Sony Alpha a9

A force to be reckoned with…

Sony & Switching Gear

October 11, 2019

As many of you know I haven’t exactly weighed in on my thoughts about using Sony for wildlife and birds. The biggest reason is I absolutely hate pissing matches and people saying my gear is better than your gear. The absolute truth is that there are so many variables to consider when choosing a camera system. and no one can, across the board, tell anyone else what is right for them and their shooting style.

A lot of photographers don’t completely understand their camera’s focusing system enough to know whether or not it is working for them. They also may be using slower lenses or even inferior lenses; they may also be adding teleconverters in low light and also metabones adaptors.

It is best to get to the core of the problem or issues of why someone wants to switch camera systems. Some folks are considering switching to Sony to lighten the load—wrong, the load will be just as heavy! I have not seen any significant weight loss using the Sony. The files are brilliant and the lenses are tack sharp. Right now I own the Sony Alpha a7R III Mirrorless Digital Camera , the Sony Alpha a9, the Sony G Master FE 100-400mm super-telephoto zoom lens, Sony FE 24-105mm f/4, G lens , and the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens with a Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and I recently purchased the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G lens . I may purchase the Sony Alpha a9 II once all the reviews are in. I also may purchase the Sony G Master 600mm lens if I sell my Canon 600mm.

My thoughts on the Sony lenses that I do own. They are all sharp and focus well. The 200-600mm lens is perfect for safari, it is relatively lightweight and the interior zoom glides and makes tracking easier. Direct Drive SSM linear focus provides power and precision to drive the lens mechanism for fast, accurate focus while remaining extremely quiet. Focus breathing is effectively minimized by a precision internal focus mechanism. Unlike Sigma & Tamron’s 150-600mm lenses, the Sony 200-600mm features an internal zoom mechanism so the length of the lens does not change when zooming. This allows for a more stable handheld operation with consistent weight balance when zooming; this internal zoom also contributes to a dust and moisture proof design because air isn’t being sucked into the lens while zooming. The lens hood on the 200-600mm does fall off easily and I lost mine on one of the first days in the field (it only cost $75.00 to replace). I feel that the Sony 100-400mm lens (even when set to smooth) does not glide when zooming-this is important because if it sticks even a little you can miss a shot. Both are tack sharp and focusing is not a problem. The 200-600 is an f/6.3—that hurt a little :) . Both the Sony 24-105 f/4 and Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 lenses are much, much sharper than my similar Canon lenses. None of these lenses are ultra light weight so, again, saving weight is not really the motive to switch to Sony. Olympus is the brand to check out if weight issues are your reason for switching.

Just a quick note about the Sony Alpha a9-it is a fantastic camera!! One of my all time faves so far. It is fast to focus, grabs a hold of the subject and in my opinion never lets go! It is my go-to camera for wildlife, it blows away the Sony 7r3 and 7r4. I don’t like the price tag of the new Sony Alpha a9II and I was really hoping for more mega pixels. The improvements on water sealing are good but the price hike on the new version is not!

One of the biggest issues for me with Sony for birds, was their lack of longer lenses. Now that they have come out with two new longer lenses, I think they are going to be hard to beat. I wish that the new Sony 600mm prime was lighter and cheaper but I guess you can’t have everything.

So, why am I switching, I like the direction that Sony is going in and I also have faith in their product. Each lens that I have is sharp and I can’t say that about my old Canon 24-105mm or 16-35mm f/2.8 lenses. The Alpha a9 is also—simply awesome… My Sony 7R III is also an amazing camera, I’ll continue to use that for my landscape photography. It is slightly better with handling noise than the 7RIV.

A Client's View of Kenya

October 9, 2019

Bones. Lots of bones. Everywhere. That’s the first thing I noticed about the Mara. Sure there are animals, millions of them. Lions, tigers and bears. Zebra, wildebeest, rhinos hippos, crocs, cheetah, Leopards, warthogs and a score of others. (Kidding about the tigers and bears - there are none in Africa). This is my second trip to Africa with Denise. The first was to Namibia in 2017 and focused (haha get it) mainly on landscape photography although there was some wildlife photography at the end. The Masai Mara in Kenya is the reverse. Wildlife photography in a beautiful landscape.

The bones, which litter the landscape, reflect the reality of the place. The animals are born, live, breed and die. And on this trip, you’ll see all of it. The birth of a giraffe calf to lion and cheetah kills.

Obviously, Denise runs a great operation. The guides/drivers are first rate. They are Masai warriors. They navigate what passes for roads like they grew up here. And they did. They have an innate ability to predict where the animals will be and get you there first. They also have a network of other Masai guides who communicate by radio so they’ll get you to where the action is.

