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I use Canon digital cameras and lenses and a variety of accessories from various manufacturers, including Gitzo, Wimberley, Arca Swiss and others.  As you might guess from from my portfolio, my favorite type of phography is avian imaging, with any kind of nature photography a close second.  That particularly includes flower macro.  But I also do a little of just about everything else, including a bit of scenic, outdoor and even some astrophotography.  Since I play tennis and attend professional tennis tournaments, I also have an extensive collection of the world's top men and women players in action -- all from the stands as a paying customer. The images below provide insight into what big time bird and macro rigs look like.  The long lens setup is based on gear I no longer own but is illustrative of what many photographers use to get up close and personal with our feathered friends.  The macro rig, admittedly using gear that is either now out of production or that could use an upgrade, makes use of a dual flash setup with cross polarization filtering for removing flash glare and minimizing specular highlights caused by the flashes.  You can learn more about cross polarization macro photography in this excellent how-to article by Wil Hershberger on NatureScapes.net. Bird Photography Setup   Full bird photography rig.  Long lens, camera, flash with fresnel lens for extended range, external battery, carbon fiber tripod, gimbal head for effortless handling of lens and camera, and leveling base. Closer view of components showing off-camera shoe cord, battery cord and bubble level for insuring level horizons.  Also shown is a triangular "Pod-Pad" for carrying comfort. Closeup showing flash held above lens to minimize possibility of red-eye or other effects from on-axis flash.  This particular off-axis flash bracket is by Wimberley and may clamped above or below matching plate. A gimbal head, such as the Wimberley shown here, renders long lenses virtually weightless. A fresnel lens such as this one from Visual Echoes provides extended flash range & battery life. Even with image stabilization proper technique is vital -- off hand firmly on lens and face on camera. External batteries are a must for extended photo sessions. The business end of a long lens.  Bird photography starts here.  Carbon fiber tripods such as this Gitzo are both rigid and lightweight.   § Cross Polarization Macro Setup Full macro rig, including camera, macro telephoto lens, dual flashes, twin macro flash arms, dual axis macro rail and external battery. Top down view of components showing camera, macro lens and dual flashes.  Off-camera shoe cord controls master flash. Closeup of cross polarization setup.  On-flash polarization strips are fixed.  Lens CP filter is rotated to match camera orientation. Rear view showing camera, dual flashes, ball head, macro arms and dual marco rail. View from behind dual axis rail, mounted on ball head and with macro arms attached to lens. View of macro arms clamped to dual grooved tripod foot mounting plate.   © 2013 Michael W. Masters   Return to top