July 30th, 2020 What’s Up?
On Wednesday morning, I spent almost three hours photographing what I think were Tropical Royalblue Waterlily flowers in a drainage ditch on Orange just past Alba. The longer I stayed with them, the more the blossoms opened up and the more beautiful they became. Finally I succumbed and waded into the ditch almost up to my waist with the 180 macro on the tripod!
This morning, Thursday 30 JULY 2020, was one of those whatever could go wrong did go wrong mornings. First, I returned to the Alba spot to photograph a new-to-me species of yellow wildflower. There had been about 30 beautiful blooms there on Wednesday. The roadside strip had been mowed … Next was a gorgeous, just-fledged baby Osprey that sat in a field for ten minutes as I set up the 600 GM in my new vehicle. Just as I positioned my SUV, got the right exposure, and framed the image mama flew over calling and the handsome young bird flew off. And so it went …
Feel free to leave a comment as to which of today’s featured flower images is your favorite. And do let us know why you made your choice.
Wanted to Buy, Again
If you are looking to sell a Canon 600mm f/4L IS II lens, please get in touch with me via e-mail. I have another potential buyer. The first notice like this resulted in a sale before the lens was even listed …
SONY a7r IV Sale: only one in stock
Bedford’s is offering $300 off on the SONY body that I use the most, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera. Was $3,498.00, now $3,198.00. Use the BIRDSASART code at checkout and save another $50.00. In all, you save $350.00). Most of my tight head portraits are created with the 600 GM, the 2X TC, and the a7r iv. In addition I use it for most of my bird photography and all of my macro photography. Click here to order, but hurry as there are only two in stock. And don’t forget to enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout to save an additional fifty bucks.
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, 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 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.
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.
Via e-Mail from Multiple IPT veteran and good friend, Donna Bourdon
Donna is a long-time Canon shooter who is dipping her toes into the SONY waters. After purchasing her a9 ii and 200-600 from Steve Elkins at Bedfords, she enjoyed a healthy discount on the SONY guide. She sent me this last night:
I never could have set my new a9 ii without the video. It is amazing that you and Patrick were able to figure out this complex camera so quickly and then develop and shar the guide and the videos with us. Donna
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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107 sold to rave reviews.
The SONY e-Guide by Patrick Sparkman and Arthur Morris
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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.
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.
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 over $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.
Macro Photography Plan B: Part II!
I’ve always liked the narrow field of view of longer macro lenses like the Canon EF 180mm f/3.5. When I gave up on the Sigma 150mm macro (for Nikon) with the Vello adapter for SONY, Patrick Sparkman suggested that the Canon 180 macro with the Metabones adapter would be a great combination. He was right. Having sold my Canon 180 macro (along with my Canon 100mm f/2.8 IS macro) years ago, I purchased a used Canon 180 macro from NYC friends Alan and Sara Levine and the Metabones Adapter from B&H.
I am still working on occasion with the Laowa 100mm 2X lens when working with tiny subjects. That despite the fact that the tripod collar designed specifically for that lens is very close to being non-functional. That said, working with the solid, sturdy, beautifully-designed tripod collar on the Canon 180 macro is an absolute pleasure. With the rock-solid Induro GIT 404L and the Induro GIT 404L/FlexShooter Pro, my macro efforts are now an absolute pleasure. When I need to work with tiny subjects, I can always go to the trunk of my new SUV for the Laowa …
The combination of the Canon 180mm (1X) macro lens and the Laowa 100mm (2X) Ultra Macro is working perfectly for me. The former is my workhorse macro lens while I go to the latter for tiny subjects and super-close-ups.
Depth-of-Field with Macro
Notice that when working close to 1X magnification near the minimum focusing distance of a macro lens that even f/32 does not get everything sharp …
Learning Exposure from RawDigger
RawDigger has been a Godsend as far as learning to expose to the right to the max. In an effort to improve and learn more about meshing Zebras with the Canon 180 macro and the 7r iv, I began working in Av (Aperture) priority; I can note the exposure compensation (EC) after the fact. With the subject in Image #2 shaded by my upper body and the background in the sun, RawDigger showed that I needed to add 2.7 stops to the metered exposure to come up with a dead-solid perfect exposure.
