Photography in Homer has continued to be astounding and the first IPT is going great guns. Multiple IPT vet Donna is thrilled that she made the last-second decision to join the first IPT and made a slew of contest-winning images on DAYS 1 & 2. Mukesh has learned more about bird photography in just two days than he had in his previous 2 1/2 years. Having arrived early, he joined me for an extra day before the IPT and created more than 3,000 insta-deletes. By DAY 2 of the IPT he was creating dozens of lovely, technically perfect images with clean backgrounds to boot. IPT veteran Warren Robb has learned a ton about his new SONY gear and created some very fine images as well. As he is staying for both trips, his images will only keep getting better and better. IPT veteran Marvin Falk shared a whimsical set of images with the group; he spent a good part of Wednesday morning photographing a single, dirty-headed eagle.
I should have noted that 10 minutes after Mukesh and I began photographing on Monday 24 FEB, he declared, “I am signing up for next year!”
Good friend and top (former-) student Clemens Van der Werf headed back to Florida after staying an extra day. The next blog post will feature a slew of the killer images he created with the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR Camera with CFexpress Card and Reader Bundle that he got from Steve Elkins at Bedfords.
I did some more work on the big SONY guide — we are getting very close …
Please consider taking a moment out of your busy day and leaving a comment on today’s images.
If …
If you have purchased a SONY 600mm f/4 GM lens (or more than $10,000 worth of SONY gear) using a BAA link and have not received your free SONY e-Guide and Videos, please shoot me an e-mail with a copy of your receipt so that I can send it along.
The Greatest-ever Bald Eagle Experience IPTs
IPT #1: SAT 20 FEB 2021 through the full day on THURS 25 FEB MAR 1, 2021. Six full days: $5499.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 4.
IPT #2: SAT 27 FEB 2021 through the full day on WED 3 MAR 2021. Five full days: $4599.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings: 4
Please note the slightly revised dates for IPT #2 above.
From Homer, Alaska
We will do two 2-hour or one 4-hour boat trip to Kachemak Bay each day (weather permitting). Our schedule will be flexible and driven by the wind and sky conditions. We will have numerous and varied mind-boggling opportunities to photograph Bald Eagle, a hugely popular species. We will be feeding the eagles to attract them into photographic range. The trip is costly because chartering the boat is expensive, the fish are very expensive at $1.25/pound (all on me), the costs of in-room breakfasts and one sit-down meal/day are included, hotel to dock transfers are included, as is lodging (double-occupancy). The cost of a single supplement is $90.00/night
We will do lots of flight photography from the boat and on land until you can no longer lift your lens. We will get off the boat on various islands to photograph the birds both perched and in flight. This species takes five years to reach maturity; we will get to photograph birds os all age-classes from juvenile plumage to full adults with their gleaming white heads (and everything in between). There will be numerous informal Image Editing, Photoshop, and Image Review sessions throughout each trip. As I am conversant in Canon, Nikon, and SONY I can help you better understand your gear no matter what you are shooting.
Going up earlier than all other tours this year proved to be fantastic with tons of snow on the ground to light up the eagle’s underwings. You will usually not enjoy those conditions on the March tours (unless you are very lucky). In addition, the eagles are more ravenous early in the season. In FEB 2020 we often had 30-40 or more eagles in the air around the boat with as many as 75 perched in trees or resting on the black sand beaches. Folks who want to do some photography locally during down-time may wish to rent a vehicle.
It is best to register right now to save your spot. Register for both trips and apply a $300 discount.
A $2000 credit card deposit is required to hold your spot. Call Jim ASAP at the office weekdays at 863-221-2372 to leave your deposit. Your balance will be payable only by check no later than July 31, 2020. If you fail to pay your balance, your spot will be forfeited to someone on the waiting list and you will lose your deposit. If you plan on joining me, please e-mail immediately or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372 with any questions or to let me know of your plans. First come, first served.
Not included: your round-trip airfare from home to Homer, AK through Anchorage and back. Your second sit-down meal each day. Alcoholic beverages at our sit down meal.
On these IPTs you will learn:
1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
6- To spot good situations and to choose the best perspective.
7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography.
11- More than you could ever imagine.
Used Gear Sales
The Used Gear Page has been hotter than hot recently with lots of great buys and lots of in-the-know folks getting the best possible price for their gear.
