Very well done...I like that device...
imagemeister wrote:
It is large and somewhat cumbersome tho
Shows promise though. My approach to design is to come up with something that works first, and then work on the refinements.
That and don't reinvent the wheel (by that I mean look at what's already out there that you can borrow from.)
kdogg
Loc: Gallipolis Ferry WV
Back in the 70's I remember seeing ads in the back of Popular Photography for gun stock mounts for use in bird photography and when on safari.
Gene51
Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
imagemeister wrote:
All I can say is more power to her - but the real question is - is she happy with her success rate ?? - I do not think ANY honest photographer is ! IF she used any or all of the things you mention, her rate might improve - or has she tried them ALL already ??
Putting a crop frame 24 MP body behind the 400 also becomes more challenging than using a 22MP FF !
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She's an accomplished photographer, and she does get her shots. What I find most pleasing about her work is her unmistakable style - from pose, to composition, to color palette - her style is consistent from shot to shot. And she does also have a 7D Mk II which doesn't get used much, because the image quality (noise mainly) is far better with high ISO with the 5DMk IIII. She discovered that there was no value to using a crop camera for birds - but she does print and sell her work.
She is satisfied with her results. I've seen her take 300 pictures of a hawk, and 90% of them are "sharp" but she is very selective and will delete most of them, keeping only the ones that make her go "wow" - but she is always looking to improve. She just added a 1.4x TC, and I am helping her out with her breathing and body stance - and she is already seeing an improvement. In return, she is showing me her favorite "secret" places to get interesting shots of birds (and ice, waterfalls, etc). For her, a tripod is not an option - too heavy, too cumbersome. She often goes into some fairly remote areas, sometimes hiking 6-8 miles or more, just to get some shots.
My favorite quote regarding keepers:
“Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop.” – Ansel Adams
Gene51 wrote:
She discovered that there was no value to using a crop camera for birds - but she does print and sell her work.
? ........I may mostly agree if she only used older Canon bodies
"For her, a tripod is not an option - too heavy, too cumbersome."
and, limited mobility/speed !
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imagemeister wrote:
If you touch this L lens anywhere on the manual focus rings there is a possibility of manually changing the focus - several other Canon lenses are this way also - most notably the 100-400 II. So I have made a "grip guard " so I can hold and point the lens without fear of changing focus from what the AF has given me. The grip is made from 1 1/2 inch schedule 40 PVC pipe and covered with a 3M adhesive non-slip material. It is my opinion, that having the grip well forward aids in pointing accuracy/stability also. The grip/arm also serves as a convenient handle for carry. For now, this is DIY - as no one makes something like this that I am aware of.
I am not an advocate of hand holding this lens in general due to the 400mm magnification and no IS - but I do recommend it for BIF especially.
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If you touch this L lens anywhere on the manual fo... (
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I have never inadvertently changed focus on any lenses that I have ever owned,, so there is no need for me having something like this! If I had a problem like that, I would just put a grip on it!
speters wrote:
I have never inadvertently changed focus on any lenses that I have ever owned,, so there is no need for me having something like this! If I had a problem like that, I would just put a grip on it!
A very BOLD statement
....If it WERE truly inadvertent, how would know ??
Put a grip on what ?? ......Please fill us in.
Larry, the two kestrel shots I just posted were taken hand held. Nikkor 500mm F4.G FL with an extender making 700mm. The lens is not only very light (6.8lb), but has a switch for A/M and M/A. On M/A, the lens has to move a certain distance before changing focus. That means I can rest the lens on my left hand w/o an inadvertent focus change. I swing the foot up on top & use it to aim initially as well as a carry handle. However, my success with BIF is lousy with the extender added. Just too small an area to find something small that's moving. A new set of gear for me, but I'm loving the results.
Muddyvalley wrote:
Larry, the two kestrel shots I just posted were taken hand held. Nikkor 500mm F4.G FL with an extender making 700mm. The lens is not only very light (6.8lb), but has a switch for A/M and M/A. On M/A, the lens has to move a certain distance before changing focus. That means I can rest the lens on my left hand w/o an inadvertent focus change. I swing the foot up on top & use it to aim initially as well as a carry handle. However, my success with BIF is lousy with the extender added. Just too small an area to find something small that's moving. A new set of gear for me, but I'm loving the results.
Larry, the two kestrel shots I just posted were ta... (
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IMO, BIF is most sucessful hand holding. 500 f4 is not really hand holdable effectively by MOST people ! I used to use a 300 2.8 with 2x - which is not really hand holdable either !
Then I invented facial stabilization and bodypod which is the next best thing to handholding.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-269999-1.htmlhttp://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-236741-1.htmlhttp://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-384073-1.htmlThis shot using 300 2.8 W/ 2x from bodypod........I am now using the Canon 400 5.6 for BIF - very hand holdable.
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Muddyvalley wrote:
Larry, the two kestrel shots I just posted were taken hand held. Nikkor 500mm F4.G FL with an extender making 700mm. The lens is not only very light (6.8lb), but has a switch for A/M and M/A. On M/A, the lens has to move a certain distance before changing focus. That means I can rest the lens on my left hand w/o an inadvertent focus change. I swing the foot up on top & use it to aim initially as well as a carry handle. However, my success with BIF is lousy with the extender added. Just too small an area to find something small that's moving. A new set of gear for me, but I'm loving the results.
Larry, the two kestrel shots I just posted were ta... (
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I would never even consider hand holding @700mm ! !
imagemeister wrote:
I would never even consider hand holding @700mm ! !
It's a very light lens! I'm over 70 now and far from an athlete.
Muddyvalley wrote:
It's a very light lens! I'm over 70 now and far from an athlete.
I hope you do not think your Kestral shots are sharp - and that you sucessfully hand held them with sucess ! ? @700mm ......
Yes, I believe that I did. Those two shots are severely cropped as the birds were very far away. Nothing to do with them being hand held. I've seen a lot worse.
I guess I offended you somehow? My apologies. I don't recall criticizing your work. Just joining a conversation. I won't in the future.
Don't bother replying. I've stopped following this thread.
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