Neighbor/friend Ralph alerted me to this stand of flowers when we stopped to chat for the first time five weeks ago.
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Image #2A: Photo Mechanic Screen Capture for Yellow Milkwort (Polygala rugelii) blossom.
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Photo Mechanic Screen Capture for Yellow Milkwort
Most folks would be shocked to learn that a RAW file that looked over-exposed, too bright, flat, and washed out, was actually the perfect exposure and that it would produce a lovely optimized image after the RAW conversion in Capture One … That’s how learning about Exposure with RawDigger goes! I am hoping to have the RawDigger guide finished by the end of August.
Spanish Needles
This native wildflower species is common and widespread. They introduced themselves to our backyard. But nearly all of the flowers that I have examined have been torn and ratted. I was happy to find this pretty-much-perfect blossom in Ralph’s backyard.
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This image of the same flower was of course created on the morning of 25 JULY 2020. For this one I used the Induro GIT 404L/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Sony E and the 61MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body ISO 800: 1/30 sec. probably at f/8 in Manual mode. The exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger from a series of bracketed images. AWB at 8:45am on a partly sunny morning with the flower shaded by my torso.
Manual focus using the combination of Manual Focus Toggle and Focus Magnifier tips from the SONY e-guide along with the 2-second timer. The blossom was picked (with permission) and Plamped in place on a spare tripod.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger version.
Image #4: Spanish Needles (Bidens alba) — close-up of flower center.
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Going to the 2X Laowa
With a lovely flower and little wind, I walked back to my new SUV and switched the 180mm (1X) macro for the 100mm (2X) Laowa so that I could photograph the flower center at about 1.5X magnification. I could not have achieved this subject size with the Canon 180mm (1X) macro. Yes, the tripod collar is an absolute pain to use but the results are well worth it.
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Image #4A: an unsharpened 300% crop!
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A 300% Crop!
The astounding detail in this unsharpened 300% crop shows exactly why I go to the SONY a7r iv for all of my macro photography and much of my bird photography …
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 :).
July 29th, 2020 What’s Up?
It is early on Wednesday 29 JUNE 2020 and I am headed out soon on another still, cloudy, perfect-for-flowers morning.
Via e-Mail from Blog regular Adam Rubinstein
Hi Artie,
The FlexShooter Pro arrived today, albeit delayed by USPS (I know, savlanut)… At first, I didn’t know precisely what to expect and instead of opening the box to find a baby alligator or plastic pink flamingo, I was treated to a beautifully crafted piece of hardware. After holding it in my precious hands for a few minutes, I popped it on my 304L, leveled it, and then mounted my Canon 500 IS II with the 5dmkiv. A couple of twists later and all I can say is wow, how did I manage all of these years without this ingenious device??? Gimbal be damned, this is a thing of beauty and substance and I am simply flabbergasted by this marvel of engineering. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Have a great weekend,
Adam
I had to look up “savlanut;” from The Messianic Times:
Israelis often demand “savlanut” (sahv lah NOOT), or patience, from others, for example, while most of them refuse to stand in line, honk at red lights in traffic as if to insist that they turn green and look down on those who pause while others speak. Although patience may be perceived as virtue here in the Land, its practice is rare.
SONY a7r IV Sale: only two in stock
Bedford’s is offering $300 off on the SONY body that I use the most, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera. Was $3,498.00, now $3,198.00. Use the BIRDSASART code at checkout and save another $50.00. In all, you save $350.00). Most of my tight head portraits are created with the 600 GM, the 2X TC, and the a7r iv. In addition I use it for most of my bird photogrpahy and all of my macro photography. Click here to order, but hurry as there are only two in stock. And don’t forget to enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout to saave an additional fifty bucks.
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, 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 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.
