BIRDS AS ART BULLETIN #462

• The 300 II Rocks!
• The Palouse Scouting Trip
• The Palouse IPTs
• Two Great New Expandable Long Lens Bags from LensCoat
• Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART
• IPT Updates and Info

This image was created at 9:49am on Saturday past on a partly cloudy very bright morning at Lake Blue Cypress with the hand held Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens, the Canon Extender EF 1.4X III, and the Canon EOS-1D X. ISO 640. Evaluative metering +1 stop of the light sky: 1/2500 sec. at f/5.6 in Manual mode. AWB. Central sensor/AI Servo-Surround/Rear Focus AF just below the bird’s right eye as framed was active at the moment of exposure. Click here to see the latest version of the Rear Focus Tutorial. Click on the image to see a larger version.

300 II Rocks!

With my shoulders and left knee hurting for the past few weeks, I have been leaving the 600 II in my SUV and heading afield with the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM as my big lens. With both Series III teleconverters of course, and one of my 2 Canon EOS-1D X Digital bodies.

As you can see above, the results have been spectacular.

You can learn a lot more about the 300 II and how I have been using it in the following blog posts:

The Amazing Canon 300mm F/2.8L IS USM Lens/Part I of a Series: The Prime Lens Alone

A Beyond Memorable Afternoon: Was It Worth It?

The Amazing Canon 300mm F/2.8L IS USM Lens/Part II of a Series: The Revelation

The 300 II Strikes Again: 1245 Images/One Favorite

Card and design by Denise Ippolito. Scroll down here to see lots more of Denise’s Palouse images. Note that the dates on Denise’s card are for the sold out first Palouse IPT. The dates for the 2nd IPT are June 5-9, 2015.

The Palouse Scouting Trip

The Palouse scouting trip that I made with Denise Ippolito, BPN Out-of-the-Box moderator Cheryl Slechta, and Denise’s friend Lynn Fulton from Canada was beyond a huge success. We laughed a lot, found a slew of new old barns and new locations, and each of us made a stack of wonderful images. The Palouse offers a great variety of interesting locations and subjects.

Denise and I immediately planned a BAA/A Creative Adventure IPT, May 29-June 2. After having seen our images on the blog the 1st IPT filled in 24 hours. So we did what any smart entrepreneurs would do, we scheduled and announced a 2nd IPT, giving ourselves 2 days off between them to rest. See immediately below for details on the 2nd trip.

Both Denise and I received many e-mails that went like this, “Everybody photographs the Palouse. I have seen 100s if not 1,000s of images from the region, but I have never seen stuff as good or as artistic as the images that you have been sharing with us.”

Here are a few direct quotes in the same vein from Denise.

From Eloise Carson:

As always, you amaze! Some of the best, most creative Palouse images I’ve seen. It looks as if you’ve had some great sky conditions. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

From Gretchen Cole

Denise, the top image on this post is the best Palouse image I have ever seen! Congrats!

From IPT Veteran Carol Nichols

Your images from the Palouse have been amazing and I have been wanting to go there for years. What a creative location!

From Lynn Fulton

Amazing images … This is such an awesome place – I think your workshop next year will be fabulous and sell out quickly! I’ll be back too; there is so much more reconnoitering to do!

From IPT veteran Brent Schoenfeld

These are mind-blowing landscapes. Exquisite! You continue to expand the limits of the art form. What a roll you are on!

Join us next spring in Washington and learn how we do it!

Please note that there are two Palouse IPTs in place. Hope that you can join us 🙂 Card and design by Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART.

The Palouse A Creative Adventure/BIRDS AS ART Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT)#2/Eastern Washington State. June 5-9, 2015/5 Full Days: $1699/Limit 12 photographers/Openings 5; this trip is a go.

