Using a Canon Wide Angle Lens to Show Location

This picture of a Natal Francolin (Francolinus natalensis) pecking around for food was taken with a Canon wide angle lens — the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom, fitted to a Canon EOS 450D SLR camera.

The camera was placed on the ground and the picture taken using an electronic cable release, so the viewpoint is almost eye-level with the subject.

Although wide angle lenses are not exactly the first choice for bird photographers, what this image shows is how a wide angle can give a much better idea of location and the surrounding vegetation than can a long tele lens with its shallow depth of field and narrow angle of view.

While it usually makes for a more pleasing image when the background’s totally blurred so the subject stands out from its surroundings, there are occasions when it’s necessary to show more of the background and surroundings and that’s when wide angles come into their own.

Exposure details: shutter speed 1/80 sec; aperture: f/5.6, ISO: 400, focal length: 21mm (33.6mm equivalent). See Canon EF-S lenses for explanation of why we refer to equivalent focal length.

Canon Digital SLR Crop Factor

Canon digital single lens reflex cameras do not all come with the same size digital sensor or chip.

On Canon full-frame digital SLRs such as the Canon 1Ds and 5D models, the sensor is the same size as a film negative - 36mm x 24mm.

On the Canon 1D models, the sensor is slightly smaller, measuring 28.5mm x 19mm (referred to as an APS-H sensor), while on the Canon Digital Rebels and 30D, 40D, and 50Ds, the sensor is even smaller, measuring 22.5mm x 15mm (referred to as an APS-C sensor).

Normally, with lenses designed for 35mm film cameras and digital SLR cameras, the image projected by the lens fully covers the area of the negative or full-frame sensor. However, when you substitute the sensor with one that’s smaller in area, part of the image flows over the edges of this smaller sensor. It’s like showing slides or an old home movie on a screen that’s too small, so the picture “overflows” the screen.

This can be seen in the example below, where the black lines represent a full-frame sensor, the blue lines an APS-H sensor, and the red lines an APS-C sensor:

The practical implications for photographers are far-reaching, as the image received by the smaller sensors is apparently now magnified - it fits on the full-frame sensor, but is too big for the smaller ones. The effect is similar to using a teleconverter - or post-processing by cropping the image in an image editor. This is great for photographers using long lenses, as their teles now have more reach, but it’s not so great if you shoot wide angle, as your wide angle lens is now more like a standard lens.

This effect on the image caused by smaller sensors is known as the “crop factor” or “focal length conversion factor” - for more information, see this article about the Canon Digital SLR Crop Factor.

For general information about Canon lenses, see these articles:
Canon Telephoto Lenses
Canon Zoom Lenses
Canon Wide Angle Lens

Self-Catering Cottage for Trout Fishing Enthusiasts

For trout fishing enthusiasts living or holidaying in South Africa, Excelsior Self-Catering Cottage in the picturesque Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal could just be the answer.

The cottage, which can sleep up to eight, is situated in rolling farmland in the heart of Natal’s Midlands Meander, 19km from the village of Nottingham Road.

Chief attraction for many is the excellent trout fishing. Guests have at their disposal two large, well-stocked trout dams (used for fishing competitions). When the cottage is occupied the dams are reserved exclusively for guests and fishing is on a “catch and release” basis. Below is one of the dams:

If you’re looking for a relaxing break in the country, staying in a Natal Midlands self-catering cottage, you won’t find better value than this.

New Photography Blog

Photographer Scotch Macaskill has started a new blog where he’ll be posting a variety of images, including his favorites and also experimental work, particularly those using slow shutter speeds to create motion blur, and also those using digital manipulation to give a “painterly” look (as in the MG photo below).

MG TD, a British Classic Sports Car

The blog has only just been created so there’s not yet much content, but if you’re interested in photography, then it’s worth bookmarking for future reference, or subscribing to the RSS feed. Find out more by visiting Scotch Macaskill’s Blog.

Bicycle Posters Remain a Popular Art Form

The bicycle, having played a pivotal role in society during the last century,  has for many years been a popular subject for artists and photographers. This has resulted in a wonderfully diverse selection of cycling posters and vintage bicycle posters, in the form of art reproductions (as in the examples below), becoming accessible to those for whom originals or limited-edition prints are simply too expensive.

Buy at AllPosters.com

Buy at AllPosters.com

Read more ….

Hiking Gear Customer Reviews

Customer reviews of hiking gear, provided by real people who’ve actually bought and used the gear, are a valuable source of information that can help when choosing new hiking equipment.

At least postenial customers can be pretty sure the review is unbiased and is not simply an advertisement posing as a supposedly neutral write-up.  Today people like to share information and help others, which is the only logical explanation why customers are happy to write reviews, not only of their shopping experience, but also of how the product itself measures up.