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This image was created on the morning of 17 JULY 2020 in our butterfly garden at Indian Lake Estates. I used the Induro GIT 404L/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Sony E and the 61MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body ISO 800: 1/8 sec. at f/? (probably f/8) in Manual mode. The exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger from a series of bracketed images. AWB at 7:20am early on a still, partly cloudy morning.
Manual focus using the combination of Manual Focus Toggle and Focus Magnifier tips from the SONY e-guide along with the 2-second timer. Plamped in place to combat the breeze.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger version.
Image #3: Bloodberry aka Rouge Plant, Pigeon Berry, Turkey Berry, Baby Peppers (Rivina humilis) blossom — Medium depth-of-field
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In the Why Make 161 Images of a Single Blossom? On Depth-of-Field at Relatively High Magnifications … blog post here, I was the only one who liked the medium depth-of-field image (Image #3, above) best. I did not like the super-sharp version (Image #4) at all because the background leaf is distractingly sharp. I liked the wide open Image #2 a lot, but liked more of the tiny individual flowers in focus in Image #3. Thanks to the few who commented.
I forgot to mention that this Florida native was photographed in our butterfly garden.
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.
Very Recent Sales (and there are many additional sales pending!)
BAA friend, California botany expert Bob “BugBob” Allen, sold his Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto lens in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $2300.00 (was $2348.00), a Canon EF Extender 1.4X III in near-mint condition for a very low $229.00, and a second Canon EF Extender 1.4X III, this one in excellent condition, for a very low $199.00, all within a day or two of listing in late July 2020.
Anita North sold a Nikon D850 dSLR in excellent plus condition with a shutter count of 222,223for the silly low price of $1298.95 (was $1398.95), another D850 dSLR in very good condition with a shutter count 410,710 for the silly low price of $998.95 (was $1098.95), a Nikon TC-E20 III (2X teleconverter) in like-new condition for a very low $196.95 (was $246.95), and her Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens in like-new condition for a BAA record-low $945.95 (was $1,095.95), all in early to mid-July 2020.
Long-ago IPT veteran Art Leyenberger sold his Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto lens in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $2349.00 and a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM zoom lens in near-mint condition for a BIRDS AS ART record low $449.00 both soon after listing them in mid-July.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens
BAA Record-low Price!
Angie Birmingham is offering a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR in like-new condition for $7,996.95. The sale includes the rear lens cap, the lens trunk, the original tough front lens cover, the lens strap, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only.
Your item will not ship until your payment clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Angie via e-mail or by phone at 1-361-815-8852 (Central time zone).
This, the lightest,latest, greatest version of the Nikon 400mm f/2.8 lenses, is superb for large mammals in low light and birds at close range. It is superbly sharp alone or with the TC-14E III. It offers the world’s sweetest Boken. As a new goes for $11,196.95 right, you can save a very smooth $3,200 by grabbing Angie’s lens. artie
This super telephoto prime is designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras, however can also be used with DX models where it will provide a 600mm equivalent focal length. Its impressively bright f/2.8 maximum aperture excels in difficult lighting conditions and also enables extensive control over depth of field for isolating subjects using selective focus techniques.Two fluorite and two extra-low dispersion lens elements work to reduce chromatic aberrations; improve overall image sharpness, clarity, and color fidelity; and help to minimize the overall weight of the lens. Vibration Reduction image stabilization helps to reduce the appearance of camera shake by up to four shutter speed stops, benefiting this lens’s use in low-light conditions. Additionally, a designated Sport Mode is well-suited to working in fast-paced conditions and a Tripod Mode helps to suppress subtle ground vibrations when working atop a support system. The Silent Wave Motor affords quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. An internal focusing design is also used, where only the internal lens groups are moved during focusing, to maintain the overall length of the lens during use and to promote faster focusing speeds. Dust- and moisture-resistant magnesium-alloy lens barrel benefits the lens’ use in inclement conditions. A removable tripod collar is included with the lens for well-balanced support when working from a monopod or tripod. The collar ring also incorporates ball bearings for smooth transitions between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations. Specialized electromagnetic aperture mechanism provides greater exposure control stability that is especially beneficial when working with fast continuous shooting rates. This 400 f/2.8 is compatible with optional AF-S Teleconverter TC-14, TC-17, and TC-20 teleconverters. B&H
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR Lens
BAA Record-low Price!
