The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM sits at the end of Canon’s DSLR era, and it still tempts anyone who wants reach, speed, and flexibility in one lens. If you use a Canon body, especially mirrorless, the question is simple: should you adapt this classic and save money, or move to RF and carry less weight?
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It’s time for outtakes! And while I may have had a glamorous week with my big photo session, these photos are anything but!
I think I was waiting for my human to pull out the treats.
I look like I’m trying to figure out what she wanted me to do.
Do I look like I’m phoning in this pose? Because I kind of was.
My human and I had to wait about three hours before they got around to photographing me. You can tell what I thought of that!
If you have to sit around for a bunch of photos, do you ever start making random silly faces? Because that’s what I do!
And that’s it for this week’s outtakes! I hope you got a laugh or two. If you have a favorite, let me know in the comments!
Leopard geckos, native to the arid regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwestern India, are ectothermic creatures that rely entirely on external heat sources for proper physiological function. These fascinating reptiles require a carefully orchestrated thermal environment to maintain optimal health, digestion, and behavioral patterns.
In their natural habitat, leopard geckos bask on sun-warmed rocks during dawn and dusk hours, retreating to cooler underground burrows during extreme temperatures. This instinctive behavior, known as behavioral thermoregulation, must be replicated in captivity through artificial heating methods. Without adequate warmth, these remarkable creatures cannot properly metabolize food, maintain immune function, or exhibit natural behaviors.
The ideal terrarium setup requires a thermal gradient ranging from 88-92°F on the warm side to 75-80°F on the cool side. This temperature differential allows your gecko to self-regulate by moving between zones as needed. Nighttime temperatures can safely drop to 70-75°F, mimicking natural circadian rhythms that promote healthy sleep cycles and stress reduction.
Under-tank heaters (UTH) represent the most prevalent heating method among leopard gecko enthusiasts. These slim, adhesive heating elements attach directly beneath the terrarium, creating a warm substrate surface that mimics natural rock formations heated by solar radiation.
The technology utilizes low-wattage resistance heating, typically consuming 8-16 watts depending on terrarium size. This energy-efficient approach generates consistent, gentle warmth without creating harsh temperature spikes that could stress your gecko. Modern heat pads incorporate advanced polymer heating films that distribute warmth evenly across the designated heating zone.
Proper installation requires positioning the heat pad on one-third to one-half of the terrarium’s bottom surface, creating the essential thermal gradient. Always use a thermostat controller to prevent overheating and maintain precise temperature control. Direct substrate contact ensures optimal heat transfer, though glass terrariums may require additional considerations for thermal conductivity.
Heat pads offer several compelling benefits for leopard gecko husbandry. The primary advantage lies in their ability to provide ventral heating, warming your gecko’s belly directly as they rest on heated surfaces. This heating method closely replicates natural basking behavior on sun-warmed rocks.
Energy efficiency represents another significant benefit, as UTH systems consume minimal electricity while maintaining consistent temperatures. The silent operation ensures no disturbance to your gecko’s natural rhythms, unlike some heating alternatives that produce noise or vibration.
“Heat pads create microclimates within the terrarium, allowing geckos to seek their preferred temperature zones while maintaining essential belly heat for proper digestion.”
Installation simplicity makes heat pads particularly attractive for novice reptile keepers. Once properly positioned and connected to a reliable thermostat, these systems require minimal maintenance while providing years of dependable service.
Despite their popularity, heat pads present certain constraints that conscientious reptile keepers should acknowledge. Limited ambient air warming represents the most significant drawback, as UTH systems primarily heat substrate surfaces rather than overall terrarium atmosphere.
Thick substrate layers can impede heat transfer, reducing the effectiveness of under-tank heating. Deep bedding materials may insulate the heating element, preventing adequate warmth from reaching your gecko’s preferred resting spots. This issue particularly affects naturalistic setups with substantial substrate depth.
Some leopard geckos exhibit reluctance to utilize heated areas consistently, preferring to thermoregulate through alternative means. Individual behavioral variations can impact the effectiveness of belly heat as the primary warming method.
