mark_graf

I recently ordered Lepp's book set of Beyond the Basic's Vol I & II. Though just starting vol. II, I thought he did an excellent job on flash photography in Vol I. The cross-polarization chapter was particularly interesting. I was wondering how many use the Lepp Macro bracket he promotes so much (for obvious reasons)?? How do you like it? Does it come with an Arca style tripod mount or is it easily adapted?

 

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I own a Kirk bracket to hold onto a single SB26. The reason I like it is that it holds everything rock steady, despite its bulkiness. I am curious as to how sturdy the Lepp bracket would be with a larger flash mounted out at the end. It seems like it would be more portable for dual-flash setups.

Thank you everyone for the tips. It seems as though I have been using all the common methods to keep those suckers away. I have seen an electronic repellent that uses solar power to charge its cells, that may elimiinate the need to replace batteries.

 

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I guess I will stick with the SKIN-SO-SOFT and DEET mixtures. Thanks again for the responses, this board is truly a valuable resource to many nature photograhers out there.

This one is probably indirectly related to Nature Photography, but I am sure it is something we all have to contend with. I was in Michigan's Upper Penninsula last month hiking various locations with camera and tripod in hand. Despite the many repellents that I had handy, the mosquitoes made sitting still unbearable at times. I was just wondering what methods some of you use to repell these annoying little critters.

 

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I have recently heard about some electronic repellents. Have any of you used one of these? Also wonder if anyone has used garlic supplements or brewer's yeast with any success. I found I just end up smelling like garlic! Please share any successes you might have had...

I tend to agree with the above. It is a VERY grey area. I guess it is a very personal decision on where you draw the line. I have often wondered about what percentage of the shots by the big guys (Wolfe/Lepp/Shaw/Lanting, etc) are captive images. I also tend to think that game farm images can be a bit misleading. Most of the time when I see greeting cards with a full frame face shot, I question whether it is captive or not. But I am sure the general public just thinks "what a cute photo, he must have been really close." Little do they know that that animal was put on a pedestal and told to "sit." I don't think there will ever be a settlement to the debate. I don't think I can personally sway completely one way over the other as their are folks that handle these animals that have the animal's best interest in mind.

I think the judgements about Art Wolfe's work in 'Migrations' were a bit harsh. It is not like he created the entire pattern from a computer. Those congregations of animals actually took place, and there were some images where a duplicate may have filled in some dead space to make the image more complete. Art was very clear in the preface of the book on his stance on the alterations, he was communicating through artwork, not natural history or documentary. To say that Wolfe is washed up as a nature photographer is a bit over the edge. The guy doesn't choose to travel 9-10 months out of the year gathering images when instead he could be sitting in front of a computer.

I don't think it should make a difference whether you are making a living from your images or not. Hunger for money in itself is what leads to the exploitation and compromise of our ethics. Rod Planck for instance is a very well respected nature photographer that makes a good living from his craft, and manages to stay away from the captive shots.

 

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I have mixed views on game farms and captive wildlife. I will admit that I have a hard time staying on either side of the fence. In places that have a primary or secondary function as a rehabilitation center, who is to say that the animal isn't better off? That animal may never be able to return to the wild. I know many homo sapiens that would enjoy a lifestyle of being catered to, food brought to your table, with a nice habitat to play in without the stresses of predators and everyday life. Are we that in tune with the psyche's of the animals to know whether they are happier or not? This is just one of the questions to think about...

 

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Unfortunately, the opposite situation happens far too often as well. This is where an animal is stalked and captured in its native environment, and brought half-way around the globe for the sake of profit. I cannot believe that this is NOT affecting the welfare of the subject. It is this situation where I take a stand against any captivity whatsoever.

 

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Then...you have to consider the big picture...is it better overall to have a herd of photographers rumaging through our diminishing wilderness to get that shot, or to have them minimize the impact by getting the image from a setup situation. I tend to think that even if every animal in the world was available at a game farm, there would still be photographers, pro and amateur, that would opt for getting the image in the wild.

 

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Obviously this is a multi-faceted issue that has been discussed over and over in many forums. I personally don't think I will ever end up at a game farm, but reserve judgement as I do not know their true motives, and respect the intentions of some that exist.

Thanks for the helpful answers. I too have heard that Sigma makes a good 1.4X TC, however, I have not been able to find a place that sells them. I hope that it is not discontinued. Anyone bought one recently? (Excuse this for not being specifically nature related..but I do use this equipment exclusively for wildlife/nature photography :), so that should count eh?)

 

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Thanks again for the comments.

I own a Sigma 400 mm APO (Nikon mount) and have been very pleased with the lens. Now I would like to add a 1.4X teleconverter to extend my range a bit. I know this would result in a f8 lens, but I would like to try it. I would like to know if anyone has any experience with using a 1.4X in combination with this lens? (particularly Nikon mount).

How does the quality of the Tamron 1.4X compare to the Kenko 1.4X?

 

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I have heard some comments that there are compatibility problems with teleconvertors and this particular lens, any experiences?? I appreciate the help. Thanks.

In support of the 3021 series of comments, I would also suggest that you get the 3221. This is the same as the 3021, only with a black annodized finish. It cuts down on some reflections you might get from the aluminum surface, and it looks better in my opinion!

 

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You might also consider buying one from Kirk Enterprises (where I bought mine) that is modified to go to ground level. It is worth the extra $$$, unless you know how and can do it yourself.