31 July 2024

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Prime Lens Practice

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens - Fast Shutter Speeds
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Prime Lens

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Prime Lens
Objective
: First practice shots with my Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM super telephoto prime lens. Canon EOS 700D Body. Various ISO's / Shutter Speeds.

Note: Fast shutter speeds / panning hand-held in Manual. All images processed in Lightroom 5.7. Converted from RAW to JPG. Lens profile correction.

Cape Town Location
Milnerton Lagoon Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Equipment (Birds In Flight / Action Photography) 

  • Canon EOS 700D SLR camera body 
  • Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM prime lens 

Manual Mode Settings

  • Shutter speed: 1/750 - 1/1000s 
  • Aperture: f/6.7 
  • Focal length 400mm 
  • ISO 100-400 
  • No Image Stabilization 
  • Autofocus mode (Centre AF point)
  • Continuous shooting mode / AI Servo
  • Handheld

Affordable Canon 400mm Lens for Birds in Flight Photography >>

Canon EOS 7D Mark II Long-Term Use with the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens >>


Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Telephoto Prime Lens Practice
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens f/6.7 ISO 200 1/750s

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Telephoto Prime Lens Practice
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens f/6.7 ISO 200 1/1000s

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Telephoto Prime Lens Practice
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens f/6.7 ISO 500 1/1000s

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Telephoto Prime Lens Practice
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens f/.6.7 ISO 200 1/1000s

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Telephoto Prime Lens Practice
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens f/.6.7 ISO 400 1/750s

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens f/.6.7 ISO 400 1/750s

Canon EOS 7D Mark II - Birds in Flight Photo Gallery

When and Why to use a Tripod in Photography

 Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Cape Town

When and Why to use a Tripod in Photography
Vernon Chalmers Photography Students Using Tripods *

A tripod is a versatile tool that photographers use to stabilize their cameras and achieve sharper images in various situations. Here are some common scenarios and reasons to use a tripod in photography:

1. Long Exposures: When capturing scenes that require longer exposure times, such as landscape photography or night photography, a tripod becomes essential. It helps keep the camera perfectly still during the exposure, preventing blurring caused by camera shake. This is especially important when using slower shutter speeds to capture motion blur or low-light scenes.

2. Low-Light Situations: In dimly lit environments where you need to use a slower shutter speed to capture enough light, a tripod is invaluable. It allows you to maintain stability while avoiding camera shake, resulting in sharp images without relying on high ISO settings or artificial lighting.

3. Macro Photography: When shooting extreme close-ups or macro photography, depth of field becomes very shallow. The slightest movement can cause a loss of focus. A tripod ensures that your camera remains steady, allowing you to precisely position and focus on the subject while using smaller apertures for increased depth of field.

4. Landscape Photography: Tripods are widely used in landscape photography because they provide stability and allow photographers to carefully compose their shots. With a tripod, you can take your time to find the perfect composition, adjust framing, and maintain consistent framing for multiple exposures, such as when creating panoramas or HDR images.

5. Telephoto Lenses: Telephoto lenses have a narrower field of view and magnify camera movement, making them more susceptible to shake. Mounting your camera on a tripod helps stabilize the system and allows you to use longer focal lengths while maintaining sharpness.

6. Self-Portraits and Group Photos: Tripods are excellent for self-portraits and group photos because they eliminate the need for someone else to hold the camera. You can set up the tripod, use a self-timer or a remote shutter release, and ensure everyone is in the frame without any rushing or compromising image quality.

7. Precise Composition: A tripod gives you precise control over framing and composition. It enables you to make fine adjustments to the camera's position and maintain consistency between shots. This is particularly useful in situations where you need to compare or merge multiple images, such as for focus stacking or exposure bracketing.

8. Video Recording: If you're shooting video, a tripod is indispensable for stable footage. It allows you to pan smoothly, follow subjects with ease, and maintain a consistent frame. Some tripods even have dedicated fluid heads for smoother camera movements.

