Posts for: Raybo
Sep 11, 2020 06:57:23 #
PixelStan77 wrote:
Consider using Topaz Sharpen AI. You can for 30 days at no charge. I would also crop those two trees on the left.
I have that, but the hopes for the post was to try to determine what adjustments to technique/settings with this particular camera/lens combination I could use to improve things going forward.
Thanks for the reply.
Oh, and I agree with cropping. Have already done that and rotated it to vertical in one version.
Sep 9, 2020 20:03:37 #
These are a couple of shots taken in what was about 25-30 minutes of several of these (13 at one count) in a tree down the street for well over half an hour.
First real run with a new to me Canon 90D, & a Tamron 150-600 G2 that I've had a while, but with very limited use on a 6D mkII...still learning what it can do.
Uncropped, minimal PP. Just tried t clean things up and not "amp" it up with saturation and
vibrance. Tried to stay as close to "true" as I could with my limited experience.
I'm actually pretty happy with them, but I'm pretty new to the game...
At 100%, still seems noisy and unsharp. My question is, am I being a bit to critical? Don't have access to a good printer. Wondering if these would print decently on a good sized print.
Any and all comments/suggestion greatly appreciated. Thanks for looking...
First real run with a new to me Canon 90D, & a Tamron 150-600 G2 that I've had a while, but with very limited use on a 6D mkII...still learning what it can do.
Uncropped, minimal PP. Just tried t clean things up and not "amp" it up with saturation and
vibrance. Tried to stay as close to "true" as I could with my limited experience.
I'm actually pretty happy with them, but I'm pretty new to the game...
At 100%, still seems noisy and unsharp. My question is, am I being a bit to critical? Don't have access to a good printer. Wondering if these would print decently on a good sized print.
Any and all comments/suggestion greatly appreciated. Thanks for looking...
Aug 28, 2020 20:18:22 #
#1 Drinking Rum before 10AM makes you a pirate...not an alcoholic...
Current Hurricane Inventory:
2 litres of the local Blackbeard's White rum...cheapest on Island with my employee discount...it's the house stock replenished weekly. Goes very nicely with coconut water or Swanky...simple syrup, fresh lime juice & soda water. if it looks like we may be severely impacted by a storm, that will increase to 6-8. It doesn't last long after a bad storm hits...
6 various 4oz samplers of Plantation Barbados rum~ Birthday gift from my wife. Have been saving them for a special occasion...that may soon come the way the weather is shaping up just now. Next 30-45 days could be interesting
2 litres of Flor de Cana (Nicaragua) 4 year old. Not their best, but a good selection for a mixer. The 12 & 15 year old are nice with a couple of ice cubes in a snifter.
2 ~ 1L bottles of Ron Abuelo Anejo (Panama... Abuelo=Grandpa, Anejo=aged). When we were cruising central america and in Panama, US$7/litre. Same bottle here is US$45/L. Haven't found it in the US when we go back..real shame. It's very nice with ice and a splash of Coke.
A bottle each of Ron Zacapa Centenario, XO, and 23 Solera. Guatemalan. Distilled at high altitude. As a Ron aficionado, it's my absolute favorite. If we have a serious weather threat, those bottles are coming upstairs to bed with me. Smooth, smooth, smooth...like sex on the beach for a pirate.
Probably a couple of others less notable stashed away...
The sweet dark Caribbean rums are "OK". But for flavor and smoothness, straight up, on a couple of ice cubes, hard to beat a good mainland Central American distillation.
Current Hurricane Inventory:
2 litres of the local Blackbeard's White rum...cheapest on Island with my employee discount...it's the house stock replenished weekly. Goes very nicely with coconut water or Swanky...simple syrup, fresh lime juice & soda water. if it looks like we may be severely impacted by a storm, that will increase to 6-8. It doesn't last long after a bad storm hits...
6 various 4oz samplers of Plantation Barbados rum~ Birthday gift from my wife. Have been saving them for a special occasion...that may soon come the way the weather is shaping up just now. Next 30-45 days could be interesting
2 litres of Flor de Cana (Nicaragua) 4 year old. Not their best, but a good selection for a mixer. The 12 & 15 year old are nice with a couple of ice cubes in a snifter.
2 ~ 1L bottles of Ron Abuelo Anejo (Panama... Abuelo=Grandpa, Anejo=aged). When we were cruising central america and in Panama, US$7/litre. Same bottle here is US$45/L. Haven't found it in the US when we go back..real shame. It's very nice with ice and a splash of Coke.
