Choose Hensel Not Scrap

Often photographers compromise on quality to save a few dollars. This is usually a false economy. If the gear breaks down after a few months, and you have to continually replace it, are you really saving any money?  Hensel can provide you with dependable flash technology which will stay by your side for decades, sturdy pro equipment that won’t let you down even after years of use in the most challenging locations.

With Hensel, you are choosing a solid light partner for any situation – so you can concentrate on creating stunning images without having to worry about your equipment!

Hensel should be known for more than just the fact that it is “Made in Germany." Since 1963, Hensel has been developing and producing high-quality flash and lighting technology, both for photographers and the industrial sector. They are not just a manufacturer, but a service provider as well, and Hensel is committed to the people who purchase their products. Here is a link to the Hensel website: http://hensel.eu/en/

Come in or call for pricing on the complete lineup of amazing and well-built Hensel products.

NEW IN RENTALS! Canon EOS 80D DSLR

We have replaced our hard working Canon EOS 70D DSLR with Canon's new EOS 80D DSLR. Improvements relative to the 70D is a new, higher resolution 24.2 megapixel sensor, a 45 point all cross type AF system, 1080p 60fps video recording & larger buffer. I personally like the 3x-10x digital video zoom feature, as it allows me to get much closer to wildlife and still preserve the 1080p resolution than I would without it.  The large tilt screen with touch function is also quite useful, as is the NFC/WiFi function.

Anna's Hummingbird & nest - Canon EOS 80D + Canon 100-400mm f4.5~5.6L IS II.

Great Horned Owl fledgling - Canon EOS 80D + Canon 600mm f4L.

NEW IN RENTALS! Canon 11-24mm f4L

NEW! The lens of many a landscape, architecture, real estate, astrophotography or interior photographer's dream has finally arrived! Yes, the new Canon 11-24mm f4L has made its debut in Beau Photo's Rental Department! Incredibly sharp at all focal lengths, and very well corrected, this hefty beast is sure to find its way into many photographer's bags! $45/day or weekend.

Canon 5DmkIII + Canon 11-24mm f4L @ 11mm - 1/4 sec, f16, 100 ISO

Canon 5DmkIII + Canon 11-24mm f4L @ 11mm - 1/30 sec, f4, 800 ISO

Canon 5DmkIII + Canon 11-24mm f4L @ 12mm - 1/60 sec, f5.6, 100 ISO

Lindsay Adler Behind the Scenes Video

Check out this great behind-the-scenes video of the Lindsay Adler workshop in Vancouver back on the October 17th weekend. Hugh Tull did an amazing job organizing the event and he even found time to make the BTS video of it!

BTS Lindsay Adler Vancouver Workshop by Hugh Tull

Nikon 58mm f1.4G

New and available in the Rental Department! 

This new lens from Nikon is a beauty of a lens, with the creamy smooth bokeh coveted by portrait photographers.

$30/day

5 GREAT REASONS FOR ATTENDING FUSION 2013!

1. IAN RUHTER and his team from Los Angeles, will not only inspire you but also premiere the latest video from his "Silver & Light" series. Yes, that's right.  A premiere!

2. NICK DIDLICK will present the basics along with all sorts of time saving tips & tricks for those thinking about or already shooting DSLR video.

3. KHAREN HILL will speak about shooting music videos by sharing her experiences from working with Sarah McLachlan on her School of Music videos.

4. LIFE STUDIOS will share their secrets to creating incredible wedding videos - including some same day edits that will amaze you.

5.  KIRK NEFF, multi awarding winning DOP from Global TV's 16x9 will share his passion for visual storytelling & talk about why he using DSLRs to do it.

Oh wait.  How about another great reason?

6.  A full day trade show with the latest gear from the industry's leading suppliers!

For tickets & info: http://www.beauphoto.com/fusion2013

NEW In Rentals!

