p.16 #4 · Canon video thread for hybrid shooters...
dj63401 wrote:
This Bald Eagle had quite a journey after catching a fish and making its way to a far away tree. Several eagles tried to steal the fish, and many chased it. If you watch from 1 1/2 minutes on, you will get to see the hundreds of other Bald Eagles in the trees along the Illinois shore. Just when you think you have seen them all, there are more and more! I was there and took the video and was surprised when processing it how many there actually were. The Mississippi River is 2000 feet wide here, and the Eagle is maybe 1500 feet away when it catches the big fish. Then it gets further as it makes it way to a very tall tree further away. The frozen river limited open water for the eagles to fish. Below Lock and Dam 21 at Quincy, Illinois on Jan 20, 2025. Extreme temperature had a lot of thermal interference and distance effecting the quality of the video. Actual flight time is about 53 seconds, but slowed to one fourth speed, makes the video 3 1/2 minutes. Canon R5 MKII RF200-800 4k 120 fps Davinci Resolve.
This is absolutely crazy how many Bald Eagles are there in one tight location. As aggressive with they are with each other, they would probably take a drone down in a matter of seconds.
p.16 #5 · Canon video thread for hybrid shooters...
artsupreme wrote:
This is absolutely crazy how many Bald Eagles are there in one tight location. As aggressive with they are with each other, they would probably take a drone down in a matter of seconds.
It is crazy how many there can be for only a few days, some, not every winter in my part of the world.
My feelings about drones and wildlife are wildlife should be given a very wide berth if entering their space.
I photograph eagles nests every spring, and I stay a good distance away. It is somewhat easy to do this as they build them in the taller trees, away from people, and almost all of them I could not get closer if I wanted to. 800mm plus 1.4X is focal length usually and I would like more.
p.16 #6 · Canon video thread for hybrid shooters...
Drone ownership feasibility in the Ottawa area - not promising
I've been doing some research over the last few days about the feasibly of getting a drone to compliment my wildlife videography here in the Ottawa area. Unfortunately, it doesn't look good. The single biggest obstacle is that virtually all the places that I've been going to over the last 15 years for doing wildlife photography and now videography strictly prohibit the use of drones.
One of my long-time photography buddies bought a DJI mini 3 Pro two years ago and he told me the other day that he's hardly used it at all because in his words, "there's almost nowhere to fly it." All the Ontario provincial also prohibit drones except by special permit which are a major pain in the neck to acquire.
Given my modest hobby budget, it looks like buying a drone is simply not a good move for me.
I'm looking at the possibility of a DJI RS4 gimbal instead in order to inject a little more pizzaz into my videos. (I think I'm showing some signs of cabin fever with the winter dragging on... lol)
p.16 #7 · Canon video thread for hybrid shooters...
Rudy Pohl wrote:
Drone ownership feasibility in the Ottawa area - not promising
I've been doing some research over the last few days about the feasibly of getting a drone to compliment my wildlife videography here in the Ottawa area. Unfortunately, it doesn't look good. The single biggest obstacle is that virtually all the places that I've been going to over the last 15 years for doing wildlife photography and now videography strictly prohibit the use of drones.
One of my long-time photography buddies bought a DJI mini 3 Pro two years ago and he told me the other day that he's hardly used it at all because in his words, "there's almost nowhere to fly it." All the Ontario provincial also prohibit drones except by special permit which are a major pain in the neck to acquire.
Given my modest hobby budget, it looks like buying a drone is simply not a good move for me.
I'm looking at the possibility of a DJI RS4 gimbal instead in order to inject a little more pizzaz into my videos. (I think I'm showing some signs of cabin fever with the winter dragging on... lol)
What exactly are you finding that “strictly prohibits” the use of drones? I’m seeing tons of drone footage from Ottawa on YouTube. There are a lot of areas that “prohibit” drones but people still fly daily without issues. Drones are strictly prohibited in Kenya too but I still fly all over the Country and the locals love it when I give them my remote, even the rangers.
99% of the time no one will even know your drone is in the air unless they see you launch or land it. And even then who will enforce it? I don’t believe there is any restricted airspace that would prevent you from flying out in the sticks.
Unless there’s some serious restriction like a military base, airport, or government building I say make your buddy a nice offer on his Mini 3 pro and go fly. Are there even other people around when you are out filming birds?
p.16 #8 · Canon video thread for hybrid shooters...
