Canon and Sony News for May 2019
The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens has a rattle?
A couple of months ago, I helped a friend source a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens. Oddly, a day or two later he found that his order had been canceled. Another day later, the retailer contacted him with an explaination for canceling his order. While packing the lens for shipping, they heard a rattle inside the box, determined that the lens was damaged, and instead of risking a damaged lens being sent to a customer, they returned the lens to Canon.
After a brief conversation with my contacts at Canon USA, it was expected that the image stabilization unit not being parked was the source of the rattle sound. It was not thought that the unparked state was a damage risk to the lens and it was thought that mounting the lens on a camera would resolve the problem.
I just took delivery of a new 600mm f/4L IS III lens and upon removing the lens from the packaging, an obvious rattle could be heard. It sounded like this:
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens Rattle Sound
After the lens was mounted to a camera, the power cycled (parking the IS unit), and the lens removed, the sound was dramatically diminished.
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens with Less Rattle Sound
So, the expected cause of the rattle proved to be correct and you probably need not worry about the rattle your new super telephoto lens makes.
The hard-to-get Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens is available for order at B&H ("More on the Way" — coming soon) (save the tax, use the B&H Payboo card), on backorder at Adorama, "Temporarily out of stock" at Amazon, and available for preorder at WEX.
Lensrentals has the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens available for rental.
From Canon USA:
Hands-on Demonstrations of Canon’s Latest Digital Imaging Products Including the EOS C700 FF, EOS C200 and EOS R
MELVILLE, NY, May 30, 2019 – At the 2019 Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will showcase its latest cinema offerings in Booth #12. Visitors to the Canon booth will have the opportunity to experience the recently announced Sumire Prime Lenses, Canon’s first PL-Mount cinema prime lenses. Additional cinema solutions in the booth will include the EOS C700 FF and EOS C200 cinema cameras, CINE-SERVO lenses and 4K Reference Displays. Also on display in the booth will be Canon’s groundbreaking EOS R series of full-frame mirrorless cameras and complementary RF series of lenses.
“Each year, Cine Gear Expo provides Canon with a unique opportunity to interact with one of our most vital customer bases – working cinema professionals, right in their backyard of Hollywood,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Similar to past Cine Gear shows, we are not only excited to showcase our latest products, but also to listen and engage with this audience in order to best serve them not just today, but in the future.”
In addition to showcasing professional products and service offerings, Canon will host a series of educational seminars and panel discussions. On Friday, May 31st from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. in Screening Room 5, Canon Senior Trainer Charles Zablan will provide attendees with a technical overview and in-depth, hands-on opportunities with the Sumire Prime Cinema Lensesi. Canon will also host two panels during the expo as follows:
Friday, May 31st
Opening Up About Canon’s New Sumire Prime LensesSaturday, June 1stParamount Theater
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Announced earlier this year, Canon’s new Sumire Prime lenses are full frame, PL-mount cinema lenses that offer a unique, artistically pleasing look with gentle and beautiful skin tones and smooth bokeh. In this panel discussion, cinematographers discuss their first impressions after their recent experiences shooting with the lenses.
Canon ConversationsFollow Canon’s Cine Gear activities on Twitter at @CanonUSApro or on Instagram at @CanonUSAprovideo.Paramount Theater
Canon’s cinema cameras and lenses have had a substantial impact throughout TV and film since the company first entered the market in 2011. In this panel, leading cinematographers will discuss the Canon gear that they’ve used on their recent projects, and how it has helped them capture their vision.
Cine Gear attendees will also be able to learn more about Canon’s CarePAK PRO Accidental Damage Protection Plan, which covers professional cinema and video products. Canon CarePAK PRO offers coverage from accidental damage such as drops, spills and power surges, protecting customer investments from unforeseen repair costs and excessive downtime.
B&H carries Canon Sumire lenses.
5DayDeal has just launched a $10,000 prize giveaway. Signing up is simple — just do it now!
5DayDeal's next video education bundle, Complete Video Creators Bundle 2019, launches on June 6th. Stay tuned for the details!
Image quality, vignetting, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images Image quality test results have been added to the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens page.
While these image quality results may appear simple, they have a background. Keeping the story short, my first copy of this lens took forever to arrive and when it did, the performance was not as expected with damage sustained in transit being strongly suspected. The second lens also took a long time to acquire and the results being shared here are from this lens.
