BIRDS AS ART BULLETIN #435

• Which IS Mode for Series II Canon Super-telephoto Lenses?
• The CRX-5 Low Foot/Plate for Series II Canon Super-telephoto Lenses
• The Blog is the Bomb!
• Announcing Two Short Versions of the Fort Desoto/Hooptie Deux–Roseate Spoonbill IPT
• Composition Maps
• Used Camera Gear
• IPT Info

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This image was created at Indian Lake Estates on the morning that the IPT group made the early trip from Fort Desoto to my home. I used the hand held Canon 500mm f/4L EF IS II lens, the Canon 1.4x EF tele-extender III, and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1 stop as framed in soft light: 1/640 sec. at f/5.6 in Manual mode confirmed in advance via histogram check. IS Mode 1. See more on IS Modes with the new Series II Canon Super-telephoto lenses in item 1 below. 61-Point/AI Servo/Rear Focus AF active at the moment of exposure performed perfectly. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image for a larger version. Learn everything that I know about the great AF system of the 1D X in our 1D X AF Guide here. Learn how and why I am converting all of my images in Canon DPP (Digital Photo Professional) in our DPP RAW Conversion Guide here. For more on this image and 61-point AF, see “Like the Rear End or Not?”

Which IS Mode for Series II Canon Super-telephoto Lenses?

The new Series II Super-telephotos, the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, the Canon 500mm f/4L EF IS II USM, and the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM feature a third IS Mode, IS Mode 3. I am blessed to own all but the 400 f/2.8L IS II. You can learn a ton about the technology that makes all four of these lenses special in Chuck Westfall’s article here.

The new IS II super-telephoto lenses were the first to feature the new IS Mode 3. This new stabilization mode is similar to IS Mode 2 in that it detects and corrects for panning by shutting off IS correction in the panning direction. What’s new and different with IS Mode 3 is that IS correction occurs only during the actual exposure, that is, as the shutter is depressed and the mirror is raised. In IS Modes 1 and 2, camera shake and panning detection and correction occurs when the shutter button is depressed halfway. In IS Mode 3 the image in the viewfinder moves more naturally while panning and battery power is conserved. Canon expected that this feature would be welcomed by sports photographers as well as those who photograph birds in flight.

I tried IS Mode 3 for flight with my 500 II when I first got it but soon got away from it. Why? I like the comfort of having the image stabilized when I am panning. For a while I tried used IS Mode 1 for everything and found that most of my flight images were sharp. You are not supposed to use IS Mode 1 for panning; it is designed for photographing static subjects. In an effort to have an even higher percentage of sharp flight images I am now using my old strategy for tripod-mounted shooting: I set IS Mode 2 and leave it.

As I am, however, doing lots of hand held photography with both the 300 II and the 500 II, and am even hand holding the 600 II on occasion, I try to remember to switch to IS Mode 1 when photographing static subjects like the large crane chick in the opening image here, and switch back to IS Mode 2 for hand held flight photography and all tripod-mounted shooting.

Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you are doing and what type of success you are having. Unbeknownst to many, you can leave a comment on each Bulletin when viewing it online.

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The CRX-5 Low Foot/Plate for Series II Canon Super-telephoto Lenses

Finally! The amazing CRX-5 is ready to ship. Read on.

Many folks have used our B&H affiliate links to purchase one of the new Canon Series II super-telephoto lenses. Thanks to them for that! And many folks on recent IPTs and on the In-the-Field Workshop have brought their new toys with them. As far as lens plates and lens feet, I have seen them all. With the original lens foot and a P-50 plate both the 500 II and the 600 II are back heavy. And the foot weighs the proverbial ton. And when using either of these with a Mongoose M3.6–you should be–the mounted lens is off-centered and, because of either torque or a breeze, will rarely stay still atop the tripod. And the CR-80 that I used with my beloved Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM lens simply did not work with either the 500 II or the 600 II.

One friend showed up with a new 600 II and had to use quarters as shims to get his plate on. He was constantly begging for the right Allen wrench to tighten up the jury-rigged monstrosity that he had created. Another had a new 500 II with a third party plate that left his rig terribly back heavy. All of the new lenses have more weight at the back of the lens than their predecessors. This makes hand holding a much easier endeavor but unless you have the right replacement plate or foot, balancing the lens on the tripod head from front to back can be either difficult or impossible, especially for those using pro bodies like the 1D X or the 1D IV. A third client showed up with a foot from one of the what I call “knock-off companies.” These firms either make sloppy copies of the quality stuff designed and created by 4th Generation Design or Wimberley or they simply make stuff on their own that does not work. This last photographer was not able to balance his rig properly. When I asked him about it he said that they had contacted the folks who made the foot and told them about the problem. They said that they knew about the problem and would be glad to sell him the adaptor that he needed after it was designed and manufactured.

