Substandard Water Management by the City of Cape Town

 Poor / Substandard Wastewater Management by the City of Cape Town

Diep River / Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island

It it still very disponing to regularly read about the ongoing reluctance of the City of Cape Town's lack of genuine interest and / or incompetence to manage the poor sewage conditions in(to) and through the Diep River, Woodbridge Island.

I am personally convinced of the City of Cape Town's lack of interest, strategy, personnel and / or efficiency to effectively manage this situation. It surprising to read so many publications that there are no mention of handing this (poor) situation over to some real professionals. "Don't tell me there is a CoCT Dr. in charge - I'm not impressed - as he is doing very little to really solve this ongoing problem. Get a professional body of individuals / corporations (from the Private Sector involved.

Theorists. feasibility studies and so-called plans are not going to fix this problem. It is assumingly only pointing out the problem and probable ways for solving the ecological / sewage problem(s). This is why the problem is still not fix. Its doing the work and keeping us informed - and showing / demonstrating sustainable solutions, Writing about how it will be achieved is all I have ever seen - and for that reason most of us living / working here. There is a purpose for research, a purpose for feasibility studies, but it should lead to implementing sustainable ecological solutions.  

The City of Cape Town simply does not have the capacity / competence to deal with this poor / substandard water situation in Milnerton / Woodbridge Island - even the official appointments fall short of the required competencies. It is going on for years now... there is just no real urgency.

It is seriously time to look elsewhere CoCT - your best qualified strategists / officials are not equip to deal with this situation. Look elsewhere for solution(s), We, the residence of Milnerton / Woodbridge Island don't really care), we just want a professional and sustainable solution - which of course is part of your portfolio - please remember that!

Substandard Water Management (International)
"Substandard water management refers to inadequate practices, systems, or policies related to the treatment, distribution, and conservation of water resources. This can manifest in various ways:

1. Infrastructure Deficiencies: Outdated or poorly maintained water treatment plants, pipelines, and distribution networks can lead to leakages, contamination, and inefficiencies in water supply.
   
   
2. Lack of Access: In some regions, there may be insufficient access to clean and safe drinking water due to inadequate infrastructure or unequal distribution of resources.
   
   
3. Pollution: Improper disposal of industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage can contaminate water sources, posing risks to human health and ecosystems.
   
   
4. Over-extraction: Excessive withdrawal of water from aquifers or rivers beyond sustainable levels can lead to depletion of water resources, land subsidence, and ecological damage.
   
   
5. Inefficient Agricultural Practices: Inefficient irrigation techniques and excessive water usage in agriculture can contribute to water scarcity and degrade soil quality.|
   
   
6. Climate Change: Changing weather patterns, such as prolonged droughts or intense rainfall events, can exacerbate water management challenges, leading to shortages or floods.

Addressing substandard water management requires a holistic approach involving investment in infrastructure, regulation and enforcement of environmental standards, public awareness campaigns, and sustainable water usage practices. Collaboration between governments, communities, industries, and international organizations is essential to ensure equitable access to clean water and safeguard water resources for future generations." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)

More information / Updates:  Sewage Problems at Milnerton Lagoon, Woodbridge Island

Flamingos feeding in the Diep River, Woodbridge Island

Lessor / Greater flamingos feeding in the Diep River, Woodbridge Island

"A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo." - Charley Harper

Encouraged to see the Lessor and Greater flamingos back (feeding and relaxing)…

The significance of these image are the fact that this is the first time I’ve noticed the flamingos in this area for the past two years. I’ve been watching them coming to this specific area for the past +- two weeks.

For those of you familiar with the area: Image was captured on the edge of the small island towards the ‘pump station’ side along Milnerton High.

For me this is a significant indicator that may be the start of replicating the ‘old days’ of seeing 30 to 40 bird species in a single morning.

Just good to see the greater flamingos feeding in of one their traditional Diep River / Woodbridge Island habitats.

Also visible in the top image: a few sleepy Pied avocets, White-breasted cormorant, Common greenshank and a feeding Black-winged stilt.

With Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens @ f/8

Sewage Problems at Milnerton Lagoon, Woodbridge Island

Greater flamingos
"Greater flamingos, scientifically known as Phoenicopterus roseus, are among the most recognizable and iconic bird species in the world. Here's some interesting information about them:

• Appearance: They are tall, elegant birds with long necks and legs, and distinctive pink plumage. The pink coloration comes from the carotenoid pigments in the algae and crustaceans that flamingos feed on.

