News for the ‘Equipment and Reviews’ Category
The long awaited & much talked about Canon EOD 5D Mark lll announced
Looking forward to taking this camera on a test drive in Africa.
Pre-orders are now being taken: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/CAE5D3*/Ntt/CAE5D3*/N/0
EOS 5D Mark IIl, offering improved speed,greater resolution, enhanced processing power and extended creative options for bothstills and Full HD movies
Canon EOS 5D Mark III – Key features:
- 22.3 Megapixel full-frame sensor
- 61-point autofocus
- Up to 6fps continuous shooting
- Native ISO 100-25,600 sensitivity
- Full HD video with manual control
- 14-bit DIGIC 5+ processor
- Enhanced Weather sealing
- 8.11cm (3.2-inch) 1,040,000-dot screen
- HDR mode with presets
Edited: March 2nd, 2012
In your Safari Bag – do not forget Binoculars
Nikon Binocular 10 x 42 Monarch ATB
Even with all of the long lenses on safari I still carry a good set of binoculars.
I like these because they are compact and not too heavy. The multicoated lenses give a beautifully sharp image.
I prefer to observe though binoculars when we are stationary and waiting for further action. It is easier to scan the scene for hyenas or other animals hiding the bush with these than it is through the camera. This way I do not need to reposition the camera once in place.
They are fun and essential for non photographer “spotters” too
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/671383-REG/Nikon_7295_Monarch_ATB_10x42_Binocular.html
They are a good value and they are on sale right now at B & H Photo
The only flaw is the lens caps which are such a bad design that they get lost almost instantly.
Edited: February 21st, 2012
Canon EF 100-400 f/4-5.6L IS “Soonish” Great for Safari
From www.canonrumors.com
Finally on its way?
I was told today that a new EF 100-400 f/4-5.6L IS will be making its debut “soonish”. It will be after the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x is officially announced.
It could be tested at Euro 2012 before being announced.
Features
Ring zoom (not push/pull)
Latest IS System
82mm Filter Size
Weather Sealed
Slightly heavier than the current model
Slightly faster f/4 at 100mm (Current is f/4.5)
Retail around $2800 USD
CR’s Take
A few folks want an EF 400 f/5.6L IS, I’d think this sort of product would fill the void. I’d expect it to be optically awesome.
This comes from a pretty solid source, though lenses are always hard to nail down.
This will be a treasured addition to my African Safari bag. I might start leaving my 300mm at home.
Edited: November 18th, 2011
Canon Announces New Lenses
Canon has announced that its EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM adn EF400mm f/2.8L II USM telphoto lenses are now shipping ot selected dealers.
The lenses both feature completely redesigned optical systems, the latest Canon Image Stabilization (IS) technology, new IS and AFG Modes and Improved build quality .
Canon EF 300 /2.8L IS II $7,299 at B&H
Canon EF 400 /2.8L IS II $11,499 at B&H
Edited: August 28th, 2011
Camera Equipment used by Guests on our Recent Safari
Before a safari I spend time talking to the guests about what pieces of their camera and lens collection they should bring with them to Africa. Once all of the guests are here it is fun to take an inventory of all of the different equipment. For the 2nd time Canon products dominated the group, but we did have a few very nice Nikon products in the mix.
I think I saw about every Canon camera that has been manufactured in the past 2 to 4 years: EOS 1Dmk4, 5Dmk2, 5D, 7D, and 550D. On the Nikon front we had 1 shooter with a D700 who took a more then his fair share of heckling. To be on the fair side, after shooting both Canon and Nikon equipment in the digital format above and below water for the last 9 years, I have to say there is no inherent upper hand by either camera company. It basically comes down to personal preference; which camera system one feels the most comfortable with. Even though the majority of my equipment arsenal is Canon, Nikon still feels more ergonomically comfortable in my hands. The most popular camera this safari trip was the Canon 5Dmk2. I am very happy to report that we had no major camera malfunctions, just a lot of accessories that grew wings and disappeared into the night, such as a lot of lens caps, one lens hood, one strobe pouch, and two CF cards.
On the lens front, we had Canon: 500mm f4 Is, 300mm f2.8 IS, 300 f4, 400mm 5.6, 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 IS, 70-200 f2.8 IS (version 1 and 2), 24-70mm f2.8, 15mm fisheye, 16-35mm f2.8, 17-40mm f4, 24-105mm f4 IS, 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS, 35mm F1.4. On the Nikon front: 200-400mm F4 VR2, 70-200 f2.8 VR2, 24-70mm 2.8, and 14-24 f2.8. The Nikon shooter covered all ends of the spectrum, like other Canon shooters I can’t wait till Canon starts selling it’s own version of 200-400 f4 with build in TC. Again there were no major lens malfunctions, just one lens that got bumped and had to be re calibrated. The lens that I used most this trip was the 70-200mm f2.8 IS, yes- the wildlife was that close to us.
