Can't say thank you enough, today I spotted some swans while driving by a local lake. Decided to try to get a photo even though they were a long way away and when I got to the edge of the water they started coming towards me. I ended up laying down in the mud and shot them as they came withing 30 yards of me. I now have a home made ground pod with a gimbal head on it ready for the next opportunity. The low angle images were amazing!!! Thanks again, I would have shot them standing and not had an idea how beautiful they were shot from the water level.
Again, nice video Duade... With the background music, it was peacefull and I think I "was" with you on that journey... 😂 I appreciated that moment! Thanks again!
I am really enjoying your channel. Usually I'm watching at work lol.... learning about photography and then when I'm free at 4:30 I practice what I've learned .... your awesome!. 🇨🇦😉
I made one from a pan and it was simple enough. It didn't end up sticking to my photo technique so I'm glad I didn't pay more than a few bucks for a nut and bolt. But now this video has me considering bringing it out of retirement for an easy portable way to get locked off video shots. Thanks for the video!
Great videos Duade. Great enthusiasm on display laying there for hours on end lol. My aching bones and back couldn't cope. I have a tripod that allows the central column to be inverted, so can get the camera very low indeed.
Wonderful video! Good information, but I’m another one who might not be able to get up after lying on the ground. LOL Thank you for sharing you love of bird photography. I agree that there is something magical about being outside with no one else other than the birds and other animals.
I have the German version CamDisk which I reviewed. I gave up with the frying pan too! You cant beat a well made purpose built job in my opinion . Excellent video in use shots
Love your enthusiasm Duade. I feel the same as you when I’m out. Looking at The Camera House website for setup like yours. Can’t find. Will head to their store I think. Love how you show the RAW files and what you cropped. Beautiful work.
Thanks Mick, my advice would be to wait for Canon to release their new RF Mirrorless cameras and lenses, they are not far away now. An R5 and a 100-500 7.1 could be an amazing combination. Yes, showing the RAW file is a bit of extra work but I think people like to see how I cropped and processed the image. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, this episode came in my feed while browsing and I must say I enjoyed. I do all sorts of photography but have been getting into some bird photography over last few years. I recently bought a platypod Ultra which is a flat ground plate so could use where no tripods allowed. I bought a frisbee and attached a plastic chopping board inside with 2 bolts and wingnuts so can attach platypod. I did it this way so could remove platypod. I screwed a ballhead on the platypod and got fown nice and low. Only problem is that it is so uncomfortable on the neck. I think the gimble option is better as more natural me thinks. Having said all that I also tried using from live view on camera and it seemed to work. I only started using low to ground technique recently. This is first of your content I watched and will now look at more. Great job done/
Hi Vedran, thank you for your comment and feedback. I have seen the platypod online but have never used one myself, sounds like it is working well for you. Yes you correct, your neck can get very sore if you lay too low and try to look through the viewfinder. As the ground pod and gimbal do raise the camera up I do not get the sore neck with it. I think there are 90 degree viewfinder attachments you can get so you can look down and shoot also. Shooting low is worth it for the results though. Take care and enjoy your birding. Cheers, Duade
G'day, yes, it is a great spot, it is full of water at the moment as we have had a lot of rain so there arent many birds. We are also in lockdown at present restricting movement. Take care, Duade
Great video Duade!!!! Don't know why youtube showed me this after we talked about the pan odd stuff hahaha :) Our shores are never dry, specially at lakes, we have that kind of mud where you sink, (literally sink) and lots of crabs!!!! I don't even dream of getting there so nearby, cause I have already been bitten but those pesky crabs! LOL Thank you again and best regards as usual from Uruguay!
Excellent photos Duade. I have a frying pan turned upside down with a humble screwed to it. It is slightly higher than your setup but not having full use of my right shoulder I find it difficult to lay flat. Your shots are an inspiration so I am off to the coast in a couple of weeks to try it out.
Great to hear Kevin, I did use a frying pan when I started out. Basically anything that lets you get a lower shooting angle is what is really helping. Sorry to hear your shoulder is giving you trouble, but great to hear it hasn't stopped you getting out and photographing birds. Cheers, Duade 👍
Great Video Daude. To get low I have been using the pivoting screen on the back of the Canon EOS R. This way, I dont have to lie in the mud. Still, I reckon your skimmer or similar would be the perfect combo.
Just a thought. With a Canon 90D and it’s articulating LCD screen you could use a regular tripod, lower it to the correct height, then sit in a portable chair with a remote shutter, to give those beautiful blurred backgrounds. No need to crawl down low. I’m thinking of giving it a try, because at 66 once I’m down low, I have great difficulty getting back up. Worth checking into...
G'day Joseph, great idea, I think they make 90 degree attachments to the viewfinder so you could bend down as opposed to laying on the ground. Love to hear how you go. Cheers, Duade 👍
Duade Paton In addition to the articulating screen that tilts in any direction, there’s something called dual pixel autofocus in Live View on Canon that people rave about. Select target and it keeps focus as the bird moves on the mud flats or water. Have to give that a try... Regards...
