Hyperfocal Focusing

While I haven't had much time to post much on my own blog, I've been participating in Bret Edge's "Ask and Expert" series. And today he posted my response to questions regarding hyperfocal focusing. Check it out... http://wp.me/pqDb8-6Q

Ultra-wide Again

I have done without an ultra-wide angle on my Canon 5D Mark II for some time. And for the most part, I wasn't missing it. But several friends advised me that I would appreciate (need) a wider view for some of the locations I planned to visit during my October Utah trip. I was able to borrow a friend's 17-40mm, and enjoyed using the lens. In fact, some of my best shots from the trip resulted from that lens. So, I began shopping for my own. After months of considering and researching all (yes, ALL) the options available from Canon, Zeiss, Nikon with an adapter, etc., etc., I decided on the Canon TS-E 17mm f/4 L. Why? Well, it certainly wasn't price! Ouch! This is an expensive lens. But image quality and tilt-shift were the deciding factors, for me. And all the reviews I read, led me to believe that I would not be disappointed.

I'm not going to go into a full review. You can find those elsewhere. But what I will say is... This is a superb lens. Absolutely top-notch build quality. A joy to use in the field. Outstanding image quality - sharp corner to corner, no vignetting and no chromatic aberration. I would recommend this lens to anyone.

I went out to my familiar stomping grounds, Chautauqua Park, this morning lucked out with some spectacular sunrise light. So here is one of the first images off my new 17mm. Its going to be fun to again play with the ultra-wide perspective...

The Joy of Printing

One of my favorite photo activities, second only to spending time in the field, is creating prints. There is just something I love about crafting a product that can be held in your hand, or (better yet) hung on a wall.

This evening I'm working on a 16x20 print of the image below for a client. The digital file was produced from a 4x5 drum scan, so the detail is just amazing. You can see individual water droplets on the brightly colored blades of grass. And the aspen bark has a texture that you can almost feel.

And here's a cropped section of the lower right corner with some water droplets clinging to the blades of grass. Just for you, dionysis! ;-) (See comment below)

New Trip Reports

I've added several new trip reports in the last week. These include short writings describing the location, a slideshow of images and usually a pre-recorded Google Earth tour. Check them out by clicking on the links below or visiting my Travelogues page...

• Dominguez Canyons Wilderness, Colorado
• Paradise Park - Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
• Slickhorn Canyon - Cedar Mesa, Utah

Induro Carbon 8x CT113

I recently replaced my trusty Gitzo Mountaineer G1228 MK2 with an Induro Carbon 8x CT113. I've been using the Gitzo for about 10 years with 35mm, medium format, large format 4x5, and most recently DSLRs. It has traveled around the world and many, many miles of backcountry trails and has never let me (or my camera) down. But the twist locks have started to get a little stiff and are the old style which allows the leg to spin and spin... Ug. And the I began to tire of the 4 section tripod setup time - 3 legs, 3 twist locks each... Ug. So I began to look at all those sexy new legs out there. ;-)

Being a hiker, backpacker, traveler, photographer, here were my requirements.

1. Light, Light, Light! Carbon fiber, for sure.
2. Sturdy and rigid enough for my Canon 5D Mark II and my selection of (smallish) lenses.
3. 20-22" folded length - better for strapping to backpacks and fitting in suitcases.
4. 3-section non-rotating twist locks - for reasons stated above and I like the twist locks because they tend not to snag on tree branches and brush when hiking.
5. Built-in bubble level - convenience.
6. Hook at the bottom of the center column - don't use it much, but surely nice to have when the wind is howling or when shooting in deep, powdery snow.
7. 50" height without center column extended - expedites setup with DSLR and works great with a 4x5 field camera.
8. Padded grips on legs - just a "nice to have" - not really a requirement, I guess.
9. Reasonably priced - I don't mind spending on high quality gear, but I'm not going to pay for just a name when other alternatives of equal quality exist.

During my research I found that there are many more options in the world of carbon fiber tripods than there was 10 or 12 years ago! Of course, some of those products are made well and some... not so much. I read reviews and perused forums and decided on the Induro.

First impressions of the Induro Carbon 8x CT113 from a discerning photographer:

1. Impressive! Very light, sturdy, and operates smoothly - love the non-rotating legs!!
2. Bubble level is cool.
3. Perfect integration with my RRS BH-40 ball head - nicely balanced.
4. Includes nice carrying case, spiked feet and small tool kit.
5. Question about durability... Will this tripod last 10 years like the Gitzo? Only time will tell, I guess. I can foresee deterioration of the foam pads on the legs - no big deal - replaceable. And I wonder about the same of the rubber on the twist locks - could be a bigger deal.

I'm quite happy with the Induro and I can't wait to hit the trail and put it to work!

Return to Slickhorn Canyon

I apologize for my posts jumping back and forth between Canyonlands and Slickhorn Canyon. I was inspired (in different ways) by both locations. So I keep returning to both image folders. And I've been processing images as they strike my fancy - the benefits of one's own blog. ;-)

Here are a few more images from Slickhorn Canyon...

The site of the Slickhorn Kiva also has several well preserved and interestingly constructed granaries. This granary not only has a cool sloped roof, but was situated next to another structure which at one time was roofed with cedar timbers. The roof has since collapsed, but the hand-hewn timbers are still present.

Kiva Granary

Previous visitors have collected pot shards from the site and arranged them together on one of the timber roofed granary wall stones. Personally, I prefer to leave artifacts right where I find them, but creating such collections seems to be a common practice. And its certainly better than visitors pocketing the goods.

Slickhorn Shard Collection

So far, I've posted mostly images of the incredible ruins in Slickhorn Canyon. Well, there's plenty of great scenery in these canyons too! October is the time for fall colors, and the canyonlands hold some beautiful changing foliage.

Slickhorn Autumn Palette

Oh, and... Watch your step!

Luckily this small rattlesnake sensed me approaching and let me know he wasn't happy with my human intrusion. He was no more than 24" long, but could have caused me a lot of trouble with a poorly placed step. Let's just say the nearest hospital wasn't, well... very near. I left him alone after a few quick shutter clicks. I believe this is a juvenile Great Basin (Western) Rattlesnake, but I'm not a snake identification expert. Please, let me know if I'm wrong!

Great Basin (Western) Rattlesnake

False Kiva Sunset

False Kiva is an often photographed subject in Canyonlands National Park. I spent several hours enjoying this location and had it all to myself for the spectacular sunset on this particular evening. Here are a couple images. Which one do you like better?

False Kiva Sunset I

False Kiva Sunset II