It’s been a while since I wrote about a Tamron lens but I have always thought that for the money, they offer good value. Recently, they seem to be upping their game and offering some real contenders that even pros will find tempting. Enter the Tamron SP 85mm f1.8 Di VC USD. It’s a weather resistant, stabilized full-frame short telephoto lens that works on Canon, Nikon, and Sony* cameras. I tested this on a Canon 1DX. While the lens is designed for full-frame cameras, it will work on (APS-C) cameras from Nikon, Canon and Sony and will … [Read more...] about Tamron 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD SP Lens – First Look
Reviews
Camera Bag Review: Borealis Backpack, from Mountainsmith
Let's cut straight to it: the Mountainsmith Borealis is a very fine backpack, and it's a very fine camera bag. It's exceptionally well made, logically designed by people who clearly know what photographers need, and I think it'll last a lifetime. I've got just a few caveats, but this is a good backpack. Lifetime Construction I've owned Mountainsmith bags since I was a young mountaineer in Colorado, which is where Mountainsmith are headquartered. I've been using one of their bags for 20 years, and it's still going strong. The reason these … [Read more...] about Camera Bag Review: Borealis Backpack, from Mountainsmith
A Year and Some Change with the Fujifilm X-T1
I can't believe how fast time has flown by. I remember when I started to slowly sell my special Canon gear after the purchase of my Fujifilm X-T1. Do I miss the Canon? How did my X-T1 hold up? Well the experience has been kind of different, but still positive. If you missed out on why I switched, take a read here. Do I Miss the Canon? Honestly, I miss having all my lenses and interchangeability of the lenses with my Canon film bodies. I would say that I miss having security stop me for having a Canon body. I find myself being stopped and … [Read more...] about A Year and Some Change with the Fujifilm X-T1
Photofocus Podcast July 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
On this episode of the Photofocus #Mirrorless Show Scott and Marco will discuss these new products and mirrorless topics: Scott talks about his trip to Photoshop World in Las Vegas with his mirrorless camera. Sigma has announced pricing and availability of the sd Quattro camera. The body only will be a competitive $799 (US). A unique feature of this camera is the 'Super-Fine Detail' mode that combines 7 exposures into one high dynamic range image. Samyang Optics have announced the global availability of the long-awaited … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast July 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
“Street Photography: First Steps and Beyond” by Valerie Jardin
Valerie Jardin's latest book is exactly what you need to get started with the wonderful genre of street photography, and it's a perfect refresher course for those with experience. Jardin is an energetic and passionate teacher who leads workshops for street photography in places like Paris and Chicago and when you read her book you'll feel that passion and it'll excite you to get out and shoot. The book is well organized and it is simple to read, yet it maintains an intelligent voice. Jardin's photography fills the book and the examples are … [Read more...] about “Street Photography: First Steps and Beyond” by Valerie Jardin
First Impressions: Hasselblad’s Mirrorless X1D
Hasselblad has made some of the finest cameras since the 1950's, and their newest camera looks like it fits with their reputation for quality and simplicity. The recently announced X1D stands out from all other medium format cameras because it is mirrorless and includes all the latest technology treats I've come to rely upon. Today I got my hands on it at Pro Photo Supply in Portland, OR, and I'm ready to share my initial impressions. You can check out all the specs here, so I'll tell you about the stuff you don't get reading the brochures. To … [Read more...] about First Impressions: Hasselblad’s Mirrorless X1D
Drobo 5D: Solving My Storage Problems
I plugged in my first-ever Drobo unit a few weeks ago. I realized my computer was out of hard drive space yet again and it just made sense to store my photography working files on the Drobo 5D. The transition to the Drobo was seamless. Now that I have been up and running for a while I keep asking myself, “Why did I wait this long” to get a Drobo?" I do not like to change equipment or software. My experience is that something always goes haywire and I spend way too much time talking to Technical Support from whatever company I bought my … [Read more...] about Drobo 5D: Solving My Storage Problems
SpiderLight Hand Strap Mini Review
Spider Holster has been innovating the way photographers carry cameras for years. Their line of holsters takes the burden of a heavy camera off your neck and puts it on your hips, where the largest bones and muscles in your body carry all the weight. Last year, they added the SpiderPro Hand Strap to the lineup. It takes the weight of the camera off your fingers and allows your whole arm to lend support. I've been using the hand strap for more than a year, and the holsters for more than three years and my body appreciates the way they shift the … [Read more...] about SpiderLight Hand Strap Mini Review
Quick Review: Tamron 90MM F/2.8 Macro VC Lens