I am so jealous! Living in South Africa we hardly have safe places to go to, never go alone and rubbish lying around everywhere. I enjoy watching your videos.
really useful, perhaps excessively expensive, so perhaps for those who prefer DIY using the bottom of a pan with a suitable attachment screw for a ball head can still work with lower costs
You've got some great videos, thank you. There's much wetland around where I live, I was able to get some shots of the royal spoonbills which I love. I do handheld, i need to get lower to the ground to get some amazing shots but always a little concerned about lying in the water or mud along the Tweed river, I am concerned about disturbing the eco system 😳 I'm wondering if my concern is justify🤔
I can do metal fab just fine so I think I will be making one of these. Maybe just a fry pan with a ball head to get even lower as you say. That said for years I've been happy actually resting the camera on the ground and supporting the lens with my left hand. Of course this is normally neck-breaking but I use the Canon right-angle finder attachment so I'm looking straight down which is pretty natural and sustainable for hours. Back in the day I used Canon F1n bodies with speed finders, now that was the way to go.
G'day, yes that would work well. I used to hand hold my 400 5.6 a lot but I found my 500 was a little too heavy to hand hold and I would often be in very shallow water for shorebirds where I needed the lens off the ground and the groundpod works well for that. I have seen the right angle attachment and thought that would be handy, the lower the camera the more stress on the neck so I do find my current setup doesn't put too much pressure on my neck. Cheers, Duade
I very often get on the ground to take pictures, but to be honest, I can’t see the point of this gadget. When you’re on the ground, you rest your arms on the ground and taking pictures hand-held is much more stable than when you’re standing up, and if that’s not enough, a bag or stuff sack will do just fine. I can see this flying saucer rolling all over the place on a Rocky uneven ground, it’s only useable on a flat even surface like sand or grass. And have you tried putting your tripod all the way down, as low as it goes?? Works a treat I think, especially for steady subjects like flowers or fungi.
Gday Hilvert, it is an integral part of my kit and I have likely used it for hundreds of hours in the field and love it. My big lens is just too heavy to crawl with and hand hold for long periods. A find tripods a hindrance when crawling around in the mud. It would be ok if you were fixed in one spot for a long period, but I like to move about so it's not suitable for me. I like to push the gimbal/camera whilst laying behind it and it slides very well on mud/sand and I can keep my hands clean. I agree it is not suitable on uneven, rocky ground but I rarely encounter those conditions when photographing waterfowl around here. I think with all camera accessories they will not suit everyone, but it is great to have the option. Cheers, Duade
G'day Richard, I am glad you found it useful. I usually use single point and move the focus point around as required with the directional pad on the back of the camera. Cheers, Duade 👍
I think I'll just stick to my tripod. But fascinating to see the birds of Australia, a little different from our Northern California birds.(We do share the Great Egret.) Thanks for the video
I use a really sturdy one my partner 3D printed for me. Works great, and definitely less costly than buying one! (I mean, if you have a 3D printer handy.)
Yes we have a lot of wild birds also however nearly every town has a park or small lake with birds that get used to humans which is handy for us photographers. Cheers, Duade 👍
Would be interested in a video of what auto focus modes you use on the 5DMkIV and if you're using back button focus etc. Curious to know where you are focusing to capture the action scenes here when us use your skimmer ground pod. Most curious of the mode(s) used for the Spoonbill with its beak open and the Swamp hen jumping up and wings raised
G'day, a great suggestion, just FYI I use a combination depending on the situation. I use back button focus and have one button for single point single shot, and the other button for AI Servo expanded which I use for moving birds, BIF. I believe I used AI Servo for the Spoonbill and Swamphen. Cheers, Duade
Thanks Robert, I currently use an Induro GHB2 Gimbal Head, unfortunately after years of use at the beach it no longer moves smoothly, and it really needs to be replaced at some point. I may try out some of the cheaper alternatives one day just to see if you do need to spend so much. Cheers, Duade 👍
Love your work and I saw this video about the ground pod. Well, I made myself a ground pod, my wife found an old frying pan (aluminum) and I turned it into a simple ground pod. I haven't had a chance to check it out but hoping to do so soon. I'll post some photos of my ground pod on my FB page and Instagram. Not sure if I may place links to my pages here?
@@Duade Thank you for responding to my post and I tried my frying pan ground pod yesterday and it works very well, even better than expected. I had my 300mm on the ground pod and moving around lying on my belly went very well, the only thing is don't be afraid to get dirty hahaha. facebook.com/pimnauta/posts/3557558487620882 I hope this link works and shows you some photos of my ground pod.
Thanks Kathy, yes a great spot as it is a lot dryer than usual, in wet times the entire lake is full. Yes I currently use back button focus when shooting, it took awhile to reprogram the brain but my thumb automatically goes there now.😀👍
G'day Joey, most cameras have a number of different shooting modes such is single shot or high speed mode which fires off a burst of shots. The number of shots is dictated by the FPS of the camera and the available buffer. My 5dmk4 is supposed to do 7 frames per second but this only lasts a few seconds as the buffer fills up and the fps slows down. The newer cameras have much bigger buffers and shoot at even higher fps. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade! Federico here, from Uruguay. Recently discovered your channel, loads of info, drinking it all in ;) Thanks! Do you always use the ground pod with your gimbal? I know that you lose comfortability, but do you ever just attach a quick release clamp instead? (Thinking how to get a bit lower, closer to the ground)
Hi Federico, yes occasionally I will take it off to get lower, I just find it easier to control the big lens in a gimbal. If I use my light 400 5.6 I almost prefer hand holding. Cheers, Duade 👍
Thi looks like a useful birding tool... Thank you for the video and beautiful images... I was wondering what software you were using to render the edited picture with a black frame superimposed effect over your raw file in your video when you show us your images, it's a very nice visual transition from the raw to the edited file. If you have the time, thank you Duade...