Rudy Pohl wrote:
Drone ownership feasibility in the Ottawa area - not promising
I've been doing some research over the last few days about the feasibly of getting a drone to compliment my wildlife videography here in the Ottawa area. Unfortunately, it doesn't look good. The single biggest obstacle is that virtually all the places that I've been going to over the last 15 years for doing wildlife photography and now videography strictly prohibit the use of drones.
One of my long-time photography buddies bought a DJI mini 3 Pro two years ago and he told me the other day that he's hardly used it at all because in his words, "there's almost nowhere to fly it." All the Ontario provincial also prohibit drones except by special permit which are a major pain in the neck to acquire.
Given my modest hobby budget, it looks like buying a drone is simply not a good move for me.
I'm looking at the possibility of a DJI RS4 gimbal instead in order to inject a little more pizzaz into my videos. (I think I'm showing some signs of cabin fever with the winter dragging on... lol)
A quick search and all the restrictions are not applicable to the mini series. The mini series weighs less than 250g so you are fine. No drone pilot license needed and no registration needed. This is the beauty of the mini series.
Who can fly
You need a drone pilot licence to fly drones that weigh 250 grams (g) up to and including 25 kilograms (kg).
You need to be 14 years old to get a basic licence and 16 years old to get an advanced licence. Children younger than 14 must be supervised by someone with a licence. This includes clubs, camps and other youth groups.
p.16 #9 · Canon video thread for hybrid shooters...
artsupreme wrote:
Rudy,
A quick search and all the restrictions are not applicable to the mini series. The mini series weighs less than 250g so you are fine. No drone pilot license needed and no registration needed. This is the beauty of the mini series.
Who can fly
You need a drone pilot licence to fly drones that weigh 250 grams (g) up to and including 25 kilograms (kg).
You need to be 14 years old to get a basic licence and 16 years old to get an advanced licence. Children younger than 14 must be supervised by someone with a licence. This includes clubs, camps and other youth groups. ...Show more →
Brett,
Thanks for the help with this, but the sad reality is that Ottawa, being the nation's capital is a bit of an odd duck - it's super-highly regulated. Almost all the green space within the city limits, which is enormous, on both sides of the Ottawa River, both in Ontario and Quebec is managed by the NCC - the National Capital Commission. As well, the huge green space outside and surrounding the city is called the Greenbelt and is also managed by the NCC - absolutely no drones permitted, regardless of size. My friend's been checking it out for the last 2 years and he said that the very few places that allow drones at all is only with special permits which are a pain in the touché to get when you can even get them. Just not worth all the hassle.
But wait, there's more bad news. The whole Ottawa region is built on an ancient huge flat seabed called the Champlain Sea. There are zero hills, zero mountains, just endless flat-as-a-pancake farmland, which is great for farming, but not so great for landscape photography. I know, I tried to make a go of it for 2 years just to capture the special beauty of where I live, but let me tell you, it's definitely not a drone destination.
And lastly, although my wife and have travelled extensively and have lived and worked in several places in Canada, the Middle-East and Africa, we no longer travel for health reasons (my wife) and so I would likely never go to a place where I could do some good drone videos.
All in all, I'm not encouraged and feel that if I did this I'd be in for a big disappointment and even greater frustration. I'd rather spend the videography budget money on something else.
p.16 #10 · Canon video thread for hybrid shooters...
Rudy Pohl wrote:
Brett,
Thanks for the help with this, but the sad reality is that Ottawa, being the nation's capital is a bit of an odd duck - it's super-highly regulated. Almost all the green space within the city limits, which is enormous, on both sides of the Ottawa River, both in Ontario and Quebec is managed by the NCC - the National Capital Commission. As well, the huge green space outside and surrounding the city is called the Greenbelt and is also managed by the NCC - absolutely no drones permitted, regardless of size. My friend's been checking it out for the last 2 years and he said that the very few places that allow drones at all is only with special permits which are a pain in the touché to get when you can even get them. Just no worth all the hassle.
But wait, there's more bad news. The whole Ottawa region is built on an ancient huge flat seabed called the Champlain Sea. There are zero hills, zero mountains, just endless flat-as-a-pancake farmland, which is great for farming, but not so great for landscape photography. I know, I tried to make a go of it for 2 years just to capture the special beauty of where I live, but let me tell you, it's definitely not a drone destination.
All in all, I'm not encouraged and feel that if I did this I'd be in for a big disappointment and even greater frustration. I'd rather spend the money on something else.