The Hiking Basics website not only features hundreds of keenly-priced hiking products that can be purchased online, but also has a custom hiking store where, for each product, the emphasis is on unbiased customer reviews, providing both positive and negative feedback on a range of hiking products, from backpacks to cookware.  For more, see:

Hiking Backpacks Customer Reviews

Hiking Sleeping Bags Customer Reviews

Walking Poles Customer Reviews

First Aid and Safety Customer Reviews

Camping Cookware Customer Reviews

Finally, Stylish Fishing Clothing Now Available!

At Bassaholics, you can find the hottest new fishing apparel on the market today! These aren’t your dads fishing t shirts. You know, the ones with a bass jumping out of water after a lure at sunset. These are the freshest bass fishing t shirts available! Stylish fishing t shirts are their specialty, but they also carry hats, hoodies, shorts, jerseys and beanies. With unique designs worn by top bass fisherman, including Joe Everett, this is the place to find the most fashionable fishing clothing available anywhere!

Visit Bassaholics and sign up for their newsletter to get the most up to date info on the newest Bassaholics fishing clothing and happenings. You can also find a list of authorized dealers that carry Bassaholics fishing apparel if you want to shop at a store. If you own a fishing shop and are looking to carry the newest fishing apparel available, you can easily become a Bassaholics fishing clothing authorized dealer! Everyone can also sign up to become a member and gain access to special portions of the site like the photo gallery!

So if you’re looking for t shirts and other fishing clothing that is geared towards bass fishing, then Bassaholics is the place! Hey, I almost forgot, Bassaholics also has something for all the ladies out there! So check out the site for chic womens fishing clothing as well! Fishing apparel is their specialty, so if you want to look slick and show off your love for bass fishing simultaneously, but don’t want to settle for lame run-of-the-mill fishing t shirts, then Bassaholics.com is the place to shop!

Hawaii Vacations Are Perfect For All Types Of People

While any time of year is perfect for a visit to the islands, many people plan their Hawaii vacations specifically to enjoy the winter . Christmas, or Hanukkah, spent in the sun can take the chill out of a snow bird. In fact, even if you do not need to warm your bones, a Kauai vacation can warm the heart. Kauai is a tropical paradise garden (it is called the “Garden Isle”) and a Kauai vacation offers countless opportunities for lovers to celebrate their love and to treat themselves, whether it be for a milestone anniversary or a Hawaii honeymoon. The vast sandy, white beaches and crystal clear water offer the best environment to warm, or even rekindle a love affair.

The islands offer a very pleasurable way to spend time with family and friends. Hawaii is a tropical paradise offering all the comforts of home in a unique and exciting atmosphere. Hawaii has something for everyone, whether it be time in the sun, or activities that keep minds engaged, enlightening wild life or wondrous foods, and of course there will always be the memories of a trip to the islands that are sure to last a lifetime.

Couples celebrate their love and treat themselves by having a vacation. Hawaii offers innumerable ways to celebrate a honeymoon or a milestone anniversary. White, sandy beaches and warm, crystal water enrich or rekindle a love affair by offering a perfect atmosphere. You’ll find the nightlife on the islands to be fabulous as well.

The Hawaiian Islands are ideal for families with kids. You’ll discover various activities such snorkeling, jet skiing or parasailing depending on individual tastes. Some of the world’s most colorful and exotic animals are a part of The Honolulu Zoo, and the islands’ rain forests, which are sure to excite both parents and children.

Hawaii is full of volcanoes and visiting any of them provides enjoyment for all ages with their spectacular beauty. Although some of these volcanoes continuously bubble out molten lava these can still be seen up close. Another thing that attracts tourists is Hawaii’s spectacular waterfalls. These falls, with all their magnificence, are often best viewed using helicopter, which is safe for the whole family. Another interesting attraction for families is Hawaii’s plantations. One can view traditional techniques being used for harvesting in many farms.

Though visitors are still technically in the United States, the local cuisine can transport you to another, tropical world filled with fresh fish, luscious fruits and bright vegetables — the food is perhaps that best part of visiting Hawaii. Seafood simply will not be found fresher anywhere in the world.

Types of Name Labels

Children like to know which clothes and possessions are theirs,and in most cases this is not difficult If lots of people have uniforms, or have their clothing laundered together then individualisation is needed. There are several types of kids labels and we evaluate all of them here:

Clothes tag Appearance:
The best looking labels are printed fabric or woven labels which need to be sewn into garments, second position is shared by iron on labels and stikins and last place has to go to laundry markers and biro where the name is written into the garment.

Speed of Name Label Application
The speediestmethod of labelingclothing is a laundry pen followed by stikins and then iron on labelling. Sewing in labels comes last in terms of speed especially if you are a non sewer, or have many labels to sew in.

Name Label Durability:
Washing machines remove dirt from garments, and have harsh environment for labels. Labels can fail because they fall off or because the print deteriorates. A well sewn in woven name label is the most durable solution and it should last the life of the garment. Mixed results come from iron on labels in terms of staying in; some are very good and some are poor, the kind of fabric they are ironed on to is also a factor, but they tend not to fade. Stikins school name labels generally survive extremely well if applied correctly and the print does not fade. Laundry markers do tend to fade with time but there is no issue regarding falling off.

