Nikon News (Page 14)
From Lowepro:
"While it takes a number of years and a lot of adventures to wear out a Lowepro bag, our Workshop Tips will guide you on how to take care of, repair, and refresh your camera bag and extend its life!"
Get your Lowepro bag at B&H.
This big bull, prancing and showing off his antlers, was heading back to his herd of cows after fending off an adversary.
Where is the best place to be in mid to late September? Rocky Mountain National Park is high on my list of answers. Elk are one of my favorite animals, and the rut behavior makes this time of year optimal for photographing them.
So, why don't you join me in RMNP this September? I have a couple of openings for the Elk Rut in Rocky Mountain National Park Instructional Photo Tour.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 6400
8049 x 5676px
Always look for new camera locations while working a scene. That process at The Charleston Place's zero edge pool determined that the camera practically in the water produced my favorite image.
Seldom do water reflections let us down, and in this case, they add intrigue. The Canon EOS R5's vari-angle LCD made the precise alignment of this handheld composition possible.
General purpose focal lengths in a compact, lightweight package make the Canon RF 24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens a great option for travel and other portable needs. This lens's low price is a highly attractive feature, and initial image quality impressions are good.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 100
8192 x 5464px
Just posted: Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens Review.
Was image quality sacrificed for the awesome focal length range?
Support this site by ordering the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX
Rent the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens from Lensrentals.
Please share!
When I learned that the shooting opportunities were models in an old house, I grabbed three lenses.
The first two, the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens and RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM Lens, are frequently associated with portrait photography and obvious choices.
My third chosen lens may not seem like an optimal indoor portrait lens, but the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens was selected to take in the old house in addition to the people — environmental portraits. The models were still, and the in-lens optical image stabilization made up for the not-so-wide f/4 aperture (and f/4 provided a nice depth of field).
All handheld images from this scene were sharp, but there was a bigger challenge.
When composing an image with straight lines running along all frame borders, a perfectly centered and leveled camera is often the best choice. Gaining that perfect alignment for this picture was a challenge.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 400
4000 x 6000px
Be the first through checkout when B&H reopens tonight at 6:45 PM ET to snag this just-arriving used gear:
A used R5 C and used R6 and R kits are available in the Canon EOS mirrorless camera inventory.
Used 50mm F1.2 L, 24-240mm, 100-400mm, 85mm F2, 35mm F1.8 lenses were just added to the Canon RF lens inventory.
A used EF 600mm F4L IS II Lens is available in the Canon EF lens inventory. This is an outstanding lens for only $6,998.95.
Multiple used Canon a7R V cameras are available in the Sony Alpha camera inventory.
Used FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II and FE 50mm F1.2 Lenses were just added to the Sony FE lens inventory.
My favorite tripod, the Really Right Stuff TVC-24L Versa Series 2 Mk2 Carbon Fiber Tripod (Long), is available in the used Really Right Stuff inventory. A TFC-33 MK2 Series3 Ultralight Carbon Fiber Tripod (58.3"), PG-02 LR Pano-Gimbal Head with B2-LR II Lever-Release Clamp, MC-34 Series 3 Carbon Fiber Monopod (1/4"-20), and PC-LR Round Panning Clamp with Lever-Release Release are also available.
Put the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens on the EOS R50, and you have an impressive portrait kit in your hands. The images produced by that combination belie the cost, as the R50 and RF 85 F2 are priced at the bottom of their class.
Support columns often provide a great portrait background. Their subtle toning and (usually) white color do not compete for attention. In this case, the model's head was framed within one column, with two additional columns completing the backdrop.
Add a background-matching white coat and the 85 F2's background blur to make the model's hair and face grab the viewer's attention.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 100
4000 x 6000px
The Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM Lens delivers jaw-dropping imagery, and with portraiture on the schedule, this lens was my first choice for testing the Canon EOS R8.
The location was the Magnolia Plantation near Charleston, SC., where the Spanish moss and its reflection provide a beautiful, non-distracting foreground and background that emphasize the bridge and model. Even at a relatively long distance, the 135mm focal length and f/1.8 aperture combination on a full-frame camera creates nice background separation, especially making the subject pop.
The R8 brings Canon's outstanding AF system and full-frame image quality to an affordable price.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 100
6000 x 4000px
Tamron's FY2022 Financial Results are showing positive trending, including an increased forecast.
Also shared was "Tamron will continue to launch about 5 models a year in 2023."
Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:
- Adobe Photoshop Elements 2023 (Box or Download) – only $64.99 after $35.00 instant savings
- APC Back-UPS PRO BN1500M2 Battery Backup & Surge Protector – only $179.99 after $60.00 instant savings
- Benro MeFoto GlobeTrotter Aluminum Travel Tripod Kit (Titanium) – only $99.95 after $165.00 instant savings
- Gitzo Century Camera Compact Messenger Bag – only $89.88 after $100.00 instant savings
- Samsung G32A 32" 16:9 165 Hz FreeSync LCD Gaming Monitor Kit (2-Pack) – only $369.99 after $290.00 instant savings
- DJI Osmo Pocket Gimbal – only $179.00 after $120.00 instant savings
See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals.