• Habitat: Greater flamingos are found in various wetland habitats, including coastal lagoons, salt pans, estuaries, and shallow lakes. They are commonly seen in Africa, Southern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.

• Behavior: Flamingos are highly social birds and often gather in large flocks, sometimes numbering in the thousands. They are known for their synchronized feeding and breeding behaviors.

• Feeding: Their diet primarily consists of algae, small crustaceans, mollusks, and other aquatic invertebrates. They use their specialized bills to filter-feed in shallow water, stirring up mud and silt to find food.

• Breeding: Flamingos typically breed in large colonies, often on mudflats or islands in saline or alkaline lakes. They build cone-shaped mud nests, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.

• Conservation: While greater flamingos are not considered globally threatened, they face various conservation challenges, including habitat loss, disturbance to breeding sites, pollution, and climate change impacts on their wetland habitats.

• Adaptations: Their uniquely shaped bills are adapted for filter-feeding. They have rows of tiny bristles (lamellae) inside their bills, which help them filter out small food particles from the water.

• Migratory Patterns: Greater flamingos are known to undertake seasonal migrations in search of suitable feeding and breeding grounds. Some populations may travel long distances between their breeding and wintering areas.

Overall, greater flamingos are fascinating birds with their striking appearance, intricate social structures, and adaptations for life in wetland environments." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)

Woodbridge Island Bird Species Index

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Training Cape Town

Learn Birds in Flight Photography : For Canon EOS / EOS R Cameras 

Intaka Island | Woodbridge Island Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Training Woodbridge Island | Intaka Island

Canon Birds in Flight Photography Training Milnerton, Cape Town

Vernon Chalmers facilitates the popular Birds in Flight Photography Workshop / Private Training (for Canon EOS / EOS R) in Milnerton, Cape Town - with hands-on practical sessions along the Diep River, Milnerton Lagoon and around the Table Bay Nature Reserve, Woodbridge Island.

Birds in Flight Photography Learning Objective / Training Level
For assisting the developing photographer with the understanding and application of introductory to intermediate birds in flight photography in terms of exposure settings / photography techniques / practical sessions (with ongoing Birds in Flight Training support).

Bird Photography Training Cape Town (Birds in Flight and Perched Birds)

Birds in Flight Practical Photography Training Intaka Island
Training can be facilitated at Intaka Island, Century City as well. Please note these sessions will be afternoons only (with the setting sun at the back of the photographer / bird hide I use) More here >> 

Please note that the Birds in Flight Photography training is for Canon EOS / EOS R bodies only. 

New / Updated: The Advanced (AF) Autofocus photography training workshop is now integrated as an advanced AF Module in the current Birds in Flight Photography workshop.

Birds in Flight Photography Training Costs:

Cameras EOS / EOS R Cameras R2 300-00 (Three Sessions of 4 Hours+ each)
There will be some Lightroom post-processing orientation (if required) and an extra session could be costed in for Lightroom training at half the cost of a separate Lightroom training session.

Ongoing Birds in Flight Photography Support

All delegates are eligible for WhatsApp / Email Support for uploading / discussing photos, learn more, get online support and / or shoot with me at Woodbridge Island (after the original workshop practicals). 

Birds in Flight Practical Training / Application
More than 55+ different bird species (in-flight and perched) have been photographed over the last couple of years at Woodbridge Island, Milnerton- all within a relatively short walking distance from the training studio apartment. Bird Species | Google Map

Canon EOS / EOS R bodies covered in Birds in Flight Photography application / training:

• Canon EOS 700D / EOS 750D / EOS 800D
• Canon EOS 60D / EOS 70D / EOS 77D
• Canon EOS 80D /  EOS 90D
• Canon EOS 7D / EOS 7D Mark II
• Canon EOS 6D / EOS 6D Mark II
• Canon EOS R / EOS RP / EOS R3 / EOS R5 / EOS R6 / EOS R7 / EOS R10
• Canon EOS 5D Mark III /  EOS 5D Mark IV
• Canon EOS-1D X / EOS-1D X Mark II / EOS-1D X Mark III

Recommended lenses for Birds in flight Photography (Focal Length)

