Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

What’s Up?

I spent some quality time with the Mother’s Day colt and its folks this morning, again being sure to stay on the road. I am almost finished with the RawDigger e-Guide.

I was glad to see that almost all of the price-slashed items sold within a day or two including and especially Anita North’s Nikon 600 VR and Dennis Westover’s Nikon D5. I used that combination with the TC-E14 to create today’s featured image. There is a lesson there that I will be sharing with y’all here soon …

Gem #1

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR Lens (with extras)

BAA friend and skilled photographer Dr. Greg Gulbransen is offering a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lens in like-new condition (with extras) for a very handsome $9296.95. As the lens was only used six times and Greg take great care of his gear, the front element is immaculate as is the entire lens. This one is a gem. The sale includes the original product box, the lens trunk, the strap, the front cover, the rear lens cap, the original lens foot, a RRS LCF-18 Replacement Foot for NIKON AF-S 500mm & 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lenses (a $120.00 value — installed), 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 Greg via e-mail. Photos are available upon request.

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 Greg ASAP to save #3,000.00; this lens sells new for $12,296.95. artie

This image was created (by me) on the morning of February 18, 2018 on the spoonbill boat with the Induro GIT 304L/Mongoose M3.6-mounted Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lens, the Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III, and the Nikon D5 DSLR Camera (Body Only, Dual XQD Slots). ISO 400. Matrix metering +2/3 stop off the blue sky: 1/2500 sec. at f/7.1. AWB at 7:50am on a clear day. Center Group (grp) Shutter Button AF. Click on the image to see a larger version. Image #1: Roseate Spoonbill taking flight

Gem #2

This is my favorite-ever D5 image. If you are looking for a great buy on a Nikon 600 VR, scroll up and grab Greg Gulbransen’s like-new copy with extras …

What’s Up?

Friday was the worst morning for photography at ILE since I began self-isolating here on 22 MARCH. I photographed flower clusters on a sumac bush and made a very few not-too-good crane images. Blooming flowers are scarce. I will leave at about 6:30am today — Saturday 22 AUGUST 2020, head over to Tiger Creek Preserve, make a stop at the Ridge Audubon Center, and then stop in Lake Wales to do some food shopping. I have not been in Publix for more than a month as Jim as been doing the shopping for us.

I learned yesterday that the sale of Denis Westover’s Nikon D5 is pending.

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 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. With the pandemic and the down economy, the market had been somewhat depressed, but sales have been brisk for the past few weeks. And over the past year, we have sold many many hundreds of items. Do know that prices of many used items have been dropping steadily. 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 … Recently, however, the Canon used gear market has shown some signs of life. Prices on used Nikon gear have also dropped as well. You can see all the current bargains here on the Used Gear Page.

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.

Recent Sales (including some that I missed)

Dennis Westover sold his Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens in excellent-plus condition for a BAA record-low $944.95 the first day it was listed in late July 2020.
John Bowden sold a Canon EOS 5D Mark 4 in near-mint condition for $1499.00 (was $1,699.00) in mid-July 2020.
BAA friend, California botany expert Bob “BugBob” Allen, sold a Canon Extension Tube Set, the EF 12 II and EF 25 II, in excellent plus condition for $124.90 in ealry August 2020.
IPT veteran Matt Schramer sold his Canon EOS 7D Mk II camera body in near-mint condition for a very low $597.00, his Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens in near-mint condition for $5,249.00, and a Canon EF 1.4X III teleconverter in like-new condition for $229.00 all within a day or two of being listed in mid-July 2020.
BAA friend, California botany expert Bob “BugBob” Allen, sold his Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM in near-mint condition for $1399.00 soon after it was listed in late JULY 2020.
John Buswell sold his Canon EOS 7D Mark II in near-mint condition for a very low $598.00 in mid-July 2020.
Charlie Curry sold his Canon 11-24mm f/4 L lens in like-new condition for a BAA record low $1499.00 the first day it was listed in late July 2020.
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.
Jamie Baker was offering a Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4D ED-IF lens in excellent condition for $2500.00 (was $2750.00) but decided to withdraw the listing and kindly offered to send me a check for 4% of the orginal asking price as detailed in the Items for Sale Info e-mail. Multiple IPT veteran Patricia Fishburne sold a Canon EF Extender 2X II (teleconverter) in near-mint condition for a very low $129.00 and another Canon EF Extender 2X II (teleconverter), this one in excellent condition, for a BAA record-low $99.00, both on the first day of listing in early JULY 2020.
Long-time friend Alan Levine — Alan and Sara knew Elaine! — sold their Canon Macro EF 180mm f/3.5L USM Macro Lens in like-new condition for the BAA record-low price of $799.00 in early July 2020.
Anita North sold her Nikon TC-E17 II (1.7X teleconverter) in like-new condition for a very low $146.95 (was $196.95) in early JULY 2020.
Gatorland In-the-Field veteran Ron Owen sold his Canon 200-400 f/4L IS lens with internal 1.4X Extender (with extras!) in excellent plus condition for the BAA record-low price of $4900.00 in JUNE 2020.

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

Jim Babbitt is offering a Canon 500 mm f/4L IS II lens in excellent plus condition for the BAA record-low price of $5248.00. The lens was serviced regularly by Canon with the last service in February 2020. The sale includes the lens hood, the rear cap, the heavy-duty front lens cover, an Aquatech Silicone front cover, the lens trunk, the lens strap, the manual, both feet, a tired but functional LensCoat, and insured ground shipping via major courier to US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Jim via e-mail or by phone at 1-760 626 6435 (Pacific time zone).

The 500 f/4 super-telephoto lenses have long been the world’s most popular for birds, nature, wildlife, and sports for many decades. Canon’s Series II version is light, fast, super-sharp, and produces amazing images with both the 1.4X and 2X III TCs. The 500 II is relatively small, easily hand-holdable for some folks, and is much easier to travel with, focuses closer than, and costs a lot less than the 600 II. Lastly, and you might find this amazing, the magnification for the 500 II is the same as it is for the 600 II: .15X. How is that possible? Magnification is calculated at the minimum focusing distance of the lens — 12.14 feet (3.7 meters) for the 500 II and 14.77 feet (4.5 meters) for the 600 II. Simply put, the 500 II focuses more than two feet closer than the 600 II. The seller for the last one that sold here had five calls the first day; the first four folks quibbled on price. The fifth one jumped right on it … Please do not tarry if you are seriously interested in Jim’s lens as it too should sell almost instantly. Or not 🙂 As the 500 II goes for $8999 new you will be getting a pretty much new lens while saving $3751.00. I loved my 500 II 🙂
artie

Canon EOS-1D X Professional Digital Camera Body/with Extras!

Price dropped $300 on 14 FEB 2020!
Price dropped $400 on 26 JUNE 2020!
Price dropped $200 on 21 AUGUST 2020!