Ceramic heat emitters (CHE) provide exceptional overhead heating without visible light emission, making them ideal for maintaining nighttime temperatures without disrupting natural photoperiods. These specialized heating elements produce infrared radiation that penetrates deeply into terrarium substrates and furnishings.
The omnidirectional heat distribution creates natural temperature gradients throughout the enclosure, warming both air and surfaces simultaneously. This comprehensive heating approach more closely mimics natural desert environments where ambient temperatures fluctuate with solar radiation patterns.
Durability represents another key advantage, as quality ceramic emitters can operate continuously for thousands of hours without degradation. The lack of fragile filaments ensures consistent performance and reduces replacement frequency compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
Traditional incandescent basking bulbs offer intense localized heating that encourages active thermoregulation behaviors. These bulbs create distinct hot spots where geckos can achieve optimal body temperatures quickly and efficiently. The visible light spectrum also supports natural circadian rhythms when used during daylight hours.
Halogen technology provides improved energy efficiency while maintaining excellent heat output characteristics. Modern halogen bulbs produce more infrared radiation per watt consumed, reducing electricity costs while delivering superior heating performance.
Both options require careful positioning to prevent direct contact burns while ensuring adequate heat penetration. Protective guards or fixture designs should prevent accidental gecko contact with hot bulb surfaces.
Overhead heating systems present unique challenges requiring careful management and monitoring. Temperature regulation can prove more complex, as heat lamps often create significant temperature fluctuations based on ambient room conditions and seasonal variations.
Fire safety concerns necessitate proper fixture installation and regular maintenance inspections. Heat-resistant lamp guards and appropriate clearances from combustible materials are essential safety requirements. Additionally, bulb replacement costs can accumulate over time, particularly with high-wattage heating elements.
Some leopard geckos may find overhead heat sources stressful, as they instinctively associate aerial threats with predation risks. Careful observation of your gecko’s behavior patterns will indicate their comfort level with overhead heating arrangements.
| Feature | Heat Pad | Heat Lamp |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Consumption | Low (8-16 watts) | Moderate to High (50-150 watts) |
| Installation Complexity | Simple | Moderate |
| Temperature Gradient | Limited to substrate | Full terrarium coverage |
| Maintenance Requirements | Minimal | Regular bulb replacement |
| Safety Considerations | Low risk | Burn/fire hazards |
Selecting the optimal heating solution depends on multiple factors including terrarium size, ambient room temperatures, substrate preferences, and individual gecko behavior patterns. Many experienced keepers successfully combine both heating methods to create comprehensive thermal environments.
For beginners seeking reliable, low-maintenance heating, quality heat pads paired with accurate thermostats provide excellent results with minimal complexity. The consistent belly heat supports proper digestion while energy efficiency keeps operating costs manageable.
Advanced keepers managing larger enclosures or naturalistic setups may prefer overhead heating systems that create more dynamic temperature gradients. The increased ambient warming better supports overall terrarium ecosystem health while encouraging natural behaviors.
Professional herpetologists and experienced breeders often advocate for hybrid heating approaches that combine under-tank and overhead elements. This comprehensive strategy provides both essential belly heat and ambient temperature control, creating optimal thermal environments for long-term gecko health.
Regardless of heating method selection, accurate temperature monitoring remains absolutely critical. Digital thermometers with probe sensors should be positioned at substrate level within the warm zone to ensure precise temperature verification. Infrared temperature guns provide additional spot-checking capabilities for surface temperature assessment.
Always invest in quality thermostat controllers to prevent dangerous temperature spikes that could injure or stress your gecko. Proportional thermostats offer superior temperature stability compared to simple on/off models, though both provide essential safety protection.
Remember that individual geckos may exhibit preferences for specific heating arrangements. Careful observation of your pet’s behavior, feeding response, and overall activity levels will indicate whether your chosen heating method effectively meets their physiological needs.
Heading out with a camera in heavy rain feels reckless, especially near the coast with wind strong enough to shake a tripod. Yet those are the days when light turns moody, water comes alive, and ordinary locations shift into something raw and dramatic.