We have some new and exciting gear in the Rental department this month!  From Canon, we have the EOS 6D DSLR, the 24-70mm f2.8L lens, the 24-70mm f4L IS lens and the 35mm f2 IS lens.  On the Nikon side, we have the 70-200mm f4 VR lens, a lens that many Nikon shooters have been waiting for!

Canon EOS 6D:
The EOS 6D DSLR camera is the ideal tool for unlocking your creative vision. It features a 20.2 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS sensor, a wide ISO range of 100-25600, expandable to L: 50, H1: 51200, and H2: 102400, for incredible image quality even in low light, and a DIGIC 5+ Image Processor delivers enhanced noise reduction and exceptional processing speed. A new 11-point AF including a high-precision center cross-type AF point with EV -3 sensitivity allows focusing in extreme low-light conditions, and with continuous shooting up to 4.5 fps, you are ready to capture fast action. Full HD video with manual exposure control, multiple frame rates, and the benefits of a Full-Frame sensor provides stunning video recording.  With the built in WiFi you can use your smartphone for remote camera control and operation (with the EOS Remote app), or even print your images on a Wi-Fi compatible printer. Perfect for travel and nature photography, the built-in GPS allows location data to be recorded while shooting.
$150/day

Canon EF24-70/2.8L II USM:
This new 24-70mm f2.8L II lens is a much needed update to the old 25-70mm f2.8 lens.  This lens is noticeably sharper and has much higher contrast than its predecessor, even when shooting wide open.
$40/day

Canon 24-70mm f4L IS USM:
An all new lens design that is a potential alternative to the bigger and more expensive 24-70mm f2.8L II that adds Image Stabilization and a sweet macro mode.
$35/day

Canon 35mm f2 IS USM:
Canon replacement for the venerable 35mm f2 lens, this lens is physically larger than the outgoing one, but add much better construction, a quiet USM AF motor and Image Stabilization.
$25/day

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR:
This new lens from Nikon features the third generation of VR, claiming to have up to 5 stops of image stabilization in a lightweight & compact design.
$35/day  

Photos below:

Season's Greetings!

LATE SHOPPING HOURS - Thursday, December 13th

Record number of eagles expected at Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival

If you are thinking of going to the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival this year you may also want to check out the good selection of used long lenses we have for sale right now at Beau Photo or reserve one of our many telephoto or zoom lenses from our rental department.

I also wanted to share a story by Larry Pynn in the Nov 9th Vancouver Sun.  This may prove to be the best year for viewing and photographing eagles at the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival.

"A record number of eagles are expected to be spotted during this year's edition of the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival. More than 2,000 bald eagles have been seen near the Chehalis River at Harrison Mills and organizers hope an even greater number of birds will appear when the festival kicks off next week.

The Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society will release an eagle into the wild on November 13 at at Pretty Estates in Harrison Mills. The bird was found with two broken legs by two fishermen and has been rehabilitated by the wildlife group.

The following weekend volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors to birdwatching sites in the area.

Tourism Harrison will host the Harrison Bald Eagle Weekend, which features a photography workshop, on November 24 and 25.

The birds of prey are drawn to the area by spawning salmon swimming up the Fraser River.

A 2011 report stated that the wintering population of bald eagles has increased 4.5-fold on B.C.'s south coast, to the point that during a cold winter the region plays host to the world's largest concentration of eagles, estimated at 56,000."

For more information, visit the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival website.  http://fraservalleybaldeaglefestival.ca/festival/overview-schedule/

Read more:

http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/south+coast+hosts+world+largest+concentration+wintering+eagles/5599604/story.html

It's here!  Nikon D600 body!

I have just received our brand new Nikon D600 for the rental department.  Come take a look at Nikon's newest full-frame DSLR!