• 70-300mm (Canon / Sigma / Tamron)
• 100-400mm (Canon / Sigma)
• 100-500mm (Canon RF)
• 150-600mm (Sigma / Tamron)
• 300mm / 400mm / 500mm / 600mm / 800mm (Canon Prime)

Photography Training Gift Voucher
Birds in Flight Photography training is available as a Birthday / Christmas Gift training option with a one year validity period. It could also form part of general Canon camera training option as well. More information  

Read more about Starting Out with Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town

Small Birds in Flight Photography Training Cape Town

Intermediate to Advanced BIF / Action Photography
Anybody with a Canon EOS DSLR who wants to get a more in-depth understanding of the Canon EOS Exposure Modes, Autofocus (AF) system and its application / tuning for Birds in Flight / Action photography.

Detailed discussion will be provided for all modern Canon EOS bodies up to the 65-point AF system. Please see the session's contents / learning areas below.

Further no-cost fine tuning is available after the initial workshop practicals at Woodbridge Island. 

Detailed notes and other relevant information resources will be provided during / after the workshop.

Birds in Flight Photography Training Woodbridge Island / Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Practice at Woodbridge Island

Practical / walk-around shooting session for attendees of both Session 1 and Session 2. This is an opportunity to experiment with the various exposure settings, AF system configurations and capturing / composition techniques with the various birds species around Woodbridge Island. Guidance will be on hand for fine-tuning of exposure settings and AF system configurations.

What do you need to bring?
DSLR / Mirrorless Canon EOS Camera, telephoto or zoom lens & your own memory cards.

Recommended lens focal length300mm ie: Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS (STM) or EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6(L) IS USM lens (or any 3rd party lens of similar focal length).

Birds in Flight image samples with a 70-300mm variable aperture Zoom Lens

Contact Me if you need more information about your DSLR body and lens pairing.

Each delegate will receive a folder with all workshop information and other useful resources.

Private Training / Workshop Learning Areas

• BIF Fundamentals / Considerations 
• Canon EOS / EOS R Bodies
• Applicable Lenses for Birds In Flight 
• Camera / Lens Settings 
• Exposure Settings 
• Continuous shooting / AI Servo Modes 
• Canon AF Systems (9-point to 65-point) 
• Advanced AF System tuning (AF Configuration / Area Selection Modes) 
• Advanced body / lens focus tuning / techniques / recommendations

(Click to Enlarge)

Birds in Flight Photography Training Milnerton, Cape Town 

Birds in Flight Photography Sessions Woodbridge Island / Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Training Woodbridge Island / Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Lessons Woodbridge Island / Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Lessons Woodbridge Island / Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Sessions Woodbridge Island / Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Lessons Woodbridge Island / Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Workshops Woodbridge Island / Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Lessons Woodbridge Island / Cape Town

More Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town Images

Canon Photography Private Training Courses Milnerton, Cape Town

• Introduction to Photography / Canon Cameras More 
• Bird Photography Training Kirstenbosch More
• Canon EOS Autofocus / AI Servo Master Class More
• Birds in Flight Photography Workshop More
• Canon Speedlite / Ring Lite Flash Photography Workshop More
• Macro / Close-Up Photography Workshop Cape Town More
• Landscape / Long Exposure Photography Workshop More
• Real Estate / Interior Decor Photography Training More

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town | Intaka Island

Birdwatching Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Woodbridge Island Bird Species Index

Birds Around Woodbridge Island / Table Bay Nature Reserve

Grey Heron : Image Copyright Vernon Chalmers

Woodbridge Island / Table Bay Nature Reserve Cape Town Bird Species Index

Woodbridge Island Map for Bird Photography, Cape Town >>

Photographer: Vernon Chalmers

"A total of 201 species has been recorded at Rietvlei Wetland / Table Bay Nature Reserve during SABAP2, of which 102 species are waterbirds and 76 are regularly present." Source: Birdlife SA

I've updated my 'Woodbridge Island Bird Species Index' to 70 species personally photographed around Woodbridge Island / Table Bay Nature Reserve (In-flight, perched and swimming): 