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The pursuit of indestructible canine playthings transcends mere entertainment—it becomes a matter of safety, enrichment, and economic prudence. Power chewers, those tenacious companions with formidable mandibular strength, require playthings engineered to withstand their relentless gnawing while maintaining structural integrity. The convergence of material science, veterinary expertise, and behavioral understanding creates the foundation for truly exceptional chew toys.
Modern toy manufacturing employs advanced polymers, natural rubbers, and composite materials that resist fragmentation. These innovations prevent the formation of hazardous splinters or choking hazards that plague inferior products. The molecular composition of premium materials ensures flexibility without brittleness, maintaining their shape under extreme pressure while providing the satisfying resistance that power chewers crave.
Thermoplastic elastomers and vulcanized natural rubber represent the pinnacle of safe toy construction. These materials undergo rigorous testing protocols, including tensile strength assessments and biocompatibility evaluations. FDA-approved compounds ensure that even microscopic particles, should they be ingested during normal play, remain non-toxic and digestible.
The absence of phthalates, BPA, and other endocrine disruptors distinguishes premium toys from budget alternatives. Third-party laboratory testing validates these safety claims, providing pet owners with documented assurance of product integrity. Quality manufacturers maintain detailed material sourcing records, enabling full traceability from raw components to finished products.
Comprehensive evaluation protocols simulate months of aggressive chewing within controlled laboratory environments. Mechanical testing apparatus applies consistent pressure patterns that mirror the chewing behavior of various breed categories. These sophisticated assessments measure deformation resistance, surface integrity, and structural longevity under standardized conditions.
“The gold standard for durability testing involves exposing toys to over 10,000 bite cycles at pressures exceeding 300 PSI, equivalent to the jaw strength of large breed power chewers.”
Real-world testing complements laboratory analysis through extended trials with known power chewers. Professional dog trainers, veterinarians, and experienced pet owners contribute valuable feedback regarding toy performance across diverse scenarios. This multi-faceted approach ensures that theoretical durability translates into practical longevity.
Brachycephalic breeds require different toy geometries compared to their dolichocephalic counterparts. Jaw morphology influences grip patterns, pressure distribution, and preferred toy sizes. Understanding these anatomical variations enables manufacturers to optimize designs for maximum safety and engagement across breed categories.
Weight-to-jaw-strength ratios provide crucial insights into appropriate toy sizing. A compact Boston Terrier may possess surprising bite force relative to body weight, while gentle giants like Great Danes often exhibit more measured chewing behaviors despite their imposing size.
After extensive evaluation across multiple criteria, these exceptional toys have demonstrated superior performance in durability, safety, and canine engagement. Each selection underwent minimum six-month field testing with documented power chewers, combined with laboratory analysis of material properties and construction quality.
| Toy Category | Primary Material | Ideal Chewer Type | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Dense Rubber | Natural Vulcanized Rubber | Extreme Power Chewers | 8-12 months |
| Composite Antlers | Compressed Keratin | Moderate to Heavy Chewers | 6-10 months |
| Rope Hybrids | Cotton-Nylon Blend | Multi-Textural Preference | 4-8 months |
Interactive puzzle toys incorporate treat-dispensing mechanisms that extend engagement duration while promoting cognitive stimulation. These multifaceted designs satisfy both the physical need to chew and the mental requirement for problem-solving, creating a more holistic play experience.
Vigilant monitoring remains essential regardless of toy durability claims. Visual inspections should occur weekly, examining surface integrity, edge sharpness, and overall structural soundness. Even the most robust toys eventually succumb to persistent chewing, requiring timely replacement to prevent safety hazards.
Behavioral changes during play sessions may indicate developing safety concerns. Excessive salivation, difficulty manipulating familiar toys, or reluctance to engage could signal dental discomfort or toy degradation. Immediate veterinary consultation becomes advisable when such symptoms emerge.
Supervised initial play sessions allow owners to observe individual chewing patterns and toy compatibility. Some dogs require gradual acclimation to new textures or shapes, while others immediately embrace novel playthings with enthusiasm. Understanding individual preferences enables better future selections and maximizes investment value.
Cost-per-play-hour calculations reveal the true value proposition of premium durable toys. While initial investment may appear substantial, the extended lifespan and enhanced safety profile often generate significant long-term savings. Frequent replacement of inferior products creates hidden costs that exceed premium toy pricing.