Joe Randle is also offering a used EOS 1D-X camera body in excellent condition for only $1,299.00 (was $2,199.00). The sale includes an extra LP-E4M battery, three Delkin Devices CF1000X UDMA 7 64GB cards, 4 Delkin Devices CF1000X UDMA 7 32 GB cards (all in a nice Pelican CF card case), the lens trunk, the front cap, the lens strap, the interface and stereo AV cables with cable protector, the EOS Digital Solution Disk and Software, instructions Manuals. Insured ground shipping via major courier lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Joe via e-mail or by phone at 1-620.353.8398 (Central time zone).

Two fast, rugged 1D X bodies served as my workhorse cameras for more than four years. I used them to create hundreds of family-jewels-type images. I actually liked the 1D X more than I liked my 1D X IIs … artie

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens

BAA Record-low Price!
Price Dropped $300.00 on 8/21!

Angie Birmingham is offering a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR in like-new condition for $7696.95 (was $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 Bokeh. As a new goes for $11,196.95 right, you can save a very smooth $3,500 by grabbing Angie’s lens. artie

This super telephoto prime is designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras, however, it 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
Price Reduced $500.00 on 21 AUGUST 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 $8265.95 (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
Price Reduced $100.00 on 21 AUGUST 2020

Anita North is offering this virtually impossible-to-find-in-stock kit for a ridiculously low $798.00 (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

Sony a7r iii Mirrorless Digital Camera Body

BAA Record-low By-Far Price!
Price Reduced $200.00 on 21 AUGUST 2020

Anita North is offering a Sony a7 r iii Mirrorless Digital Camera body in excellent plus condition (but for a single nick on the lower-left corner of the rear monitor) for the BAA record-low-by-far price of $998.00 (was 1198.00). The sale includes an a74 iv original box, the battery charger (but not the battery), the front body cover, the strap, and insured ground shipping via major courier (to lower-48 US addresses only). The camera has the above-mentioned nick on the rear monitor, no battery, and no eye-cup.. The camera is, however, in perfect operating condition. 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).

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.

A SONY a7r iii served me well as my workhorse camera body on the last Galapagos trip. It would make a perfect starter camera for folks looking to get started with SONY. The a7r iii sells new for $2,498.00 at B&H so you can save a ridiculous $1300.00 by grabbing Anita’s camera body now. artie

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
Price reduced $50.00 on 21 AUGUST 2020

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 $596.95 (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 kills for flight with close birds. And it pairs well with the TC-14E. It sells new right now for $1,396.95. Grab it now to save $800.00 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
Price Reduced $50.00 on 21 AUGUST 2020
Sold 22 AUGUST 2020!

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 $426.95 (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

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto Lens

BAA Record-low Price!
Price reduced $200.00 on 22 AUGUST 2020!
Sold 27 AUGUST 2020!

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is offering a Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto lens in like-new condition for a BAA record-low $2147.00 (was $2347.00). There are no dings, dents, cracks, scratches, blemishes, or signs of wear and the glass is immaculate. The sale includes the front lens cover, the rear lens cap, the lens trunk, a LensCoat neoprene lens cover on the hood only, , and insured ground shipping via UPS Ground to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

The 500mm f/4 lenses have been the world’s most popular telephoto lenses for birds, nature, wildlife, and sports for many decades. I owned and used and loved my “old five” for many years. If you use Canon and don’t have the cash for a 500 II and can handle the additional 1 1/2 pounds, then this is your best super-telephoto option. Most everyone can produce sharp images with this lens and a 1.4X TC. Folks with good to excellent sharpness techniques can do the same with a 2X TC. A new 500 II sells right now for $8,999.00 so you can save an amazing $6,652.00 by grabbing Kay’s original version 500mm f/4 IS lens (the “old five”) right now. artie

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Zoom Lens

BAA Record-low Price!
Price reduced $50.00 on 22 AUGUST 2020!
Sold 22 AUGUST 2020!

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is also offering 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 $387.00 (was $447.00). The sale includes the both lens caps, the lens hood, the LZ1324 Lens Case, 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.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

The original 100-400 is a sharp, amazingly versatile telephoto zoom lens. When I used Canon, I made hundreds of great and sale-able images with this lens (including the front cover of Scott Weidensaul’s book, “Return to Wild America!)” Denise Ippolito loved hers also. Kay’s lens would make a great starter lens for a beginning bird or nature photographer, especially when paired with her 20D (see below). artie

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM Lens

BAA Record-low Price!
Price reduced $100.00 on 22 AUGUST 2020!

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is also offering a Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens in near-mint condition for a very low $549.00 (was $649.00). The sale includes a LensCoat Hoodie, (no front lens cap), the rear lens cap, the zipped lens case, the tripod collar, 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.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

The 400 f/5.6 is my beloved “toy lens.” I put it on the map more than 20 years ago when I began using it for birds in flight. Today, it is still a great flight lens and would make a great starter lens for a new bird photographer, especially one with a 7D Mark II. artie

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (Zoom) Lens

BAA Record-low Price!
Price reduced $10.00 on 22 AUGUST 2020!
Sold 27 AUGUST 2020!

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is also offering a Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (zoom) lens in near-mint condition for the you-might-as-well-give-it-away-free price of &88.00 (was $98.00). The sale includes the front and rear lens caps and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

Don’t laugh; I used this excellent lens for ten years when I shot Canon. The predecessor to both 24-105s, it is an excellent, do-everything, B-roll, don’t-leave-home-without-it lens. Super-cheap!. artie

Canon EF Extender 1.4X II teleconverter

Price reduced $20.00 on 22 AUGUST 2020!
Sold 27 AUGUST 2020!

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is also offering a Canon EF Extender 1.4X II teleconverter in near-mint condition for the BAA silly record-low price of $119.00 (was $139.00.) The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, the leather pouch, and insured UPS Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

Regular readers know that I have long depended on both teleconverters for much of my bird photography. The series III TCs were designed for the series II super-telephoto lenses but if you have an older lens (like any of Kay’s lenses above, the series II TCs will perform perfectly well for you. artie

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Sold 22 AUGUST 2020

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is also offering a Canon EOS-1D Mark II in near-mint condition for a silly low $149.00 (was $174.00). The sale includes the front body cap, the strap, the manual, three NP_E3 batteries, the dual charger, and insured UPS Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

It is hard to believe that you can own a like-new Canon professional dSLR for less than $200.00. I used this body with great success for several years. artie

Canon EOS 20D dSLR

Price reduced $10.00 on 22 AUGUST 2020!

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is also offering a Canon EOS 20D dSLR in near-mint condition for a silly low $64.00 (was $74.00). The sale includes the front body cap, the strap, the manual, two BP-51 batteries, and insured UPS Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

The 20D was an early Canon dSLR. I owned and used one successfully for nearly three years. Kay’s body would make an excellent starter dSLR for a youngster or a beginning bird photographer, especially paired with either the “old 100-400” or the 400 f/5.6 listed above. artie

What’s Up?