Price reduced $200.00 on 5-28-20
Price reduced $100.00 on 6-13-20
Price Reduced $100.00 on 2 JULY 2020
Price Reduced $100.00 on 29 JULY 2020
Anita North is offering a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lens in excellent condition for a BAA record-low $8765.95 (was $9265.95). The front element is immaculate, the finish on the hood is dinged up pretty good but is functionally perfect, and the body of the lens is excellent plus. The sale includes the lens trunk, the strap, the front cover, the rear lens cap, 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.
Please contact artie via e-mail or on his cell at 863-221-2372 before 4pm Eastern time. Please leave a message or text if no answer.
In all systems, the 600 f/4 lenses are the weapons of mass destruction when it comes to birds and wildlife. I loved my Nikon 600 both alone and with the 1.4X teleconverter. If you use Nikon gear and have been dreaming of moving up to the big leagues, do get in touch with me ASAP to save $3,531.00. This lens sells new for $12,296.95. artie
Nikon Battery Grip & Charger Kit w/two extra batteries!
Price Reduced $150.00 on 2 JULY 2020
Price Reduced $100.00 on 2 JULY 2020
Anita North is offering this virtually impossible-to-find-in-stock kit for a very low $898.00 (was $1148.00). Some folks have been on waiting lists for more than one year. The sale includes the Nikon MB-D18 Multi-Power Battery Pack with EN-EL18c Battery Kit, a Nikon BL-5 Battery Chamber Cover for MB Battery Packs, the Nikon MH-26aAK Adapter Kit (that includes a BT-A10 adapter and an MH-26a dual battery charger), and two extra N-EL18b Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries. Everything is in new condition. The sale includes the original boxes for the Battery Grip & the Charger and insured ground shipping via major courier (to lower-48 US addresses only). Your item will not ship until your check has cleared the bank unless other arrangements are made. (PayPal +4% is fine with same-day shipping).
These items sell new right now for approximately $1488.00 (but only if you are super-lucky enough to find these items in stock) …
Please contact artie via e-mail or on his cell at 863-221-2372 before 4pm Eastern time. Please leave a message or text if no answer.
Helping you achieve the most from your D850 DSLR, the Nikon MB-D18 Multi-Power Battery Pack with EN-EL18c Battery Kit from B&H includes the accessories needed to achieve a 9-fps continuous shooting rate, as well as extended battery life with up to 5140 shots per charge. This kit comprises the dedicated MB-D18 battery grip for the D850, an EN-EL18c rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a BL-5 Battery Chamber Cover, and the MH-26aAK Adapter Kit and Battery Charger. The Nikon MH-26aAK Adapter Kit includes a BT-A10 adapter and an MH-26a dual battery charger and allows you to charge two of the large batteries at the same time. artie & B&H
The Last of artie’s Nikon Gear
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Lens
BAA Record-low Price!
Price reduced $50.00 on 5-28-20
Price reduced $50.00 on 6-13-20
Price reduced $50.00 on 7-29-20
Arthur Morris is offering a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR lens in like-new condition for a BAA record-low $646.95 (was $796.95). The sale includes the front and rear caps, the original box and lens bag, 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.
Please contact artie via e-mail or on his cell at 863-221-2372 before 4pm Eastern time. Please leave a message or text if no answer.
This lens is smaller and lighter and costs a lot less than the f/2.8 version. It is relatively fast, very sharp, and extremely versatile. It pairs well with the TC-14E. It sells new right now for $1,396.95. Grab it now to save $750.00 artie
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 VR Lens
BAA Record-low Price!
