When I was first offered the chance to review the Sigma 60 mm f/2.8 DN Art lens for Micro Four-Thirds cameras, I was intrigued. First, I had never actually used one of Sigma's Art lenses, which are praised by a lot of full-frame photographers I know. But second — and more importantly — how would the 60 mm focal length hold up to my workflow, especially when I'm used to shooting with either a 12-40mm or 45 mm lens? First, the quality. Despite its small footprint, this lens is built like a beast, featuring an all-metal body that's available in … [Read more...] about Sigma 60 mm f/2.8 for Micro Four-Thirds brings sharpness and creativity to portraits
Photography
Wandrd PRVKE backpack offers extreme comfort, customizability
One lift of the Wandrd PRVKE backpack and you'll immediately notice something that sets it apart from different backpacks. It's extremely light. I was recently sent the 31-liter version of the PRVKE, a backpack that is not only light, but extremely comfortable and customizable. I've reviewed several backpacks in the past, but have really yet to find one that struck me as much as the PRVKE when I first saw it at WPPI. Needless to say, the PRVKE is now my go-to backpack for daily, weekend and travel adventures with my camera gear. Finally … [Read more...] about Wandrd PRVKE backpack offers extreme comfort, customizability
In-depth review: Asus ProArt PA32UC HDR 32″ monitor
Monitors have been a very important part of my photographic career for more than a quarter of a century. At the beginning of digital editing, monitors were CRTs with picture tubes. There was no color calibration. Color management was a roll of the dice at best. They ranged in price from $1,500 for a SuperMac screen to over $6,000 for the Barco version. I switched from CRT to LCD screens when Apple introduced the 17" Studio display in 2001. I added a 20" Apple Cinema display and then a pair of their 23" versions. Finally, in 2013, I bought a … [Read more...] about In-depth review: Asus ProArt PA32UC HDR 32″ monitor
In-depth review: The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II mirrorless camera
Photography, as with any pursuit, has its share of trends and fads. Trends — the direction the technology and art is moving, change the way we think and how we create. Think in-camera metering, autofocus, color film, then the move to digital capture and post-processing. Each of these transformed the way we create images. Fads usually have more to do with photographic styles, some style or method of making images becomes popular, but eventually gets replaced with another momentary shiny look and then goes away. Mirrorless: Trend or fad? One … [Read more...] about In-depth review: The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II mirrorless camera
Gear review: Spider Holster’s camera carry system
I've been making pictures for ten years, and I've tried most of the camera carrying systems on the market. However, the one system I've chosen to invest in is the Spider Holster. It's certainly not the least costly option, but it is the most secure and most comfortable. Spider Holsters take all the weight of your camera and put it on your hips, not your shoulders. When I use neck straps with a camera, I get a kink in my neck immediately — cameras are heavy! I last a few minutes longer if I use a sliding shoulder strap, but I can go for days … [Read more...] about Gear review: Spider Holster’s camera carry system
First impression of the Spiffy Speckular Core Kit
I was recently sent the Spiffy Speckular Core Kit along with the Spiffy Expansion Kit. The Speckular kit is a really unique daylight balanced LED light that can be configured into a variety of different shapes and sizes. It is fully dimmable and perfect for both video and stills. What comes in the core kit? In the kit you get four LED strips lights, each light measuring at 11-3/4 inches by 1.5 inches. It comes with four elbow connectors that connect your lights together and create different shapes. You also get one power supply and one set … [Read more...] about First impression of the Spiffy Speckular Core Kit
Oben CTM-2500 5-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod
Anything carbon fiber is freakin awesome and this Oben CTM-2500 5-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod is no exception to that. If anyone is looking for a super lightweight, durable and sturdy stick to either hold your camera up, hold your lens up, hold you up or bring someone down, this is one to consider. Sports and wildlife photographers that need the convenience of mobility over a tripod will enjoy the stability that this will give your large lens and the weight savings compared to an aluminum monopod or tripod. Features and details With a … [Read more...] about Oben CTM-2500 5-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod
Datacolor SpyderX Elite review and installation guide
Datacolor contacted me a few months ago about a new color calibration product they were releasing. After meeting with their PR team over a conference call, they sent me a pre-release SpyderX Elite calibration system to test. They did not compensate me for this review, nor do they expect anything specific in return. I’ve written this review as a service to our audience and as a guide to those who might use this equipment in their own workflow. Quick answer I highly recommend the SpyderX Elite and can confidently say that it does an excellent … [Read more...] about Datacolor SpyderX Elite review and installation guide