Before announcing these results, I did some sanity checking including with my Canon USA technical rep. My concern (always) is ensuring that this lens' performance is representative of what buyers should expect from their own lens. The MTF charts suggest that the version III lens should perform nearly equally to the version II lens. While I'm not absolutely 100% confident that a better copy of this lens is not available (and will likely test at least one more copy of this lens to be sure), I have enough confidence that this lens is representative of the model, showing what we should expect, to share these results.
That said, let's jump right into the comparison that most will be interested in, the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III vs. II Lens image quality comparison. The version III lens produces very impressive image quality wide open. My only cause for concern about this lens copy was that the version II lens is very slightly sharper in the center of the frame with the difference primarily noticeable when extenders are being used. With less lateral CA, the version III lens produces better peripheral image quality, even with the 2x extender in place.
Unmistakably better is the version III's weight. As I was creating this post, I grabbed the lens from my desk and ran to attempt to catch a pileated woodpecker on a tree just outside the studio. That effort reminded me how amazingly light this lens is for its specs.
Here is another relevant comparison: Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III vs. Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S FL ED VR Lens.
The hard-to-get Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens is available for order at B&H ("More on the Way" — coming soon) (save the tax, use the B&H Payboo card), on backorder at Adorama, "Temporarily out of stock" at Amazon, and available for preorder at WEX.
Want this lens in your hands tomorrow? Lensrentals has the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens available for rental.
Meredith Stotzner dives into the Layers Panel and shares her tips for making layer thumbnails easier to see in Photoshop.
B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.
Through midnight tonight Eastern Time, B&H has the IDX System Technology CUE-D150 147Wh V-Mount 2-Battery Kit with Dual-Battery Charger available for $449.00 with free shipping. Regularly $629.00.
Product Highlights
- 2 x 16.8V 147Wh Li-Ion V-Mount Batteries
- Dual-Bay, Fanless, Sequential Charger
- Supports up to 10A Draw
- 4-LED Power Gauge
- XLR DC Output on Charger
- D-Tap Output on Battery
See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals for excellent savings opportunities.
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Credentialed access to a 4 hour concert in a 15,000-seat indoor stadium seemed like the perfect opportunity to give the Canon EOS R and Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Lens a workout while the mostly high-energy performers also got a workout.
When photographing low light action, one historically had to choose between a moderately wide aperture (f/2.8) in a zoom lens and an ultra-wide aperture (f/1.4 for example) in a prime lens. With the RF 28-70, you can have both a wide aperture and a zoom focal length range. While some prime lenses still have the wide aperture advantage, the RF 28-70 f/2 L lens bridges the divide and, especially from an image quality perspective, is an outstanding option for low light needs including concert photography.
The spot lights happened to be on the singer (Ledger) in this image, allowing a very clean ISO 800 with a shutter speed adequate to stop most of the motion at f/2. Other images were captured at ISO settings as high as 6400 where the 1-stop advantage this zoom lens has over most other zooms makes a considerably bigger difference in image quality.
At concerts, the location of the action is often unpredictable and changing fast and that means focal length changes are required, ideally fitting for a zoom lens. Yes, some prime lenses could have given me another 1-stop lower ISO setting, but I would have minimally needed multiple cameras to cover the same range and often the performers were moving so fast that the shot would have been long gone by the time the cameras were swapped. Shooting wider and cropping later is an option, but lower resolution images are the result.
Also great for fast moving subjects was the R's touch and drag AF. With the left hand adjusting the focal length and the right thumb moving the focus point as needed for ideal framing, the EOS R was an ideal choice.
Every shoot teaches new lessons and here are a few concert photography tips from that night.
First, if photographing with a media pass, know without a doubt which gate you are supposed to enter through and be ready to politely ask for a additional opinions when the first person(s) thinks they know the different gate you are required to enter through. This saves walking half way around a stadium to the shipping and receiving area and waiting for a security guard to make a series of phone calls to figure out what you already knew and send you back to the other side of the stadium. If opting to ignore this advice, strongly consider arriving at least 1 hour early.
Also if photographing with a media pass, make sure that you have a signed copy of that pass (minimally on your phone) with you because the media reps for some reason may not have your name on the list. If offered a label with your name handwritten on it, request a lanyard because your camera strap is going to peel the label off within 10 minutes of your arrival, leaving you without the pass. Minimally attach the label to something that avoids the peel-off risk.
