Canon 5D N&W Trials

[Loupey]

Been meaning to shoot more with the 5D. Originally planned on using the 5D for street-shooting and interiors and have only taken a few N&W shots with it (because it is slow - both in FPS and the shutter response time due to the larger mirror).

But since my 300mm doesn't work with the 40D when I use extension tubes, I figured I better get used to using it. The IQ from the 5D has always impressed me; more so than any other body I've used so far. Good timing too as the insect life has been really slow to emerge this year and I finally had some good variety last night.


Some from yesterday. First 3 shots with the 300mm + 2x TC, the last 2 with the 300mm + extension tubes (can't remember what combination of tube lengths). Not a single glitch - unlike the 40D.

[AgingEyes]

The forth one! Would like to see the head brighter though.

BTW, how close were you from the insects? Hand-held, tripod?

[serenity]

Wow!!! I am in love with the second and fourth.

The second because you are at eyes level with a frog whose face is almost fully underwater; and the fourth because... well... that effect is just awesome Good capture with the ripples.

[starriderrick]

Nice work Loupey!
4 is a wonderful composition...I love this one for the light, the energy captured...Very nice. I'm speechless over image 2 it's GREAT.


Rick

[Loupey]

Much thanks, everyone, for the feedback!

AgingEyes - distance to subject:

#1 (flying dragonfly) - about 8' with combined 600mm
#4 (bee in water) - about 4' with 300mm and tubes
#5 (dragonfly on reed) - about 3.5' with 300mm and tubes

All hand-held (light hiking - no monopod). Hardest was #5 as I had to lean quite far over the water to get a relatively clean background. That one is a small species (about the length of a pinky) and I could get no closer before it would fly away (came back several times to rest though).

[Loupey]

Here is a different version of the bee shot. Wondering what your take is on this one.

I have several versions of differing ripple effects as I positioned myself in and out of the sun's direct reflection. Hardest part was trying to see and focus on the bee herself in the harsh light as she was moving quite quickly in circles.

I'm surprised she didn't get immediately eaten as there were tons of bass and large bluegills. I'm sure that me hovering over it saved it from certain doom. If you're wondering, no I didn't knock it in the water. And, yes, I think it survived - last I saw it she had hauled herself up on some floating weeds and was cleaning herself.

[Loupey]

A bit of pixel-peeping but here are two full-size (i.e. not resized) sections of two of the images in the original post.

A demo of the resolving capability of the 5D and the lens combo. Keep in mind that the frog shot is with the 2x teleconverter as well. BTW, all shots at ISO 400.


Hopefully you can see what I was after in the frog shot - to see the world reflected in his eyes. Not quite there as it is difficult to see all the trees and none of the tall grasses that I had to shoot through are visible. About 5' away.

[Old Timer]

Loupey I am never disappointed when I open on of your post. Amazing work again and a wonderful explanation of technique. Thanks!! Love that frog!

[victorhuang20]

nice loupey. Turns out I will be purchasing a 5d in a couple of weeks. I found an awesome job that pays really well, so I'll also be able to get the f/2.8 16-35 and 70-200...yippee!

[gahspidy]

Excellent work, Loupey. The first composition of the bee in the water is best for me. Yeah, I'm lovin my 5D as well. I too wish it were a bit faster in the FPS as I'm now starting to do Dance and some action type photography, but the IQ is amazing. This camera will become a classic . . .

[serenity]

I like the first bee shot better where it's not centered - you can see the ripple effect better.

That close-up of the frogs eyes - WOW and WOW! I have never seen so much detail of a frog's eye before! Amazing.

[brmill26]

Loupey, these are absolutely amazing. I prefer the first bee image as well. I love the one of the frog too!

[mn shutterbug]

The first one doesn't do much for me, but the rest are nothing short of AWESOME. To go against the grain, my fave is the RWBB with his snack. The detail in the feathers is super.

[Canon_Bob]

Man! That Bee in the water shot is off-the-charts cool! Great capture!

[Loupey]

Thank you all so much for the comments and feedback. Very much appreciated.

Victor: glad to hear about your upcoming purchases - your going to love that 5D.

Gary: Your initial assessment of the 5D is what made me really want to try it out. I bought it when it first broke the $2k barrier figuring that that price differential (between the 40D and 5D) was about "right". Ironically, the IQ is such that having had the chance to use it now, I would have paid the retail price when it first came out. But having the 40D/5D pair is really powerful.

Interestingly, the RAW images SOOC from the 5D has a look different from any camera I've used previously (10D, 30D, 40D). With all settings the same, the images almost have a 3-dimensional look to them. Hard to explain but easy to see.

[Loupey]

Three more quick shots.


Sorry if there are too many dragonfly shots. For me, it's the best way to test out new equipment.

The FPS is not so much of a big deal for me as compared to the shutter lag. Because of the large mirror, the lag is enough for me to miss a bird or butterfly leaping into flight from a perch whereas the 40D can still keep them within the frame. But knowing how much "lead" to put on a shot in the future will correct most problems.

[Canon_Bob]

Just my opinion, but I'll take a full frame CMOS sensor over crop factor any day. I own both, but the full frame is superior in my book. The 1.6 CF on the 40D has it's purposes, but I find the pixel density of full frame to be more versatile.

From the quality of these images, I think you see my point ;-)

CB.

[victorhuang20]

yeah, the full sensor is what makes me want to buy the 5d and the fact that the rebates are here! loupey, you keep on posting those dragon fly shots because they are so darn hard to capture, definitely takes skill to even shoot it....im in awe...

[serenity]

Hahahahaha at the goose photo!!! I love it!!! The thing that makes that photo are the babies in the background. The focused head looks so small compared to them!