Rolling farmlands provide a magical patchwork of textures and colors, especially when viewed from the top of Steptoe Butte where we will likely enjoy spectacular sunrises and possibly a nice sunset or two. We will photograph grand landscapes and mini-scenics of the rolling hills and farm fields. We will take you to some really neat old abandoned barns and farmhouses in idyllic settings. There is no better way to improve your compositional and image design skills and to develop your creativity than to join us for this trip. Two great leaders: Denise Ippolito and Arthur Morris. Photoshop and image sharing sessions when we have the time and energy…. We get up early and stay out late and the days are long.

After 6 days of back-breaking scouting work in early June 2014 we found all of the iconic locations and, in addition, lots of spectacular new old barns and breath-taking landforms and views. We will teach you what makes one situation prime and another seemingly similar one a waste of your time.

What’s included: In-the-field instruction, guidance, lessons, and inspiration, our newfound but very extensive knowledge of the area, all lunches, motel lobby breakfasts, and Photoshop and image sharing sessions when possible.

You will learn and hone both basic and advanced compositional and image design skills. You will learn to get the right exposure every time. You will learn to develop your creative eye. You will learn the basics of HDR (high dynamic range) photography. You will learn a variety of in-camera creative techniques; Canon 5D Mark III bodies are a plus. And most importantly you will learn to see the situation and to create a variety of top-notch images. Do see both of our blogs for lots more on that in the coming weeks. You will learn how the quality and direction of light combine to determine the success of your images. And–please don’t gasp–we will be working quite a bit with sidelight when creating landscapes. Lastly, we will be touching on infrared photography.

A non-refundable $699 deposit is due now. The balance will be due on January 29, 2015. With the unpredictable nature of the photography business, I have not said this often lately, but it seems quite likely that this one will fill up very quickly. Please let me know via e-mail that you will be joining us. Then you can either call Jim or Jennifer at 863-692-0906 during business hours or send us a check; the latter is preferred.

Please send your deposit check made out to “Arthur Morris” to us at Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, PO Box 7245, Indian Lake Estates, FL, 33855. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail. You can also contact denise via e-mail here

Prototypes of the two new Xpandable LensCoat Long Lens bags in the back of my Toyota Sequoia. The 600 II is in the 4X bag on our left, the 200-400 in the 3X bag on our right. I originally encouraged Scott Elowitz to consider making a long lens bag just so I could store my long lenses safely while driving. Nearly 2 years in development, the 2 new bags do a ton more. And with my shoulder problems getting the 600 on my back will help my shoulders to continue to improve and prevent you from winding up in the same shoulder-boat that I am in. Also seen, the Gitzo 3532 LS tripod with the Mongoose M3.6 on top. The GT 1542 Travel tripod with the Giotto’s tiny ballhead attached. A long Canon umbrella. The Umbrella Clamp Rig. The larger or my two Think Tank Airport Rolling bags–click on the Think Tank link in the right hand column for more info on those. And, to dry my feet after getting wet at Fort DeSoto, Johnson’s Baby Powder

Two Great New Expandable Long Lens Bags from LensCoat

Please scroll down for details and to learn the whole story from soup to nuts.

Testing a prototype of the 4Xpandable Long Lens bag on safari in Tanzania. The trick is to wrap the strap around the head rest and then re-attach it to the bag. Doing so protects the lens during normal travel. At high speeds or over really rough roads it is best to hold the lens on your lap in hopes of preventing damage in case you hit a pothole or a large animal burrow. Do ask the driver to let you know in advance if you will be encountering any really rough going. I did not fully expand the bag so that I could easily grab the camera and pull the rig from the bag almost instantly when needed. The driver-guide in the front seat is the always-smiling Salvatore.

Expandable Long Lens Bags from LensCoat

The Idea

It was probably two years ago when I suggested to Scott Elowitz of LensCoat that he develop a good long lens bag. My motivation? The Domke Lens Bags that I had been using for years were becoming tattered wrecks. One had already bitten the dust and the other was getting ready to do the same. I have been testing both sizes of the new Xpanadable Long Lens bags for more than a year. They have proved their worth over and over again in the back of my Sequoia, in the field at locations like Nickerson Beach and Gatorland, and while on safari in Tanzania last August. Scott took my idea and flew with it producing two expandable bags with tons of great options. When a lens is stowed for travel (by car, plane, or boat) in one of the Xpandable Long Lens bags I strongly recommend that the camera body be removed as vibrations can wreck the lens mounts over time. After all travel it is a good plan to check the tiny screws on all lens mounts for tightness.

