On the many Days of Christmas, Mother Nature gave to me the following gifts

On the many days of Christmas, Mother Nature gave to me :

One breaching Orca
Two adorable Cheetah cubs
Three sleepy Polar Bears
Four majestic White Rhinos
Five Humpback whales bubble net feeding
Six African Elephants in a loving family
Seven fluffy ducklings

No Turtle Doves but a group of massive Sequoia trees.

Wildlife Photography - High Arctic Photo Tour

On top of the world (Almost)

Photographing wildlife inside the Arctic Circle

* * *  Back from my High Arctic Wildlife Photo Tour  * * *

I am off to the high Arctic on a wildlife photography shoot in Svalbard, an archipelago deep inside the Arctic Circle, in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Last month, I took the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II to the Upper Amazon and Peruvian Andes for a vigorous field test. Will be performing more real world tests and you can read my review on the camera here.

Atlantic Walrus family in the high Arctic

During the summer months in the high Arctic, there is 24 hour daylight and the weather and seas are unpredictable. It can range from a blustery, snowy day with 40+ knots winds and freezing temperature to sunny, T-shirt weather the next. 

Polar bear foot prints on ice floes

The wildlife in Svalbard is diverse. There is a population of about 3,000 Polar bears on the islands, together with indigenous herds of Reindeer. Arctic foxes, Atlantic Walruses, many species of whales, dolphins, seals and pelagic birds can be found among the ice floes, cliffs and numerous islands and coves.

Polar bear leaping on ice floes

The erratic pattern of ice floes and weather conditions will be a challenge for the ship's captain and my equipment but the Arctic scenery, replete with glaciers and ice cliffs are so spectacular, I will be too engrossed to worry about the rough seas and temperatures, as long as I am properly dressed. 

Virgin ice cliffs goes on for miles in the high Arctic

There are no Internet access on the expedition ship so I have to wait till my return to reconnect. In the meantime, you can see my equipment bag, read stories from my previous tours and see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com. 

Wildlife Photography - Back from the High Arctic

* * *  I am in Alaska on a photo shoot right now  * * *  

I have returned from my photo shoot in Svalbard in the high Arctic. This Norwegian archipelago is about 23,500 square miles and the climate is relatively mild by Arctic standard. Temperature averages around -5 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, as compared to Hudson Bay, which can drop to -40+ degrees.

The warm West Spitsbergen Current and the ice-infested East Greenland Current are the two major currents in Fram Strait, the body of water that lies between Greenland and Svalbard. While the WSC carries warm Atlantic waters north into the Arctic Ocean, the EGC transports cold, fresh water and sea ice south out of the Arctic basin. In this manner, the currents work together to make Fram Strait the northernmost permanently ice-free ocean area in the world.

Polar bear walking on the few remaining fast ice to be found in the high Arctic summer

This time the expedition ship I was on only managed to get as high as Latitude 80 degrees and 12 minutes. The weather was poor to fair, with many foggy and dull days, making wildlife spotting and photography a challenge. Polar bear sightings were few and quite far away. Walrus and whale encounters were not spectacular either. Such is the vicissitudes of a wildlife photo shoot. One is at the mercy of chance, weather and circumstance.

The ever curious and lovable Atlantic Walrus inspecting the photographer

Summer in the high Arctic is a lean time for Polar bears. Sea ice is breaking up fast and most of the seals are in the water and that makes hunting them almost impossible. Most bears try to conserve energy by doing as little as possible, resting and sleeping most of the day. I am just beginning to look over my photos. You can visit my website MichaelDanielHo.com , Facebook and Twitter pages to see new photos as they are posted or review images from past photo shoots.

Wildlife Photography - Photo Safari in the high Arctic

* * *  I have returned from my photo shoot in the high Arctic  * * *

I am off to the high Arctic on a photo shoot in Svalbard, an archipelago deep inside the Arctic Circle, in the Land of the Midnight Sun. In the summer months, there is 24 hour daylight and the weather and seas are unpredictable. It can range from a blustery, snowy day with 40+ knots winds to sunny, T-shirt weather the next. 

The wildlife in Svalbard is diverse. There is a population of about 3,000 Polar bears on the islands, together with indigenous herds of Reindeer. Arctic foxes, Atlantic Walruses, many species of whales, dolphins, seals and pelagic birds can be found among the ice floes, cliffs and numerous islands and coves.

The erratic pattern of ice floes and weather conditions will be a challenge for the ship's captain and my equipment but the Arctic scenery, replete with glaciers and ice cliffs are so spectacular, I will be too engrossed to worry about the rough seas and temperatures, as long as I am properly dressed. 

There are no Internet access on the expedition ship so have to wait till my return to reconnect. In the meantime, visit my website MichaelDanielHo.com and browse this Blog to see photos and read stories from my previous trips. Wish me luck on my sightings and encounters. My last photo shoot to India was just average. I need a break to get some spectacular images.   