BenQ SW271 monitor offers perfect color and resolution
If I told you that it wasn't until this past year that I purchased my first real desktop monitor would you judge me? Probably, but I am OK with that and here's why. I love a good laptop. I work incredibly fast on laptops and love that it is ultracompact and portable — two things this working mom needs the most. I can't even count the number of times I finished editing a session at dance class, carpool pickup or at swimming lessons. I was constantly working on-the-go and it was super convenient for me — I had the perfect little system going. … [Read more...] about BenQ SW271 monitor offers perfect color and resolution
Cecilia Humboldt 14L backpack offers stylish, customizable storage
I've got a lot of camera bags. Some small, some large. But none that are quite as stylish as the Humboldt 14L backpack. I was sent the bag for review, and I have to say — it's one of my favorite bags yet. The Humboldt is on the smaller end in terms of a backpack, but it can hold a surprising amount of gear. It's a perfect option for a mirrorless or small DSLR photographer. First impressions and specs The Humboldt 14L comes in a stylish black leather exterior, and features an interior that's surprisingly similar to my ThinkTank roller bag. … [Read more...] about Cecilia Humboldt 14L backpack offers stylish, customizable storage
Stacking up ProGrade Digital’s SDXC card and reader with SanDisk
For the past several years, I have relied on SanDisk's Extreme Pro SD cards for my cameras. They've worked well, and I've never had a card fail. But when I was offered a 64GB ProGrade Digital SDXC card and card reader for review, I was curious to see how it stacked up against my tried and true card of choice. While the ProGrade Digital card advertises a speed of 200MB/s, the SanDisk card advertises 300MB/s. Both are class 10, UHS speed class 3, UHS-II cards. The ProGrade card is also a V60, offering 60MB/s for video recording. Beyond just the … [Read more...] about Stacking up ProGrade Digital’s SDXC card and reader with SanDisk
First look: Lume Cube Air VC for Smartphones & Tablets
These days, regular people find themselves spending a lot more time in front of a camera. Whether it’s video conferencing apps to stay in touch, live streaming on social media, or participating in webinars, cameras are critical. It’s all about the light Of course, any good photographer will tell you, the key to a great looking image is light. And let’s face it, the web camera on your computer or mobile device is just not that good. In most situations, I look downright scary, and practically nobody looks as good as they do in real … [Read more...] about First look: Lume Cube Air VC for Smartphones & Tablets
Spinning the DJ photo editing dials with the Loupedeck +
Let me tell you how I came to know about Loupedeck. While I was in New York for the PhotoPlus Expo (PPE) with the Skylum Software team, the Loupedeck team was at our booth doing demos on their products. I had not heard of Loupedeck before, however their little booth at PPE was getting a lot of attention. I started to hear a lot of people's excitement and interest in their product. During their presentation, I was completely blown away on what it allowed me to do in Lightroom. So much so that I reached out to them and they sent me the product … [Read more...] about Spinning the DJ photo editing dials with the Loupedeck +
First look: ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC II V60 and V90 Memory Card and MICROSDXC DUAL-SLOT USB 3.1 reader
While ProGrade Digital is a new player on the scene, the founders of ProGrade Digital are veterans in the industry, from companies like Lexar and SanDisk, bringing their extensive expertise in design, development and manufacturing in creating top products. Their focus as a company is on memory cards, card readers and workflow software. ProGrade Digital's mission is to provide the highest quality professional grade digital memory cards and readers in the industry with a focus on imaging professionals. In this article, we'll take a first look at … [Read more...] about First look: ProGrade Digital UHS-II SDXC II V60 and V90 Memory Card and MICROSDXC DUAL-SLOT USB 3.1 reader
Genaray SpectroLED Essential 500 provides consistent lighting perfect for stills or video
A few months ago, I was presented with an opportunity to photograph Santa and Mrs. Claus posing with families in my community. No, not the mall Santa — THE Santa Claus himself, hired by my local city's development organization. There would be a custom backdrop built, including Christmas trees and colored lights. It was a part of the city's annual tree lighting, and they expected a HUGE turnout! The problem Originally the event was slated to take place outside at night. One of their requests — provide lighting so that guests can take photos on … [Read more...] about Genaray SpectroLED Essential 500 provides consistent lighting perfect for stills or video
Epson SureColor P800 provides superb color, sharpness in a small footprint