You can order yours weekdays with a phone call to Jim or Jennifer at 863-692-0906 (8:30am til 5:00pm) or through the BIRDS AS ART Online Store as follows:

The Two New Expandable LensBags/please scroll down for details

3Xpandable Long Lens Bag

4Xpandable Long Lens Bag

Expandable Bag Accessories/please scroll down for details

Universal Harness for either Expandable Long Lens Bag

The Lenscoat Waistbelt

The 3Xpandable Long Lens Bag is available in four patterns.

3Xpandable: Price: $279.99 + $12.00 shipping to US addresses

This is one great bag. Whether you’re in the field, on a boat, ship, or pontoon boat, in your own or a safari vehicle, you will find this bag useful. It will protect your gear while leaving it almost instantly accessible. The 3Xpandable bag can be ingeniously folded to three different sizes – or folded flat for air travel!

Position 1: Full size, 27.75″ height; perfect for a long lens in shooting position with teleconverter and camera body.
Position 2: Folded down to 23.5”; makes the bag more compact and lowers its center of gravity.
Position 3: Folded down to 19.75”; now the bag is small enough to be used as an airline carry-on aboard most commercial aircraft.

• Removable lid with pocket zips on easily and securely at all three positions
• Male and female ends on removable shoulder strap allow for strap to be used to secure bag
• Removable reinforced insert panels allow you to configure the weight and support
• Soft sided construction allow the bag to be folded nearly flat for storage or packing
• Built to last with heavy-duty water-resistant Codura and lightweight, water-resistant nylon lining
• M.O.L.L.E webbing system to easily add pouches and accessories
• Removable harness (sold separately)
• Multiple connection points to secure the bag
• YKK zippers
• Expandable exterior mesh pocket
• Tripod/Monopod support options
• Made in the USA

The 3Xpandable Long Lens Bag accommodates a camera body with lenses such as the following: Canon 200-400mm, Canon 300mm f/2.8, Canon 400mm DO, Canon 500mm, Nikon 200-400mm, Nikon 300 f/2.8, Nikon 500mm, Sigma 500mm, Sigma 300-800mm, and Sony 500mm.

The 3Xpandable Long Lens Bag is available in four patterns: Realtree Max 4, Black, Forest Green Camo, and Digital Camo.

The 4Xpandable Long Lens Bag is available in four patterns.

4Xpandable: Price: $289.99 + $12.00 shipping to US addresses

The larger version is also one smart bag. Whether you’re in the field or a safari vehicle it’s perfect when you want to be ready to take the shot at a moment’s notice. The 4Xpandable bag can be ingeniously folded to three different sizes – or folded flat!

Position 1: full size, 28.75″ height; perfect for a long lens in shooting position with teleconverter and camera body.
Position 2: Folded down to 24.5”; makes the bag more compact and lowers the center of gravity.
Position 3: Folded down to 21.5”; now the bag is small enough to be used as an airline carry-on aboard most commercial aircraft.

• Removable lid with pocket zips on easily and securely at all three positions
• Male and female ends on removable shoulder strap allow for strap to be used to secure bag
• Removable reinforced insert panels allow you to configure the weight and support
• Soft sided construction allow the bag to be folded nearly flat for storage or packing
• Built to last with heavy-duty water-resistant Codura and lightweight, water-resistant nylon lining
• M.O.L.L.E webbing system to easily add pouches and accessories
• Removable harness (sold separately)
• Multiple connection points to secure the bag
• YKK zippers
• Expandable exterior mesh pocket
• Tripod/Monopod support options
• Made in the USA

The 4Xpandable Long Lens Bag accommodates a camera body and lenses such as Canon & Nikon 400mm f/2.8, 500mm, 600mm, 800mm.I know for a fact that when fully expanded it takes the Canon 600 II with a 1D X, a 2X TC, and the hood in place. Wow!

