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
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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
Why Christmas is the perfect time to take that protective filter off!
We all have been in that situation at the camera store where the salesman asked us if we want to add a protective filter to protect the front element of the expensive lens that we have just bought. And the argument of the salesperson sounds plausible at first. The front element is exposed the most to the elements and most at risk to be damaged. But here are a few points from my experience that should have you think twice about buying and adding one to your lens: Do you really want to put an inferior piece of glass in front of you top grade … [Read more...] about Why Christmas is the perfect time to take that protective filter off!
How Many Lenses Do You Own?
We'd like to know how open you are to using different types of gear. Are you a believer in an all-in one lens or do you switch out for specialty situations. [polldaddy poll=9227833] Please let us know why you do or do not shoot with other lenses in the comments. We're working on new tutorials about different styles of shooting. … [Read more...] about How Many Lenses Do You Own?
Moose Hates Tripods | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Join Photofocus' Melissa Niu and wildlife photographer Moose Peterson about using tripods for long lenses and how they restrict camera movement. https://youtu.be/qZn0DkhCjqc Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Moose Peterson Mooses true passion is wildlife photography and he considers himself incredibly fortunate to be amongst North Americas critters and bring back their story with his camera. Along the way Moose has been … [Read more...] about Moose Hates Tripods | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Shooting with the Nikon DF | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Join Photofocus' Melissa Niu and wildlife photographer Moose Peterson about shooting undetected with the Nikon DF. https://youtu.be/PytG95xZXPM Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Moose Peterson Mooses true passion is wildlife photography and he considers himself incredibly fortunate to be amongst North Americas critters and bring back their story with his camera. Along the way Moose has been fortunate to be recognized for his … [Read more...] about Shooting with the Nikon DF | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Understanding your Subject | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Join Photofocus' Melissa Niu and wildlife photographer Moose Peterson about understanding your subject. https://youtu.be/ep0nd8VPMI8 Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Moose Peterson Mooses true passion is wildlife photography and he considers himself incredibly fortunate to be amongst North Americas critters and bring back their story with his camera. Along the way Moose has been fortunate to be recognized for his passion. One … [Read more...] about Understanding your Subject | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Reliability of the Nikon D4s | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Join Photofocus' Melissa Niu and wildlife photographer Moose Peterson about benefits to shooting the Nikon D4s. https://youtu.be/0u9rCeuKGB8 Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Moose Peterson Mooses true passion is wildlife photography and he considers himself incredibly fortunate to be amongst North Americas critters and bring back their story with his camera. Along the way Moose has been fortunate to be recognized for his … [Read more...] about Reliability of the Nikon D4s | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Having Patience in Alaska | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Join Photofocus' Melissa Niu and wildlife photographer Moose Peterson about having patience on a recent trip he took to Alaska. https://youtu.be/ezbwCIO255w Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Moose Peterson Mooses true passion is wildlife photography and he considers himself incredibly fortunate to be amongst North Americas critters and bring back their story with his camera. Along the way Moose has been fortunate to be … [Read more...] about Having Patience in Alaska | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Does Camera Noise Bother Animals? | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Join Photofocus' Melissa Niu and wildlife photographer Moose Peterson about camera noise and interrupting animals. https://youtu.be/EfIhdsSnSL4 Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Moose Peterson Mooses true passion is wildlife photography and he considers himself incredibly fortunate to be amongst North Americas critters and bring back their story with his camera. Along the way Moose has been fortunate to be recognized for his … [Read more...] about Does Camera Noise Bother Animals? | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Shooting Star Trails in the Desert | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Join Photofocus' Melissa Niu and wildlife photographer Moose Peterson about shooting star trails in the Las Vegas desert. https://youtu.be/nvGZ9GxX0aE Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Moose Peterson Mooses true passion is wildlife photography and he considers himself incredibly fortunate to be amongst North Americas critters and bring back their story with his camera. Along the way Moose has been fortunate to be recognized for … [Read more...] about Shooting Star Trails in the Desert | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Reverse Lens Macro – Exploring Life at Full-Scale