Very Recent Sales
Paul Mckenzie sold his Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lens in mint condition (but for a very few minor blemishes on the lens hood) for the BAA record-low-by-far price of 9,999.00 (was $10,999.00).
Karl Schneck sold his Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens in excellent plus condition for a very low $5399.00 and a Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II in excellent plus condition for a very low $3799.00, both on the second day of listing in mid-FEB 2020.
Tim McCreary sold his Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto lens in near-mint condition for a BAA record-low $2399.00 on the first day of listing.
Multiple IPT veteran Larry Master sold his Canon EF Extender 1.4X III (teleconverter) in excellent condition for $229.00 in mid-FEB 2020.
Craig Elson sold his Canon 400 f/4 DO IS II USM lens in excellent plus condition for $3,599.00, a Canon 300 f/4L IS USM lens in near-mint condition for the BAA record-low price of $499.00, a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with 13,140 actuations in excellent to near-mint condition for $1,698.00, a Canon 7D Mark II with only 7,169 actuations in near-mint condition for $649.00, a Canon 1.4x Extender EF III in mint condition for $249.00, and a Canon 2.0x Extender EF III in mint condition for $249, al on the first day of listing in mid-FEB 2020.
Joe Randle sold his Canon Speedlite 430EX II in near-mint condition for $50.00 (was $75.00) and his Canon Fisheye EF 8-15 1:4 L USM zoom lens (the “circle lens) in near-mint condition for a crazy low $549.00 (was $749.00) both in mid-FEB 2020.
Bob Lester sold his Sony A7r iii Mirrorless camera body in Very Good Plus condition (shutter count < 14,000) for only $1698.00 in mid-FEB 2020.
In addition, the sale of IPT veteran Cris Hamilton's Canon EF 600 f/4L IS III USM lens is pending (as are several other sales).
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.
Tracking Flexible Spot M Continuous (C) AF performed beautifully. Click on the image to see a larger version. Uncropped.
Image #1: Bald Eagle dining on rabbit
The 70-200mm f/2.8 Lenses in Homer
The hand held Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens has been my most valuable piece of gear on this amazing trip. And the same has is true with the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S. These bare lenses alone (see Image #2 below) are perfect for flight photography as the weather is variable and often cloudy or snowing in Alaska in February; the wide f/2.8 aperture enables folks to stay with relatively low ISOs while enjoying high shutter speeds. Adding the 1.4X TC for extra reach is often a great strategy even allowing for head portraits of these magnificent birds.
This image was created at Kachemak Bay, AK on 25 FEB 2020. I used the hand held Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens (at 200mm) with the blazingly fast AF King, the Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body) that features incredibly accurate AF. ISO 500. Exposure determined via Zebras on the rear wheel: 1/3200 sec. at f/3.2. AWB at 9:20am on a cloudy-bright day.
Wide Continuous (C) AF performed beautifully. Click on the image to see a larger version. Uncropped.
Image #2: Bald Eagle braking to land
Reflected Light
Getting to Homer early pretty much guarantees that you will have snow on the ground. The white stuff serves as a giant reflector and lights the eagles’ dark underwings superbly. In this great situation, I talked to the group about trying to include a small strip of the yellow grasses at the bottom of the frame as the birds landed. And then I did the deed!
Okie Dokie
Please leave a comment letting us know which of today’s featured images is the strongest and why.
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 🙂
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 :).
Homer has been beyond amazing. Coming earlier than usual the weather has been wild, the eagles have been ravenous, and the photography has been insanely outstanding — far beyond what anyone could have dreamed of. My recovered SONY gear has stood up quite well. On Friday and Saturday, both the 7r iv and the a9 ii were covered with wet snow by the blizzard. Both have kept on ticking after taking a licking. Despite creating as many as 2450 images in a single session with the temps in the teens, I have not once had to change a single camera battery. And a9 ii AF continues to perform in a science-fiction-like manner with virtually 99% of the flight images sharp on the eye. Yesterday, in sunny conditions, I made some super-sharp flight images with the hand held 200-600 and the a7r iv! The latter rig has been deadly for head portraits. The 70-200mm has been my most valuable lens for flight photography with and without the 1.4X TC with both bodies. My SONY 600 GM has been parked on the floor of my room for days and I will not be using it at all. Next year I will do the whole trip with the 70-200mm f/2.8 and the 200-600. Once again my close-focusing SONY 100-400 GM lens is having smooth zooming issues …
I already have several commitments for the 2021 Homer IPTs. If you are interested, please contact me via e-mail.