• African Black Duck (Anas sparsa)
• African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini)
• African Darters (Anhinga rufa) 
• African Spoonbill (Platalea alba)
• African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis)
• Black-Crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
• Blacksmith Plover (Vanellus armatus) 
• Black-headed heron (Ardea melanocephala)
• Black-Winged kite (Elanus caeruleus)
• Black-Winged Stilt ((Himantopus himantopus) 
• Cape Bulbul (Pycnonotus capensis)
• Cape Canary (Serinus canicollis)
• Cape Reed warbler (Acrocephalus gracilirostris)
• Cape Wagtail (Motacilla capensis)
• Cape Shoveller Duck (Spatula smithii)
• Cape Sparrow (Passer melanurus) 
• Cape Spurfowl (Pternistis capensis)
• Cape Teal Duck (Anas capensis) 
• Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) 
• Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)
• Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
• Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
• Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild) 
• Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
• Eastern White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) 
• European / Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 
• Egyptian Geese (Alopochen aegyptiaca) 
• Fiscal Shrike (Lanius collaris)
• Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
• Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima) 
• Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) 
• Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) 
• Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
• Hadeda Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash)
• Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) 
• Hartlaub's (King) Gull (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii) 
• Jackal buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus)
• Kelp / Cape Gull (Larus dominicanus)
• Lesser flamingo (Phoenicoparrus minor)
• Levaillant's Cisticola (Cisticola tinniens) 
• Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)
• Little Egrets (Egretta garzetta)
• Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
• Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata) 
• Mallard Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)
• Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata)
• Olive Thrush (Turdus olivaceus)
• Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
• Pied Crow (Corvus albus)
• Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta
• Pied Kingfishers (Ceryle rudis)
• Pin-Tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura)
• Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) 
• Red-Billed Teal Duck (Anas erythrorhyncha) 
• Red-Knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata) 
• Red Eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata) 
• Red-Winged Starling (Onychognathus morio)
• Reed Cormorant (Microcarbo africanus)
• Rock Pigeon (Columba guinea) 
• Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) 
• Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
• Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus)
• Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix)
• Swift Tern (Sterna bergii)
• Spur-winged goose (Plectropterus gambensis)
• Three-banded plover (Charadrius tricollaris)
• Water thick-knee (Burhinus vermiculatus)
• White-breasted Cormorants (Phalacrocorax lucidus) 

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Intaka Island | Kirstenbosch Garden | Woodbridge Island

Woodbridge Island Map for Bird Photography, Cape Town

Birds / Birds in Flight Photography Diep River | Woodbridge Island

Little Egret in Flight over the Diep River / Woodbridge Island

Woodbridge Island Map for Birds in Flight Milnerton, Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Opportunities Cape Town
Best birds in flight shooting opportunities are along West Coast Drive along the the Diep River all the way into the Table Bay Nature Reserve

Bird Species at Woodbridge Island Cape Town
There are more than 200 bird species around the Rietvlei / Table Bay Nature Reserve / Woodbridge Island areas. I have captured more than 70 bird species on / around Woodbridge Island as indexed on the Vernon Chalmers Photography website.

Birds in Flight Photography Training Opportunities
Woodbridge Island offers a safe natural environment for capturing a variety of birds for the new / developing photographer in terms of focal length reach (70-300mm to 400mm lenses are adequate some great bird in flight shots).

Introduction to Advanced Birds in Flight Photography - Canon EOS DSLR / Mirrorless Training
Vernon Chalmers offer a variety of skills development options for introduction to advanced Birds in Flight Photography / Canon EOS Autofocus training - All Canon photographers with entry level Canon DSLR cameras up to the latest Canon EOS R bodies are welcome to contact Vernon Chalmers for more Birds in Flight Cape Town Skills training opportunities.

Canon Birds in Flight Photography Training Woodbridge Island Cape Town View

Gallery of Birds in Flight Photography captured at Woodbridge Island, Cape Town View

Woodbridge Island Cape Town - Google Map 

Woodbridge Island Milnerton Cape Town Map  :  Google Map / Woodbridge Island Directions Map

Vernon Chalmers Photography Studio Milnerton | Cape Town Map and Direction

Grey Heron in flight - Woodbridge Island Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch | Intaka Island, Cape Town

Show Focus Points: Lightroom Plugin for Canon Cameras

Show Focus Points: Lightroom Plugin for Canon Cameras

Works with CR2 Files in Lightroom CC (V. 13) - Last Checked: Feb 2024 

Show Focus Points - Adobe Lightroom Plugin for Canon Cameras

Show Focus Points for Adobe Lightroom Version 1.03

This free plug-in is an easy and quick installation via the Lightroom Plug-In Manager and then provides access to your camera's focus points via the Library Module.