These days when you hear Tamron, most people seem impressed with their lenses. My go-to lens recently has been their 35mm f/1.8 lens which is a must for landscapes. I’ve also found myself using it frequently on weddings. Tamron has been a breath of fresh air in providing high quality, inexpensive options for lenses. A Look at the 90MM F/2.8 Macro VC Lens Recently I was able to get my hands on the new Tamron 90mm f/2.8. My normal favorite macro lens has always been the Canon version 100mm. The lens is available on the following … [Read more...] about Quick Review: Tamron 90MM F/2.8 Macro VC Lens
My Week At The Out Of Chicago Photo Conference
There seems to be a major photo conference, seminar, trade show, etc. every month these days and there are lots of opportunities to spend your photo workshop dollars on training. As a veteran of these events, as an attendee, a vendor and a speaker, I’ve pretty much seen it all. As you might expect, some of these events are better than others. Often it boils down to personal preference. Sometimes, an event stands out because it is SO good that people from very diverse backgrounds, age groups and interests universally agree that it was … [Read more...] about My Week At The Out Of Chicago Photo Conference
The New Perfect Skin: Supermodel Results in Photoshop
In the article, One click Supermodel Results in Lightroom, we covered what images are great for a Supermodel look. Then, using the Lightroom version of Perfect Skin, we applied a superfast One-Click preset to produce a killer look. But sometimes an image may need a little editing first. Removing flyaway hairs or a blown-out highlight on the nose is what Photoshop was created for. Here’s how we are going to take a skin-damaged image and give it a Supermodel look. Getting our Photoshop workspace in order Let’s start by opening an image inside … [Read more...] about The New Perfect Skin: Supermodel Results in Photoshop
More to a Silhouette than Exposure
There are a few key elements that create a successful silhouette. I'll say it loud and proud. It is MORE than exposure. Yes, you meter for the sky, yes, that brings the blacks black, but there is so much more to it than that. I used to say, angle, separation, and exposure. But it is even more than that. You can nail the angle, shooting from down low, you can nail the exposure, and you can even get the separation, but if you aren't telling a story, or conveying an emotion, you're not getting it. There needs to be a story. There needs to … [Read more...] about More to a Silhouette than Exposure
Photofocus Podcast June 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
On this episode of the Photofocus #Mirrorless Show Scott and Marco will discuss these new products and mirrorless topics: We talk a bit about listener feedback that we have received on last months "mirrorless manufacturer repair service quality" topic. And we have found at least one official mirrorless pro service claim in one country. Hasselblad has just announced the first compact mirrorless medium format camera. It is called the Hasselblad X1D and has a 50 MPix CMOS sensor (44mm x 33mm) that works at a native ISO range … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast June 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
The New Perfect Skin: One-Click Supermodel Results in Lightroom
We all have wrinkles, blemishes and laugh lines. When these features are completely removed—with the exception of blemishes—the image instantly looks fake. The key is to make the retouch look natural by softening wrinkles, fading laugh lines and smoothing the skin. But sometimes you may want flawless, almost porcelain skin that screams SUPERMODEL. You could spend hours following along with tutorials on how to dodge, burn and soften skin or you can easily get amazing results with Athentech’s new Perfect Skin plug-in for Lightroom and … [Read more...] about The New Perfect Skin: One-Click Supermodel Results in Lightroom
Speed Up your Import Workflow with a New Card Reader
With new cameras being released every month and new developments in memory card technology, many readers have struggled to find a memory card reader that works well for them. My friend Michael Tapes, designer of LensAlign, was having an issue finding a card reader that could grow with him and evolve as his cameras evolve. The Nikon D5 shoots either dual XQD or dual CF cards, Nikon D810 shoots SD and CF, Nikon D500 shoots XQD and SD, Canon 1DX Mark II shoots CF and CFast cards, and both the Canon 5D Mark III and 5Ds R shoot CF and SD cards. As … [Read more...] about Speed Up your Import Workflow with a New Card Reader
Faster Storage for Photographers with Drobo 5Dt
Drobo has just started shipping a new storage system (in fact mine's already on its way to me). Drobo announced the DROBO 5D Turbo Edition also know as the Drobo 5Dt. I've recently had several talks with the company's CEO and leadership team, and they've assured me that they're laser-focussed on building tools for photographers and video pros. These is the first unit in that offering. What is the Drobo 5Dt? Drobo is offering a souped-up version of its popular 5D RAID system. Here's what's improved over the original Drobo 5D. A … [Read more...] about Faster Storage for Photographers with Drobo 5Dt
Adobe Creative Cloud Update Offers Great Features for Photographers!
