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@@stubones Hi yes sorry, about that. Firstly the news of SA possible involvement with arms to Russia, the collapse of the currency and failing infrastructure has been incredibly debilitating - as I contemplated leaving the country and starting again somewhere else - and then I herniated a disc in my neck and had a sort of remission to the illness I experienced after my electrocution in 2018. Thankfully I am on the mend and improving. We will be staying in SA for a while more and I hope to start making videos once my health is back up to it. At the moment I cannot edit or use a computer for more than 30 minutes at a time. Thanks for the concern and I certainly plan to be back!
@@WillGoodlet South Africa has been a on a downward spiral for many years. I lived there for the first 23 years of my life and still have family there. Its quite worrying. Sorry to hear you've been unwell and hope you're feeling up to getting out again soon. Take care.
I’ve listened to a lot of photographers and read countless books on photography and enjoy going on safari in Kenya and Zambia but I have to say I’ve never listened to someone who explains things in the down to earth way you do, after listening to your video I understand a hell of a lot more now and I have now stopped worrying about sharpness of my images so thank you so very much and keep up this work your an amazing teacher.
Tnx Will, the problem with some filters of course is you have to say goodbye to the hood. And for long glass I prefer the drop in stretching to the front is no fun. Plus with adapted canon glass you can get the drop ins for the adapter. At any rate I hope this works for you. I don’t see my self just working with one body one lense anytime soon. I think a long prime on one body and a sorter zoom on the other body are necessary for not to ‘loose’ shots. Plus one must have redundancy in the field cause things break, get damaged, etc. So I don’t think one can avoid doubling everything. Of course I don’t shoot video. So I’m not in your shoes. Looking forward to the next harvest of photos and videos with your new filter set up.
Hi Dimitris thanks for the youthful comment and info. For large super-teles like your 500mm of course there is no substitute for a drop in filter. But much of the time there is no special reason to use the hood (except of element protection, flare and a hint of extra contrast). There are competing reasons not to use the hood - even poor image quality due to heat distortion has been noted. The hood becomes important depending on where you are shooting. If you are in a hide or vehicle, even a blind, the hood serves mainly as a protection adding little to the image that a filter can't improve. On a smaller lens, where these filters are appropriate, I have to disagree with you. It is much easier to reach to the front and snap on an ND than to fiddle about with the drop in adapter (which I also have) not least because the adapter AND the normal drop in on big whites require a clear glass filter not just an air gap. So you have to remove the filter and replace it with a different one. It's a waste of time doing this and makes the shots near impossible to achieve. I think the world is changing too. I'm not sure that the long prime is entirely necessary these days. I am strongly tempted to ditch mine for my normal mode of shooting, from a vehicle. There are strong positives to the mobility, reach and versatility of the long zoom + filters (esp. for video) that outweigh the historical benefits of heavy and long primes. Do I prefer the image from my 400mm f2.8? Yes, often I do. But often, very often, I miss the shot entirely in this mode.
@@WillGoodlet Sure whatever you think is more appropriate for you. I'm not going anywhere without a hood :-) And definitely sticking with my 500 for the foreseeable future (no other way to be at 700 f/5.6 :-) which is where you usually find me these days (in Europe).
Hi Will .. I have been a wildlife and landscape photographer since 2014 .. these filters you speak of the magnet type I have been using for a long while now .. the polarised one is the most used especially in landscape photography . The quality is important as it’s the clarity you want and zero to nearest zero colour cast you need ! They are quick to change but the cheaper ones lose their magnetic strength after time and tend to drop off ! So ideally one needs to spend a lot to get the long term investment out of them . I use Rodenstock , K&F and Zeiss filters . I learned after hard lessons not to buy cheap glass to place in front of a very expensive lens . So there is little compromise when it comes to filters as the difference between the cheap and expensive is night and day . Great video .. great to see you back on the channel again ! Stay well !
Thanks for the insights as always. I wouldn't describe $99 per filter as particularly cheap (especially for ND), when you can pick up a German made B+W CPL for $89 and the Zeiss is $145. They seem to be priced alongside NiSi and Format-Hitech. Freewell has a good rep in the action camera and iPhone filter markets. The glass looks excellent to me, I was impressed. Images look good. I can't speak to the magnets but with the lifetime warranty I am willing to give them a shot. I'll report back in a year! I do wonder if keeping them in a mechanics magnetic dish might help with that.
@@WillGoodlet .. we’ll let me say this .. a quality CPL for a Zeiss is very much over $600 . I have one on my Zeiss Distagon 15mm f2.8 which is 95mm . Where did you find a cheap Zeiss ? My Rodenstock 77mm was near $300 ! My Zeiss lens was $3k plus new . I would love to know where you are finding these filters which I find cheap compared to what I have paid in the past . Thanks for sharing that information .
I am pricing a 77mm here not a 95mm, which presumably makes a considerable difference. I use a lee 105mm for larger diameter lenses - which is fine for me. Polarisers on 15mm lenses will be giving you some difficult processing problems I imagine! Canon's own CPL is $194 and Nikons $134 Only Zeiss on the site - www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/818330-REG/Zeiss_000000_1934_120_77mm_CZ_T_Circular.html B+W - www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1671394-REG/b_w_66_1100754_77mm_cirkular_pol_mrc.html Of course you good go for a high transmission version of the B+W for more money although I don't know if that's really worth it.
@@WillGoodlet just so the audience knows .. some may not be aware that there is different grades of CPL filters .. especially with Hoya which by the way make the Lee 105mm which I used to use on the Lee setup but still achieved quite a bit of vignetting , but only discovered there are two types thickness of Lee 105mm CPL . Something most people don’t know . So there is a wide range of what seems confusing CPL filters . It’s almost a science when it comes to high end filters !
Great video as always. I was at F22 yesterday switching between video and photos with R7/100-400+1.4tc. I need a variable ND I thought, and up comes this video! Best wildlife/nature channel on YT. Quality, not quantity!
Will, thank you very much for the video! I am a bird photographer myself; however, just months after starting this genre of photography, I am already getting bored of "bird on a stick" photos, and so I am trying to find ways to take more unique shots, both to distinguish myself and to satisfy my own drive to be creative/ I really appreciate the sample use cases for the filters, and was impressed with the creative possibilities of using NDs filters! The long exposure with the egret made me say "wow!" out loud. Out of all the filters, I initially only thought I was only going to use polarizers to cut out glare from waterfowl and wading bird shots, which, when compared to ND filters, results in a relatively minor change to photos.
Thanks so much and sorry to reply so late - Yeah, ND's can make some nice shots. The egret was an interesting moment. I was making a video and only had one camera and lens with me. I thought, here's your chance for a long exposure :) Egrets and Herons are great subjects for this kind of thing. I also have tried with fighting Giraffes, they swing their heads and not their bodies but I haven't quite nailed that one yet. Hope you are getting some great shots going forward - check out the stuff Ernst Haas did with longer exposures. I wish I was even a tiny bit as talented.
Been in the garage getting fixed up. No oil leaks whatsoever after this trip!! Long may it last. Glad to hear from you, was considering calling as I haven’t been in touch for quite a while. Hope you are ok!
@@WillGoodlet No oil leaks? Lucky you don't have to worry about rust out there! We're all good - T has just gone to Greenland for a week. Would be good to have a catch up.
Great video Will thanks! Very informative... I'll look to experiment a bit more with my variable ND filter for my longer lens. Love your landy, what a beauty 🤙
Great video, Will. Engaging, entertaining, and informative. I'm sorely tempted to give Freewell filters a try. Unfortunately, I nearly always use lens hoods. Back when I shot landscapes, I'd suffer through taking the hood off, screwing my CPL on, adjusting it, and replacing my hood. (My landscapes weren't going anywhere.) But now my high-quality, expensive, filters sit unused in a drawer, because wildlife moments won't wait on all that foolery. And I don't think magnetic filters are going to change that. Thanks for the great review, though. I always look forward to your posts.