@@Duade Thank you Duade for the tip.Yes I heard of Da Vinci Resolve. I believe there's a steep learning curve to it. But same with Photoshop... Thank you for your reply, greatly appreciated.
Hi Duade Thanks for the great videos. I am using similar equipment to you, but notice you shoot with your left eye. Is there any reason that you do this. Regards warren
Hi Warren, it is not a conscious thing, I wouldn't have been able to tell you which eye I use unless you told me, or I looked at the video. I think you should use whatever eye is most comfortable for you. Cheers, Duade
Hi Pradeep, I have always used evaluative. I use the histogram as a guide and have the highlight warnings turned on. I will take a test shot and see if the whites are blinking. If they are I adjust the exposure until the whites are not blown. 👍
For my Canon gear I leave it on but with Sigma I turn it off as the viewfinder jumps around. Main reason is I would forget to turn it back on and I don't really notice any difference personally. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, I really enjoy watching your video tutorials, I am using the 400mm f5.6 EF canon lens and really enjoy taking birds in flight photos. I notice you use the 1.4 X T.C on the 500mm often, do you think the 600mm f4 would give better reach? many thanks, Guy
G’day Guy, thank you for your comment and great to hear you are using the 400 5.6, it sure is a great lens. Yes I do use the 1.4ext for extra reach, the 600 is no doubt the superior lens, however I could not afford the extra cost and purchased the 500 second hand for a fair price. The weight of the bigger lenses is a disadvantage and I look forward to seeing the RF Tele lenses. Cheers, Duade👍
@@Duade Thanks! It's a long term goal of mine to own either a 500mm f4 or 600mm f4, but waiting could be an advantage as technology is changing so fast. Hopefully Canon will make a 600mm f4 about the size of the current 500mm f4 II in the next few years....that raises another question-is it better to use full-frame camera and tele lens and then crop the image, or use crop camera, which one gives better end results? TIA
G'day Guy, I have no doubt the RF lenses will be lighter again and if Canon make a DO 600 it could be a game changer in relation to size. I think the new Canon R5 will be the ultimate birding camera that will be hard to beat for some time. But on a budget the 90D or D500 are fantastic options. Cheers, Duade 👍
Duade, great video - I love all of your content! Do you get sand in your gimbal when shooting with the skimmer? I am thinking of picking up a skimmer but not sure if I should go with a cheap gimbal since it might get ruined by sand. If sand is not a big problem I’d rather go for a nicer gimbal like the Winberley or ProMedia Katana Jr. what is your experience?
G'day John, you almost need two to be honest, one you keep away from the sand as my gimbal is pretty ruined from the sand and salt water. I have been through a few. It is just a really hard environment on it. Cheers, Duade
Great work. So informative. Question: I noticed that your photos are taken with the shutter speed of 1/2000 or 1/2500 or even 1/3200. When you use that high of the shutter speed, do you turn off the image stabilization? Or what point you turn it off? I am new to bird photography and trying to learn. Thanks!
G'day Nepali, yes I am always trying to get high shutter speeds. I leave the IS on all the time to be honest, if I turned it off, I would forget to turn it back on. I am unsure exactly how much impact it has when shutter speeds are high. Good luck and have fun birding. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, Love your videos. Just starting out and how you could answer few questions for us. Do you turn on your IS when shooting on a gimbal? or depending on the shutter speed? I am getting mix result.(shutter speed is well over 1/2000) using back button focus, AI. I saw somewhere on the net saying they turn it off?? when you shoot in the evening sun, how do you counter heat distortion? Many thanks.
G'day, with my Canon 500 f/4 IS II I have used both mode 1 and 3 when shooting on a gimbal with no issues. I never turn off IS as I would forget to turn it back on. I can hand hold at low SS and still get sharp shots which is great. With my 400 5.6L it does not have IS, again I never had issues as I am often using high SS anyway. To be honest I don't know how helpful IS is at 1/2000 SS, the issue is likely to be more camera shake at the time of capture, that is you or the camera are moving slightly when you take the photo. Also, if the bird is moving the older cameras just had trouble locking focus. If I shoot shorebirds many of my shots are soft. I would only be concerned if your shots are soft when the bird is stationary, and you are using a tripod. Heat haze can be an issue when it is hot, I generally only shoot first thing in the morning or late afternoon to reduce its impacts. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Thanks for your reply, I am using 5D4 100-400mm & no problem shooting the flying birds hand held. Interesting that you mention shorebirds, that's were I am struggling at. Could you elaborate a bit more on why? because they are smaller, too far away? move too fast? Learning heaps from your Channel.
G'day, yes I think it's too much of a challenge for the DSLR autofocus. Little birds moving constantly can be tricky. I'm hopeful that the new animal AF will result in more in focus shots. Cheers, Duade 👍
For a frying pan build, what size pan would you recommend, I guess wider would be more stable but harder to carry with you. Also, what depth to protect from water etc?
