A Better 85mm
Nikon released their first 85mm lens for the Z mount mirrorless cameras - do you need it and is it worth the price. If you have the 85mm f/1.8 f mount lens do you upgrade to the Z mount version?
Light and Compact
In August 2018 Nikon announced the release of a compact super telephoto - the 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR Making this their second Phase Fresnel lens the first being the awesome 300mm PF PF/4. I am excited to see Nikon introduce this new prime lens at a sub 4k. Let's run through the technical details as it relates to weight, compactness, and sharpness. All of which are expected to be superior.
Mini Ronin S
After buying my Nikon Z6 and discovered the very good video capabilities this mirrorless has I wanted to take advantage. After some research I decided to pick up the Ronin SC, the smaller version of the S with some pros and cons. Here is what I discovered.
Micro Media Workhorse
There are a ton of videos and reviews of the DJI OSMO Pocket out there on the internet. Many were published days after the OSMO Pocket initial release. This review covers current improvements and legacy issues.
For 3rd Party Non-Compatible Lenses
Did you move to a Nikon Mirrorless Camera and discovered some of your favorite lenses are no longer working? Here is a hack that may at least bring some life back to the lens.
2 X Macro Goodness
For those who are a dedicated Macro Enthusiast a new lens from China is about to be released the Venus Optics Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro. Lets find out what is in store for those who are jumping in and making a purchase.
Where is the S Macro
As an avid Macro enthusiast I have enjoyed Macro Photography over the years. Now that I have converted to the Nikon Z system I realize the FTZ adapter has limits and noticed that Nikon does not have a macro S lens on the roadmap.
Comparison and Recommendation
Are you in need of a solid Network Camera for your home or business but don't want to spend thousands on the effort, if so this article is for you?
Excellent Support
Do you have a need for storage or considering upgrading your hard drives to larger capacity drives? Consider the company Seagate, this is an article covering my experience with Seagate.
Great Support From Nikon
The Firmware that adds several enhancements to the Nikon Z series cameras has hit the Nikon download site.
8 X 42 Monarch 7
Excellent visual help spotting those small birds and wildlife using these excellent Nikon Monarch 7 Binoculars. Nikon is known for optics and the Monarch Line will not disappoint.
Superior Optics
Nikon had big shoes to fill with an updated 24-70 using the new Z mount. The DSLR f mount 24-70 has been renowned for it's versatility, weather resistance, clarity and sharpness. Does the new 24-70 f/2.8 S lens live up to he legacy? Lets find out.
Precision - Extraordinaire
2019 update ... the The Nikkor 400mm 2.8 ed fl is an exceptional lens known for it's flexibility and amazingly sharp images. Lighter and more nimble than it's predecessors but all the while retaining and improving on an already great Nikkor 400 heritage, this lens will bring to the photographic market a continued, appreciated, and highly sought after photographic instrument.
Help This Site: Buy a Nikkor 400mm
Longer vs Faster vs Lighter
I have been a photographer for sometime now, a wonderful road to where I am today in respects to equipment and ability. DSLRs and now mirrorless manufacturing capabilities have put in our hands some of the most advanced cameras to date, notwithstanding the super spectacular lens designs coming from makers such as Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Tamron just to name a few. With so many choices out there it is no wonder we sometimes get wrapped around the axle trying to decide what to purchase.
Anticipation
Awaiting the release of the updated FujiFilm X-Pro camera to the third iteration the FujiFilm X-PRO3. Fujifilm announced a release date late 2019 sometime in October/November which is perfect timing for Holiday Shopping.
Simple Solid Editor
Real world review of the newest release from Skylum the Luminar 3. Can Luminar 3 meet your photo editing and asset management needs?
Nikon Pro Mirrorless Camera
Great News for Mirrorless Camera Fans! Nikon released their new Full Frame Mirrorless Z series camera, the next generation mirrorless camera - a new mirrorless camera system that will take photography into the next 100 years with A Nikon Full Frame Mirrorless, available now.
Full Frame Goodness
Nikon made the jump into Mirrorless territory with their first ever two new Full Frame Mirrorless Z series cameras. Following the release, many comments have been posted on both YouTube and Websites. Me personally I am not an armchair camera collector that sits and talks about camera gear. All the equipment I purchase I also use in my daily photography needs. Here is my review of the Nikon Z6.
Best Nikkor 70-200
This is not a comparison between various 70-200mm lenses 3rd party lens manufacture. This review is based on my experience using the Nikkor 70-200 ED FL zoom lens from Nikon. My expectations when I made the purchase was very high given the price point. So, how has this lens performed?
Great Macro Flash System
Time for macro Photography & I am ready to get out and shoot.
In the early days, one of my least favorite aspect of photography was flash, simply because I sucked at it, and normally got mixed results when I tried using it. Since discovering Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) my Macro has improved.
Strobe & LED Solution
I was intrigued by a continuous LED light for my still photography and video work and found the Rotolight Company who offers a few nice selections and accessories. My research has turned up what I think is a very good solution for my needs - the Neo 2.
Full Frame Z Mount
What to do what to do! You found this article either because you are thinking about buying a Nikon Z camera or already have one and now considering what if any Native Z mount lens to use with it. Good news, as of now you have a couple of choices. You can pick up a Z with a Kit lens 24-70 or buy the Z camera with the F to Z adapter and use your current staple of F mount lens, or even add a Native S lens to your purchase.