How To Protect Photo Gear In Cold Environments

Polar bear mom and cub in -30+ C temperature, Hudson Bay

Taking photos in the snow and far away places like the Arctic and Antarctica can be fun and exciting, as long as one knows how to protect one's gear. Equipment have been known to snap under extremely cold temperatures, not to mention frozen photographers' faces and hands. I have been photographing wildlife in the sub and high Arctic regions and learned some valuable lessons through the years.

Having the correct white balance and exposure are also vital in snow photography. My trusted cameras are the Canon EOS-1D X and EOS-1D Mk IV. I use the factory LP-E4N batteries and they hold up very well under Arctic conditions. My favorite lenses are the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L USM Extender 1.4x, EF 400mm f/4 DO and the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II. My advice is keep your equipment under cover until ready to shoot and clean the gear meticulously after use to get rid of moisture. I rarely use fingerless gloves or wear a hood unless the cold is absolutely unbearable. You can see my equipment bag and view my works on MichaelDanielHo.com


The following is an excerpt from Canon Digital Learning Center on how to take care of equipment in cold environment :

"When winter rolls around, many landscapes go through dramatic changes that open up new possibilities for great photos. Snow-laden trees, icicles, frost patterns on foliage and winter sports are just a few of the many options. While many cameras are designed to work flawlessly at even down to 32 ?F (0 ?C), most will operate beyond this with a few simple precautions.

If you take a camera into a cold environment, the first thing you might notice is that battery life begins to drop. By 32 ?F (0 ?C), you might only lose 10% of the battery’s potential, but if it grows colder then it starts to become more noticeable. The first step to combat this is to keep your spare batteries inside your clothing, as close to your body as possible. In moderately cold conditions, this will be more than enough to keep the batteries within a normal operating range. It might be tempting to keep smaller point-and-shoot cameras inside your layers as well, but even in cold temperatures, we sweat when exerting energy like when you’re walking through deep snow or skiing. This sweating will cause condensation on your lens and potentially inside your camera, so it’s best to keep smaller cameras in a backpack or outer pocket.

For prolonged periods in much colder temperatures, oxygen activated hand-warmers are readily available at most grocery stores or pharmacies. Once opened, a chemical reaction gently warms them for up to 12 hours. Because they’re designed to be placed against your skin inside a glove or shoe, they’re safe to place in your pocket and can be attached to batteries to preserve some battery life in more extremely cold environments. From my personal experience shooting in mountains all over the world, I can say that those using Canon 1-Series cameras like the EOS-1D X need not worry about battery issues. Their batteries have such a large capacity that they easily outlast our own abilities to stay out in the cold.

If snow starts to fall, there’s still no reason to pack up and head indoors so long as you’ve got a rain cover for your camera. You’ll want to limit your lens changes, though, as rogue snowflakes in the camera body or lens during the change can add to potential condensation issues later when you bring your gear back inside to the warmth. Keep your lens hood on to try and prevent flakes falling onto the front element during use and carry at least a couple of lens cloths with you to dry the glass before you put it into the bag. Make sure you remove the waterproof cover and store that, along with any wet lens cloths, in a pocket of your camera bag away from your camera body and lenses. Your goal should be to keep as much moisture outside your bag’s main camera compartment as possible. Small packs of silica gel desiccant can also be placed inside any interior mesh pockets of your bag to help absorb any moisture that does become present.

Once it is time to head back indoors, there’s a couple more things to think about. Cold winter air is very dry and it’s almost certain that you’ll be entering a more humid environment when you head inside to warm up. Taking a cold camera straight inside will instantly cause condensation to form all over the lens and the body, just like taking a can of cold soda outside on a hot summer day. One way to tackle this is to place your camera in a sealable plastic bag while you’re still outside and let it slowly come up to room temperature indoors. As long as you place the camera in the bag outside while you’re in the cold air, the condensation will form outside of the bag and not around or in your camera. If you go out regularly, you can keep a couple of bags outside your front door so that they’re cold for your return. This works well for smaller cameras, but it’s not a practical solution if you have a couple of larger DSLR bodies and a bag full of lenses. In my experience, I’ve never seen a sealable plastic bag big enough to fit my EF 200-400mm f/4 IS USM Extender 1.4x lens into!

My personal ritual is to bring all of the gear inside and immediately spread it out on a table with the lens caps removed. I then place the camera face down, to prevent dust from falling into the chamber, and I cover everything up with a dry towel. Condensation will often form, as expected, but once the gear has gently warmed to room temperature, this will evaporate and much of it is absorbed straight into the towel.

There’s one more piece of important equipment that needs a little special treatment in the cold weather: you! Keeping yourself warm will allow you to really concentrate on creating the best images. Layer up with moisture-friendly materials and pay special attention to your extremities. Warm winter boots will go a long way for insulating you from a cold environment, but you’ll want to protect your hands as well. I read about a lot of folks who recommend gloves with peel-back fingertips, but I’ve personally always found that they are a compromise on a really cold day and no good at all if the snow is falling. I much prefer to operate the camera using thin glove liners, like something made out of merino wool. Simple liners are thin enough that you can maintain enough dexterity to operate the cameras controls and, between shots, you can slip your hand into a genuinely warmer and thicker winter glove. For those of you using cameras with touchscreen controls, there are several manufacturers who have engineered “touch friendly” liners that feature conductive fingertips.