I think the skimmer pod is around 10" in diameter and that works well. I have an adjustable gimbal so I can raise the height up and down. I think the mounting bolt should be a little higher than the top of the frying pan so you can turn the gimbal or tripd head without it hitting the frying pan. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade Nice video , I've just bought a skimmer and already have a Sidemount Wimberley Head but it's big and cumbersome to carry and as I want to carry my camera and lenses with a strap so I can shoot birds in flight on the way to the estuary/beach I need some sort of harness for the Wimberley gimbol and skimmer . Any suggestions ? I've also ordered an angled Canon viewfinder adapter so I can shoot at ground level by kneeling rather than lying in the mud , I don't mind getting dirty but if I do then the sand and mud gets transferred to my camera and lens as I walk home and my EF100-400 ii zoom keeps getting sand etc working it's way into the mechanism Cheers Noel
Noel, yes I have had all of the issues you mention, carrying it over the mud long distance is no fun, and keeping everything clean is a real challenge. I have not found a good solution as yet, let me know if you figure it out. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade I found what appears to be perfect for carrying the WImberley with the skimmer attached - it's a little plastic clip for holding cordless drills called "The Gunnie tool Holder" www.ebay.com/itm/282679391883?hash=item41d101368b:g:jmsAAOSwDbxZ05bH I've ordered one on ebay and I'll let you know how I get on when it turns up (but the freight cost to NZ is a bit steep)
James, that could work for sure, with my heavy 500 f4 the gimbal allows easy movement for tracking etc, this might be a bit more difficult on a bean bag. I also like the ability to adjust the height of the lens when needed. Cheers, Duade
G'day, I have always used the lens hood when using the lens. As I carry the lens a lot it protects the front element from damage and stops any sun glare should that be an issue. You don't have to use the lens hood, but I would recommend doing so. The only time I take it off is if it's very windy and I am hand holding to prevent the wind pushing the lens around. Cheers, Duade
, great question, it gets harder the older I get. I do remember when I first started using a skimmer pod that my neck got sore but over time I guess I built up the muscles in that area and it is not as bad. The issue I have now is getting back up after crawling around lol. Cheers, Duade
I would never ever pay that kind of money for someting that simle. In most cases ill use my tripod that can flex its legs all the way and dosent have a center colum. I do also have a home made sledg kind that i use to get just a bit higher when photographing low angle shots in grasy aereas. Nice video. I really liked it and will susscribe 👍🏻
Thanks Conny, I agree with you, it is very expensive for what it is. I do find it works very well but there are much cheaper alternatives you can try. Thanks for subscribing. Cheers, Duade
Michal, it was because I was laying down with a fixed focal length and the bird was too big to fit it all into my frame. It would take too long and I may disturb the bird if I got up and moved backwards to fit the bird in. By taking 3 images I was able to capture the image I was wanting. Cheers, Duade
Such a fun video to watch. I love how you show the raw and then processed photos.
Thanks Erik, Cheers, Duade
Can't say thank you enough, today I spotted some swans while driving by a local lake. Decided to try to get a photo even though they were a long way away and when I got to the edge of the water they started coming towards me. I ended up laying down in the mud and shot them as they came withing 30 yards of me. I now have a home made ground pod with a gimbal head on it ready for the next opportunity. The low angle images were amazing!!! Thanks again, I would have shot them standing and not had an idea how beautiful they were shot from the water level.
Thanks for the great video - very helpful. Your image of the Royal Spoonbill with fluffed crown feathers is killer!
Thanks Liz, they are such awesome birds, Cheers, Duade
Wonderful video Duade. I really enjoyed viewing the images created.
Thanks mate, thanks for the photos👍
Helpful and inspiring video. Great shots!
Again, nice video Duade... With the background music, it was peacefull and I think I "was" with you on that journey... 😂 I appreciated that moment! Thanks again!
I am really enjoying your channel. Usually I'm watching at work lol.... learning about photography and then when I'm free at 4:30 I practice what I've learned .... your awesome!. 🇨🇦😉
Sounds like a great way to spend your time. Thanks again for the comment, Cheers, Duade 👍
I made one from a pan and it was simple enough. It didn't end up sticking to my photo technique so I'm glad I didn't pay more than a few bucks for a nut and bolt. But now this video has me considering bringing it out of retirement for an easy portable way to get locked off video shots. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for the comment Ryan, yeah they work well as an easy way to get low and move around. Good luck with it.
Very nice shots! Thanks for the tips, really helpful!
Thank you and my pleasure. Cheers, Duade
This looks so relaxing. I feel like I could do this every day and never get bored.
G'day Patrick, it sure is hard to beat, a good way to get into flow state and forget about everything else. Cheers, Duade👍
I do just that!
@@michaelktori5178 Great to hear Michael 👍
Great videos Duade. Great enthusiasm on display laying there for hours on end lol. My aching bones and back couldn't cope. I have a tripod that allows the central column to be inverted, so can get the camera very low indeed.
Kelvin, it is harder the older I get I must admit. Cheers, Duade
Great video - I definitely have to get one of those pod setups.
G'day Roger, they do come in handy, Cheers, Duade 👍
Wonderful video! Good information, but I’m another one who might not be able to get up after lying on the ground. LOL
Thank you for sharing you love of bird photography. I agree that there is something magical about being outside with no one else other than the birds and other animals.
Thanks Louisa, I appreciate the feedback, yes it is hard to beat laying out there with the birds. Cheers, Duade
I have the German version CamDisk which I reviewed. I gave up with the frying pan too! You cant beat a well made purpose built job in my opinion . Excellent video in use shots
G'day Camilla, thanks for your comment, I will check out the CamDisk. Yes I agree it works very well. Cheers, Duade 👍
Awesome videos Duade!
Thanks Gary I appreciate it.👍
Love your enthusiasm Duade. I feel the same as you when I’m out. Looking at The Camera House website for setup like yours. Can’t find. Will head to their store I think. Love how you show the RAW files and what you cropped. Beautiful work.