Photoshop’s update is going to make a lot of photographers and retouchers happy with the boost in performance plus three improved tools--Selecting and Masking, Content-Aware Crop and Face-Aware Liquify. Performance Adobe has been focusing on increasing the speed of Photoshop. Faster startup time, removing unnecessary dialog boxes, warnings and clicks, as well as how fast a tool returns results. They have promised this in past versions, but in this version it has lead to a noticeable boost in performance. Selection and Masking Space gets its’ … [Read more...] about Adobe Creative Cloud Update Offers Great Features for Photographers!
Field Review: The Platypod Pro Max
Oh Platypod, I’m not going to lie. I love my platypods. I received their original version last year and it quickly replaced using a tripod 90% of the time. Yes, 90%. I still needed a tripod if I wanted my camera up higher or using heaver lenses and extra gear. Welcome Platypod Pro Max When Platypod announced they were making a bigger version of the original called the Platypod Pro Max I was over the moon with getting one into my hands. The biggest reason is I do a lot of night sky and time-lapse photos in which I like using my Atomos Ninja … [Read more...] about Field Review: The Platypod Pro Max
Get creative with this lens – My quick Lensbaby Composer Pro review
There are very few additions that you can make to your camera bag that spur your creativity as much as a Lensbaby lens does. I’ve bought my first Lensbaby for my full frame DSLR in 2006. Today, 10 years later I still enjoy using my (latest version for APS-C Fuji X-Mount) Lensbaby Composer Pro Sweet 35 lens. But the lens has really grown up compared to the early version from 2006. Instead of the flexible rubber tube that you had to manually turn and hold in place with your fingers, the new versions come with a flexible stepless locking … [Read more...] about Get creative with this lens – My quick Lensbaby Composer Pro review
Black Magic Video Assist – First Look
Most cameras you can buy today are capable of good to great video recording. More and more photographers are branching into video - some because their clients demand it - and some because they just want to explore. I have shot my fair share of video using both dedicated video cameras and stills cameras capable of shooting HD video. One thing I have learned is that video is more complicated and you absolutely need more “stuff” to pull it off and pull it off well. Some of the “stuff” you buy ends up getting in the way but one thing I have … [Read more...] about Black Magic Video Assist – First Look
Platypod Pro Max – How to Make Any Camera Rock Solid (Without a Tripod)
Sure, most of us know that we’re supposed to use a tripod when making great photos. A stable camera means sharper photos and the ability to shoot in lower lighting levels without camera shake. Why Use a Tripod In my own photography, I often find that stability is essential. Of course it’s a must in my timelapse and video work, but it also comes in handy when shooting in lowlight. I also love long exposure photography, to drag the shutter and slow down motion. I also use HDR for my black and white as well as product photography, so … [Read more...] about Platypod Pro Max – How to Make Any Camera Rock Solid (Without a Tripod)
Photofocus Podcast May 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
On this episode of the Photofocus #Mirrorless Show Scott and Marco will discuss these new products and mirrorless topics: Marco returned from an assignment to Oslo and Copenhagen and instead of using train & plane, he traveled by cruise ship and shared a short photo essay that he captured with mirorless cameras. Leica launched the M-D (Type 262) digital rangefinder camera with no rear LCD screen. Scott and Marco discuss the pros and cons of the concept of this camera. Sony is one of the biggest image sensor manufacturers … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast May 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
Lens Review: Lensbaby Twist 60
This new Twist 60 lens from Lensbaby has my full attention right now. There are always new lenses boasting extreme sharpness or wide apertures or super telephoto, but Lensbaby steps aside from the sharper-faster-longer race and makes tools that actually help me be more creative. In short, it's a marvelous hunk of metal and glass, it's affordably priced, and I think you'll love it too. Keep reading for the reasons why. Petzval for the 21st Century Petzval was a scientist in the 1800's who created a new lens design, and it made big … [Read more...] about Lens Review: Lensbaby Twist 60
Canon 1DX MK II – First Hands On Look