By default Adobe Lightroom 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / CC does not offer any way to view your camera's focus points, but the Show Focus Point Adobe Lightroom plugin shows which focus points were selected by your camera when the photo was taken.

The Show Focus Points: Adobe Lightroom Plugin Works in Lightroom 5 and above. Currently works with Lightroom 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and CC (Version 13 - Checked in Windows 11 and CR2 RAW Files from Canon EOS 7D Mark II)

Download >>  Lightroom Show Focus Points Plugin

All the relevant EXIF data and additional focus information will be available for each image viewed via the Show Focus Points plugin. 

I find the Show Focus Points plugin in Lightroom 5 / 6 / 7 an essential part of my own workflow for fine-tuning my Birds in Flight / Action photography. 

My own software operating environment: Windows / Lightroom  Classic CC Ver 7.5 (desktop). Show Focus Points - Adobe Lightroom Plugin works (in my post-processing environment) on Lightroom 5,7 / Lightroom 6 / Lightroom 7 Classic CC. 

During my my Adobe Lightroom private training in Milnerton, Cape Town I briefly demonstrate the Show Focus Points plugin (and installation) if required.

Download >> Lightroom Show Focus Points Plugin

AF Points Lock On
For the below Canon EOS 7D Mark II example I used Large Zone AF and the Show Focus Points plugin clearly show the four AP points that locked on - spot on in terms of the area that I focused on. The legend in the plugin will provide more detail ito specific AF-system used and which individual AF points locked on when focus was achieved (in-camera).

Canon EOS 7D Mark II AF Focus Lightroom Points Plugin Example
For the below image I used my Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm capturing an Egyptian goose at Woodbridge Island, Cape Town 

EXIF / Focus information provided by the Lightroom Show Focus Points plugin:

• Camera:  Canon EOS 7D Mark II
• Lens: EF 400mm f/5.6L USM
• Focal Length: 400mm
• Exposure: 1 / 5000s / f/6.3 / ISO 1000
• Focus Mode: AI Servo AF
• AF area mode: Large Zone AF
• Focus / subject distance: between 15.17 m and 140.58 m
• Depth of Field: 9.08 m (73.60 - 82.68 m)
• Hyperfocal Distance: 1332.82 m
• Total number of AF Points:  65 AF Points
• Number of AF Points selected: 25 AF Points

Autofocus / Active Focus Point(s) Legend / AF Grid
Specific AF information will be provided by the plugin's Legend - Actual AF information will vary by camera and in-camera AF-selection options.

Image (From Canon EOS 7D Mark II / from the Library Module in Lightroom 6)
    
Image 1: Original file in Adobe Lightroom 6 (RAW to JPEG conversion)

Image 2: Uncropped RAW Image with Focus Point information from Show Focus Points

Image 3: Cropped RAW Image with Focus Point information from Show Focus Points 

(Click to Enlarge)

Image 1 : Original RAW File (Adobe Lightroom 6)

Image 2 : Uncropped Image - Focus Point Information (Adobe Lightroom 6)

Image 3 : Cropped Image - Focus Point Information (Adobe Lightroom 6) 

Camera models supported by the Lightroom Show Focus Points Plugin

Lightroom Focus Points plugin currently works for all past-2002 Canon EOS DSLRs

Canon EOS 1D X / 1D C, 1D Mark 4, 1Ds Mark3, 1D Mark3, 1Ds Mark2, 1D Mark2 N, 1D Mark2 - 5D Mark 3, 5D Mark 2, 5D Mark2, 5D, 6D, 7D - 70D, 60D, 50D, 40D, 30D, 20D, 10D - 700D, 100D, 650D (Rebel T4i), 600D (Rebel T3i), 550D (Rebel T2i), 500D (Rebel T1i), 450D (Rebel XSi), 400D (Rebel XTi), 350D (Rebel XT), 300D (Rebel), M, EOS 1100D, EOS 1000D. Most Canon Powershot models should work as well.