With these simple precautions and considerations, you’ll be able to enjoy your winter wonderland and concentrate on your photography instead of worrying about your camera gear."

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X Lens Review

Canon started the development of the EF 200-400mm f/4L lens over two years ago. When the Canon EF 200-400m f/4L IS official announcement came on May 14, 2013, I immediately put my order in even though the weight and price are higher than I have expected. The lens finally arrived and this hands-on review will not have charts, graphs and technical details. You can read that in Canon's announcement above. It assumes the reader already has a familiarity with Canon cameras and super telephoto lenses. All opinions and observations are my own and from the standpoint of a wildlife photographer out in the field.

I am a wildlife photographer and have been using Canon equipment for almost twenty five years. My subjects range from tiny Hummingbirds to Blue Whales, the largest animal on Planet Earth, ever. Over the decades, I have used and owned many L series prime, zoom and Super telephoto lenses. When the Series II versions of the Super Telephoto lenses came out in 2011, I refrained from upgrading until I have a chance to use the EF 200-400mm f/4L lens. Generally I am not overly excited by any new piece of Canon equipment, the Canon EOS-1D X was the last exception but this new lens carries all the promise of a zoom lens with a built-in extender, all packed into a Super Telephoto lens barrel.

The debate between prime and zoom lens is over for me long time ago. The image quality of the current generation 'L' zoom lens are comparable to their prime cousins. I cannot emphasis the flexibility of having a top quality super telephoto zoom lens. For years, I have suffered through missed opportunity when using prime super telephoto lens on wildlife. Once the animal comes too close, there is a mad scramble to back up or try and grab another camera with a shorter focal length. Invariably, I would end up missing crucial shots.

The most annoying thing about Canon's Super Telephoto lenses is their factory lens cap and the EF 200-400mm is no exception. I immediately substituted it with the Don Zeck lens cap. The DZ caps are on all my Super Telephoto lenses. My first impression of the EF 200-400mm is a rock solid, semi-large and heavy (7.98 pounds) but manageable lens. It measures 5 inch in diameter and 14.4 inch in length without the lens hood. The lens hood is interchangeable with the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS lens. Most of the controls are located at the rear of the lens - extender control lever, IS modes, focus modes, focus limiter and focus preset control. The lens takes 52mm drop-in filters, which are inserted in the rear of the lens via the included drop-in filter holder. Rubberized zoom and focus rings are on the lens barrel, the textured playback ring, and the front-most grip ring that incorporates four AF Stop Buttons. I have examined in detail the area where the extender control lever is located because this is a place where dirt may accumulate and moisture can seep into the lens out in the field. However, after having taken the lens to Africa and the high Arctic (hot and cold), I am comfortable the lever will stand up to field use provided regular cleaning is maintained.

The front and rear lenses elements are fluorine-coated to repel water, dust and dirt. When used with the Canon EOS-1D X and Mk IV cameras, the package is weather-sealed and make cleaning easier on photo shoots. The built-in 1.4x extender is specifically designed for the lens and there are three IS modes, like all the other Series II Super Telephoto lenses. Mode 1 is for stationary subjects. Mode 2 is for panning subjects, like bird in flight. Mode 3 is only available on Series II super telephoto lenses. In Mode 3, IS sound can be detected when the shutter release is half-pressed, but the image is not stabilized until the precise moment when the shot is taken. When I use a Canon IS equipped lens, I always leave the IS on and set to Mode 1. To be honest, most of the time, I find there is a difference without a distinction between Mode 1, 2 and 3. After handholding and panning for so many fast moving wildlife shots over the years, I have developed a rather good technique for myself already.

Up to now, no Canon Super Telephoto lens comes in a zoom. Adding a built-in 1.4x extender and a fixed f/4 aperture over the entire zoom range is a game changer for me. By the way, the minimum focusing distance over the entire zoom range is only 6.6 feet. This means I can get closeup to the wildlife action. Although this lens is revolutionary for a 'L' design, Canon actually experimented with the FDn 1200mm f/5.6 Lens with a built-in 1.4x extender back in 1984 during the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

To say the EF 200-400mm lens' zoom range is flexible is an understatement. In addition to the built-in 1.4x extender, the lens also accepts the EF 1.4x and 2.0x III extenders. This means the lens can have a possible zoom range of 200mm to 1,792mm, when used with a combination of full frame, APS-H and APS-C cameras. EOS-5D Mk III and the EOS-1 bodies will allow AF down to f/8. Auto-focusing with apertures smaller than f/8 is not possible but this lens is well designed for that with FTM (full time manual) focusing built-in. I am not a big fan of the 2.0x extender but the 1.4x is another matter. With the EOS-1D X or Mk IV cameras plus the EF 1.4x extender mounted on the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS, my focal length starts out at 280mm and ends at a little over 1,000mm. This immense focal length range encourages creativity and open up endless possibilities for my long lens photography.

