My photography, both work and scenic

[rbtree]

So, I've recently gotten a new camera, and another is in the works within a coupla months.

Though I'm still shooting with the workhorse Canon 1D Mk ll, which represented a near quantum leap in digital photographic technology when it was introduced. (Most working pro sports shooters bought two) The 1D cameras are heavy and expensive, but they spare no expense in offering near photographic perfection--at least as of their release date. However, the latest mid line cameras from Canon and Nikon are every bit as good in many ways, are lighter, and cost 1/4 to 1/2 as much.

So, my new camera is the 5D Mkll, which has a full frame 21 megapixel sensor, and was the first SLR to offer full 1080P HD video. Full frame means no crop factor, so my wide angle lenses can be used to their full effect, something I haven't been able to enjoy since my old pro film EOS 1N was stolen.

The IQ, or image quality, of the 5D is nearly identical (better in some ways) to the 1D Mklll S, which was listed at $7200 when the $2700 5D was introduced about 18 months ago (or 30, I'd have to look that up) As as result of the 5D's success, Canon had to lower the full pro camera's list price by about $1000.

My next camera, will be the 18 megapixel 7D, which lists at about $1700. It has a smaller sensor with a crop factor of 1.6, which means lens like my 300 f/2.8 now take photos like a 480 mm lens, on that body. It's auto focus system is new and improved, and is amazingly good, I'm told. (OF course the brand new 1D MklV, at $5000, is even better.) The 7D also shoots at 8 frames per second, so it's perfect for sports-----or zip lining big wood. HA!

Both cameras are being used by many pro photographers. And both of them will set me back several hundred dollars less than would the 1D Mk lV.

 

[rbtree]

These are from the second day the camera was in my excited hands.

Feather floating on murky H2O.

Mt Baker, from Edmonds Harbor

 

[rbtree]

This was shot with my 24-70 f/2.8 L

Then, just last Saturday, I bought my first ever full macro lens, the recently released Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro IS. It provides up to 4 stops of image stabilization, a first for a macro lens, and is reportedly the sharpest Canon lens, which is saying a lot! I'm in heaven!

I think this is the same blob of mosses, as the first image, but shot from the other side. (The tree is a crabapple in my front yard.

Spring is 4-6 weeks early here. This is a rare Japanese maple, that is leafing out, weeks ahead of most all other maples.

All the shots I've done so far with the macro, which is capable of shooting lifesize images, or 1-1, or a minimum of 36x24mm...... are handheld. Had I used a tripod, the image sharpness would be even better. I surely will, but I do like the ability to easily move around, that shooting free gives.

This set is dedicated to the 5D and the macro lens, and will keep updating as I add images to it. I shot some great ones Thursday that aren't there yet.

100Macro IS images - a set on Flickr

 

[rbtree]

A never butchered platanus

Just across the street...ugghhh....there's little reason for euro style whacking/pollarding in the PNW, where most yards are reasonably sizable.

A spacey Needle.....?

"The" Mountain !!

 

[rbtree]

Pastoral at Pine Lake (which is fir lined, but has few pines--I've seen none....)

Earlier in the day, some fast melting ice...that only briefly had formed overnight

 

[rbtree]

Quack

Cheep (shot with the old 1D---it's better for long shots)

Woof:

 

[rbtree]

Another of that grand (but young) platanus

Wide angle lens are a must for the cool perspective they offer, especially when shooting up into a tree. This was with my 17-40 f/4 L. Eventually, I'll get a 14 mm that has some fisheye effect...but costs about $1400......(That awesome macro lens was $1000...nearly double the non IS old model...ouch....)

Crocus

 

[rbtree]

This cool old maple, 21 feet around, was big when my clients moved in 56 years ago. Sadly, they were recently taken to the cleaners by some unscrupulous hacks who cut off some of the dead wood, took four pickup loads to the dump, and charged them nearly $1400. We removed it, as it is declining and presented some hazard, but only for $2200, as it's quite easy, versus another bid of $3800. We will salvage the lower wood for my craftsmen, and can get that craned for no charge. We'll leave the bottom 6 feet or so in memory.
Old declining Haller Lake Maple - a set on Flickr
We also made TV news. The 2 minute clip isn't on the website. I hope I can get it from the station. This link is to two stories....the first was a major snafu, done by a friend of mine, who should have known better
Search - KCPQ

 

[rbtree]

The tree was really quite easy. Cowboy Dave had it brushed out in two hours!!

No comments on the one handing. Neither he nor I will ever stop doing it. We have no time or patience to comply with nonsense regulations.

But we shoulda scoured up a helmet for the Q13 cameraman....and warned him to watch out for kickback. He'd ask Brian to do an upcut, and blow chips toward the lens.

 

[rbtree]

Eric of Go Green Design is salivating over getting to use the wood from this tree, once it's cured for a year or more. Check out his site. His slab art furniture is top notch!

I finally gave the camera away, and picked up a saw... The job was so easy, that three groundies was plenty, so I was able to shoot nearly 16 gigs worth of photos and video, which is HD. I have to build a new computer in order to edit it, even view it properly...and my puter isn't all that bad...

 

[forestryworks]

great pictures

 

[Mike Cantolina]

Awesome!

 

[ric5141]

Beautiful work!!!

 

[Paul Turner]

Nice photos. Thank you for posting.