Hi Michael, Thanks for watching, appreciate it! Do you shoot from a car or inside a hide? Do you use the hood for protection or for contrast/heat issues? I like a hood for protection but haven't run into any issues leaving it off except with very low sun. I do like a bit of flare from time to time though.
I am new to wildlife because didn't have money to spend on gears, I use a nikon 200-500mm and I am from India, sadly I didn't find Freewell filters in Indian websites, plus I am not finding 95mm ones in their US website. One question do ND helps with slow shutterspeed photography?
What a neat egret picture with the water! I could picture "the wave" of Arizona in blue behind the egret. Great idea with the magnetic circular filters. There's a lot of dust and sand in Arizona too. The ND and polarizer I have used for landscape more frequently, but maybe I should use it more on a great white egret. The sun here is intense, and I like to go some places when it is not crowded to get more natural behavior.
Wow awesome product. I will be ordering some. Thank you for sharing Will. I’m still total lost with this whole photography and film making thing but learning all the time and really enjoy your videos for that. Thank you. All the best.
Hi Bruce, thanks for watching :) I'm waiting to see if you will pick up a Grenadier! I configured one the other day and almost salivated. But no. I will have to stick with the Landy's or do without a house :)
@@WillGoodlet haha no I was considering one and was supposed to attend the launch just over a year ago. The launch was cancelled by them a couple days before and I never heard from them again so I have decided it's not for me, for now anyway. Prices are also absolutely insane and I think there are many other better options available at half the price. I dont believe that their products is that much better than any of their competition and believe they are basing their strategy purely on peoples love for the old defender shape. To me it's a modernised copy that will need to prove itself before I consider paying their huge asking price. Think of this, you could by 3 good puma 110's, two and a half new Land Cruiser 76's, or two 79's, never mind the list of good pick ups available on the market. I think my next build will either be a van or a Aussie style Isuzu pick up. For now I am very happy and I do not see anything available on the market that suits my needs more. Off to the Zambezi (Kanyemba) next week to try and catch some fish with teeth and just bought all the fishing stuff......hopefully my fishing is better than my photography. All the gear and still no idea😂😂 Take care.
I too constantly switch between stills and video with my R5 and recently have wondered why most wildlife photographers only consider mirrorless/DSLRs for video. I have seen some reviews of the Panasonic HC X2 and it looks as if it could be great for wildlife. Leica glass 8.8 to 176mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 24.5 to 490mm), Min aperture f2.8, 2 XLR microphone inputs, built-in ND filters up to 6 stop, WiFi connectivity, UHD 4K, and 5 axis stabilisation. I'd love to try it for wildlife videography.
Hi Ron, I also find myself perusing the camcorder market. Also the Cinema camera market too. I would love to arrive at a place where I only need to carry two bodies. Like it was before I got into video! A trusty zoom and a prime. Given the advances we see with some of the zooms though, I might consider one body soon. I have never used camcorders. I haven't had an opportunity to try any but remain suspicious of the 1" sensors. Obviously, they have strong advantages especially with regard to highly optimised stabilisation. You can't argue with the ND's and optimised lenses too. Even features like Infra red. I'm not sure the XLR is a huge benefit as mostly I find I have to record sound separately but I'd love it if I could record at the same time. Built in exposure aids too....Strong options I feel. I'm finding that shooting from a vehicle, I benefit from a small form factor and less "crap". I have a lot of crap lying around to make these videos. Mostly too many ageing action cams. Clamps, microphones, stands, tripods and an M50 for around the car. The action cams produce 80% of the footage but I am still very very sore about having to spend upwards of $2,000 on little cameras I can never sell on. I also like the idea of a camcorder because my wife might be willing to use it. Which would leave me free to photograph while she films. I have yet to persuade her. It's certainly a form factor that is on my radar. I'd love to try one out.
This is fantastic. I have a black mist filter I use sometime shooting people, I keep wondering whether it'd add anything when shooting wildlife... but I always get nervous and leave it behind at the last minute. Time to work up the courage and give it a try (at least on some birds in the backyard!) and then see if I should add one to my 600!
I like it in the late afternoon or afternoon n the mornings - because mine have been screw in too, I rarely used them. Too worried I’d miss something special. Much happier knowing I can get them on or off quickly. Thanks for watching and enjoy the backyard birds!
@@WillGoodlet I've been experiencing the same issues with filter change times and losing shots. I placed a Nikon 200-500 f5.6 full frame lens on my crop sensor body giving me 750 MM reach for small birds, (an in and a half high) and I let you know how the filters work as soon as they come in.
Thank you for the video and the channel. The filters seem to be very hepfull. Very jealous to see the marvelous environment where you live! Greetings from Spain
@@WillGoodlet actually I am from Sevilla but now living in Madrid. Some weekends I am able to scape from the city to take shoot of the wildlife and nature. All the best
Thanks a lot Will, I will definitely have a look at the Freewell filters. I had an expensive polar pro (screw on) filter, but it makes the footage extremely soft and green and it is so hard to quickly swap between photo and video that it was better to bump up the shutter speed than to use the filter. I was wondering what kind of door mount you have? I will be heading back to SA for a couple of months soon and I am struggling with handheld video footage, so that seems like a good option. It will probably be too big and heavy to travel with so I have to look for a light weight option or the possibility of renting one in SA. Do you have any recommendations or tips for that? Best regards, Linda
Hi Will, a excellent video and nice to see you back again, it does seem a long time, Along with Polarizing filters, Do they help you with the Haze as well, where I live Haze is the most frustrating of all for any image taken in any kind of distance, So I must restrict to as close as possible, always good of course but not always available, Your views would be much appreciated how you overcome this problem
Thanks Benjamin - I thought I was back but SA has got in the way again - hope to normalise my situation this year and finally get to posting regularly. I do believe polarisers assist to a degree with moisture/haze in the air. But heat over ground or open water is a killer and there’s not much that can help with that!
Thanks for this Will; I use filters, but only occasionally for the reasons you mentioned. Might pick up a set of these! I have a video request, if you ever have the time or inclination: clearly you know a lot about video. I’m completely clueless about C-LOG3, shutter speeds in video, and exposing properly. Every video I’ve watched makes it worse because folks haul out grey cards to set exposure, which is never going to work in wildlife photography. I’d love a video on how to shoot video properly and how to process it. I shot an airshow here in Aus this past weekend and a lot of my video footage from the R5 (with RF 100-500) is pretty mediocre: 10% situational (very bright white cloudy skies) and 90% just not knowing what I was doing. Suspect that my variable ND should have come into play.
I have a constant running battle with C-LOG3 and grading in general, especially awful DJI and GOPRO footage being cut into the Canon footage. I guess you already know the standard stuff. Has to be shot at ISO800. Shutter speed (generally) at double the frame rate. If you don't do this for wildlife or an airshow the wingbeats look terrible and your props won't blur properly. Any fast panning will jitter too. I've found that it's very easy to under-expose and introduce noise. I can't really say I have nailed the technique, it's something I need to work on too.. I think the best approach is to use the zebras to set the exposure but I am often too lazy. I do have a grey card (White Balance is also a problem) but rarely use it. I've normally set WB manually using Sunny., cloudy etc... on the camera but due to constant problems I am trying to be better about setting WB with a card. Luckily outdoors, in Africa, we don't get too much changing light. You can shoot without an ND if you are prepared to sacrifice either depth of field or the frame rate. I've also found that you can shoot late into the night using tripod/static shots and slow shutter - 1/15 etc... This is a lifesaver for me around a campfire. Just move really slowly! I often find that I prefer the non-log footage, you can see what you are getting, it looks good mostly in post and can be shot at ISO400 which is good for bright conditions. I wouldn't say I am the right guy for the video you want made - I am still trying to figure it out too but I've certainly learned a lot in the time I've been shooting for YT. It's a big problem for me mixing between photos and video and I'd like to get it sorted out.
"My name is Will, and I'm a videographer." 🤣Loved that bit and I feel your pain with carrying two camera set-ups.....there's gotta be a better way! Great video!
Stunning video Will as normal and you took me back to Pilansberg! I just bought the Kase Magnetic Filter System and am over the moon with them! Thanks very much for the video I really appreciate it!