But you’re not reading this to hear about the radio communications. You’re reading this because you’re interested in the photography and maybe going to Kenya with Denise and Paul. Most of the 7 clients on this trip are experienced photographers but not all of them. Under the tutelage of Denise and Paul, two of the best wildlife photographers in the world, every one of us got better. They are willing and able to provide whatever level of assistance you ask for.

And the wildlife is plentiful. And with Denise and Paul, you’ll get the best viewing angle, the best light, and your best shots.

It’s a long way to travel - I’m from Philadelphia - but it is so worth it. I’ll be back.

Brad Remick October 2019

ALL IMAGES IN THIS POST ARE COPYRIGHT BRAD REMICK

For Sale by Moi and Some Faves

October 6, 2019

I am finally selling my Canon big guns in order to purchase or rather justify the purchase of the Sony 600mm lens. Both lenses are in great condition and have been treated with care. They have been covered with LensCoat covers since day one.

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens
Excellent- mint condition
Comes with LensCoat cover, hood, original case
Asking price $5200.00

Canon EF 600mm f/4 IS II USM Lens
Excellent condition
Comes with LensCoat cover, hood, original case
Asking price $7999.00

Both sales include insured shipping via either USPS or Fed-Ex Ground in the Continental US.
The lenses will not ship until your check clears. Contact me at photographybydenise221@gmail.com if you are interested. All sales are final.

CHECK OUT MY USED GEAR PAGE FOR MORE ITEMS THAT ARE FOR SALE BY OWNER

Creative Art of Phtography.jpg — The Creative Art Of Photography

South Jersey Camera Club

October 10th, I will be presenting my slideshow /lecture “The Creative Art Of Photography“ based on my popular eBook of the same name to the South Jersey Camera Club. Address: 1 Medford Leas, Medford, NJ 08055.

Flower Photography Workshop -$90.00

Lehigh Valley Photography Club

I will be presenting my “The Art of Composition“ lecture/slideshow for the Lehigh Valley Photography Club on October 17th at 7:30 pm. I will also be doing a 3 hour, hands on Flower photography workshop on the same day between 1:00pm-4:00pm which is open to the public and costs $90.00-spots open.

The Art Establishment
www.theartestablishmentstudios.com
945 Broadway
Fountain Hill, PA 18015

A couple of my new faves:

Mr. Coffee
Café Barista

Makes Espresso, Cappuccino and Lattes.
Best of all it froths your milk.

I have recently been trying to eliminate dairy from my diet. No ice cream, yogurt (which I adore), cheese, half and half or dairy creamers for my coffee. I have replaced most of my dairy with almond, coconut, soy, macadamia and oatmeal milks. All of which are OK. But when I blend a few together like 1/2 almond with 1/2 coconut with a splash of oatmeal milk and use my new Barista to froth the milks-it is pure heaven!! I guess it’s similar to whipped cream as opposed to cream with a hint of sugar? The frothing really makes a noticeable difference in flavor.

I used this link to a YouTube video to help me know how to prime it before using-it was quick and simple. It cost $199.00 on Amazon but I know a lot of the big box stores sell it for the same price.

Elsin Sweater Coat

**FABRIC DETAILS**
28% Organic Cotton / 24% Nylon / 20% Acrylic / 20% Polyester / 8% Wool

I recently became an Influencer for prAna Clothing. Not because they pay me —because they do not. But because I believe in their mission statement and the company. Sustainable clothing has become a movement that I want to be a part of.

In exchange for putting the word out about products I like or don’t like and offering valuable feedback the company gives me a discount on my clothes. If you buy this or any other product I share —it does not affect my discount or standing with the company so do not feel obligated in any way to purchase any of them. I am simply sharing some of my favorite items with you because I want to.

This sweater coat is cozy and warm, it is just starting to get cool enough to wear it! I have been looking for a sweater coat that can go from inside to outside without looking like a coat. This will not be travelling with me but rather for times when I am home.

From prAna:
Start asking questions about your clothes in the same way you ask about the food you eat, and you can help fundamentally change the way clothing is made. When you choose to invest in a piece of our clothing, you are propelling the sustainable clothing movement forward. You are casting a vote for social and environmental responsibility, for transparency, for a fundamental change in the way clothing is made.

Overnight Oats

this is store bought, but you can make your own

Mush brand overnight oats are an easy way to eat your oats. The product even comes with a spoon under the lid for when you are on the go. I mentioned this product to my daughter and she said, they are a good brand but it is almost too easy to make yourself.

