Sniper uses Canon

Iceland sniper uses YJ19x lens to shoot wildlife

According to authorities, the sniper identified in this case was Dui Landmark of Iceland-based Landmark Productions while shooting a wildlife documentary in collaboration with other respected production entities – namely France’s Eliocom and the Seasons Channel, as well as Iceland’s state television RUV.  Because the shooting capabilities of the particular field piece chosen are reportedly unmatched, officials anticipate its further rapid and widespread international proliferation – not limited to snipers. 

The Snipe, by the way, is a fairly small bird, approximately 25 cm long and weighing only 120 grams – and the Landmark documentary set out to make him a star. Because of the bird’s shyness, a lens both powerful and versatile was imperative if this documentary was going to fly.

Landmark’s Sony 2/3” DV-CAM needed a single lens that could excel in various locations and situations – whether in an Icelandic frostbitten wilderness area, wet marshes of France’s wildlife sanctuaries – or anywhere under an ultra-important camouflage tent Landmark inhabited for long periods just to get close enough to snap that ever-elusive snipe. Canon’s representative in Iceland, BECO, strongly recommended Canon’s Pro-Video 19x zoom lens with extender, IF technology (internal focus) and Shuttle shot. 

Landmark’s subsequent research determined that the Pro-Video 19x (with extender) indeed seemed to be the only lens that could make the production work.  Once on location, it quickly became clear that that BECO’s tip and Landmark’s subsequent research had paid off handsomely. The biggest advantage of the lens turned out to be its Shuttle shot feature because the ability to frame and focus rapidly to steal the few rare seconds a snipe was within range was critical. The lens’s IF technology made the use of filters easier, while Landmark easily avoided flare with the square hood that Canon provides with this lens.

The shooting took place at various locations in France and Iceland. In France, most of the shooting was in the surroundings of La Rochelle on the Atlantic coast, in the region of Charente-Maritime. In Iceland, footage was recorded at various locations around most of the country, but the largest part was shot on a breathtaking island named Flatey.