Another Gorgeous Light Photography Morning at Spier

 Private Canon Photography - Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch, Cape Town

Southern Bishop Female : Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

As discussed last week, I was itching to go back to the tranquillity of the Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch, and Tuesday (15/10) returned with two main objectives (1) for another private client to practice different apertures / (f/stops) on the various flowers and (2) for me to go looking for the African fish eagle.

With the good light my client easily got into her rhythm learning apertures with a Canon 50mm f/1.8 prime lens – practising the full aperture range (with Depth of Field, backgrounds and different distances), the main learning criteria.

Within distance of my client I went searching for the fish eagle, nothing, not a single bird in the vivid blue sky apart from a miserable-looking high-flying pied crow.

I took the short hike around the dam to ‘at least have something on my memory card’ going back to Cape Town. The light was amazing (maybe a tad over-exposed for mid-morning predominantly white birds), but it felt great to have the familiar feeling of the Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L lens in my hands.

My client was happy with her aperture practice, but I have another excuse to soon return to Spier for the elusive fish eagle (and other birds in flight).

Lunch at the Spier restaurant (under the trees) was, as expected, great with a few swee waxbills hopping around in the grass and a very brave Cape sparrow in search of a few crumbs between the tables.

Vernon Chalmers Photography at Spier

"Vernon Chalmers frequently photographs the Spier Wine Estate, a scenic location in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa. Spier, known for its historic Cape Dutch architecture and extensive natural beauty, serves as an inspiring backdrop for photographers. Chalmers captures the estate’s landscapes, birdlife, and unique features, (with different cameras) combining technical skill with an artistic perspective. His work often emphasizes natural lighting, framing, and the serene essence of Spier, which reflects a harmony between nature and human craft." (ChatGPT 2024)

Camera / Lens for Spier Wine Farm Bird Photography

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II (APS-C)
• Canon EF 400 f/5.6L USM lens

Exposure / Focus Settings

• Autofocus On
• Aperture Priority (Av) Mode
• Apertures (f/5.6 - f/6.1) 
• Auto-ISO (100 - 200)
• Shutter Speeds (various)
• No Image Stabilisation
• Handheld

Image Post-Processing

Lightroom Classic (Ver 13.5) - minor adjustments /  RAW to JPEG conversion

Vernon Chalmers Photography Copyright | IP Policy

Vernon Chalmers Bird Photography at Spier, Stellenbosch

Greater Striped Swallow : Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

African Sacred Ibis : Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

African Spoonbill : Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

Vernon Chalmers Flower Photography at Spier, Stellenbosch

Red Hot Poker Flower : Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch 

Wild Flower : Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

Photography Training Session at Spier Wine Farm >>

Photography Training Disclaimer: The occasional Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Sessions at the Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch is a private arrangement between Vernon Chalmers and one developing photographer (at a time) who wants to conduct some form of individual photographic practical at this specific venue. It is not any way a photography workshop, organised photoshoot and / or a setup of various photographic equipment, but the natural flow of how an individual nature photographer will respectfully capture images while walking around an idyllic location (with his / her camera) capturing images of wild birds, flowers and general nature scenery.

Greater Striped Swallow at Different Angle, Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Garden

Low flying grey heron in foggy conditions, Woodbridge Island

Bird in Flight : Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6 USM Lens

Grey Heron in Flight : Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm, Woodbridge Island

This image was created with my 10-year old Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6 lens pairing (year of lens release: 1993). 500 000 actuations on the body is a conservative estimation – never been serviced with one sensor clean probably 6 years ago.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Long-Term Use and Experience

The at-distance image is no big achievement, but a significant part of my decision-making that there is no real compelling reason for migrating to a comparative mirrorless option (yet). I am fortunate to often work with a wide range of photographers and seen / worked with almost the full range of Canon EOS R mirrorless bodies.

Some of Canon EOS R these bodies are at the pinnacle of its respective functional and optical engineering capabilities, which I appreciate and respect, but for the premium I find it difficult to justify the cost vs. value proposition (for me).

2025 may be a promising year for an eventual upgrade for my Birds in Flight workhorse, but until then I am more than content with my current pairing for all my Birds in Flight photography around the Cape Peninsula.
Canon EOS R Cameras to be Released 2024 - 2025

Just for context: I use quite a few different camera / lens pairings for various genres, so the decision to ‘upgrade’ and the fact the I shoot in generally good light during the day / and tripod at night, I simply just enjoy the older technology for its creations and durability.