Her recipe:

Start with a clean glass container that you have a lid for or use saran wrap-don’t use aluminum foil. Be creative with your toppings. Use things such as fresh fruit, nuts, peanut butter, Greek yogurt, shaved chocolate, ground espresso beans, shredded coconut, honey, chia seeds, maple syrup, graham crackers-you name it, whatever you like.

1 cup old fashioned oats

1 cup coconut milk but you can use any kind of milk you want.

A sprinkle of cinnamon and a dash of vanilla—optional depending on the toppings you choose.

Mix until combined

Top with fruit/nuts/whatever you like-toppings can be added just before serving and do not need to be added now-either way; it is a matter of preference.

Cover, refrigerate for at least 2 hours but overnight is best

You can thin with additional milk if you don’t like the consistency-it should be like pudding.

Stays fresh for two days.

Why overnight oats?

Oats contain more protein than most grains (5g per serving).

A rich source of fiber, which helps you feel fuller longer (4g per serving).

They’re high in antioxidants which may help lower blood pressure levels.

ENJOY!

The Game Changers

DOCUMENTARY ABOUT MEAT, PROTEIN AND STRENGTH

I just watched the documentary titled “The Game Changers”, it reinforced everything I already knew about protein and a plant based diet and then some…. The movie is presented by James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackie Chan, Lewis Hamilton, Novak Djokovic and Chris Paul. The Game Changers tells the story of James Wilks — elite Special Forces trainer and The Ultimate Fighter winner — as he travels the world on a quest to uncover the optimal diet for human performance. It is a revolutionary new film about meat, protein and strength. Check out some of the recipes .

On Safari in Kenya

October 2, 2019

There doesn’t seem to be anything more awakening to the mind and spirit than an African safari. In the Maasai Mara (an area of preserved wilderness in Kenya, along the Tanzanian border) it is as raw as it gets. The life vs death moments are gripping and hard to turn away from, no matter how gruesome. The incredible energy of the Mara has a heartbeat of its own. Everywhere you turn there is action and at any moment a life can be snuffed out—it’s real, it’s survival of the fittest.

Hours fly by like minutes as you are captivated by every single sight and sound that you are experiencing. You feel the burning sensation on the back of your neck from the scorching sun and it is only a slight distraction as there is so much going on and you can’t turn away for even a second.

Tenderness goes hand in hand with the relentless attacks and feedings. Knowing full well that each and every animal needs to eat— they are not getting any handouts. If you are unable to hunt –you will die. Lessons are taught to the young while other’s young ones are prey. There is no such thing as cruelty; it is the cycle of life, nature in its rawest form, nothing more.

With all of its tragic endings, near misses and triumphs, it is a photographer’s paradise. I guess that is why many tourists return year after year to Africa. I adore the big cats and could watch them for hours and hours. The Mara holds an even stronger draw for me with the opportunity to photograph Cheetah, making each and every safari an epic adventure.

Here are a few of my favorites that I have been able to work on. I have so many images to sort through still. Please click on the images to see the full size version and read my thoughts about each when you hoover over them.

I used the Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless for all of these images. I also used the Sony 200-600mm lens almost exclusively with no regrets! They both performed beautifully. The zoom capability which is internal made zooming with one finger very easy as I tracked the animals. The lens is also small and lightweight which made it very easy to handhold and a perfect choice to have on safari. It was also extremely sharp. I used it with confidence even with the 1.4 teleconvertor. The Sony a9 body was probably one of the best cameras I ever used for wildlife. Sorry Canon, but hands down, Sony beat you by a wide margin. I will definitely be purchasing the version II as soon as it comes out and has been reviewed. That said, my 600mm II and my 300mm II Canon lenses are for sale.

Composite

September 21, 2019

The image above is an artistic rendition created from two images that I captured at Bosque del Apache New Mexico. My workshop this year is full with a long wait list but I intend do do another workshop next year-my dates aren’t set yet. Bosque is the kind of place that is good to return to year after year as you never know what you will come away with in terms of photos and experiences. The sheer number of birds and the gorgeous light with close proximity, set Bosque apart from other refuges.

I wanted to do something different from the usual tight in the frame bird look or blasting birds. So I decided to create a small in the frame look. I used two images to create the feel that I wanted for the photo. The first was the lone crane and the second was the sunset sky. Both images were captured with the thought that they would make good source material. Having that source material to “play with” is important. So when I see a gorgeous sky without any element of interest I still take the shot knowing that it can be used in a composite, like shown above.