Your my idle seeing u pull up with that Sahara jeeps style and then boom pull put lens and mount on window wow boom my mind blown and fell in love with ur style. Wow what I would give to be able to go where u go and experience taking photos in real time of wild animals
Wow great video! Not only wildlife photographers struggle with filters. I hate those things but that system you have looks briljant! Cab you please let that guy contact me 🤣 im still stunned by that shot of the white bird in the floating river. So amazing! Grt guido
Hey Guido, thanks for watching again. I imagine you have a ton of filters like all of us! For video, especially when using the same camera for stills these are really nice.
Thanks for watching. They actually make a mist, but didn't send me one. I only had the ND8, ND16 (which I know from experience cover most of my needs outdoors because the Polariser also cuts 1 1/2 stops of light). I used a Tiffen Black Mist but can't remember which one I used for the shots in the video (1/4 or 1/8). Freewell make both of these for the kit and I have no doubt they will be as good as the rest of the filters. They also make streaks if you want to pretend you are shooting anamorphic wildlife :) The magnetic filters are a lot easier to use.
Will thank you for great content. I will give this a go. I am heading to Namibia soon I hope and these filters will prove useful in Etosha National Park
Hi Felix, Awesome news that you are headed to Etosha! I am jealous. I would love to get back there. The last time was 1993! Let me know how it goes please :) Bon voyage!
Tony, can I have some as well? 😁 Those photos were amazing and very inspiriing. I've not tried any creative wildlife photography yet, but sounds like fun. Long exposures of scenes like this at 10:00 would be good, like some of the famous long exposure photos taken by Alexey Titarenko but with wildlife!
I went through the checkout process on The Freewell gear site and the shipping appears to be included to SA. There will be VAT applied to the “Freight on Board” price at customs which usually comes in at just over 15% on top of the net cost. As far as I am aware there is no duty on lenses/photographic accessories. So yeah you should be able to get them here - I have not seen any of the retailers stock them unfortunately. Amazon is also a good way to get things especially if you bundle with other items like memory cards. On Amazon you can see all the shipping and customs up front. But you need to just keep an eye out because some suppliers seem to have higher duty components than others (perhaps not based in the same country?) I like to support local as much as possible but quite often the markup on accessories is akin to price gouging in SA sadly.
@Will Goodlet awesome. Literally 3 days ago I gave up looking for magnetic filters. Had my eye in the Kase filters but due to time constraints I settled with the Nisi 112mm screw in filters. Thankfully though the hood fits my 14-24, 24-70 and the 70-200 z f/2.8s
Hi Kurt, thanks for watching and the heads-up. I was able to click through. In any case, you can grab the filters direct from Freewell (this is not an affiliate link) here: www.freewellgear.com/136-magnetic-quick-swap-system
@@WillGoodlet Love your videos Will and thx for this direct link to Freewell mag filters. Your Amazon link above takes you to Gitzo tripods, not Freewell filters.
Hi will, what plate have you attached to the lensfoot ? I have same fluid head and need a different plate to attach to my 500 f4 mkii lens foot so it all balances properly and stops the lens foot from moving
I have a red Komodo X and even at 250 ISO the image is completely over exposed on sunny days or with intense glare. How did you manage without filters before ?
Shutter speed, ISO and aperture just like a photo. You can’t be too precious about it as the main goal is the photography and the secondary is video - with your Red you are likely the other way round
@@WillGoodlet yes can’t really change shutter angle cause it would make the video looking funny and on a 100-500 RF the aperture depends on length. But I guess it’s a learning curve on the camera you have. Thanks Will
I tend to change Iso first (native is 400 or 800 in CLOG3). So I’ll sacrifice some Dynamic Range if needed. Then ill hit aperture up to about f8, finally shutter, especially where nothing is moving too fast.
But I guess i forgot to mention, i shoot three cameras. One photo optimised, one with a 100-400 and NDs (in the lens adapter) video optimised, and one for landscapes with screw in ND - ill maybe ramp iso in stills or just unscrew
Yes of course, before these came out. The issue is they take time to screw on to the lens and the variable strength is often unimportant in Africa where it is sunny for long stretches - you can use a fixed strength - so magnetic fixed strength are so much quicker
I was going to suggest you try another brand, but then I thought how about you pair up with a wildlife photographer who uses Olympus/OM Systems gear. Agree beforehand what shots you are going for, if one shoots for blue and the other for sharp, that's a comparison of photographers, I want a comparison of gear. My Olympus OM-D E-M1x has up to five stops of live ND in camera. It's enough for blur in Australian summer sunlight. I chose this camera partly because of its GPS, otherwise I would have chosen a OM-D E-M1 Mark III which also has live ND. The OM 1 adds ten bit 4K video and higher framerates. No overheating, that I have heard of.
Hi John, I think I am just a bit annoyed with Canon right now. I use three cameras in the car. R5 for photos and some clips. R6 for wildlife clips. And an M50 for close shots around the vehicle and general filming. I use a GoPro for talking head (I'd prefer to use the M50 or another cam but am then limited because I need a 24-105 on this camera). So by rights I need 4 cameras - which is just ridiculous. I don't want to get into all the options here because you didn't ask...But despite all Canon's recent releases, I don't have clear way to get down to 2 cameras which should be all I need really. I need to upgrade the M50 to 4K for this channel and started looking around (the R8 looks good but uses a different battery which isn't ideal). I looked very closely at the Fuji XH2s - I wasn't quite convinced by the stabilisation. It jerks on telephoto. Canon is superb. But I love the open gate 6K, stacked sensor and dynamic range. I am VERY interested in the OM-1 I see this as the camera the R7 should have been. I also like the look of the Panasonic S5ii (but just not available in SA). I have done various cost exercises looking at the OM-1 + 150-400TC. But it just doesn't work. I've used the Olympus OM-D EM1 Mark ii and 300 F4 and enjoyed it but things have moved on a bit since then. I am giving up an exceptional 400 2.8 and Stills camera in the R5 and 100-400 + R6 plus all the expensive accessories. Until I am ready to do that, I can't consider an OM. I would dearly like to try an OM for travel though. If I were starting from scratch, I think I'd go the OM route. The 4/3 sensor is much more viable than it used to be and the 150-400TC looks the business. I also like what Nikon is doing with lenses right now. I have a contact with OM in SA. I am trying to work out a deal for reviewing the camera but being South Africa, there is very limited availability. I'm not even sure I can get hold of an OM1. Just the OMD E-M1 Mark iii and 300 F4.
@@allgamestotal6773 I actually want to move away from full frame. I think smaller sensors are now good enough for image quality and they are ideal for portability and reach. BUT I only want this if it’s offered with a stacked sensor and in a weather sealed pro-ish body. I like OM because the lenses are not full frame tacked onto a small sensor format but made for purpose. I also like the feature set on these cameras. Sony, canon and Nikon have abandoned the APS-H and APS-C pro market - I don’t see why we need to carry all that weight or need a full frame. I can rely on telephoto compression for bokeh. And expect the noise characteristics to be good enough going forwards. I think wildlife togs are being let down and don’t need to pay extra for larger lenses and sensors any longer.
Will, I like this clean-cut look! Nice neat shaved face and squeaky clean, combed, well-trimmed hair. Appearance is important. Don't listen to those bohemians who say it doesn't. 😊 The Freewell filter system is sheer brilliance! Why had no one thought of that? Answer: that's what makes innovation and someone with an idea successful in business.
Hi Breck, my look generally depends entirely on my wife deciding it's time for a hair cut! I have to wear the same T-shirt in every video because sometimes I need to slip in scenes shot on different days. Yes, it can get interesting after 10 days in the bush. I would like to get a channel shirt or 'uniform' that I know I can wear all the time but have yet to get round to it. It's important though. Again, I have to maintain the same general look for continuity too. For example, if I make a video in Pilanesberg but I'm missing a shot or two, I can go back into the catalogue and grab a few scenes of me in the same location, same shirt, same bedraggled look, same car, same tent or not on the roof etc... It really helps a great deal. So I have to be careful about how I change my look and actually Basil's look too. On Freewell, yeah, I really enjoyed the freedom. Normally, I have drop in filters behind the lens and a screw in polariser (or nothing) on the front. At best I have a 2-stop loss of light that is difficult to remove. If I need the zoom for a fast photo, which is what it's supposed to be for, it's useless to me. With these, I can keep it in 'photo configuration' all the time, ready and whip out filters when needed. The glass seems to be excellent too. Very nicely thought out and simple kit.