As with any specialized area of photography, the art of macro photography - that is, making images of objects at a very close range - is in a creative world unto it's own. This is true not only in terms of the specialized gear required to tell a story at a true 1:1 scale, but even more so in regard to the patience and practice needed to produce a clear and consistent result. In this article, we'll explore a technique known as reverse lens macro and consider one economical approach to producing amazing close-up images by using a simple reverse … [Read more...] about Reverse Lens Macro – Exploring Life at Full-Scale
Shooting Wildlife with an 800mm Lens | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Join Photofocus' Melissa Niu and wildlife photographer Moose Peterson about capturing amazing photos with a Nikon 800mm f5.6. https://youtu.be/Slgje3kIFQo Brought to you by LensRentals - http://bit.ly/pflensrentals SongFreedom - http://bit.ly/songfreedom Photofocus - https://photofocus.com About Moose Peterson Mooses true passion is wildlife photography and he considers himself incredibly fortunate to be amongst North Americas critters and bring back their story with his camera. Along the way Moose has been fortunate to be recognized … [Read more...] about Shooting Wildlife with an 800mm Lens | Moose Peterson – What’s in Your Bag
Quick Background Fix in Photoshop
To add more excitement to Photoshop World, Photofocus hosted an after hours party at the nostalgic Pinball Hall of Fame in Las Vegas. Lots of our friends came out to play. During the festivities, the Photofocus team set up photo stations to capture the excitement of the event. Since it was my buddy Erik Valinds birthday, I wanted to stage a little scene. I surrounded Erik with beautiful girls trying to distract him from his game. To top it off, Fashion Photographer and good friend Lindsay Adler gave him a little kiss. The stage was set as we … [Read more...] about Quick Background Fix in Photoshop
Why I REALLY Love The New Lensbaby Velvet 56
I just was not prepared for this. Ive used Lensbaby products for 10 years and really enjoyed them, but Ive always relegated them to the specialty lens category. But I have to say I find myself reaching for the new Velvet 56 more often than not. Its no specialty lens. And whats really telling about my constant use of this lens is that I have THREE (count em THREE) additional lenses that cover the same focal length - and every one of those lenses is stellar. I have the Fujinon XF 56mm F1.2 R, the FUJINON XF 16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR, and the Fujinon … [Read more...] about Why I REALLY Love The New Lensbaby Velvet 56
Quick Tip: Focal Length and Distortion
The other day I was out with some friends, and I also brought my Fuji X-T1 and 18-55mm lens along for the ride. I ordered a beer, and before having a sip I decided to photograph it. Because I was sitting close to the table, my first instinct was to photograph it with the lens zoomed in (in this case, it was set to 24mm): The photo has some noticeable distortion, primarily at the top of the glass where it flares out and then narrows towards the bottom. I saw this and decided to re-shoot it, but instead I leaned back in my seat a bit, fully … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Focal Length and Distortion
Fixing Lens Distortion Issues with Lightroom
Lenses lie... It's a simple truth. Do you want to xinsure that your photos are as accurate as possible? You should realize that all lenses distort images (at least a small amount). This is why you should take the extra step to remove lens distortion. The technology is built right into Adobe Camera Raw so you can access it when developing RAW files in Lightroom. What Kind of Distortion? There are three kinds of lens distortion you'll likely see. This defects may be more prevalent at certain focal lengths on a zoom lens. Fixing the … [Read more...] about Fixing Lens Distortion Issues with Lightroom
Renting Lenses for Specific Jobs | Alan Hess – What’s in Your Bag
Join Melissa Niu of Photofocus and Chase Reynolds of LensRentals.com as they talk with concert photographer Alan Hess about renting lenses for special jobs. He even admits how much he loves the Nikon 400mm f2.8 lens but doesn't have $12,000 laying around to own one. http://youtu.be/dqO1-g2eBjE Gear Discussed Nikon D4 - http://bit.ly/1ugXiTz Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 - http://bit.ly/1ugWWwt Nikon 14-24mm f2.8 - http://bit.ly/1ugWzlj Nikon 400mm f2.8 - http://bit.ly/1ugXceP Brought to you by LensRentals - … [Read more...] about Renting Lenses for Specific Jobs | Alan Hess – What’s in Your Bag