Price reduced $50.00 on 5-28-20
Price reduced $10.00 on 5-28-20
Price reduced $10.00 on 7-29-20
Arthur Morris is also offering a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 VR lens in like-new condition for a BAA record-low $476.95 (was $546.95). The sale includes the front and rear caps, the original box and 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.
Please contact artie via e-mail or on his cell at 863-221-2372 before 4pm Eastern time. Please leave a message or text if no answer.
I have always loved the lenses in this class. The Nikon version was a lot sharper than the Canon 24-105. It is a versatile multi-purpose lens with a thousand uses. I keep my SONY 24-105 on the front seat of my SUV every day and use it often. The 24-120 sells new right now for $1,096.95. Grab Artie’s pretty much new lens to save a cool $620.00! artie
July 28th, 2020 What’s Up?
Monday morning proved to be perfect for flower photography. The breeze that came up as the sun peaked through early disappeared as early clouds took hold. Macro Plane B Part II is working to perfection. Lots on that here soon. I did some rough-roading with my new SUV and was a bit nervous going through some really deep puddles that left a bow wave rushing over the hood! The all-wheel drive worked to perfection and I was able to breathe easy when I made it back to pavement.
Amazingly, Canon used gear prices are rebounding a bit and there have been many recent sales. I spent a good part of Sunday brokering a deal for Dane Johnson’s practically new Canon 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens. A deal is pending priced at $5,900.00.
There are lots of dark clouds to the east at 6:23am on Tuesday 28 JULY 2020 and I will be heading out for more flowers soon. With the daily afternoon and evening monsoons I do not dare head down to the lake …
Feel free to leave a comment as to which of today’s three featured images is the strongest. And do let us know why you made your choice.
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, 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 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.
Via e-Mail from Multiple IPT veteran and good friend, Donna Bourdon
Donna is a long-time Canon shooter who is dipping her toes into the SONY waters. After purchasing her a9 ii and 200-600 from Steve Elkins at Bedfords, she enjoyed a healthy discount on the SONY guide. She sent me this last night:
I never could have set my new a9 ii without the video. It is amazing that you and Patrick were able to figure out this complex camera so quickly and then develop and shar the guide and the videos with us. Donna
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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105 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.
Are eBay Used Photo Gear Listings Bogus?
You tell me …
In the comments at the “BAA V-log: How to Carry a Long Lens On a Tripod. Or Not? Tons of Used Canon Gear at Great Low Prices!” blog post here, Steve asked:
Artie, could you explain why you think eBay prices are “bogus”?
Here is my expanded reply:
Here is one example: I just did a search on eBay for a Canon EOS-1DX Mark II. There were many. The last two sold on the BAA Used Gear page for $2798.00 and $2698.00. On eBay, there has been one listed for several days with less than 1700 actuations priced at $1700.00. With zero bids. There are about 50 listed for somewhere between $3,000 and $4,499.00. About 15 of those are listed for more than $4,000.00.
Now refine your search by checking the box for Completed Items. “eBay Completed Listings are listings that have run their course and ended either with a sale or as unsold. Before listing items on eBay, and to get the most money for an item you are selling, it is a good practice to research completed listings and price accordingly.”
There are at least 60 bodies — I gave up counting — listed as Completed Items. The prices range from $1900.00 to a high of $4299.00. Oh, and there is one listed for 99 cents. Of interest is one listed for $3250.00 with 15 bids as high as $2375.00. The listing was removed. About half of the completed listings showed zero bids.
Now refine your search to Sold. The first listing is one that supposedly sold for $3,312.00 on July 24, 2020. I say supposedly because the same camera had been listed for several days for $1700 (with zero bids). Another was listed as sold on May 20 for US $4,050.00 while just below that one was listed as sold for $1700.00 just two days before …
Does anything seem fishy to you? IAC, keep reading.