When the EF 1.4x extender is attached and the EF 200-400mm internal extender set to 1x, any AF points can be selected with the joystick. When the internal extender is set to 1.4x, only the center AF point works. When the EF 2.0x extender is attached and the internal extender is set to 1x, AF slows down and only the center AF point works. If the internal extender is set to 1.4x, manual focusing will be required. This works well for me since I like to add the 1.4x extender sometimes and work mostly with the center AF point anyway. AF is lighting fast, even with the addition of an external 1.4x extender. It took me a little while to get used to the fact I can actually zoom in and out with this Super Telephoto lens and finding the extender lever by touch without having to take my eye off the viewfinder. After that, it was rather instinctual in changing the zoom range, landscape to portrait mode, AF points, ISO setting and exposure control, all in quick succession, without ever taking my eye off the subject.

Hand-holding my camera and traveling light on photo shoots are my preference. Despite the weight of this lens and the EOS-1 camera (about 11 pounds), I am able to hand-hold (with proper technique) the combo for a short while even though I am of average height and build. When I do use support, my pick is the SLIK PRO 824 CF carbon fiber tripod and the SLIK SBH 550 ball head. SLIK equipment is the best value in my opinion and highly underrated. The combination weighs about 5 pounds and can support the EF 200-400mm f/4L lens plus the EOS-1 camera with ease. Visit my Equipment Bag page on my website to see all the gear I use on photo shoots.

So far, I have taken the lens to Alaska, the sub and high Arctic and Africa to photograph Polar bears, Brown bears, the Big Five and other wildlife. The lens is rather cumbersome in bouncing zodiacs, small boats and jeeps but on a stable platform, it works flawlessly. Will be taking the lens to more locations worldwide in the next few months and putting it through further testing. You can see many more wildlife photos taken with the EF 200-400mm lens on my website and follow me on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with my travels and subscribe to my Blog for the latest news and development in photography.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Wildlife Photography - Reflections on Polar Bears in Husdon Bay

* * * PBI and Google Street View highlight Polar Bears' plight in Hudson Bay * * *

I am back from my Polar Bear photo shoot in Hudson Bay. The Polar bear is the largest living land carnivore, with adult males growing up to over 8 feet in length and some weighing close to one ton. The largest bear ever recorded weighed in at 2,300 pounds. Females are about half the size of males, although a pregnant female with stored fat can exceed 1,000 pounds in weight. Polar bear cubs weigh about 2 lbs at birth. They look similar in appearance to adults, though they have much thinner fur.

There are five nations where Polar bears are found - United States, Canada, Norway (Svalbard), Denmark (Greenland) and Russia. The furthest south Polar Bears are found year round is James Bay in Canada, which is about the same latitude as London. During the winter, when the ice extends further south, Polar bears move as far south as Newfoundland and into the northern Bering Sea. The US has the fewest Polar Bears and Canada has the most. The best global estimate of their population is about 20,000 to 25,000. They are the most endangered bear species due to the warming of the Arctic region, especially during the summer.

Although their numbers are declining, the US, Canada and Greenland still hunt Polar Bears 'legally' while illegal poaching exists in Russia and Norway. The 'legal' hunting is 'regulated' by quotas given to indigenous people but they can also sell their quotas to big game hunters for $30,000+ per bear. The quotas is almost certain to be exceeded due to the high profit and remote locations of many indigenous towns and enforcement is next to impossible.

The most vulnerable Polar Bear population resides in southern Hudson Bay. The ice has been melting earlier and forming later for quite a few years now. This compresses the Polar Bear feeding season into about 6 months. Without solid ice, the bears cannot hunt seals and they will not be able to survive and rear their young. A breeding female can raise about 7 to 8 cubs to adulthood in her lifetime if conditions are favorable. Human/bear encounters are also on the rise in southern Hudson Bay. This often leads to fatality for the bears and their population is already on a declining rate.    

This is one of my more memorable trips to Hudson Bay and I have encountered more mothers with cubs this time. I also came across a seal kill as well. The Polar Bears' condition look alright from my observation but I am not a wildlife biologist. Their fast is ending very soon because the ice is forming rapidly by the bay. Soon they will be able to go on the ice and start feeding but the environment is still under threat and their future is by no means secure. Visit my website to see many more photos from my previous photo shoots.

For more posts on photographing other wildlife, you will find Elephants, Hummingbirds, Bengal tigers, Killer whales and Blue whales adventures here. I have been a wildlife photographer for 25 years using Canon gear. You can read my FAQs on wildlife photography, see my equipment bag and my works on MichaelDanielHo.com. You can also follow my travels on my blog, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Wildlife Photography - Polar Bears in Hudson Bay, Day 11 and 12

NE winds are blowing from the Arctic. Temperature is down to well below -20s F with wind chill. This is what the weather should be like here. Bears are getting edgy and ready to head out on the sea ice as soon as possible. I am just as excited as them for different reasons.

This year, the encounters are quite good. Came across a few mothers with cubs. They all seem rather healthy for this time of the year. Visit my Polar Bear page to see more photos from my previous trips.