A bottle each of Ron Zacapa Centenario, XO, and 23 Solera. Guatemalan. Distilled at high altitude. As a Ron aficionado, it's my absolute favorite. If we have a serious weather threat, those bottles are coming upstairs to bed with me. Smooth, smooth, smooth...like sex on the beach for a pirate.
Probably a couple of others less notable stashed away...
The sweet dark Caribbean rums are "OK". But for flavor and smoothness, straight up, on a couple of ice cubes, hard to beat a good mainland Central American distillation.
Aug 21, 2020 20:57:44 #
Delderby wrote:
Unfortunately you and many others like you have missed the point!! You wear a mask to protect your friends and colleagues. They do the same to protect you, and so this community action reduces the chance of catching covid. Now - is that really so difficult to understand? 
You wear a mask to alleviate social anxiety. Pick your battles, and not wearing a mask is not worth the social hassle not to. I wear one for that reason. Not because I think it has any efficacy whatsoever...
If you want to protect yourself, practice social distancing and perform proper personal hygiene...wash your hands for Christ's sake...didn't your mother teach you that?
I know that's a lot easier said than done for many people, but adopting that concept and practicing it to the extent you can will go a long way in the right direction ...
In my humble opinion...you mileage may vary, of course.
Jul 20, 2020 08:48:41 #
Doing a retrofit project on a jeep. It's in a lot down the road. I've been around this lot for years. Used to live directly across the street from it. There's a big Causarina tree in the corner. It's been hit by lightning several times, so it's old, and a bit battleworn.
This species of parrot is indigenous to the Cayman. Usually in pairs, with one or two young, but occasionally there will be a pandemonium of them up to 15-20 birds. Have been taking my new to me Canon 90D along every day in hopes they'd come hang out there for a while. Had heard them around the neighborhood on several occasions in the previous days, and they'd occasionally fly over, but never had a chance to shoot them.
Yesterday was the day...
These are my first captures with the new camera. All with a Tamron 150-600 G2. Been shooting almost exclusively with a 6D mk II for the last year or so, it was a bit of a change looking through the viewfinder at 600...
And holy cow!! 10FPS caught me completely off guard. I tried to get a couple of sets of a single bird flying from tree to tree, and when it was shooting, I couldn't really see anything except the mirror flapping...ironically, using the hotshoe and the alignment mark on the lens hood like a gunsight, and it actually kind of worked... Ended up taking a lot more shots than I thought
The first several of these are a parent feeding a young.
Thanks for looking
This species of parrot is indigenous to the Cayman. Usually in pairs, with one or two young, but occasionally there will be a pandemonium of them up to 15-20 birds. Have been taking my new to me Canon 90D along every day in hopes they'd come hang out there for a while. Had heard them around the neighborhood on several occasions in the previous days, and they'd occasionally fly over, but never had a chance to shoot them.
Yesterday was the day...
These are my first captures with the new camera. All with a Tamron 150-600 G2. Been shooting almost exclusively with a 6D mk II for the last year or so, it was a bit of a change looking through the viewfinder at 600...
And holy cow!! 10FPS caught me completely off guard. I tried to get a couple of sets of a single bird flying from tree to tree, and when it was shooting, I couldn't really see anything except the mirror flapping...ironically, using the hotshoe and the alignment mark on the lens hood like a gunsight, and it actually kind of worked...
Ended up taking a lot more shots than I thoughtThe first several of these are a parent feeding a young.
Thanks for looking
Jul 11, 2020 22:27:05 #
PixelStan77 wrote:
Raybo,
Your lighting image is awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Handheld? Tripod?
Your lighting image is awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Handheld? Tripod?
Thanks
Tripod using a Pluto trigger. First time using it. Missed probably 6-8 other strikes because I was trying to figure things out.
We're just coming into "high season" for lightning here, so hoping to get more. Especially at night.
Jul 11, 2020 22:21:25 #
Thanks, all.
The sunset last night was just disappointing. We're usually blessed with pretty nice sunsets, but lately between the dust and the haze (humidity is brutal right now) haven't been near as "photogenic" as they usually are.
The lightning should be pretty good as a download. I didn't crop it because there's a little strak way over to the left side. It surprised me how much detail there is when you pixel peep it
The sunset last night was just disappointing. We're usually blessed with pretty nice sunsets, but lately between the dust and the haze (humidity is brutal right now) haven't been near as "photogenic" as they usually are.