I understand but if it was me I would likely be flying as long as I know what the penalty is. You can be pretty stealth when flying and as long as you are responsible you shouldn't have issues. The speed limit here is 55mph and 100% of people drive over that limit and risk getting a speeding ticket, so if I'm in Ottawa it would depend on how remote I am and what the fine/ticket would be for flying. Based on my years of experience with flying, you likely wouldn't have an issue if you are being responsible as people don't even know the drone is in the air in non-restricted airspace. The minis are tiny and do not make much noise. The biggest risk up there would probably be having an eagle or other aggressive bird take it down. I've had some pucker moments trying to fly away from aggressive fish eagles over water.
But yeah, flat terrain and the potential cost of a ticket/fine might not be worth the risk/reward for you up there.
p.16 #11 · Canon video thread for hybrid shooters...
artsupreme wrote:
I understand ....
But yeah, flat terrain and the potential cost of a ticket/fine might not be worth the risk/reward for you up there.
Yep, exactly. We also need to include DJI Care repair insurance and repair costs in the risk/reward equation.
On the other hand I can operate a gimbal in all those locations which I love to spend time at and I can do a lot of creative stuff with it. Back in the day, about 15 years ago, when my wife and I did commercial videos for some of our clients in our digital design business I got good use out of my Steady Cam with some cool results. I'm seriously looking into getting a DJI RS4 - gimbals have come a long way in 15 years.
p.16 #12 · Canon video thread for hybrid shooters...
Variable ND filter recommendations?
I need a VND that's will do a good job over a range of 4-5 stops on both the RF50 f1.8 and the RF100-500. I plan to buy a 77mm ND to screw onto the RF100-500 and use step-down rings to use it on the RF50 f1.8.
Which brand of ND filter do you recommend and why? Which should I avoid?
I need a VND that's will do a good job over a range of 4-5 stops on both the RF50 f1.8 and the RF100-500. I plan to buy a 77mm ND to screw onto the RF100-500 and use step-down rings to use it on the RF50 f1.8.
Which brand of ND filter do you recommend and why? Which should I avoid?
Thanks,
Rudy
I have a couple of these "budget" VND filters from JJC and they've worked well.
They successfully keep color shifts to a minimum and avoid the infamous X pattern that a lot of VNDs tend to produce (even expensive ones). I like that they include an additional magnetic ND filter that you can easily attach for more aggressive light reduction (10 stops total) or detach as needed. Also includes its own lens cap and case, which is a nice bonus.
The variable ND part of it is continuous so it can sometimes be subject to accidental adjustments when handling. I guess that's the only caveat - but that applies to most VND filters anyway.
I need a VND that's will do a good job over a range of 4-5 stops on both the RF50 f1.8 and the RF100-500. I plan to buy a 77mm ND to screw onto the RF100-500 and use step-down rings to use it on the RF50 f1.8.
Which brand of ND filter do you recommend and why? Which should I avoid?
Thanks,
Rudy
I'm sure there are many options that work, but I use the Nisi true color ND's. I shoot large apertures so I bought the kit that stacks onto this which gives you up to 9 stops:
The only reason I went with this was that there were several positive online reviews from established sites/vloggers which compared this with other VND systems which demonstrated that the NISI was among the best in terms of least impact to image quality (including least amount of color shift) so out of an abundance of caution I just went with this one.
I am not familiar with n8rv's recommendation, nor was it included in any of the comparison reviews when I did my research, so it's very possible that his product may perform just as well for a fraction of the cost.
p.16 #16 · Canon video thread for hybrid shooters...
Just like Carlo_M and artsupreme, I've seen a lot of positive chatter around the NISI filters. I'm sure you can't go wrong with those.
I decided to go "cheap" first with the JJC brand as their VND had really positive reviews, I've used some of their accessories before, and it's typically felt like they're on par with other, more expensive brands (interestingly there's a lot of overlap between their product line and NISI's hmmmm...).
Worst case scenario, if the JJC wasn't cutting it I could always send it back to Amazon for a refund and then buy the NISI. Fortunately the JJC worked great and I was happy to hold on to it. Time will tell about its durability.
The vast majority of the shots on this post and this post are using the JJC VND.
p.16 #17 · Canon video thread for hybrid shooters...
Regarding VNDs....
Dave (dj63401) and I have been active members of an excellent multi-brand video forum (Nikon, Canon and Sony) for the last 2-3 years which has a number experienced pros and amateurs participating which you might want to check out - ( https://bcgforums.com/forums/video-discussion-presentation.23/ ). It's hosted and run by Steve Perry a long time and well known Nikon ambassador who I have followed for many years during my lengthy time in the Nikon world.