John and Walter Zeiss at 4th GD took their time and came up with a masterpiece. They created the CRX-5. This adjustable lens foot was designed especially for the new Canon Series II lenses with functionality in mind. You get to choose where the foot lines up from one of 6 set positions. I have had one on my 600 II for a while now and I set it up using the the second hole from the back. My 1D X balances perfectly with the body alone, with the 1.4X III TC, and with the 2X TC. I do not have to move the foot. (I do of course have to move the lens from front to back in the clamp each time I add or subtract a teleconverter). The design is elegant, clever, and deadly efficient. The lightweight CRX-5 is somewhat of a hybrid lens foot/lens plate as there is enough room between the plate and the lens so that you can carry the lens by the foot without pinching your fingers. Best of all, assembly was easy. I did it myself with barely a glance at the instruction sheet. The CRX-5 is also best for the 400 f/2.8L IS II and for the 800mm f/5.6L IS.

We will have CRX-5 and CRX-3.5 feet (see below on that one) here on Tuesday ready to ship on Wednesday. You can order yours by calling Jim at 1-863-692-0906 on Monday after 8:30am eastern time with your credit card in hand.

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The CRX-5 mounted correctly on the 600 II positioned for use with a pro body like the 1D X. For lighter camera bodies one of the holes towards the front will be ideal.

CRX-5 Lens Foot/Lens Plate: $122 plus $9 shipping to US addresses.

As our first allotment is for 25 CRX-5 feet we expect that they will sell out almost immediately so please do not tarry if you want the right plate for your new lens. Note: shipping may vary slightly if you order through the BAA Online Store by clicking here.

CRX-3.5 Lens Foot/Lens Plate: $122 plus $9 shipping to US addresses.

The slightly smaller CRX-3.5 is designed for the 300mm f/2.8L IS II lens. I will have one here on Monday for my 300 II. As our first allotment is for 2 CRX-5s we expect that they will sell out almost immediately so please do not tarry if you want the right plate for your new lens.Note: shipping may vary slightly if you order through the BAA Online Store by clicking here.

Important note: with either the CRX-5 or the CRX-3.5 be sure to read and follow the directions carefully. You must use the four M4-12 button head screws to affix the plate to the lens. The original screws that you removed are too long.

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This pre-dawn Fish Crow blast-off image was created at Alafia Banks on the Hooptie Deux with Captain James Shadle on the first Short Notice Fort Desoto/Hooptie Deux IPT with the hand held Canon 500mm f/4L EF IS II lens and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 2500. Evaluative metering +1 2/3 stop; 1/8 sec. at f/4.5 in Tv mode. IS Mode 2. See more on IS Modes with the new Series II Canon Super-telephoto lenses in item 1 above. Again, 61-Point/AI Servo/Rear Focus AF active at the moment of exposure performed perfectly. Click here if you missed the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image for a larger version. Learn everything that I know about the great AF system of the 1D X in our 1D X AF Guide here. Learn how and why I am converting all of my images in Canon DPP (Digital Photo Professional) in our DPP RAW Conversion Guide here. Fort Desoto/Hooptie Deux–Roseate Spoonbill Short Notice IPT The 2nd New Concept IPT: the Fort Desoto/Hooptie Deux–Roseate Spoonbill Short Notice IPT/April 3-7, 2013/5 DAYS: $2399. Strict limit: six photographers/ openings 4. Early April can be superb at Alafia Banks. Early April is almost always superb at Fort DeSoto. Click here for complete details. With only a single registrant, this one is shaping up to be a practically private affair and represents an amazing opportunity for you to grow as a photographer. Do consider joining me. The first lesson on the way out to the banks always deals with using Tv mode in the pre-dawn to create pleasing blurs. See the same also in “A Guide to Pleasing Blurs” by Denise Ippolito and yours truly.

The Blog is the Bomb

To learn more about the opening image here including the image optimization see “Like the Rear End or Not?”

I continue to put in 20+ hours a week towards making the blog informative, timely, and beautiful. Most of the educational features that formerly appeared in BAA Bulletins now grace the BAA Blog. If you are not subscribed, you are missing a ton of great stuff almost daily. You can subscribe to the blog posts by clicking here. If you have a problem subscribing, please contact us via e-mail.

Here are some more links to recent posts of interest:

“Best-ever Hand Holding Tip” is one of my most popular blog posts ever.

