A World Through Lenses » Landscape http://awtlblog.vitsco.com Our world through the lenses. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:50:31 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 Star gazing with Canon EOS 7D http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2010/08/star-gazing-with-canon-eos-7d/ http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2010/08/star-gazing-with-canon-eos-7d/#comments Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:45:56 +0000 phoenix http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/?p=3895 Last night the sky was clear with no cloud coverages. My friend and I drove to a farm near Pickering and did some star gazing. I brought my camera gears along to do some simple astrophotography.

First easy target for the camera is the moon. I’ve posted my photo of the first full moon of [...]]]> Last night the sky was clear with no cloud coverages. My friend and I drove to a farm near Pickering and did some star gazing. I brought my camera gears along to do some simple astrophotography.

First easy target for the camera is the moon. I’ve posted my photo of the first full moon of year 2010 before. Beautiful as the full moon is, it is actually too bright and does not have enough contrast on the moon surface to see some of the craters. A new moon will actually offer much better details than a full moon because of the contrast provided by the shadows on the moon’s surface. Last night is 2 day past moon’s first quarter, the moon is actually about 57% full. However it still offered enough shadows on the moon’s surface so that some more details can be seen.

The same gear as the last moon shot was used. Canon EOS 7D was coupled with Sigma 100-300 F4 & Sigma 1.4x teleconverter all sitting on the Manfrotto 055 Pro tripod. This gives me a relative stable platform for the camera and an equivalent focal length of 672mm. The following photo was shot at ISO 100, F11 @ 1/100th second.


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Permalink | Tags: , | Categories: Landscape, Photography | No comment ]]> http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2010/08/star-gazing-with-canon-eos-7d/feed/ 0 No telescope, no problem! Canon 7D doing astronomy http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2010/01/no-telescope-no-problem-canon-7d-doing-astronomy/ http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2010/01/no-telescope-no-problem-canon-7d-doing-astronomy/#comments Sun, 31 Jan 2010 03:33:43 +0000 phoenix http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/?p=3051 Today is the first full moon of 2010. That large beautiful moon up on sky is calling out to me to try out my Canon 7D DSLR on it. So despite the -15°C (with wind chill -20°C) weather, I geared up and went to my backyard for a bit of backyard astronomy. Okay so it [...]]]> Today is the first full moon of 2010. That large beautiful moon up on sky is calling out to me to try out my Canon 7D DSLR on it. So despite the -15°C (with wind chill -20°C) weather, I geared up and went to my backyard for a bit of backyard astronomy. Okay so it is not the ideal place to do any astrophotographing since I live right in the city. The large amount of light pollution from city lights and the air distortion in the city are all enemies of astronomy. But in such cold weather, I really don’t want to drive up north just for a few photo of the moon. Not to mention, just as the title suggests, I don’t actually own a telescope. I was merely trying to see how much my Canon EOS 7D can capture when combined with my long lenses. I have a Sigma 100-300 F4 and a Sigma 1.4x teleconverter. The Sigma 100-300 F4 @ 300mm coupled with the Sigma 1.4x teleconverter gives me a focal length of 420mm. On the 1.6x Canon EOS 7D it gives me an effective 672mm focal length.

I started with my daily tripod / head combo, the Gitzo GT1541 Mountaineer carbon fiber tripod and Markins Q-Ball Q3 Emille. Now that’s one big mistake. The little 4 section light Gitzo tripod is obviously not stable enough to photograph something that’s some 380,000 kilometers away, which is how far the moon is away from the earth. And the Markins Q-Ball even though stable enough to shoot earthly things but definitely slips a bit when having the big lens aimed upwards. So even with mirror locked up, and remote release cable, the image is still very blurry. Here’s the result, click on the image to see in full resolution.

Canon 7D, Sigma 100-300 F4 @ 300mm, Sigam 1.4x teleconverter, manual exposure @ ISO 100, F8, 1/100 sec, manual focus using live view.


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Permalink | Tags: | Categories: Landscape, Photography | 2 comments ]]> http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2010/01/no-telescope-no-problem-canon-7d-doing-astronomy/feed/ 2 Landscape photo with Canon 7D http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2009/10/landscape-photo-with-canon-7d/ http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2009/10/landscape-photo-with-canon-7d/#comments Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:03:44 +0000 phoenix http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/?p=1044 It’s a bit late for fall colours in where I live. But came across this tree in East Point Park that still got the full set of leafs in brilliant fall colour. With the sun shining on the top, you feel like watching a magic light show when lying under the tree and looking up [...]]]> It’s a bit late for fall colours in where I live. But came across this tree in East Point Park that still got the full set of leafs in brilliant fall colour. With the sun shining on the top, you feel like watching a magic light show when lying under the tree and looking up into the canopy.