This is NOT really a review. I have only had the Canon 1DX MK II for a few days and need to, as is my custom, try the camera out in my own real world shooting tests. So it will be a while before I do a full on review. But I have had enough time testing the camera to have a few first blush thoughts. First off, this is Canon’s flag-ship DSLR and it better be good. At roughly $6000 it’s one of the most expensive cameras on the market. As you would expect it is a heavy beast. Solidly built, it’s thick as a brick. Heck it is built like a tank. … [Read more...] about Canon 1DX MK II – First Hands On Look
TetherTools Case Relay Review and Tips for Lengthy Exposures
A few years ago, I had this crazy idea to shoot a five-hour exposure while I was camping near the Tetons in Wyoming. The major obstacle to making a picture like this is battery power. The whole time a long exposure is recording, the sensor is activated, the shutter is held open, and a DSLR's mirror is held up, all of which require power. What’s more, if you use the built-in 'long exposure noise reduction' setting, the camera will process the photo for the same amount of time that the shutter was open. That means if I started the picture before … [Read more...] about TetherTools Case Relay Review and Tips for Lengthy Exposures
Scott Bourne talks with Michael Tapes on how to get Sharper Images
A few weeks ago Photofocus founder Scott Bourne paid me a surprise visit. He made Viera Wetlands -- a popular site for birders, photographers, and eco-tourists-- one of his stops in Florida to capture some amazing bird photos. Not being a bird photographer, I wan't sure if I could keep up but Scott was a generous teacher and all of us on the shoot got good images. Not knowing much about the wetlands, I called my good friend Michael Tapes --inventor of LensAlign for advice. Michael is also a bird photographer. I asked him if he could take us … [Read more...] about Scott Bourne talks with Michael Tapes on how to get Sharper Images
Photofocus Podcast April 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
On this episode of the Photofocus #Mirrorless Show Scott and Marco will discuss these new products and mirrorless topics: Scott found some info that Canon may actually step up their game in the mirrorles segment. Marco gives a fairly thorough hands on review of the new Fujifilm X70 compact camera that he has been working with for a month now. He shares a lot of hands on experiences about what worked well and what does not work so well. And Marco gives some solid firmware improvement wishes that the Fujifilm marketing and product … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast April 28, 2016 — Mirrorless with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
Two Affordable, Small Camera Bags From Case Logic
(NOTE: See the product links below to find the actual product dimensions.) I’ve tried several bags from Case Logic and I am always surprised that more photographers aren’t familiar with this product line. While your experience with Case Logic might be confined to the small iPhone and other cases you see from them at places like Best Buy, they are actually quite serious about the camera market and their products are consistently of a much higher quality than the price would suggest. Take the new Reflexion DSLR Cross-Body Bags w/ … [Read more...] about Two Affordable, Small Camera Bags From Case Logic
A First look at DroboAccess
If you’ve got a network-attached Drobo like a 5N or a B810n, one of the biggest problems was accessing your data outside of your local network. Unless you run a separate server like I do, remote access wasn’t possible. Knowing that this has been an issue, Drobo is proud to announce DroboAccess which aims to simplify remote file access and file sharing. It’s essentially letting you create your own personal “cloud” with end-to-end encryption. To be fair, for years Synology has offered a Quick Connect website to log in and remotely access your … [Read more...] about A First look at DroboAccess
PRVKE Bag by WANDRD – A Stylish and Functional Adventurer Bag!
Back in October during PhotoPlus Expo I had the pleasure of meeting the founders of a new Bag Company that had just been funded on Kickstarter, WANDRD. The two adventurous brothers were displaying a prototype bag called the PRVKE (Provoke), and it caught my interest pretty freaking quick. At the time I had been coming from several months on the road traveling and shooting, and getting pretty frustrated with my bag selection. Albeit huge, I was still lacking in that perfect travel kit bag that fit all my gear, felt comfortable, and looked better … [Read more...] about PRVKE Bag by WANDRD – A Stylish and Functional Adventurer Bag!