Veterinary expenses related to foreign body ingestion or dental damage from poor-quality toys can reach thousands of dollars. Prevention through quality toy selection represents both financial wisdom and responsible pet ownership. Insurance claims related to toy-induced injuries have increased substantially, highlighting the importance of proactive safety measures.
Understanding your dog’s individual chewing intensity, preferred textures, and play patterns enables targeted selections that optimize both satisfaction and durability. Professional consultation with veterinary behaviorists can provide valuable insights for challenging cases or multiple-dog households with varying needs.
Light stands are rarely the most exciting part of a gear bag, but MagMod is clearly looking to change that. I’ve been putting a pre-production unit through its paces, and it’s a refreshing departure from the “knob-twisting” workflow we’ve all grown accustomed to. If you’ve used MagMod modifiers, you know their philosophy is all about speed and modularity. The new MagStand 9 Pro and MagStand 11 Pro carry that same DNA.
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Coquette cat names feel romantic, feminine, vintage, and a little flirtatious. They often have French influence, lace-and-ribbon elegance, old Hollywood glamour, or a whisper of dramatic charm. Let’s look at over 100 coquette-inspired cat names, each followed by its meaning or vibe.
Adelaide: noble and refined
Adeline: graceful and romantic
Adrienne: elegant French charm
Aimee: beloved
Amelie: hardworking; Parisian softness
Anastasia: resurrection; regal drama
Angelique: angelic and ornate
Annabelle: loving and beautiful
Arabella: yielding to prayer; aristocratic tone
Arlette: noble promise
Beatrice: bringer of joy
Belle: beautiful
Bernadette: brave as a bear; vintage French
Bianca: white; classic romantic heroine
Blaire: field or plain; chic minimal glamour
Brigitte: exalted one; French sophistication
Camille: ceremonial attendant; elegant
Celeste: heavenly
Celine: moon; Parisian softness
Cerise: cherry
Charlotte: free woman; royal charm
Claudette: little lame one; old Hollywood flair
Colette: victorious people; French literary vibe
Cosette: little thing; from Les Misérables
Cressida: golden; romantic drama
Delilah: delicate and alluring
Diana: goddess of the moon
Dior: golden; couture glamour
Dominique: belonging to the Lord; French elegance
Elise: pledged to God
Elodie: foreign riches; airy romance
Emmeline: gentle strength; Edwardian beauty
Estelle: star
Evangeline: bearer of good news; poetic grace
Felicity: happiness
Fleur: flower
Florence: flourishing
Francesca: free one; Italian romance
Gabrielle: God is my strength; Chanel sophistication
Genevieve: tribe woman; French nobility
Georgette: farmer; vintage fashion fabric
Gigi: lively and chic
Helena: shining light
Henrietta: ruler of the home; antique elegance
Isabella: devoted to God; dramatic beauty
Isolde: tragic romance heroine
Ivy: climbing vine; vintage femininity
Jacqueline: supplanter; timeless grace
Josephine: God will increase; imperial flair
Juliette: youthful and romantic
Lace: delicate trim
Lavinia: Roman elegance
Leona: lioness; bold beauty
Liliana: lily flower
Lola: sorrows; sultry charm
Lorelei: siren of the Rhine
Lucienne: light
Lydia: noble one
Madeleine: tower; French pastry sweetness
Margaux: pearl; French vineyard elegance
Marguerite: daisy
Marina: of the sea
Marisol: sea and sun
Matilda: mighty in battle; vintage romance
Mirabelle: wonderful
Monique: advisor; French refinement
Nicolette: victory of the people
Noelle: Christmas; soft femininity
Odette: wealthy; ballet romance
Odile: prospering in battle; dramatic twin
Olivia: olive tree; Shakespearean beauty
Ophelia: help; tragic heroine
Paloma: dove
Paris: perfect for honoring the romance of the city
Penelope: weaver; classical charm
Perla: pearl
Petra: rock; feminine strength
Philomena: lover of strength; ornate vintage
Primrose: first rose
Rosalie: little rose
Rosalind: gentle horse; Shakespearean heroine
Rosette: small rose
Rosina: little rose
Ruby: red gemstone
Sabine: ancient Roman tribe
Sabrina: legendary princess
Scarlett: red; dramatic flair
Seraphina: fiery angel
Simone: one who hears; French chic
Sofia: wisdom
Solange: solemn; Parisian grace
Stella: star
Tatiana: fairy queen; Russian romance
Theodora: gift of God; regal charm
Valentina: strong and healthy
Vera: truth
Veronica: true image
Victoria: victory; royal elegance
Violetta: little violet
Vivienne: alive; couture sophistication
Yvette: yew tree; French countryside
Zara: blooming flower
Zinnia: vibrant blossom
Coquette names are romantic, feminine, slightly theatrical, and rooted in vintage European charm — especially French and Italian influences. They often feature soft vowels, flowing syllables, and floral or jewel imagery. Many feel at home in lace gloves, handwritten love letters, Parisian cafés, or old Hollywood film reels.