Eastpoint Park


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Permalink | Tags: , | Categories: Landscape, Photography | 4 comments ]]> http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2009/10/landscape-photo-with-canon-7d/feed/ 4 Fall colors in muskoka region http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2005/10/fall-colors-in-muskoka-region/ http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2005/10/fall-colors-in-muskoka-region/#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2005 06:33:09 +0000 phoenix http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/?p=1916 Shot a few quick photo of the nice fall color in Algonquin Provincial Park. The following few photo are taken at Canisbay Lake. There’s a paved road that goes all the way to the lake. We stop midway and took a few photo of the forest on the way.

Continue reading 'Fall colors in [...]]]> Shot a few quick photo of the nice fall color in Algonquin Provincial Park. The following few photo are taken at Canisbay Lake. There’s a paved road that goes all the way to the lake. We stop midway and took a few photo of the forest on the way.

Fall Color at Canisbay Lake


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Permalink | Tags: , , | Categories: Landscape, Photography | No comment ]]> http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2005/10/fall-colors-in-muskoka-region/feed/ 0 Morning at Lake of Two Rivers in Algonquin Park http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2005/10/morning-at-lake-of-two-rivers-in-algonquin-park/ http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2005/10/morning-at-lake-of-two-rivers-in-algonquin-park/#comments Fri, 07 Oct 2005 06:11:21 +0000 phoenix http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/?p=1901 Had a short outing in the Muskoka region in the fall. Had some very brief time to photograph to a few fall landscape shots.

I was with another friend, we set out at around 4:30am and drive into Algonquin provincial park. We arrived at the Lake Of Two Rivers campground trying to shoot the run [...]]]> Had a short outing in the Muskoka region in the fall. Had some very brief time to photograph to a few fall landscape shots.

I was with another friend, we set out at around 4:30am and drive into Algonquin provincial park. We arrived at the Lake Of Two Rivers campground trying to shoot the run rise.

The color that day was wonderful. A thick fog developed on the lake and the rising sun produced a smooth gradient of warming color in the air. The subtle reflection of the island in the water, and a few shadow of the distant mountain, all made that morning very memorable. Here’s a shot to show you the color of the morning.

Morning At Lake Of Two Rivers


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Permalink | Tags: , , | Categories: Landscape, Nature, Photography | No comment ]]> http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2005/10/morning-at-lake-of-two-rivers-in-algonquin-park/feed/ 0 Niagara escarpment – waterfalls in Hamilton http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2005/08/niagara-escarpment-waterfalls-in-hamilton/ http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2005/08/niagara-escarpment-waterfalls-in-hamilton/#comments Wed, 03 Aug 2005 02:34:49 +0000 phoenix http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/?p=1877 Spent a day in Hamilton and visited a few small water falls. The plan is to visit a few smaller waterfalls first and then make an attempt to reach the base of Tews Falls which I did not get to in my last visit. The smaller waterfalls that I’ve picked is Tiffany Falls and Sherman Falls. They are relatively easy to get to. Which then gives me time to hike in the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area to get to the base of Tews Falls. Unfortunately the weather was dry for the past few weeks and there’s just simply not enough water for some good waterfall photos.

This is Tiffany Falls. Located off Wilson St E when you drive from Hamilton towards Ancaster.

Tiffany's Falls Tiffany's Falls


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Permalink | Tags: , | Categories: Landscape, Photography | No comment ]]> http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2005/08/niagara-escarpment-waterfalls-in-hamilton/feed/ 0 Downtown Toronto architecture http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2004/03/downtown-toronto-architecture/ http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2004/03/downtown-toronto-architecture/#comments Sun, 21 Mar 2004 05:13:08 +0000 phoenix http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/?p=2138 Took a stroll in downtown Toronto on Sunday in the business district. It’s a good time to do some architecture shots because it’s Sunday and the business district is finally empty of all the people. The two shots below are the fruit of the labour today.

This is Allen Lambert Galleria or “crystal cathedral of [...]]]> Took a stroll in downtown Toronto on Sunday in the business district. It’s a good time to do some architecture shots because it’s Sunday and the business district is finally empty of all the people. The two shots below are the fruit of the labour today.

This is Allen Lambert Galleria or “crystal cathedral of commerce”, which is located at the BCE Place. The roof structure is designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The roof is 130 meters long and 27 meters high with only 9 arches going up to support the roof. As the arches goes up they split into two and the further up split into two again making that a 36 sections on the top. The top is then covered with glass to utilize the natural light. This must be one of the sexiest roof that I’ve ever seen.

