Stuff
On Friday it was dark and foggy and drizzling most of the day. Jim dropped Anita off at the Orlando Airport on his way home. As far as getting stuff done, it was a hazy lazy day for me too though I did get a bit of work done on the 5D Mark IV User’s Guide. And I did enjoy my easy 3/4 mile swim.
FYI: Early on Saturday morning I responded to each comment left in the Perch Payoffs #2! Anhinga X Greater Roadrunner Hybrid! And Rescuing Under-exposed Silhouettes here.
Right now it looks as if only two folks are signed up for San Diego #2; San Diego #1 has been sold out for some time. IPT #2 represents an amazing opportunity to enjoy some great bird photography with the spectacular breeding plumage Pacific race of Brown Pelican and to learn from possibly the finest bird photography teacher to ever walk on the planet (he said with all modesty …) This IPT is the first to offer a free morning session the day before the IPT starts. I hope that you can join me.
The Streak
Today makes one hundred thirty-four days in a row with a new educational blog post! This one took about 90 minutes to prepare. With all of my upcoming free time (or not …), the plan right now is to break the current record streak of 480 … Good health and good internet connections willing.
Booking.Com
Booking.Com came through for me twice again recently with both the DeSoto Fall IPT and next July’s UK Puffins, Gannets, and Bempton Pre-trip room reservations. And all the rates were great. If you’d like to give Booking.Com a shot, click here and you will earn a $25 reward. Thanks to the many who have already tried and used this great service.
Gear Questions and Advice
Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of folks 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 might include system, camera body, accessory, and lens choices and decisions.
New (and Different) Used Gear Listings
Fujifilm X-T2 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Joel Williams is offering a Fujifilm X-T2 camera in near-mint condition for only $1099. Included in the sale are the Metal Hand Grip for the X-T2 (a $109 value), two extra Fujifilm batteries (both items also in near-mint condition), the original boxes and everything that came in them, and insured ground shipping via UPS to US addresses only. The items will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Joel via e-mail.
The XT-2 is currently Fuji’s flagship digital camera body. I had a chance to test this camera for about six weeks and enjoyed its small size and light weight a ton. I made more than a few excellent images with my Fujifilm gear. If you click on Postlist 2017 on the orange/yellow menu bar and do a page search for XT-2 you can find nearly a dozen blog posts featuring images from this great little camera body. In addition to being decent for birds, nature, and wildlife the Fuji gear (including many of the lenses listed below) will make a superb travel/landscape rig. artie
Fuji X-T2 VPB Vertical Power Booster Grip
Joel Williams is also offering a Fuji X-T2 VPB Vertical Power Booster Grip in near-mint condition for $189. Learn more here. This item sells new for $329. The price includes insured ground shipping via UPS to US addresses only. The items will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Joel via e-mail.
This grip holds two batteries for a total of three at the same time. I used and enjoyed it with my XT-2. artie
Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens
Joel Williams is also offering a Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens in like-new condition for $1199. The sale includes the original box and everything that in it along with and insured ground shipping via UPS to US addresses only. The lens will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Joel via e-mail.
I used this versatile lens for six weeks and made lots of excellent images with both the Fujifilm XF 1.4x TC WR teleconverter and the Fujifilm XF 2x TC WR teleconverter. With the 1.5X crop factor of the XT-2 and this lens zoomed out to 400mm I made sharp images at effective 1200mm with the 2X teleconverter. (As usual, but these were handheld!) artie
Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Lens
Joel Williams is also offering a Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR lens in like-new condition for $949. The sale includes the original box, and everything that came with the lens, and insured ground shipping via UPS, to US addresses only. The lens will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Joel via e-mail.
This versatile lens sell new for $1499 so you can save a nifty $550 by grabbing it. artie
Fujifilm XF 1.4x TC WR Teleconverter
Joel Williams is also offering a Fujifilm XF 1.4x TC WR teleconverter in like-new condition for only $299. The sale includes the original box and everything that came in it and insured ground shipping via UPS to US addresses only. The lens will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Joel via e-mail.