Me early as usual. I am pretty sure that I will not finish this blog post before my morning photo session, swim, and brunch as I have been working on it for five hours already and still have lots to do … It is 6:30 now and Just realized that I have several hours more work to do … That said, if you opt to invest in Canon Mirrorless based on what you learn below, please, please, pretty please remember to use my B&H links or get in touch with Steve Elkins at Bedford. It will not cost you a penny more — heck, using Bedford will save you at least $50.00, and will go a long way to ensure that I do not become a greeter at Walmart … Using the BAA links will therefore be greatly appreciated.

It is just before noon here at ILE on Wednesday 19 AUGUST 2020. I photographed some tall skinny pine trees and the Mother’s Day crane colt, swam my 72 lengths, and ate a healthy breakfast before finishing and publishing today’s offering.

Via e-Mail from IPT veteran Layton Parham

Thank You Artie. I got my Canon R5 from Steve Elkins at Bedford Camera two weeks ago! Using the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout save me $50.00 off on this hot item. And you gotta love overnite free shipping! You are always right: Steve is the man for the latest/greatest hard to get cameras and accessories. And he will be sending me an RF 100-500 lens soon too! I thank you so much for all that you do. And thanks again for jumpstarting my path into the amazing world of bird photography in 2006 on the St Augustine Alligator Farm IPT! Layton Parham Palm Bay, FL

Money Saving Reminder

If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase of more than $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.

The Canon RF Lens Mount

Canon RF Lens Mount

The Canon RF lens mount is an interchangeable-lens mount developed by Canon for its full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, and featured first by the EOS R, and the inexpensive EOS RP. Those were followed recently by the EOS R5 and the EOS R6. The RF mount was announced in September 2018. For complete information on the RF Lens Mount see the superb article here on The-Digital-Picture.com website.

The RF mount allows for the use of Canon EF and EF-S mount lenses using one of three Canon-made lens adapters.

Canon EOS R Adapters

To use your EF (and EF-S) lenses with an R-series camera body, you will need one of the three EOS R Adapters:

Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R

On the surface, the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R would seem to be the best and least expensive option for most folks.

Canon Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R

The more sophisticated Canon Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R incorporates a customizable Control Ring, the same as on native RF-mount lenses> this ring allows for intuitively adjusting exposure settings, such as ISO, aperture, and exposure compensation. While that seems pretty neat, it does not seem to be worth the additional $100.00 to me. If you are using this model and beg to differ, please leave a comment.

Canon Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R with Variable ND Filter

The Canon Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R with Variable ND Filter would seem to be ideal for folks like me who enjoy creating pleasing blurs even on sunny days. As with the two previous adapters, the Canon Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R is a unique lens adapter designed for attaching any EF or EF-S-mount lens to the EOS R mirrorless digital camera. But this sophisticated adapter affords compatibility with select A-type drop-in filters. The best news here is that your purchase includes a variable neutral density filter that will most often be used to achieve the slow shutter speeds needed to create pleasing blurs.

The adapter’s design retains full autofocus and image stabilization capabilities of the mounted lens and is dust- and water-resistant, making it suitable for use in harsh weather conditions.

Drop-In Variable Neutral Density Filter A

Designed for use (and included) with the Canon Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R, the Drop-In Variable Neutral Density Filter A offers an intuitive and sleek way to use a variable neutral density filter in conjunction with an adapted lens (including those lacking traditional filter threads). This variable ND filter is permanently installed into a drop-in holder and has an integrated wheel for adjusting the rotation position to alter the ND effect.

The variable ND filter offers from 1.5 to 9 stops of adjustment and creates a darkening of the entire image for photographing with a wider aperture or slower shutter speed than normally required. The degree of density is easily controlled by rotating the filter, helping you to predetermine the additional exposure length required. By increasing your aperture or slowing your exposure time, you are able to control depth of field and convey movement more easily.

Kudos to Canon for coming up with this. It would seem to be a must-have accessory for Canon mirrorless folks visiting Bosque del Apache NWR!

The huge problem right now is that because of supply shortage and a delay in manufacturing it is impossible to purchase any of the Canon EOS R Adapters. Best would be to pre-order now with either B&H or Steve Elkins at Bedford.

From multiple IPT veteran Muhammad Arif via e-mail:

FYI, there is a third and yet more expensive RF to EF adapter that accepts a drop-in filter. In my opinion, this is much more useful than the one with the ring, the Canon Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. While the 500 and 600mm f/4 (and other super-telephoto lenses) offer drop-in filters, the 100-400s and most EF lenses do not. This adapter gives folks a “one ND filter fits all” option. Another cool feature of all three of these adapters is the capability of accepting EF-S lenses (i.e. crop sensor lenses). Previously, it was impossible to use an EF-S lens on a Canon full-frame body. While this is probably not useful for bird photographers, I can see many others going Canon mirrorless who will be glad to be able to use their EF-S lenses.

Adapted from an e-mail from Canon Top Tech-Rep Rudy Winston (in response to my question):

There is no calibrated scale on the small, geared thumb wheel for the Drop-in Filter Lens Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. You can, of course, see the impact in the electronic viewfinder (or on the LCD screen), but there is no analog scale on the wheel itself or in the viewfinder that indicates the stops of darkening.

One question that comes up for the Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter is “what do you do if/when you don’t want the effect of the variable ND filter?” The adapter is engineered to always have the filter in place and there is no zero setting; if a photographer simply removes the filter, it changes the actual optical path and can lead to a slight reduction in lens sharpness. Canon Drop-In Clear Filter A (purchased separately) needs to be put in-place in those situations. We don’t recommend shooting without a filter as noted above. In addition, there is no way to seal the opening from dust, moisture, etc.

The Canon Mount Adapters can be used with **any** Canon EF, EF-S, TS-E, or MP-E lens on the full-frame EOS R series cameras. Remarkably, there is essentially no reduction in AF performance or speed, and all exposure modes and features continue to remain fully available when these lenses are used in conjunction with the Canon Lens Mount Adapter(s) EF-EOS R. (Bold-facing mine.)

The Bottom Line

In short, you cannot use the Canon Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R with Variable ND Filter as a straight-up adapter for your EF lenses as you will always have 1 1/2 stops of darkening in place unless you remove the variable ND filter and insert the Canon Drop-In Clear Filter A (purchased separately for $129.95 and of course, currently back-ordered). Still, if I were shooting Canon Mirrorless and headed for Bosque, I would be sure to have this adapter in my kit …

One of the Two New Canon Mirrorless Bodies

EOS R5

It seems that the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only) has finally gotten Canon successfully into the Birds-in-Flight AF Wars. This body offers a 45MP full-frame sensor, ISOs from 100 to 51,200 (102,400 extended), RAW burst mode up to 180 frames, 8K video at 30 fps (RAW 12-bit), a 5.76 million dot viewfinder, a Secondary LCD screen, and dual card slots: one CFExpress and one SD/SDHC/SDXC.