MichaelDanielHo.com/polar-bears.html

Wildlife Photography - Polar Bears in Hudson Bay, Day 8 and 9

Two of the most iconic species in the Canadian sub Arctic, the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear with cub. The Arctic Fox is a small mammal, often weighing less than 20 pounds. It shadows the Polar Bear and scavenge form its kills. The Polar Bear fasts on land at this time of the year in Hudson Bay, waiting for the sea ice to solidify so it can go out and hunt seals. This cub is mimicking everything Mom does.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Wildlife Photography - Polar Bears in Hudson Bay, Day 6

The weather is unseasonably 'warm' here, just below freezing and the sun actually came out. Came across a Polar bear kill of a seal, which is rather unusual this time of the year on land. Yesterday, there was a bear/human encounter. Two people were hurt but two Polar bears were killed (at least one breeding female) and one cub orphaned.

The little guy will be sent to a zoo, eventually. The bears were killed even though they posed no imminent danger to the two people because they were tracked down later and destroyed. The bear population in southern Hudson Bay is already declining, These type of encounters when bears are killed before any investigation or review are conducted, seems to me a bit heavy-handed.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Wildlife Photography - Polar Bears In Hudson Bay, Day 4

Taking off in a helicopter on the tundra to look for Polar Bears

I am in Hudson Bay now. On the way up, I came across a Bald Eagle struggling to free its talons from a fish that was too heavy for it to lift out of the lake. The water was VERY cold and the poor eagle was struggling for its life trying to release the fish with little success. It may drown because of that and this is one of the biggest reason for BE deaths.

The weather is unseasonably mild right now but it was cold a few days ago. catching up with some friends and heading out to find Polar bears soon. Happy Halloween.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Wildlife Photography - Polar Bears In Hudson Bay

I am off to Hudson Bay for a Polar Bear photo shoot. This region of Canada has the most southern population of Polar Bears in the world and they are very vulnerable to climate change. Already the ice in the Bay has been melting earlier and freezing later for a number of years now. This has a detrimental effect on the Bears because they rely on solid ice to hunt seals. When the hunting season is shortened by the rise in temperature, they run the risk of expending more energy and travel much further to find their food.

Hoping to see more Snowy Owls and Gyr Falcons this time. The real icing on the cake will be coming across a nice Aurora Borealis but I am not counting on it. Spending another Halloween on the frozen tundra. Just the thought of 30+ knots winds and bone-chilling temperatures is scary enough for me. Should have intermittent access to the Internet but in the meantime, you can look at some photos from my past trips and I will try and stay in touch. Wish me luck.

MichaelDanielHo.com/polar-bears.html

Wildlife Photography - Polar Bears In The Arctic, Day One

Oh darling, save the last dance for me.

I am on the road again. With my fingers crossed, I hope my back pain is behind me. Flying to Svalbard today on a wildlife photo shoot. Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago deep inside the Arctic Circle with its own ecosystem. It has its own Polar Bear, Reindeer and Arctic Fox population. The wildlife I (hopefully) should encounter, in addition to the aforementioned, include many species of whales, seals, walruses plus many different species of seabirds. 

Polar Bears - Lord Of The Arctic

Bringing the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens for a field test. You can read my review of this lens here. Since I will be on a small ship sailing around the islands, there are no Internet access but will try and stay in touch when I get back to Norway. I will not be able to update the Blog with my latest travel and photography news until I return in late July. With the wind behind my back, wish me luck with my sightings. Visit my website MichaelDanielHo.com to see many Polar Bear and other wildlife images from my other photo shoots.

Wildlife Photography - Polar Bears, Lord Of The Arctic

The Polar bear is the largest living land carnivore, with adult males growing up to over 8 feet in length and some weighing close to one ton. It is immediately recognizable from the distinctive white color of its thick fur. The only parts of the body not covered by fur are the foot pads and the tip of its nose, which are black, revealing the dark color of the skin underneath the pelt. The neck of the Polar bear is longer than in other species of bears, and the elongated head has small ears. Polar bears have large strong limbs and huge front paws which are used as paddles for swimming. The toes are not webbed, but are excellent for walking on snow as they bear non-retractable claws which dig into the snow like ice-picks.

Females are about half the size of males, although a pregnant female with stored fat can exceed 1,000 pounds in weight. They usually give birth to two, sometimes three cubs but the survival rate for first year cubs are no better than 50 percent. Polar bear cubs weigh about 2 lbs at birth. They look similar in appearance to adults, though they have much thinner fur.

Polar bears are found throughout the circumpolar Arctic on ice-covered waters, from Canada, to Norway, parts of the US, the former USSR and Greenland. The furthest south the Polar bears occur all year round is James Bay in Canada, which is about the same latitude as London. During the winter, when the ice extends further south, Polar bears move as far south as Newfoundland and into the northern Bering Sea. A few accessible places to photograph Polar Bears are the Canadian tundra, Barter Island in the National Arctic Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago inside the Arctic Circle.