The guests are allowed to approach on foot
I like to travel light, and avoid having my photographic equipment go six different directions in the safari vehicle. My ideal set up would be 2 camera bodies and 3 lenses: maybe Canon 24-70mm 2.8, 70-200mm f2.8 IS, and 200-400mm f4 IS with built in TC. A 600mm f4 IS prime lens would be nice, but would compromise the traveling light goal. My favorite safari lens over the years has been the Canon 300mm f2.8 IS. It is extremely sharp and light weight to hand hold for long periods of time, even if a 1.4 TC is added (making it a 420mm f4 IS) it is still extremely sharp. Again it boils down to personal preference whatever photographic gear one feels the most comfortable with and gets the job done.
Edited: June 5th, 2011
Canon Lenses Outperform the Stock Market
Below is a link to a fascinating article about how Canon lenses hold their value and even outperform some stock market indexes. It puts into charts what I have experienced for years: lenses hold their value and if they are in excellent condition (save the boxes and manual!!) you can get the same or more than you paid for them. The bad news is about camera bodies – they loose value quickly. You may have heard the mantra: put your money into good glass – now this data adds further wisdom that you should forego the latest and greatest body for another top notch lens.
This really helps finance the next lens and to convince your spouse to let you “invest” in a new toy asset.
http://www.canonpricewatch.com/canon-lenses-better-stocks/
Edited: April 12th, 2011
The Impact Super Clamp
The Impact Super Clamp
Edited: April 1st, 2011
Canon develops EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM extender 1.4x
Today Canon has announced it is developing F 200-400mm f/4L IS USM lens which features a built-in switchable 1.4x teleconverter. With the converter engaged it becomes a 280-560 mm f/5.6 lens. This is great news for wildlife photographers. I have been waiting for canon to make this lens for a long time. Nikon has a similar lens without the built in extender.
I am looking forward to testing this lens out. This will be ideal for safari game drives in private reserves and in Kruger where animals can be in the distance or right next to you. With two camera bodies, one with the 70 -200mm and the other with the 200-400mm I can be ready for whatever presents itself.
The is scheduled for launch later in 2011. The price and exact tech specs have yet been released.
Edited: February 8th, 2011
What is in my Gear Bag When Going on Safari?
I am an underwater photographer, so any trip where I do not have to bring bulky drysuits, fins, scuba regulators, underwater housings, and strobe arms seems like packing light.
Packing light for a game drive
I travel with a 7 year old LowePro camera backpack (Computrekker plus AW) which fits all of my camera and computer equipment and does not shout “expensive stuff within”. The pack gets heavy but I employ several techniques to make sure I do not get stopped by the baggage police such as filling my vest or coat with the heavy stuff. I always bring lots small zipper bags and a daypack so I can bring a lot or a little with me on the day’s activities.
I bring my Canon 300mm f/2.8 IS lens with some teleconverters when needed extra reach. The 100-400mm f/4.5 -5.6 is one I would consider bringing. On my wish list would be the 500mm F/4 IS. I upgraded a few years ago from a 300mm lens that had no stabilization and life has been sweeter ever since.
We stop the vehicle engine when we see a good animal, but sometimes it is just not possible to cut the engine and vibration. I use a monopod to help with this in the vehicle and to support the camera system when walking in the field. It is much easier to run from an angry elephant with a monopod in your hands than a tripod. This year I will be trying out a beanbag system that sits on the vehicle door/window.
My other lens is a Canon 70 -200 F/2.8 IS. This is one of my favorite lens, it’s tack sharp, great in low light, a real work horse. . I also carry a Canon 17– 40mm F/4 lens and a Sigma 50mm f/2.8 macro (which is light weight and great for portraits). My two camera bodies are the Canon 5D MK2 and Canon 5D. I have some Nikons at home, but over the years have found that I prefer smaller and more lightweight cameras especially when swimming after dolphins and hiking into the bush, so they stay home this safari trip. My Nikon would comprise of: Nikon D3x, D3 and a D300 cameras. The lenses would be: 200-400mm f/4 VR, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR, 24-70mm f/2.8, 17-35mm f/2.8, 1.4x and 1.7x teleconverters and two SB800 speedlights.
I carry a Canon 580 EX2 speedlight and a Better Beamer as artificial light extender for after dark and improving lighting on a distant subject.
I bring at least 2 LaCie rugged USB drives for backup, my Epson viewer (which often replaces my laptop on trips) and Nexto storage device, several USB cords, only as many of those heavy bulky charges as I minimally need (labeled and tested before I leave!), sometimes my iPod for added storage, mini flash drives for sharing data with people, and extra batteries and media cards. I bring lots of adapters as well since they can go bad too.
My only Nikon equipment this trip will be my Monarch Binoculars (10×42). I carry polarizers and some filters and like to have these on the lenses because they protect the expensive lens glass from injury and keep out the dust. Cleaning equipment, plastic bags for rain and dust protection round out my lean and mean safari photography kit.