This morning I posted my question about VNDs on that forum as well as posting it here. One of the pros who responded said that he's had very good results with the NiSi True Color VNDs, which is also what artsupreme has found. Of course, the Freewell filters were also recommended among others.
I use only 3 lenses for my wildlife videos (that's all I own for now), the RF200-800, Rf100-500 and the RF50/1.8 which I use for all my establishing shots. The suggested strategy is that I buy the Nisi 95mm VND and use stepping rings on the other 2 lenses - one filter for all the lenses. Sounds ideal.
So here's my concern. The RF50/1.8 is a very tiny, flimsy lens with an external zoom. When I mount that honkin' big 95mm VND plus a stack of stepping rings on that dinky little external lens barrel of the RF50/1.8 will it negatively affect the auto-focusing function? My sense is that it will. What do you think?
p.16 #18 · Canon video thread for hybrid shooters...
Rudy Pohl wrote:
Regarding VNDs....
Dave (dj63401) and I have been active members of an excellent multi-brand video forum (Nikon, Canon and Sony) for the last 2-3 years which has a number experienced pros and amateurs participating which you might want to check out - ( https://bcgforums.com/forums/video-discussion-presentation.23/ ). It's hosted and run by Steve Perry a long time and well known Nikon ambassador who I have followed for many years during my lengthy time in the Nikon world.
This morning I posted my question about VNDs on that forum as well as posting it here. One of the pros who responded said that he's had very good results with the NiSi True Color VNDs, which is also what artsupreme has found. Of course, the Freewell filters were also recommended among others.
I use only 3 lenses for my wildlife videos (that's all I own for now), the RF200-800, Rf100-500 and the RF50/1.8 which I use for all my establishing shots. The suggested strategy is that I buy the Nisi 95mm VND and use stepping rings on the other 2 lenses - one filter for all the lenses. Sounds ideal.
So here's my concern. The RF50/1.8 is a very tiny, flimsy lens with an external zoom. When I mount that honkin' big 95mm VND plus a stack of stepping rings on that dinky little external lens barrel of the RF50/1.8 will it negatively affect the auto-focusing function? My sense is that it will. What do you think?
That's a very tough call and I'm not sure what I would do in your situation because I do not like having a big ND with step downs on smaller lenses. For running and gunning I like the ND to match the filter size of the lens, so I wouldn't even like to have a 95mm on the 100-500. But I usually have two bodies/lenses on me at all times whereas I think you might be dealing with one, which makes it more manageable as they won't get banged around as much with the massive ND on the front.
There's also the fixed clip in filters, but I don't have experience with those yet.
p.16 #19 · Canon video thread for hybrid shooters...
An immature Bald Eagle hovers like a Northern Harrier over the Mississippi River in the first clip, another immature Bald Eagle heads to the trees in the second, and a Bald Eagle comes up with a big fish breakfast in the last clip. All over the Mississippi River below Lock and Dam 21 near Quincy, IL Jan 20, 2025
Canon R5 MKII RF200-800 4k 120fps slow motion
p.16 #20 · Canon video thread for hybrid shooters...
I also posted this in it's own post.
Two clips showing how the tracking did for me recently. I was shooting video of Bald Eagles, and the first clip starts with the Eagle about 360 feet away. I followed it as it flew out to the Lock and Dam 21 on the Mississippi River. It was about 1800 feet at that point. It only lost focus lock for a second or so that I can detect near the Lock and Dam, even with many other eagles flying close by. Second clip is a different Bald Eagle coming into a tree with its catch, and it followed it from open sky up to the tree with lots of branched in between us. It did a very good job following, but not perfect in my opinion.
Gear and settings were Canon R5 MKII, RF200-800 at 800mm. 1/250 sec at f11, auto ISO. 4k 4.2.2 120 fps slow motion. Autofocus settings were Movie Servo AF, AF Area: Whole Area AF, Subject to detect: Animals, Eye Detection: Off, Movie Servo AF speed +2: Movie Servo AF track sensitivity -2.
Processed in DaVinci Resolve with very light stabilization, and minor sharpening only on 1st clip. Second clip has some added exposure on Eagle along with Stabilization and sharpening.
Review: I shot with the R5 before shooting with the R5 MKII.
The R5 MKII seems to detect the subject much faster, is stickier and does not lose focus anywhere near as often. A big improvement on an already very good camera.
Dave
