When I first started photography, I didn’t take my buddy’s advice — invest in a better quality lens before upgrading your camera. It was a mistake I never made again. So when it came time to decide if I need a prime lens in my bag, I called on his advice again. Instead of telling me what to do, he explained the difference between a prime and zoom lens plus the benefits of each for me to make my own decision. Here’s how I used his advice many years ago when deciding which portrait lens was best for me. Understanding prime and zoom lenses A … [Read more...] about Should I get a prime or zoom lens?
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Photography 101: Which lens should you buy first?
You just got a fancy new camera, with a shiny kit lens that, for the most part, has served you well in your beginning everyday adventures. Now you want to take your photography to the next level, whether it's getting a farther reach and being able to capture that dream-like bokeh that you hear everyone talking about or obtaining a more encompassing view. So, what's the next lens you should buy? There are a few different ways to go about answering the question, but the answer comes back to one question that you have to answer yourself — … [Read more...] about Photography 101: Which lens should you buy first?
Photography 101: Why Focal Length Matters
When we look at the basic principles of photography, one of the key elements has to do with focal length. When describing a lens, this is the first thing that comes to mind and what it is is a bit of a mystery. This article describes what focal length does. Focal length affects your angle of view and determines how much or little of a scene will be captured. As you zoom in, your angle of view decreases. The subject becomes magnified. Likewise, as you zoom out, more of a scene will be captured, and objects decrease in apparent size. Simply … [Read more...] about Photography 101: Why Focal Length Matters
Sigma Goes Big with Seven E-Mount ART Lenses for Sony Mirrorless Cameras
Sigma Corporation of America has announced that it will introduce seven new E-Mount lenses for Sony mirrorless cameras to their Global Vision Art series. Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art for Sony E-Mount Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Sony E-Mount Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Sony E-Mount Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Sony E-Mount Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Sony E-Mount Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Sony E-Mount Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art for Sony E-Mount Additionally, two new Art lenses will be Introduced at … [Read more...] about Sigma Goes Big with Seven E-Mount ART Lenses for Sony Mirrorless Cameras
Gear Review: Fractals (Your New Must-Have)
Fractals, people, are the new must-haves in my camera bag. I was introduced to Fractals at WPPI. My friend and fellow photographer, Kathy Mukhopadhyay, bought a set and mentioned that they were doing live demos throughout the trade show if I wanted to check them out. I snuck over briefly to see what all the fuss was about and let me just tell you, their booth was packed! People were jammed into their little area just to see what all the talk was about. Sadly by the time I had gotten up front they were already sold out. That's how hot this item … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Fractals (Your New Must-Have)
What’s In the Bag: Gear I Use to Photograph President Trump
Last week I was assigned to photograph President Trump during his visit to Manchester, NH. I try to bring all gear I might need on the first trip to the site. Quite often it is a very long walk from the parking lot to the press entrance. Once you are inside you don't want to go back out, or you may not be allowed to go back out through security. After you go through the press entrance, you proceed to press check-in, where you are issued your press pass for the day. Often there are long lines to wait in as credentials are … [Read more...] about What’s In the Bag: Gear I Use to Photograph President Trump
Knowing the Camera Settings for a Photo Isn’t Really Important
I'm a part of several photography groups on Facebook, and some provide a suggestion to provide your camera settings for any photos you uploaded. Things like aperture, shutter speed and ISO, for instance. And while it can certainly be interesting to see these settings and see what they can do in certain situations, they don't matter in the long run. Settings Won't Help to Recreate a Photograph Unless you're shooting in a studio with no windows and can control the environment completely, settings won't be the end-all to recreating a … [Read more...] about Knowing the Camera Settings for a Photo Isn’t Really Important
Rediscovering a lens that I already owned