The 4Xpandable Long Lens Bag is also available in four patterns: Realtree Max 4, Black, Forest Green Camo, and Digital Camo.

The LensCoat Harness is available in 2 sizes. See below for details.

The Padded Harness for the LensCoat 3Xpandable and 4Xpandable Long Lens Bags: $44.99.

This padded backpack-style harness is constructed of thick (16mm–5/8″) closed-cell foam. The outside is covered on the top with nonabrasive water-repellent 400D nylon pack cloth. The inside surface that faces faces your body is made from 3D mesh fabric, a soft Polyester moisture-wicking substrate. There is a 2-way adjustable sternum strap.

If you are 5′ 10″ or shorter we typically recommend the Small/Medium Harness. Taller folks will need the Large/Extra Large Harness.

The LensCoat Waist Belt.

The LensCoat Waist Belt

Free right now for those who pre-order an Xpanadable Long Lens Bag and a Harness.

The LensCoat Waist Belt is designed to work with the Xpandable series Long Lens Bag. It provides increased stability when used in conjunction with the harness. The lightweight, unpadded belt attaches easily and quickly to the d-rings on the Xpandable bag. The 2″ wide nylon webbing easily adjusts to fit a waist up to 60 inches. The waist belt has been designed with MOLLE-compliant attachment points on the sides (5 on each side) to accommodate pouches and accessories.

Xpandable Long Lens Bag Folding Instructions Only Video

Selling Your Used Photo Gear Through BIRDS AS ART

Selling your used (or like-new) photo gear through the BAA Blog or via a BAA Online Bulletin is a great idea. We charge only a 5% commission. One of the more popular used gear for sale sites charges a minimum of 20% plus assorted fees! Yikes. The minimum item price here is $500 (or less for a $25 fee). If you are interested please e-mail with the words Items for Sale Info Request cut and pasted into the Subject line :). Stuff that is priced fairly–I offer free pricing advise, usually sells in no time flat. Over the past few months pretty much everything has sold within a matter of days. There are too many sales of both Nikon and Canon lenses and camera bodies to list….

I am totally baffled as to how Jim Bicket’s 800mm f/5.L IS lens has not sold. It is a great lens in perfect condition that is more than fairly priced. And the same goes fortthe great Mongoose M3.6 package. See the details on both below.

Used Gear Caution

Though I am not in a position to post images of gear for sale here or elsewhere, prospective buyers are encouraged to request for photos of the gear that they are interested in purchasing via e-mail. Doing so will help to avoid any misunderstandings as to the condition of the gear.

Canon 500mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

Multiple IPT veteran and BAA friend Carl Zanoni is offering an immaculate Canon 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens in Like New condition for the ridiculously low price of $8,999. With lots of extras. The sale includes the Canon E-163B Lens Cap, a Canon Rear Lens Cap, the Canon ET-138W II Lens Hood, the Canon Hard Lens Trunk 500B, a Canon Drop-in 52mm Circular Polarizer, 2 Canon shoulder straps, a LensCoat(Realtree Max 4), a Kirk LP-55SG Quick Release Plate/Foot, the original Canon lens foot, and insured UPS Ground shipping to US addresses. The items will be shipped only after the buyer’s check clears.

Please contact Carl via e-mail or by phone at 860 349 3840. This is a dream lens for all bird and wildlife photographers who do not want to deal with the bulk and weight of a 600mm lens. Save a ton as the lens sells new for $10,499.00.