Hi, I hurt myself without warning neck injury and lost some movement & feeling in my arms and legs - I am not really able to use a computer for the time needed to make videos. I am recovering slowly and hope to start up again
Good to know Ray. I think a lot of it is in the glass and we can’t know what that’s like without trying them all alongside. I am very happy with the colour and quality coming out of these. Will probably test them against my expensive B&W and Tiffens and see
Hi Will. from one compulsive clicker to another....we miss your storytelling. Hope you are well and that we will see you back soon....fellow south african.
I think Tony just sold himself a set of filters…. I’m very curious to see how they work. I have a rather big box full of filters of all types and sizes. Lee, Coken, B+W. Screw on, slide on. ND, graduated ND, polarizer. Etc. In the beginning of the video, you mentioned how all bird photos look the same. Another TH-cam channel I watch is a bird photographer that is constantly pushing his method and process so that “your photos could look just like his”. To me, that’s not a good sales pitch. Art as well as business has a lot to do with being different. The other thought I had was a recent video you made where you were searching for some answers. One of the answers is to make your photography something that can’t be achieved with an iPhone. Very creating shots is how that is done. It makes the photos unique and therefor, more sought after.
Thanks for watching and your thoughts here. Yes, I agree. Ideally we don't want our shots to look the same. We all shoot similar gear, use similar software, inhabit the same forums and YT channels and obviously become greatly influenced by that. It's hard to be different or even to know when different is better. I sometimes feel that bird photography in particular is very technically entrenched in one style. It's probably not helped by our (I speak generally here) love for animals and birds. We just love taking pictures of them and invariably, many will be similar. And in that pursuit, I'd guess, photographs are not the only goal. We just want to imprint the moment in a way that cements the experience for ourselves.
Hi Felix, thanks for checking in. I’m ok - I’m in a tropical storm in Zuluand at the moment. It’s horrible as I’m in a leaking tent. But it’s the first time I’ve been out with a camera since may. So at least that is progress! I hope you are well and enjoying life?
@WillGoodlet yes all is well little cold but is just the name of the game weather changing here in Latvia. Just returned from Scotland it was a great experience and before that went to Finland. Hope to finally get down to your country next year. I just checking on you to make sure all is still rotating in your area yes
Will, if you want the look film in your photo I have the perfect solution, it’s called film. When I shoot film incredibly I always have a film look 😉😅.is it possible to shoot film on wildlife? I think yes. Nick Brandt is an example. Easy? No but I think film still has a space for the real art pic. This is my opinion, with a bit of funny sarcasm 😅
I enjoy Nick’s work but it is very different. Involving a lot of setup, cost and cooperation. It also needs his name and reputation. It’s not possible for your average joe to do that. We are barely allowed in the parks! :) Most recently ’ve shot a Mamiya RZ67 for wildlife, it was horrific to use, but vaguely enjoyable (since stolen) I have a Pentax 67 to replace it but have avoided buying the wildlife lenses to date taking a decision not to spend money frivolously. I have already spent far too much money on photography and particularly on equipment needed to make this channel. Sadly it’s not something I wish to continue with after all my gear and accessories were stolen. I have plenty of film shots back before digital and I’m thankful to say I don’t have to use it again!!! :) Film is very expensive to buy and process over here so my film project is dead. Nevertheless, I think mist filters are for more that the ‘film look’ let’s call it a stylised or atmospheric look that works well for backlit scenes. Perhaps that’s better?
@@WillGoodlet I agree completely with you! I decided to shoot both, but mine is a hobby. I use Pentax (35mm and 67) that make sense because I can adapt the medium format on the 35 mm and also on Sony a7 because with manual focus the focus peaking is definitely necessary. It’s not easy but I enjoy shoot film, develop and print myself. It’s obviously not possible if you have to make an income, but if I have to take photo for a gift or to put on the wall I will go 100% film. I always have my MX and some bw and some color in the bag!
I don't have a great relationship with black and white. I prefer colour negative. I prefer digital for wildlife and film for landscape. Film leaves too many action shots on the table.
Overheating OM-1 ? Never , Dust in an OM Systems camera ..never .Thanks for the filter tip ... appreciated . Now try and get an 150-400mm and an OM-1 ... just kidding.
I wouldn’t mind one at all. Too much of a cost penalty to leave Canon. But I do like the bokeh on my Full frame and 400 f2.8 and considering I shoot larger animals this works pretty well
👉🏻 Check out the Wildlife Toolkit - remove the guess work and learn to use a structured workflow and custom profiles to make beautiful images.
bit.ly/WildlifeToolkit
Everything ok Will? Haven’t seen an upload in a while.
@@stubones Hi yes sorry, about that. Firstly the news of SA possible involvement with arms to Russia, the collapse of the currency and failing infrastructure has been incredibly debilitating - as I contemplated leaving the country and starting again somewhere else - and then I herniated a disc in my neck and had a sort of remission to the illness I experienced after my electrocution in 2018. Thankfully I am on the mend and improving. We will be staying in SA for a while more and I hope to start making videos once my health is back up to it. At the moment I cannot edit or use a computer for more than 30 minutes at a time.
Thanks for the concern and I certainly plan to be back!
@@WillGoodlet South Africa has been a on a downward spiral for many years. I lived there for the first 23 years of my life and still have family there. Its quite worrying. Sorry to hear you've been unwell and hope you're feeling up to getting out again soon. Take care.
@@WillGoodlet Good to hear from you.... watching your old videos! Hope you can get back to business soon. Take care!
@@anamicha thanks! my health is improving daily and I hope to be up to the task soon. The thanks so much for the encouragement and support :)
That's how you nail your marketing, you find the right people who have a struggle and you offer them a good solution.
Yes indeed. Thanks for watching!
What a great video. Loved the comic side while explaining. Congratulations!
Will, I truly enjoy your videos and your sense of humor
Thanks Amanda! Nice of you to watch and comment:) Hope you are doing well and selling lots of artwork!
I’ve listened to a lot of photographers and read countless books on photography and enjoy going on safari in Kenya and Zambia but I have to say I’ve never listened to someone who explains things in the down to earth way you do, after listening to your video I understand a hell of a lot more now and I have now stopped worrying about sharpness of my images so thank you so very much and keep up this work your an amazing teacher.
Tnx Will, the problem with some filters of course is you have to say goodbye to the hood. And for long glass I prefer the drop in stretching to the front is no fun. Plus with adapted canon glass you can get the drop ins for the adapter. At any rate I hope this works for you. I don’t see my self just working with one body one lense anytime soon. I think a long prime on one body and a sorter zoom on the other body are necessary for not to ‘loose’ shots. Plus one must have redundancy in the field cause things break, get damaged, etc. So I don’t think one can avoid doubling everything. Of course I don’t shoot video. So I’m not in your shoes. Looking forward to the next harvest of photos and videos with your new filter set up.
Hi Dimitris thanks for the youthful comment and info. For large super-teles like your 500mm of course there is no substitute for a drop in filter.
But much of the time there is no special reason to use the hood (except of element protection, flare and a hint of extra contrast). There are competing reasons not to use the hood - even poor image quality due to heat distortion has been noted. The hood becomes important depending on where you are shooting. If you are in a hide or vehicle, even a blind, the hood serves mainly as a protection adding little to the image that a filter can't improve.
On a smaller lens, where these filters are appropriate, I have to disagree with you. It is much easier to reach to the front and snap on an ND than to fiddle about with the drop in adapter (which I also have) not least because the adapter AND the normal drop in on big whites require a clear glass filter not just an air gap. So you have to remove the filter and replace it with a different one. It's a waste of time doing this and makes the shots near impossible to achieve.