Catch this: multiple IPT veteran and great friend Donna Bourdon e-mailed me on Monday morning asking if I had room for her on the first IPT. II did. She purchased her flights that morning, headed to the Atlanta Airport late on Monday afternoon, landed at Anchorage at 3am on Tuesday morning, and is waiting to board her Ravn Air flight to Homer as I type at 4:57am Alaska time on 25 FEB. Good on Donna for living life now!
Coming Soon: More on the Canon 1D X Mark II
The next blog post up will be several more great Clemens Van der Werf 1D X III images along with Clemens’s comments on the new Canon body.
Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, many in full breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Laughing Gull landing on head of Brown Pelican, Laughing Gull in flight, Reddish Egret sunrise silhouette, Great Blue Heron with needlefish, Yellow-crowned Night Heron with ghost crab, Roseate Spoonbill, Sanderling in breeding plumage, and white morph Reddish Egret in glorious breeding plumage.
The 2020 Fort DeSoto Spring Sandbar Secrets IPT/April 22 through the morning session on April 25, 2020. 3 1/2 DAYS: $1499.00. Limit: 8 photographers
An inexpensive add-on day is available.
Fort DeSoto, located just south of St. Petersburg, FL, is a mecca for breeding terns and gulls and wading birds in spring. Migrant shorebirds are in abundance, and many are exceedingly tame. We should have great chances on Royal and Sandwich Terns and both white- and dark-morph Reddish Egrets. Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, and White Ibis are easy as well and we will almost surely come up with a tame Yellow-crowned Night-Heron or two along with some American Oystercatchers. We will enjoy lots of great flight photography.
Again, Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Laughing Gull in flight, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Sandwich Terns copulating, Roseate Spoonbill, Great Egret with reflection, breeding plumage Short-billed Dowitcher, American Oystercatcher, Royal Tern, white morph Reddish Egret, and Snowy Egret in marsh.
We will also get to photograph a variety of other shorebirds including Black-bellied, Semipalmated, Wilson’s, and Piping Plovers, Willet, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitcher, most especially, Red Knot with many individuals in their handsome breeding plumages. In spring the T-shaped peninsula and the newly formed sandbar, Outback Key, are literally packed with avian treasures.
With luck, we might get to photograph one of Florida’s most desirable species: Roseate Spoonbill. And we will almost surely get to do some Brown Pelican flight photography. With luck, they will have Laughing Gulls landing on their heads. And though not guaranteed, Wood Stork might well be expected. And we will be on the lookout for a migrant passerine fallout in the event of a thunderstorm or two.
Yes, Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: breeding plumage Dunlin, dark morph Reddish Egret displaying, Laughing Gull vertical front-end portrait, Laughing Gull with prey item, landing on head of Brown Pelican, breeding plumage Royal Tern displaying, Royal Terns — pre-copulatory stance, Laughing Gulls copulating, Laughing Gull head portrait, breeding plumage Sandwich Tern with fish, and a rare treat, a breeding plumage White-rumped Sandpiper.
On the IPT you will learn:
1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure.
2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
5- To age and identify many species of shorebirds including sandpipers, plovers, dowitchers, and possibly yellowlegs.
6- To spot good situations and to choose the best perspective.
7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they affect bird photography.
10- How and when to access the magical sandbar safely.
11- More than you could ever imagine.
You got it by now! Fort DeSoto in spring is rife with tame birds, most in breeding plumage. Click on the composite to enjoy a larger version.
Clockwise from upper left around to center: Roseate Spoonbill, immature Brown Pelican in flight, the heron/egret hybrid, American Oystercatcher feeding, immature Royal Tern on railing, Great Egret morning silhouette, Black Skimmer in surf, and underside head portrait of Great Blue Heron.
