From W A Y over in left field..... Some time ago I happened upon a TV documentary featuring the Autochrome colour process. I became fascinated by the distinctive look of Autochrome and the way that, for all it’s faults, it had a quiet beauty. An Internet search revelled that a lot of other people took a similar view. I found a ton of stuff about imitating the Autochrome look in the digital darkroom. Fast forward a few years, and my camera club held a set subject competition – subject “Vintage”. I’ve found that the hardest thing about the imitation process is finding the right image – they all look a bit odd – but not all look good! Anyway, I printed the attached on my fav textured matt paper ….. and got 10/10. Happy bunny I am.
Lens Recommendation Request: I am looking at picking up a used lens for aviation/birding, and thought that asking the resident experts on this prestigious thread would be the best source for good information. My longest zoom is the Canon EF 24-70mm ƒ/2.8L II USM. In the past, when shooting an airshow, I have rented a 100-400 MM. I have never done birding before, but bald eagles are making a big return here in the Hudson Valley, and I would like to start photographing them. I have the opportunity to pick up a used Canon 500MM F/4.5 L USM EF. Not sure how old it is, and cosmetically it looks used, but there are no marks on the glass, and it is clean inside. The asking price is $2250.00. Any experienced thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Looked on B&S and several of the 500 L Ver.1 lenses are for sale or have soled, all in the low three's. If you think the lens is solid that might be a good deal. I'd be tempted to go 100-400 and add a series III 1.4 for the times we that you need it. The focus will be a little slower with the series III, but it'll be tack sharp and you have a lighter/new piece of glass. I have owned the 500L Series 1 and loved it, but the 200-400/1.4 stole my heart.
Steven, Many thanks for this epic series. I’ve tried many times to get a nice picture of the Typhoon – having seen your efforts, I’ve now officially given up – very well done.
Hello Chas, I’d like to +1 Jim’s suggestion of the 100-400 MKII + 1.4 MK III. You don’t mention what camera your using – I now have an 80D with grip. They all play together really well – the main limitation is me! The zoom lens option has a hidden bonus that you may find attractive. It has very close focus – which the primes just don’t do. Now, it’s no macro – but you can get close.
nickjohnson wrote:
Steven, Many thanks for this epic series. I’ve tried many times to get a nice picture of the Typhoon – having seen your efforts, I’ve now officially given up – very well done.
It helps when they give you multiple trys at it...we've had a dozen different Typhoons show up in the last few days...some doing multiple passes.
It seems like 312 gets passed around among the pilots because I have a ridiculous amount of shots of it.
Very cool! I'd be tempted to exercise a little "poetic license" and turn those vehicles into desert rocks. Wonderful work Steven! Although that image does tell The Canyon story nicely
Nick, to your question regarding the body I am shooting with, either a 1DMIV or a 7D MII. I also have a 5DmIII, and am considering selling the 1D, as my aging brain works easier when my camera bodies have very similar interfaces.
Jim, I would love the 200-400 too, but would have to steal an airplane and sell it in order to jump that level!!! I had actually looked at the 100-400 MkII as well as the latest 1.4 TC as an option. I rented that lens two years ago and it worked well. I will probably move forward on your sage recommendations. Thanks for the thoughtful advice.
Photographed this Gulfstream G-IV/SP for a new client this week. Although the aircraft is 18 years old, the interior is absolutely incredible, I was told they refurbished it to a tune of around $1.5 million.
Last year I was visiting the Military Museum in Tel Aviv. They have, among others, a JS-3 tank on display. It's a 46 ton beast, made in Soviet Union during the early fifties:
If you look carefully at the picture above, you may notice there is somebody sitting on top of the driver's hatch.
Well, it's the most badass tank commander I ever met!
And he made this 46 ton soviet tank his home.
What remains unanswered is why such an animal, that normally is part of large groups, lives alone in downtown Tel Aviv :-)