Thanks Mick, my advice would be to wait for Canon to release their new RF Mirrorless cameras and lenses, they are not far away now. An R5 and a 100-500 7.1 could be an amazing combination. Yes, showing the RAW file is a bit of extra work but I think people like to see how I cropped and processed the image. Cheers, Duade
Thanks a lot for that advice Duade
Hi Duade,
this episode came in my feed while browsing and I must say I enjoyed. I do all sorts of photography but have been getting into some bird photography over last few years. I recently bought a platypod Ultra which is a flat ground plate so could use where no tripods allowed. I bought a frisbee and attached a plastic chopping board inside with 2 bolts and wingnuts so can attach platypod. I did it this way so could remove platypod. I screwed a ballhead on the platypod and got fown nice and low. Only problem is that it is so uncomfortable on the neck. I think the gimble option is better as more natural me thinks. Having said all that I also tried using from live view on camera and it seemed to work. I only started using low to ground technique recently. This is first of your content I watched and will now look at more. Great job done/
Hi Vedran, thank you for your comment and feedback. I have seen the platypod online but have never used one myself, sounds like it is working well for you. Yes you correct, your neck can get very sore if you lay too low and try to look through the viewfinder. As the ground pod and gimbal do raise the camera up I do not get the sore neck with it.
I think there are 90 degree viewfinder attachments you can get so you can look down and shoot also.
Shooting low is worth it for the results though. Take care and enjoy your birding. Cheers, Duade
Good job, Duade just ordered the skimmer...............thanks
G'day Stan, good luck with it. Cheers, Duade 👍
This video has 0 dislikes, that means you made a great job!!!
Thanks Daniel, I appreciate the feedback. Cheers, Duade 👍
Great photos and video, that black-fronted Dotterel looks and acts really similar to Killdeer that we have in the U.S..
G'day Paul, yes, they would be very similar, I would love to photograph some of the shorebirds you get over there. Cheers, Duade
Thanks Duade, great video and love your passion. :) Would like to try one, but I doubt I'd be able to get up again :)
Thanks Alan, yes it can be a bit tough on the body.
Fantastic work, so engaging. I so wish we had a peaceful area in my area (US) , also hindered by the lockdowns.
G'day, yes, it is a great spot, it is full of water at the moment as we have had a lot of rain so there arent many birds. We are also in lockdown at present restricting movement. Take care, Duade
Great video Duade!!!! Don't know why youtube showed me this after we talked about the pan odd stuff hahaha :) Our shores are never dry, specially at lakes, we have that kind of mud where you sink, (literally sink) and lots of crabs!!!! I don't even dream of getting there so nearby, cause I have already been bitten but those pesky crabs! LOL Thank you again and best regards as usual from Uruguay!
Daniela, sounds like tough conditions to work in, hope you are well, Cheers, Duade
Very beautiful birds.
Many thanks
Excellent photos Duade. I have a frying pan turned upside down with a humble screwed to it. It is slightly higher than your setup but not having full use of my right shoulder I find it difficult to lay flat. Your shots are an inspiration so I am off to the coast in a couple of weeks to try it out.
Gimble even
Great to hear Kevin, I did use a frying pan when I started out. Basically anything that lets you get a lower shooting angle is what is really helping. Sorry to hear your shoulder is giving you trouble, but great to hear it hasn't stopped you getting out and photographing birds. Cheers, Duade 👍
Great Video Daude. To get low I have been using the pivoting screen on the back of the Canon EOS R. This way, I dont have to lie in the mud. Still, I reckon your skimmer or similar would be the perfect combo.
G'day Simon, sounds like a good alternative, I must admit my neck can get very sore if I haven't used the pod in awhile. Cheers, Duade 👍
Just a thought. With a Canon 90D and it’s articulating LCD screen you could use a regular tripod, lower it to the correct height, then sit in a portable chair with a remote shutter, to give those beautiful blurred backgrounds. No need to crawl down low. I’m thinking of giving it a try, because at 66 once I’m down low, I have great difficulty getting back up. Worth checking into...
G'day Joseph, great idea, I think they make 90 degree attachments to the viewfinder so you could bend down as opposed to laying on the ground. Love to hear how you go. Cheers, Duade 👍
Duade Paton In addition to the articulating screen that tilts in any direction, there’s something called dual pixel autofocus in Live View on Canon that people rave about. Select target and it keeps focus as the bird moves on the mud flats or water. Have to give that a try... Regards...
I am so jealous! Living in South Africa we hardly have safe places to go to, never go alone and rubbish lying around everywhere. I enjoy watching your videos.
G'day Mariana, yes we are very lucky, only snakes in this part of Australia, but Crocodiles as well up north. Cheers, Duade 👍
Nifty idea, thanks. Got one from Amazon AU for $160.
I like the fact that it's small enough to stuff in the pack.
G'day Ern, yeah they work well. Enjoy, Cheers, Duade 👍
Wonderful video ! Thanks !
G'day to you both, thanks for the ongoing support, Cheers, Duade
really useful, perhaps excessively expensive, so perhaps for those who prefer DIY using the bottom of a pan with a suitable attachment screw for a ball head can still work with lower costs
Nice bit of kit that buddy 👌👍
G'day JP, yes it works very well, the weight is occasionally an issue but it is hard to beat the IQ that is for sure. Cheers, Duade
Great video Duade. I use a fry pan. might try a boogie board. Thanks.
G'day Grant, I used a frying pan for awhile too. Thanks for the comment 👍
It is very serene doing bird photography, I have a favourite spot in a partially dry riverbed at the river near where I live.
