July 15th, 2020 What’s Up?
With both fields and the South Peninsula flooded, I have been sticking to the side streets in search of wildflowers. I learn a bit more about working with the tripod-mounted Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Sony E.
I will be heading out early today — Wednesday 15 JULY 2020. Mid-July? Are you kidding me?
Thanks to the folks who commented on the color or B&W question in the Some Respite From the Heat; this would make a nice jigsaw puzzle. On Not Letting the Old Man In … And a Used Like-New Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens! blog post here. Opinions were divided 50-50. I far prefer the color version as the yellow leaves remind me that my favorite time at Bosque is early in the season when there are still some yellow leaves on the cottonwoods.
With one sign-up already, I am really going to try to make Bosque work, hoping that it will be the first-ever socially-distanced IPT … 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! Do check out my Bosque Gallery here to see the creative possibilities.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
John Buswell is offering a Canon EOS 7D Mark II in near-mint condition for a very low $598.00. The sale includes the front lens cap, the strap, the one original battery and charger, a 32 GB Sandisk Extreme Pro 160 MB/s compact flash card, the manual, the original product box, 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 John via e-mail or via phone or text: 1-978-380-0456 (Eastern time zone).
Both Patrick Sparkman and I used and loved the 7D Mark II until about four years ago when we both committed to using full-frame Canon bodies. We both made some truly great images with it. Two of my three 2016 Nature’s Best honored entries were created with the 7D II, one still, and one video. One thing is for sure: the 7D Mark II is the greatest value ever in a digital camera body. If you have any doubts, type the word “Cadieux” in the little search box top right and follow any or all of the links to see the great images that BPN Avian Moderator Dan Cadieux has created with his 7D series bodies … artie
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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102 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.
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 the morning of 11 JULY 2020 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: 1/30 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 8:10am early on a still, partly sunny 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 #1: Green Garden Spider on Grassleaf Barbara’s Buttons (Marshallia graminifolia) blossom
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The Situation
On the morning of Saturday past, I returned to the corner of Flamingo Drive and Bougainville Drive — just six blocks from my home — to check out the three Grassleaf Barbara’s Buttons blossoms. Two of the three flowers had a Green Garden Spider on it. I spent a good thirty minutes photographing the larger of the two spiders. The third blossom had a smaller brown spider on it; I passed on that one, opting to concentrate my efforts on the largest more colorful subject.
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This image was also created on the morning of 11 JULY 2020 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 1000: 1/200 sec. at f/? (probably f/5.6) in Manual mode. The exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger from a series of bracketed images. AWB at 7:58am early on a still, partly sunny morning.
Manual focus using the combination of Manual Focus Toggle and Focus Magnifier tips from the SONY e-guide. Plamped in place to combat the breeze.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger version.
Image #2: Green Garden Spider on Grassleaf Barbara’s Buttons (Marshallia graminifolia) blossom — wider view
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Your Favorite?
Which of today’s two featured images is the strongest? Do you like the tighter view in Image #1 or the wider view in Image #2? Do let us know why. Feel free to comment on the two image designs as well.
Depth-of-Field Question
Despite the fact that the aperture probably used for Image #1 was smaller than the aperture used for Image #2, much more of the spider is in sharp focus in Image #2. Why?
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Click on the image to enjoy a larger version.
A 100% crop of Green Garden Spider on Grassleaf Barbara’s Buttons (Marshallia graminifolia) blossom — wider view
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Manual Focus Question …
After clicking on Image #2 to enlarge it, take a close look and let us know if you think that focus on face was spot on, slightly back focused, or slightly front focused. Explain why.
Do note the incredible detail in 7r iv files ….
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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.
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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: 5.
Extra Day Options: Please e-mail to learn about the before or after In-the-Field Day options.
Be sure to check out my Bosque Gallery here to see the creative possibilities.
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 $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 deposit on a credit card. Balances should be paid in full by check no later than two months before the IPT. Remember that with the uncertainty of the pandemic, folks may cancel at any time for any reason and still receive a full refund.
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.
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right.
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 13th, 2020 What’s Up?
I’ve been having fun each morning with the Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Sony E despite the problems with the Venus Optics Laowa Tripod Collar for 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO. I have figured out several ways of making a negative into a positive. I will share them with you here soon.
I will be heading out early this morning — Monday 13 July 2020, still concentrating on wildflowers. We have had torrential rains here every afternoon for the past week. The pool is close to overflowing and it is not advisable to drive on the fields down by the lake as the chances of getting stuck in the mud and wet grass are high (and will be for some time).
On Not Letting the Old Man In …
Many folks reacted to the Don’t Let the Old Man In video in the recent blog post here. If you missed it, you might wish to check it out, especially if you are getting on in years.
I remember getting back from my last Galapagos trip in early August 2019. I was exhausted and laid on the couch for about a week. I began thinking that if I continued it would not be long until they were putting me in a box. So I got back in the pool, started walking every day, and returned to my cardio bursts program. Since then, I have lost about ten pounds and added a daily walk on the StairMaster. I have gotten out to photograph every single morning since I began isolating on 22 March 2020. If you are not doing much and think that you are doomed, I urge you to begin with perhaps a short walk every day and go from there. At age 62 my younger sister Arna chose to let the old woman in, and laid in her bed at the rehab center until she died … Life is about choices. What’s 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.
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
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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102 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 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 at Bosque del Apache NWR on the 2019 Return to Bosque IPT. I used the handheld Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens (at at 259mm) and the 61-mega-pixel monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear dial. ISO 400: 1/400 sec. at f/11 in Manual mode. AWB at 9:40am on a snowy day.
