CalevPhoto

Sometimes you just need to realize equipment will not help

As some of you may know, I have been eyeing a large telephoto for quite some time.  I have long agonized when I will finally purchase my large telephoto and which one will I buy.  Will I buy the more portable 500mm F4 or the longer but heavier 600mm F4?  Perhaps I will go all out and spring for the 800mm 5.6, or perhaps I will go the sports route and get the 400mm 2.8?  I have spent a great deal of time debating this and bugging others about it.

This weekend, though, I decided to do something a bit different.  Given a home I had to photograph in Monroe, I decided to take a trip to Ben Hierland’s Wildlife Park.  I took along my 100-400 and my 7D and used my monopod for stabilization.  I’ve had my 7D for a good month now, but this was the first time I had actually used it for wildlife.  The idea was that the crop factor should give me a good idea what magnification I truly needed and which lens would work the best for me.

I must say I was completely shocked at what the answer turned out to be.

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Back from Turkey – what worked and what didn’t

 

After nineteen days of travel in Istanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia, we are finally back!  Actually we got back a few days ago, but it has been difficult getting back to this time zone and taking care of various issues.

The trip was very interesting and was one of the better trips we have taken.  Everyone had fun and I set a personal record with over 2000 pictures taken and 80GB of data.  Rather than discuss at length what we did, I thought I would cover what went well and what did not in terms of the photography planning I did for the trip.

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Equipment that I hope to buy

In my previous post, I covered the equipment that I currently use.  The following is a list of what I am still planning to get.

Canon TS-E 17 – This is simply too tempting, especially for my real estate work.  I am currently saving for this lens, which is good as it is not out yet.  I hope to have it by the end of the year, even though it is quite pricy.

Canon 600mm F4 IS – I will most likely start saving for this lens after I buy my TS-E 17.  I will use the TS-E 17 for real estate shoots that will help pay for this monster.  I’m still debating between this and a microscope, but the around town opportunities to use this are just too tempting.

Canon 135mm 2L – I am a bit conflicted about this lens and am unsure it will truly be on my list.  The issue is that I already heavily use my 70-200 4L IS for pictures of my kids and I’m not sure I will have room in the bag for this lens.

Microscope – The problem is I don’t want any microscope – but a DIC microscope, which will set me back more than the 600L.

Really Right Stuff pano kit – I love doing panoramas and the only thing keeping me from getting it right now is the price and the two lenses in front of it.   I almost bought it a few months ago but chose to buy a monopod instead – which I do not regret.

Singh-ray vari-ND – I haven’t done much landscape work lately, but I hope that will change.  When it does I hope to have one of these to do some long shutter shots.

Confessions of an equipment junkie

I admit it.  I am an equipment junkie.  I want all of the best photo equipment and lenses no matter how much they cost and I love showing my equipment off.  In particular I love hearing now that’s a camera, as people walk by.

You know that you are the same, so it’s best to admit it now and get it over with!  Therefore, with that spirit in mind I will discuss the gear that I currently use.

Camera:

Canon 5D Mark II – I really like this camera and have already discussed it at great length on this blog.

Lenses:

Canon 70-200 4L IS – This is my walk around lens and the lens I most commonly use for shots of my kids.  I bought it over the 2.8 because it is much lighter and the IS is better.

Canon MP-E 65 – This is the lens I use for the majority of my insect shots.

Canon 180L Macro – I use this less often than my MP-E 65, but it is my main lens for larger insects and flowers.

Canon 16-35 2.8L II – This is the main lens I use for real estate and for landscape shots while traveling.

Canon 50mm 1.4 – I rarely use this lens, but it does come in handy for low light situations.

Canon 100-400 4.5-5.6L – This is my zoo and wildlife lens.

Lighting:

Canon 580EX – This is the first flash I bought and I still prefer it in some ways to the 580EX II, which sometimes has difficulties with the Pocketwizards.

Canon 580EX II – It’s nice to control the flash from the camera, but otherwise it is no big upgrade.

Canon MT-24EX – This is the flash I use for most of my macro shots.

Pocketwizard MultiMAX – I love the added versatility over the Pocketwizard Plus II, but I rarely use multiple lights in my shots these days.

Other:

Really Right Stuff L Bracket – IMHO their L brackets are the best.

Gitzo 1348 tripod – The tripod is a bit big, but is extremely sturdy.  It is great for real estate and for around town, but not so great for traveling.

Markins M20 head – Great head for less price than the Really Right Stuff head.

Gitzo GM-5561 monopod – Expensive but amazingly small and strong for a monopod.  I almost always have this on me.

Really Right Stuff Tilt head – Works great when tracking birds or other things.