EOS R6

The slightly heavier Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only) offers a 20.1-megapixel full-frame sensor, ISOs from 100 to 102,400 (204,800 extended), RAW burst mode up to 240 frames, 4K video at 60 fps (10-bit), a 3.69 million dot viewfinder, and dual SD card slots. Both cameras offer up to 12 fps with the mechanical shutter and up to 20 fps with the electronic shutter.

This image was created by multiple IPT veteran Lou Newman with the hand held Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lens and the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless digital camera body.. It seems the Canon finally has an AF system capable of creating a high percentage of sharp image of birds in flight … Red Knots taking flight

Best for You?

Both cameras offer up to 12 fps with the mechanical shutter and up to 20 fps with the electronic shutter. And from what I am hearing and seeing, the AF system is superb, very close to being on par with the SONY a9 ii. Both bodies feature In-body Image Stabilization (IBIS). According to Canon, the R5’s IBIS system is capable of up to 8 stops of image stabilization depending on the lens used (mostly with shorter focal length lenses ???). For bird photography, I would absolutely opt for the 45MP EOS R5. Folks on a budget might prefer the EOS R6.

Before you purchase, you might want to do a search for Canon R5 & R6 rolling shutter and overheating issues. I followed many of the links and they all pretty much seemed to lead to the typical and undocumented the-sky-is-falling nonsense in the form of comments and videos. It seems clear that both problems occur with video capture only.

For a fairly balanced comparison of the two bodies, see the article here on the DigitalTrends website. See also the R5 review on the ImagingResource site here. Check out the R6 video by Canon Explorer of Light Rick Sammon here. Also, you can see EoL George Lepp’s Trumpeter Swam EOS R5 images on his FB page here.

From my extensive internet searches, one thing does seem clear: neither body was created as a professional video camera. Learn more about the video overheating problems in the DPReview article here .

Canon RF Super-Telephoto and Telephoto Zoom Lenses

Canon is offering three new big lenses to team with their mirrorless camera bodies.

This image was created by multiple IPT veteran Lou Newman with the hand held Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lens and the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless digital camera body.. Snowy Plover chick

Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM & RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lenses

When I first heard about the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM lens and the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lens, I was quick to dismiss them as too slow. But when I saw some of Lou Newman’s images, I quit laughing … These inexpensive super-telephotos are relatively small light and easily hand-holdable for most folks. The RF 600mm weighs only 2.05 lbs. and the RF 800mm tips the scales at only 2.77 lbs. With the great variety of outstanding noise reduction options available today, either of these budget-priced lenses might be perfect for you, especially if you work around tame birds.

From Lou Newman via e-Mail

I am loving the RF 800mm f/11 IS/EOS/EOS R5 rig. Until I purchased the R5 and the 800mm lens I was shooting with the 1DX Mark III with the 600mm lens on a tripod if I did not have to hike too far. Otherwise I go with the 1DX Mark III and the 100-400mm II zoom lens or the 400mm f/4IS DO lens (both with and without the 1.4X III teleconverter. The R5 with the 800mm lens is lighter and easier to carry than both of those rigs. What’s more the R5 is faster to acquire focus, locks on better, and results in more tack-sharp images. I once dreamed of being able to hand-hold a 600mm lens. Who would have thought I would wind up with a handhold-able 800mm? Sometimes it is too much lens. I can’t wait for the RF 100-500mm IS lens.

The Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens looks like a real winner!

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Lens

The Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens sounds like a mega-winner. It incorporates the incredible versatility of the 100-400II with an extra 100mm and amazingly, even closer focusing! The minimum focusing distance of the 1-5 is 2.95 feet or (90 cm)! If I were using Canon mirrorless I would have been first one on line for this lens.

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.

What’s Up?

Bird photography in the mornings at ILE has been a struggle for the last two days. Today, Monday 17 AUGUST 2020 I spent an hour working from my SUV with a flock of White Ibis feeding in the grass near the base of the pier …

Most folks preferred Image #2 in yesterday’s Backing Up for Vulturine Tree-scapes blog post here. And so did I, so I posted it here on BPN. Click on the link to see what others had to say. Crack Avian Forum Moderator and skilled photographer Daniel Cadieux pointed out a big screw-up in the processing …

Canon Mirrorless Help Requested

If you have a few great images made with an EOS R5 or and EOS R6, please shoot me no more than 3 of your very best via e-mail to be considered for use in the next blog post. So yes, please hurry. Please attach the images as JPEGs 1200 pixels wide or tall and less than 395KB. thanks with love, a

Money Saving Reminder

If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase of more than $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.

The Promaster Replacement Rear Cap

If You’re Anything Like Me …

If you’re like me, you are constantly losing or misplacing front or rear lens caps or camera body caps. When I was using Canon I hated that the caps got loose with wear. And the off-brand replacement capes were no better. I used to line the inside of my Canon caps with small strips of duct tape so that they would not fall off. My Nikon caps were fine but I did lose a few. And the same is true with SONY. Part of the problem with me is that the rear compartment of my SUVs are always a big mess. The further problem is that SONY caps are both super-expensive and almost impossible to get.

I was, therefore, thrilled to learn from Steve Elkins at Bedford that he carries both the rear lens caps and the body caps for SONY. These relatively inexpensive accessories are made by Promaster as follows:

Promaster Body Cap/Sony NEX

Promaster Rear Cap/Sony NEX

The good news is that the fit is snugly. The Body Cap is for your SONY bodies, the Rear Cap is for your lenses. The bad news is that Promaster does not yet make the front teleconverter covers. Best not to lose one of those! I ordered three of each just so that I do not have to spend too long looking for a cap when I need it.

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.

SONY e-Guide Revision Sent Today via e-Mail

Today, I sent 106 e-mails with links to a revised version of the comprehensive SONY e-Guide. I discovered an error dealing with a misconception that I had with Enlarge Initial Position feature. If you own the guide and did not receive the link for the revision, please get in touch via e-mail.

106 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.

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. Note: I had to archive four plus years of sales because the page was too long for Word Press!

Sony FE 2.8/16‑35mm GM Wide Angle Zoom Lens

Multiple IPT veteran and good friend William Schneider is offering a Sony FE 2.8/16‑35 GM wide angle zoom lens in like-new condition for the very low price of $1498.00. The sale includes the original box and everything that came in it along with insured shipping via Fed Ex Ground. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bill via e-mail e-mail or by phone at 1-(262) 269-8628 (Eastern time zone).

This super-fast wide angle zoom is a landscape shooter’s dream lens. It sells new right now for $2,098.00 AT B&H so you can save a cool $600.00 by grabbing his virtually new lens asap. artie

A fast and flexible wide-angle zoom, the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens from Sony is a wide-angle zoom designed for full-frame E-mount mirrorless cameras. Distinguished by its constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, this lens offers consistent performance throughout the zoom range and benefits working in low-light conditions. The optical design incorporates two extra-low dispersion elements to reduce chromatic aberrations along with two XA elements and three aspherical elements, which significantly controls spherical aberrations for a high degree of image sharpness and clarity. Additionally, a Nano AR coating has been applied to limit ghosting and lens flare for increased contrast and color fidelity when working in strong lighting conditions.