400mm f/2.8 ED FL
The Nikon Z6 is now out in the wild and being used in various situations. I decided to take mine out and mount it on my Nikkor 400mm ED FL f/2.8 lens and to experience the difference between my D500 and the new kid on the block Nikon Z6.
Steady She Goes
Are you in the market for a sturdy budget friendly Tripod for your general purpose photography needs. Well, take a look at what Benro has to offer in their series 3 set of legs.
Ball Heads
Here are my three main Ball Heads I use on a daily basis for my photographic needs. In this article, I will compare these three and make an overall recommendation as to which I would buy again. When shopping for a new ball head both Acratech and Really Right Stuff always enter my mind - a premium life time quality.
Nikon Z7 and 600mm
I took my new Nikon Z7 out with my 600mm f/4 to find out if the camera is up to the task for bird photography. What I found was a camera that adapts well to the past and is the path for the future.
Mass Storage Solution
So, you are an avid photographer with thousands of images in your collection. Maybe you have been relying on an USB 3 external drive to as your file backup along with your lightroom database; one copy on your work computer and a backup on the external - does this sound familiar? While that approach is a viable one, you just might be at risk of serious data loss. Here is my story on the near loss of many years of work, and why I decided to go pro, and invest in a serious NAS.
Best enthusiast level Mirrorless
September is here and with it arrives the announcements of new exciting camera gear from all camera manufacturers. Here is my thoughts about the new XT-3!.. Read on.
Small Super Sharp Multipurpose
Nikon 60mm f2.8 AFS-S Micro-Nikkor Lens is a super choice for your first intro into Macro. You may find others who state they don’t recommend this lens as a Macro due to the very close distance you must get to the subject in order to achieve 1:1, about 2 inches at the closest focus distance (1:1). The lens needs to be 2 inches from the subject for 1 to 1.. I simply believe each lens offers a special interface between the camera and user. I use most all focal lengths of Macro/Micros.
One year testing
This week I bring to you a full two years of the Sigma 180mm Macro lens. Is it a solid lens and worth the price? Does it deliver as a medium telephoto? Can you use this lens as your go to portraiture lens. Over the course of two years now, I will give you my opinion and a few Macro shots.
Two Super Macro Lens Compared
Many visitors to the site may have noticed I have a few articles centered on Macro Photography. My first real macro lens was the older Nikon 105 manual lens, and after seeing the fine details and textures from the images I was hooked, the details in the photos took on a surreal world of their own.
When not out doing landscapes, birds or wildlife photography – I am doing macro photography because it is such a rewarding aspect of Photography, and I encourage anyone who has not tried it to do so. Let’s get on with it...
Long Macro - Field Review
The first thing you notice when you pick up the Nikkor 200mm F/4 Micro lens is its build quality, VERY solid. This type of lens build represents an era before plastics became standard fare. Holding this lens you know it is one of the best built Nikkor lenses ever and although this is one of Nikon's older lens with a long service life it is a premium Macro / Micro lens holding it's favor among macro enthusiast since its first release in 1993.
Excellent Quality and Performance
New Fujifilm XF lens arrived and now for testing. Get your XF 80mm macro using my links - This is Fujifilm's best macro ever and as good as any macro lens can be - it is a stellar piece of glass.
Great Camera
My thoughts about the Fujifilm XT-2 from a DSLR shooter perspective. Why I think this camera line is amazing and worth your time and attention to take a few minutes to check out what Fujifilm is doing - even if you are a loyal fan of other brands.
Now a Reality
My Intel back in 2016 was close to what Nikon announced in the next release of the 800 series, the D850. This camera is CLOSE to a game changer and now that I have mine let me give you my initial input.
New School
Nikon announced and surprised many of us with new digital imaging tools, The Nikon D5, surprise a new D500 and to go along with it the beginning of wireless flash control, this is a first for Nikon. In this article, we cover down on the SB-5000 and SB-910. How should you spend your coins going forward?
Super Lens
After many years of using f/2.8 zooms that covered the range of the 50-60, I finally decided I had enough of the compromise.
Almost four years to the day of the announcement of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G lens I bought one. What was the influence and reason for the expenditure? read on to find out.
Super Sharp Zoom
This is one of my sharpest lens I own, It is amazing as compared to any other lens available on the market. If you can forget about the size, weight and money you spent on it – it can offer your great photos. This lens uses two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and PGM aspherical lenses control chromatic aberrations while enhancing sharpness and contrast. Boy is it sharp!
Best of the Best
After a year of searching, test driving two great lenses the 28mm and 24mm f/1.4 for my D850 my search has ended and the choice are one of the two great lenses... Read on to find out what I decided and purchased.
Dehumidify your Gear
A dry box is normally a metal cabinet with a lockable rubber-sealed door with glass panes that allow the owner to view the contents of the dry box. These dry boxes have LCD displays that indicate the ambient temperature (in Fahrenheit or Celsius), relative humidity, and other settings. Interior LED lights make viewing your camera and lens much easier. The dry boxes have shelving that is both padded and adjustable. So do you need one for your camera gear...