The updated Think Tank Advantage XT is the third and superior version of the Advantage roller bag. I just received mine and already I’ve traveled back and forth across the country three times with it. The “updates” to the Advantage XT are brilliant. Watch the video and you’ll see exactly what I’m so excited about!
Bald Eagle
captured by D5 / 180-400VR + TC-14eIII
hand-held
A whole lot of you have noticed that I shoot with the 180-400VR a lot, and I mean, a lot! This lens has become one of the most important and used lenses in my kit, using it for birds, mammals, aviation and landscape. This is because of two essential factors that make the 180-400VR a stand out. It has tremendous flexibility and truly unbelievable sharpness. The flexibility comes not only from its zoom range but also its internal 1.4 teleconverter. With a simple, easy and hidden flip of a small lever, you can go form 400mm to 560mm for example (it works throughout the entire zoom range of the lens). In addition, you can add additional teleconverters to the 180-400VR for an even longer range. In this case, I added the TC-14eIII (with internal 1.4x engaged). I’m asked a lot if you can do this and what are the results. Here’s my answer to that common question.
captured by D5 / 180-400VR + TC-14eIII
hand-held
200% crop
Most definitely, YES and GREAT! Let me start off by saying, this is not a good photo! The gray sky background drives me nuts, it sucks. But in this low contrast light, I don’t have contrast to trick your eyes into seeing sharpness where it’s not. Rather, it’s the mind-blowing quality of the 180-400VR (with internal 1.4x engaged) with the TC-14eIII (making it 784mm) that is bringing you the sharpness (shot hand-held). This is not a lens for the faint of heart, its price and weight should make all shooters stop and think if it’s the right fit for their kit. But those who do dive in, rest assured, it will exceed your wildest expectations. It sure has mine!
Moose loves taking photographers to the next level in their visual storytelling in his workshops! From big, grand adventures to birds, big game or the smallest rock. Our goal is pretty simple, help you make the most of YOUR photography. You can see the photographs waiting for you on our workshops on our galleries pages. To learn about all the workshops we offer, here’s a quick description but call Sharon (760.924.8632 M-F, 9-5PST) for the whole enchilada!
Denali
captured by Z7 / Z24-70f2.8
We are very excited to be ablt to offer All our Workshop / Adventure participants a full, one-year KelbyOne Pro Subscription (with paid registration starting July, 2018). This is being made possible by our dear friends at KelbyOne, which we are incredibly grateful for. This provides you to ALL of the KelbyOne Classes (and their discounts on other products) including Moose’s Classes.
Great Smokies
captured by Z7 / 18-400VR
Black and White, or as our cameras call it, Monochrome is one of the most powerful pieces of gear that we already own that receives little love! One reason is for this is we don’t see in B&W, but color. Another it requires personal involvement, an emotional commitment to the photograph. Lastly, there is so much confusion in the finishing of B&W in post. Now is the time to push through all of that and take advantage of this powerful tool!
Great Smokies
captured by Z7 / 180-400VR
Keep in mind with digital, you have nothing to lose. If you don’t like it, just delete it! So dive right in without fear. You might start with my basic in camera settings which will produce the B&W file. Just start seeing in B&W and then shoot in B&W, do it a lot! Then once you have a good feel for it from the real world start heading to the digital darkroom and see it there. There are many resources to help you with that end of the process. And then once you’re seeing it there, start printing in B&W. Tackle this powerful tool one step at a time and you will soon master this powerful piece of gear!
We have fallen in love with Osmo Pocket / Controller Wheel for its fun and quality. As you can see above, it’s really, really tiny which is great but its quality is huge! Because it has 4k quality and can literally fit in your pocket, you can shoot in tight places you might have not attempted before. Brent is up in a Cessna 140 shooting the sample video below. Ever been in a 140, tight quarters! When didn’t have the filter set when we shot this, but do now and that takes care of the prop slop. It’s so much fun, it’s a great tool to add to your kit!
The packing of your kit is more than just stuffing everything possible into every nook and cranny. One of the main emphasis of your packing is the safety of your gear while you travel. I’ve talked about and presented many videos on packing your kit in various bags. But the most important aspect of packing your kit I’ve left out, my bad, and that’s the quick access to your gear once you open up the bag. I mean, instantly being able to grab and shoot. Case in point, the Cross Fox of St Mary.
We were told a Red Fox was in the area and being seen. On our first walk back from Bird Rock which was at dusk, I had seen a hint of it on the ridge. We didn’t see it again until our last night right after we had just packed away the last of our camera gear in the truck. The Cross Fox (dark phase Red Fox) was coming down the boardwalk right to us. My D5 / 180-400VR is all attached and laying in the long lens compartment of my MP-3v2 so with one zip, I had it out and I was shooting. The moment was fleeting, the fox checked us out and then went on his nightly routine looking for a quick bite. It was a great moment and my first opportunity to ever get glass on a Cross Fox. They are gorgeous!
Getting back to my point, having the D5 / 180-400VR assembled and ready to grab and use is important for two reasons. First, the ability to shoot instantly so you don’t miss fleeting opportunities such as this. Next, have it ready to grab means you don’t have to think about what to grab and where you might have it packed in your kit. Finally, as far as the critter is a concern, there is minimal movement coming from the photographer. The moral of the story, pack just what you need in your kit and pack it for the quick grab.