Compatibility Source: Lightroom Focus Points Plugin PDF User Guide

For Sale: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

Used Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II Lens For Sale, Cape Town R26 000 (neg)

With / Without Canon Extender EF 1.4X III Teleconverter

For Sale: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens, Cape Town

Pre-Owned Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens : Field-Tested by Vernon Chalmers

This Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is For Sale currently in Milnerton (opposite Woodbridge Island), Cape Town. I am selling this lens on behalf of a private client. The lens is just over two years old and I have had the opportunity to carry out various in-field pre-sales evaluation shoots over the past few weeks (at Kirstenbosch Garden and Woodbridge Island).

General lens description

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is a professional wildlife lens popular amongst Canon EOS / EOS R enthusiast and professional photographers alike. It is versatile lens with a variable aperture range (f/4.5 - f/5.6)  and a zoom range between 100mm - 400mm which is ideal for wildlife, nature and other genres. The largest aperture (f/5.6) at 400mm makes the lens ideal for close-up garden bird, flower and insect photography. This is mainly due to its impressive Minimum Focus Distance (MFD) range = lens to subject focus range. This lens will perform well on any Canon EOS / EOS R APS-C (Crop) of Full-Frame body. View brief / detailed lens specifications below the four images further down.

Note: For pairing this lens with any EOS R APS-C / Full Frame body the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R optional accessory is required. It is fully compatible with all Canon EOS digital bodies without any adapter. 

Impressions of the lens and performance

I paired the lens with one of my mid-range Canon EOS 70D (APS-C / Crop) bodies for both field trips. The lens performed well within the expected performance of any other Canon professional L-Series I have used (my own) / evaluated (on behalf of Canon SA) at the same locations in terms of sharpness, autofocus speed / accuracy, Image Stabilisation and ergonomics. I have been using Canon L-Series lenses for more than 10 years and although I am used to most specifications I was highly impressed with the minimum MFD (0.98 m) for such a 'long' lens - meaning I could really focus from close proximity on butterflies and small birds - and still shoot at 400mm. The autofocus, sharpness and bokeh = quality of deliberate background blur is also an improvement over the original lens (mark 1 version). The lens is more / less the same weight as the previous generation, but still marginally lighter than most lenses in the traditional non-Canon 150 - 600mm category.

Focal length / Exposure settings used
I mainly used the lens in the 300 to 400mm focal length range with the Canon EOS 70D either in Aperture (Av) Mode or Manual mode with Auto-ISO at various Apertures and Shutter Speeds.

Close-Up Photography at 400mm

The lens can also be used with various compatible extension tubes and close-up lens filters for close-up photography (reducing the MFD) at up to full focal length reach of 400mm. The 4-Stop Image Stabilisation system works well to counter camera shake when shooting close-up subjects handheld.

Original Canon Lens Case and Canon ET-83D Lens Hood

Recommendations for considering this lens for purchase 
This copy of the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is in immaculate condition. I would personally rate the lens a 9 out of a possible 10. The lens was well maintained, stored in lens case when not used and above all, not used very often - as the client uses two bodies with different lens pairings - one for wildlife and then one for everything else.  All Canon bespoke accessories are provided - even with original Canon packaging. I personally bought the original EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens from the same client almost two years ago (for the same reasons as above) and was just as pleasantly surprised with the condition of the older lens - and that lens was used over a much longer period than this lens. This lens will add professional value to any Canon photographer looking for a high-quality L-Series lens for personal and / or professional application(s).

Client's personal application and use
My client mainly used this lens, on occasion, for wildlife and nature photography. This lens (in conjunction with other Canon L-Series lenses) were paired from time to time with a Canon EOS 7D (APS-C), EOS 5D Mark III or EOS R6 (both Full Frame). The images I've seen captured with this lens from all three bodies were mostly sharp, well focussed, vibrant with pleasing bokeh (background blur) - where applicable.

Canon Extender EF 1.4X III Teleconverter Option
The lens is available for purchase with or without the Canon EF 1.4X III Teleconverter. The teleconverter will further extend the lens (by 1.4x) - especially when used with a Full-Frame Canon EOS or Canon EOS R body.

The extender / teleconverter is also in excellent condition (it was acquired at the same time of lens purchase). I did not use the extender as I used the Canon EOS 70D - which already provides for extended magnification with the 1.4 crop factor of the camera.

Optional For Sale Lens Accessory : Canon Extender EF 1.4X III

Pricing Options:

• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens R26 000 (neg)
• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens with Canon 1.4 X Extender R28 000 (neg)
• Canon Extender EF 1.4X III Teleconverter R3 500 (not negotiable)

Reason for selling:
Client upgraded to a Canon EOS R6 System (with RF 100-500mm lens) recently.