Kirk Macro Rail – I shoot most of my macro shots handheld so I now use this mainly for panorama shots – to adjust the nodal point of the lens.  It’s not a bad macro rail but I would probably buy the Really Right Stuff one if I had to do it over again.

Lumiquest 80/20 system – I almost always have this on my flash.

Wimberley macro brackets – When I am using a flash with my 180L, these are always on.  I also use them for drop shots.

In my next post I will cover the gear I hope to get.

What equipment to bring on a jungle trek

Sometime ago I had the opportunity to take a once in a lifetime trek to Manu National Park in Peru.  At the time, I only had a P&S Sony Cybershot 717.  However, now that I know more about photography, I thought I would share with you what I would take if money were no object and if I decided to return to Manu – which I certainly hope to do someday.

First, I will divide the trip into the different types of photos you may take – landscape, wildlife, and macro.

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How to buy and sell used equipment

I suspect a great deal of this blog will already be known to many of you, but for those who are just starting out in photography you may want to know what the best ways to pick up used equipment are.  Also, some of this info may be helpful for those who have equipment they no longer use or are upgrading.

For buyers

Buyers have a multitude of places to buy used camera equipment these days.  The following are the major options.

• Buy it at your local camera store.  Most larger camera stores sell used equipment.  Typically the inspect it before putting it up for sale and will price it according to its condition.  In general most of these stores are honest, though you’ll pay a bit more for the item than you would elsewhere.
• KEH.com.  This is the most reliable place on the Net to buy used equipment.  They have a wide variety of equipment and their prices are fair, though a bit higher than if you purchase the item directly from the seller.
• EBay.  EBay can be a great source for used equipment, particularly if the item you are purchasing is hard to come by.  However, you won’t know the true condition of the item until you receive it, so there is a fair amount of risk involved.
• Craigslist.  The variety of items is not high, though the more common items (such as newer camera models) are readily available there.  Prices are all over the place, but you can usually negotiate.  Always have common sense when meeting someone you don’t know.  I have never had issues with meeting anyone through Craigslist to sell gear, but if you are a single woman I would meet in a public place.
• Groups and clubs.  If you are a member of a group or club, this is a great way to buy equipment.  Usually these are people you know and trust, and their reputation is on the line when they say the equipment is in good shape.

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Yet more photography dilemmas

Last week I blogged about whether to expand into bird photography or expand my reach in macro photography.  I have been giving this a bit more thought and right now I have ruled out buying a large telephoto, mainly because I realized that with two small children I will not be able to find the time to go out and wait for them.  Definitely in the future I plan to do this, but not right now.

Currently our budget is locked down, but with the real estate market getting better here (my wife had two sales this week) it looks like somewhere at the beginning of May the funds will be released from my stock photography sales and I can go ahead and make some purchases.  However, again it comes down to what things I want to focus on.  With bird and wildlife photography removed, the following are the avenues I can take.

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My current dilemma in photography

While last year I spent a good portion of the year worrying about purchasing new equipment, this year I have vowed to instead concentrate on improving my skills as a photographer.  To that end I have changed around my master plan significantly from last year.  In particular I have started this blog, last week I purchased a photography notebook, and I have vowed not to specifically take pictures for stock.  In other words, though I will still submit pictures to the stock web sites, I will no longer do isolation pictures of mundane things in my light tent, with the hopes that the microstock sites will accept them and I will make money.

However, while I do think I am gradually improving, I have recently been debating on which direction I will take in my equipment purchases.  The reason is, my next purchase will have a significant impact on which types of photographs I take in the future.  The question has become less, “what lens should I buy” and more “what types of pictures do I want to take in the nearer future”.

I would appreciate any opinions on the possible choices before me.

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What should I expect to spend on camera equipment?

I don’t know how many times I have heard the following question.

I have a point and shoot right now and I want to buy an SLR. What type should I buy?

This question is usually followed by several models – such as the Canon Digital Rebel models or the Nikon D40 or D80. What most beginners do not realize is that the camera is only a small part of the equation. I have decided, as an interesting exercise, to look at my own equipment. I would not expect new photographers to buy the same equipment that I have, nor would I expect you to spend as much as I did. However, I would expect that anyone getting into photography will wind up spending the same ratios on equipment that I have.

I will not list the prices I paid, as many of these fluctuate and that drifts away from the point I am trying to make. In addition, I expect if my wife saw the numbers she might have heart failure. In general, there are six areas of expenditure for digital SLR photography. Also, I will calculate things at the original price that I paid and I will not include items I have since sold (which reduces the lenses percentage).

Cameras – most people realize this and this is where beginners put most of their thoughts

Lenses – this is perhaps the most important area as the lens typically determines what type of shots you can take, not the camera. Note that I also include filters in this category.