The lightning should be pretty good as a download. I didn't crop it because there's a little strak way over to the left side. It surprised me how much detail there is when you pixel peep it
Jul 11, 2020 18:14:14 #
was a little lackluster. But Mother Nature blessed me with some payback this afternoon for the long wait last night with not much color...
Jun 23, 2020 20:32:06 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
You'll get all kinds of ideas. If none work without buying something, my similar experience of trying most everything was finally to get a "OXO Good Grips Jar Opener". You might find one at a kitchen equipment store or just order online.
Lens off the camera face down on hard flat surface worked for meMay 18, 2020 09:03:18 #
Clyde 13 wrote:
I wonder if this was a crop duster airplane .
Yes...its an Ayres Thrush. Not sure which version. The dispersion mechanism on the bottom is quite a bit different than the ones they used in Nebraska where I grew up, but I've heard they use a pellet/granule type product as opposed to liquid. Given the persistent wind we have here, and the fact that he really can't fly as low as a crop duster, that kind of makes sense.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayres_Thrush
http://blog.covingtonaircraft.com/2018/10/05/a-look-at-the-ayres-thrush-s2r-series/
May 17, 2020 21:09:40 #
Thanks for looking. I didn't know what species they are. When I looked on line after you guys posted it, almost all of them seem to have pretty much just black & white coloring on their back. The yellowish tinge on this one's back is actually the color of the bird...not a camera color issue. Long before I got back into photography, I'd seen several of these here, and they all have that tinge to them.
Ironically, of maybe 200 images on Google I scrolled through, the only one that had a bit of that coloring was also on a palm tree. It would be interesting to know if it's related to a minor genetic adaptation to diet/environment, or if maybe it's just simply a "stain" . We've seen where they bore into the Coconut palms to make nests, and maybe it's related to that.
Still trying to get some shots of the indigenious (sp?) Cayman Green Parrot.
Ironically, of maybe 200 images on Google I scrolled through, the only one that had a bit of that coloring was also on a palm tree. It would be interesting to know if it's related to a minor genetic adaptation to diet/environment, or if maybe it's just simply a "stain" . We've seen where they bore into the Coconut palms to make nests, and maybe it's related to that.
Still trying to get some shots of the indigenious (sp?) Cayman Green Parrot.
May 17, 2020 19:35:01 #
Had seen this guy in the same tree when we walked for a few days, so decided to take along the camera to see if I could get lucky. Very graciously and patiently posed while a got a few shots off. Even went so far as adjust his position so I could get different angles.
Starting to feel like I'm finally figuring some things out. This is one of the first sets I've been pretty pleased with the way they turned out.
Starting to feel like I'm finally figuring some things out. This is one of the first sets I've been pretty pleased with the way they turned out.
May 17, 2020 19:23:15 #
as a bird in flight?
It's finally started raining a bit, and with that comes the mosquitos...and lots of them. The government has a Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) dedicated to their eradication...or at least reduction. This guy has been out every day the wind has been under about 15 knots spraying. Last few days his flight path has been pretty close to the house. This was taken in the backyard.
If you look close, the funny little marking just above the wing are mosquito "kill symbols"...
Going to keep trying to get one of him looking out the window
It's finally started raining a bit, and with that comes the mosquitos...and lots of them. The government has a Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) dedicated to their eradication...or at least reduction. This guy has been out every day the wind has been under about 15 knots spraying. Last few days his flight path has been pretty close to the house. This was taken in the backyard.
If you look close, the funny little marking just above the wing are mosquito "kill symbols"...
Going to keep trying to get one of him looking out the window
Apr 19, 2020 15:34:39 #
I'll preface my post with the fact that I'm a simple enthusiast. I just try to have fun with the hobby...
I bought a 150-600 G2, and it was my first "decent" lens. Have since bought a 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 Tamron as well. Very happy with the 24-70. Jury is still out on the 70-200, but given I occasionally get some incredible shots with it...thinking it is probably me, not the lens. Or, don't have the body set up quite right for the situation.
Has seen some comment on the extenders. I can't imagine trying to use on on the 150-600. However, I'm seriously considering one to use with the 70-200. I really like the size of the 70-200, and that it's internal focus. And with it being relatively fast, hoping it will be a good all around package to work with.
Would also have to agree with comments on the 150-600 being a good "bright light" lens. Have tried to get a few birds shot with it, but for me, that's always late in the day, and it does struggle in lower light.
