Northern Hawk-Owl (Surnia ulula, Chouette épervière) Low, Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 300mm F2.8 IS, 1.4X Extender III, Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 500, F5.6 1/2500s Manual. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.
Canon 1.4x EF Extender III (Teleconverter)
As usual, B & H Photo in the USA has had stock of the new Canon 1.4X and 2X Extender III (Teleconverters) for well over two months, and there is no sign of any arriving in Canada anytime soon. I did manage to get my hands on a 1.4X III a little over a week ago through Canon Canada (who always seem last to get new products from Canon headquarters), and am still waiting for my 2X to arrive in Canada (without an expected delivery date).
The two new EF extenders are direct replacements of the current extenders offered by Canon as essential accessories for professionals. These new extenders have been designed to provide faster autofocusing and improved autofocus precision with compatible EF lenses. Each extender includes an anomalous dispersion lens element for reduced chromatic aberration and enhanced optical image quality. Each extender also features a newly developed microcomputer that increases AF precision when the extenders are used with a IS Series II EF super-telephoto lens. Both extenders are equipped with rubber gaskets and seals to enhance weather resistance. A new fluorine anti-smear coating is applied to the front and rear elements of both extenders. -CANON PRESS RELEASE
After only a few uses, I find the new coatings increase contrast, and therefore increase the acquisition speed and accuracy of the 1D Mark IV's auto-focus system. I also see a significant reduction in chromatic aberration (especially when stacked with a 2X). My initial testing is limited to the 70-200 F2.8 IS II, 300mm F2.8 IS and 500mm F4 IS and so far, it's looking like they are well worth the upgrade.
Here's something a little off-topic and different from a recent Owl Prowl. The ice that was lining the shore one morning was simply too good to pass-up. It ain't all just Owls - smile.
Shoreline Ice from Amherst Island (Stella) in Lake Ontario near Millhaven, Ontario. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, 24-70mm F2.8L, Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 200, F11 1/100s Manual. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.
is a refreshing new field guide to the trees of North American Trees written and illustrated by David Allen Sibley. I had given-up hope of finding a well illustrated field guide to the trees of North America, so I was thrilled when I accidentally stumbled upon this gem of a book.
since first seeing one last winter. It’s a vest type harness made of ballistic nylon with a polycarbonate breast-plate receiver that allows you to keep your camera in a comfortable, ready to use intuitive position. Simply screw an adapter (camera hub) to your camera, and it slides right into the receiver - twist to release. If carrying one camera is not enough, then install the second receiver (or side holster) on the side cinch strap (or any belt) and you are ready to go with two easy to access and use cameras. Right after I published the Spider Holster review 
winter parka while trying to keep warm in the coldest conditions. The 
connects external hard drives to the internet so you can easily share and access your files from anywhere. It gives even novice computer users the chance to set up their own cloud server in less than five minutes. 
is a new book written and photographed by wildlife photographer and trial attorney Windle Turley. In the book, Turley captures amazing images in the rarely photographed wintering grounds of the monarch butterfly, in the Transverse Neovolcanic Mountains in Mexico. Granted almost-unprecedented access, Turley documents the final destination of this migration that only takes place every four to five generations with vivid, full-colour photographs. 