Grey heron image at Woodbridge Island, Cape Town. Exposure / Focus Settings

• Manual Mode
• Aperture (f/5.6) 
• Auto-ISO (640)
• Shutter Speeds (1/3200s)
• No Image Stabilisation
• Handheld

Vernon Chalmers Photography Copyright | IP Policy

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Garden

Photography Training Session at Spier Wine Farm

 Private Canon Photography - Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch, Cape Town

Landscape Photography : Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

While everybody was frantically driving opposite me on the N2 to get to work on Monday morning I had the opportunity to facilitate an one-on-one private photography training session at Spier Wine Estate, Stellenbosch. I've been there on a few occasions over the years as a student and with friends, but never from an exclusive photographic perspective. View Spier Wine Farm Google Map / Directions below.

The objective of the individual private photography session was not landscape photography, but general (Canon EOS R mirrorless theory) and wildlife photography exposure and autofocus skills development with the Canon EOS R6 paired with a variety of Canon EF lenses (And the EF to RF Adapter).

It was a beautiful blue and crisp morning at Spier Wine Farm within it's tranquil and laid-back 'out-of season' environment - perfect for someone to get to grips with the modern and high-tech Canon EOS R6 camera.  We were seated on our own under the water-side veranda, away from a few early-morning (American) wine-tasters. Nothing was rushed and for me it was one of the most perfect locations for impromptu outdoor photography and / or photography training.

The day did not belong to me and I had to deliberately, at first, seat myself away from the beautiful scenery to focus exclusively on my client's training objectives and personal photography needs. 

Not to impede on my new client's time I took a few landscape snapshots during our break. A bit rushed, but I think those of you that's been to Spier (close to Stellenbosch) will agree with my description of the relaxed Spier Wine Farm location. It is indeed possible to walk around the dam. To the right of the dam (out of sight on all images here) is a protea flower garden.

African Fish Eagle and African Harrier Hawk at Spier
My client informed me that she has photographed an African fish eagle and African harrier hawk at Spier in the past. I'm planning a private trip within the next two weeks to spend a morning with the birds and the protea garden - and perhaps just taste some of Spier's exquisite wines.   

To my surprise there were quite a few Birds in Flight and I was itching to grab my Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm lens from my vehicle +- 300 meters away. I've spotted quite a few bird species who will make it worth the trip to go there just for them.

Some of the birds flying over the water / or perched during our private photography training session at Spier Wine Farm:

• African ibis in flight
• African spoonbill in flight
• Pied kingfisher in flight
• Purple heron in flight
• Raptor in flight (too high to ID)
• Southern masked weaver perched
• White-breasted cormorant perched
• White-throated swallows perched and in flight
• Many small birds perched and in flight
• Yellow-billed duck / and others in the water

Camera / Lens for Spier Wine Farm Landscape Photography

• Canon EOS 6D (Full-Frame)
• Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens

Exposure / Focus Settings

• Autofocus On
• Aperture Priority (Av) Mode
• Apertures (f/11) 
• Auto-ISO (100)
• Shutter Speeds (various)
• Image Stabilisation On
• Handheld

Image Post-Processing

Lightroom Classic (Ver 13.5) - minor adjustments /  RAW to JPEG conversion

Vernon Chalmers Photography Copyright | IP Policy

Vernon Chalmers Landscape Photography at Spier, Stellenbosch

Landscape Photography : Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

Landscape Phototherapy : Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

Landscape Photography : Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

Landscape Photography : Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch

Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch Google Map / Directions

Another Gorgeous Light Photography Morning at Spier >>

Photography Training Disclaimer: The occasional Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Sessions at the Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch is a private arrangement between Vernon Chalmers and one developing photographer (at a time) who wants to conduct some form of individual photographic practical at this specific venue. It is not any way a photography workshop, organised photoshoot and / or a setup of various photographic equipment, but the natural flow of how an individual nature photographer will respectfully capture images while walking around an idyllic location (with his / her camera) capturing images of wild birds, flowers and general nature scenery.

African Art & Craft Market - Boulders Beach, Simon's Town

Bird Photography with Canon EOS 6D Mark II Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Canon Photography Quick Walkabout Hout Bay Harbour, Cape Town

Kirstenbosch Garden Sculpture Photography Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Garden

Environmental Variables for Improved Birds in Flight Photography

Improvements for Canon EOS / EOS R Birds in Flight Photography

Cape Teal ducks at Woodbridge Island - Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Learning more about Birds in Flight Photography 

During my Birds in Flight Photography Training in Milnerton, Cape Town I generally start with a slideshow of a variety of in-flight images (with different Canon EOS bodies / EF prime / zoom lenses) for pointing out basic EXIF data, location and other relevant information.