Historically, coquette-style names have surged during eras that celebrated femininity and ornamentation — the Victorian period, the Belle Époque, the 1920s glamour era, and the 1950s cinematic golden age. These names tend to reappear during times when fashion and culture romanticize elegance and nostalgia. Today’s resurgence connects to social media aesthetics that celebrate ribbons, pearls, ballet flats, vintage perfume bottles, and handwritten poetry.
Coquette names are the most romantic and fashion-forward of the group. They feel polished, Parisian, and slightly dramatic.
Soft girl names are gentler and sweeter. They lean pastel, approachable, and affectionate rather than glamorous. A soft girl cat might be Daisy or Honey, while a coquette cat would be Violetta or Genevieve.
Cottagecore names are more rustic and grounded in countryside life — herbs, orchards, baking, and farmhouses. A cottagecore cat might be Clover or Mabel, while a coquette cat feels more lace gloves and opera balconies.
Fairycore names are more enchanted and woodland-magical — sprites, moonlight, and forest nymphs. A fairycore cat might be Elowen or Zephyr, while a coquette cat would be Odette or Seraphina.
Coquette names sit at the intersection of romance, femininity, vintage revival, and a touch of theatrical flair — perfect for cats who glide rather than walk and seem to expect admiration.
Founder at CatTipper
Paris Permenter is an award-winning author of 35+ pet and travel books. Along with her husband John Bigley, Paris is the founder and publisher of CatTipper & DogTipper. Paris and John share their home with three cats and two dogs.
Modern cameras are extraordinary machines. They meter light with near-perfect accuracy, track subjects across the frame in real time, and recover detail from shadows that would have been pure black a decade ago. But all of that capability comes with a side effect that almost nobody talks about: your camera is quietly shaping the way you see, the way you decide, and the way you feel about your own photographs. It is not a neutral tool. It has preferences, and over time, those preferences become yours.
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Soft girl cat names feel gentle, romantic, pastel-tinged, and sweet. They often have light sounds, floral or dessert inspiration, and cozy vintage charm. Here’s a look at 150 soft girl cat names, each followed by its meaning or vibe.