Went out this morning and took a few shots as examples of what I'm getting with it. These were taken mid-morning, high humidity in tropical environment. So fair bit of haze, in general. Hope they help you get an idea of what the lens is capable of with a fellow amatuer...
All of these are uncropped, with only minimal "auto" correction to be able to export from RAW to jpg. All as wide open as the lens would run at the focal length. All auto white balance, spot metering and, for the most, single point autofocus, and with the exception of the first two that were locked at ISO 100, set for auto ISO at 6400 max. Shutter speed (I think) mostly at 1/1000, but I may have "intuitively" rolled the shutter speed if the bar in the viewfinder tapped out the ISO. Also set for +2/3 exposure compensation. Canon 6D mkII. Most on a monopod with a gimble. VC on, set at VC mode 1.
First one was taken with the 24-70, 24mm, f2.8 to give an idea of the environment. Second one is at 600mm on the cupola in the center of the first shot way in the back. Probably about 400 yds-500 yds away. You'll need to download and zoom in to get an idea of the IQ.
I don't get as much of an opportunity to use it as I would like, but have been reasonably happy with it. Hope this helps.
You mileage may vary...
I bought a 150-600 G2, and it was my first "decent" lens. Have since bought a 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 Tamron as well. Very happy with the 24-70. Jury is still out on the 70-200, but given I occasionally get some incredible shots with it...thinking it is probably me, not the lens. Or, don't have the body set up quite right for the situation.
Has seen some comment on the extenders. I can't imagine trying to use on on the 150-600. However, I'm seriously considering one to use with the 70-200. I really like the size of the 70-200, and that it's internal focus. And with it being relatively fast, hoping it will be a good all around package to work with.
Would also have to agree with comments on the 150-600 being a good "bright light" lens. Have tried to get a few birds shot with it, but for me, that's always late in the day, and it does struggle in lower light.
Went out this morning and took a few shots as examples of what I'm getting with it. These were taken mid-morning, high humidity in tropical environment. So fair bit of haze, in general. Hope they help you get an idea of what the lens is capable of with a fellow amatuer...
All of these are uncropped, with only minimal "auto" correction to be able to export from RAW to jpg. All as wide open as the lens would run at the focal length. All auto white balance, spot metering and, for the most, single point autofocus, and with the exception of the first two that were locked at ISO 100, set for auto ISO at 6400 max. Shutter speed (I think) mostly at 1/1000, but I may have "intuitively" rolled the shutter speed if the bar in the viewfinder tapped out the ISO. Also set for +2/3 exposure compensation. Canon 6D mkII. Most on a monopod with a gimble. VC on, set at VC mode 1.
First one was taken with the 24-70, 24mm, f2.8 to give an idea of the environment. Second one is at 600mm on the cupola in the center of the first shot way in the back. Probably about 400 yds-500 yds away. You'll need to download and zoom in to get an idea of the IQ.
I don't get as much of an opportunity to use it as I would like, but have been reasonably happy with it. Hope this helps.
You mileage may vary...
Wide View
(Download)
Cupola @ +400 yards
(Download)
Dove @ +/-75 yds
(Download)
Local Chameleon @ 15-20ft
(Download)
Same one. He moved. 20-25ft
(Download)
Ghecko, 20-25ft
(Download)
Coconut @ +/-100yds
(Download)
Dove +/-100 yds
(Download)
Blackbird 10-15 ft down the wire from the dove.
(Download)
About 125-150 yds. Little farther than the other one
(Download)
Apr 19, 2020 11:37:51 #
Actually, Cayman Islands. Grand Cayman. Largest of the three and where 95% of the people live. +/-65,000 population. Shut off Cruise ships (a HUGE part of the local economy) I think around March 13. Shut the airport down I think the 21st of March, and all "non-essential" businesses on the 24th. Have been imposing more restrictive conditions since. Although they can't really get much more restrictive than we are right now...
We can still walk around the neighborhood, so it's not quite "within 100 ft". About three blocks wide and maybe 1/2-3/4 mile long. Usually pretty active all day every day with people coming and going working all kinds of jobs and shifts...cars, walkers, moms with strollers. That's why I labeled the one with no cars and no people as "surreal"...
If I could just take my boat out fishing...
We can still walk around the neighborhood, so it's not quite "within 100 ft". About three blocks wide and maybe 1/2-3/4 mile long. Usually pretty active all day every day with people coming and going working all kinds of jobs and shifts...cars, walkers, moms with strollers. That's why I labeled the one with no cars and no people as "surreal"...
If I could just take my boat out fishing...