Important Birds in Flight Photography Considerations
The introduction is followed with the highlighting of important individual considerations and settings. Outcomes will depend on current gear, skill level, shooting style and exposure settings:

• Gear (Body / Lens / Tele-converters)
• Shutter Choices (electronic vs. Mechanical) 
• Autofocus System
• Shooting Modes
• Fps / Buffer Speed / Memory Card Speeds
• Image Stablization (IS) (Body / Lens)
• Handheld vs Tripod / Monopod
Exposure Settings (Av, Tv, Manual, Other)
• RAW / cCraw vs JPG / HEIF (Buffer Speed / Post-Processing)

Reed Cormorant in Flight : Taking Advantage of Early Morning Light

Ensuring the best possible images

After spending a fair amount of time with various Canon EOS / EOS R Autofocus systems and techniques during training the Environmental Variables are discussed - this is generally a list of 10+ criteria for assisting the Birds in Flight photographer with the following overall workflow in mind:

• Expected outcomes
• Pre-planning
• During the shoot
• Post-processing
• Target Market / Medium

Many photographers are of opinion that only high-end enthusiast and professional Canon EOS / EOS R bodies and EF / RF lenses are good enough for capturing birds in flight images. During workshops / discussions and demonstrations the focus is on how to extract the maximum value out of most Canon EOS bodies and even the 'shorter' than 70-300mm lenses.

Environmental Variables for Birds in Flight Photography
Listed variables are based on my own shooting style and techniques at mainly Intaka Island and Woodbridge Island, Cape Town. Most images on the Vernon Chalmers Photography website where captured with the following Canon cameras / lenses during the past 10 years:

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens
• Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM lens
• Canon EOS 70D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens
• Canon EOS 70D / EF 100-400mm f/4.5-6.6L II lens
• Canon EOS 80D / EF 100-400mm f/4.5-6.6L II lens
• Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens
• Canon EOS 6D / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens
• Canon EOS R6 / RF 600mm and RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lenses

Canon EOS 7D Mark II Birds In Flight Photo Gallery >>

Canon EOS R6 First Impressions and Sample Images >>

"Slow" Canon EOS 6D / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Variables for Improved Birds in Flight Photography (Excluding Camera / Lens Settings)

The interpretation and application of the listed variables are not necessarily always going to provide for extraordinary results in every situation, but after more than ten years as a Birds in Flight photographer / trainer the following criteria are some of the most important factors / environmental variables (note: without specific reference to camera / lens settings) for ensuring great looking in-flight images:

• Light / Weather conditions: I stay opposite Woodbridge Island and have a substantial areal view of the weather conditions, wind speed and quality of available light. I will only go down to the island if the weather / light meet (my) specific requirements. Crisp and quality early morning (summer) light is essential when using a variable aperture lens / or shooting with a lens with a maximum aperture of f/5.6.
  
  
• Position of the sun: For ensuring the best possible exposure I go out early morning with the sun at my back for providing direct exposure on the birds. The quality of the available sun light is important - in some cases I don't mind the odd cloudiness - just for some softer diffusion in strong sun light. Early summer mornings is highly recommended.
  
  
• Distance: When photographers are new at birds in flight they tend to shoot at every bird flying at any distance and any height. With experience this will be dramatically reduced wrt distance from lens (for best / sharpest image quality). I only shoot within my mental geographical boundary lines ito specific Woodbridge Island (Diep River / Table Bay Nature Reserve) sub-locations.
  
  
• Bird Species knowledge: Getting to know the individual bird species and their behaviour (in a specific environment) can take a while. It took me more than a year to really understand and anticipate the movements of the various bird species at Woodbridge Island. On this website is a Woodbridge Island Bird Species Index to which I add every new species (not all in-flight) that I have personally encountered in / over the Milnerton Lagoon, Diep River and the Table Bay Nature Reserve.

One of the more challenging in-flight shots using AF / AI Servo

• Size and speed: For the developing photographer small and / or fast flying birds are extremely challenging to track and frame. This becomes easier with experience. Autofocus speed is not (always) the reason for not getting a well-framed image - inexperience in general camera handling, tracking and general speed anticipation is more likely to be the problem. Canon's modern Autofocus Systems will assist in various configurations for faster and smaller birds.
  