Adeline: noble and delicate
Alina: bright and beautiful
Almond: warm and sweet
Amelie: hardworking; French softness
Amora: love
Angel: pure and gentle
Annie: graceful and sweet
Apricot: soft golden fruit
Aria: melody
Arielle: lion of God; airy tone
Aster: star-shaped flower
Aubrey: noble ruler; soft modern classic
Aurora: dawn light
Ava: life
Bailey: gentle and friendly
Bella: beautiful
Belle: lovely
Birdie: little bird
Bliss: happiness
Blossom: blooming flower
Bonnie: pretty
Bree: soft breeze
Brielle: God is my strength; feminine tone
Callie: beautiful
Camille: young ceremonial attendant
Candy: sweet treat
Cara: beloved
Carly: free woman
Cecily: delicate vintage name
Celeste: heavenly
Cherry: sweet fruit
Chloe: blooming
Clementine: mild and merciful
Clover: lucky meadow plant
Coco: chocolate sweetness
Coralie: little coral
Daisy: cheerful flower
Dahlia: layered bloom
Darla: dearly loved
Delilah: delicate
Dewdrop: morning moisture
Dolly: gift of God
Dove: gentle bird
Edie: prosperous in war; vintage sweetness
Eliza: pledged to God
Ella: fairy maiden
Ellie: shining light
Elsie: old-fashioned charm
Emberly: soft glowing spark
Emmie: universal; gentle nickname
Etta: little one
Eva: life
Everly: wild boar meadow; modern softness
Fable: storybook sweetness
Faith: trust and devotion
Faye: fairy
Fifi: playful charm
Flora: flower
Flossie: blooming
Freya: goddess of love
Gigi: earth worker; chic nickname
Gia: God is gracious
Goldie: golden glow
Grace: elegance
Gracie: little grace
Hallie: heroine
Hannah: favor
Harlow: rocky hill; modern softness
Hazel: woodland tree
Honey: sweet nectar
Hope: optimism
Iris: rainbow flower
Isla: island
Ivy: climbing vine
Jade: green gemstone
Jasmine: fragrant bloom
Jellybean: sweet candy
Josie: God will increase
Joy: happiness
Juliet: youthful and romantic
June: early summer month
Kallie: beautiful
Kayla: crown of laurels
Kira: light
Kitty: pure
Lacey: delicate fabric
Lana: calm as still waters
Lark: songbird
Lavender: calming flower
Layla: night beauty
Leia: child of heaven
Lila: night
Lily: pure flower
Lina: tender
Lola: lady of sorrows
Lottie: little and free
Lucy: light
Lulu: pearl
Luna: moonlight
Mabel: lovable
Maddie: high tower
Maisie: pearl
Mara: bitter or beloved
Margot: pearl
Marigold: sunny bloom
Maya: illusion or water
Meadow: grassy field
Melody: song
Mia: mine
Millie: gentle strength
Mimi: sea of bitterness; sweet nickname
Minnie: of the mind
Misty: soft fog
Molly: star of the sea
Moonbeam: ray of moonlight
Nellie: shining light
Nova: bright star
Olive: peace tree
Opal: milky gemstone
Pansy: delicate bloom
Peach: soft fruit
Pearl: precious gem
Penelope: weaver; romantic classic
Petal: flower fragment
Piper: flute player
Poppy: vibrant flower
Posy: small bouquet
Primrose: early spring bloom
Rain: gentle shower
Rosie: little rose
Ruby: red gemstone
Sadie: princess
Sage: wise herb
Sally: cheerful nickname
Sapphire: blue gemstone
Savannah: grassy plain
Selena: moon goddess
Serena: tranquil
Skye: open sky
Snowdrop: early spring flower
Sofia: wisdom
Stella: star
Summer: warm season
Tessa: harvest
Tilly: mighty in battle; vintage charm
Tulip: spring flower
Valerie: strong
Violet: purple flower
Vivian: alive
Wendy: friend
Willow: graceful tree
Winnie: gentle and kind
Zara: blooming flower
Zoe: life
Soft girl names lean gentle, pastel, affectionate, and sweet. They often sound modern-vintage and approachable, with light syllables and floral or dessert inspiration. Think cozy bedrooms, handwritten notes, and soft cardigans.
Coquette names, by contrast, are more romantic and flirtatious. They feel vintage French, lace-trimmed, and a little dramatic — names like Genevieve, Odette, Rosaline, or Cosette. Coquette leans into femininity and theatrical charm.
Cottagecore names feel rustic and pastoral. They’re grounded in farms, herbs, orchards, and countryside life — names like Mabel, Clover, Basil, or Honey. Cottagecore is earthy and nostalgic.
Fairycore names lean more magical and enchanted. They emphasize woodland sprites, moonlight, and ethereal beauty — names like Faye, Elowen, Zephyr, or Sylvie. Fairycore is more whimsical and mythic than soft girl.
Soft girl sits in the middle: sweeter than cottagecore, less mystical than fairycore, and less dramatic than coquette — making it perfect for cats who feel gentle, affectionate, and quietly charming.
Founder at CatTipper
Paris Permenter is an award-winning author of 35+ pet and travel books. Along with her husband John Bigley, Paris is the founder and publisher of CatTipper & DogTipper. Paris and John share their home with three cats and two dogs.