I think the world is changing too. I'm not sure that the long prime is entirely necessary these days. I am strongly tempted to ditch mine for my normal mode of shooting, from a vehicle.
There are strong positives to the mobility, reach and versatility of the long zoom + filters (esp. for video) that outweigh the historical benefits of heavy and long primes.
Do I prefer the image from my 400mm f2.8? Yes, often I do. But often, very often, I miss the shot entirely in this mode.
@@WillGoodlet Sure whatever you think is more appropriate for you. I'm not going anywhere without a hood :-) And definitely sticking with my 500 for the foreseeable future (no other way to be at 700 f/5.6 :-) which is where you usually find me these days (in Europe).
Hi Will
.. I have been a wildlife and landscape photographer since 2014 .. these filters you speak of the magnet type I have been using for a long while now .. the polarised one is the most used especially in landscape photography . The quality is important as it’s the clarity you want and zero to nearest zero colour cast you need ! They are quick to change but the cheaper ones lose their magnetic strength after time and tend to drop off ! So ideally one needs to spend a lot to get the long term investment out of them . I use Rodenstock , K&F and Zeiss filters . I learned after hard lessons not to buy cheap glass to place in front of a very expensive lens . So there is little compromise when it comes to filters as the difference between the cheap and expensive is night and day . Great video .. great to see you back on the channel again ! Stay well !
Thanks for the insights as always. I wouldn't describe $99 per filter as particularly cheap (especially for ND), when you can pick up a German made B+W CPL for $89 and the Zeiss is $145. They seem to be priced alongside NiSi and Format-Hitech. Freewell has a good rep in the action camera and iPhone filter markets. The glass looks excellent to me, I was impressed. Images look good. I can't speak to the magnets but with the lifetime warranty I am willing to give them a shot. I'll report back in a year! I do wonder if keeping them in a mechanics magnetic dish might help with that.
@@WillGoodlet .. we’ll let me say this .. a quality CPL for a Zeiss is very much over $600 . I have one on my Zeiss Distagon 15mm f2.8 which is 95mm . Where did you find a cheap Zeiss ? My Rodenstock 77mm was near $300 ! My Zeiss lens was $3k plus new . I would love to know where you are finding these filters which I find cheap compared to what I have paid in the past . Thanks for sharing that information .
I am pricing a 77mm here not a 95mm, which presumably makes a considerable difference.
I use a lee 105mm for larger diameter lenses - which is fine for me. Polarisers on 15mm lenses will be giving you some difficult processing problems I imagine!
Canon's own CPL is $194 and Nikons $134
Only Zeiss on the site - www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/818330-REG/Zeiss_000000_1934_120_77mm_CZ_T_Circular.html
B+W - www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1671394-REG/b_w_66_1100754_77mm_cirkular_pol_mrc.html
Of course you good go for a high transmission version of the B+W for more money although I don't know if that's really worth it.
@@WillGoodlet just so the audience knows .. some may not be aware that there is different grades of CPL filters .. especially with Hoya which by the way make the Lee 105mm which I used to use on the Lee setup but still achieved quite a bit of vignetting , but only discovered there are two types thickness of Lee 105mm CPL . Something most people don’t know . So there is a wide range of what seems confusing CPL filters . It’s almost a science when it comes to high end filters !
The mist filter is an interesting tool in wildlife photography I havn't worked with yet. Maybe I will try it out
So good to have you back making videos. Renewed enthusiasm ✌️
Thanks Ken! I've been around but I think YT's algorithm has been hiding my videos.
Great video as always. I was at F22 yesterday switching between video and photos with R7/100-400+1.4tc. I need a variable ND I thought, and up comes this video! Best wildlife/nature channel on YT. Quality, not quantity!
Awesome video and very informative. Thank you Will. Cheers
Thanks for watching Zsolt :)
Will, thank you very much for the video! I am a bird photographer myself; however, just months after starting this genre of photography, I am already getting bored of "bird on a stick" photos, and so I am trying to find ways to take more unique shots, both to distinguish myself and to satisfy my own drive to be creative/
I really appreciate the sample use cases for the filters, and was impressed with the creative possibilities of using NDs filters! The long exposure with the egret made me say "wow!" out loud. Out of all the filters, I initially only thought I was only going to use polarizers to cut out glare from waterfowl and wading bird shots, which, when compared to ND filters, results in a relatively minor change to photos.
Thanks so much and sorry to reply so late - Yeah, ND's can make some nice shots. The egret was an interesting moment. I was making a video and only had one camera and lens with me. I thought, here's your chance for a long exposure :) Egrets and Herons are great subjects for this kind of thing. I also have tried with fighting Giraffes, they swing their heads and not their bodies but I haven't quite nailed that one yet.
Hope you are getting some great shots going forward - check out the stuff Ernst Haas did with longer exposures. I wish I was even a tiny bit as talented.
Great to see Manuel out and about!
Been in the garage getting fixed up. No oil leaks whatsoever after this trip!! Long may it last. Glad to hear from you, was considering calling as I haven’t been in touch for quite a while. Hope you are ok!
@@WillGoodlet No oil leaks? Lucky you don't have to worry about rust out there! We're all good - T has just gone to Greenland for a week. Would be good to have a catch up.
Welcome to the family, been using them for a while ;-)
Haha ok I’m always late to the party.
@@WillGoodletFashionably late is the term - and it's no problem when your the best looking and best dressed person in the room ;-p
Great video Will thanks! Very informative... I'll look to experiment a bit more with my variable ND filter for my longer lens. Love your landy, what a beauty 🤙
Cheers Aidan thanks for watching! Yep you can have a lot of fun with filters :)
That's how you review a product! Great job. Tony should be doing cartwheels.
Haha thanks Paul. Glad you enjoyed it :)
Excellent video Will. And looks like some excellent filters, peaking my interest for a set for my 200-500! Thanks for sharing!
Cheers Mark, thanks for watching it. I do like them, nice and simple and good results.
Nice to see you back
I have been around but thank you :) I am trying to publish every three weeks. It takes me an age to make these videos
These are great videos Will! Many thanks!!
Thank you for watching!
Miss your videos hope you are well Will
@@arlenesterling6782 thanks Arlene! I am having some health issues hope to be back once I recover :)
Great video, Will. Engaging, entertaining, and informative. I'm sorely tempted to give Freewell filters a try. Unfortunately, I nearly always use lens hoods. Back when I shot landscapes, I'd suffer through taking the hood off, screwing my CPL on, adjusting it, and replacing my hood. (My landscapes weren't going anywhere.) But now my high-quality, expensive, filters sit unused in a drawer, because wildlife moments won't wait on all that foolery. And I don't think magnetic filters are going to change that. Thanks for the great review, though. I always look forward to your posts.
Hi Michael, Thanks for watching, appreciate it! Do you shoot from a car or inside a hide? Do you use the hood for protection or for contrast/heat issues? I like a hood for protection but haven't run into any issues leaving it off except with very low sun. I do like a bit of flare from time to time though.
I am new to wildlife because didn't have money to spend on gears, I use a nikon 200-500mm and I am from India, sadly I didn't find Freewell filters in Indian websites, plus I am not finding 95mm ones in their US website.
One question do ND helps with slow shutterspeed photography?
What car mount system do you use! I have been looking for a good option for a while. Thank you!
Hi Tyler, its made here in South Africa by Gimprogear.co.za
@@WillGoodlet awesome! I’ll check it out. Thanks for the recommendation:)
Thanks Will,another great video and a very interesting topic thanks for sharing your views and always good to see another video from you cheers😊
Thanks for watching John :)
What a neat egret picture with the water! I could picture "the wave" of Arizona in blue behind the egret. Great idea with the magnetic circular filters. There's a lot of dust and sand in Arizona too. The ND and polarizer I have used for landscape more frequently, but maybe I should use it more on a great white egret. The sun here is intense, and I like to go some places when it is not crowded to get more natural behavior.