Flexible Spot (S) was active at the moment of exposure. The AF point was right on the bird.
Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a larger version.
Image #1: Red-tailed Hawk perched dark morph
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I returned to Bosque in late November of 2019 and found conditions much improved. And best of all, the IPT was blessed when six inches of wet snow fell. While long focal lengths are needed to photograph single geese or cranes in flight, the shorter focal lengths are often best for blurs and bird-scapes. For today’s featured image I went with the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens. In addition I often used the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4G OSS lens and the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS.
I am hoping to do a Bosque IPT again this year a bit earlier than the last one in hopes of finding lots of birds close to the road while praying for winds in the morning with a southerly component … With the uncertainty of the pandemic, folks may cancel at any time for any reason and still receive a full refund.
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This image was created at Bosque del Apache NWR on the 2019 Return to Bosque IPT. I used the handheld Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens (at at 259mm) and the 61-mega-pixel monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear dial. ISO 400: 1/400 sec. at f/11 in Manual mode. AWB at 9:40am on a snowy daaay.
Flexible Spot (S) was active at the moment of exposure. The AF point was right on the bird.
Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a larger version.
Image #2: Red-tailed Hawk perched dark morph — Black and White Wet Rocks
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Black and White Wet Rocks
I created this B&W version using the Wet Rocks pre-set by going Filter > Nik Collection > Silver Efex Pro II. SEP II gives you lots of pre-sets — 38 in the version that I am using. After checking most of them I usually wind up going with Wet Rocks. Other favorites include High Contrast (harsh or smooth), High Structure (smooth), Push Process (N + 1.5), Full Dynamic (smooth), and Fine Art Process.
Your Preference?
All are invited to leave a comment letting us know whether they prefer Image #1, the color version, or Image #2, the B&W version. As always, please let us know why you made your choice. I have a clear favorite and will share my thoughts with you here soon.
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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: 5.
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 $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 deposit on a credit card. Balances should be paid in full by check no later than two months before the IPT. Remember that with the uncertainty of the pandemic, folks may cancel at any time for any reason and still receive a full refund.
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.
Facebook
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right.
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 11th, 2020 What’s Up?
Several days a week I receive e-mails like this:
I just got some new (fill-in-the-blank) gear. I love the blog. I learn so much. I have been visiting every day for (fill-in-the-blank) years.
I reply:
Thanks for your kind words. Congrats on the new gear. Be careful not to drop it! Did you remember to use my B&H affiliate link or get your new stuff from Steve Elkins?
The replies (if any), usually go like this:
Sorry. I forgot. I will use one of your links next time.
Please Remember
If you enjoy 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.
Read today’s blog to learn of my Macro Plan B, Part I. Part II will be along soon.
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.
|
|
|
101 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 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 the morning of 9 JULY 2020 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 400. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/80 sec. at f/? in Manual mode; the exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger. AWB at 7:23am early on a barely sunny 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.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger version.
Image #1: Grassleaf Barbara’s Buttons (Marshallia graminifolia) blossom and friendly spider
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The Lens: Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for SONY E
The lens itself is great. It is obviously well-constructed, it is very sharp, and at f/2.8 it is fast. It is relatively inexpensive. Best of all it is a 2X macro lens! It focuses down to an incredible 9.7″ from the plane of the sensor and can yield subjects at twice life-size!
Because there are no electrical contacts on the lens, no information of any kind is transmitted to the camera: not the aperture or even the name of the lens …
There is however a huge design problem: there is no groove on the lens in which to seat the Venus Optics Laowa Tripod Collar for 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO. The only spot to place the tripod collar is on the narrow strip of the lens barrel between the focus ring and the aperture ring. The fit is poor at best, and when the collar is loosened to rotate the lens, it slips and twists out of place and covers part of either ring. The collar often becomes skewed. And it is almost always difficult at best to fully tighten it.
There is plenty of room for a groove in which to seat the tripod collar on the proximal (near) end of the lens barrel. Had they sensibly placed it there, the rig would have been fully functional and much better balanced. It often baffles the mind to think that someone actually got paid to design the lens and the tripod collar.
Now at this point you are likely thinking that it is time to return the lens. But despite the challenge of using it on a tripod and the lack of EXIF data, I actually love the lens. That said after using it for only a single morning … A 100mm 2X macro lens is not something to be taken lightly.
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This image was created on the morning of 9 JULY 2020 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 400. Exposure determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: 1/80 sec. at f/? in Manual mode; the exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger. AWB at 7:23am early on a barely sunny 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.
Click on the image to enjoy a larger version.
Image #2: Grassleaf Barbara’s Buttons (Marshallia graminifolia) blossom (wider view)
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Your Choice?
Do you prefer the tighter framing and image design (along with the friendly spider) of Image #1 or the wider version (sans arachnid), Image #2? Why?
Baby Garden Spiders!
By adding a diopter, Andrew got to four times life-size. In addition, adding flash and working handheld adds a ton of versatility to these amazing lenses. You can see more of Andrew’s excellent photography in his nature galleries here. He created both Focus on Frogs and Ontario Landscapes – A Photographers Guide.. Landscape folks might wish to check out Andrew’s forum here.
A Version for Most Systems
Laowa makes a 100mm macro lens for all major camera systems (as above).
Note: For those like me working on a tripod, the Wimberley P-20 plate mounted in reverse is best for these lenses.
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