Edited: December 10th, 2010
Review: The Better Beamer Flash Extender
Sometimes the simplest and least expensive products work the best. Case in point is The Better Beamer (www.naturescapes.net/store/home.php?cat=21) . It’s a flash extender that attaches to the strobe and concentrates and magnifies the light into a tight beam. This gives your strobe the ability to reach out to your subjects when using a long lens. If the subject is at a distance which requires a telephoto lens, the light from a small strobe could be pretty diffuse by the time it gets there having little or no fill flash effect, but the Better Beamer’s light concentrating ability helps with the distance problem. The Beamer breaks down very flat for traveling and was pretty quick to assemble. I am thoroughly happy with this small purchase as it enhanced my photos, packs small and light, and can light a hippo at dusk from a distance of 15m. I was surprised at how the animals seemed to be unfazed by the flash; if it caused an elephant to charge, I wouldn’t be here to give a review. Because I am so happy with this simple devise, I recommend that if you bring a strobe on your wildlife shoots, also pop the Better Beamer in your gear bag.
Taken without flash
Taken using the flash extender
I am continually surprised by what this simple devise delivers and how it can deliver great shots even after sundown.
This was an experiment I did just out of curiosity – I can’t believe it worked this well!
Edited: October 27th, 2010
Safari Clothing: Dress for Success and Comfort
Packing the right clothes for your safari is important
Over the years I have assembled a wardrobe of trusted and proven clothing favorites that go with me on every safari and many of my other trips. These shirts, pants, and shorts are comfortable to walk and ride in and stand up to the thorns and hand washing. Some of the pieces were not cheap, but they last forever. I have a list of suggested clothing on my safari website www.AfricaWildSafaris.net/packing list, but here I would like to present themes for you to keep in mind when assembling your safari and travel wardrobe.
Go Neutral, not colorful
Camo is not necessary, but neutrals are essential.
Pack clothing in neutral colors: khaki, light brown/green, tan.
It might look cliché, but neutrals serve an important function; bright colors and white will distract and alarm the game. We do not want the wildlife to see or react to us: nobody wants to face a curious leopard. White may not come clean after exposure to the red dirt. Dark colors usually blend into the bush, but they might start to feel too hot in the mid afternoon.
Edited: September 27th, 2010
Take Control of Color with Custom White Balance Settings
White balance is the function in your camera or image software that removes an unrealistic color cast so that objects which appear white in person are rendered white in your photo. Proper camera white balance has to take into account the “color temperature” of a light source, which refers to the relative warmth or coolness of white light. Our eyes are very good at judging what is white under different light sources; however digital cameras often have great difficulty with the auto white balance (AWB) setting.
Shooting in RAW format allows you to adjust white balance after the photo has been taken. Raw files also allow one to set the WB based on a broader range of color temperature (blue – yellow) and tint (green – magenta) shifts. In your software, find and use a neutral reference to correct the white balance, then hand tune to your taste.
For situations where you anticipate auto white balance will encounter problems or you are noticing an undesired coloration, a neutral reference device is an easy tool to use and carry into the field with you.
There are two ways to use these devices
A) Take a photo of the device in the same light as your subject then use this photo in your software as the neutral reference for correcting the photo. Copy the white balance correction to all of the photos from the shoot by using the synchronize function in your software or use the same temperature and tint settings in each photo from the shoot.
Open your RAW files in Adobe Camera Raw, select your reference photo first, then click on the other photos and select Synchronize from the upper left to apply the WB settings to the other photos.
B) Use the custom white balance feature on your camera. Doing this involves taking a picture of the grey card in the same light as the subject and the camera will use the resultant correction for all photos shot while the WB function is set to “custom”. You can change back and forth between WB functions and the “custom” settings will hold until you take a new photo.
With each method you should retake the neutral reference photo as the light changes throughout the day.
Shot using Auto White Balance
Shot with a Custom White Balance
The Auto setting here misinterpreted the elephant’s color and added too much blue to the scene. A custom WB setting using a gray card rendered more accurate colors.
Custom white balance works best when you want color accuracy as if the photo was shot under neutral light. Custom white balance (and auto) is not a good choice when colored light is an integral part of the photo such as in a sunset. In this case you will need to experiment with the presets on the camera or set your own color temperature.
Auto White Balance
with Custom White Balance
The colors here using the Auto setting may be more accurate, but the mood is missing. The morning mood is conveyed in the warm colors which would have been lost if I had not controled my own WB settings.
Don’t let your camera make all of the decisions for you. Auto white balance will not always make the best decision. Taking control of the color in your photos during the shoot should save you time in post processing. An added benefit may be your greater attention to the lighting conditions and how they are affecting the creative mood and technical quality of your photos.
Edited: May 27th, 2010
Review of LCD Protective film Invisible Shield
Edited: February 27th, 2010