I'll be honest — up until November, I had never used a photo printer, let alone owned one. I always just ordered from my local lab, as the number of prints I was ordering was so low. But as friends and family wanted to get some prints, and I wanted to finally fill my walls with some artwork, I knew it was time to get a printer. After visiting PhotoPlus Expo in October, Epson sent me the SureColor P800 printer for review. When I received it, I saw that it was really the perfect size for my needs. Allowing me to print up to 17" wide, I could … [Read more...] about Epson SureColor P800 provides superb color, sharpness in a small footprint
Gear Review: Cordskinz solves earbud tangle woes
You probably use headphones often--if nothing else, you use them to listen to the Photofocus podcast when you're on the go, right? I use mine for monitoring sound while shooting videos on my camera, while working on photos on my laptop in cafés, and for talking on the phone hands-free. If you're like me, then your headphones probably get tangled everytime you put them into your pocket. No matter how carefully you coil them, they always end up tangled, and it's a little frustrating to get them sorted out. This is the problem Cordskinz solves and … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Cordskinz solves earbud tangle woes
Gear Review: NstaJam Bluetooth speaker
I'm always jealous of those photographers who are also musicians — and there are many of them. Me, I can't carry a tune in a camera bag and I'm practically tone deaf. But the power of music is undeniable and it's a wonderful tool for sculpting the mood while making pictures. Most studios have music going all the time, and people like Matthew Jordan Smith testify that music is an essential part of a great shoot. But what about when you're not in the studio? I've seen people using smartphones with the volume turned all the way up in order to … [Read more...] about Gear Review: NstaJam Bluetooth speaker
Book Review: “Steve McCurry: A Life In Pictures,” by Bonnie McCurry
Normally, I'd read the entire book before writing a review, but this can't wait. I've skipped around and read several sections and the writing is good and engaging — almost as engaging as the photographs. This is a book you should buy for every photographer you know and probably everyone else, too. But you should have it dropped shipped to the recipient because if you get your hands on it, you won't be able to put it down. An actually famous photographer There are almost no famous photographers, especially this century when photographs come … [Read more...] about Book Review: “Steve McCurry: A Life In Pictures,” by Bonnie McCurry
The Yashica y35, an unexpected digiFilm P.O.S. but…
Editor's Note: We welcome Gevon Servo to the Photofocus team. Gevon is a corporate photographer for a major transportation company, lover of coffee and Photowandering. He takes real-world situations through his corporate work and offers actionable advice through the content you see here. In what seems like an eternity ago, a Kickstarter started. It was for the "digiFilm camera by 'Yashica'" and it was ‘supposed to have a soul of a film camera’ with some digital help. I, along with a LOT of other people, was drawn to it like a moth to the … [Read more...] about The Yashica y35, an unexpected digiFilm P.O.S. but…
Gear Review: Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack
Peak Design has done it again: The company has broken Kickstarter with its new product. I think these people get together and say, "What can we make that will cause people to lose their minds and buy it with wild abandon?" The company makes quality stuff and designs it very well. The latest offering is the Travel Line, and it I think it'll meet the expectations of all the people who funded the Kickstarter with $5,206,611. Yeah, five-point-two million dollars. The Travel Backpack There's no doubt that this is a well-made backpack. It's got … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack
Modifying light with versatile, extremely portable V-flats
A set of V-flats is one of the most versatile — but not often talked about — light modifiers a photographer can have in their studio or home studio. Usually constructed of foam core, V-flats can be used to block light (known as flagging), to bounce or absorb light, or as a background. Most studio photographers use them so much, they forget to talk about them because they assume all photographers know their value. I admit I fell into this trap until a set of V-Flat World’s portable V-Flats appeared on my doorstep. I called my buddy Richie and a … [Read more...] about Modifying light with versatile, extremely portable V-flats
Fixing your white balance: The ultimate solution
As I kept on playing with the Illuminati instruments incident and color light meter I'd been given a few weeks ago, I discovered that I love putting the color meter to the test. I am always in situations where colors in my camera can get a little crazy - whether I'm in a gym, outdoors or even in front of a white wall. In this article, I test different environments and lights, both with my camera's automatic white balance and the Illuminati's color meter. I also explain how to use the device to get a perfect read on color — every time. Unlike … [Read more...] about Fixing your white balance: The ultimate solution
Could this lens possibly become the best 70-200mm f/2.8 on the market?