G'day Nick, sounds awesome, I have a few such spots. Cheers, Duade 👍 Oh and thank you for the support.
You've got some great videos, thank you.
There's much wetland around where I live, I was able to get some shots of the royal spoonbills which I love. I do handheld, i need to get lower to the ground to get some amazing shots but always a little concerned about lying in the water or mud along the Tweed river, I am concerned about disturbing the eco system 😳 I'm wondering if my concern is justify🤔
I can do metal fab just fine so I think I will be making one of these. Maybe just a fry pan with a ball head to get even lower as you say. That said for years I've been happy actually resting the camera on the ground and supporting the lens with my left hand. Of course this is normally neck-breaking but I use the Canon right-angle finder attachment so I'm looking straight down which is pretty natural and sustainable for hours.
Back in the day I used Canon F1n bodies with speed finders, now that was the way to go.
G'day, yes that would work well. I used to hand hold my 400 5.6 a lot but I found my 500 was a little too heavy to hand hold and I would often be in very shallow water for shorebirds where I needed the lens off the ground and the groundpod works well for that. I have seen the right angle attachment and thought that would be handy, the lower the camera the more stress on the neck so I do find my current setup doesn't put too much pressure on my neck. Cheers, Duade
I very often get on the ground to take pictures, but to be honest, I can’t see the point of this gadget. When you’re on the ground, you rest your arms on the ground and taking pictures hand-held is much more stable than when you’re standing up, and if that’s not enough, a bag or stuff sack will do just fine. I can see this flying saucer rolling all over the place on a Rocky uneven ground, it’s only useable on a flat even surface like sand or grass. And have you tried putting your tripod all the way down, as low as it goes?? Works a treat I think, especially for steady subjects like flowers or fungi.
Gday Hilvert, it is an integral part of my kit and I have likely used it for hundreds of hours in the field and love it. My big lens is just too heavy to crawl with and hand hold for long periods. A find tripods a hindrance when crawling around in the mud. It would be ok if you were fixed in one spot for a long period, but I like to move about so it's not suitable for me.
I like to push the gimbal/camera whilst laying behind it and it slides very well on mud/sand and I can keep my hands clean. I agree it is not suitable on uneven, rocky ground but I rarely encounter those conditions when photographing waterfowl around here.
I think with all camera accessories they will not suit everyone, but it is great to have the option.
Cheers, Duade
Wonderful
Thanks Ariasa👍
I find your videos so practical and helpful. Thank you so much. Inspiring. In regard to this video which focus points did you use on this occasion?
G'day Richard, I am glad you found it useful. I usually use single point and move the focus point around as required with the directional pad on the back of the camera. Cheers, Duade 👍
I think I'll just stick to my tripod. But fascinating to see the birds of Australia, a little different from our Northern California birds.(We do share the Great Egret.) Thanks for the video
G'day and thanks again for the comment, yes some tripods do allow you to get low, and if it works for you that is great. 👍
I use a really sturdy one my partner 3D printed for me. Works great, and definitely less costly than buying one! (I mean, if you have a 3D printer handy.)
Thanks Elisabeth, sounds like someone needs to release a competitor at a lower price. Great to hear yours works well. Cheers, Duade
Nice. Where i live all the birds would have flown away the moment you even start thinking about approaching. Very shy wildlife here.
Yes we have a lot of wild birds also however nearly every town has a park or small lake with birds that get used to humans which is handy for us photographers. Cheers, Duade 👍
Would be interested in a video of what auto focus modes you use on the 5DMkIV and if you're using back button focus etc. Curious to know where you are focusing to capture the action scenes here when us use your skimmer ground pod. Most curious of the mode(s) used for the Spoonbill with its beak open and the Swamp hen jumping up and wings raised
G'day, a great suggestion, just FYI I use a combination depending on the situation. I use back button focus and have one button for single point single shot, and the other button for AI Servo expanded which I use for moving birds, BIF. I believe I used AI Servo for the Spoonbill and Swamphen. Cheers, Duade
Great video, Duade. Thank you! Which gimbal head are you using on the ground pod?
Thanks Robert, I currently use an Induro GHB2 Gimbal Head, unfortunately after years of use at the beach it no longer moves smoothly, and it really needs to be replaced at some point. I may try out some of the cheaper alternatives one day just to see if you do need to spend so much. Cheers, Duade 👍
Love your work and I saw this video about the ground pod.
Well, I made myself a ground pod, my wife found an old frying pan (aluminum) and I turned it into a simple ground pod.
I haven't had a chance to check it out but hoping to do so soon.
I'll post some photos of my ground pod on my FB page and Instagram.
Not sure if I may place links to my pages here?
G'day Pim, great to hear, I would love to see it, feel free to post a link. Hopefully it works well for you. Cheers, Duade 👍
@@Duade Thank you for responding to my post and I tried my frying pan ground pod yesterday and it works very well, even better than expected.
I had my 300mm on the ground pod and moving around lying on my belly went very well, the only thing is don't be afraid to get dirty hahaha.
facebook.com/pimnauta/posts/3557558487620882
I hope this link works and shows you some photos of my ground pod.
Brilliant location you have there Duade, I have a fry pan made up but your skimmer looks a lot lighter in weight! Do you use BBF when you're shooting?