These places are served by charter and regular airlines and local guides are readily available for bespoke and organized small group tours. The cost will not be inexpensive and the photographic equipment should be professional grade to withstand the extreme cold and wind, depending on the time of year. Seeing and photographing Polar bears closeup is one of my favorite wildlife encounters. Visit my Polar Bear page to see more photos from previous trips and see what equipment I use on my photo shoots.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Wildlife Photography - Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright

The Tiger is an iconic symbol of conservation. It is a heavily muscled, powerful predator that stalks and ambushes large prey, camouflaged by its stripy coat. Unlike other cats, Tigers are good swimmers and often cool off in lakes and streams during the heat of the day.  Nine different subspecies of this carnivore are recognized, three of which became extinct in the latter part of the 20th century : the Bali , Javan and Caspian Tigers. The remaining subspecies are the Siberian, South China, Sumatran, Indochinese, Malayan and Bengal Tigers. Their characteristic dark, vertical stripes patterning the body vary in their width, spacing, and length, and whether they are single or double stripes. The pattern and distribution of the stripes is unique to each Tiger.  Poaching and habitat loss have occurred throughout much of the Tiger's range and is now severely threatening its survival; as land becomes rapidly developed to meet the increasing demands of the Asian population, Tiger populations become isolated in remaining fragments of wilderness and will ultimately die out.

India is one of the most interesting and last remaining countries to view and photograph Tigers. It is a land of controlled chaos, teaming with sights and sounds, plus a profusion of cultures and races.  The country is also rich in other wildlife, with hundreds of species of birds, plus Leopards, Asiatic Lions, Rhinos, Elephants, Bears, Gaurs and Wild Dogs, just to name a few. Visiting India is quite an exhausting flight for those who live in North America. It takes about 2 days, including layover to get there by plane. From Western Europe, it is about an 8 hour flight. Careful planning is required in order to get the most out of this long journey. 

The two central Indian National Parks of Bandhavgarh and Kanha offer the best opportunity to view and photograph Tigers in their natural habitat. The duration of time spent in each park should be at least two to three full days to maximize one's chances of seeing Tigers and other wildlife. Safaris in open top Jeeps, along with elephant-back rides, help track Tigers and other animals. The parks' regulations require a guide to accompany any vehicle entering. The guides are generally very helpful and is a resource in tracking and finding wildlife although it is recommended to bring your own expert guide, if possible. 

Bandhavgarh National Park, famous for its 'high'density of Tigers, contains 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds, including Leopards, Jungle Cat, Muntjac and the only four-horned Antelope in the world, the Chausingha. Hemmed in by the Vindhyan mountain ranges, the Park is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Covering an area of 437 sq km, the Park encompasses dense forest, open meadows, wetlands and steep ridges. The Park is named after an ancient fort located in the area. It was once the hunting reserve of the kings of Rewa.

Kanha National Park, with its lush sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows and ravines, provided inspiration to Rudyard Kipling for his famous novel, "The Jungle Book". The Park is located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, came into being in 1955 and forms the core of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, created in 1974 under Project Tiger. The Park's landmark achievement is the preservation of the rare hardground Swamp Deer (Barasingha), saving it from near extinction. Stringent conservation programs for the overall protection of the Park's fauna and flora, makes Kanha one of the most well maintained National Parks in Asia. 

The parks are opened from November to June, although the best months to visit are between November to April. The temperatures in the earlier months are a bit more comfortable but to maximize sightings, March and April are the best, due to the warmer weather but May and June may be too hot for most visitors. Deer and other prey animals are forced to visit waterholes more often during the hotter months and this offers plenty of ambush opportunities for Tigers. Safaris start early with the Jeeps queuing up at the park entrance starting around 6 AM. Each trip usually lasts about 3 hours and the mid afternoon is a good time for the second safari. The temperature in the Parks can be very cold in the early mornings and gets warmer and hotter as the day progresses. The roads are unpaved, rough and dusty. Bumpy rides in the Jeep are guaranteed and part of the fun, with no extra charge.  

No one is permitted to wander off on foot inside the parks and the Jeeps are small so a tripod or monopod is of little use. The vegetation is thick and the Tigers are experts in concealment. They can be almost 'invisible' in the thick jungle, just a few feet from you. I generally prefer to use a zoom lens since there is no telling where they may pop up but the best combo is to have two cameras ready. I use the Canon EOS-1D X, EOS-1D Mk IV and the EOS-7D cameras with the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x, EF 400mm f/4 DO IS, EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS or the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS lens. Visit my Equipment Bag on my website to see these gear. Since the lighting is usually fair to poor, I set the apertures of the lenses wide open with ISO setting of 800 and going all the way to 3200 if required.  

It is truly a rare privilege for any photographer to come face to face with a Bengal Tiger in the wild. I came across this one year old cub and we exchanged eye contact for a little while before he disappeared into the bush. It was a very memorable moment for me and I will cherish it for a very long time. Visit my Wild Tigers page to see more exciting photos from India and visit my website MichaelDanielHo.com to see many more wildlife photos from around the world.