While your media pass may specify where you are supposed to photograph from, the media pass may not have been updated since the 360° stage was implemented. The specified locations may not exist and those working the show may have no clue about the topic or even how to get to the floor from the entrance level. Arrive early enough that if the instructions do not align with reality there is time to figure out where you are permitted to go without negatively impacting the show (it is probably not being performed for you).
Oh, if the tour is promoting a 360° stage, just get a ticket and leave the camera at home. Within seconds, the performer can be a basketball court distance away and even two cameras with complementing zoom lenses are not adequate. Compounding the problem is that you will have backs toward you for at least 270° of the stage.
I'll add these notes to the concert photography tips page.
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
ISO 800
4480 x 6720px
The Canon USA Store has the refurbished Canon EOS Rebel T7i with 18-55mm IS STM Lens on sale for $558.99 with free shipping. Compare at $699.00 new after $100 instant rebate.
Still need a graduation gift? This camera would make a great one.
Canon USA refurbished gear is like new and comes with an as-new warranty.
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In addition to the image quality test results, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images have been added to the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens page.
Again, more information about this lens is coming.
The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens from Lensrentals.
From the B&H YouTube Channel:
AB from B&H introduces a new series on recording audio for video, which is designed to give you all the tools you’ll need to properly record audio for your video projects. This intro gives a basic overview of topics that will be covered in detail in subsequent videos, from choosing the right mic and location to setting recording levels and fixing things in post. If you want a good, basic intro to gear, tips, and techniques, this first video is a great place to start.
B&H has everything you need to record great audio.
This bull had just lost a fight over a harem of cows and headed for the hills. His rack was larger than that of the opponent, but the opponent's body was larger and that is where the battle strength comes from.
Capturing this image was primarily a matter of repeatedly getting out in front of the bull and properly predicting where it would enter a clearing at the right distance for the big prime lens I was using. As you will notice from the camera settings for this image, it was quite dark when this image was captured. The pursuit started under cloudy weather that deteriorated into light rain.
I still have one opening remaining for the September elk in rut photo tour in Rocky Mountain National Park (or get on the 2020 waiting list). Consider joining a small group of photographers (all skill levels welcome) pursuing these awesome animals and other wildlife and landscape opportunities in this great park!
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
ISO 5000
4134 x 6202px
From the Adorama YouTube channel:
We often see beams of light created my nature but being at the right place at the right time when you're shooting portraits is tricky. So in this video Gavin Hoey will show you how to use flash to create rays of light on a location shoot, whenever you want them.
Using a single flash fired through a small window, Gavin adds smoke to the scene in order to see the real rays of light. He then adds a second flash to light his model and create a dark and moody urbex style portrait in a disused building.
Related Products
B&H has the Godox X2 2.4G Flash Triggers available for preorder.
The value of a good set of flash triggers is immense. These are very well priced for the features they offer.
Product Highlights
- Supports TTL, High-Speed Sync, Multiflash
- User Friendly Design
- Bluetooth Support
- Quick Lock Hotshoe
- Full to 1/256 power levels in 1/10 step adjustments
- Backlit Buttons
- Works with Canon E-TTL II, Nikon i-TTL, Sony TTL, Fujifilm Autoflash, Olympus TTL, Petax TTL
From Sigma:
SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports for CANON EF
This firmware corrects the phenomenon whereby it does not reflect the changes set by custom mode on SIGMA Optimization Pro.
For customers who own the SIGMA USB DOCK and applicable product listed below, please update the firmware via SIGMA Optimization Pro. Before updating the firmware using the SIGMA USB DOCK, please ensure to update SIGMA Optimization Pro to Ver.1.5.0 or later.
Benefit of the update
- It has corrected the phenomenon whereby it does not reflect the changes set by custom mode on SIGMA Optimization Pro.
SIGMA Optimization Pro Download page
SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 SA-E / EF-E
This firmware makes the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 compatible with the latest firmware of SIGMA interchangeable lenses, and improves the AF speed when it is used in combination with the SONY a9 or SONY a7 III and the SIGMA 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art.
For customers who own the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11, please update the firmware via SIGMA Optimization Pro by connecting it to a computer using the supplied USB Cable. Before updating the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 firmware, please ensure SIGMA Optimization Pro has been updated to Ver.1.5.0 or later.
