Tested a Canon 100-400L today..........not too bad.
John,
I'm working on directions as I type, it looks like it is in Augusta off of I-520. This may be longer than some will want to travel.........I'm game though. This series of ponds received the same rating as E L Huie in the book "Birding Georgia" by Giff Beaton(page 122)
Two locations of interest, both of which will require longer than normal travel time, in other words 'all day trip'.
Callaway Gardens and the Watershed located in Augusta. The watershed is free and I have a membership to Callaway(5 guest included). I'll be busy most of the day Saturday, so I'll catch up in the evening.
I would love to go on either of these but already have plans for Sunday. I have a brother in Augusta but don't know anything about the Merry Brothers Brickyard Ponds. Sound interesting.
Gary - excellent shots of the Rollers. Glad to see you got the 100-400mm IS. It will be great for Africa. You will see some of these birds in the wild in Kenya.
Grant: Sorry you can't join in on the Sunday shoot....we'll miss having you along. About the MkII...basically, I let Gary convince me that my bag was too empty, and my bank account was too full. Now I need a larger bag.....*and*, I need to pass the hat among all of you, as my credit card bill is due any day now...
Unfortunately Greg...my dad...is being selfish and only buying stuff for himself!!! I'm a poor college student trying to go pro and he's a dentist who is doing photography for fun....see something odd here...hehe. Luckily for me, daddy lets me use his equipment so I'm greatful that he's decided to buy all this new stuff!!!! Love you dad!
Fortunately we can use CC's and pay by the month but you may end up like me on the bag part. I have two and they are both full plus the big glass goes in a rolling backpack. You will love the MkII though, great for flight shots and staying on focus. The 45 pt autofocus points make it much easier to pick out a bird or animal in tight surroundings as you can almost pinpoint focus. Whille I really do love my 20D it is not nearly as good at these particular things. Get prepared because next up is the 500mm f4.0 IS.
Went by to see my mother this evening and because she grew up in Jonesboro I mentioned going to E L Huie watershed. I found out that E. L (Ed) Huie was one of her boyfriends in high school. She is 86 so I assume Ed is about the same. She said he had been involved with Jonesboro's water system for many years but didn't know there was anything named after him. Small World.
Get some good ones tomorrow so you can post them and make me feel bad about missing the shoot.
Hi Guys...Guess I have some catching up to do!!!
Greg-Sweet!!! You are going to love all your new stuff! Congrats!
Grant-Looks like you found some great birds at Huie...what an interesting story about Ole Mr Huie!
Gary-Looks like that lens may be just what you need for Africa...I'm still holding out and hoping I'll fit in your suitcase!
Brittknee-Just be glad someone in your family shares your interest! I showed my Dad a silhouette against a beautiful sunset that I was really proud of. He said,"You can't even tell who that is in the picture!" Oh well.
Hi Guys...Guess I have some catching up to do!!!
Greg-Sweet!!! You are going to love all your new stuff! Congrats!
Grant-Looks like you found some great birds at Huie...what an interesting story about Ole Mr Huie!
Gary-Looks like that lens may be just what you need for Africa...I'm still holding out and hoping I'll fit in your suitcase!
Brittknee-Just be glad someone in your family shares your interest! I showed my Dad a silhouette against a beautiful sunset that I was really proud of. He said,"You can't even tell who that is in the picture!" Oh well.
Sorry I missed the shoot this weekend. We were up in New York state this weekend. The leaves were amazing up there. We lucked out and really hit it at peak. I did take loads of photos that I need to sort through...and I'll post soon.
You guys should have a great trip to the Smokies this weekend. Look forward to hearing reports on this weekend and next!
Sunday was a success......I'm starting to get into the macro.
John, Greg and myself met for an early breakfast, some earlier than others! From there we headed for Callaway Gardens, where Tracey met up with us. Between the bird show, butterfly house and more consumption of food, it made for long and rewarding outing.
Hi guys! I had a great time! Thanks!
Gary...The photos look great. I thought the macro stuff was a lot of fun, too!
I can't wait to see shots from the resident sandbagger and bracket hound!
Hope you are all well!
BTW, I talked to Chuck and we can't get to Townsend until Thursday evening.
Here are a few of mine from yesterday...Let me know what you think I can do better... Thanks! http://traceylong.smugmug.com/gallery/928995/1/42495039
Bracket hound? Ouch! Here's a few of mine. Callaway was a great outing. Not only a chance to try out macro, but also some terrific birds. I learn a lot everytime we get together.
What an incredibly rewarding day Sunday was!.....The weather couldn't have been more pleasant, nor Callaway more inviting.....Great association with each other all day long. I feel like I came away the big winner, 'tho....since I learned that all important first step in Macro Ring Flash photography...(engaging the unit in the hot shoe completely)....
Hey! ALL your images look excellent.....but, not as impressive as *mine*! ..... Errrrr, WAIT a minute....*My* role is "sandbagger"......
Uhhhhh, Restart: Hey! ALL your images look excellent.....and, you guys gotta remember that I was shootin' with *totally* new/unfamiliar equipment on Sunday.... It's a wonder I came back with *any* images at all....hehe.
Seriously....besides the macro shots, I tried static and flight shots of all the birds. Here's the results for the hawk and the owl: (These are all cropped at between 65% and 75%....I think I'm pleased with my new toys...errrr, tools.)
so I'm greatful that he's decided to buy all this new stuff!!!! Love you dad!