Spending to much time at the computer, behind the wheel, watching TV? Back hurt? Click here for some simple health tips.

To see exactly how the focal length of the lens affects the size of the subject in the frame, click here.

If you’ve never heard of UrbEx Photography, click here.

Learn why it is best always to push the shutter button when you are in doubt in the “Go Figure” blog post.

NIK magic and image optimization tips here.

To learn why there is never a detailed itinerary on a BAA Instructional Photo-Tour click here.

Like flowers or photography? Check out Depth-of-Field Lesson.

Learn why I love my 5D Mark III here.

How good a flight photography camera is the Canon EOS-1D X? Click here to find out.

You can find complete Canon telephoto lens specs here; be sure to bookmark this page for quick reference.

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This Roseate Spoonbill was photographed last year at Alafia Banks with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus lens and the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV now replaced by the Canon EOS-1D X digital SLR . ISO 500. Evaluative metering +2/3 stop as framed: 1/1250 sec. at f/7.1 in Manual mode in early morning light. The very best opportunities in Florida to photograph this species in breeding plumage are with Captain James Shadle on the Hooptie Deux.

Announcing Two Short Versions of the Fort Desoto/Hooptie Deux–Roseate Spoonbill IPT

Short Version #1: Fort Desoto/Hooptie Deux–Roseate Spoonbill IPT/April 3-5, 2013/3 FULL DAYS: $1399. Strict limit: six photographers/Openings: 4.

Early April can be superb at Alafia Banks. Early April is almost always superb at Fort DeSoto.

Here is the structure and schedule: I will be leading all three days of this Short Version 3-DAY IPT. We will one full day on the Hooptie Deux, either Thursday or Friday. The first day and one of the next two full days will be at Fort Desoto where the Laughing Gulls will be in splendid breeding plumage with their full black hoods, their wine-red bills, and white eye crescents. They are one of our most under-appreciated species. The Royal, Sandwich, and Forster’s Terns will also be in breeding plumage. And all of these species will be displaying, courting, and mating. You can also expect a variety of wading birds, especially Reddish Egret, and a variety of shorebirds including Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Dunlin, American Oystercatcher, and many more. And you will need to beat the Willets off with a stick. The additional possibilities are too numerous to mention.

As above, we will spend a full day on the Hooptie Deux with James Shadle on either Thursday or Friday depending on the weather. The morning will be at Alafia Banks with spoonbill as the main target species. There will be lots of great flight photography not only with spoonbills, many of which will be in full breeding plumage, but with Brown Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants, Reddish Egret and White Ibis in full breeding plumage, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Turkey and Black Vultures, and lots more. The afternoon Hooptie trip will be at one of several fresh water heronries. James will trailer his customized pontoon boat to the best rookery. Subjects, depending on location, will likely include Cattle Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Great Blue Heron, White Ibis, Black-crowned Night-heron, and Double-crested Cormorant. All nesting and in flight. Most but not all of the photography on a boat trip to the Banks with James is done while standing in the water with your tripod. James has lightweight chest waders and surf booties on board for all at no charge. Folks who wish to keep their expensive Gitzo tripods saltwater free often opt to use Drypods. Learn more here.

Short Version #2: With James Shadle/Roseate Spoonbill/Osprey IPT/April 6-7, 2013/2 FULL DAYS: $899. Strict limit: six photographers/Openings: 4.

Saturday and Sunday with James Shadle will feature a morning on the Hooptie Deux at Alafia Banks and one or more sessions at Honeymoon Island State Park where many dozens of pairs of Osprey are nesting. There will of course be lots of flight photography. Depending on the winds and weather there may be an afternoon session at a Wood Stork rookery or some local beaches that James knows well. All subject to change depending on the weather including wind and sky conditions as well as local conditions. James has an intimate knowledge of each location and has visited them regularly for many years.

Deposit Info

A $500 deposit is needed to hold your spot; call Jim or Jennifer asap at 1-863-692-0906. Your deposit may be placed with a credit card. Your payment in full by personal check will then be due along with your completed paperwork both sent via US Mail. Please print, read, and sign the release form here and include it with your check. If you would rather pay in full via personal check, please call or e-mail immediately to save your spot. With one registrant, both of these will run. Yeah, I know that it might seem nuts but neither James nor I can live with telling folks who have arranged to take time off from work and made travel plans that we are cancelling a trip because we will not be making enough money to justify running it…. Please e-mail with questions or for additional details.

