EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

Super fast Super Sharp a must for Macro

The EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM, part of Canon’s prestigious L series, and first featuring an Image Stabilizer with angle and shift detection that is highly effective at close focusing distances.

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro Lens is an extremely fun lens to use. It combines excellent image quality with a useful focal length, a relatively small/light body, fast/quiet AF with 1:1 (1x) macro capabilities - and HIS (Hybrid Image Stabilization).

Overall, when you factor the effective IS system, stunning good looks and feel, the improved optical qualities, and the relatively reasonable price point, I say that the new Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro is a formidable macro and portrait lens for any Canon user, particularly if you're using a newer, high-resolution sensor camera. This is practically a must-have lens for those who earn from stock photography, macro photography, and food photography.

As a leader in speed and resolution the EOS-1D Mark IV, captures the extraordinary. Freeze action at 16.1 Megapixels and at 10fps or with Full HD video, the EOS-1D Mark IV is ready for everything.

The Canon EOS 7D is an 18 megapixel digital SLR camera incorporating a new APS-C CMOS sensor designed and manufactured by Canon. Featuring a revised photodiode and microlens construction, the 7D’s sensor offers a versatile ISO range of 100-12,800. Other new additions include dual DIGIC 4 processors offering continuous shooting at 8fps, improved 19-point cross-type auto-focus system including Zone and Spot AF, Focus Colour Luminance metering system which measures from 63 zones, and an Intelligent Viewfinder with 100% frame coverage and 1.0x magnification. The Canon 7D’s 3 inch Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dot resolution is used for the camera’s Live View and Movie modes, with Full HD 1080 video supported. The Canon EOS 7D is equipped with an integrated Speedlite Transmitter, making it easy to control external Speedlite flashguns with no additional accessories required. The magnesium alloy body offers weather sealing, an Integrated Cleaning System and 150,000 release shutter durability.

Canon 800mm

I purchased this lens soon after it became available in the UK. I have been a Canon user for many years. My primary use is Bird photos, usually from a rather large distance, and this lens is the best I have ever used.. It's not for everyone, it's big and heavy and costly, but the performance is fantastic! I highly recommend this lens if you need a lens of this length.

Stealth Wildlife Bag hide

I have had the Bag hide now for some weeks and have used it several times, I would like to let you know what a superb product this is. It is light very easy to use and fits into a small bag with a strap to carry it. I have been on my local patch on the Lincs coast on the creeks photographing Redshank, Greenshank, Little Egrets, Curlew, Whimbrel etc some of the least approachable birds that are on these creeks. While using the Bag hide I have had these Birds within 2 meters of me simply amazing and with only a tshirt and light trousers on no disturbance to the Birds at all a cracking piece of kit. Take a look at some of the photo's taken while in the hide they are on my Gallery. Click on the image to go to Steath Wildlife

Stealth lens rain protector

Another superb product from Stealth, the lens rain protector easy to use waterproof cover which fully covers your Camera & Lens duing all weather conditions and with the price of Camera gear its a must, once again Stealth have come up with a great value product. Click on the image to Stealth for more info & more great products

My Tripod & Head all from THG, Highly Remmended

GitzoSystematic tripod

Jobu Design BWG-LW

Black Widow Gimbal - Light Weight,

  "Heavy Duty" (but lightweight) model of Black Widow Gimbal is recommended for 400mm f/2.8, 500mm f/4 and 600mm f/4 users. NOW LIGHTER THAN BEFORE! 3lb 5oz (1.5 kilos) ....... And getting lighter ...... If your lens arsenal contains a monster-sized, back-breaking... click on the link !!!

Very pleased with the coat, very smart yet rugged, love the seat flap very useful to me as I spend a lot of time at Covenham & Toft Reservoir's, where I sit for long periods on my backside and there is also good pocket space . Trousers very practical, comfy and warm they work well with wellies.  Overall an excellent bit of kit.

A shaped Photographers bean bag. This Bean bag really fulfilled my needs especially photography out of the van, which has big windows and the bag shape makes it fit well down the window which gives it more stability.

Camera rest bean bags:  Nice big double bean bag, very well made used it at Donna Nook the other day, just does what a bean bag should.

Donut bean bag:. I filled this one to the brim great support superb on the Reservoir wall at Covenham.

Overall my personal opinion is, they are good value for money and well made.

Stealth Quick Release Camera Strap:-  

What a superb idea this quick release strap. In the past I have had to put straps on and take them off.  This now means I do not need two straps left on my camera at one time, as they can get in the way.  At £7.99 it is very reasonable, well made with good padding, another great piece of kit by Stealth. 

Quick release camera carrying strap with padded shoulder strap.
Made from Military grade webbing this carry strap has been designed and manufactured by ourselves.
From personal experiances we know that when working your camera on a tripod with a strap attached that the strap is constanly getting in the way so we designed this quick release system camera strap with high density shoulder strap.

Stealth Wildlife, Camouflage Lens Cover:-

I have now used this cover for some weeks, so it is time for a review.   I going to compare a purchase I made off the Internet some years ago, which was very pricey & poor quality it frayed & ripped ... The Stealth cover is much thicker Neoprene and also fits better, it is cheaper  than the other one.  It is a must product to protect this expensive lens.

Not only adds that Stealth camouflage covering but also adds protection to your valuable camera kit
Manufactured by Stealth wildlife watching supplies in the U.K using 4mm neoprene.
Unlike other manufactures we over lock all of our edges to prevent fraying and peeling.

Systematic tripods are the strongest and most stable available, and they also offer unsurpassed flexibility. This modular system can be quickly transformed between different configurations depending on the specific needs of a shoot. Choosing the carbon fiber version means you always have the ideal base model for both indoor and outdoor shooting, to which you can add a range of interchangeable center columns for normal use, heavy cameras or video work.

GH5380SQR Head

Review of Gitzo Head

Having used the Gitzo Head for some weeks now I can finally write my review on this product. We all know that Gitzo products are the very best and this is no different, a top quality head from Gitzo.

I have been using it on my Canon 500 f4 ,it has great easy movement and extremely safe. I have also tried it on macro work and it is superb, very quick and easy to use.

What more can you say about the Gitzo GH5380SQR Head , it will stand the test of time, it is very light and compact and there is no comparison for the work you need from this Head. It is a must for travelling, it is a well made bit of engineering

The systematic head is specifically dedicated to photographers who love to shoot with long and ultra long lenses for wild life, sport and action photography. Long lenses require ultra smooth movements, exceptional locking capabilities, minimized drift angle, “super fast” and intuitive operation. The systematic head features a revolutionary hydraulic locking system placed for the first time inside the ball. It is a completely new concept, not just a reversed ball head

The locking collar moves together with your equipment and you will always find the head controls, while keeping your eye in the view finder. The system allows you to set the friction by means of a button that sets the stroke of the locking collar. The head comes in two versions, quick release and 1/4” disc attachments. A small 1/4” to 3/8” screw adapter is included. The quick release system is lever operated to guarantee a safer and stronger operation.

Height - 10.1cm
Weight - 0.7kg
Maximum Weight - 30kg