Accessories – all the little do dads that add up

Lighting – this includes flashes and studio lighting

Support – this includes tripods, ball heads, and miscellaneous brackets

Software/Hardware – this includes your computer and any necessary software

The following is a graph of what I wound up paying for each area as a percentage.

I will now break down the areas and list what equipment I use, for those who are interested.

Camera equipment

    I currently use the Canon 5D. The main reason I went for the 5D was the relatively high megapixel count (at the time) and the fact that it is full frame.

Lenses

    Lenses should be the largest expense of any photographer. I currently use the following lenses.

    Canon 70-200 4.0L IS – This is currently my walk around lens. It is incredibly sharp and the IS is amazing.

    Canon 16-35 2.8L II – This is still my favorite “normal” lens. It rivals the 70-200 in sharpness and was on my camera constantly in the canyons of Petra and through most of Israel and Jordan.

    Canon 50mm 1.4 – I don’t use this lens very often. However it is great for taking pictures indoors without flash and when I use it there’s really nothing else I have that can do what it does.

    Canon MP-E 65 – This is the main lens I use when not on vacation and is used for most of my macros.

    Canon 180 3.5L – I haven’t actually bought this lens yet, but I already have the funds for it and am just waiting for the final OK from the financial controller.

    B&W Circular Polarizer – Basically a required filter in my book.

Accessories

    Simple diffuser – I have a simple diffuser for my 580 EX flash. I forget the name of it.

    Canon remote switch – This is also a basic, required, accessory. I really wish Canon would just include it in the box with the camera.

    Flash extension cord – If you buy a flash, this is also a very important accessory. Very often I remove the flash from the camera. I do not yet have the strobists setup.

    Angle Viewfinder C – I’ll probably use this more often with the 180L. With the MP-E 65 the viewfinder is too dark and it’s too difficult to track things. I suspect I will find some interesting uses for it though.

    Hot shoe leveler – This is critical if you are taking panorama pictures

    Canon CP-E 4 – This extends the battery life of both of my flashes significantly and decreases the recycle time. I use it whenever I am using either the 580 EX or the MT-24EX and it is always in my bag. I can’t imagine what life was like before it with my MT-24EX, as flash recycle time is critical when photographing moving insects.

    Extra battery – Always get one. When one battery runs out I replace it with the other one and charge the first one.

    Giotto rocket blower – This is essential for keeping the sensor clear. It may be less necessary with the newer dust removing cameras.

    Eclipse cleaning solution and swabs – Always remember to clean your sensor. The rocket blower helps for the big dust spots but at times you need a more thorough cleaning.

    Eneloop rechargeable AA batteries – Necessary for the flashes

    Travel hard drive card readers – I bought a simple device called the Digimate III for about $30 and put a 60GB laptop hard drive in it. When I travel, I take two of these units so I can backup my photos as well as for when my memory cards are full. I always place them in different places to reduce the risk of loss.

    Memory cards – These have gotten cheaper it seems each day. I currently have an 4 GB card and an 8 GB card and do not see the need to increase them until I upgrade my camera.

    Flash card reader – This is very helpful for getting pictures on the computer and is much better and faster than hooking the camera itself up to the computer.

    Tamrac camera bag – I forgot the model number, but a camera bag is a basic necessity. I am currently able to fit my camera, all lenses except for the 180L, my filters, extra battery, cords, 580EX and CP-E 4 in my bag. I will likely need to look at a bigger bag soon, though I’ve never had airport issues with my current bag.

Lighting

    Canon 580 EX – This is the workhorse flash when I am not taking macro shots. I have found no reason to upgrade to the newer II model. An external flash is a basic necessity for starting out, though there are cheaper models than the 580 EX. I do not yet have any studio lights or a strobist configuration as I am not very interested in taking shots of people. Perhaps someday.

    Canon MT-24EX – As I mentioned before, this is a requirement when you purchase the MP-E 65. I use this flash for all of my macro photography.

    Medium and small light tents – I bought a jewelry light box kit some time ago that contains two different sized light tents, two constant 5000K lights, and one “sparkle light”. I now use this setup (sans sparkle light) for my isolation shots.

Support

    Gitzo 1348 tripod – A good tripod is essential and Gitzo is basically the best out there. I am quite tall (6′5″) so this tripod works well for me. I also like that it doesn’t have a center column because those tripods are less stable.

    Markins M20 ball head – Expensive, but I have no complaints about it.

    Lens plates – both the MP-E 65 and the 180L require lens plates. I use ones from Kirk, though Really Right Stuff I’m sure is just as good

    Really Right Stuff L bracket – The L bracket lets you take both horizontal and vertical shots on the tripod. I liked Really Right Stuff’s version the best and I am very happy with it.

