With the loss of Copperhill, many have emailed me asking, “Now what do you use?” I went right back to what worked before, Visible Dust Swabs. I didn’t switch because they weren’t great, I switched because I wanted to save money on something that is a necessary evil that’s disposable. I never stopped using the Visible Dust Corner Swabs, they are great! I’ve just gone back to their full sensor swabs. Now in the interem, I would swear they have made some improvements on their swabs as they are doing a better job. I’m still using the same cleaning solution as with the Copperhill, Eclipse, and even in humid conditions, cleaning seems faster, easier and better. I guess I’ll have to redo my cleaning gear videos but here’s the old one to get you started. And that’s what I use now.
The video really says it all, well sounds it all but here’s some additional trivia. First and foremost, I love the Senal MC24-EL Shotgun mic! This heavy duty, beautifully sensitive, full sound mic is serious sound. What I have is the MX24-EL Long Condenser Shotgun Microphone Kit which I highly recommend. Second, it runs on just a AA, no phantom power needed. Nuff said, stop reading and start listening to the results! ….
The LensCoat Lenshide is simply a thing of beauty (it folds up to the size of a text book)! I’ve had it for months and every time I get out from using it and pack up, I’m so focused on the task I end up cursing at myself because I keep forgetting to shoot a cute video I have in my mind. The concept is real simple, when working with wildlife, break up the human form so they don’t see us. It’s so simple (KISS) it works. They are having a special on the LensHide right now so didn’t want to delay telling you about it any longer. But I promise, I will do that video! But it in the meantime!
Think Tank has introduced their V3 Rollers and new Airport Advantage. The all time rocker, the Security V3 & Int’l V3 are just a better version of what we’ve been using. The big change is the ease and protection we can carry our notebook and iPad in the bags. There are other improvements as well in construction, handle and materials. And I’m not sure how the wizards at Think Tank did it, But there seems to me to be extra room inside now. I actually was able to get one more lens inside compared to V2. The real big news is the new Advantage, a roller that fits in the overhead of regional jets! That’s just darn sweet. Now some carriers are having issue with any bag with wheels. The wheels on the Advantage come off so you can remove them prior to getting on the plane and then put them back on when you disembark. That’s slick. And in case you’re wondering how I pack the Security, here’s how I packed V2 which is basically the same as the V3.
Now why do I use rollers when I have my own photopacks?
The MP-1 V2 is the only bag I carry my 800mm in around the world. Because it fits in every overhead safeguarding my lens. There are other times knowing the aircraft I’ll be flying in, be it commercial or private, a stiff sided roller simply won’t work. So like many of you, I have various bags for the various jobs I have to do and their requirements. Oh, there is one other reason why I will use a roller bag over a photopack but I really hate mentioning it. Getting older makes moving around with heavy photopacks just no fun. I’m not saying I’m getting older, just another reason why I love my Think Tank Rollers!
When you own a f/1.4 lens, you’ve paid good money for that f/1.4. With that in mind, shooting the lens closed down to any point beyond f/1.4 and you’re kinda throwing away money. I mean, if f/2 or f/2.8 does the job, why pay the extra money for a f/1.4 lens? With that thought, my f/1.4 lens collection (24mm, 50mm, 105mm,), they are always shot wide open. The DoF of these lenses at f/1.4 is incredibly narrow, that’s the point. Your focusing has to be incredibly precise then or your subject will be out of focus. There is simply no wiggle room, no DoF to save you if you’re off even 1/2″! So the tip I have to pass along is pretty simple, when shooting at f/1.4, use the S – Single AF Sensor mode. Why? This single sensor is highly accurate and can be easily and precisely placed on the point of focus you desire. It’s what I did in these and all my f/1.4 lens photos. When you’ve paid good money for that f/1.4, make the most of it!
