performance. And yes, you can get a little crazy
with these gadgets, but I absolutely love the
reaction I get when I show an audience a cap-
ture of a newly hatched eaglet photographed at
an equivalent 4392mm (and I’ll have to write
another article to explain that one).
Wireless Shutter Release: The main reasons
to fire your camera remotely are to reduce vibra-
tion and to keep yourself away from the action.
Reducing vibration is especially important with
long lenses, during long exposures and when
executing techniques such as focus bracketing
and HDR where the individual images need to
line up exactly. Remote capture can be a safer
or less-invasive alternative when working with
subjects such as nectaring hummingbirds.
Wireless shutters may be fired by infrared
(IR), Bluetooth or radio signals. There are
numerous transmitter/receiver units using IR
that are inexpensive and have features such as
time delay and time-lapse capture. More sophis-
ticated radio units with a longer range for remote
setups are available but more expensive. The
ultimate of these is the CamRanger 2 coupled
with a tablet (CamRanger.com). Many current
cameras already incorporate Bluetooth capabil-
ity that can be triggered by a smartphone. Some
cameras have sophisticated features that allow
you to monitor the image and change capture
settings from the phone. Review your camera’s
manual to refresh your understanding of your
model’s capabilities.
These are just a few accessories to add to your
bag that will expand the possibilities this spring
by improving opportunity and image quality
while not breaking the bank. And maybe they’ll
give you some unique, unquestionably eligible
and ethically originated entries for your next
photo contest. I’ll be watching! OPLearn about George Lepp’s upcoming
workshops and seminar opportunities on his
website at GeorgeLepp.com.tech tips
Three approaches to a primrose. (Top)
Photographed at 105mm with a Canon EOS
R and EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM, macro
flash for lighting. Exposure: 1/125 sec., ƒ/16,
ISO 200. (Middle) Same camera, lens and
settings, with a Canon Extension Tube
EF 25 II extension tube added between
camera and lens. Note the increased
magnification of the subject. (Bottom) A
1.4x tele-extender is added to the setup
for additional magnification. A single small
flower now fills the frame at close to 1x.28 Outdoor Photographer outdoorphotographer.com