Complementing the optical assets, this lens is also notable for its inclusion of an 11-blade circular diaphragm to produce smooth, soft-edged bokeh with selective focus imagery. For controlling focus, two Direct Drive SSM AF groups are employed that are quick and quiet, and also lend more responsive control for manual focus operation. The lens also sports a dust- and moisture-sealed design to support shooting in inclement conditions and a dedicated focus hold button and AF/MF switch. As part of Sony’s esteemed G Master series, this lens is designed to achieve notably high resolution and sharpness through the correction of a wide variety of spherical and chromatic aberrations. Additionally, these lenses feature robust and intuitive-to-handle physical designs to benefit both photography and cine applications. B&H

Canon EOS-1DX Mark II

BAA Record-low Price!

Multiple IPT veteran Larry Master is offering a Canon EOS-1DX Mark II in near-mint condition for the BAA record-low price of $2797.00. The sale includes an extra battery, the original product box and everything that came in it including the front body cap, the strap, the charger, 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 Larry via e-mail or by phone at 1-518-645-1545 EDT.

The EOS-1DX Mark II is a Canon flagship professional camera body. I made many fine images with mine. It is rugged and fast and featured Canon’s best AF system (before the release of thee 1DX III). The 1DX II sells new for $4,999.00 so you can save a very cool $2302.00 on this great deal. artie

Canon EF Extension Tube Set

BAA Record-low Price!

Multiple IPT veteran Larry Master is also offering a Canon Extension Tube Set, the EF 12 II and EF 25 II, in excellent plus condition for the BAA record-low price of $122.90. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Larry via e-mail or by phone at 1-518-645-1545 EDT.

As regular readers know, I used extension tubes often to reduce the minimum focusing distances of my two Canon macro lenses and my super-telephotos. I used them behind a TC to focus closer with AF and at times, in front of a TC to get even closer while having to use manual focus). The pair sells for $224.90 so you can save an even $101.00 by grabbing the pair. artie

Canon EF 500mm f/4L USM Telephoto Lens

Dennis Bartsch is offering a Canon EF 500mm f/4L USM Telephoto lens in near-mint condition for $2399.00. There are no signs of wear or blemishes and the glass is immaculate. The sale includes the rear lens cap, the lens trunk, the original tough front lens cover, the lens strap, an Arca Swiss compatible lens plate, a LensCoat, 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 Dennis Bartsch via e-mail or by phone at 1-267-625-3144) Eastern time zone.

The 500mm f/4 lenses have been the world’s most popular telephoto lenses for birds, nature, wildlife, and sports for many decades. I owned and used and loved my “old five” for many years. If you use Canon and don’t have the cash for a 500 II and can handle the additional 1 1/2 pounds, then this is your best super-telephoto option. Most everyone can produce sharp images with this lens and a 1.4X TC. Folks with good to excellent sharpness techniques can do the same with a 2X TC. A new 500 II sells right now for $8,999.00 so you can save an amazing $6,600.00 by grabbing Dennis’s original version 500mm f/4 IS lens (the “old five”) right now. artie

What’s Up?

I headed down to the lake early today — Friday 14 AUGUST 2020 — determined to photograph a few birds from my new SUV but I had not realized how long and hard it had rained late on the previous day. I dared not drive on the fields in fear of getting stuck. There were a few vultures in the dead tree at the south end of the South Field so I got out of my vehicle, set up the tripod, and had fun with the 600 GM and the a9 ii.

If you missed yesterday’s ISO 10,000 Bobcat image and story, it is worth a visit. Thanks to all who commented.

Canon is making a comeback with the EOS R 5 and the EOS R 6 (more on those here soon). To that end we offer a slew of Used Canon gear old and new below.

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 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. With the pandemic and the down economy, the market had been somewhat depressed, but sales have been brisk for the past few weeks. And over the past year, we have sold many many hundreds of items. Do know that prices of many used items have been dropping steadily. 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 … Recently, however, the Canon used gear market has shown some signs of life. Prices on used Nikon gear have also dropped as well. You can see all the current bargains here on the Used Gear Page.

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.

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM Zoom Lens

Sale Pending first day of listing

Ben Clemens is offering a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM in near-mint condition for $1449.00. The sale includes the rear lens cap, the front lens cover, the LZ1324 zippered Lens Case, the ET-83-D lens hood, two P&J Photo 77mm star filters (one 4-point — brand new, and one 8-point — like-new), and insured UPS Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Ben via e-mail or by phone at 1-585-545-5165 Eastern time zone.

This incredibly versatile zoom lens — with its .98 meter close focus — was my favorite Canon telephoto lens. By far. It sells new for $2,199.00 so you can save a very nice $750.00 by being the first to grab Ben’s lens. artie

Nikon D5 dSLR (XQD version) with extras!

BAA Record-low Price!
Price Reduced $300.00 on 14 AUGUST 2020

Dennis Westover is also offering a Nikon D5 dSLR (XQD version) in excellent-plus condition for a BAA record-low $3396.95 (was $3696.95). The body has only 22,208 shutter actuations. (NIKON rates the d5 shutter for 400,000 actuations). The camera was recently cleaned and check by Glazer’s Camera in Seattle. The sale includes the one EN-EL18 battery (the original battery), the NIKON dual battery charger, one Lexar 64GB 2933x XQD card, the Really Right Stuff L bracket, 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 Dennis via e-mail.

The D5 is Nikon’s vaunted professional digital camera body. It is fast and features Nikon’s best AF system. I used mine with success with all of my Nikon lenses including and especially the 80-400, the 200-500, the 500 PF, and the 600 f/4 VR. The D5 sells for $5,496.95 new right now so you can save a handsome $2,100 on this bargain-priced dSLR. With extras! artie

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto Lens

BIRDS AS ART Record-low Price!

