Posts Made By: Cal Sandfort

New toys! It don't get any better than this. Are the four buttons around the lens barrel focus stops or focus presets?

My wife forced me to buy a new Canon 1D Mark II body :-) I've been so busy this spring I have only had time to take photos of my homing pigeons but the focus speed from the new body has to be seen to be believed. It will be an awesome flight shot camera.

Cal

This bird is just walking off to let the other incubate.

Canon 10D and 300mm.

Cal

Thanks James. I probably have an unnecessarily difficult setup but it's what I'm going with for now :-)

Because I use a flash extender I set the flash to manual mode and a 50mm lens (regardless of what lens I'm actually using, manufacturers recommendation). Then I set the flash to high speed sync mode so I can shoot with flash at speeds faster than 200. If the subject is backlit and it's a bright day, as it was for the snipe, I set the flash exposure compensation to -1. If the subject stays put I'll change and shoot several frames at -1/2 and -1 1/3. If it's overcast I'll start at -1/2 or +0. I tried flash exposure bracketing but the critters usually take off before I get the exposures.

I added a snapshot of the setup. My regular tripod is in the field near a magpie nest. I want then used to the gadgets and camo so I can get some feeding shots later. I also typically have the flash bracket attached to the lens tripod foot on top of the lens or another extension on the flash bracket. This gets the flash up high enough to provide a catch light without blowing out the eye.

Cal

Nice shot! I like it a lot.

Cal

Cool shot, Kurt. The male is hoping he'll get to fertilize more eggs after the young'uns have left home

Cal

Nice shot of a beautiful bird, Jeff! Your lens is very sharp. Does your D2H require USM on the photos?

Very nice - Cal

Great shot, Tyler. I like the black color on the light background.

Cal

Great title and nice shot. If you just wait for a few years your son will explain it to you

Cal

This is a great shot! Every part is sharp and the background sets it off.

Cal