Canon EOS-7D - Best Value in DSLR Camera

Canon EOS-7D camera with EF lenses

The Canon EOS-7D camera has been out for over three years. You can read the specifications of the camera on Canon's website. The EOS-7D Mk II is expected to be announced some time later this year. See my earlier post on this topic.

The 7D has an APS-C size 18 megapixel CMOS sensor and dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, with ISO range from 100 - 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps. It comes with the new, all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo II AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes. It also has an Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely new technology, provides approximately 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines.

What makes this camera so appealing for wildlife photography is its burst rate and advanced AF system, divided into 5 zones plus the ability to select Spot AF. The latter is most useful when photographing birds hidden among branches and leaves. Even the EOS-1D MK IV does not have this feature. Only the EOS-5D MK III and EOS-1D X cameras share this capability.

The only fly-in-the-ointment for me is the EOS-7D's mediocre ISO performance. In good lighting conditions, the camera's performance is hard to beat but when the ISO needs to go above 800 and beyond, the noise level increases 'dramatically'. It can be corrected by post processing software and although the 7D's technology is a bit 'dated', it does not deter me from selecting the camera as the best value in DSLR bodies three years in a row.

The camera lists for $1,499 but one can find sale prices all over the Internet and factory refurbished bodies are selling for about $1,000. I have taken the EOS-7D camera on all my photo shoots worldwide as a backup camera and when I need that extra reach without using extenders. I expect the Mk II version will address its Achilles heel (ISO performance) and make this camera an even better value. Can't wait to get my hands on its successor. Visit my website MichaelDanielHo.com to see many more wildlife photos taken with the EOS-7D from around the world. 

The World's Sharpest Super Telephoto Zoom Lens?

Subsequent to this article written in 2013, I have taken this lens on worldwide photo shoots and it keeps on impressing me every time I use it. Visit MichaelDanielHo.com to see the latest wildlife images taken with this amazing piece of glass. 

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM extender 1.4x lens

I have taken delivery of the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens and went out for some test shots. The lens is, in one word, Impressive! I dropped in on the zoo over the weekend. It was hot and after lugging the lens and tripod around for a whole day, I was tired and sweaty. On my way out, I came across the Chimpanzee exhibit. From a distance, these two really bored Chimps caught my eye because they looked like they were in worse shape than me. I took the camera off the tripod and fired off a few shots.

What, Me Bored?

Bad Hair Day

The above photos were taken with the EF 200-400mm and the EOS-1D X camera. The Chimp shot was taken handheld from about 100 feet away, @ f/4, 400mm, IS Mode 1, AI Servo. The Victoria Crowned Crane was also taken handheld from about 40 feet with the built-in 1.4x extender switched on, @ f/5.6 400mm, IS Mode 1, AI Servo. The image quality of the 100% crop photos are especially impressive. Can you imagine if I had use the tripod? You can read my reviews of the lens and camera on my website. Keep checking back for more photos and reviews as I return from my wildlife photo shoots.

MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens Review

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM 1.4x lens and EOS-1D X camera

Canon started the development of the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens over two years ago. When the official announcement came on May 14, 2013, I immediately put my order in even though the weight and price are higher than I have expected. The lens finally arrived and this hands-on review will not have charts, graphs and technical details. You can read that in Canon's announcement above. It assumes the reader already has a familiarity with Canon cameras and super telephoto lenses. All observations and opinions are my own and from the standpoint of a wildlife photographer out in the field.

I am a wildlife photographer and have been using Canon equipment for almost twenty five years. My subjects range from tiny Hummingbirds to Blue Whales, the largest animal on Planet Earth, ever. Over the decades, I have used and owned many L series prime, zoom and Super telephoto lenses. When the Series II versions of the Super Telephoto lenses came out in 2011, I refrained from upgrading until I have a chance to use the EF 200-400mm lens. Generally I am not overly excited with any new piece of Canon equipment, the EOS-1D X camera (see my review) was the last exception but this new lens carries all the promise of a zoom lens with a built-in extender, all packed into a Super Telephoto lens barrel.

The debate between prime and zoom lens is over for me long time ago. The image quality of the current generation 'L' zoom lens are comparable to their prime cousins. I cannot emphasis the flexibility of having a top quality super telephoto zoom lens. For years, I have suffered through missed opportunity when using prime super telephoto lens on wildlife. Once the animal comes too close, there is a mad scramble to back up or try and grab another camera with a shorter focal length. Invariably, I would end up missing crucial shots.

The most annoying thing about Canon's Super Telephoto lenses is their factory lens cap and the EF 200-400mm is no exception. I immediately substituted it with the Don Zack lens cap. The DZ lens caps are on all my Super Telephoto lenses and I highly recommend it. My first impression of the EF 200-400mm is a rock solid, semi-large and heavy (7.98 pounds) but manageable lens. It measures 5 inch in diameter and 14.4 inch in length without the lens hood. The lens hood is interchangeable with the EF 400mm f/4 IS DO lens. Most of the controls are located at the rear of the lens - extender control lever, IS modes, focus modes, focus limiter and focus preset control. The lens takes 52mm drop-in filters, which are inserted in the rear of the lens via the included drop-in filter holder. Rubberized zoom and focus rings are on the lens barrel, the textured playback ring, and the front-most grip ring that incorporates four AF Stop Buttons. I have examined in detail the area where the extender control lever is located because this is a place where dirt may accumulate and moisture can seep into the lens out in the field. However, I am comfortable the lever will stand up to field use provided regular cleaning is maintained.