In summary, a tripod is beneficial in photography whenever stability, sharpness, precise composition, or prolonged exposures are required. It enhances image quality, expands creative possibilities, and helps you capture better photos in a variety of shooting situations." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

Photography Private Training Cape Town

  • Introduction to Photography / Canon Cameras More 
  • Birds in Flight Photography Training 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
  • Samsung Galaxy Smartphone Photography Training More
  • Digital Workflow / Lightroom Post-Processing Workshop More

* Image Credit: Steve Williams (Vernon Chalmers Landscape Training Milnerton Beach, Cape Town)

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

22 July 2024

Introducing the Canon EOS R1 and the Canon EOS R5 Mark II

Introducing the Canon EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II Cameras : Official Canon Video


Canon EOS R1 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II

On July 17th, Canon unveiled the new flagship for the R system – the Canon EOS R1 and the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Canon Europe Media Release

With its new imaging platform, Action Priority AF and countless new features, it is perfect for demanding sports and action photography and hybrid photo/video creatives. Canon Ambassador, Alex Grymanis, talks through his experience shooting the launch, and product specialist Tibor Szövetes explains the top features of this stunning new camera. In addition, the best just got better – the Canon EOS R5 Mark II with its new 45mp backside illuminated sensor, 8k 60p filmmaking capabilities and simultaneous photo and video modes is the go-to choice for those who want to master the moment.

Filmmaker and director, Ant Rubinstein, talks through what it was like to create with the camera, and product specialist, Aron Randhawa, goes in-depth on why this is the ultimate tool for hybrid content makers. And finally, we took a look at the wider R system – the new Canon EOS C400 for pro-filmmakers, the RF-S 3.9mm F3. 5 STM Dual Fisheye APS-C VR lens and new hybrid RF 35mm F1.4L VCM lens. (Source: Canon Europe)

Canon EOS R1: https://canon.sm/4f6sRxy

Canon EOS R5 Mark II: https://canon.sm/3LogajZ

Video Contents
  • Canon EOS R System Recap
  • Canon EOS R1 Intro
  • Canon EOS R1 Tech Run Through
  • Canon Alexandros Grymanis on the EOS R1
  • Canon EOS R5 Mark II Intro
  • Cabob EOS R5 Mark II Tech Run Through
  • Anthony Rubinstein on the Canon EOS R5 Mark II
  • Canon EOS C400
  • Canon RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye Intro
  • Canon RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM Dual Fisheye Film

11 July 2024

Peregrine Falcon outside my Window

Returning Peregrine Falcon to Milnerton, Woodbridge Island

Peregrine falcon sleeping in my Window

For many, this image, may not hold any real significance, but for the observant of 'my' (any) Peregrine falcon, this is a worthwhile silhouette.

During the past week, my closest neighbour, the Peregrine falcon, 'came home’, to his bathroom window preference, much earlier than usual. Can’t fault him, he also departed much later in the morning, 08:45+ vs. 05:30 lately.

Can’t blame him... here in Cape Town - with the current winter weather. He's been 'sleeping-in' for a few mornings lately. First time ever...

What he did manage to achieve (constantly) was a nightly state of ‘Load Shedding’ around him (ito my own living arrangements). It’s ‘lights-out’ when he is here – and that is about every night. The fridge light is (the) maximum light…

Peregrine falcon with Canon EOS 70D / EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens @ f/2.8 in Manual Mode (way past sunset during this week).

Arnhem, Milnerton, Cape Town. (12 Floors above Loxton Road)

The Peregrine Falcon: Fastest Bird in the World

Peregrine Falcon with Catch Outside My Window

Returning Peregrine Falcon to Milnerton, Woodbridge Island

The Pedigree Falcon, one or the Top Flying Birds in the World

01 July 2024

Canon EOS Official Sample Image Links: 2014 - 2024

Canon EOS / Canon EOS R Official Sample Images from Canon Japan
 
Canon EOS Official Sample Image Links: 2014 - 2019 Image: Canon EOS RP Official Sample
Canon EOS RP Sample Image : Image Credit Canon Singapore

I study 100's of new Canon EOS R / EOS camera official sample images as new bodies are released - the attached image above is from the Canon EOS RP Full-Frame Mirrorless camera.

Herewith a list / link to various Canon EOS R / EOS / EOS M camera sample galleries on one of my websites of sample images from most of the current APS-C and Full-Frame Canon bodies 

2014 - 2024

Latest Sample Images: Canon EOS R6 Mark II | Canon EOS R7 | Canon EOS R10

Canon EOS R Official Sample Images

 As made available by Canon Japan (also other official Canon subsidiaries) and published on my Canon Camera News website - with image credits and original EXIF Data and Image Downloads:

Canon EOS R Full-Frame Sample Images
  • Canon EOS R1
  • Canon EOS R3
  • Canon EOS R5 Mark II
  • Canon EOS R5 C
  • Canon EOS R5
  • Canon EOS R6 Mark II
  • Canon EOS R6
  • Canon EOS R8
  • Canon EOS R
  • Canon EOS RP