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is offering a Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto lens in like-new condition for a BAA record-low $2347.00. There are no dings, dents, cracks, scratches, blemishes, or signs of wear and the glass is immaculate. The sale includes the front lens cover, the rear lens cap, the lens trunk, a LensCoat neoprene lens cover on the hood only, , and insured ground shipping via UPS Ground to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

The 500mm f/4 lenses have been the world’s most popular telephoto lenses for birds, nature, wildlife, and sports for many decades. I owned and used and loved my “old five” for many years. If you use Canon and don’t have the cash for a 500 II and can handle the additional 1 1/2 pounds, then this is your best super-telephoto option. Most everyone can produce sharp images with this lens and a 1.4X TC. Folks with good to excellent sharpness techniques can do the same with a 2X TC. A new 500 II sells right now for $8,999.00 so you can save an amazing $6,652.00 by grabbing Kay’s original version 500mm f/4 IS lens (the “old five”) right now. artie

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Zoom Lens

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is also offering 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 $447.00. The sale includes the both lens caps, the lens hood, the LZ1324 Lens Case, 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.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

The original 100-400 is a sharp, amazingly versatile telephoto zoom lens. When I used Canon, I made hundreds of great and sale-able images with this lens (including the front cover of Scott Weidensaul’s book, “Return to Wild America!)” Denise Ippolito loved hers also. Kay’s lens would make a great starter lens for a beginning bird or nature photographer, especially when paired with her 20D (see below). artie

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM Lens

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is also offering a Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens in near-mint condition for a very low $649.00. The sale includes a LensCoat Hoodie, (no front lens cap), the rear lens cap, the zipped lens case, the tripod collar, 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.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

The 400 f/5.6 is my beloved “toy lens.” I put it on the map more than 20 years ago when I began using it for birds in flight. Today, it is still a great flight lens and would make a great starter lens for a new bird photographer, especially one with a 7D Mark II. artie

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Zoom Lens

Sold first day of listing

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is also offering a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Zoom lens (the original non-IS version) in excellent plus condition for the BAA silly record-low price of $249.00. The sale includes an off-brand front lens cap, the tripod collar, (no hood, no lens case) and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

The original 70-200 f/2.8L is a super-sharp and very versatile telephoto zoom lens. When I used Canon, I used this lens often to create a great variety of images that sold well. artie

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (Zoom) Lens

BIRDS AS ART Record-low Price!

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is also offering a Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (zoom) lens in near-mint condition for the you-might-as-well-give-it-away-free price of $98.00. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

Don’t laugh; I used this excellent lens for ten years when I shot Canon. The predecessor to both 24-105s, it is an excellent, do-everything, B-roll, don’t-leave-home-without-it lens. Super-cheap!. artie

Canon EF Extension Tube Set

Sold first day of listing

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is also offering a Canon Extension Tube Set, the EF 12 II and EF 25 II, in excellent plus condition for the BAA record-low price of $123.90. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

As regular readers know, I used extension tubes often to reduce the minimum focusing distances of my two Canon macro lenses and my super-telephotos. I used them behind a TC to focus closer with AF and at times, in front of a TC to get even closer while having to use manual focus). The pair sells for $224.90 so you can save an even $100.00 by grabbing the pair. artie

Canon EF Extender 1.4X II teleconverter

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is also offering a Canon EF Extender 1.4X II teleconverter in near-mint condition for the BAA silly record-low price of $139.00 The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, the leather pouch, and insured UPS Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

Regular readers know that I have long depended on both teleconverters for much of my bird photography. The series III TCs were designed for the series II super-telephoto lenses but if you have an older lens (like any of Kay’s lenses above, the series II TCs will perform perfectly well for you. artie

Canon EF Extender 2X II teleconverter

Sold first day of listing

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is also offering a Canon EF Extender 2X II teleconverter in near-mint condition for the BAA silly record-low price of $129.00 The sale includes the front and rear lens caps, the leather pouch, and insured UPS Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

Regular readers know that I have long depended on both teleconverters for much of my bird photography. The series III TCs were designed for the series II super-telephoto lenses but if you have an older lens (like any of Kay’s lenses above, the series II TCs will perform perfectly well for you. artie

Wimberley WH-101 Gimbal Head w/QR C-30 Clamp

Sold first day of listing

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is also offering a Wimberley WH-101 Gimbal Head w/QR C-30 Clamp for the amazingly low price of $249.00. The sale includes insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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 loved the original Wimberley head especially when I needed to get taller. I kept mine and used it often in three-hatch vehicles in East Africa where the extra height was a huge advantage. In addition, the longer swimg arm made it more stable than the newer V2.This rig is perfect for folks with big lenses who neeed mega stabilty while not moving around much in the field. And you will never-ever beat the price. artie

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Sale pending 8/23

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is also offering a Canon EOS-1D Mark II in near-mint condition for a silly low $179.00. The sale includes the front body cap, the strap, the manual, three NP_E3 batteries, the dual charger, and insured UPS Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

It is hard to believe that you can own a like-new Canon professional dSLR for less than $200.00. I used this body with great success for several years. artie

Canon EOS 20D dSLR

BAA friend Kay Kaylor is also offering a Canon EOS 20D dSLR in near-mint condition for a silly low $74.00. The sale includes the front body cap, the strap, the manual, two BP-51 batteries, and insured UPS Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Certified bank check or credit card or PayPal +4%.

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.

The 20D was an early Canon dSLR. I owned and used one successfully for nearly three years. Kay’s body would make an excellent starter dSLR for a youngster or a beginning bird photographer, especially paired with either the “old 100-400” or the 400 f/5.6 listed above. artie

What’s Up?

I have been alternating between birds and flowers on my morning photo sessions. On Monday I began with a nice adult Crested Caracara hanging around the base of the pier and then did some of the Mother’s Day crane family — two adults and the large, surviving colt. I am loving swimming in my now-cool pool so much that on Sunday I did a full mile (88 lengths). I am blessed in many ways.

The weather for today — Tuesday 11 AUGUST 2020 — is for hot and sunny yielding to hot and cloudy with scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. In other words, par for the course. I will be heading out with all of my SONY gear at about 7am.

If you have a moment, please leave a comment and let us know which of today’s featured images you like best and why.

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.

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.

106 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.

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 of more than $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.

This image was created on the morning of 7 AUGUST 2020 near the waterlily spot at Alba and Orange. I used the Induro GIT 404L/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens with the Metabones Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Sony E Mount T Smart Adapter (Fifth Generation) and the 61MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body ISO 800. Multi metering +2 stops: 1/15 sec. at f/16 in Av mode. This exposure was confirmed as perfect by RawDigger from a series of bracketed images. AWB at 8:45am on a still, mostly 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. The flower was picked from a roadside that is mowed regularly and then Plamped. In fact, the day after I spotted a nice patch of these flowers, I returned only to find that they had all been dead-headed by the big mowing machine … I returned a week later and was glad to have the chance to photograph them. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #1: Pitted Stripeseed (Piriqueta cistoides subsp. caroliniana)

Av Mode for Macro

Once I got the Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens and the Metabones Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Sony E Mount T Smart Adapter (Fifth Generation) I was able to see the aperture in the EXIF and in addition, Zebras worked (both as opposed to what happens with the Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens for Sony E where Zebras do not work and where the aperture is not recorded in the EXIF.

Now, when photographing a long series of flowers with different exposures, it only made sense to begin working in Av mode instead of Manual so that I would be able to note the Exposure Compensation (EC) after the fact. When editing a series of flower images in Capture One (C-1) I first pick the best exposures using RawDigger and then check for sharpness and image design back in C-1. Then, when I review the keepers in Photo Mechanic, I can note the ECs and see which one wound up being best. I note the lighting conditions (sun or shade), the tonality and size in the frame of the subject, and the tonality of the background. The more of that you do the more proficient you will become at nailing the exposures.

