of field, so it takes many more images to cover a complete flower than most people realize.
Focus-stacking via Cognisys StackShot: from 274 images.
Image courtesy of and copyright 2020 George D Lepp
Aster blossom at 4X
George on Image #2
In the studio, I can take close-ups to another level. I saw this blooming aster plant at a nursery and noticed the intricate forms in the centers of the flowers. So naturally, I bought it. Each individual blossom is only about the size of a quarter. At 4x (above) you can begin to capture the detail with the Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x Macro lens with the MR-14EX macro flash. The flower was lit by the Canon MT-24EX macro twin flash. At 4x, the focus-stacking was achieved with Cognisys StackShot and the results were compiled using Zerene Stacker software. The beauty of this series of images is that they show you the flower in ways you could never have seen with the naked eye.
Learn More …
You can learn more about George Lepp (and about photography!), view his image galleries, and sign up for his LEPPPHOTOSPAM EMAILS buy visiting his website here.
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 :).
