Canon 7D

Canon 7D... get in line for yours today, from the sounds of it the camera will be worth lining up for.

Here it is on Canon's site.

Enjoy

12 Words Not to Say in the Office

I came across this article on YAHOO and thought I would share it.

Doing what I do I get to hear people use these words/phrases, trying to sound "in the know," all of the time. In some situations feel free to use these terms; but know that you are living "back in the day" :)

Make the jump as the article is worth the read "12 Words You Can Never Say in the Office"

Wimberley Head vs. The Sidekick

I thought this was interesting.

I have long loved my Sidekick; but with a 500 on the way I was about to order another tripod and a Wimberley Head.

Put a video head on my Induro 413
Put my Kirk King Cobra on my Ground Pod (with L adapter)
Put the Wimberley Head on my Gitzo 3540XLS
Put my Arca-Swis Z1SPc and Sidekick on a new series 2 Gitzo

I may still do that.

I have used a 400/500/600 on the Sidekick many times with no issue; but keep thinking about one of these.
To make this work I need to be on a ball head or a gimbal head similar to the Wimberley Head that mounts a lens via the bottom (not the side).

Oh well I just thought I would share the FAQ answer about the differences in the Wimberley Head vs. The Sidekick from the horses mouth.

Update...

I wanted to give everyone an update.

The 300/2.8L IS is SOLD (I hope it is as great for you as it was for me David... Enjoy).
The 70-200/4.0L is still on the market. Let me know if you are interested.


I got the 50D and grip back from Canon today (I think yesterday actually). They fixed and cleaned both and gave the both a clean bill of health. I guess that is good because when Canon comes out with the 60D and I get my hands on one both of those pieces will be for sale.

CPS did a great job fixing and getting my gear back to me. I only shipped it out ground on Tuesday night. Canon in California got the package on Friday, and I had everything fixed and back on Tuesday. Great work CPS... If you qualify and are not a member you should be.

For Sale: Canon 70-200/4.0L (non IS)

Canon lists price at $970
Best Buy lists price at $789.99 (after -$40 instant rebate)
B&H lists the US versions for $599 (after -$40 instant rebate)

The 70-200 comes with hood, both caps, and soft pouch/case.
The 70-200/4.0 has a date code of UT1212 (December, 2005)

US version in excellent condition, and is of the best quality.
IMAGES ARE HERE

I am more than open to fair offers.
The "buy it now" price (if you will) includes Fed-Ex insured ground shipping, if it is needed.

70-200/4.0L (non-IS) $505.00

As for payment I will take PayPal; but you will be paying the fees. I am open to your preferences.

Billings Area, July 30th

PHOTOS ONLINE

Another morning trip north of Billings to the Molt area.

To be truthful I only went out to try to shoot Common Nighthawks; but due to the cold (37 degree) temps the bugs were not out, and neither were they.

So I kept driving and did my usual route when the sun rose.

Enjoy

Yellowstone, August 1st - 2nd

PHOTOS ONLINE

The flowers are still going strong, thinner this year than last.
The bears are into summer patterns.
The Elk and Mule Deer are getting nice racks and are still easy to find in their bachelor groups.

The short two day trip was a nice break from Billings. I wanted to give the flowers one last try; but because they were a bit thin I did not shoot flowers as a primary subject, however they make a great addition to photographing other animals. Oh well... next year

I had a 50D break on top of the Beartooth Pass. Under a year and the lens mount quit locking down. Back to Canon tomorrow and it should be back up and running soon enough to get another trip or two before the 60D comes. That is why I always bring a trusty 20D along when I head out shooting. I wish I had just brought one of my other 40/50D's

There was a bachelor group of about a dozen Mule Deer bucks three of them were quite nice all hanging out in the Elk creek area.

Everything else seemed fairly on par to last year.

I can not wait for fall to come.


As for the Cougar, it was shot in the northern part of the park between Mammoth and Tower. I saw it while driving, stopped in a pullout as quickly as possible, and snapped a few photographs before it disappeared into the trees. I was so glad that I had the the 5DII with 300/2.8L IS + 1.4TC II ready to go at ISO800 and set to f/4.0 the shutter speed was only 1/125th. The entire thing happened in a matter of seconds. I will say that those who do not drive with a camera handy will miss their chance at those brief glimpses of rare YNP specials.

Enjoy