Morning sessions will run at least three to 3 1/2 hours, afternoon sessions 2 1/2 to 3 hours. There is never a set schedule on an IPT — we adapt to the conditions. There will be a Photoshop/image review session after lunch (included) each day. That will be followed by Instructor Nap Time. This IPT will run with only a single registrant (though that is not likely to happen). The best airport is Tampa (TPA). Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with lodiing information. Do know that it is always best if IPT folks stay in the same general area (rather than at home or at a friend’s place a good distance away).
Folks attending this IPT will be out in the field early and stay late to take advantage of sunrise and sunset colors; this is pretty much a staple on almost all BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tours. Doing so will often present unique photographic opportunities, opportunities that will be missed by those who need their beauty rest and those who need to get home for a proper dinner. I really love it when I am leaving the beach at 9:30am on a sunny morning after a great session just as a carful or two of well-rested photographers are arriving … We will be getting wet.
Payment in full is due now. Credit cards are OK for your $500 deposit. You can register by calling Jim or Jennifer during weekday business hours at 863-692-0906 with a credit card in hand. If you leave a deposit you will receive an e-mail with your balance statement and instructions for sending your balance check. If you wish to pay in full right off the bat, you can make your check out to BIRDS AS ART and send it via US mail here: BIRDS AS ART, PO BOX 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with detailed instructions, and clothing and gear advice in mid-August. Please remember that we will meet early on Saturday morning. Please shoot me an e-mail if you plan to register or if you have any questions.
IPT veterans and couples or friends signing up together are urged to e-mail for discount information.
Tracking Flexible Spot M Continous (C) AF performed beautifully.
Image #1: Molting adult Laughing Gull resting behind a tree!
Click on the image to see a larger version.
The Situation
After our first great afternoon and an even better first morning, pickings were a bit slim for Larry Master and me on our second afternoon. At a seldom-visited beach, there were some interestingly handsome Laughing Gulls beginning to molt into breeding plumage. I had attempted to get some good photographs of the molting gulls that morning but pretty much failed. When we attempted to get really close to the birds that afternoon, we could not get anywhere close enough for head portraits. So I added my 1.4X TC to the mix and utilized and old strategy to get the deed done.
Tracking Flexible Spot M Continous (C) AF performed beautifully.
Image #2: Molting adult Laughing Gull yawningbehind a tree!
Click on the image to see a larger version.
The Old Strategy
Though I have used this exact strategy many times over the years, I have never described it in detail in writing. Anyhoo, with my rig on a Black Rapid Curve Breathe Strap, I approached a small flock of the gulls to about 20 feet where they were still quite comfortable with my presence. Then I sat carefully. Next, I put my rig on my lap, placed my hands a bit in front of me, and propelled myself to my right to get on sun angle and then forward a bit to get closer. The effort was well rewarded. I guess you could call it ‘butt-crawling with your gear on your lap.” Once I was in position I cleaned the sand off of my hands before touching my gear (for obvious reasons). All in all, it worked quite well.
Tracking Flexible Spot M Continous (C) AF performed beautifully.
Image #3: Molting adult Laughing Gull head portraitbehind a tree!
Click on the image to see a larger version.
The Hand Held SONY 200-600/1.4XTC/a9 ii Combination
The hand held SONY 200-600 with the 1.4XTC is obviously a deadly combination. Yes, if you use it on cloudy days you will need to up the ISO and possibly work on a tripod. But with good technique, your images will be tack sharp. The ability to be mobile in the field while having 840mm of hand held reach at your disposal when needed is simply incredible. And once you learn to master Tracking Flexible Spot, the combination becomes even more powerful. Still to come: flight photography with this same rig and the 200-600 with the 1.4X TC and the 7r iv, the latter still in the works.
This image was also created on February 12, 2020 at Fort DeSoto. Again I used the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens, the Sony FE 1.4x teleconverter (at 840mm), and the blazingly fast Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body) that features incredibly accurate AF. ISO 400. Exposure determined via Zebras on the rear wheel: 1/1250 sec. at f/9. AWB at 4:39pm on a sunny aftenroon.
Tracking Flexible Spot M Continous (C) AF performed beautifully.
Image #4: Molting adult Laughing Gull yawning widebehind a tree!
Click on the image to see a larger version.
Your Favorite?
Please leave a comment and let us know which of the four Laughing Gull head portraits is your favorite. And why you made your choice.
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 🙂
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 :).