Extend the reach of your XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR and XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lenses with the XF 1.4x TC WR Teleconverter from Fujifilm. The X mount converter magnifies the image by 1.4x and retains full communication between the lens and body, enabling metering, autofocus, and image stabilization as well as the transmission of EXIF data. Additionally, the teleconverter is designed to maintain the weather resistance of the entire Fujifilm system with a sealed construction that reduces the chances of dust, water, or even the cold from affecting performance. This item sells new for $449. B&H
Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R Lens
Joel Williams is also offering a Fujifilm XF 56 f/1.2 R lens in like-new condition for $549. The sale includes the original box and everything that came in it and insured ground shipping via UPS to US addresses only. The lens will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Joel via e-mail.
This lens is a prime portrait-length lens that provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 85mm when used with Fujifilm APS-C-sized mirrorless digital cameras. Its bright f/1.2 maximum aperture greatly benefits selective focus control and also aids in shooting in low-light conditions. The internal focusing system, as well as the use of a stepping AF motor, ensures quiet, smooth, and precise focusing capabilities that are ideal for both still and video applications.The lens goes for $899 new. B&H
Fujifilm XF 50 f/2 R WR Lens
Joel Williams is also offering a Fujifilm XF 50 f/2 R WR lens in like-new condition for only $299. The sale includes the original box and everything that came in it and insured ground shipping via UPS to US addresses only. The lens will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Joel via e-mail.
This sleek prime lens for Fujifilm X-series mirrorless cameras offers a 76mm equivalent focal length to suit a variety of applications including portraiture and still lifes. The lightweight design and bright f/2 maximum aperture benefit working in low-light conditions and also afford a high degree of control over depth of field for selective focus techniques. Autofocus is fast, precise, and near-silent to suit both photo and video shooting, and the lens is also weather-sealed and is rated to work in temperatures as low as 14°F. Additionally, a Super EBC (Electron Beam Coating) coating has been applied to individual elements to reduce lens flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color fidelity when working in strong lighting conditions. The lens sells new for $449. B&H
Fujifilm XF 35 f/2 R WR Lens
Joel Williams is also offering a Fujifilm XF 35 f/2 R WR lens with the LH-XF 35-2 lens hood (a $67.98 value) in like-new condition for only $229. The sale includes the original boxes and everything that came in them and insured ground shipping via UPS to US addresses only. The gear will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Joel via e-mail.
Offering a normal perspective in a compact package, the silver XF 35mm f/2 R WR Lens from Fujifilm is optimized for use on X-series cameras with APS-C format sensors, producing a 35mm equivalent focal length of 53mm. Along with this, it has a fast f/2 maximum aperture, useful for creating images with a shallow depth-of-field and working in low-light conditions. Ensuring optimal image quality is a 9 element in 6 group design that incorporates two ED and two aspherical elements that work to minimize aberrations and distortion for crisp, clean imagery. Also, the lens has the Nano-GI coating which dramatically limits the effects of ghosting and flare. The lens sells new for $399. B&H
Fujifilm XF 23 f/2 R WR Lens
Joel Williams is also offering a Fujifilm XF 23 f/2 R WR lens in like-new condition for only $299. The sale includes the original box and everything that came in it and insured ground shipping via UPS to US addresses only. The lens will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Joel via e-mail.
Compact, fast, and weather resistant, this lens from Fujifilm is a great choice for those looking for a lightweight and effective imaging kit. Optimized for X-series mirrorless cameras equipped with APS-C sensors, this 23mm lens offers a classic 35mm equivalent perspective, a view much loved by street photographers. The lightweight design and fast f/2 aperture make it a great choice for those looking to stay discreet while shooting. Also, by using two aspherical elements in its optical construction, the lens is able to combat distortions and aberrations for a clear, sharp image. In addition, the 23mm lens uses a Super EBC coating to minimize flare and ghosting. The lens sells new for $449. B&H
Fujifilm XF 16 f/1.4 R WR Lens
Joel Williams is also offering a Fujifilm XF 16 f/1.4 R WR lens with the LH-XF 16 lens hood (a 67.98 value) both in like-new condition for only $549. The sale includes the original boxes and everything that came in them and insured ground shipping via UPS to US addresses only. The lens will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Joel via e-mail.