$175/day

Hasselblad H5D System & HCD 24mm f/4.8 Ultra-Wide

For Photokina 2012, Hasselblad has announced the H5D system, consisting of a brand new body with improved weather-sealing, enhanced ergonomics, an updated True-Focus II system, and a new series of redesigned digital backs in 40, 50 and 60 megapixel versions, as well as multi-shot 50MS and 200MS versions. The 50MS will also do a multi-shot stitch to eliminate colour moiré and increase colour resolution, still giving a 50 megapixel file and the 200MS, which can do additional sub-pixel movements, will give you a whopping 200 megapixel final image size.

There is also a new ultra-wide-angle lens, the HCD 24mm f/4.8. This gives an extremely wide field of view, roughly equivalent to a 17mm lens on a 35mm full-frame camera. This will be the widest AF lens available for a medium format system. In addition, I don't have many details yet, but Hasselblad has also announced a macro converter to be used on their wide-angle lenses that will allow much closer focusing than normal.

Expect more details to emerge as we approach the opening of Photokina next week. For now, here is a link to Hasselblad's press-release page...

Click "READ MORE" below to see a few more images of the new H5D-60...

Rent a Camera Stabilizer Today!

We have procured some more DSLR video stuff in our burgeoning video section in the rental department!

First is a Glidecam HD-2000 handheld camera stabilizer which will transform your hard to watch, shaky camera footage into hypnotically smooth, professional footage.

$30/day

Another camera stabilizing tool we recently received is the Steadicam Merlin2. This unit is more compact than the Glidecam but just as stable.
$40/day

*** Please note that there is a significant learning curve in balancing these units properly. If you are a new user, please budget at least 1.5 ~ 2 hours for set-up.

New ! In Rentals: Canon 1D X

We have just gotten in the amazing new Canon EOS 1D X!

Canon's new flagship of the EOS line, the EOS-1D X is a full-frame 18.1 Megapixel CMOS sensored beast and its all-new Dual DIGIC 5+ Image Processors deliver high quality image capture at up to 12 fps (14 fps in Super High Speed Mode) and a powerful ISO range of 100 - 51200 (up to 204800 in H2 mode).  This new sensor & processor combo provides sharp, low-noise images even in the dimmest low-light conditions. An all-new, 61-Point High-Density Reticular AF and 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor that uses a dedicated DIGIC 4 Image Processor, makes the EOS-1D X reach new levels of focus speed and accuracy delivering advanced tracking even for the most challenging shooting situations. Taken all together, the EOS-1D X's improved HD video capture, numerous connectivity options, combination of processing power and durable construction, including shutter durability tested to 400,000 cycles, make it the ultimate EOS camera.  Try it today!

$300/day

Images taken with Canon EOS 1D X + 500mm f4L IS USM Lens at the Abbotsford International Airshow, August 11, 2012.
Images copyright of Jason Kazuta.

New in Rentals!

A unique and indispensable addition to Canon's series of EF lenses, the new EF 40mm f/2.8 STM offers an ultra-slim and lightweight design. Incredibly compact in size, the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM delivers high image quality from the center to the periphery thanks to its advanced lens configuration including an aspherical element, a bright 2.8 aperture, and optimized coatings that minimize ghosting and flare while providing exceptional color balance. The EF 40mm f/2.8 STM's unobtrusive design helps the photographer avoid overwhelming their subjects with a large lens and to remain discreet in sensitive shooting situations with no compromise in performance. Its diminutive design is complemented by features such as a newly developed stepping motor for smooth and quiet continuous AF while capturing video with the Canon EOS Rebel T4i DSLR, a circular aperture (7 blades) for beautiful soft-focus backgrounds, and a short minimum focusing distance of only 0.98 ft./0.30 m.

