Messages

16

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II travel bag for Alaska

« on: January 08, 2013, 10:17:16 AM »

I have the Lowepro Flipside 500 and have taken it on many planes including the regional jets.  It will fit under the seat of the regional jet.  The overhead compartment of these jets is very tight.  If your destination is Anchorage, no problem.  But if you need to take something like a flat plane to Katmai, you have to hand over your bag, but the Lowepro is well padded and I have no issue.  I also put the gear into my regular roll on bag, wrapped with clothes on a recent trip when I didn't want people to know I was carrying camera gear.  The roller bag is nice and easy to wheel around the airport.

17

Lenses / Re: So, I'm ready for the new 600... What is the best head, support, foot?

« on: January 07, 2013, 05:40:44 PM »

"Reportedly, it will fit in a Lowepro Flipside 500 AW (which I don't have, yet), which is ok for carryon."

my 500f4 II when mounted on a 1DX fits very tight in a Lowepro Flipside 500 AW.  I can't see how the 600f% would fit even when not mounted.  You may need a bigger size bag!

18

Lenses / Re: 300 f2.8 Ser 1 vs. Ser 2?

« on: January 07, 2013, 05:37:16 PM »

agreed with the price too good to be true.  I paid ~ $3700 for a "like new" 300F2.8 Mrk I IS 1 year ago.  The lens is incredibly sharp at 300mm and takes the 1.4X TC well.  $1200 would be a steal unless something is really wrong with it.

19

Lenses / Re: 500 x $10K or 600 x$13K

« on: January 01, 2013, 10:03:59 AM »

How did this thread go from 500 vs. 600 to cropped sensor vs. FF?  He already have a 1DX and is not asking about 7D vs. 1DX plus 1.4X.

20

Lenses / Re: Worth it to upgrade Extender 1.4 II to a Mk III?

« on: December 31, 2012, 03:18:36 PM »

I have upgraded from the 2X ii to 2X iii and am pleased with the upgrade.  The 2X iii gives me better sharpness, more details in the shadow when used with the 500mm f4 II (see an image here at 1000mm focal length and f11).  I have also used the 1.4X ii and will upgrade to the 1.4X iii (already placed order) to get better AF with the 500mm f4 ii.  According to Canon the teleconverter 1.4X and 2X Mark III have a chip inside that allows faster AF with the new super telephotos like the 500mm f4 II.  So, I will post some pictures when I have the 1.4X iii, but my expectation for IQ improvement is small if any and I will most likely can't tell the difference.

21

Lenses / Re: 500 x $10K or 600 x$13K

« on: December 30, 2012, 10:54:59 PM »

Like you, I'm not a pro.  I shoot for fun and an excuse to be outdoor watching the wildlife.  I considered both the 500mm and 600mm like you and decided to go for the 500mm because

1. It's far easier to travel.  I carry a Lower pro 500 bag on all kinds of planes, even the regional planes that service Yellowstone Bozeman airport (may be a 20 seater).  No airlines has given me grief about carrying it on board.

2. Handholding - I do have a tripod with gimbal head, but it is just nice to have the option of handholding.

3. Hiking - I carry a 1DX with the 500 mm and 1.4x for 2 hours at a time without much trouble.

4. I use both the 1.4x and the 2x and are happy with both.  I suppose the same will apply to the 600 mm as well.

I suppose, the cost of a 1DX and 500mm is less half the cost of a new luxury car.  I'm still driving a 2004 Saab convertible which I bought in 2007 as a certified preened car.  Do I feel guilty for spending that much on a hobby? Absolutely not!

22

Software & Accessories / Re: Tripod: Carry-On or Check-In

« on: December 12, 2012, 09:43:09 AM »

I often carry my Gitzo 3530LS tripod (without head) on board attached to a Lower Pro 500A plus a computer bag on domestic flights and never had any issues.   I also check the tripod with a bigger suitcase at times and also have no issue.  The main worry of checking the trod is lst luggage.  I would wrap it with the clothes so it is well protected.  Have not done it with international flights, but I have seem people carrying it in Tokyo airport and the guy told me he travels everywhere with his tripod and no issue.

23

Canon General / Re: Recommended photography books

« on: December 06, 2012, 11:47:35 PM »

If you are into birds or wildlife, Authur  Morris " Art of Bird Photography II" is a good book.  It's available on CD only, but I loaded it on the iPad and its great.

24

Lenses / Re: 70-300L for Outdoors?

« on: December 06, 2012, 11:31:12 PM »

The 70-300L is a great, light weight, compact lens.  Great for travel.  If weight and ost are not of a concern, the 70-200 is a great lens.  But if you need the reach, I'd go for the 70-300L instead of 70-200 plus converter.  If you need more reach, the Kenko 1.4x teleplus pro will work with the 79-300L and AF works under good light without taping the pins on my t3i.  It is a good choice.

25

Lenses / Re: 300MM lens advice

« on: December 06, 2012, 09:16:40 AM »

I bought a canon 300f2.8 IS used for a little over $3k.  It was barely used and works flawlessly.

26

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Birds in flight, advice wanted

« on: December 02, 2012, 04:33:36 PM »

Miah,  I think this is a very decent shot.  You had the eye in focus and sharp.  Congrats.

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5D MK III Sample Images / Re: Post Your 5D Mark III Bird shots (cropped or uncropped) here

« on: November 30, 2012, 05:26:27 PM »

Reddish Egret, Galveston, TX, Canon 5D3, 70-300L, f8, ISO 1000, 1/1250 @ 300mm, cropped to 2256X1504 pixels

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Birds in flight, advice wanted

« on: November 29, 2012, 07:23:02 PM »

You have a 5D3, which is an awesome camera with excellent AF capabilities.  This is what I would do if I were you.

1. Flock of birds: 61-point AF in AI Servo, AV in f8 or f11, Evaluative Metering, add light by 1/3 to 1EV with exposure compensation depending on how early morning/soft light, check the histogram to ensure that you have some data in the most right hand box but be careful not to over-expose the highlights, adjust ISO to get shutter speed above 1/2000 sec (you can go lower but 1/2000 is a good start).  A properly exposed image on the 5D3 should have very little noise at ISO 1600.  Even at ISO 3200, noise can be reduced at post processing.

2. Individual bird, same as above but switch to AF center point or center point expand with 4 or 8 surround points.  My favorite is the center point expand with 8 surround points.  You may have to add 1 EV or more in the early morning or if you have a lot of bright sky in the frame.

attached is an example of an osprey taken with a 1DX, canon 500mmf4, 1.4X TC (total focal length = 700mm), f5.6, Evaluative metering, +2EV exposure compensation, ISO 1000, shutter speed 1/2000, AF AI Servo, center point expand with 8 surround point.  At this speed, you can stop most anything.

Good luck.

Loi

29

1D X Sample Images / Re: Any Thing shot with a 1Dx

« on: October 25, 2012, 12:01:44 AM »

and this one was taken with a 300f2.8j and 2X iii

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1D X Sample Images / Re: Any Thing shot with a 1Dx

« on: October 24, 2012, 11:32:24 PM »

my first 1DX shots with 300f2.8 IS, 1.4x ii and 2Xiii.