Purchasing process / Possible purchase
The lens and accessories are available for inspection / testing at Arnhem Milnerton (either in my Studio or Home / Office). 

Arnhem is opposite Woodbridge Island, Milnerton Map | Directions

Client will ultimately decide on final price / payment will be direct to client.

Contact Me direct for more information / scheduling an appointment.

Below are four Vernon Chalmers images captured recently with this pre-owned Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens (paired with the Canon EOS 70D)

More Kirstenbosch butterfly and flower images >>

More Woodbridge Island bird and flower images >> 

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens : Woodbridge Island

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens : Woodbridge Island

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens : Kirstenbosch Garden

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens : Woodbridge Island

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens Key Specifications

• Lens Type:  Zoom lens
• Focal Length: 100–400mm
• Image Stabilisation (4 stops)
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Max Aperture: f/4.5–5.6
• Min Aperture f/32–40
• Min Focus (MFD) 0.98 m (38.58″)
• Max Magnification 0.31×
• Weight :1570 g (3.46 lb)
• Length: 193 mm (7.6″)

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens Detailed Specifications

Photography Training Intaka Island | Kirstenbosch Garden | Woodbridge Island

Canon Autofocus Settings For Birds in Flight Photography

Learning, Understanding and Applying Canon EOS / Canon EOS R Autofocus Settings

Pied Kingfisher with Catch Woodbridge Island : Copyright Vernon Chalmers

Canon Autofocus (AF) Settings for Birds in Flight Photography

Mastering Birds in Flight Photography 

Canon EOS / EOS R AF System Application

Over the past 10 years I have used more or less the same AF Settings for photographing birds in flight at Woodbridge Island, Cape Town.

Here is an overview of the Canon AF Settings (and other considerations) that I have applied with various Canon EOS APS-C and Full Frame bodies during this period.

Dual Pixel CMOS AF System / Dual Pixel CMOS AF II System
My main camera during the 10 year was the Canon EOS 7D Mark II paired with the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens. I am very impressed with the EOS 7D Mark II's Dual Pixel CMOS AF System and the only other / best AF System I personally used apart from the EOS 7F Mark II was the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II System deployed in the EOS R6 / EOS R5 / EOS R3.

Birds in Flight Photography Image Gallery

Setup and Tips for Birds in flight Photography

Mastering Birds in Flight Photography   Canon EOS / EOS R AF System Application

Canon EOS / EOS R Bodies used for Birds in Flight Photography (with different Canon lenses):

• Canon EOS 700D
• Canon EOS 70D
• Canon EOS 80D
• Canon EOS 7D Mark II
• Canon  EOS 6D
• Canon EOS R
• Canon EOS R6

Canon Birds in Flight Photography Training Cape Town
Vernon Chalmers Birds in Flight Photography Private Training theory (for Canon EOS / EOS R) are facilitated in Milnerton, Cape Town - with Birds in Flight Photography mornings-only hands-on practical sessions along the Diep River, Milnerton Lagoon and around the Table Bay Nature Reserve, Woodbridge Island. Birds in Flight Photography afternoon-only hands-n practical sessions are facilitated at Intaka Island, Cape Town. Contact me for more information.

Birds in Flight Photography Learning Objective / Training Level
For assisting the developing photographer with the understanding, exposure and application of introductory to advanced birds in flight photography.

Human Behaviour for Birds in Flight Photography 

I am a firm belief that the camera, lens and AF settings in my hands is the 'default' configuration and that my own behaviour (mainly concentration / patience / handlings skills) and environmental factors are of much higher importance than the kit in hand (in the 'moment' of shooting). This is something I am mindful of each and every time I make the decision to photograph a bird in flight.

Canon EOS 70D Autofocus Settings For Birds in Flight Photography

My norm for birds in flight photography became 'all the other criteria' not part of the camera / lens pairing. The more experienced I became the more I settled with the same camera, lens and AF settings. I always attempt to shoot in the same light conditions. Not always possible, but I aim for the same environmental conditions on most shoots. 

Lately, the most important (and only) variable in my application and concentration is the particular bird in front of the lens (after making the decision to capture that specific in-flight subject).