Before attaching the updated SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 to the camera body, please remove the battery pack from the camera and put it back in again.
SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 SA-E
Benefit of the update
- It has improved the AF speed when it is used in combination with the SONY a9 or SONY a7 III and the SIGMA 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art for SIGMA.
* For customers who own the SONY a9, please update the firmware of the camera to Ver.5.00 or later.
SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 EF-E
Benefits of the update
- It has become compatible with the SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.01.
- It has improved the AF speed when it is used in combination with the SONY a9 or SONY a7 III and the SIGMA 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art for CANON EF mount.
* For customers who own the SONY a9, please update the firmware of the camera to Ver.5.00 or later.
SIGMA Optimization Pro Download page
SIGMA ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-630 for CANON and NIKON
This firmware makes the SIGMA ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-630 compatible with the full-frame mirrorless cameras released by Canon Inc. and Nikon Inc..
For customers who own the SIGMA FLASH USB DOCK FD-11 for CANON and NIKON and applicable products listed below, please update the firmware via SIGMA Optimization Pro.
SIGMA ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-630 for CANON
Benefits of the update
- It has become compatible with the EOS R and EOS RP mirrorless cameras.
* To update the firmware, the SIGMA FLASH USB DOCK FD-11 for CANON mount which is updated to Ver.1.01 is required.
SIGMA ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-630 for NIKON
Benefits of the update
- It has become compatible with the Z7 and Z6 mirrorless cameras.
- It has corrected the phenomenon whereby it shows overexposure on the slave side when it is used for wireless shooting.
* To update the firmware, the SIGMA FLASH USB DOCK FD-11 for NIKON mount which is updated to Ver.1.01 is required.
Before updating the SIGMA ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-630 firmware, please ensure SIGMA Optimization Pro has been updated to Ver.1.5.0 or later from the download page below. The firmware update will take approximately 3 minutes to complete.
Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens page.
You are going to be impressed with these results.
This is a unique lens. The product images show that this lens has a manual aperture ring denoted "T", for T-stops, showing the actual amount of light transmission. While this is technically an f/2.8 lens, the T-stop ring stops at f/5.6 and f/5.6 is the widest aperture selectable in-camera. The reason has to do with the STF (Smooth Trans Focus) feature including an optical apodization lens element. More information coming.
The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens from Lensrentals.
From Lastolite:
Upper Saddle River, NJ - MAY 21, 2019 - The Lastolite Panoramic Background is a collapsible 13’ (4m) wide, 7’5” (2.3m) high background that folds down neatly into its own carry case and fits easily into a car. Weighing only 19.8lb (9kg), it’s ideal for busy image-makers on the move. The background is completely self-supporting and can be set up in minutes. The structure comprises three individual aluminum framed sections, connected together with a hinge clip to allow the background to be set up flat to lean against a wall or with the side frames folded in to create a wraparound effect. The Chroma Key Blue cover simply clips to the aluminum frame and creates a taught, seamless surface.
The background is ideal for live stream and post-production keying projects. Its impressive 13' width creates enough working area for multiple camera angles and subjects. Although the brushed fabric is incredibly non-reflective, the height and width combined is enough to place the subject(s) at a good working distance from the background eliminating risk of any color spill from the Chroma Key Blue surface.
Whether you are shooting a single person, a larger group or even products, the Lastolite Panoramic Background offers ultimate versatility. The wider format allows the image-maker to introduce props and accommodate animated poses from the likes of dancers or athletes. The Chroma Key Blue now sits alongside the highly successful Chroma Key Green, Black, White, Granite and Limestone versions.
All models are available at select Authorized Lastolite Dealers.
B&H has the Panoramic Background 13' Chroma Key Blue available for preorder and the other Lastolite Panoramic Backgrounds in stock.
B&H has the following [quietly introduced] Lowepro products available for preorder with free expedited shipping:
Lowepro Photo Active BP Backpack Highlights
- Holds DSLR, Mirrorless, or Video Gear
- For Travel and Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Ripstop Nylon & High-Abrasion Polyester
- 3 Easy-Access Entry Points
- Top Compartment for Personal Gear
- Configurable QuickShelf Divider System
- CradleFit for Laptop/Tablet or Hydration
- Side Pockets for Bottle & Compact Tripod
- IP-6/7 Rated DryZone & AW Cover
- Ventilated ActivZone Back Panel
Apple announced new 13.3" and 15.4" MacBook Pro models today. B&H has an overview of the new systems here.