$25/day

New in Rentals

Just in!  The new and amazing Canon Rebel T4i, built to make advanced photography simple and fun, the new Rebel T4i delivers phenomenal image quality, high performance, and fast, intuitive operation. This EOS Rebel amps up the speed with the powerful DIGIC 5 Image Processor that helps make high-speed continuous shooting of up to 5.0 fps possible—great for capturing fast action. An 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor ensures that every image is shot in superb, high resolution; and an extended ISO range of 100-12800 gives photographers the opportunities to take the Rebel T4i into more shooting situations than ever before. A 9-point all cross-type AF system (including a high-precision dual cross f/2.8 center point) delivers improved autofocus performance, and a new Hybrid CMOS AF System increases autofocus speed when shooting photos and video in Live View. For users interested in creating impressive videos, the Rebel T4i is ready to help you create your next masterpiece. Movie Servo AF provides continuous focus of moving subjects, so you never miss a moment. A built-in stereo microphone and manual audio level adjustment helps ensure that your audio will match the stunning quality of your video. First ever for an EOS Rebel, the Rebel T4i features a Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II, which allows fast and intuitive camera operation. Add compatibility with Canon's proven EF and EF-S lenses and a slew of EOS accessories, the Rebel T4i is an incredibly versatile tool for creating the images and videos you envision.

Canon Rebel T4i Kit includes 18-135mm IS STM lens, two SD cards, two batteries, a charger & a card reader.

$125/day

Nikon D4 - Oh Em Gee! It's here!

NEW!  Rent and try the Nikon D4!  The long awaited Nikon D4 is finally here, settling in comfortably on the Nikon shelf!  Jam packed with the latest technology available to non-military personnel, this camera simply rocks.   Want to shoot your favourite rugby players running down the field with their noses in each others arm pits?  Want to shoot that Peregrine Falcon swooping down on a pigeon for the kill?  Then this is the camera for you!  With 10fps with full AF & AE (11fps in manual mode), you can rest assured that shot will be yours!  As a low light (concerts, wedding receptions) camera, it is simply peerless - 6400 ISO & 12,800 ISO are actually useable for printing!

Available immediately for rent: $300/day

Gyrfalcon
Nikon D4 + 400mm f2.8VR

More photos after the break:

The Eve Of the Eve of Fusion

Well it's almost here!  We wait for it all year long and then it's here. "Just one more sleep"!

For those who don't know what Fusion 2012 is, it's the biggest DSLR Video event on our West Coast! You would have to go to Vegas or LA to see a bigger show. If you ever thought of shooting video and wanted to know how they got that shot, or how to shoot it yourself, this is the show for you.  If you want to be one of the first to see Nikon's D800 or D4 this is the show for you.  If you ever wanted to see Canon's line of DSLR video cameras including the all new EOS-1D X, this is the show for you. If you are a PRO and wanted to see some of the best gear around... this is the show for you! If you are anywhere near Vancouver this Saturday get yourself down to Canada Place and check it out because if you don't you will have to wait another year to see an event so cool!

Also Don't forget Kirk Neff's talk this Friday Feb 24th 7PM at Langara - it's FREE !

 Tickets and more info at : http://www.beauphoto.com/fusion2012/fusion_frm.html

New for Rentals! Canon 8-15mm f4L Fisheye Zoom

Recently, Canon unleashed their 8~15mm f4L Fisheye Zoom lens onto an unsuspecting photography world and turned it on its ear.   This new, radical lens design from Canon is a member of a very exclusive club: the fisheye zoom!  The 8~15mm Fisheye is a very sharp lens that is unbelievably resistant to flare and extremely fun to use. 

$35/day.

15mm on Canon 5DmkII:

8mm on Canon 5DmkII:

More images below.

Rent Me! Drop it MODERN Swanky

Cool!  Haute!  Sassy!  Foppish!  Swanky!

All of the above words can be used to describe Drop it MODERN's Swanky backdrop.  Swanky features a eye-catching color scheme that is sure to turn heads. With a hint of sass and a twist of playfulness, the pop star pink and silvery gray couple together well to create a stunning backdrop. It’s the perfect statement for your business if you are looking to drum up some new clients, and turn some heads while doing it. We love Swanky because it gives the unique, vibrant, and modern edge photographers are looking for. It’s a backdrop filled with spunk, personality, and individuality.

Sorry, furniture and model not included!

$25/day