MooseNewsBlog

I finally received the WG-AS1 (Water Guard – Accessory Shoe 1) for the Sb-900 & D3. My man Jeff Snyder snagged me 3, 2 in place and 1 spare. I’m heading off to AK and I know it’s going to rain so I thought since Nikon thought to make this thing, I should get ‘em.

It’ a pretty custom fit, fitting just the SB-900 (the AS-1 is for D3, AS-2 is for D300, AS-3 is for D700) foot where it attaches to the camera’s hot shoe. The unit is half plastic and half rubber. The upper half is the hard plastic. When you slip the WG-AS1 over the SB-900 foot, you push it forward. There are “fixing nails” in the WG-AS1 which locks into the foot of the SB-900. It takes some pushing, a little scary the first time you attach it. But once done and in place, it ain’t falling off. Attaching the SB-900 with the WG-AS1 attached to the hot shoe or SC-28 takes a little bit of doing. Again, the first time you slide it on, it’s a bit, tight and takes force which seems almost uncomfortable to exert. Once on, you can flip the locking lever and plug in the SD-9 with no problem.

Now is this thing “water tight?” I’m trying to figure out a test to determine just how much moisture it can handle. Of course, if I should find out the maximum, the answer might cost a flash and that’s not covered under warranty. Stay tuned for a report.

A very common and good question is “what do you take in the field?” When I say a 2nd body on my shoulder, I often get a funny look as if to ask why lug another body in the field. We are an amazingly fortunate group, us photographers. We are able to venture out and see things that many can’t imagine exist. This is especially true for wildlife photographers. And while we focus on the critter in the viewfinder, I often, sometimes to the detremint of the critter I’m chasing, miss that photo just enjoying the world around me. That’s why I have the 2nd body on my shoulder. A dabble of light strikes the landscape for only so long and then moves on. It’s those moments that are special and the 2nd body is very much apart of the gear that goes in the field with me.

Photo captured by D3x, 24-70AFS on Lexar UDMA digital film

I’m heading off to AK shortly and will be camping. More than likely we’ll be out in the rain and away from shelter when shooting.  At the same time I’ve also been looking for a means of quieting the sound of the D3x when shooting so it’s not being picked up by the video camera. I found the answer to both problems in one product, LensCoat’s BodyGuard (they come in colors other than black).

I’ve written about these before, but Scott has improved it by making it with a clear back cover, finger holes on the sides and a flap on the top for using a flash or off camera flash cord. As you can see, it’s easy to see the back of the camera and the D3x was attached to the 600VR when the this photo was taken. Tripping through the AK forest (and that could be a literal trip), it will be nice to know the D3x has the BodyGuard on and is being protected along with the lenses which also wear LensCoats.

While at the Reno Air Race PRS, I ran into a problem that I needed to find a solution to. The problem, sunblock ALL over the LCD creating an oil slick that should be reported to the EPA. Cleaning it became a pain because it just kept smearing and smearing, not really getting clean. After the fact I remembered something Hoodman has sent me, the Hoodman Hoodcap. It’s like retro digital man, the days of the D1 but oh, does it solve the problem! How do I know? I smeared sunblock on my face and took the LCD cover for a test greasing. The Hoodcap got greasy and it was then easily degreased. I now have a couple in my photopack for just such occassions.

I got a number of emails asking if I really used a video camera on top of the D3 with a 500VR attached and if I had a photo of it all. Well, here you go. Not only can you see the rig but this photo by Richard catches me shooting with the iPhone for my Tweeter posting. It’s all in the wrist

What can I say, I’m a sucker for a sexy lens and the 105VR is not only sexy, but wicked sharp. After I move past that, I’ve gotta field test to see it to see if  a lens works for not only my style of photography but working capitol as well. If a good friend didn’t have the lens and put in my hand, I doubt I would own it now. But I’m so glad I do! This intimate portrait of a DLWS participant’s cute little girl is a perfect example of how I like to use the 105VR. Here are some other thoughts on this vital piece of the Moose’s Camera Bag.

The SD-9 (impressive page) was introduced with the SB-900, but it wasn’t available until a few months back. I just now remembered to get one, wish I had remembered sooner. Nikon did an excellent job thinking this one through. Here’s what I mean.

The MP-7 was originally released two years ago and designed basically for owners of the 200VR, assorted lenses and flash. Since the only photographers who seem to fit this profile was Joe and myself, it was not the best of marketing plans. Despite that, it has been a real popular photopack. But its original design didn’t take into account the basic photographer who didn’t have a 200VR. So we’ve brought the MP-7 design in line with our other very poplar photopacks with the trademark three compartment design. It still works with the 200VR but now with the more common 70-200VR attached to the body. You can see all I pack in it here.  They are now in stock and you can learn more and order them here.

What lens took this photo of the Thunderbirds screaming by? It is probably the last one you would think of, it is Nikon’s best kept secret…until now!

Why do we do these videos? Sometimes I ask myself that question when I read the silly things forum posters post. But the answer is really simple, to help those with open minds seeking help. I receive hundreds of emails each week, folks asking what I use, what I recommend and the only answer I can provide is those lenses I like (yeah, I like the lenses I’ve bought, go figure) and own. This advice is free and you all know what they say about free advice. I leave it up to you, the photographer to THINK it through what works for you and your photography and decide if the info here works for you or not. I know they work for me, they create the images that permit me ot making a living from my images, that’s why I own them.

As my bud Joe would say, “It’s my lot in life” to explain this stuff. The #8 email I receive is, “How do you pack your camera bag?” Well, here you go, this is how I do it. While I’m going to demonstrate how to pack the photopack I use, the MP-1 (because it fits in every overhead in the world), that really doesn’t matter to you. The logic on how you pack is what you need to pick up on to figure out how to pack your own bag.

The Split Grad Neutral Density filter is incredibly important to our photography, both at the point of click and in post. Here’s what I mean

The week is over already. Man, does time just fly. The blurry eyed folks have seen the participant show, drank their wine and said good bye. All the gear is packed and the staff is all heading off to their next job. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to come together to share this thing called photography!

Our last shoot was at the Bodie Island Lighthouse. It was a great evening of literally just watching the light set. Whoever built the lighthouse was a real stickler for details as the building and lighthouse are all perfectly lined up in every aspect. It makes it possible to get this photo. Once the camera was set up. I just kep hitting the shutter to make an informal time laspe. It was the perfect finish to a great week. Thanks staff, friends and particpants for making it so great!

Photos captured by D3, 45PC-E on Lexar UDMA digital film