  
• Flight direction: The majority of the birds I capture around the Woodbridge Island area flies from left to right towards the morning sun and mostly close to the water. This is for ensuring better exposure, limiting the shadows under the wings and to provide for a slight glint in the facing eye. This is not to say I do not capture birds flying away from the sun. Low flying birds also ensure for a smoother / less disruptive background blur - against the water, reeds or The Milnerton golf course greens.
  
  
• Movement: In most cases the birds around Woodbridge Island / Diep River flies on the same plane across the water. Very easy to capture them this way as the wide open spaces provides for good and early sighting ito to their approach (and to prepare for the shooting burst). However, there are various super-fast and erratic flying challenges (i.e diving for fish) with the various terns and kingfishers.
  
  
• Focus on the eye: With many fast and / or smaller birds I do not use this as such a strong criteria to focus on the eye first. I use a shooting style of shooting most birds from behind until I can see the Focus Points covering the head / eye-area. In most cases this is more than good enough. For some larger birds, such as a stretched-out flamingo, focusing on the eye at i.e. f/5.6 may result in other parts of the body that may be slightly out of focus. F/6.1 or smaller could be considered for more sharpness (especially if there are more than on bird in the frame). 
  
  

Water Thick-Knee in Flight : Learning habitat /  bird behaviour was essential

• Background blur options: You do not require a large sensor full frame Canon body (i.e. EOS 6D) and the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II lens for generating  sufficient background blur when photographing birds in flight. I spend a lot of time in my workshops discussing and demonstrating background blurring possibilities and how to achieve effective blurring with an APS-C body (i.e. EOS 7D Mark II) and the EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens. More about background blur considerations
  
  
• Background: With background I really mean what is behind the flying bird. Is it just blue sky or is it a nice bokeh of green grass or purple bush? Some of the challenges we have here are houses, cars and golfers that could become a huge distraction / part of the captured bird image. What I do to minimize this is to shoot in specific areas with certain (unfortunately, very narrow) windows of natural background opportunities.
  
  
• Contrast: Black birds (i.e. oystercatchers and red-knobbed coots) are at times difficult to track and capture. We've seen on occasion how even the advanced Canon AF systems sometimes struggle with some of these black feathered birds against a dark blue water / dark tree background. The Canon AF System needs contrast for the AF points to lock-on to [any] subject i.e. a fast flying bird against the darker bush backgrounds will be more challenging than a white egret against the blue water. In most cases the AF points lock on without any issues.
  
  

Cormorant around the bend : Providing a different composition

• Composition: For the new Birds in Flight photographer composition is one of the last things to think about. A much bigger challenge at this stage of the learning curve is just getting a small / fast flying bird in the frame. With time the attention will shift to be more mindful of the type of compositions that could be achieved with flying birds. Cropping in post-processing will also provide for some compositional adjustment.
  
  
• Post-processing:  It's far easier to import a good capture (ito exposure and several of above criteria into consideration) into post processing than a poorly exposed images / not meeting the photographer's expectations. I do not spend a lot of time in Adobe Lightroom and generally apply cropping / noise reduction and a few other tweaks. I shoot in RAW and then over time (if required) will work on an image for a final JPG outcome.

African Sacred Ibis in Flight : Intaka Island, Century City

Exposure requirements, technique and AF settings

The above listed variables and suggestions are not by any means the only criteria for learning and excelling with Birds in Flight Photography. For instance, I did not discuss the various exposure requirements (ito ISO / Aperture / Shutter Speed) in this article. Neither did I discuss any specific technique or Autofocus settings. During my Birds in Flight Photography / AI Servo Autofocus workshops and private training I discuss specific camera / AF settings and configurations in more detail.

A comprehensive understanding and application of the modern Canon AI Servo Autofocus System (with all the different configurations and settings) can take time to master. Like all other photographic genres Birds in Flight photography requires knowledge (camera / exposure), experience, patience and trial and error in learning the fundamentals and applying the learning for achieving required imagery outcomes. More on the Setup and Tips for Birds in Flight Photography.

