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Monday, December 28, 2015

Why Do Canon EOS-1D Cameras Cost More?




Ever wondered why professional grade cameras like the Canon EOS-1D and Super Telephoto lenses cost more? The reason is they are made to take on some of the toughest environment a piece of gear might encounter. Although not water proof, they are water resistant and weather-sealed, can take punishing temperatures and still perform their functions. Some of the newer Canon cameras like the EOS-7D Mark II, EOS-5D Mark III and EOS-5Ds are also built solidly.

My readers know I have used the Canon EOS-1D series on wildlife photography since 1989. Over the decades, I have taken them from the high Arctic to the Southern Ocean and places in between. They have been subjected to extreme cold, heat, humidity, dust, sand and water and came through with flying colors. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

In 2012, Swiss photographer Alessandro Della Bella was involved in the One Day On Earth project. Over the course of a few days and nights, he shot about 10,000 photos and a time-lapse video of the night sky on Mount Piz Corvatsch and Piz Nair. During the night, the temperature went down to about -10+ degrees Fahrenheit (-23+ Celcius). He used five Canon DSLRs, including the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D X.

When I was in the Canadian sub Arctic in November, the temperature was actually below that and my EOS-1D X, EOS-7D Mark II, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II and EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II all performed quite well. Those who have gone on photos shoots in very cold places know two of the biggest challenges while photographing are the lens freezing up and the batteries draining fast. Extra replacement of both and keeping the equipment covered until the very moment of use are essential.


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