The front and rear lenses elements are fluorine-coated to repel water, dust and dirt. When used with the Canon EOS-1D X and Mk IV cameras, the package is weather-sealed and make cleaning easier on photo shoots. The built-in 1.4x extender (see bulge in photo below) is specifically designed for the lens and there are three IS modes, like all the other Series II Super Telephoto lenses. Mode 1 is for stationary subjects. Mode 2 is for panning subjects, like bird in flight. Mode 3 is only available on Series II super telephoto lenses. In Mode 3, IS sound can be detected when the shutter release is half-pressed, but the image is not stabilized until the precise moment when the shot is taken. When I use a Canon IS equipped lens, I always leave the IS on and set to Mode 1. To be honest, most of the time, I find there is a difference without a distinction between Mode 1,  2 and 3. After handholding and panning for so many fast moving wildlife shots over the years, I have developed a rather good technique for myself already.

Up to now, no Canon Super Telephoto lens comes in a zoom. Adding a built-in 1.4x extender and a fixed f/4 aperture over the entire zoom range is a game changer for me. By the way, the minimum focusing distance over the entire zoom range is only 6.6 feet. This means I can get closeup to the wildlife action. Although this lens is revolutionary for a 'L' design, Canon actually experimented with the FDn 1200mm f/5.6 lens with a built-in 1.4x extender back in 1984 during the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

To say the EF 200-400mm lens' zoom range is flexible is an understatement. In addition to the built-in 1.4x extender, the lens also accepts the EF 1.4x and 2.0x III extenders. This means the lens can have a possible zoom range of 200mm to 1,792mm, when used with a combination of full frame, APS-H and APS-C cameras. EOS-5D Mk III and the EOS-1 bodies will allow AF down to f/8. Auto-focusing with apertures smaller than f/8 is not possible but this lens is well designed for that with FTM (full time manual) focusing built-in. I am not a big fan of the 2.0x extender but the 1.4x is another matter. With the EOS-1D X or Mk IV cameras plus the EF 1.4x extender mounted on the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS, my focal length starts out at 280mm and ends at a little over 1,000mm. This immense focal length range encourages creativity and open up endless possibilities for my long lens photography.

When the EF 1.4x extender is attached and the EF 200-400mm internal extender set to 1x, any AF points can be selected with the joystick. When the internal extender is set to 1.4x, only the center AF point works. When the EF 2.0x extender is attached and the internal extender is set to 1x, AF slows down and only the center AF point works. If the internal extender is set to 1.4x, manual focusing will be required. This works well for me since I like to add the 1.4x extender sometimes and work mostly with the center AF point anyway. It took me a little while to get used to the fact I can actually zoom in and out with this Super Telephoto lens and finding the extender lever by touch without having to take my eye off the viewfinder. After that, it was rather instinctual in changing the zoom range, AF points, landscape to portrait mode, ISO setting and exposure control, all in quick succession, without ever taking my eye off the subject

I have taken a few bird photos in my usual hot spots and went to the zoo one day. So far, I am quite pleased with the initial results. Look at the image quality of the 100% crop Chimpanzee and Victoria Crowned Crane photos. They were taken from about 100 and 40 feet away, handheld. The IQ of the Bird-in-flight shots are equally impressive. All photos taken with the EOS-1D X, 400mm @ f/4, IS Mode 1, AI Servo. Will be taking the lens and the EOS-1 cameras out to get acclimated to its functions and shooting techniques in the next few weeks. Hand-holding my camera and traveling light on photo shoots are my preferences. Despite the weight of this lens and the EOS-1 camera (about 11 pounds), I am able to hand-hold (with proper technique) the combo for a short while even though I am of average height and build. When I do use support, my pick is the SLIK PRO 634 CF carbon fiber tripod and the SLIK SBH 550 ball head. SLIK equipment is the best value in my opinion and highly underrated. The combination weighs 3.3 pounds and can support the EF 200-400mm f/4L lens plus the EOS-1 camera with ease. Visit the equipment page on my website to see all the gear I use on photo shoots.

Humming Right Along

Small Is Beautiful

Soaring High

What, Me Bored?

Getting An Earful

Let Me Chew On This For A While

My next few wildlife photo shoots start in early July and last through Autumn. Traveling to Svalbard in the high Arctic to photograph Polar Bears and other wildlife will be my first field test of this production lens, followed by Alaska, Africa and the Canadian tundra.

You can follow my travels on Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr and visit my website MichaelDanielHo.com to see wildlife photos from my previous shoots around the world. Keep checking back for additional photos and addendum to my hands-on review of the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens as I return from more photo shoots.