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Composition Maps: Visual Design Aids for Nature Photographers

Many new folks may be unaware of “Composition Maps: Visual Design Aids for Nature Photographers” an e-Guide by Gloria Hopkins (with photographs by Arthur Morris). Gloria’s first BAA e-book was Natural Design: Image Design for Nature Photographers. The book received positive reviews from many happy customers and everyone (including me) raved about her composition maps. I still have no clue as to how she knows exactly what is going on in my brain when I press the shutter button and optimize my images. But she does and shares that ingeniously in her second offering, “Composition Maps.”

Click here to order your copy now.

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The E-book features more than 80 BIRDS AS ART IMAGES and 61 composition maps–some of the maps deal with two or more images. In the e-book you simply click on the map and hold the cursor down: the image is revealed! Give the animated GIF below a few moments to play and you will get the idea.

The simplest and fastest way to order your copy of “Composition Maps: Visual Design Aids for Nature Photographers” is through the BAA On-line Store by clicking here. Or, you can order your copy by sending a check for $30 made out to “Arthur Morris” to us at BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Be sure to include your e-mail address (written legibly). If you prefer PayPal you can send $30 to us via e-mail; be sure to include the title of the book.

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Click here to order your copy now.

Gloria first introduced here innovative Composition Maps in “Natural Design; Image Design for Nature Photographers.” Learn more here.

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Used Camera Gear

Walt Novinger

Walt is offering a used Sigma 300-800 f/5.6 EX DG APO IF HSM Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS, aka The Sigmonster in like new condition. Used only 4-5 times: $6,000. The sale includes the original shipping box and the original soft lens case. Includes shipping in the continental US. You can call Walt at 1-442.222.4081 or by e-mail. James Shadle used the Nikon mount version of this lens to create many great images. Strong folks can save a bundle as this is a steal at $2,000 below list.

Dr. Steve Bein: Price Reduced!

Steve is offering lightly used EOS-5D Mark II in excellent condition for $1,500. The body was just returned from Canon for a clean and check. The purchase includes an extra battery, charger, two straps–the factory strap and a wider more comfortable one. All manuals, cables, CD’s. And insured shipping in the US. Steve just purchased a 5D Mark III. Lucky guy. A borrowed 5D Mark II saved my January Southern Oceans cruise after I trashed my two EOS-1D Maark IV bodies in the rain at the start of the trip….

Please contact Steve via e-mail or call him at home at 1-310-838-2346. As a last resort try him on his cell at 1-310-850-6061.

Ramona Boone

Ramona is offering the following used items for sale:

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS lens with its trunk, leather cover, hood, rear lens cap, drop in filter holder, forest green Lens Coat, strap, and 4th generation NP 51 low foot. All in very good condition. Just serviced by Canon: $5900.

Please contact Ramona with any questions: 1-719 231 5874 or via e-mail.

Seriously Huge B&H Savings on Nikon and Canon Gear

Nikon

For the first time in many years NIKON is going to be deeply discounting many legacy pro lenses individually for the next 2 weeks only with discounts up to $350. There are also many amazing deals on NIKON Buy together and Save packages as well. Click here to save.

Nikon DSLRS Bundles with Lenses & Flash: Save up to $750. Click here to save. Make sure to add each item to your shopping cart to see the absolute lowest price.

Canon Lenses & Speedlites: Save Up to $300

Click here to save. Make sure to add each item to your shopping cart to see the absolute lowest price.

Canon Buy Together & Save: Save Up to $400

Click here to save.

Typos

On all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or leave a comment regarding any typos, wrong words, misspellings, omissions, or grammatical errors. Just be right. 🙂

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LensCoats. I have a LensCoat on each of my big lenses to protect them from nicks and thus increase their re-sales value. All my big lens LensCoat stuff is in Hardwood Snow pattern.
LegCoat Tripod Leg Covers. I have four tripods active and each has a Hardwood Snow LegCoat on it to help prevent further damage to my tender shoulders 🙂 And you will love them in mega-cold weather....
Gitzo GT3532 LS CF Tripod. This one replaces the GT3530LS Tripod and will last you a lifetime. Learn more about this great tripod here.
Mongoose M3.6 Tripod Head. Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head.
Double Bubble Level. You will find one in my camera's hot shoe whenever I am not using flash.
The Lens Align Mark II. I use the Lens Align Mark II pretty much religiously to micro-adjust all of my gear an average of once a month and always before a major trip. Enjoy our free comprehensive tutorial here.
BreezeBrowser. I do not see how any digital photographer can exist without this program.
Delkin Flash Cards. I use and depend on Delkin compact Flash Cards and card readers most every day. Learn more about their great 700X and 1000X cards here or about my favorite Delkin card here.