When packing for trips, I find myself seesawing between my Fuji X system and Nikon DSLRs. We do underwater, street, nature and landscape photography. Do I pack the Fuji X-Pro2, the crop sensor Nikon D500 and my old D800 or complicate things and buy the new Nikon D850? Earlier this winter, we were packing for street and winter nature and landscape photography in Japan. My wife and partner in Aperture Photo Arts is a die-hard Fuji shooter and between us, we have most of the Fuji X lenses and spare camera bodies. This was the logical … [Read more...] about Rediscovering a lens that I already owned
Great Savings on Used Gear Week of 02/12/2018
(Editor's Note: Our friends at MPB.com have some really great deals on select used camera bodies and lenses. MPB is a great place to sell your used gear that's lying around taking up space.) Save on cameras, lenses and other photographic equipment by buying used. Sell cameras and lenses you are no longer using at MPB.com. … [Read more...] about Great Savings on Used Gear Week of 02/12/2018
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Olympus’s New f/1.2 Pro Lenses
Olympus have announced three pro-level lenses, and they all boast a wide aperture of f/1.2. Let's take a brief look at each and check out sample pictures from Olympus Visionary Tracie Maglosky. M.Zuiko ED 45mm f/1.2 Pro This new 45mm f/1.2 lens is the most interesting to me. As a medium telephoto length, it should be terrific for portraits and landscapes. It focuses closer than 16 inches, so it's a respectable close-up lens, as well. The very wide f/1.2 aperture is attractive for both low light performance and soft bokeh in the backgrounds of … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Olympus’s New f/1.2 Pro Lenses
The View Camera Aesthetic in the Digital Realm part 4
(Editor’s note: Guest contributor Steve Inglima concludes his series of posts about the view camera and how its aesthetic informs digital photography. This article offers ways to add view camera functions to DSLRs. Read part 1, part 2 & part 3.) With an understanding of the benefits of having independent controls over front and rear standard movement, What can we do to bring that utility, capability, set of sensibilities to the digital realm and the size of the silicon sensor used for most digital capture? Miniaturizing the view camera … [Read more...] about The View Camera Aesthetic in the Digital Realm part 4
Product Review: Haida 150 Series Insert Filter and Holder System
Over the past couple of years, there has been a wave of super wide-angle telephoto lenses released on the market. Ideal for huge landscapes, vast night skies, or anything your wide-angle imagination conjures up. They offer big views, exceptional sharpness, and a whole realm of creative possibilities. My personal favorite is the Tamron 15-30mm, but, regardless of the brand, with super wides, their big beautiful front element projects out a distance from the lens body. This means that you can't use traditional threaded filters that screw on the … [Read more...] about Product Review: Haida 150 Series Insert Filter and Holder System
Fast DIY Fix for a Common Camera Error
A sense of dread begins to fill you as frightening words and symbols flash before your eyes. Afraid all is lost, you begin to panic... An error message has appeared on your camera screen! An error message is a sure way to send blood pressure skyrocketing and heart beat racing. Often the messages are cryptic at best, requiring you to look it up while envisioning an expensive repair bill for your camera. But, some of the most common errors I have seen on DSLRs in my photographic endeavors are due to communications issues between the lens and … [Read more...] about Fast DIY Fix for a Common Camera Error
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: The #1 Problem With Mirrorless
I'm an evangelist for mirrorless. The mirrorless cameras are driving innovation and bringing the best changes to the way we make photographs. I tell everyone I meet that they should consider a mirrorless camera, and while they are amazed by the features and intrigued by the possibilities, they all say the same thing: "But I have all these lenses for my current camera--I'm too invested to change!" I understand that feeling, but I've had a different experience. Did you know that I've owned 27 Interchangeable Lens Cameras (ILC's) in the last 7 … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: The #1 Problem With Mirrorless
Everything You Need To Know About Micro 4/3 Lenses
Mirrorless cameras are wonderful tools, and I'm going to be writing regularly about their attributes. Quick intro to Micro Four Thirds, a.k.a. MFT, M43, Micro 4/3. The key characteristics are that they have interchangeable lenses, they are almost always smaller than DSLR's, they generally cost less than DSLR's for similar features, and they have a sensor that is smaller than DSLR's. The sensor is shaped in a 4x3 ratio, not a 2x3 ratio like DSLR's, which makes a picture that is less wide. One thing that makes Micro 4/3 cameras significantly … [Read more...] about Everything You Need To Know About Micro 4/3 Lenses
