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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

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  1. Ben88

    Sweat-resistant Binocular Strap?

    The Swarovski strap that came with my binoculars has worn out, and it's time for me to purchase a new one. I found it (link) to be very comfortable, but it absorbs sweat and can get pretty smelly after a week in the humid tropics (not good when you're looking for mammals). Does anyone have a...
  2. Ben88

    Most Pristine Amazon Lodges

    I finally finished my report on my trip to Manu Birding Lodge and the Manu Reserve Zone last August: http://www.tremarctos.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Manu.pdf
  3. Ben88

    BlackRapid Alternatives? - shoulder pain with new lens

    I think I may have found a solution. I got a SpiderPro belt, and while the camera is uncomfortable with it or the BlackRapid strap alone, I can adjust them so that they share the weight comfortably. Has anyone else tried this combination? I'm going to walk around inside for a bit with it (I'm...
  4. Ben88

    BlackRapid Alternatives? - shoulder pain with new lens

    Thanks for the suggestion. I think the problem is that I've been lifting weights for years without stretching :p. I will try to adjust my strap to better distribute the load.
  5. Ben88

    BlackRapid Alternatives? - shoulder pain with new lens

    Do you know anyone who has used a dual camera harness to support a single camera? A harness is a good idea, but I haven't been able to find one that is (1) designed to carry one heavy camera rather than two and (2) wouldn't interfere with wearing binoculars around my neck.
  6. Ben88

    BlackRapid Alternatives? - shoulder pain with new lens

    I was excited to get a Canon 400 f4 DO IS II last week, but unfortunately I'm experiencing shoulder pain carrying it with a BlackRapid RS-Sport Extreme Sport Strap. Are there any alternative straps which would provide better support? My setup is about 7.5 lbs total. I don't think I'd want to...
  7. Ben88

    Unlikely birds seen on telephone wires ...

    White-browed Scimitar Babbler at Sangti Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. I might have a photo - I'll check next time I'm using my external hard drive.
  8. Ben88

    Canon 400 F4 DO Mark 2 - Reviews?

    Hi Rob, Did you ever get your hands on a 400 DO II? If so, how does it compare to the 300 2.8 for rainforest birding? All the reviews I've seen are for birds in open environments. I rented one for a trip to Maine last weekend and it was great, but I'd like to hear about how it performs in very...
  9. Ben88

    Changing lenses in the humid tropics?

    What waist pack did you use, and would you recommend it?
  10. Ben88

    Changing lenses in the humid tropics?

    Thanks for the reassurance about switching lenses in the field! That makes my decision easier. I rented the 400 DO II over the weekend, and it was great.
  11. Ben88

    Changing lenses in the humid tropics?

    Yes, but if I change lenses during the day, and it is cooler at night then moisture will condense on the interior of the camera. I see two possible solutions: (1) open the camera at regular intervals, to equalize interior and exterior humidity (probably a bad idea) and (2) do my night walks in...
  12. Ben88

    Changing lenses in the humid tropics?

    Does anyone have experience changing lenses in the field in humid tropical forests? Should I be concerned about my camera and lenses fogging up? I'm thinking about upgrading from a Canon 300 f4 lens to a Canon 400 f4 DO II lens, but that means I'd need a separate lens for wildlife closer than 3...
  13. Ben88

    Black-headed Trogon

    Good point. I meant to post on my website and/or print. I usually only post one or two per species. I'll edit the original post to reflect this.
  14. Ben88

    Black-headed Trogon

    I got many shots of this Black-headed Trogon in Belize, and I can't decide which to post on my website and/or print. Any thoughts?
  15. Ben88

    Close focus dilemma

    I currently have a Canon 300 f4 lens (used with 1.4x teleconverter), and I'm considering upgrading to the Canon 400 f4 DO IS ii. My subjects are usually birds and mammals in the interior of humid tropical forests. However, I've recently started to get more into herps, and I'm concerned about the...
  16. Ben88

    Tuamotu Sandpiper Independently?

    A friend of mine wants to see Tuamotu Sandpiper, traveling independently if possible. Does anyone know if one can get to the right area without a tour group?
  17. Ben88

    Canon 5d Mk IV

    Of note is that the 5D mk IV supports exposure compensation with Auto ISO. That is, you can set the aperture and shutter speed, and it will calculate the ISO for the correct exposure. This is something I'd very much like to have on my mk III (and could easily be added by Canon with a firmware...
  18. Ben88

    Directions for Andean Potoo on Manu Road

    Does anyone have GPS coordinates and/or specific directions to the Andean Potoo day roosts on Manu Road? There are at least two known roosts as of last month. Thanks, Ben
  19. Ben88

    Orchid ID, Belize

    I photographed this orchid on a boat trip along the New River in Belize. Common names include "Cow Horn Orchid" and "Banana Orchid," but I was wondering if anyone could help with a more specific identification. Thanks, Ben
  20. Ben88

    Most Pristine Amazon Lodges

    After doing more research, "Manu Birding Lodge" appears to be a new name for "Amazon Manu Lodge." How do the birding and mammal-watching compare between here and Manu Wildlife Center? They are located quite close together, but there seem to be more records of a couple of the more difficult...
  21. Ben88

    Most Pristine Amazon Lodges

    Does anyone know anything about the new "Manu Birding Lodge" near Manu Wildlife Center? http://www.manubirdinglodge.com/about/locations.html I may have figured out a way to get to Cocha Salvador. I'll post here if it works out!
  22. Ben88

    Peru or Colombia by public transport

    Let me know if you want more Manu info. One of my friends is birding the road by foot now. Another option is to spend all your time at one Amazon lodge. Even with three weeks (or three months), you won't see everything. That's what my plan is for August. AFAIK, there aren't many lodges in the...
  23. Ben88

    Peru or Colombia by public transport

    This excellent trip report describes how to do North Peru on public transport: http://users.ugent.be/~hmatheve/hm/PERU10.html If you prefer to spend more time at fewer sites, you can do Manu Road without a private vehicle. There's a bus from Cuzco. You stay at two elevations - Waqecha (3000...
  24. Ben88

    Most Pristine Amazon Lodges

    Los Amigos is a great suggestion! I think I'll do that for birds, plus maybe Cocha Salvador for mammals. Do you know if it's possible to get a permit to visit the Cocha Salvador area for more than four days?
  25. Ben88

    Most Pristine Amazon Lodges

    I thought I had subscribed to email notifications, but apparently not. It looks like a few of you had the same idea I had - my plan is to head to CICRA Los Amigos for a couple weeks later this summer. Emperor Tamarin is present, and no guide is required. There was historically hunting in the...
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