B&H is accepting preorders for the new Macs.
If you don't need the latest models, save up to $800 on the mid-2018 Macbook Pro models.
Via KickStarter, Peak Design has introduced a unique, ultra-compactable travel tripod.
From Peak Design:
Peak Design Unveils The Next Generation of Camera Tripods
New Travel Tripod Promises to Redefine Product Category for Years to Come
San Francisco, CA (May, 2019) – After multiple award-winning bag releases, Peak Design, the worldwide leader in crowdfunding and everyday carry solutions, is proud to disrupt yet another product category—the camera tripod. More than four years in the making, Peak Design’s newest release, Travel Tripod, is a ground-up reexamination of camera tripod design to produce the world’s most portable, packable, and easy-to-setup tripod for professionals and first-time tripod owners alike.
Peak Design directly addressed their biggest rub about traditional tripods: spatial inefficiency and unnecessary bulk. Peak Design’s goal was to eliminate the dead space within a tripod, an ever-present inefficiency that often doubles or triples the effective diameter of a packed tripod. Peak Design engineers reworked Travel Tripod’s legs and center column to nest perfectly together in order to achieve a total packed diameter of just 3.25 inches—roughly the diameter of a water bottle. The result is a tripod that deploys to 60 inches tall while taking up less than half the volume of its competitors.
“During my travels in 2008 I began wondering why on Earth my tripod was so big. The thing was full of negative space and knobs, and I felt like something designed for portability could do much better,” commented Peak Design CEO, Peter Dering. “I quickly realized that anything short of a complete design overhaul would fail to meet my criteria of the perfect travel tripod. It took years of development but the outcome is a camera tripod that seamlessly integrates into all aspects of travel and adventure.”
Travel Tripod is among the quickest-to-deploy and most intuitive to use tripods on the market. Peak Design developed a system of non-inverted legs that rapidly deploy along an aligned system of locking cam levers. With three swift hand movements, the legs can be fully extended and ready for action.
Peak Design also optimized the Travel Tripod ball head to operate more fluidly than traditional tripod heads while still prioritizing spatial efficiency. Travel Tripod eliminates bulky and confusing knobs with a single adjustment ring for simple and smooth 360-degree adjustment. Peak Design’s proprietary quick-release plate technology facilitates lightning-fast camera attachment—easily accommodating a full frame DSLR with telephoto lens—and is compatible with Peak Design carrying equipment and with Arca Swiss tripod dimensions. Furthermore, Travel Tripod’s ball head measures just 3.25 inches in diameter, keeping it aligned with the packed profile of the tripod’s legs for exceptionally compact carry.
In addition to a thorough rethinking of a tripod's architecture and user interface, carefully considered material choices and construction techniques provide the stability and vibration dampening demanded by avid photographers. A builtin universal phone mount, bubble-level, hook for counterweights, and included soft case round out a packed feature list that fans of Peak Design have come to expect.
Available both in carbon fiber and aluminum legs (MSRP: $599.95 // $349.95) the Travel Tripod will launch on KickStarter (peakdesign.com/ks) for a pre-sale discount beginning May 21, 2019. The tripod will then be available for purchase online at peakdesign.com and through major retailers in time for the 2019 holiday season.
In addition to Image quality test results, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images are now available on the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens page.
Note that the product images are cropped hard due to my choice to keep them in the smaller lens comparison format where this lens can be compared to the 100-400mm lens class and others.
The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens is in stock or coming soon at B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | WEX
Rent the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens from Lensrentals.
Watch as Julieanne Kost demonstrates three methods for altering specific colors in Photoshop CC.
B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.
Canon USA has posted information about the RF lens control ring click stop removal service being offered. Note that the price seems reasonable considering the significant disassembly required for this service.
From Canon USA:
What is the Control Ring's Clicking Sound Modification Service?
Canon’s control ring’s modification service offers RF lenses and Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R owners the opportunity to remove/reapply the control ring's clicking sound.
Why might this be needed?
The click action of the control ring allows the user to have a sense of how much it is being turned. However, if used during video shooting, the sound of the control ring operation may be recorded.