Thanks Kathy, yes a great spot as it is a lot dryer than usual, in wet times the entire lake is full. Yes I currently use back button focus when shooting, it took awhile to reprogram the brain but my thumb automatically goes there now.😀👍
I use the Kirk Products version ground pod. Much better than holding that lens up trying to photo birds on the ground.
the kirk product does look interesting and I would love to try it out. Thanks for the message. Cheers, Duade
Great photos! Maybe trying the one from huga nature
Thanks Chiara, Cheers, Duade
Great shots! what sort of settings do you use for the camera to take rapid photos like that?
G'day Joey, most cameras have a number of different shooting modes such is single shot or high speed mode which fires off a burst of shots. The number of shots is dictated by the FPS of the camera and the available buffer. My 5dmk4 is supposed to do 7 frames per second but this only lasts a few seconds as the buffer fills up and the fps slows down. The newer cameras have much bigger buffers and shoot at even higher fps. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade! Federico here, from Uruguay. Recently discovered your channel, loads of info, drinking it all in ;) Thanks! Do you always use the ground pod with your gimbal? I know that you lose comfortability, but do you ever just attach a quick release clamp instead? (Thinking how to get a bit lower, closer to the ground)
Hi Federico, yes occasionally I will take it off to get lower, I just find it easier to control the big lens in a gimbal. If I use my light 400 5.6 I almost prefer hand holding. Cheers, Duade 👍
Thi looks like a useful birding tool... Thank you for the video and beautiful images...
I was wondering what software you were using to render the edited picture with a black frame superimposed effect over your raw file in your video when you show us your images, it's a very nice visual transition from the raw to the edited file.
If you have the time, thank you Duade...
Hi Alan, I overlay the processed image onto the raw image in photoshop and export that, I then use a transition within Davinci Resolve. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Thank you Duade for the tip.Yes I heard of Da Vinci Resolve. I believe there's a steep learning curve to it. But same with Photoshop... Thank you for your reply, greatly appreciated.
Awesome thing.. barely any places where i live where its more usefull then a tiny tripod that can go flat.
Thanks for your comment, glad to hear your tripod allows you to get low. Cheers, Duade👍
Hi Duade
Thanks for the great videos. I am using similar equipment to you, but notice you shoot with your left eye. Is there any reason that you do this. Regards warren
Hi Warren, it is not a conscious thing, I wouldn't have been able to tell you which eye I use unless you told me, or I looked at the video. I think you should use whatever eye is most comfortable for you. Cheers, Duade
Hi Great video as always pls share which metering mode you keep while take photos of complete white bird
Hi Pradeep, I have always used evaluative. I use the histogram as a guide and have the highlight warnings turned on. I will take a test shot and see if the whites are blinking. If they are I adjust the exposure until the whites are not blown. 👍
@@Duade Thank you so much I try to absorb videos I see of your amazing they are
Duade, Do you turn off Image Stabilization when using a gimbel head?
Many thanks, love the channel!
For my Canon gear I leave it on but with Sigma I turn it off as the viewfinder jumps around. Main reason is I would forget to turn it back on and I don't really notice any difference personally. Cheers, Duade
I live in a country of dykes and cold water - no way to get low enough to or in the water unfortunately, but excellent review
Hi Duade, I really enjoy watching your video tutorials, I am using the 400mm f5.6 EF canon lens and really enjoy taking birds in flight photos. I notice you use the 1.4 X T.C on the 500mm often, do you think the 600mm f4 would give better reach? many thanks, Guy
G’day Guy, thank you for your comment and great to hear you are using the 400 5.6, it sure is a great lens. Yes I do use the 1.4ext for extra reach, the 600 is no doubt the superior lens, however I could not afford the extra cost and purchased the 500 second hand for a fair price. The weight of the bigger lenses is a disadvantage and I look forward to seeing the RF Tele lenses. Cheers, Duade👍
@@Duade Thanks! It's a long term goal of mine to own either a 500mm f4 or 600mm f4, but waiting could be an advantage as technology is changing so fast. Hopefully Canon will make a 600mm f4 about the size of the current 500mm f4 II in the next few years....that raises another question-is it better to use full-frame camera and tele lens and then crop the image, or use crop camera, which one gives better end results? TIA
G'day Guy, I have no doubt the RF lenses will be lighter again and if Canon make a DO 600 it could be a game changer in relation to size. I think the new Canon R5 will be the ultimate birding camera that will be hard to beat for some time. But on a budget the 90D or D500 are fantastic options. Cheers, Duade 👍
Duade, great video - I love all of your content! Do you get sand in your gimbal when shooting with the skimmer? I am thinking of picking up a skimmer but not sure if I should go with a cheap gimbal since it might get ruined by sand. If sand is not a big problem I’d rather go for a nicer gimbal like the Winberley or ProMedia Katana Jr. what is your experience?
G'day John, you almost need two to be honest, one you keep away from the sand as my gimbal is pretty ruined from the sand and salt water. I have been through a few. It is just a really hard environment on it. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Thank you Duade. I will pick up a cheap one to use with the Skimmer so I don't have to worry about it.
Great work. So informative. Question: I noticed that your photos are taken with the shutter speed of 1/2000 or 1/2500 or even 1/3200. When you use that high of the shutter speed, do you turn off the image stabilization? Or what point you turn it off? I am new to bird photography and trying to learn. Thanks!
G'day Nepali, yes I am always trying to get high shutter speeds. I leave the IS on all the time to be honest, if I turned it off, I would forget to turn it back on. I am unsure exactly how much impact it has when shutter speeds are high. Good luck and have fun birding. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade I enjoyed that. What about the gimble. What kind did you use?
