Equipment etc:
Canon EF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens:
I remember, not all that long ago, "Canon UK" announced that they where manufacturing a new lens, an 800mm F5.6 lens complete with image stabalizing, At the time of the announcement all the questions started flying around like HOW BIG? HOW HEAVY? and of course, HOW MUCH??. Well it's here, complete and available, a short while ago a freind rang me to say "I''ve GOT IT" and immediately we arranged to go out and put it through its paces.
Now Available
What Type of Camera:
I am often asked "what type of camera should I buy and how much should I spend"? Irrespective of whether the person buying the camera is a first time or simply upgrading. My immediate response is, it all depends upon three questions, which only the buyer can answer. One being what does the buyer want to use and achieve from the camera, secondly what facilities do you want the camera to have and finally, what budget has the buyer got available? Come up with the answer to these three points and you should have the make and model spelt out for you!!! In the actual article we go into more depth and detail about the questions.
Portable Storage Devices:
The question of a portable storage device to some photographers may never arise, however to others, this can be a very important piece of your camera kit, especially those of you who go away for long periods of time, or on photographic expeditions or holidays. There are may devices available, all makes, shapes and sizes, here are the names of just a few of the major manufacturers, Flashtrax, Jobo, Canon and Epson and naturally the prices compare to size of the memory of the device.
Archival Storage Devices:
The subject of archival storage is one topic which is guaranteed to crop up sooner or later in a photographers life, especially when the photographer is working entirely in the digital domain. Archival storage is used by both the amateur and professional photographer alike, and is not targeted exclusively at old images, but for storing all your data, past, present and future, securely and safely at realistic prices.
The methods most commonly used in both domestic and commercial environments are recordable CDs and DVDs, internal hard drives, external hard drives, or more recently introduce, the facility to store your data with third party companies via the internet. We will be looking at all of these methods and giving you our opinions. Obviously some of these are more expensive than others, however don't forget the old saying, "the cheapest may sometimes be the most expensive"!!! Think before you take the plunge and buy.
Electronic Spirit Level:
Many snappers will have a minature clip-on spirit level in their camera bags, especially those of you who enjoy or specialise in taking architectural, land and seacape pictures. Could it be that the tradional spirit level which pushes onto the "hotshoe" of a camera is about to be made redundant? Well the possible oposition may be here, it is most certainly more accurate.
The oposition is called the "Action Level" which is manufactured by "Seculine" and distributed by one of the UKs largest photographic distributors called "Intro 2020 Ltd". The new device also slips onto the hotshoe and in turn connects to the cameras electronic circuitry. Is this device a must for your bag, especially when you consider how many of us use a software package with the appropriate horizon corrections at the click of a button.
Cable & Infra-Red Remote Controls:
Depending what type of photography you are working on at the time, to have the assistance of a remote triggering system can be just like having a second photographer with you to capture that all important shot. This method can be extremely helpful when photographing in wildlife. The majority of camera bodies, especially DSLR's now have an inbuilt socket to connect an external remote triggering system, such as a short cable with a press button switch or a fully automated infra red firing system.
The advantage when using a remote control system, is that this method of firing your camera will help to reduce any camera shake to a minimum. If you are using the correctly recommended remote for your camera, the device will not interfere with any other functions. The functions transferred to the remote are usually kept to an absolute minimum, therefore you will need to preset your camera and lens before leaving it ready for firing.
Canon Anglefinder "C":
The "Canon Anglefinder C" is a great little piece of extra kit, especially if you are involved in "macro" or low level photography. To attach the anglefinder to your camera, you simply remove the rubber eyecup (but make sure you put it somewhere safe!!) and replace it with your anglefinder which slides directly on to the moulding of the eye viewer and locks. It is possible to rotate the viewer throughout 360 degrees and is very useful in low angle photography. One great advantage of the "C" model as opposed to the "B" model is that the "anglefinder C" offers a magnification switch control, which switches from 1.25x (full size) to 2.5x (centre of the image). There is also included in this package, adaptors to fit every Canon Eos camera eyepiece.
Essential Tools:
Essential tools I hear you say? No this is not a article on DIY! In my experience it can be life-saving, well perhaps more picture saving to have a small collection of tools, gadgets and gizmo's with you, especially when your photography takes you out and about and into the middle of nowhere. If your photography is generally based in your studio or house, then nine times out of ten you will have access to everything you will ever need and more besides. At all times I have an assortment of extras with me, which in general will always get me out of that jam and possibly save the day!
DSLR Sensor & Lens Cleaners:
The image sensor is housed within your camera and in my opinion is without question the most important and precious piece of equipment in the whole of your photographic kit. Taking care of this component and lens glasses will improve the finished quality of your images and reduce the de-spotting time spent on your computer at a later date. To deal with the question of regular maintainence the following are all rather obvious, but I do feel that they are certainly worth a quick mention.
There are various ways to go about this very important process, hence the reason why there are numerous pieces of equipment to fulfil your needs. All of these are commonly available from major equipment suppliers and this is exactly what we will be featuring.
Better Beamer Flash X-tender:
The "Better Beamer Flash X-tender" is a very simple but effective piece of equipment for those of you using a lens with a greater focal length of 300mm. It will cope adequately upto and in some cases, in excess of 600mm. This device concentrates the emitted light through a precision "Fresnel" plastic lens. This article will also include snippets of safety advice which may help saving the distruction of one of your camera bodies or lens's, which could prove to be very expensive!! These units are currently being made to fit the majority of all the major flash gun manufacturers: Canon, Nikon, Minolta, Metz, and Sigma.