This approach eliminates the thoughts that 'beter kit' will provide a 'beter image'. The (personal) focus now is almost exclusively on the self for enjoying the moment (with a secure undercurrent of trust in the technology and environmental factors).

This should also be the moment not only embedded in the mind of the photographer, but a moment shared with others for representing the sheer beauty of the natural world around us.

Considerations for improved Birds in Flight Photography

Canon Equipment 

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR Camera Body
• Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

AF / Manual Exposure Mode Settings

• Shutter speed: 1/2500 - 1/4000s 
• Aperture: f/5.6 - f/6.3
• Focal length 400mm
• Auto-White Balance (AWB)
• Auto ISO (400 - 3200)
• AF Mode: Zone / Wide Zone
• AF Case: Case 1 (Default)
• AI Servo / 10fps multi-shot
• RAW processing (shooting to RAW only)
• Handheld

 
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens Setting

• Autofocus On
• No Image Stabilization
• Focal Length 400mm

Canon Autofocus Settings For Birds in Flight Photography

"Canon's autofocus settings are crucial for capturing birds in flight effectively. Here are some specific autofocus settings and tips tailored for bird photography using Canon cameras:

AF Mode:

• AI Servo AF Mode:** This mode is designed for continuous autofocus tracking and is essential for moving subjects like birds in flight. It continuously adjusts focus as the subject moves.

AF Area Selection:

• Use Single Point or Expanded Area AF: 
•  Single Point AF allows precise focus control. You can select a single autofocus point and place it directly on the bird to track its movement.
•  Expanded Area AF enables you to use a cluster of AF points to track and maintain focus on a moving bird more effectively.

AF Configuration Tool:

Canon cameras offer different settings that help fine-tune autofocus performance.

• Case Selection for AI Servo AF:
• Some Canon models offer "Cases" that optimize AF settings for various types of movement. For birds in flight, consider using a Case that prioritizes continuous motion.
•  Adjust the AI Servo Tracking Sensitivity to suit the speed and erratic movements of birds. A higher sensitivity might be necessary to track faster birds effectively.

Customizing Buttons for Autofocus:

• Customizing buttons on your camera for quick access to specific AF functions can significantly improve your workflow. Assign buttons for functions like autofocus point selection, autofocus activation, or AI Servo activation for swift changes during shooting.

Back Button Focus:

• Consider using back-button focus (decoupling autofocus from the shutter button) to have more control over focusing. It allows you to focus using a button on the back of the camera, while the shutter button is solely for taking the picture.

Continuous Shooting Mode:

• Combine your autofocus settings with the continuous shooting (burst) mode to capture a sequence of shots. This increases the chance of getting a perfectly focused image, especially when birds are in erratic motion.

Test and Adjust:

• Each Canon camera model might have specific autofocus features and controls. Take the time to understand your camera's AF system, practice in different scenarios, and adjust settings to suit your shooting style and the behavior of the birds you're photographing.

Environmental Considerations:

When photographing birds in flight, pay attention to the contrast between the bird and the background. If the bird blends with the background, the camera's autofocus might struggle to lock onto the subject.

Also, consider the lighting conditions. Adequate light can help the autofocus system work more effectively. Read More on Environmental Considerations

Understanding and experimenting with these autofocus settings, combined with continuous practice, will enhance your ability to capture stunning images of birds in flight using Canon cameras." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

Canon EOS R6 Autofocus Settings For Birds in Flight Photography

Other Canon Lenses Used

• Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens
• Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens
• Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens
• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens
• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens
• Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM lens
• Canon EF 800mm f/11 IS STM lens

Birds in Flight Photography Post-Processing

Adobe Lightroom (Classic) from Version 5.7

Page Image Information : Canon Birds in Flight Photography (Woodbridge Island / Cape Town)

Image 1: Pied Kingfisher in Flight with Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Image 2: Reed Cormorant in Flight with Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Image 3: Juvenile Kelp Gull in Flight with Canon EOS 70D / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Image 4: Cape Shoveler Duck in Flight with Canon EOS R6 / RF 800mm f/11 STM Lens

Image 5: Grey Heron in Flight with Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Canon Autofocus (AF) Setting For Birds in Flight : Grey Heron Woodbridge Island

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Intaka Island | Kirstenbosch Garden | Woodbridge Island