I should have mentioned before that since I began using RawDigger and have learned to mega-expose to the right (m-ETTR), I have not needed to run post-conversion noise reduction on a single image (regardless of the ISO!)

Thanks John Bradford!

Whatever I have done in my life, I have always used the same strategy to improve: find someone who knows what they are talking about and keep asking questions until they tell me to take a hike.

Thanks to John Bradford — my new best friend, for confirming the identification of this new-to-me wildflower. I met John on Facebook and messaged him asking that he e-mail me. He has been very generous with his time while helping me to improve my flower and plant identification skills. When we spoke on the phone, John began by asking if I was the Arthur Morris, the bird photographer. Talk about friends for life 🙂

John is an avid naturalist, amateur taxonomist, field trip leader, educator, and photographer. He co-writes an incredibly educational blog entitled Treasure Coast Natives with George Rogers and Dee Staley. When it comes to natural history and plants, these folks know a lot about a lot. The posts are varied and interesting; when I try to figure out how they figured out what they figured out, my brain hurts.

John was born in Nashville, TN in 1941. Adopted, he grew up in Arlington, VA. He credits his adoptive father for instilling in him the values that shaped his life. He likes to say that he flunked out of two very snazzy colleges, Johns Hopkins and George Washington. (Heck, I flunked out of Brooklyn Polytechnic.)

John worked in carpentry and construction, fabricated race cars in the Cayman Islands, and was technical writer for the space program. When John was younger, he did lots of scuba diving. John and his mentor, George Rogers, a brilliant biologist and horticultural taxonomist, collaborated on several books including Guide to the Native Plants of Florida’s Treasure Coast.

John fits well into ordinary folks, extraordinary lives category. And so far, he has not told me to take a hike!

This image was created on the morning of 9 AUGUST 2020 in the southeast corner of Indian Lake Estates. Again, I used the Induro GIT 404L/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens with the Metabones Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Sony E Mount T Smart Adapter (Fifth Generation) and the 61MP monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body ISO 1600. Multi metering +1 2/3 stops: 1/30 sec. at f/16 in Av mode. This exposure was confirmed as perfect in RawDigger … See more on the exposure below. AWB at 8:34am on a still 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. The stalk with what turned out to be a very cooperative spider on it was again picked from a roadside that is mowed regularly and then Plamped. By positioning the Plamp so that the clamp jaws were perpendicular to the ground, I was able to rotate the Plamp (and thus the stalk) when the spider moved to the opposite side of the stalk. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #2: Green Lynx Spider

The Spider Exposure

Shooting a long series of images of the spider with eight or ten different exposures would not make sense with a living subject that might change position at any moment. Having been working extensively with RawDigger, I knew that I needed to see some Zebras on the bright joints of the spider’s legs and on the background as well; that required +1.7 or +2 stops of EC. Both of those exposures worked out quite well. Live and learn with RawDigger. I am pretty sure that at least nine out of ten folks would have underexposed this one …

Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #3: An unsharpened 100% crop of Image #2: Green Lynx Spider

The Unsharpened 100% Crop

The incredible sharpness and detail here are the result of the combination of a7r iv image quality, perfect technique, and a bit of luck — the latter in the form of the absolutely totally still conditions as a slight breeze came and went … This was the sharpest image of a fairly short series.

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 :).

What’s Up?

On Friday morning I did not dare to drive the fields down by the lake because on Thursday afternoon it rained torrentially for about four hours …

I drove the side streets looking for wildflowers but pickings were slim. First I photographed the purple berries of the appropriately named American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana). Next I returned to the spot where the pretty low-growing yellow flowers had been mown. Several had new blosssoms and I found a second yellow flower species growing nearby. I photographed both and am working on the IDs.

This morning — Saturday 8 AUG 2020 I will try for birds as it did not rain at all yesterday and the fields dry up pretty quickly. I will try not to get stuck in the mud …

Bird Photography Tips Part II Webinar with Alan Murphy

To register for Alan’s August 18th webinar, click here or on the image above. Alan’s abililty to create surreally perfect set-ups and attract birds into photographic range is remarkable … I will be there and am looking forward to it with anticipation as I am in the process of turning my living room into a bird photography blind!

Those who register are requested to enter “BAA Blog” in the How did you hear about this webinar? box.

Alan Murphy

Alan is an award-winning photographer with numerous publications, a Nikon Professional Service Member, a Wimberley Professional Service Member, and the author of several e-books and educational videos. He enjoys traveling the country, speaking at festivals and photo clubs. Alan and his wife, Kim, raised their children in the Houston area, travel domestically and abroad, enjoy nature and their rescue dogs.

Photo Mechanic 6 AUG screen Capture

What’s Up?

On the morning of Thursday 6 AUGUST 2020 I decided to go for the birds. The cranes cooperated nicely; it is great to have them to depend on most every day.

Tomorrow we will begin taking a look at the Canon mirrorless camera bodies …

Chilled!

I got back home at about 8:15am and decided to swim before breakfast. With the hot weather in June and July, the pool had been up close to 90 degrees. A few weeks ago I mentioned to the pool guy that the chiller portion of the heater/chiller was not working very well. He told me that when the heater/chiller was replaced a few years ago that it was replaced with a heater. No chiller. That was news to me. The unit was returned to the factory in Punta Gorda, FL by truck. They added the chiller and the unit was re-installed within days.

I set the chiller thermostat to 80 degrees and bingo, I now have a cool pool despite the continuing hot weather. With body temperature being about 98.6 degrees and me being in the pool for an hour each day for my slow 72 length swim, I am quite chilled when I am done.

Extension Tubes

One advantage that the Canon system has over Nikon and SONY is that it offers extension tubes. They are used primarily to allow you to focus closer than the minimum focusing distance of a given lens. I used them most often with my big Canon lenses with and without teleconverters. I missed them when I was using Nikon and miss them ever more with SONY now that I am doing lots of macro photography …

Canon EF Extension Tube Set

BAA friend, California botany expert Bob “BugBob” Allen, is offering the Extension Tube Set, the EF 12 II and EF 25 II, in excellent plus condition for $124.90. The sale includes the front and rear lens caps and insured Fed-Ex Ground shipping to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Bob via e-mail and please include the item name or names in the subject line and be sure to include your full name.