Excellent Video
Thanks for sharing
I've been hearing about the magnetic mounts; thanks for highlighting to a quality solution.
Thank‘s Will for this video. Exactly thar magnetic filters can solve my problem. With them no wasting time. Klick and ready. Great idea.👍l
Hi Wolfgang, I'm glad it was useful!
Wow awesome product. I will be ordering some.
Thank you for sharing Will. I’m still total lost with this whole photography and film making thing but learning all the time and really enjoy your videos for that. Thank you.
All the best.
Hi Bruce, thanks for watching :) I'm waiting to see if you will pick up a Grenadier! I configured one the other day and almost salivated. But no. I will have to stick with the Landy's or do without a house :)
@@WillGoodlet haha no I was considering one and was supposed to attend the launch just over a year ago. The launch was cancelled by them a couple days before and I never heard from them again so I have decided it's not for me, for now anyway. Prices are also absolutely insane and I think there are many other better options available at half the price. I dont believe that their products is that much better than any of their competition and believe they are basing their strategy purely on peoples love for the old defender shape. To me it's a modernised copy that will need to prove itself before I consider paying their huge asking price. Think of this, you could by 3 good puma 110's, two and a half new Land Cruiser 76's, or two 79's, never mind the list of good pick ups available on the market.
I think my next build will either be a van or a Aussie style Isuzu pick up. For now I am very happy and I do not see anything available on the market that suits my needs more.
Off to the Zambezi (Kanyemba) next week to try and catch some fish with teeth and just bought all the fishing stuff......hopefully my fishing is better than my photography. All the gear and still no idea😂😂
Take care.
@@OverlandingwithBruce good luck love those blue waters. Watch out for the teeth!
@@WillGoodlet 😂😂thank you
I too constantly switch between stills and video with my R5 and recently have wondered why most wildlife photographers only consider mirrorless/DSLRs for video. I have seen some reviews of the Panasonic HC X2 and it looks as if it could be great for wildlife. Leica glass 8.8 to 176mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 24.5 to 490mm), Min aperture f2.8, 2 XLR microphone inputs, built-in ND filters up to 6 stop, WiFi connectivity, UHD 4K, and 5 axis stabilisation. I'd love to try it for wildlife videography.
Hi Ron, I also find myself perusing the camcorder market. Also the Cinema camera market too. I would love to arrive at a place where I only need to carry two bodies. Like it was before I got into video! A trusty zoom and a prime. Given the advances we see with some of the zooms though, I might consider one body soon.
I have never used camcorders. I haven't had an opportunity to try any but remain suspicious of the 1" sensors. Obviously, they have strong advantages especially with regard to highly optimised stabilisation. You can't argue with the ND's and optimised lenses too. Even features like Infra red. I'm not sure the XLR is a huge benefit as mostly I find I have to record sound separately but I'd love it if I could record at the same time. Built in exposure aids too....Strong options I feel.
I'm finding that shooting from a vehicle, I benefit from a small form factor and less "crap". I have a lot of crap lying around to make these videos. Mostly too many ageing action cams. Clamps, microphones, stands, tripods and an M50 for around the car. The action cams produce 80% of the footage but I am still very very sore about having to spend upwards of $2,000 on little cameras I can never sell on.
I also like the idea of a camcorder because my wife might be willing to use it. Which would leave me free to photograph while she films. I have yet to persuade her.
It's certainly a form factor that is on my radar. I'd love to try one out.
This is fantastic. I have a black mist filter I use sometime shooting people, I keep wondering whether it'd add anything when shooting wildlife... but I always get nervous and leave it behind at the last minute. Time to work up the courage and give it a try (at least on some birds in the backyard!) and then see if I should add one to my 600!
I like it in the late afternoon or afternoon n the mornings - because mine have been screw in too, I rarely used them. Too worried I’d miss something special. Much happier knowing I can get them on or off quickly.
Thanks for watching and enjoy the backyard birds!
Thank you I was wondering what to do about filters for my Nikon 200-500. I've shared your struggles with filters and will try some of these.
Thanks for watching David glad it was useful, let me know how it works out please!
@@WillGoodlet I've been experiencing the same issues with filter change times and losing shots. I placed a Nikon 200-500 f5.6 full frame lens on my crop sensor body giving me 750 MM reach for small birds, (an in and a half high) and I let you know how the filters work as soon as they come in.
That was very well done indeed!
Thanks Jim :)
Thank you for the video and the channel. The filters seem to be very hepfull.
Very jealous to see the marvelous environment where you live!
Greetings from Spain
Thanks for watching I appreciate it! I lived in Spain as a teenager in Andalusia, love it there too. Great for migrating birds.
@@WillGoodlet actually I am from Sevilla but now living in Madrid. Some weekends I am able to scape from the city to take shoot of the wildlife and nature. All the best
Thanks a lot Will, I will definitely have a look at the Freewell filters. I had an expensive polar pro (screw on) filter, but it makes the footage extremely soft and green and it is so hard to quickly swap between photo and video that it was better to bump up the shutter speed than to use the filter. I was wondering what kind of door mount you have? I will be heading back to SA for a couple of months soon and I am struggling with handheld video footage, so that seems like a good option. It will probably be too big and heavy to travel with so I have to look for a light weight option or the possibility of renting one in SA. Do you have any recommendations or tips for that? Best regards, Linda
These filters look great! I'm going to try get some for my sigma lens!
I’m really enjoying them, hope they will be good for you too!
Awesome video!
Thank you :)
A beautiful educational vid
Thanks for watching Farhan
interesting video will so would i get more shots by filming rather than on photos ?
I doubt you would get more photos, but often you can great video from subjects that don’t suit a photo. And video can often be sold more easily.
Hi Will, a excellent video and nice to see you back again, it does seem a long time, Along with Polarizing filters, Do they help you with the Haze as well, where I live Haze is the most frustrating of all for any image taken in any kind of distance, So I must restrict to as close as possible, always good of course but not always available,
Your views would be much appreciated how you overcome this problem
Thanks Benjamin - I thought I was back but SA has got in the way again - hope to normalise my situation this year and finally get to posting regularly.
I do believe polarisers assist to a degree with moisture/haze in the air. But heat over ground or open water is a killer and there’s not much that can help with that!
Thanks Will for another epic video! Keep up the great content! Cheers Deon
Thanks for watching Deon!
Thanks for this Will; I use filters, but only occasionally for the reasons you mentioned. Might pick up a set of these! I have a video request, if you ever have the time or inclination: clearly you know a lot about video. I’m completely clueless about C-LOG3, shutter speeds in video, and exposing properly. Every video I’ve watched makes it worse because folks haul out grey cards to set exposure, which is never going to work in wildlife photography. I’d love a video on how to shoot video properly and how to process it. I shot an airshow here in Aus this past weekend and a lot of my video footage from the R5 (with RF 100-500) is pretty mediocre: 10% situational (very bright white cloudy skies) and 90% just not knowing what I was doing. Suspect that my variable ND should have come into play.
I have a constant running battle with C-LOG3 and grading in general, especially awful DJI and GOPRO footage being cut into the Canon footage. I guess you already know the standard stuff. Has to be shot at ISO800. Shutter speed (generally) at double the frame rate. If you don't do this for wildlife or an airshow the wingbeats look terrible and your props won't blur properly. Any fast panning will jitter too.
I've found that it's very easy to under-expose and introduce noise. I can't really say I have nailed the technique, it's something I need to work on too..
I think the best approach is to use the zebras to set the exposure but I am often too lazy. I do have a grey card (White Balance is also a problem) but rarely use it. I've normally set WB manually using Sunny., cloudy etc... on the camera but due to constant problems I am trying to be better about setting WB with a card. Luckily outdoors, in Africa, we don't get too much changing light.
You can shoot without an ND if you are prepared to sacrifice either depth of field or the frame rate.
I've also found that you can shoot late into the night using tripod/static shots and slow shutter - 1/15 etc... This is a lifesaver for me around a campfire. Just move really slowly!
I often find that I prefer the non-log footage, you can see what you are getting, it looks good mostly in post and can be shot at ISO400 which is good for bright conditions.