Fast and wide, the XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR Lens is a 24mm equivalent wide-angle lens designed specifically for Fujifilm X-mount mirrorless cameras. Two aspherical and two extra-low dispersion elements are incorporated within the lens design to minimize chromatic, spherical, and axial aberrations as well as distortions for consistent edge-to-edge sharpness and illumination. A Nano-GI coating has also been applied to alter the refractive index between elements and suppress flare and ghosting. Conventionally thought of as an ideal lens for street, travel, and landscape photography, this wide prime also features a minimum working distance of less than 6″ for photographing close-up subjects. This lens sells new for $899. B&H
Fujifilm XF 16-55 f/2.8 R LM WR lens
Joel Williams is also offering a Fujifilm XF 16-55 f/2.8 R LM WR lens in like-new condition for only $649. The sale includes the original box and everything that came in it and insured ground shipping via UPS to US addresses only. The lens will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Joel via e-mail.
A standard-length zoom built to handle harsh conditions, this weather-sealed lens offers the 35mm focal length equivalence of 24-82.5mm for versatile wide-angle to portrait length perspectives. With a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, it is effective in low light conditions and able to control focus placement with a shallow depth of field. Compatible with all Fujifilm X-mount mirrorless digital cameras, it features a sophisticated lens design, internal focusing and a Twin Linear Motor AF system for exceedingly fast and near silent autofocus operation. The lens sells new for $1049. B&H
Novoflex Adapter for Leica M Mount Lenses to Fujifilm X Mount Digital Cameras
Joel Williams is also offering a Novoflex Adapter for Leica M Mount Lenses to Fujifilm X Mount Digital cameras bodies in like-new condition for only $99. The sale includes the original box and everything that came in it and insured ground shipping via UPS to US addresses only. This item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Joel via e-mail.
One of the most appealing aspects of mirrorless cameras like those of the Fujifilm X series is the availability of a wide range of compatible interchangeable lenses, including non-Fuji lenses. The Adapter for Leica M Mount Lenses to Fujifilm X Mount Digital Cameras from Novoflex makes it possible to mount a Leica M lens to your Fujifilm X-Pro1, XE-1 and XM-1 Mirrorless Digital Cameras. This precision mechanical adapter does not transfer functions from the camera to the lens, such as automatic focus, however automatic exposure metering in aperture priority and stop-down metering is possible. The lens will focus to infinity using this adapter. This item sells new for $206.25. B&H
Sony Vario-Tessar T FE 16-35 f/4 ZA OSS Lens
Joel Williams is also offering a Sony Vario-Tessar T FE 16-35 f/4 ZA OSS lens in like-new condition for only $749. The sale includes the original box and everything that came in it and insured ground shipping via UPS to US addresses only. The lens will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Joel via e-mail.
A compact and weather-resistant option, the Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS lens from Sony will satisfy nearly all the wide-angle needs of full-frame E-mount shooters. It also features a constant f/4 aperture for consistent performance and illumination throughout the zoom range. Ensuring optimal image quality, the lens design incorporates five aspherical elements, including one Advanced Aspherical (AA), three extra-low dispersion elements, and the Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating. This combination delivers images that are free from aberration and flare. The lens sells new for $1248.00 B&H
Sony FE 70-200 f/4 G OSS Lens
Joel Williams is also offering a Sony FE 70-200 f/4 G OSS lens in like-new condition for only $979. The sale includes the original box and everything that came in it and insured ground shipping via UPS to US addresses only. The lens will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.
Please contact Joel via e-mail.
Capture more distant subjects while keeping your kit lightweight with the FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS Lens from Sony. This full-frame lens is designed for use with mirrorless E-mount cameras where it delivers an excellent telephoto zoom range. It also uses a maximum aperture of f/4 to keep size and weight down. Incorporated into the optical design are a series of specialized elements to ensure aberrations are suppressed, this includes two extra-low dispersion elements, one super extra-low dispersion element, two advanced aspherical elements, and one aspherical element. Along with these capabilities, a Nano AR coating will help minimize the appearance of flare and ghosting. The lens sells new for $1398.00 B&H
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ACR Screen Capture |
The ACR Conversion
I used ACR to convert my Fujifilm RAF files. Click on the screen capture above to see a larger version. Check out the perfect histogram and the various sliders. Do note that ACR conversions (along with hundreds of other important post processing topics) are covered in the BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II).