As you can see immediately below, the weather in Homer, AK has been wild, but the photography has been beyond amazing. On Friday, with my SONY gear still in limbo, Clemens kindly loaned me his Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS lens and an EOS-1D X Mark II. I did not forget how to use it; I have lots of comments below the images.
Clemens was thrilled that Steve Elkins of Bedfords was able to get him a Canon EOS-X Mark III in time for our Homer trip.
It is Sunday morning, 23 FEB. We are heading out at 8:30. The storm has passed and it will be a sunny day, probably the only one for the next two weeks. At 9am, the temperature will be about 14 degrees (feels like 5!)
I still have some single-day openings on the first IPT. Get in touch via e-mail if you are gonna be around.
I have dates set for two more Homer IPTs next year. If you are interested in joining me for one or both of these incredible trips, please get in touch via e-mail.
My and Your Favorite Images
Please leave a comment letting us know which of today’s five featured images is your favorite. And let us know why. In addition, which one do you think is my very favorite image? I do have a vrey clear choice.
The Weather Outside Was Frightening
Click on the play triangle to see the weather outside my room on Friday at 4pm. With winds with gusts to 35 …
Image #1: My Think Tank Roller Comes Back From the Dead!
Hooray!
So the lost bag was traced to Kodiak. They flew it back to Anchorage on Friday. But with the lovely weather in Homer — all flights to and from were canceled for the rest of the day — it did not make it to Homer till early Saturday. That in itself was a miracle as the early flight made it in pretty tough conditions and then the weather deteriorated and the airport was shut down again for the rest of the day.
Considering that the three-letter-code for Kodiak is ADK, it is pretty hard to understand how my HOM-labeled bag made it there …
All of my cameras and lenses were in perfect condition after the journey, a credit both to my watch-cap packing technique and the sturdiness of the ThinkTank Airport SecurityTM V2.0 rolling bag.
Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART
Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charged a minimum of 20%. Plus assorted fees! Yikes. They went out of business. And e-Bay fees are now up to 13%. Please understand that e-Bay prices are bogus. And the same is true of the prices of used gear including my dear friends at B&H and the other mega-outfits. They offer you pennies and then try to sell the stuff to ignorant folks for ridiculously high prices. With their huge international exposure, they occasionally find someone …
The minimum item price here is $500 (or less for a $25 fee). If you are interested please scroll down here or shoot us an e-mail with the words Items for Sale Info Request cut and pasted into the Subject line :). Stuff that is priced fairly — I offer pricing advice to those who agree to the terms — usually sells in no time flat. Over the past year, we have sold many many dozens of items. Do know that prices on some items like the EOS-1D Mark IV, the 5Ds and 5Ds R, the old Canon 500mm, the EOS-7D, the Canon 200-400 with internal extender, and the original 400mm DO lens have been dropping steadily. Most recently the price of used Canon 600mm f/L IS II lenses have been dropping like a rock with the introduction of the 600 III. The prices garnered for used Canon gear has tanked completely as demand has dropped tremendously. It is ironic that for decades Canon gear had very strong resale value …
Note: all BAA Used Gear sales include insured ground shipping via UPS to lower 48 US addresses only. Others who live elsewhere are invited to e-mail the seller for shipping surcharge info. Sellers should charge you only the difference between shipping to the farthest US location from their home and the charge to a non-lower-48 address.
Very Recent Sales
Bob Lester sold his Sony A7r iii Mirrorless camera body in Very Good Plus condition (shutter count < 14,000) for only $1698.00 in mid-FEB 2020.
Jim Lewis sold his Fujifilm X-T2 Mirrorless Digital camera body in-near mint condition for an incredibly low $449.00 (was $699.00) in early FEB 2020.
I learned in FEB 2020 that Joe Randle sold his EF 85mm f/1.8 USM lens in excellent condition for $149.00 in mid-JAN 2020.
Multiple IPT participant Sheldon Goldstein sold his Sigma Contemporary 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG Lens for Canon in like-new condition for $675.00 (was $725.00) in early FEB 2020.
IPT veteran Richard Russ sold his Nikkor 105mm Micro f/2.8G AF-VR lens in near-mint condition for the very low price of $496.95 and a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Special Edition Lens lens in near-mint condition for the silly low price of $106.95.