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The B&H Preliminary Offer for a 9+ Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
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Lastly, do you remember that I sold two 1DX II bodies hear recently for $2798.00 and $2698.00? I contacted the Used Department at B&H to see what they would offer for a 1DX Mark II. There offer — as above was an abysmally low $1550.00. Notice that it is a preliminary offer. They pay the shipping but once they have your gear, they are free to lower their offer … You might say that their offer is somewhat of an indication of what your gear might actually be worth. On average, each of the last two 1DX Mark II bodies sold on the BAA Used Gear page for $1198.00 more than the B&H low-ball offer. That works out to 77% more (less the cost of insured ground shipping). It looks as if e-Bay is not the only bogus operation around …
Do know that on very rare occasion, I might — depending on demand for various items — recommend that folks look into accepting a low-ball offer from B&H or another of the big guys …
artie
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.
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 over $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 24 OCTOBER 2018 at Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. I used the handheld Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens (at 370mm) with my back-up Nikon D850. ISO 400. Matrix metering plus about 1 2/3 stops; 1/2000 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. Auto1 WB at 2:14pm on a cloudy-bright day.
Image #1: Emperor Penguin adult
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Bucket-list City: Re-visiting the Emperors …
Was It Worth It?
I spent many tens of thousands of dollars to fulfill a decades-long dream of getting down to photograph an Emperor Penguin colony, especially the incredibly cute teddy-bear-like chicks. I do not think that I have sold a single image from that trip … Truth be told, I have not even tried.
I am often asked, Was it worth it? I do not hesitate to answer, Yes. I got to do something wonderful for three whole days. I got to check an item off my bucket list. After the morning of Day 3, I was exhausted (it was a 4+ mile round trip to the colony). I was suffering from snow blindness — thank the lord that new friend Sue Flood loaned me a pair of sun-goggles! And I was so sated by the experience that I headed back to the ship way-early.
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This image was also created on 25 OCTOBER 2018 at Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. Again I used the handheld Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens (at 400mm) with my back-up Nikon D850. ISO 400. Matrix metering plus about 1 2/3 stops; 1/1600 sec. at f/11 in Manual mode. Auto1 WB at 12:45pm on a cloudy-bright day.
Image #2: Close-up of neck of Emperor Penguin
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Clean, Tight, and Graphic
If any three words in the English language can be used to describe my style of bird photography, they would be clean, tight, and graphic. At times I get where I want to be at 1200mm. At times I get low and approach slowly. At Snow Hill, visitors are not permitted to approach the penguins. The Emperors are, however, allowed to approach the visitors. My strategy was to find a few birds in an area of clean snow — things can get pretty messy around penguin colonies, sit down on the ice, and wait. As the penguins are very curious, I usually did not have to wait long.
I never even dreamed of being able to create a neck-pattern abstract with “only” the 80-400 VR.
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This image was created on 25 OCTOBER 2018 at Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. I used the handheld Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens (at 95mm) with my back-up Nikon D850. ISO 400. Matrix metering plus about 1 2/3 stops; 1/1250 sec. at f/11 in Manual mode. Auto1 WB at 1:01pm on a cloudy-bright day.
Image #3: Creche of Emperor Penguin chicks
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Too Cute!
King Penguin chicks are round and fat and brown and ugly. They are named Oakum Boys after the tar used to seal the planks on old-time sailing ships. Emperor Penguin chicks on the other hand, resemble cute little gray and white stuffed toys. Are they the cutest bird chicks on the planet or is it that they are so difficult to see? Perhaps both. In any case, they were the stars of the show.
Creche is from the French for “nursery.” For image #3, one or two adults tending this group of almost fifty young Emperors led them up on a small hill before leading them away in a long line to an unknown location.
The Nikon 80-400 VR
Two Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lenses sold recently on the used gear page. The first generation of this lens was a dog, but the newest (and still current) version was a gem. I micro-adjusted mine with my back-up D-850 and the results were consistently razor/laser sharp. As with all of the intermediate telephoto zoom lenses, the 80-400 VR is amazingly versatile. The only negative of the Nikon version is the 7 foot minimum focusing distance that pales in comparison to the .98 meter close focus of both the SONY and the Canon 100-400mm zooms.
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 :).
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