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This image was created at La Jolla, CA with the hand held the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens, the Fujifilm XF 1.4x TC WR teleconverter, and the Fujifilm X-T2 Mirrorless Digital Camera equipped with the Fujifilm VPB-XT2 Vertical Power Booster Grip. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1/3 stop: 1/500 sec. at f/9 in Manual mode. AWB. Shutter Button Continuous Autofocus. Additional AF information is unavailable. Brown Pelican, Pacific race in full breeding plumage: tight face and bill detail |
The Classic Head & Shoulders Portrait
It is important to understand La Jolla-specific pelican behavior in order to consistently create the classic head and shoulders Pacific-race Brown Pelican portraits with a relatively short lens (like the Canon 100-400mm L IS II). In the very early morning the birds can be skittish. You need to stay well back. But on most days within 30 minutes of the sun coming over the hills to the east, the birds are often stupid-tame. If you stay low and move slowly you can practically pet them. Those lovely colors set against back-grounds of distant, sunlit Pacific-blue are to die for. But not literally.
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Amazing 5D Mark IV Sale! |
5D Mark IV Still on Sale!
Right now you can purchase a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with the BG-E20 Battery Grip for the crazy low price of $3199. I am not sure how long this Black Friday sale will last …
Blog regular Bill Hill was so excited when he read of this sale that he forgot to use my affiliate link. 🙂 He wrote, “I still think the 5D Mark IV sale is is too good to be true. I will believe it when it arrives. Thanks for the heads up.
Note: Bill went for the one with the free battery grip and the free Canon PIXMA PRO-100 Wireless Professional Inkjet Photo Printer.
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2017 in San Diego was a very good year …. |
2018 San Diego 3 1/2-DAY BIRDS AS ART IPT #2: Sunday, JAN 28 thru and including the morning session on Wednesday, JAN 31, 2018 and a free morning session the day before the IPT starts: 3 1/2 days (+1/2!): $1699. Limit: 8: Openings: 7.
Meet and Greet at 6:30pm on the evening before the IPT begins; Saturday, Jan 27, 2018.
San Diego IPT #2: Shorter and Less Expensive!
Please remember: I go with one.
Join me in San Diego near the end of January to photograph the spectacular breeding plumage Brown Pelicans with their fire-engine red and olive green bill pouches; Brandt’s (usually nesting and displaying) and Double-crested Cormorants; breeding plumage Ring-necked Duck; other duck species possible including Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Wood Duck and Surf Scoter; a variety of gulls including Western, California, and the gorgeous Heerman’s, all in full breeding plumage; shorebirds including Marbled Godwit, Whimbrel, Willet, Sanderling and Black-bellied Plover; many others possible including Least, Western, and Spotted Sandpiper, Black and Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Plover, and Surfbird; Harbor Seal (depending on the current regulations) and California Sea Lion; and Bird of Paradise flowers. And as you can see by studying the two IPT cards there are some nice bird-scape and landscape opportunities as well. Please note: formerly dependable, both Wood Duck and Marbled Godwit have been declining at their usual locations for the past two years …
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San Diego offers a wealth of very attractive natural history subjects. With annual visits spanning more than three decades I have lot of experience there…. |
With gorgeous subjects just sitting there waiting to have their pictures taken, photographing the pelicans on the cliffs is about as easy as nature photography gets. With the winds from the east almost every morning there is usually some excellent flight photography. And the pelicans are almost always doing something interesting: preening, scratching, bill pouch cleaning, or squabbling. And then there are those crazy head throws that are thought to be a form of intra-flock communication. You can do most of your photography with an 80- or 100-400 lens …
Did I mention that there are wealth of great birds and natural history subjects in San Diego in winter?
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Though the pelicans will be the stars of the show on this IPT there will be many other handsome and captivating subjects in wonderful settings. |
The San Diego Details
This IPT will include four 3 1/2 hour morning photo sessions, three 2 1/2 hour afternoon photo sessions, three lunches, and after-lunch image review and Photoshop sessions. To ensure early starts, breakfasts will be your responsibility. Dinners are on your own so that we can get some sleep.
A $599 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your slot for this IPT. You can send a check (made out to “Arthur Morris) to us at BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855. Or call Jim or Jennifer at the office with a credit card at 863-692-0906. Your balance is payable only by check. Please print, complete, and sign the form that is linked to here and shoot it to us along with your deposit check. If you register by phone, please print, complete and sign the form as noted above and either mail it to us or e-mail the scan. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail.
If In Doubt …
If 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 New 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 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 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 will be visiting the New BIRDS AS ART Online Store as well.
Be sure to like and follow BAA on Facebook by clicking on the logo link upper right. Tanks a stack.
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 :).