Pricing
| Model | Price* |
| RF Lenses | $79.99 |
| Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R | $59.99 |
*Tax and freight fee are NOT included *All pricing is subject to change
Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone: 1-800-OK-CANON (toll free) 1-800-652-2666
For additional support options: usa.canon.com/support
Just posted: Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Review.
Do you want an f/2.8 aperture and image stabilization in a full-frame ultra-wide-angle focal length lens? This lens and its predecessor are still your only options.
The Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens from Lensrentals.
In the recent On the Ledge at R. B. Ricketts Falls in Ricketts Glen State Park post, I mentioned that my camera rain cover failed, allowing the camera and lens to get wet. The link associated with the camera rain cover was to the LensCoat RainCoat review. That is the rain cover brand I should have been using, but not the one that failed. The inadequate rain cover was an inexpensive model I was evaluating. Sorry for any confusion!
The timing was perfect for a visit to Ricketts Glen State Park. The new beech tree leaves were coming out with their light spring green color looking great. It had rained a significant amount the prior day and the forecast was for rain all of this day.
Waterfalls, of course, thrive on rain, rain saturates the landscape, rain requires clouds and clouds ensure even lighting, and also helpful is that rain keeps the (smarter?) potential park visitors at home and out of images. On this day, I had the Falls Trails completely to myself until I was hiking out near dark.
Rain also makes photography a bit more challenging. I was wearing Gore-Tex clothing (boots, pants, and jacket) that kept me completely dry. At least dry until I overheated a bit while hiking up out of the canyon at a fast pace with quick-drying clothing resolving that problem quickly after I was back in the car. I carried a large umbrella to work under (awkward but very helpful) and had a microfiber cloth readily available to wipe water drops from the front of the lens. When shooting waterfalls, a microfiber cloth is often needed regardless of the rain situation. Note that nano-coated filters are easy to keep clean and easily worth their additional cost on days like these. The camera and lens were in an inexpensive rain cover that I was evaluating and that is now on the to-replace list as it was not "waterproof", leaving the camera and lens wet enough that a towel was needed (get a LensCoat RainCoat). This is an example of when weather sealing can save the day.
The Canon EOS 5Ds R and the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens were the only camera and lens that came out of my BackLight 26L on this day. It was the perfect combination for this image and all of the others I wanted. Also in the backpack was an EOS R and RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens. The BackLight's rear access meant that cameras could be swapped without setting the backpack down on the very wet ground and without taking the rain cover off.
I've mentioned that I rely on my tripod for personal support at times and this was one of those. Working up onto this ledge over wet rocks was not easy and a Really Right Stuff TVC-24L Carbon Fiber Tripod saved me from a serious fall when my footing broke loose. The ledge position meant that the lower tripod legs were planted rather far below me, making every inch of the "Long" length of this tripod very useful. Saving my images by cutting reflections and increasing saturation was a Breakthrough Photography circular polarizer filter. Had I forgotten this filter, I would probably have just turned around and gone home.
Overall, it was a great day in Ricketts Glenn SP. I'll likely be sharing more of the images captured on this day at some point.
With 24 named waterfalls, including some of the most photogenic falls around, Ricketts Glen State Park is waterfall photography heaven. I spent over 45 minutes capturing a variety of compositions of this falls alone and finally forced myself to move on, leaving some options for another day. If you are interested in photographing with me here, I need to know. This will likely be the destination for an upcoming waterfall photography workshop!
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
ISO 100
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- In Today's B&H Deal Zone: Hoya 72mm NXT Plus Circular Polarizer Filters – Save Up to $70.00
- Father's Day Instant Savings from Sigma and Tamron
- Browse the Father's Day Deals and Gift Ideas at B&H
- Just Announced: Airpeak S1 Professional Drone
- Used Canon EOS-1D X Mark III at B&H – Only $5,328.95 (Save $1,170.00)
- In Today's B&H Deal Zone: Sony 64GB CFast 2.0 G Series Memory Card (2-Pack) with USB 3.0 Card Reader – Only $199.99 (Save $100.00)
- Canon Announces New Firmware Coming
- Again, Act Fast: B&H has a 10-Rated Used Sony Alpha a1 Camera In Stock for Only $5,847.95, Used Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens, Many More Sony Lenses.
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