    Kirk macro rail – To take macros on a tripod you need a macro rail. Mine also does double duty for panoramas – so I can adjust for the nodal point of the lens (though for single layer horizontal panoramas only). When used with the MP-E 65, the vast majority of macro rails out there simply aren’t precise enough. The only two good ones out there are Kirk and Really Right Stuff. The RRS macro rail is more precise, but the Kirk rail is significantly cheaper due to a smarter design. I have no complaints about the Kirk macro rail.

Software/Hardware

    This one is hard to quantify, as I use my computer for many purposes other than photography. Basically, though, you will need a good size monitor for editing and a relatively fast computer. I currently use a duo core 64 bit system with 4 GB of RAM and a 24″ monitor. I expect in the near future to get hit with more expenses here as I upgrade my software, buy a monitor calibration unit, and perhaps buy a Wacom unit. As this area is rather fuzzy I will not include it in the ratios.

Macro photography lighting

Of all the equipment necessary for macro photography, it seems like lighting is the most controversial. I think lighting in general is considered an “unnecessary evil” by many photographers. After all, few photographers would argue about putting down the money for a good 70-200 or 24-70 2.8 lens (assuming they have that much). However, I constantly hear of attempts to make cheap lighting solutions – such as building a simple diffuser for $5 rather than buy a real one for $30 or buy a faulty remote switch for $10 off Ebay rather than buy Canon’s for $60. The fact is, in many situations lighting is more important than the lens. The true pros have known this for a long time – just take a look at what Profoto lights cost. With portrait photography, lighting can make or break a shot.

Here’s the ugly truth, for the majority of macro photographs natural light simply won’t cut it. Yes, there are exceptions of course. I once had a discussion with another photographer on whether the MT-24EX (or the MR-14EX) is necessary when using the MP-E 65. His answer was that he does abstract photography at F2.8. Well, if you want to take blurry pictures at F2.8 (and I must admit that his look quite nice) then you do not need lighting. If you object is stationary, you can use a tripod and macro rail and unnatural lighting may not be necessary – though you will probably find some reflectors and diffusers helpful. For insects and flowers bouncing in the wind though, you will need some lighting.

There are a variety of lighting solutions you can use and there are even more custom solutions out there. The key gotcha in macro is that your standard on-camera flash will not work. It has to do with the angle between the flash and your lens. Because you are getting very close to the subject, your lens will block some of the light. In a number of situations you will also need the light to be powerful – meaning almost right on your subject. On camera flash simply cannot do this. Note that by “on-camera” I mean both the popup flashes you find on some camera models and the hot-shoe flashes (such as the Canon 580EX) that you can buy. There is a difference though. While the popup flash is practically useless for macro, a hot shoe flash can be made useful if you can direct the light better to your subject or get the flash off the camera.

To get the flash off the camera, simply buy an extension cord. They are not very expensive and are well worth it. If you follow strobists, you can also use his techniques for off camera. Another solution is to create a reflective “tunnel” that goes from the flash mounted to the hot shoe to the front of the lens.

When I first started in macro photography, I would manually hold the flash off the camera. I used a tripod to hold the camera and I held the flash and the remote trigger. This took decent photos, but eventually I wanted more. “More”, meant a solution specifically for macro.

Canon happens to sell two different lighting solutions for macro. Nikon also has solutions, but I am not as familiar with them. At the low end is the MR-14EX, which is basically a ring flash. At the high end is the twin flash MT-24EX. There is, of course, debate on which is better. Those who favor the MR-14EX say the MT-24EX is too harsh (the flashes are bare vs. the MR-14EX diffused) and they prefer the effect of the MR-14EX. Those who favor the MT-24EX like its increased versatility and feel the light from the MR-14EX is too flat, too with MR-14EX favorers respond that this can be fixed through settings. Personally, I strongly prefer the MT-24EX. It is true that out of the box the lights are too harsh – but this is easily corrected with diffusers. I prefer this mainly because I can reposition the lights as needed and try more interesting effects – such as changing the direction and angles of the lights.

In terms of what type of lighting you will get, this mainly has to do with money. If you can afford it, and you are serious about macro, get the $650 MT-24EX. If you don’t know how much you’ll get into macro, get an extension cord for your hot shoe flash. For an end today, I will show two photos of somewhat similar subjects to show how lighting (and lenses) can make a difference.

The first was taken with a Canon 500D diopter on a Sigma 80-400mm lens with a 580EX flash off the camera. Notice the shadows and poor details.

This one was taken with the Canon MP-E 65 and the MT-24EX.