Sigma first unveiled their new series of lenses series at Photokina in Cologne, Germany last September. This new collection includes five new lenses to their three Global Vision product lines: Art, Sports and Contemporary. As a sports photographer, I was really intrigued by the announcement of their highly anticipated 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens. I made sure to stop by their booth at PhotoPlus Expo to get more information about this new high-performance telephoto lens. 10 exclusive low-dispersion glass elements What in the world is a … [Read more...] about Could this lens possibly become the best 70-200mm f/2.8 on the market?
Enthusiast’s Guide: Image stacking for astrophotography
(Editor's note: Photofocus is proud to add Rocky Nook as a vibrant contributor for our readers. Rocky Nook is a small — seven-person independent publishing company. Their commitment is producing high-quality books written by pros for photographers who want to learn more about their craft. Over the next several weeks, Photofocus features a series on multi-shot photography excerpted from "The Enthusiast's Guide to Multi-Shot Techniques" by Alan Hess.) Image stacking in Photoshop is commonly used in the field of astrophotography, which involves … [Read more...] about Enthusiast’s Guide: Image stacking for astrophotography
In-depth: Luxli’s Timpani LED ultra versatile luminaire
The Timpani LED light from Luxli is the deep bass kettledrum of portable AC or battery powered lighting. This multi-talented instrument brings much more to the photographic game than does its one-note per drum percussive namesake. This is a deep dive review of the features of this multi-featured although at first glance, a somewhat pricey light. As a matter of full disclosure, I was given a pair of Timpani lights and batteries a few months ago in exchange for writing this review. In the interim, I have put them through their paces. What follows … [Read more...] about In-depth: Luxli’s Timpani LED ultra versatile luminaire
Enthusiast’s Guide: How to use Photoshop’s image stacks to remove people from a scene
(Editor's note: Photofocus is proud to add Rocky Nook as a vibrant contributor for our readers. Rocky Nook is a small — seven-person independent publishing company. Their commitment is producing high-quality books written by pros for photographers who want to learn more about their craft. Over the next several weeks, Photofocus features a series on multi-shot photography excerpted from "The Enthusiast's Guide to Multi-Shot Techniques" by Alan Hess.) Once you have a set of images loaded as a stack in Photoshop you can apply some of the other … [Read more...] about Enthusiast’s Guide: How to use Photoshop’s image stacks to remove people from a scene
Ten reasons why I love my Fuji X-T3
My new Fuji X-T3 just arrived. I am so excited. The camera was only just released last week. I have barely used it and I am already "in love." Of course I am a tried and true Fuji fan, having walked away from my Nikon D800 a few years back. So I am probably biased. Time will tell if the camera truly lives up to its hype. 1. A newly developed fourth generation sensor — the X-Trans CMOS 4 I am clueless what the upgrade to the sensor actually means in technical terms. The sensor is now back-illuminated — I read that a back-illuminated sensor … [Read more...] about Ten reasons why I love my Fuji X-T3
Why every photographer should watch Pupparazzi
I smiled so much, my cheeks are still hurting after watching Kaylee Greer’s interaction with dogs on NatGeo's new show Pupparazzi. Watching the show was entertaining and educational. Here's why every photographer should watch Pupparazzi. A quick overview of the show The show starts out with Kaylee and her fiance driving to a shoot for an ad campaign. On the way, they stop to visit an animal shelter filled with rescue dogs from puppy mills. They tour the facility looking for one dog to photograph that will represent the shelter to raise … [Read more...] about Why every photographer should watch Pupparazzi
Gear Review: Oben CT-3451 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with BE-113T Ball Head
I recently got my hands on the Oben CT-3451 Tripod and I couldn’t be more grateful. At the first of this year, I made a big change from Nikon to Lumix and was super frustrated with the fact that my Manfrotto tripod was massive compared to my mirrorless camera. I felt weighted down and not interested in hiking much this summer till I could find something to replace it. Then, in walked the Oben CT-3451 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with BE-113T Ball Head and I was ready to hit the trail again. Weight This entire tripod weighs just 2.5 pounds and … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Oben CT-3451 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with BE-113T Ball Head