Tamron Announces Two New Promising Lenses
Tamron redefines the fast telephoto zoom category with the introduction of the next generation 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom and introduces a compact, high-performance 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 di ii vc hld ultra-wide angle zoom with vibration compensation. February 6, 2017, Commack, NY- Tamron, a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of two new lenses--SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (Model A025) and 10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD (Model B023). The SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 The SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a … [Read more...] about Tamron Announces Two New Promising Lenses
Panasonic 12mm f/1.4 ASPH Leica DG SUMMILUX First Look
The Panasonic/Leica partnership is one of the most interesting pairings in photography. And it continues to bear fruit. There are several stellar lenses in the Panasonic lineup to prove it. And let’s face it - Panasonic was smart to team up with the Germans. Let's also just get this out of the way. When Leica is involved, you can immediately assume that this is going to be something fantastic. I have owned a few Leica cameras and lenses during my lifetime and every single time I touch Leica glass I feel lucky. It’s just special. When I found … [Read more...] about Panasonic 12mm f/1.4 ASPH Leica DG SUMMILUX First Look
The Future of Lens Technology
I'm always interested in improvements in camera technology. Just as devices, batteries, screens, and camera sensors keep getting smaller... so will lenses. To date, lens technology hasn't changed much, but that might not be for long. A group of scientists have created tiny meta-material lenses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETx_fjM5pms To learn more: Read the research: http://scim.ag/1XkkseL … [Read more...] about The Future of Lens Technology
“Guided Upright” New in Lightroom
The latest release of Lightroom CC 2015 includes a new more controllable version of Upright and a new Transform panel in the Develop module. Here's a Photofocus first look Upright has moved Upright, formerly found in the Lens Correction panel, has moved to the new Transform panel. All of the Upright modes you have grown to love-Auto, Level, Vertical and Full-are still there along with a new addition: Guided. My photograph of work being done to the town hall in Brussels' Grand Place is a great one to show how Guided Upright … [Read more...] about “Guided Upright” New in Lightroom
Instant Replay: The Future of Photoshop and Must Know Techniques
Bryan O'Neil Hughes and Howard Pinsky join Melissa Niu and Rich Harrington to discuss the state and future of Photoshop. Bryan, the Senior Product Manager for Photoshop at Adobe, helps us understand how the Photoshop team works, and Rich and Howard demonstrate must know techniques, all hosted by Melissa Niu. Photoshop techniques discussed include: Content Aware Fill tools, Video, Camera RAW as a Smart Filter, and Adaptive Wide Angle Lens correction. https://youtu.be/jjUYF4xLb_g … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: The Future of Photoshop and Must Know Techniques
Instant Replay: Lightroom Q&A
In this episode, Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim answer questions about Lightroom. There are several terrific gems and pro-user tips on tools like making presets, using the print module, adjustment brush presets, and more. Hosted by: Rob Sylvan and Levi Sim Produced by: Rich Harrington and Photofocus.com https://youtu.be/DXWIQZw25aA?t=6m37s … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Lightroom Q&A
The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast April 7, 2016
This weeks Photofocus Podcast you get to hear Richard Harrington and Scott Bourne answer your questions in the Q & A show. Once a month Rich and Scott take your questions and dive into discussions that help you learn and grow as a photographer. Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don’t forget to post a review on iTunes. Q&A PODCAST 1. I hear the terms Global and Local Adjustments discussed by photographers. Could you give examples of each? Ross 2. I have an Epson printer that I use to make 8x10” prints … [Read more...] about The Q & A Show | Photofocus Podcast April 7, 2016
The 411 on Lens Hoods