Canon EOS R APS-C Sample Images
  • Canon EOS R7
  • Canon EOS R10
  • Canon EOS R50

Canon EOS / EOS M Official Sample Images

 As made available by Canon Japan (also other official Canon subsidiaries) and published on my Canon Camera News website - with image credits and original EXIF Data and Image Downloads:
  • Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
  • Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
  • Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
  • Canon EOS 5D Mark III 
  • Canon EOS 6D Mark II
  • Canon EOS 7D Mark II
  • Canon EOS 90D
  • Canon EOS 80D
  • Canon EOS 77D
  • Canon EOS Rebel T8i / EOS 850D
  • Canon EOS Rebel T7i / EOS 800D
  • Canon EOS 750D / 760D (Rebel T5i / T5s)
  • Canon EOS 4000D
  • Canon EOS 2000D
  • Canon EOS SL3 / EOS Rebel 250D 
  • Canon EOS SL2 / EOS Rebel 200D
  • Canon EOS M100 Mirrorless
  • Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless
  • Canon EOS M5 Mirrorless
  • Canon EOS M6 Mark II Mirrorless
  • Canon EOS M6 Mirrorless

Go>>
Canon EOS Official Sample Image Links


Canon EOS 760D Rebel T6s Sample Image  - Image Credit: Canon Japan EXIF DATA
Canon EOS 760D Rebel T6s Sample Image  - Image Credit: Canon Japan EXIF Data

Sample Image: Canon EOS 4000D - Image Credit Canon Japan
Sample Image: Canon EOS 4000D - Image Credit: Canon Japan EXIF Data

Using Auto-ISO for Fast Birds in Flight Photography

Canon ISO Settings for Fast  / Small Birds In Flight Photography

Auto ISO Study for Birds in Flight / Fast Action Photography

Record shots: Pied Kingfisher in flight  : Over the Diep River / Woodbridge Island

I am continuously researching the application of Auto-ISO in Birds in Flight photography and would like to share a few images captured with the Canon EOS 70D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens - demonstrating the modern DSLR's ability for making ISO changes (when Auto-ISO is enabled).

Note: My own field study is based on the relationship between BIF photography (high shutter speed action shooting / continuous AF tracking) and the modern DSLR's Auto-ISO function and will not (necessarily) apply for static subjects (i.e. perched birds) - although, I use the same settings when shooting perched birds (when out doing Birds in Flight photography in good light).

The Canon EOS 70D (APS-C / crop body) is not really recognized as a Canon-recommended high-end body (in the same way as the EOS 7D Mark II (2014) and higher were at the time of Canon's 2013 Auto-ISO publication) for shooting Auto-ISO in Manual and the Semi-Auto Modes (Av = Aperture Priority / Tv = Shutter Priority Modes).

Nevertheless, I went out with the EOS 70D on Auto-ISO for testing / demonstrating the typical enthusiast camera's ability for auto-adjusting ISO's in a low-light and fast-changing background shooting environment.

Auto-ISO is an auto-application that is by far quicker than what I would have achieved with any fix ISO’s when other exposure objectives / settings are (i) a fix Aperture and (ii) a fix Shutter Speed in Manual Mode.

I keep a close eye on about every Auto-ISO reading in the viewfinder before pressing the shutter, but generally it is very effective – or at least acceptable for editing in post-processing later (even in inclement weather and fast-changing backgrounds).

Each of the 4 consecutive frames exposed at different ISO's as the small / erratic bird moved quickly against a lighter to a darker background:

Image 1
 ISO 1000
Image 2 ISO 1600
Image 3 ISO 2000
Image 4 ISO 2500

Canon Gear

  • Canon EOS 70D
  • Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens

Exposure Settings

  • Manual Mode
  • Aperture: f/5.6
  • ISO: Auto ISO (1000 - 2500)
  • Shutter Speed:1/5000s

Autofocus (AF) Settings
  • AI Servo
  • Continuous Shooting: 7 fps
  • Zone Selection
  • Handheld

Focal Length
: 300mm

Lightroom 6 Post-Processing
Minimal post-processing (+- 50% crop / slight exposure correction / lens profile correction)

Cape Town Location
Pied Kingfisher at the Pump Station Diep River / Woodbridge Island

Shooting Conditions
Low-light / overcast conditions

Poor light and Canon RF fix / small aperture long lenses may want the developing photographer to experiment more. Using i.e. the Canon RF 600 f/11 IS STM lens  /  Canon RF 800 f/11 IS STM lens in poor light (using Auto-ISO) may render somewhat unacceptable high ISO's for bigger / darker birds (depending on the background). Even with the latest EOS R Full Frame cameras the ISO's may be too high to properly correct in post-processing. Just something to keep in mind. I use a fix ISO for these small aperture lenses (as said example above) - by using a fix ISO 640 the in0flight results were acceptable. For apertures between i.e. f/4 - f/6.3 (whatever the weather) I use Auto-ISO (in Manual Mode - and try and keep (tweak) an average Shutter Speed of between 1/2500 - 1/3200 for fast(er) birds (irrespective of the light). Again: all will depend on body / lens / conditions / subjects.