I like the idea of the ground pod. But, I have so many alligators around where I shoot I am leery about lying on the ground for that long.
G'day Tim, yes, that is a hazard I would want to avoid. Cheers, Duade 👍
Hi Duade, Love your videos. Just starting out and how you could answer few questions for us.
Do you turn on your IS when shooting on a gimbal? or depending on the shutter speed?
I am getting mix result.(shutter speed is well over 1/2000) using back button focus, AI.
I saw somewhere on the net saying they turn it off??
when you shoot in the evening sun, how do you counter heat distortion?
Many thanks.
G'day, with my Canon 500 f/4 IS II I have used both mode 1 and 3 when shooting on a gimbal with no issues. I never turn off IS as I would forget to turn it back on. I can hand hold at low SS and still get sharp shots which is great.
With my 400 5.6L it does not have IS, again I never had issues as I am often using high SS anyway.
To be honest I don't know how helpful IS is at 1/2000 SS, the issue is likely to be more camera shake at the time of capture, that is you or the camera are moving slightly when you take the photo. Also, if the bird is moving the older cameras just had trouble locking focus. If I shoot shorebirds many of my shots are soft.
I would only be concerned if your shots are soft when the bird is stationary, and you are using a tripod.
Heat haze can be an issue when it is hot, I generally only shoot first thing in the morning or late afternoon to reduce its impacts.
Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Thanks for your reply, I am using 5D4 100-400mm & no problem shooting the flying birds hand held.
Interesting that you mention shorebirds, that's were I am struggling at.
Could you elaborate a bit more on why? because they are smaller, too far away? move too fast?
Learning heaps from your Channel.
G'day, yes I think it's too much of a challenge for the DSLR autofocus. Little birds moving constantly can be tricky. I'm hopeful that the new animal AF will result in more in focus shots. Cheers, Duade 👍
For a frying pan build, what size pan would you recommend, I guess wider would be more stable but harder to carry with you. Also, what depth to protect from water etc?
I think the skimmer pod is around 10" in diameter and that works well. I have an adjustable gimbal so I can raise the height up and down. I think the mounting bolt should be a little higher than the top of the frying pan so you can turn the gimbal or tripd head without it hitting the frying pan. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Thank you, I went with a 12" just in case, as I know the Sigma 150-600m is very long and heavy.
Hi Duade
Nice video , I've just bought a skimmer and already have a Sidemount Wimberley Head but it's big and cumbersome to carry and as I want to carry my camera and lenses with a strap so I can shoot birds in flight on the way to the estuary/beach I need some sort of harness for the Wimberley gimbol and skimmer .
Any suggestions ?
I've also ordered an angled Canon viewfinder adapter so I can shoot at ground level by kneeling rather than lying in the mud , I don't mind getting dirty but if I do then the sand and mud gets transferred to my camera and lens as I walk home and my EF100-400 ii zoom keeps getting sand etc working it's way into the mechanism
Cheers
Noel
Noel, yes I have had all of the issues you mention, carrying it over the mud long distance is no fun, and keeping everything clean is a real challenge. I have not found a good solution as yet, let me know if you figure it out. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade I found what appears to be perfect for carrying the WImberley with the skimmer attached - it's a little plastic clip for holding cordless drills called "The Gunnie tool Holder" www.ebay.com/itm/282679391883?hash=item41d101368b:g:jmsAAOSwDbxZ05bH
I've ordered one on ebay and I'll let you know how I get on when it turns up (but the freight cost to NZ is a bit steep)
Dumb question: what's wrong with an old fashioned been bag? Put it in the frying pan if you need to keep it dry. Thanks!
James, that could work for sure, with my heavy 500 f4 the gimbal allows easy movement for tracking etc, this might be a bit more difficult on a bean bag. I also like the ability to adjust the height of the lens when needed. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, love your review. I'm very jealous of your birds. We have some nice ones in England, but yours are amazing.
Dave
In those conditions was it needed to use the lens hood?
G'day, I have always used the lens hood when using the lens. As I carry the lens a lot it protects the front element from damage and stops any sun glare should that be an issue. You don't have to use the lens hood, but I would recommend doing so. The only time I take it off is if it's very windy and I am hand holding to prevent the wind pushing the lens around. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Good to know, thanks for the info
How is the neck and the back after hours of shooting?
, great question, it gets harder the older I get. I do remember when I first started using a skimmer pod that my neck got sore but over time I guess I built up the muscles in that area and it is not as bad. The issue I have now is getting back up after crawling around lol. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade ,
Ha ha, the new tilt screen of R6/R5 is coming at the right time for you.
I would never ever pay that kind of money for someting that simle.
In most cases ill use my tripod that can flex its legs all the way and dosent have a center colum. I do also have a home made sledg kind that i use to get just a bit higher when photographing low angle shots in grasy aereas.
Nice video. I really liked it and will susscribe 👍🏻
Thanks Conny, I agree with you, it is very expensive for what it is. I do find it works very well but there are much cheaper alternatives you can try. Thanks for subscribing. Cheers, Duade
Why did you merge 3 images at 8:33?
Michal, it was because I was laying down with a fixed focal length and the bird was too big to fit it all into my frame. It would take too long and I may disturb the bird if I got up and moved backwards to fit the bird in. By taking 3 images I was able to capture the image I was wanting. Cheers, Duade
How can you lay in the mud and not get dirty, I get dirty going to Coles....
Lol, you have to get dirty to have fun. Cheers, Duade
Do u sell prints??
G'day Kolap, Not at the moment.