I often see photographers misusing an important piece of gear, and it's one of the simplest tools in your bag. Many lenses come with a lens hood, and right now I'll show you why you have it and why you should be using it. What's It Do? The lens hood is intended to keep the sun from shining into the front of your lens, and ruining your pictures. Not that it'll keep the sun from shining in if you point it at the sun, but it keeps the sun from shining across the front of the lens and reducing contrast. These two pictures are taken straight … [Read more...] about The 411 on Lens Hoods
First Impressions: FUJIFILM XF 100-400 LM OIS WR
(NOTE: This is NOT a review - just my first impressions - review will come later.) The long-awaited, Fuji super telephoto zoom is here. Wildlife, action and sports shooters had to wait five years to carefully consider Fuji because up until now, they couldn’t get enough focal length to make the switch. That’s all fixed now. Fuji can now claim to have one of the best lens selections of any mirrorless camera system and one that will compete with many DSLRs. The FUJIFILM XF 100-400 LM OIS WR Lens is a big, expensive, and specialized piece of … [Read more...] about First Impressions: FUJIFILM XF 100-400 LM OIS WR
My First Impressions of the New Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
As a working professional who relies on Canon gear to run my business, I get excited when I wake up to news that there's a new flagship camera on the market. This morning, Canon dropped the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. While I am a self professed non-techie, I still felt obligated to check out the specs to see what they could mean for me: Price Point: Gulp. Let's face it. This camera is $6 grand ($5,999) and that's a lot of money for most of us. That's twice the price point of what (I would argue) are Canon's most popular pro cameras in the 5D … [Read more...] about My First Impressions of the New Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
Lightroom Hangout: Lies Cameras Tell
You gotta join us live for our next Google+ Hangout, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Monday 2/15 at 2:00 pm Eastern, 1:00 pm Central, 12:00 pm Mountain, and 11:00 am Pacific. 3:30 pm in Newfoundland. RSVP here and it'll show your local time. This Month: Conquering … [Read more...] about Lightroom Hangout: Lies Cameras Tell
Intermediate Depth-Of-Field Lesson – The Difference in DOF Between Wide & Telephoto Lenses
(Note the killdeer (Charadrius vociferous) picture used above was shot with a Canon 1D MK II N and Canon 600 f/4 IS lens with Canon 1.4 teleconverter (EFL 840mm) handheld laying on the ground and shot at f/8. The DOF was less than one inch at 26 feet - hence the VERY skinny DOF leaving the photo blurry in front of and behind the bird. FYI there was a big outhouse behind the bird about 100 feet away that just disappeared because of that skinny DOF.) This post is primarily aimed at people who use long glass - say 135mm and longer - but it will … [Read more...] about Intermediate Depth-Of-Field Lesson – The Difference in DOF Between Wide & Telephoto Lenses
What Piece Of Camera Gear Should You Buy Next?
With the holidays just finished - you can bet there are lots of new camera owners out there. Some percentage of them will be infected with the same love of photography that all of us here at Photofocus have. When that happens, eventually, the question comes up. (Even with those who have had their camera for a long time) What piece of camera gear should you buy next? As usual, the answer is It depends. But you can always be safe with Another lens. Camera bodies come and go but lenses last pretty much forever. In general, lenses have more to do … [Read more...] about What Piece Of Camera Gear Should You Buy Next?
Lens Distortion in Portraits
As a portrait photographer, I love getting a close, tight shot that really captures the personality of my subject. Understanding the limitations and effects your gear has on the final image is vital. Close up portraits are typically shot using a focal length of 85mm or longer, but when starting out, these lenses may not be an option. It is common for photographers to start out using a 50mm lens and grow their arsenal from there. I love my "Nifty 50." When shooting in a small space, the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G is my go-to lens most of the time. I … [Read more...] about Lens Distortion in Portraits
Testing The Sigma 150-600 Sports Lens
(Please note - my gear reviews aren't based on pixel peeping or measurebeating. I simply use a piece of gear in real-world shooting situations the way I would use any piece of gear and then write down my impressions. There are plenty of places to do all the side-by-side image comparisons. This post will simply be a mini-review based on my tests. All the photos in this post were made with the Sigma 150-600 Sports Lens.) Shooting Environment I took my annual bird photo trip to New Mexico recently and thanks to the kind folks at lensrentals.com I … [Read more...] about Testing The Sigma 150-600 Sports Lens