Barry McKenzie sold his Canon 2X III TC in excellent plus condition for a very low $219.00 and a Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens for Canon EF in like-new condition for a very low $449.00, both in early FEB, 2020.
Paul Mckenzie sold his Canon EOS 5DS R dSLR in very good condition for only $799.00 (was $999.00), a Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM lens in good plus condition for an amazingly low $1,099.00 (was $1,499.00), and a Canon EOS-1D X Mark II dSLR in very good condition with 95,000 actuations for the very low price of $2499.00 (was $2,899.00), all on 9 FEB 2020.
Barry McKenzie sold a Canon 1.4X III TC in very good condition with a single “ding” for a very low $160.00 in early February 2020.
Paul Mckenzie sold his Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM lens in good plus condition for an amazingly low $1,099.00 and his Canon EF Extenders (teleconverters) 1.4X III and 2X III in excellent condition for $200 each on 6 FEB 2020.
Paul Mckenzie sold his Canon EF 100-400mm L IS II USM Zoom lens in very good plus condition for $999.00 on 5 FEB 2020.
And the sale of one Canon 600 III and one Canon 600 II are pending.
Used to Create Images # 4 & 5
Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens (with extras!)
Barry McKenzie is offering a Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens in excellent plus condition for a very low $3,399.00. The sale includes the hood, the rear cap, the lens trunk, a LensCoat, the CD, two front lens covers, the Canon PL-C52 polarizer, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Photos available on request. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
The 300mm f/2.8 lenses have long been the favorites of the world’s best hawks-in-flight photographers. And since they perform superbly with both teleconverters, they make a great workhorse lens for bird photographers who wish to hand hold, especially those with crop factor bodies like the 7D Mark II or those with some of the newer Canon bodies likee the very popular Canon EOS 90D… artie
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II dSLR
Craig Elson is offering a Canon EOS-1D X Mark II with 14,004 actuations in excellent plus condition for $3,299.00. But for two small paint wear spots, it would be near-mint. The sale includes the front body cap, an AquaTech padded eyepiece, the camera strap, the charger, 2 extra batteries, the connector cable, a Wimberley P-5 plate, 3 Lexar 64GB CFast cards, a Lexar 128 GB CFast 2.0 525 MB/s card, a Lexar CFast card reader, a RealTree LensCoat, Expert Shield protectors for all the LCD screens, 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 Craig via e-mail or by phone at 1-704-904-7953 (Pacific time zone).
The EOS-1DX Mark II is Canon’s flagship professional camera body. I made many fine images with mine. It is rugged and fast and features Canon’s best AF system. The 1DX II sells new for $5499.00 so you can save a very cool $2,200.00 by grabbing Craig’s body asap. artie
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
Brand-new-in-the box/Incredible Low Price!
Anthony Saka is offering a brand-new-in-the-box Canon EOS-1D X Mark II body for an incredibly low price of $3,699.00. The camera is still in the unopened box along with everything that comes with a new camera. Why? Because it is brand-new! 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.
Please contact Anthony via e-mail or by phone at at 1-516 902-6997) (Eastern time zone).
The EOS-1DX Mark II is Canon’s flagship professional camera body. I made many fine images with mine. It is rugged and fast and features Canon’s best AF system. The 1DX II sells new for $5499.00 so you can save a very cool $1800.00 by grabbing Anthony’s new-in-the-box camera body. artie
Canon’s WMD
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens
Price dropped $600 on 6 FEB 2020! Price dropped $400 moore on 23 FEB 2020!
Paul Mckenzie is offering a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lens in mint condition (but for a very few minor blemishes on the lens hood) for the BAA record-low-by-far price of 9,999.00 (was $10,999.00). The sale includes the lens hood, the front lens cover, the rear cap, the original product box, the instruction manual, the warranty card, the strap, and insured shipping via FedEx. The sale does not include the LS600 soft case. Your item will ship upon receipt of your wire transfer. All sales are subject to the restrictions noted above.
The 600 III is the latest Canon version of my favorite weapon of mass destruction for bird photography. With its superb balance, light weight, incredible sharpness, and a five-stop Image Stabilization system, the 600 III is a technological marvel. The lens tips the scale at a relatively svelte 6.71 lb — about one ounce heavier than the SONY 600mm f/4GM OSS lens. It is a fraction under two pounds lighter than the Canon 600 II. Thus, it is eminently hand-holdable for many folks. As this lens sells new for $12,999.00, you can save a neat $2600.00 by being the one to grab Paul’s pretty much new lens. This lens is super-sharp with either TC, one of the great advantages of Canon over Nikon … artie
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.