I wouldn't say I am the right guy for the video you want made - I am still trying to figure it out too but I've certainly learned a lot in the time I've been shooting for YT. It's a big problem for me mixing between photos and video and I'd like to get it sorted out.
"My name is Will, and I'm a videographer." 🤣Loved that bit and I feel your pain with carrying two camera set-ups.....there's gotta be a better way! Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching :)
Stunning video Will as normal and you took me back to Pilansberg! I just bought the Kase Magnetic Filter System and am over the moon with them! Thanks very much for the video I really appreciate it!
Hi Axel, I'll have to check them out. Thanks for watching and great to hear from you. Are you still using LR6 or did you finally upgrade?
@@WillGoodlet Hi Will - I am still using LR6 butt I am using DXORAW2 and Luminar Neo with LR. Thank you kindly Will!
Hmm I better check these out!
@@jerryinsc I have the colour coded system and really appreciate it!
Thanks!!
Your my idle seeing u pull up with that Sahara jeeps style and then boom pull put lens and mount on window wow boom my mind blown and fell in love with ur style. Wow what I would give to be able to go where u go and experience taking photos in real time of wild animals
Thanks so much for watching! I’m very glad you enjoyed the video, I hope you will get out and enjoy wildlife too.
Wow great video! Not only wildlife photographers struggle with filters. I hate those things but that system you have looks briljant! Cab you please let that guy contact me 🤣 im still stunned by that shot of the white bird in the floating river. So amazing! Grt guido
Hey Guido, thanks for watching again. I imagine you have a ton of filters like all of us! For video, especially when using the same camera for stills these are really nice.
great video!!
Thanks David!
Great video! Nice to see you back! Did you get the mist filter from freewell as well? which one? thx
Thanks for watching. They actually make a mist, but didn't send me one. I only had the ND8, ND16 (which I know from experience cover most of my needs outdoors because the Polariser also cuts 1 1/2 stops of light).
I used a Tiffen Black Mist but can't remember which one I used for the shots in the video (1/4 or 1/8). Freewell make both of these for the kit and I have no doubt they will be as good as the rest of the filters. They also make streaks if you want to pretend you are shooting anamorphic wildlife :)
The magnetic filters are a lot easier to use.
Will thank you for great content. I will give this a go. I am heading to Namibia soon I hope and these filters will prove useful in Etosha National Park
Hi Felix,
Awesome news that you are headed to Etosha! I am jealous. I would love to get back there. The last time was 1993! Let me know how it goes please :)
Bon voyage!
@@WillGoodlet of course I will. I hope that after that I will come near your area to break bread with you my Brother
Tony, can I have some as well? 😁 Those photos were amazing and very inspiriing. I've not tried any creative wildlife photography yet, but sounds like fun. Long exposures of scenes like this at 10:00 would be good, like some of the famous long exposure photos taken by Alexey Titarenko but with wildlife!
Haha thanks for watching and the info. Oh I would have loved a shot of that. I wasn’t ready - talking to a video camera as usual!
Awesome, can you get the filters in RSA?
I went through the checkout process on The Freewell gear site and the shipping appears to be included to SA.
There will be VAT applied to the “Freight on Board” price at customs which usually comes in at just over 15% on top of the net cost. As far as I am aware there is no duty on lenses/photographic accessories.
So yeah you should be able to get them here - I have not seen any of the retailers stock them unfortunately.
Amazon is also a good way to get things especially if you bundle with other items like memory cards.
On Amazon you can see all the shipping and customs up front. But you need to just keep an eye out because some suppliers seem to have higher duty components than others (perhaps not based in the same country?)
I like to support local as much as possible but quite often the markup on accessories is akin to price gouging in SA sadly.
@Will Goodlet awesome. Literally 3 days ago I gave up looking for magnetic filters. Had my eye in the Kase filters but due to time constraints I settled with the Nisi 112mm screw in filters. Thankfully though the hood fits my 14-24, 24-70 and the 70-200 z f/2.8s
Hi Will, great video. Tried to check out your links to free well in the description but they don’t seem to be working.
Hi Kurt, thanks for watching and the heads-up. I was able to click through. In any case, you can grab the filters direct from Freewell (this is not an affiliate link) here: www.freewellgear.com/136-magnetic-quick-swap-system
@@WillGoodlet Love your videos Will and thx for this direct link to Freewell mag filters. Your Amazon link above takes you to Gitzo tripods, not Freewell filters.
Ok thanks I’ll have another look
Hi will, what plate have you attached to the lensfoot ? I have same fluid head and need a different plate to attach to my 500 f4 mkii lens foot so it all balances properly and stops the lens foot from moving
Think its just a standard manfrotto video plate
I have a red Komodo X and even at 250 ISO the image is completely over exposed on sunny days or with intense glare. How did you manage without filters before ?
Shutter speed, ISO and aperture just like a photo. You can’t be too precious about it as the main goal is the photography and the secondary is video - with your Red you are likely the other way round
@@WillGoodlet yes can’t really change shutter angle cause it would make the video looking funny and on a 100-500 RF the aperture depends on length. But I guess it’s a learning curve on the camera you have. Thanks Will
I tend to change Iso first (native is 400 or 800 in CLOG3). So I’ll sacrifice some Dynamic Range if needed. Then ill hit aperture up to about f8, finally shutter, especially where nothing is moving too fast.
But I guess i forgot to mention, i shoot three cameras. One photo optimised, one with a 100-400 and NDs (in the lens adapter) video optimised, and one for landscapes with screw in ND - ill maybe ramp iso in stills or just unscrew
@@WillGoodlet thanks Will very informative and willing to help as usual 🙏🏼
Thanks for an informative and helpful post.
Thanks Michael. Glad it was helpful!
Have you ever tried a variable ND filter?
Yes of course, before these came out. The issue is they take time to screw on to the lens and the variable strength is often unimportant in Africa where it is sunny for long stretches - you can use a fixed strength - so magnetic fixed strength are so much quicker
@@WillGoodlet Ok, thank you. Have a nice day.
Thanks
Nice video 👍
Thank you!
@@WillGoodlet 👍
Where do you sell your prints?
I find it’s not really feasible to sell prints from South Africa as the shipping costs are too high to make it viable for people buying overseas.
Filter link has no filter instead a tripod 😢
I was going to suggest you try another brand, but then I thought how about you pair up with a wildlife photographer who uses Olympus/OM Systems gear.
Agree beforehand what shots you are going for, if one shoots for blue and the other for sharp, that's a comparison of photographers, I want a comparison of gear.
My Olympus OM-D E-M1x has up to five stops of live ND in camera. It's enough for blur in Australian summer sunlight. I chose this camera partly because of its GPS, otherwise I would have chosen a OM-D E-M1 Mark III which also has live ND. The OM 1 adds ten bit 4K video and higher framerates. No overheating, that I have heard of.
Hi John, I think I am just a bit annoyed with Canon right now. I use three cameras in the car. R5 for photos and some clips. R6 for wildlife clips. And an M50 for close shots around the vehicle and general filming. I use a GoPro for talking head (I'd prefer to use the M50 or another cam but am then limited because I need a 24-105 on this camera). So by rights I need 4 cameras - which is just ridiculous. I don't want to get into all the options here because you didn't ask...But despite all Canon's recent releases, I don't have clear way to get down to 2 cameras which should be all I need really. I need to upgrade the M50 to 4K for this channel and started looking around (the R8 looks good but uses a different battery which isn't ideal).
I looked very closely at the Fuji XH2s - I wasn't quite convinced by the stabilisation. It jerks on telephoto. Canon is superb. But I love the open gate 6K, stacked sensor and dynamic range.
I am VERY interested in the OM-1 I see this as the camera the R7 should have been. I also like the look of the Panasonic S5ii (but just not available in SA).
I have done various cost exercises looking at the OM-1 + 150-400TC. But it just doesn't work. I've used the Olympus OM-D EM1 Mark ii and 300 F4 and enjoyed it but things have moved on a bit since then. I am giving up an exceptional 400 2.8 and Stills camera in the R5 and 100-400 + R6 plus all the expensive accessories. Until I am ready to do that, I can't consider an OM. I would dearly like to try an OM for travel though.