Name Label Cost:
Laundry markers are the lowest cost and there are also some low priced label sew in tapes. Woven and embroidered labels have a range of prices and are generally more expensive than iron in labels and stikins. The most expensive name labels are the ones that do not work, or need replacing often so buying cheap may not be good value in the end.

Which Name Label Is the Best?
None of the labels above is an overall winner, all have pros and cons and the best labels for you will depend what is most important to you. If appearance overrides everything go for the best woven labels, if cost is vital buy a marker pen, if you want a good all round performer buy Stikins. A referral from a friend or samples first is a good way of making sure of the quality of iron on labels, which can also be good all rounders. So good luck choosing sew on labels for your clothes.

Oaxaca, Veracruz & Monterrey Climate & Average Weather Averages

Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, Mexico

In Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, Mexico the average temperature is 27.13C (80.825F). 21.00C (69.80F) is the lowest monthly average low temperature (occurring in January, February, December) while 34.00C (93.20F) is the highest monthly average high temperature which occurs in May. Thus the average temperature range is 4.00C (39.20F). Wet weather in Salina Cruz, Oaxaca adds up to a total average rainfall of 1051.00mm (41.38in) per annum. That is equivalent to an average monthly rainfall of 87.58mm (3.45in). June is the month with the highest quantity of precipitation when 263mm (10.35in) of rain falls over a period of 12 days while in April only 1mm (0.04in) of rain falls over 1 days. Salina Cruz, Oaxaca’s climate is furnished with 58 days per year with greater than 0.1mm (0.004in) of rainfall. Relative humidity at Salina Cruz, Oaxaca averages 65.75% over the year. 58% is the lowest average monthly relative humidity which occurs in November and 74% is the highest average monthly relative humidity which occurs in September. Salina Cruz, Oaxaca’s climate is furnished with 2812 hours of sunshine per year. That is an average of 7.70 hours per day. Daily hours of sunshine range from between 5.6 per day in September to 9.0 per day in February. There is more information available about the Oaxaca weather by visiting the world climate averages website. Excellent climate graphs are provided that publishers can include on their websites.

Veracruz, Mexico

In Veracruz, Mexico the average temperature is 25.25C (77.45F). 19.00C (66.20F) is the lowest monthly average low temperature (occurring in January, February, December) while 31.00C (87.80F) is the highest monthly average high temperature which occurs in June, July, August, September. Thus the average temperature range is 5.50C (41.90F). Wet weather in Veracruz adds up to a total average rainfall of 1809.00mm (71.22in) per annum. That is equivalent to an average monthly rainfall of 150.75mm (5.94in). July is the month with the highest quantity of precipitation when 430mm (16.93in) of rain falls over a period of 19 days while in March only 10mm (0.39in) of rain falls over 4 days. Veracruz’s climate is furnished with 124 days per year with greater than 0.1mm (0.004in) of rainfall. Relative humidity at Veracruz averages 85.16666667% over the year. 83% is the lowest average monthly relative humidity which occurs in November and 87% is the highest average monthly relative humidity which occurs in January, February, March. Veracruz’s climate is furnished with 2119 hours of sunshine per year. That is an average of 5.81 hours per day. Daily hours of sunshine range from between 4.8 per day in December to 7.0 per day in June. Get a comprehensive review of the Veracruz weather at the average weather & climate website. Detailed and colourful climate graphs are available there that give further insight into how the climate is.

Monterrey, Mexico

In Monterrey, Mexico the average temperature is 22.29C (72.125F). 10.00C (50.00F) is the lowest monthly average low temperature (occurring in January & December) while 34.00C (93.20F) is the highest monthly average high temperature which occurs in July. Thus the average temperature range is 13.50C (56.30F). Wet weather in Monterrey adds up to a total average rainfall of 620.00mm (24.41in) per annum. That is equivalent to an average monthly rainfall of 51.67mm (2.03in). September is the month with the highest quantity of precipitation when 156mm (6.14in) of rain falls over a period of 10 days while in March only 11mm (0.43in) of rain falls over 4 days. Monterrey’s climate is furnished with 79 days per year with greater than 0.1mm (0.004in) of rainfall. Relative humidity at Monterrey averages 65.33333333% over the year. 55% is the lowest average monthly relative humidity which occurs in March and 73% is the highest average monthly relative humidity which occurs in September. Monterrey’s climate is furnished with 2072 hours of sunshine per year. That is an average of 5.68 hours per day. Daily hours of sunshine range from between 4.2 per day in December to 7.6 per day in June. Get a comprehensive review of the Monterrey temperature by visiting the world climate averages website. They provide colourful Monterrey climate graphs highlighthing all the key characteristics of the climate.