Image #2: Two Bald Eagles, one taking flight. Image courtesy of and copyright 2020 Clemens Van der Werf.
Two for the Price of One
Clemens worked the whole first day on Friday with his Canon 100-400 II and his new 1D X III. The files looked great when viewed in Capture One and Clemens seemed quite happy with his new purchase. On Saturday, after my SONY gear showed up, he used the 300 f/2.8 and the 70-200 f/2.8L IS with his new body.
Image #3: artie. and friends. Image courtesy of and copyright 2020 Clemens Van der Werf.
Fun in the Snow With Friends
Well, this is a rare shot these days — me with Canon gear in my hands. I am very grateful to Clemens for the gear loan as we had a spectacular day. The boat ride back was quite exciting, a real E ticket ride if there ever was one. Notice how Clemens carefully chose his perspective to eliminate any merges and at the same time, to frame me perfectly with. the eagles in the snow.
This image was created near Homer, AK on 21 FEB 2020. I used the hand held Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens (now replaced by the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens with the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II dSLR. ISO 800. Exposure determined by histogram check. Evaluative metering at about +2 stops: 1/3200 sec. at f/3.2. AWB at 11:30am on a sunny/blowy day.
Center Expand Continuous AI Servo AF was active at the moment of exposure.
Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #4: Incoming Bald Eagle
Working with the Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS and the 1D X I
It was a bit strange working with the Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS and the 1D X II. It took me a while to get in tune with making basic changes like setting the shutter and aperture and especially moving the AF point. That especially in wet blowing snow, strong winds, and heavy gloves on. I really, really missed Zone and Tracking Flexible Spot M as with those (and other SONY AF Areas as well) there is almost never a need to move the AF point; the camera does that automatically and nails the focus more than 99% of the time. Although the rig was quite heavy, it was great having a super-fast f/2./8 lens in the low light. By working at f/3.2, I was able to stay at ISO 800 or below while using shutter speeds ranging from 1/2000 to 1/3200 sec. At times the 300mm reach was a plus but more often I clipped both wingtips on incoming birds. The only f2.8 telephoto that SONY makes is the 70-200mm f/2.8. I used that lens with my a9 ii on Saturday — most with the 1.4X TC, and created more than 2350 images. Except for some made in total white-out conditions where the AF system grabbed the snowflakes, nearly all. were razor sharp. I did, however, experiment and found an AF area that performed superbly in heavy snow. That revelation will be shared in the new guide. Images from that epic session will be shared here in about a week.
Continue reading to learn my thoughts about the Canon AF system.
This image was created near Homer, AK on 21 FEB 2020. I used the hand held Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens (now replaced by the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens with the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II dSLR. ISO 800. Exposure determined by histogram check. Evaluative metering at about +2 stops: 1/3200 sec. at f/3.2. AWB at 11:30am on a sunny/blowy day.
Center Expand Continuous AI Servo AF was active at the moment of exposure.
Click on the image to see a larger version.
Image #5: Bald Eagle braking to land
My Thoughts on Canon AF (with the original 300 f/2.8)
Most of my flight images with the 300 f/2.8 and the 1D X II were very sharp. Every once in a while, I would lose a killer image due to soft focus, but in general, I was quite pleased with the focus tracking accuracy. Remember that my first 1D X Mark II suffered from oil spots on the sensor so I rarely used it. With birds flying right at me at close range however, I did have lots that were sharp on the feet with the bird’s face totally out of focus. After about 3 1/2 hours the battery died and when I could not find a charged battery in Clemens bag that was back on the boat, I grabbed his 5D Mark IV, my old favorite Canon body. Of the 1165 images that I created that morning, probably 300 were made with the 5D IV. The bad news is that even though the camera was much lighter than the 1D X II, felt great in my hands, and seemed to be tracking accurately, most of the images simply were not in sharp focus. I did, however, make a few very good ones. The conclusion: AF tracking accuracy with the 1D X II is far superior to AF tracking accuracy with the 5D Mark IV.
If In Doubt …
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Typos
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