BCE Place


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Permalink | Tags: | Categories: Landscape, Photography | No comment ]]> http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2004/03/downtown-toronto-architecture/feed/ 0 Sunrise at the Scarborough Bluffs http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2004/02/sunrise-at-the-scarborough-bluffs/ http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2004/02/sunrise-at-the-scarborough-bluffs/#comments Fri, 27 Feb 2004 04:48:09 +0000 phoenix http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/?p=2110 Well I’ve done sunset in the Scarborough Bluffs before. So this time it’s a sunrise. Drove down to the bluffs while it was still black, waited there for a long time on this chilly winter morning to capture the magic when the sun peaks over the rocks. It was wonderful, some Canada Geese flew by [...]]]> Well I’ve done sunset in the Scarborough Bluffs before. So this time it’s a sunrise. Drove down to the bluffs while it was still black, waited there for a long time on this chilly winter morning to capture the magic when the sun peaks over the rocks. It was wonderful, some Canada Geese flew by and created just the perfect shot. The shot below is a panoramic shot that was stitched together with 3 horizontal photos.

Runrise at the Scarborough Bluffs


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Permalink | Tags: , , | Categories: Landscape, Nature, Photography | No comment ]]> http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2004/02/sunrise-at-the-scarborough-bluffs/feed/ 0 Algonquin park cottage trip http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2003/06/algonquin-park-cottage-trip/ http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2003/06/algonquin-park-cottage-trip/#comments Tue, 17 Jun 2003 22:30:41 +0000 phoenix http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/?p=2271 As we arrived at the park, we took a short hike in the Hemlock Bluff trail. Here’s a view of Jack Lake from above.

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Permalink | Tags: Algonquin Provincial Park, Chipmunk, Dragonfly, Flicker | Categories: Landscape, Nature, Photography | No comment [...]]]> As we arrived at the park, we took a short hike in the Hemlock Bluff trail. Here’s a view of Jack Lake from above.

Hemlock bluff trail


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Permalink | Tags: , , , | Categories: Landscape, Nature, Photography | No comment ]]> http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2003/06/algonquin-park-cottage-trip/feed/ 0 Spencer Gorge Conservation Area landscape photography http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2003/05/spencer-gorge-conservation-area-landscape-photography/ http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2003/05/spencer-gorge-conservation-area-landscape-photography/#comments Tue, 20 May 2003 08:06:26 +0000 phoenix http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/?p=2019 Took a hike around Spencer Gorge Conservation Area. There are a number of waterfalls all located in a small area. The big Websters Falls and Tews Falls are just minutes of walk from each other. And the smaller Baby Websters Falls and Lower Tews Falls are all located in the close by vicinity. We visited [...]]]> Took a hike around Spencer Gorge Conservation Area. There are a number of waterfalls all located in a small area. The big Websters Falls and Tews Falls are just minutes of walk from each other. And the smaller Baby Websters Falls and Lower Tews Falls are all located in the close by vicinity. We visited Tews Falls first from the top. Then the plan was to go to Websters Falls and Baby Websters Falls which are located very close to each other. Then hike alone Spencer creek and then up Logie’s creek to reach lower Tews Falls and finally to the base of Tews falls. I did also bring my Sigma 100-300 on the hiking trip in case there’s some chance of wildlife photography on the way.

This is Websters falls, a main local attraction to the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area. It’s located in the park area and has a very easy stair case access to it. A lot of people visits this fall and have a fun picnic in the park area above.

Websters Falls


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Permalink | Tags: , , | Categories: Landscape, Nature, Photography | No comment ]]> http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2003/05/spencer-gorge-conservation-area-landscape-photography/feed/ 0 Rouge Beach Park landscape http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2003/04/rouge-beach-park-landscape/ http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2003/04/rouge-beach-park-landscape/#comments Sat, 26 Apr 2003 05:58:41 +0000 phoenix http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/?p=1983 Took a stroll in the Rouge Beach park and shot these photos.

A shot of Rouge marsh. The sky is a nice blue with a lot of clouds.

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Permalink | Tags: Bird, Cormorant, Rouge Park, Swallow | Categories: Landscape, Nature, Photography | No comment [...]]]> Took a stroll in the Rouge Beach park and shot these photos.

A shot of Rouge marsh. The sky is a nice blue with a lot of clouds.

Rouge marsh


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Permalink | Tags: , , , | Categories: Landscape, Nature, Photography | No comment ]]> http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2003/04/rouge-beach-park-landscape/feed/ 0 Scarborough Bluffs winter shoot out http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2003/02/scarborough-bluffs-winter-shoot-out/ http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/2003/02/scarborough-bluffs-winter-shoot-out/#comments Fri, 21 Feb 2003 06:23:09 +0000 phoenix http://awtlblog.vitsco.com/?p=2002 One not too cold winter evening, I decided to go down to the Scarborough Bluffs to see how it was like down there in the winter. The harbour is all iced up and the ducks that are flying in had to land on the ice.

An American Black Duck flying in for an icy landing.

[...]]]> One not too cold winter evening, I decided to go down to the Scarborough Bluffs to see how it was like down there in the winter. The harbour is all iced up and the ducks that are flying in had to land on the ice.

An American Black Duck flying in for an icy landing.

Mallard landing


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