Trackside with Erik and Mike, Vol. 47: February 13, 2006

[Anonymous]

Usually I go ahead and vote before I read any of the comments, but this time I read 'em b-4 I voted. Wow, what a differing assortment of replies to these choices, ranging from apathy to kudos, and for BOTH! The only things blurred in Mike's photo is the background, (intentionally, of course) and the snowflakes, which have become white streaks, making the sensation of speed all the more apparent. And yes, the banner, fortunately on the correct flank, immensely adds to the feel of fleetness. Mike got my vote. Also, I would like to see a rule invoked that requires a submitted photo be not taken earlier than thirty days before any given forum.

[jimmac230]

Both nice shots, am going with the UP photo as anyone bearing cold and snow to get a photo is mighty big person

[mrunyan]

The oncoming is METRA's new MP36PH-3S out of Union Station. Love the skyline. I used to pass that tower on my commute. Nice shot.

[Anonymous]

Great Shot Mike! I think the pacing shot is super...I like how you can see the falling snow (very faint diagonal) against the fuel tanks.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Erik and Mike. Always enjoy your photos. Voted for Erik this week because I liked it best. Amazing when the comments are posted Erik receives praise from some and negative comments from others and then just the opposite for Mike, he
receives positive remarks from some and negative remarks from others and what one praises in one photo another voter dislikes.in the same photo. Proves you just can't please them all. Guess the old quote fits here, "You can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time but you can't please all of the people all of the time." Some of you who "critique" the photos should send in some of your photos and let everyone "critique" yours. If I want an "Art" picture I'll go to and Art Gallery but for me I like Railroad pictures and there is no such thing as a "bad" reairoad picture. "Nuff said. Erik and Mike, just keep those photos coming.

[Anonymous]

I have to admire the spirit of the Upper Midwest, not washed out by a little rain, or destroyed by a hurricane, just make the most of the short daylight and getting something in durning a pressing "Build" week. While I admire the technical assist from Image Stabilization, avoiding of the ditches driving, while still capturing most of one of those Ugly GE brutes, I must say I voted for the Chicago scene. May have been the folliage, a yearning for Spring (hope eternal), or the year commuting into Chicago bringing back fond memories of the Windy City. I had to go with Eric again this week.

Will

[Home erfline rr]

It must be election year. This is the first time one of you has asked, "Please vote for my photo." So I did.
The fact that there are two passenger trains in one photo helped too.

Mike: Would the IS sytem work when you place a tele-extender between the lens and the camera?

[CopCarSS]

ERFLINE,

Image Stabilization does work with telextenders, but of course, isn't as effective. However, due to the f3.5-f5.6 aperture of the 28-135mm, autofocus would be lost on all but the pro bodies (EOS 1 & 3 series cameras) with even the 1.4x teleconvertor.

Getting a dedicated prime with IS would probably work better. The 300mm f4L IS has a pretty good reputation, and is comparitively cheap (compared, say, to it's big brother the f2.8L IS). The latter is a better lens in all respects (save price and weight), but at $3800 isn't in everybodys' price range. Currently I rent one when I need it, but am saving up to purchase my own in that great someday!

Hope this helps.

EDIT I just checked Canon's web page, and the 28-135 will NOT work with Canon telextenders (though it may with other brands). The only zoom lenses that will work with Canon Extenders are the 70-200mm f2.8L, 70-200mm f2.8L IS, 70-200mm f4L, and 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS (although here again, because of the f5.6 aperture, AF will only work with Pro bodies). Sorry about the misleading info.

[Anonymous]

Both were interesting, so I fliped a coin and mike won the toss.

[DougVolk]

Thre composition of Erik's photo moved me to give him my vote.

[PBenham]

As a pan shot specialist, I had to pick Mike's shot! [;)] If I ever get off my lazy[censored] I'll get my Amtrak Rohr and "Humpback" pace shots transferred from sildes into E-format. I found the best results came using a wide angle (28mm) lens, @ 1/60. (where my less than steady hands could get the job done acceptably!) My old Canon AE-1 or its older "sister", an AT-1 were pretty co-operative, most of the time. I just had to calculate the exposure in advance, since the old Turbos could really scoot!

[Robertdale]

I had to go with Mike's photo, even though I really didn't care for either choice. Eric's pic was just too busy for my taste, and I too had to search for the oncoming train. Keep up the good work though guys, and thanks again for sharing with all of us.Robertdale

[Anonymous]

I like Eric's...its different

[espeefoamer]

I like Erik's shot this time.The F40 shot from the following open vestibule,the slight curve to the left.the tower,the oncoming Metra train,and the Chicago skyline fit together to form a perfect picture[8D]!

[jjackso8]

You guys left me with a very hard decision this time. usually I cna decide pretty quickly which one I like the best. But htis time it has taken me quite a whiel to decide. In the end I did choose Mike's shot. I really liked the pacing shot, with the snow falling in a blur, the ground blurred and the crown was the flag logo on the loco. Well it got me.
Erik's shot however was also very strirring. I really loved the composition with the Chicago skyline in the background and the trains in the foreground and mid ground.
You two guys never make it easy on us. But then again, it would not be much of a contest if you did. Keep up the good work and see you both next time!!