Canon 400 DO IS USM Lens

Joe Messina is offering a used Canon 400 DO IS USM lens in very good ++ condition for $4200. There are some minor cosmetic scratches to the finish. The lens hood is slightly out of round and is difficult to install. The sale includes an AquaTech flexible strap-on hood, a $150 value. The sale also includes the lens trunk (with key), the original leather hood, and a hard plastic lens cap. The seller will pay insured UPS shipping within continental US. The lens will ship after the check clears.

Please contact Joe via e-mail or by phone at 415-563-6577.

If you are looking for a fast, lightweight, hand holdable telephoto lens, this is the lens for you. Learn a ton more about the 400 DO here and see lots of 400 DO images by visiting the “The Canon 400mm f/4 IS DO Lens: Fourteen Images that Prove that the Internet Experts are (As Usual) Idiots” blog post here. The lens sells new at B&H for $6499.00.

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Michael Zajac is offering a Canon EOS-1D Mark III professional digital camera body in Excellent condition for $1250. The sale includes the battery charger, one battery, the original paperwork, the camera strap, the original box, and shipping to the continental US.

Please contact Michael via e-mail or by phone at 732-979 -6644. Photos are available upon request.

Some EOS-1D Mark III bodies originally had AF problems. Michael’s did not. I have seen his great flight images made with this camera. This body features a 1.3X crop factor sensor and is a great step-up for someone who wants to take a big step up from a 7D. It’s powerful battery drives AF much faster than the pro-sumer bodies especially with either a 1.4X or 2X teleconverter in place.

Used Mongoose Package for Sale

Upgraded Mongoose M3.5 Package: $630

John Stuhlmuller is offering a used Mongoose M3.5 tripod head that has been upgraded to an M3.6 (approximate value $550). The only differences between a refurbished M3.5 and a new M3.6 is the internal finish of several parts. Otherwise, it functions as an M3.6, the head I have used and depended on for nearly a decade. The sale includes an installed Horizontal) Low Mount Arm (sells new for $90), the Integrated Flash Arm (sells new for $110), a CR-X5 plate, the low foot for the four Series II Canon Super-Telephoto lenses and teh 200-400 (sells for $122 new), a CP16 lens plate for B-tripod ring lenses like the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS (sells for $75 new).

There are some minor scratches on the top of the mounting clamp. Otherwise, there are no other signs of wear and the head works perfectly. John prefers his Wimberley V2 head.

The package is valued at approximately $947. The cost of insured ground shipping to US addresses is included. Sale price: $630. Save $300+.

Contact John via e-mail. Photos available upon request.

Used Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS Lens for Sale

Multiple IPT veteran, the too-kind Jim Bicket, is offering a Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM lens in excellent condition for $8750. The lens is like new except for some wear on the bottom of the lens hood near the forward edge when the hood is reversed. The sales includes the LensCoat that has protected the lens since day 1, the leather hood, the original hard case and key, and insured shipping via UPS Ground to US addresses only. Personal checks only; your new lens will be shipped only after your check clears.

This great lens, my favorite for 3 years, sells new at B&H for $13,999.00. B&H is asking $11,999.90 for a used one in the same condition as Jim’s here. Buy Jim’s lens and save $3249.90 right now! It will save you a ton of dough and you will have a super-sharp lens with lots of reach. And it works great with a 1.4X TC too.

Interested folks can contact Jim via e-mail or try him at 501-915-9336.

IPT Info and Updates

I will be meeting 7 lucky folks for the UK Puffins IPT on the morning of July 2. If there is a single female who would like to join us at a discount price please e-mail me immediately. There is lots of room on the Nickerson Baby Beach-nesting Birds IPT. Click here for more info.

The Bosque Creative IPT has room. The regular Bosque IPT is nearly sold out. And there is lots of room on the Tulips/A Touch of Holland IPT as well. Lastly, if you would like to join me on a great Southern Oceans Expedition that includes Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland, please contact me via e-mail.

Click here for details on all of the above trips and for general IPT info.

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Typos

In all blog posts and Bulletins, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos, wrong words, misspellings, omissions, or grammatical errors. Just be right. 🙂