It was one of those late summer days today. High winds, sunshine, a sudden cloudburst as the storm clouds swept in, and then sunshine again. The kind of day when the best place to be is by the coast.
These are a few of the photos from this afternoon. Click on them to zoom.
While the sun was shining, the black-headed gulls gathered
The red warning flag was flying, but a surfer was heading out to the waves
No fulmars about today, and no sandwich terns either. A cormorant flew by early in the afternoon, but the most sensible of the birds was a jackdaw which was keeping well away from the sea, preferring (as did we) the shelter by the side of the cliff-top hostelry, and being very determined not to risk leaving terra firma.
Jackdaw, with white feather
Camera note: all shots taken with the EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM.
anonymous
29 Aug 2009TBR writes:
Words –
I am seriously looking into going all DSLR (rather than keep to my FZ50 panasonic bridge).
The camera which tops the list is the EOS 40D for me (NOT the 50D).
I notice you've employed that camera (amongst others) and thought I'd drop you a quick line to ask you about it.
Spec-wise it seems to fit my bill perfectly – you had any concerns re specs?
Also – I hear that the 40D shutter is decidedly dodgy – packing up completely in many new cameras after ten thou actuations (instead of more like 100,000!) Seems to be a common problem with that particular model.
But I played around with one in a shop t'other day, and do like it!
You know I've always been in admiration of many of your shots – and although I know I probably couldn't afford a 100-400 L lens (you had any trouble with dust with that lens?) or even a 70-200 2.8 lens just yet -I do LOVE that camera.
Any WORDs of advice would be much appreciated…
Doug
gdare
29 Aug 2009Beautiful. Just beautiful. I like to listen to the sound of waves crushing on the rocks and this is what these photos gave me :happy:
Words
29 Aug 2009Darko, thanks. I just love days like that!
Words
29 Aug 2009Doug, I've got a 40D (used to have a 400D). It's great and prices now are excellent given that the 50D has been out a while. It works a treat. I've got it set up so that for daylight I use the * button on the rear of the camera to focus which (once you get used to it) really helps for small subjects on irregular backgrounds and helps avoid too many missed shots when the subject (or photographer) moves off line. I also use the 'custom' feature which allows quick changing between pre-sets. I've got three options which I use for night photography (different ISO, shutter speed etc and all set to use the shutter button for focusing which is easier when you've got a torch in the other hand).
No shutter problems that I can think of. I've had it a year (so around 40000 actuations :yikes:) and I think possibly twice I've had a 'slow' shutter for a single frame (I nearly always shoot multiples anyway) which resulted in over exposure.
The main problem I've had with the 100-400 is the zoom ring going loose (and then going 'tight'). That is a design flaw with the lens. They have a reputation for dust gathering but the impact on images is zero to be honest (the real dust problems with DSLRs are on the sensor, but the 40D (like most new cameras) has a self-cleaning system which helps a lot. A quick use of a blower generally deals with any problems (which only show on small aperture macros and very occasionally on sky shots).
The big costs are lenses, especially those with image stabilization. I've only got IS on two of mine. It's useful in some situations but not essential (a monopod and tilt head can really make a difference with or without IS). Primes will out-perform zooms, but are obviously more restrictive in certain circumstances. The Sigma lenses are generally excellent (and slightly lower priced) alternatives to Canon and are heavily used for wildlife shooting.
The Sony system has in-built IS which I have to admit would be nice. Much praised on the Chthonic Wildlife Ramblings blog here. If I were thinking of an alternative that's the one I would probably look at, as non-IS lenses are cheaper and lighter. That said, I can't see that you'd go far wrong with the Canon (not much between the 40D and 50D from reports I've read).
SittingFox
29 Aug 2009Autumn is certainly coming – there's a real bite in the air now, and the blackberries are ripe :chef: And those photos are very atmospheric. I do miss living by the coast sometimes 🙂
Cynthia23
29 Aug 2009Oh, the smell! the sound! the view! Wonderful, wonderful, so strong … oh, just a magnificent day you show us! :up:
Words
30 Aug 2009Cynthia, thanks! It was good out there. Not the roughest day I've seen, but just about right for spending time out fighting the wind.
Words
30 Aug 2009Adele, the coast is perfect a this time of year, but it does get windy (it was almost impossible to walk at times) and I'd noticed the cooler air coming in over the past few days.
anonymous
30 Aug 2009TBR writes:
Many thanks Words.
I know what you mean about the Sony alphas, but the Zeiss lenses are limited and expensive, and I think the Canons fit better in my hands?!
Thanks again,
Doug
Words
30 Aug 2009No problem Doug. You'll enjoy the Canon!
Flying Red Fox Blog
3 Sep 2009Wow its olike suddenly being in the middle of Autumn :yikes: Nice photos 😀
Words
6 Sep 2009Mark, thanks! I love windy days by the beach (though I could have done with less wind over the past week).