If I were starting from scratch, I think I'd go the OM route. The 4/3 sensor is much more viable than it used to be and the 150-400TC looks the business. I also like what Nikon is doing with lenses right now.
I have a contact with OM in SA. I am trying to work out a deal for reviewing the camera but being South Africa, there is very limited availability. I'm not even sure I can get hold of an OM1. Just the OMD E-M1 Mark iii and 300 F4.
@@WillGoodlet just wondering why not sony alpha?
@@allgamestotal6773 I actually want to move away from full frame. I think smaller sensors are now good enough for image quality and they are ideal for portability and reach. BUT I only want this if it’s offered with a stacked sensor and in a weather sealed pro-ish body.
I like OM because the lenses are not full frame tacked onto a small sensor format but made for purpose.
I also like the feature set on these cameras.
Sony, canon and Nikon have abandoned the APS-H and APS-C pro market - I don’t see why we need to carry all that weight or need a full frame. I can rely on telephoto compression for bokeh. And expect the noise characteristics to be good enough going forwards. I think wildlife togs are being let down and don’t need to pay extra for larger lenses and sensors any longer.
@@WillGoodlet thanks. i might consider this along d way.
Will, I like this clean-cut look! Nice neat shaved face and squeaky clean, combed, well-trimmed hair. Appearance is important. Don't listen to those bohemians who say it doesn't. 😊
The Freewell filter system is sheer brilliance! Why had no one thought of that? Answer: that's what makes innovation and someone with an idea successful in business.
Hi Breck, my look generally depends entirely on my wife deciding it's time for a hair cut!
I have to wear the same T-shirt in every video because sometimes I need to slip in scenes shot on different days. Yes, it can get interesting after 10 days in the bush. I would like to get a channel shirt or 'uniform' that I know I can wear all the time but have yet to get round to it. It's important though.
Again, I have to maintain the same general look for continuity too. For example, if I make a video in Pilanesberg but I'm missing a shot or two, I can go back into the catalogue and grab a few scenes of me in the same location, same shirt, same bedraggled look, same car, same tent or not on the roof etc... It really helps a great deal. So I have to be careful about how I change my look and actually Basil's look too.
On Freewell, yeah, I really enjoyed the freedom. Normally, I have drop in filters behind the lens and a screw in polariser (or nothing) on the front. At best I have a 2-stop loss of light that is difficult to remove. If I need the zoom for a fast photo, which is what it's supposed to be for, it's useless to me. With these, I can keep it in 'photo configuration' all the time, ready and whip out filters when needed.
The glass seems to be excellent too. Very nicely thought out and simple kit.
Where is he/company based ??? Uk or ????
It's an Hong Kong company. I was born in Hong Kong, so I like that.
Hope you're doing well Will
Thank you, sorry I have not been around I am recovering from an illness. Hope to be back once I am well
@@WillGoodlet of course - genuinely just wanted to wish you well, not wanting to rush you back 👍 take care
Haven't seen you about !! Wonder what's happend ??
Hi, I hurt myself without warning neck injury and lost some movement & feeling in my arms and legs - I am not really able to use a computer for the time needed to make videos. I am recovering slowly and hope to start up again
@@WillGoodlet Speedy recovery to you ...
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍😃
K&F do similar, but slightly cheaper!
Good to know Ray. I think a lot of it is in the glass and we can’t know what that’s like without trying them all alongside. I am very happy with the colour and quality coming out of these. Will probably test them against my expensive B&W and Tiffens and see
Hi Will. from one compulsive clicker to another....we miss your storytelling. Hope you are well and that we will see you back soon....fellow south african.
Hi Stefanus, thanks! I am trying to stage a comeback :) hope to see you on here more regularly!
I think Tony just sold himself a set of filters…. I’m very curious to see how they work. I have a rather big box full of filters of all types and sizes. Lee, Coken, B+W. Screw on, slide on. ND, graduated ND, polarizer. Etc.
In the beginning of the video, you mentioned how all bird photos look the same. Another TH-cam channel I watch is a bird photographer that is constantly pushing his method and process so that “your photos could look just like his”. To me, that’s not a good sales pitch. Art as well as business has a lot to do with being different.
The other thought I had was a recent video you made where you were searching for some answers. One of the answers is to make your photography something that can’t be achieved with an iPhone. Very creating shots is how that is done. It makes the photos unique and therefor, more sought after.
Thanks for watching and your thoughts here. Yes, I agree. Ideally we don't want our shots to look the same. We all shoot similar gear, use similar software, inhabit the same forums and YT channels and obviously become greatly influenced by that. It's hard to be different or even to know when different is better. I sometimes feel that bird photography in particular is very technically entrenched in one style.
It's probably not helped by our (I speak generally here) love for animals and birds. We just love taking pictures of them and invariably, many will be similar. And in that pursuit, I'd guess, photographs are not the only goal. We just want to imprint the moment in a way that cements the experience for ourselves.
Will how are you doing hope all is well. Just checking up on you. Hope you make new content soon
Hi Felix, thanks for checking in. I’m ok - I’m in a tropical storm in Zuluand at the moment. It’s horrible as I’m in a leaking tent. But it’s the first time I’ve been out with a camera since may. So at least that is progress! I hope you are well and enjoying life?
@WillGoodlet yes all is well little cold but is just the name of the game weather changing here in Latvia. Just returned from Scotland it was a great experience and before that went to Finland. Hope to finally get down to your country next year. I just checking on you to make sure all is still rotating in your area
yes
@@WillGoodletLooking forward to hear about this adventure.
Will, if you want the look film in your photo I have the perfect solution, it’s called film. When I shoot film incredibly I always have a film look 😉😅.is it possible to shoot film on wildlife? I think yes. Nick Brandt is an example. Easy? No but I think film still has a space for the real art pic. This is my opinion, with a bit of funny sarcasm 😅
I enjoy Nick’s work but it is very different. Involving a lot of setup, cost and cooperation. It also needs his name and reputation. It’s not possible for your average joe to do that. We are barely allowed in the parks! :)
Most recently ’ve shot a Mamiya RZ67 for wildlife, it was horrific to use, but vaguely enjoyable (since stolen) I have a Pentax 67 to replace it but have avoided buying the wildlife lenses to date taking a decision not to spend money frivolously. I have already spent far too much money on photography and particularly on equipment needed to make this channel. Sadly it’s not something I wish to continue with after all my gear and accessories were stolen. I have plenty of film shots back before digital and I’m thankful to say I don’t have to use it again!!! :)
Film is very expensive to buy and process over here so my film project is dead.
Nevertheless, I think mist filters are for more that the ‘film look’ let’s call it a stylised or atmospheric look that works well for backlit scenes. Perhaps that’s better?
@@WillGoodlet I agree completely with you! I decided to shoot both, but mine is a hobby. I use Pentax (35mm and 67) that make sense because I can adapt the medium format on the 35 mm and also on Sony a7 because with manual focus the focus peaking is definitely necessary. It’s not easy but I enjoy shoot film, develop and print myself. It’s obviously not possible if you have to make an income, but if I have to take photo for a gift or to put on the wall I will go 100% film. I always have my MX and some bw and some color in the bag!
@@WillGoodlet if you had to take a picture for you and for you only would you take it on digital or on bw film?
I don't have a great relationship with black and white. I prefer colour negative. I prefer digital for wildlife and film for landscape. Film leaves too many action shots on the table.
Overheating OM-1 ? Never , Dust in an OM Systems camera ..never .Thanks for the filter tip ... appreciated . Now try and get an 150-400mm and an OM-1 ... just kidding.
I wouldn’t mind one at all. Too much of a cost penalty to leave Canon. But I do like the bokeh on my Full frame and 400 f2.8 and considering I shoot larger animals this works pretty well
You gotta do more videos mate! Just going out shooting, its better to watch those than TV.
I hope to get back to making them in the next few months.