Article / Images Copyright Vernon Chalmers 2018- 2024

Canon EOS 7D Mark II / 400mm Lens - Woodbridge Island / Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town

Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town

The Theory of Photography

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

Sold: 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

Please Note: This Lens is Sold

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

For the Developing / New Photographer

Its not necessarily the quality of the camera, but more often the subject in front of the lens that 'captures' an audience.

Grey heron walking the Milnerton Lagoon, Woodbridge Island

This image of the grey heron 'walking with an attitude' was created more than 10 years ago with my oldest camera / lens. Its been my most liked and talked about image ever since.

At the time (as a developing photographer), I was more concerned with image quality and post-processing). I have since then learned that chasing the light and patience are far more important...

I've never been asked with what camera / lens I've created this image. Its not the best quality image against many standards, but it resonates with many people in terms of various (human) behaviours and characteristics - it tells a story.

With Canon EOS 700D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens at the Milnerton Lagoon, Woodbridge Island

2022 Update: 

Over the years this image has gained thousands of Social Media (Facebook / Twitter) likes and comments around the world via a few posts I've made in an attempt to just share this unexpected moment in time.

Here is an update of one of these posts on my Mental Health and Motivation website about the 'Walking Grey Heron" - this particular post of the grey heron was shared to a Birdlife South Africa Facebook Group.

A Special Moment of Gratitude >>

Taking advantage of good natural light View

Differences Between a DSLR and Mirrorless Camera
What is the Difference Between a DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras?

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

Canon DPP Software Benefits and Features

Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) Software : Benefits and Features

Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) : Version 18.10.0

Download Canon DPP for Windows / Mac Latest Version 19.10.0 >>

Benefits of Canon DPP Editing Software

"Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software offers several benefits for photographers, especially those using Canon cameras.

Here are some key advantages:

1. Optimized for Canon Cameras: DPP is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Canon’s RAW files, ensuring optimal support for features like Picture Styles, Auto Lighting Optimizer, and lens aberration corrections 1.

2. High-Quality RAW Processing: The software provides high-performance processing of RAW images, maintaining maximum image quality 2.

3. Advanced Editing Tools: DPP includes a range of advanced editing tools such as white balance adjustment, dynamic-range adjustment, color adjustment, and fine-tuning of tone curve characteristics 2.

4. Neural Network Image Processing: This feature uses deep-learning AI to enhance image quality automatically, saving time and improving results 1.

5. Lens Correction Features: Tools like Diffraction Correction and Digital Lens Optimizer help correct lens aberrations, ensuring sharper and clearer images1.

6. Dual Pixel RAW Support: For cameras that support Dual Pixel RAW, DPP can make micro adjustments to the position of maximum sharpness and shift areas of bokeh 1.

7. Focus Stacking: The Depth Compositing tool allows for focus stacking, combining multiple images to achieve greater depth of field 1.

8. Customizable Workflows: You can save custom sets of adjustments as Recipes, which can be applied to other images at any time, streamlining your workflow 1.

9. Organizational Features: DPP offers robust image browsing, labeling, rating, and organizing features to help manage your photo library efficiently 2.

These benefits make DPP a powerful and versatile tool for photographers looking to get the most out of their Canon camera images.

Features of Canon DPP Editing Software

Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software is a powerful tool for processing, viewing, and editing RAW images from EOS digital cameras and PowerShot models.

Here are some of its main features:

1. RAW Image Processing: DPP allows for high-performance processing of RAW images, ensuring maximum quality. 1.

2. Basic and Advanced Editing: You can perform a variety of edits, including image rotation, white balance adjustment, dynamic-range adjustment, color adjustment, and fine-tuning of tone curve characteristics 1 2.

3. Lens Corrections: The software includes tools like Diffraction Correction and Digital Lens Optimizer to correct lens aberrations 3.

4. Neural Network Image Processing: This feature enhances image quality through noise reduction and demosaicing 3.

5. Exposure and Shadow Recovery: Adjust image brightness and recover shadow details in your RAW images 3.

6. Color Adjustments: Remove color casts and perform selective color adjustments to fine-tune your images 3.

7. Picture Styles: Use Picture Styles to quickly achieve the desired look for your images3.

8. Noise Reduction and Sharpening: Reduce image noise and sharpen details using the Compositing tool and Depth Compositing function 3.

9. Organizing Features: DPP offers image browsing, labeling, rating, and organizing features to help manage your photo library 4.

These features make DPP a comprehensive tool for photographers looking to get the most out of their Canon camera images." (Source: Microsoft Copilot)

Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) : Version 18.10.0