As regular readers know, I used extension tubes often to reduce the minimum focusing distances of my two Canon macro lenses and my super-telephotos. I used them behind a TC to focus closer with AF and at times, in front of a TC to get even closer while having to use manual focus). The pair sells for $224.90 so you can save an even $100.00 by grabbing the pair. artie

SONY Extension Tube Info Corrected

Thanks to Patrick Sparkman

Thanks to Patrick Sparkman for alerting us to the (off-brand) Neewer Metal AF Auto-Focus Macro Extension Tube Set 10mm & 16mm for Sony NEX E-Mount Camera NEX 3/3N/5/5N/5R/A6000/A6300 and Full Frame A7 A7S/A7SII A7R/A7RII A7II.

https://amzn.to/2CbHUbC

2 Piece Extension Tube Set for MK-S-AF3A, made of metal.
Compatible with Sony NEX, E-mount series Micro DSLR.
Support Exact TTL Exposure and Auto-focus;Built-in Electronic Pins and internal driver.
New adapter aperture hole design, perfectly support Sony full-frame camera A7/A7R/A7S/A7 II.
Including two tubes (10mm, 16mm), 3 different combinations.

Thanks Also to Byron Prinzmetal

Thanks also to Byron Prinzmetal for letting me know about the (off brand) Kenko DG Extension Tube Set for Full-Frame Sony E-Mount.

For Sony E-Mount Cameras & Lenses
Compatible with Full-Frame & APS-C
Reduces Minimum Focus Distance of Lens
Provides Macro Capability
Retains Autofocus/Auto Exposure
10 and 16mm Tubes
Can Be Used Individually or Combined
Internal Flocking Prevents Reflections
Metal Mount

Reduce the minimum focusing distance of your full-frame or APS-C Sony E-mount optics with this DG Extension Tube Set from Kenko. Featuring both 10 and 16mm tubes, users will be able to gain macro abilities with nearly every lens in their arsenal, while maintaining full autofocus and auto exposure. These tubes can be used individually or combined and they feature internal electrostatic flocking with synthetic fibers to prevent reflections that can be detrimental to image quality.

My Thoughts …

The Neewer Metal AF Auto-Focus Macro Extension Tube Set 10mm & 16mm sells for $39.99 on Amazon. The Kenko DG Extension Tube Set (10mm & 16mm) for Full-Frame Sony E-Mount sells for $129.90 att B&H. Superficially, the two items are quite similar. Patrick thinks that it is likely that they were made in the same factory … Judging from the photos, the build quality of the Kenko set looks far superior to the build quality of the Neewer set. With off-brand extension tubes fit is sometimes a problem. In general, I will almost always opt for the more expensive version of a given item. But with the huge price discrepancy here and given Amazon’z return policy, it might be a good idea to try the Neewer set and see if they are decent.

The Old Man and the Stork

Man Does Everything For His Rescued Stork – KLEPETAN & MALENA | The Dodo

Thanks to multiple IPT veterans Pat and Stokes Fishburne for sharing this wonderful video with me so that I could share it with you.

This is a pass-along video from the animal lover’s website Dodo. I could not determine who created the video, but there is an invitation on the website to share the videos.

with love, artie

What’s Up?

Friday dawned clear and sunny so I decided to try for bird rather than flowers. Both fields and the South Peninsula were dangerously soft and muddy from the continued heavy rains so I was limited to staying on the roads. After I did the Osprey on the telephone poles, I cruised the side streets and had a decent chance on a tom Wild Turkey.

When I get back to working off the tripod from my current SUV my plan is to switch from the FlexShooter Mini to the Levered Clamp FlexShooter Pro as the stronger tension of the latter will make it easier to keep the big lens from shifting as I drive around.

As the plumber is supposed to be here at 7:45am — Saturday 1 AUGUST 2020 — I will be photographing the blooming Spotted Beabalm in our butterfly garden this morning.

I amazed myself by brokering a deal for a second wanted-to-buy Canon 600 II this week, a never used copy for $7500.00.

Kudos to Steve Elkins at Bedford’s for securing a new EOS R5 for at least one blog regular. BAA-friend and multiple IPT veteran Luis Alberto Grunauer is #1 on Steve’s list. Canon has delayed its second shipment of the R5. I will be doing a feature covering the R5 and the R6 here soon.

Feel free to leave a comment as to which of today’s two featured cropped Osprey head shots if your favorite. And do let us know why you made your choice. I love the tongue in Image #2.

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.

106 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.

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.

Image A: Photo Mechanic Screen Capture of Osprey on telephone pole.

Just for the Heck of It: Telephone Pole Cropping Insanity!

What can I say? It was a slow morning. About a week ago I thought of photographing an Osprey sitting atop a telephone pole but as I positioned my SUV, the bird flew. Yesterday it did not. In the full-frame capture above, it is evident that my shooting angle was very steep and obvious that the top of the telephone pole at the bottom of the frame is an image killer. But as I planned the shot, I thought that a tight crop or two would make it look as if I was working in a situation with a much shallower angle of inclination. As it turned out, I was right.

This image was created on 31 JULY 2020 down by the lake at Indian Lake Estates. Working from my SUV, I used the Induro GIT 204/FlexShooter Mini-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and the 61-MP Monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body. ISO: 400. Exposure determined by Zebras with exposure compensation on the rear wheel: 1/640 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. The exposure was confirmed as perfect in RawDigger. AWB at 7:58am on a mostly sunny morning. Tracking Flexible Spot (M) AF-C performed perfectly and produced a razor-sharp eye. Image #1: Osprey head portrait: almost 77% of the original pixels were cropped away.

Just 23% of the Original Pixels!

I have never been a fan of very large crops, but with the a7riv — even when working at 1200mm in a difficult situation, large crops become a reality. The optimized master file here is 40.5 MBs.

Because the lens was pointed up so high, I was unable to get my eye to the viewfinder so I focused and composed using the rear monitor. If I try this again — I am hoping that one of the juvie Ospreys will land on a telephone pole — I will tilt the rear monitor to make things even easier. (One SONY negative is that you can only tilt the rear screens on the a7r iii, a7r iv, a9, and a9 ii when working horizontally …)

This image was also created on 31 JULY 2020 down by the lake at Indian Lake Estates. Still working from my SUV, I used the Induro GIT 204/FlexShooter Mini-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and the 61-MP Monster, the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital camera body. ISO: 400. Exposure determined by Zebras with exposure compensation on the rear wheel: 1/800 sec. at f/8 in Manual mode. The exposure was confirmed as almost perfect in RawDigger. AWB at 7:58am on a mostly sunny morning. Tracking Flexible Spot (M) AF-C performed perfectly and produced a razor-sharp eye. Image #2: Osprey tight preening head portrait: more than 86% of the original pixels were cropped away.

Just 14% of the Original Pixels!

The crop here was even larger, yet the optimized master file checks in at a still-respectable 23.4 MBs.

As I was unsure of the right degree of Zebras — I was worried that I might have had too many — so I increased the shutter speed one click from 1/640 to 1/800 sec. When the bird began preening, I should have decreased the shutter speed one click since the raptor’s white neck was mostly obscured as a result of the preening pose. That is why RawDigger showed the exposure as almost perfect. I am hoping to have the RawDigger guide finished by the end of August.

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