Findings
A significant finding is the rapid change in ISO 1000 to 2500 (between the 4 continuous frames) as the camera is attempting an ideal exposure.

There are interesting observations (even from the attached record shots why the Auto-ISO moves from ISO 1000 to ISO 2500 in such rapid succession).

Conclusion
From this stage about 8 years ago I always use Auto-ISO for most of my Birds in Flight photography (also reading extensively about the manufacturer's reasoning and motivation for using Auto-ISO for high-speed action such as Birds in Flight). Some of the only exceptions were while testing the fix aperture (f11) Canon RF 600 / RF 800mm lenses in inclement weather (while evaluating the Canon R6 for Canon SA for Birds in Flight photography)

© Vernon Chalmers Photography

Using Auto-ISO for Fast Birds in Flight Photography
"Using Auto-ISO for fast birds in flight photography can be a helpful technique, especially in situations where lighting conditions are changing rapidly, and you want to maintain a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of the birds. Here are some considerations and tips for using Auto-ISO effectively:

1. Understand Auto-ISO
  •  Auto-ISO allows the camera to automatically adjust the ISO setting based on the available light while keeping the shutter speed and aperture within the specified range.

2. Set Shutter Priority Mode
  • Use Shutter Priority (Tv or S) mode on your camera. This allows you to set the desired shutter speed while the camera adjusts the aperture and ISO automatically.

3. Choose a Fast Shutter Speed
  • Select a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of fast-flying birds. Shutter speeds of 1/1000 second or faster are often necessary for birds in flight.

 4. Set Minimum Shutter Speed in Auto-ISO Settings
  • Many cameras with Auto-ISO allow you to set a minimum shutter speed. This prevents the ISO from dropping too low and risking motion blur. Set the minimum shutter speed to a value that ensures sharp images.

5. Monitor ISO Range
  • Be aware of the ISO range that your camera is using in Auto-ISO mode. If the ISO goes too high, it can introduce noticeable noise in the images. Find a balance that provides acceptable image quality.

6. Test and Adjust
  • Experiment with different settings in various lighting conditions to see how your camera performs. Adjust the minimum shutter speed and other relevant parameters based on your observations.

7. Use Exposure Compensation
  • In situations where the camera's metering system might be influenced by the background or the bird's coloration, use exposure compensation to adjust the exposure as needed.

8. Shoot in RAW
  • Shooting in RAW format gives you more flexibility in post-processing, allowing you to make adjustments to exposure, noise reduction, and other parameters without compromising image quality.

9. Review Histogram
  • Regularly check the histogram while reviewing your images to ensure that the exposure is well-balanced and that you're not losing details in the highlights or shadows.

10. Consider Manual Mode
  • In situations with consistent lighting, you may opt for Manual mode, setting both aperture and shutter speed manually while adjusting ISO as needed.

11. Focus and Composition
  • Pay attention to autofocus settings and practice tracking fast-moving birds. Additionally, consider the composition and background to create visually appealing images.

Using Auto-ISO in conjunction with Shutter Priority mode can be a powerful tool for capturing birds in flight, allowing you to focus on composition and tracking while the camera adjusts to changing light conditions. Experimentation and familiarity with your camera settings are key to mastering this technique." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

Auto ISO Study for Birds in Flight Photography
Image 1: ISO 1000 - Auto-ISO for Birds in Flight Photography (Canon EOS 70D)

Auto ISO Study for Birds in Flight Photography
Image: ISO 1600 - Auto-ISO for Birds in Flight Photography (Canon EOS 70D)

Auto ISO Study for Birds in Flight Photography
Image 3: ISO 2000 - Auto-ISO for Birds in Flight Photography (Canon EOS 70D)

Auto ISO Study for Birds in Flight Photography
Image 4: ISO 2500 - Auto-ISO for Birds in Flight Photography (canon EOS 70D)

Low Light / High ISO Shooting Canon EOS 7D Mark II Cape Town View

Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town View