Worth browsing: Deals of the Week at B&H.
Some standout deals include:
You can try searching, but there are no marmot photography workshops available. At least, I didn't find one.
Certainly, you could talk someone into providing a custom marmot photo tour, but there is a reason (or multiple reasons) why such tours are not readily available. I'll start the list. We don't value marmots and marmot photos enough to spend our time and funds chasing them.
However, these small animals are fun to hang out with, and they are easily cute enough to be photo-worthy.
I photographed these creatures in three national parks last year. This marmot was a Rocky Mountain National Park resident. However, a couple of coyotes were attempting to end that residency. Thus, survival was at the top of this wary marmot's priority list, and the high rock perch advantaged the marmot in this competition.
Marmots, and animals in general, vary on their minimum people distance. In relation to close shooting distance, experience, observation, and acclimation are the photographer's keys to getting the best wildlife images. Marmots in people-frequented areas of national parks tend to be quite tolerant of people.
However, getting too close is not good for photos or the critter being photographed — the subject departs.
When an interesting subject is discovered, photograph it for the insurance shots. Then, if the situation warrants, slowly move a bit closer, perhaps not directly toward the subject. Repeat until, or better yet, just before, the animal shows the least discomfort with your presence.
This image represents what I felt was near this marmot's minimum people distance. It is alert and wary, but his concern is not me.
The marmot presented a variety of poses, but most were looking toward the sides. Composition involves many factors, but the simple one in this scenario was that the critter should be looking into the frame. Placing it high in the frame helps convey the lookout role.
Sorry, I'm not opening a marmot-specific photography tour this year. But, I may have a couple of openings in my elk rut instructional photo tour in September.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 200
8640 x 5760px
The Yellow Mounds make all the Badlands National Park top photography locations lists. They are beautiful, intriguing, and worthy of their position on those lists.
However, creating great images that include these mounds is not easy. Of course, lighting changes everything, and dramatically reducing the image quality challenge on this day was natural spotlighting that, incredibly, illuminated the feature highlights of this scene.
As is often the case, the Canon EOS R5 and RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens combination was outstanding for this landscape photograph. The RF 24-105 is relatively compact, has an excellent general-purpose focal length range, consistently produces impressively sharp images, and was my primary lens for over two weeks in this park last year.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 100
8192 x 5464px
From ProGrade Digital:
ProGrade Digital Announces 3rd Generation CFexpress Type B 1TB Memory Cards
The CFexpress 1TB Gold Memory Cards Provide Dramatically Improved Specifications Needed for Longer Duration, High-Resolution Video Applications at Very Attractive Price Points
San Jose, CA January 19, 2023, 8:00 am — ProGrade Digital, Inc., founded with a mission to provide the highest quality professional grade digital memory cards and workflow solutions, announces its new 3rd generation of 1TB CFexpress™ Type B Gold memory cards. This new generation features the same industry-leading quality of ProGrade current 2nd generation CFexpress cards - leveraging PCIe, Gen 3 interconnect with NVMe 1.3 host controller interface. ProGrade Digital 3rd generation CFexpress 1TB cards provide read speeds of up to 1,700MB/s and burst write speeds of up to 1,500MB/s and sustained write speeds of up to 1,300MB/s – ideally suited for high-resolution video capture applications. ProGrade Digital is also introducing a 3rd generation 512GB CFexpress Type B Gold memory card with read speeds of up to 1,700MB/s, burst write speeds of up to 1,500MB/s and sustained write speeds of up to 800MB/s. The 512GB card will be shipping in February 2023. All new 3rd generation CFexpress Gold cards now clearly state the sustained write speed on the front label. This additional messaging clearly states the real-world capability of our cards - especially critical for high performance video capture applications.
“The introduction of our 3rd generation CFexpress 1TB Gold cards provides the large capacity and dramatically improved performance needed for a very broad range of video capture needs,” said Wes Brewer, founder, and CEO of ProGrade Digital. “Our re-introduction of a 1TB capacity point, at 1,300MB/sec sustained write speed, ensures that nearly all video capture modes can be utilized while also providing our traditionally high read speeds for quick offloading.”
ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B 1TB Gold Memory Cards:
- Maximum read speed up to 1700MB/s
- Burst write speed up to 1500MB/s
- Minimum sustained write speed up to 1,300MB/s
- Capacities: 1TB
- MSRP: $399.99
CFexpress Type B 1TB Delivers:
- Fully compliant with CompactFlash™ Association 2.0 specification
- NVMe host interface with PCIe Gen3 X2 interconnect
- Extended battery life and low standby power through NVMe PS0 – PS4 support
- Metal enclosure for improved durability and heat dissipation
- Thermal throttling protects the card from overheating
- Laser etched unique serial numbering for the tracking of key components and manufacturing data for the highest quality control
- Temperature ranges: operating 14°F to 158°F/ -10°C to 70°C; storage -4°F to 185°F/ -20°C to 85°C
- Packaging: Biodegradable fiber tray
- Refresh Pro ready*
- X-ray proof and shock-proof
- 3-year warranty
Orders
Order ProGrade Digital CFexpress Memory Cards from B&H.
*Refresh Pro™ functionality requires ProGrade Digital Refresh Pro™ software application and a ProGrade Digital card and reader. This is a great way to monitor card health and restore the card back to factory-fresh conditions.
Image quality test results are now available on the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens page.
The new Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens does not feature the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens optical design, and the new design nicely outperforms the old one.
Support this site by ordering the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX
Rent the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens from Lensrentals.
Please share!
- Boundary-breaking performance with the M2 Pro or M2 Max chip.
- All-day battery life — up to 22 hours.
- A stunning Liquid Retina XDR display.
- All the ports you need.
- And superfast Wi Fi 6E.
Learn more about the new Apple 14" and 16" MacBook Pro M2 Pro and M2 Max at B&H.
Learn more about the new Apple Mac mini M2 at B&H.
RRS's long-awaited version II Pano-Gimbal head is on the streets!
Just posted: Really Right Stuff PG-02 MK2 Pano-Gimbal Head Review.
This head features another really great (and innovative) RRS design.
Please share!
From DJI:
DJI Treats Mirrorless Camera Owners to New Travel Stabilizer DJI RS 3 Mini
DJI’s Industry-Leading Ronin Stabilizer Portfolio Broadened with New Mini Version
January 10, 2023 – DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today introduces DJI RS 3 Mini, a lightweight handheld travel stabilizer developed specifically to support today’s mainstream brands of mirrorless cameras and lenses. With a smaller and lighter body, the DJI RS 3 Mini continues the excellent stabilization performance of the RS 3 series, allowing users to create professional-grade content while traveling around landscapes or in urban locations. Furthermore, weighing less than 800 g (1.8 lbs), the gimbal can carry a weight of up to 2 kg (4.4 lbs), features Bluetooth shutter control, a 3rd generation stabilization algorithm, native horizontal and vertical switching, and a 1.4-inch color touchscreen.
“Since the introduction of DJI’s Ronin series for cinematography in professional environments, DJI has been working on bringing professional-grade technology to an increasing number of content creators,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Line Manager at DJI. “The DJI RS 3 Mini is testament to DJI’s core value of bringing innovative stabilization technology to everyone with a love of capturing their moments in a photo or on video. Now, anyone with a mirrorless camera can experience the same industry-leading technology used on film sets and studios across the globe.”
With Just One Hand
The RS 3 Mini adopts an all-in-one design which is both compact and portable. At only 795 g (1.7 lbs) in vertical shooting mode, the RS 3 Mini is around 50% lighter than the RS 3 Pro and 40% lighter than the RS 3. This makes the device much easier to carry, and allows it to achieve great results with just one hand. It can be stored easily in a shoulder bag, and its weight makes it much more suited to traveling during longer outdoor shooting.
A Tool for Every Mirrorless Owner
With the ability to carry a weight of up to 2 kg (4.4 lbs), the RS 3 Mini supports a range of mainstream mirrorless camera and lens combinations, such as the Sony A7S3 + 24-70mm F2.8 GM lens, Canon EOS R5 + RF24-70mm F2.8 STM lens or Fuji X-H2S + XF 18-55 mm F2.8-4 lens, to name a few (see the full compatibility list here). A powerful motor ensures that even when the zoom reaches the maximum focal length, the footage captured remains stable, and there is no need to repeat balancing.
Native Vertical Shooting
In order to meet the needs of today’s vertical video creation, the RS 3 Mini features a freshly designed dual-layered quick-release plate. By attaching the quick-release plate to the vertical arm, vertical shooting can be achieved without the need for additional accessories, and the gimbal rotation angle is not limited, compared to traditional vertical mode. Short video social media content can be shot with ease. RS 3 Mini also features an upper plate with a new curved placement guide, which prevents the camera from rotating and loosening.
3rd Generation Stabilization
Lightweight and powerful, RS 3 Mini is a professional stabilizer that will bring an unprecedented, easy, and flexible landscape or street shooting experience to users of all levels, achieving portability and professionalism at the same time. DJI’s 3rd generation stabilization algorithm as found in the RS 3 Pro, has been utilized in the RS 3 Mini to provide outstanding performance, whether the user is running, shooting at a low angle or in flashlight mode. Content stability is ensured throughout shooting and professional-level image stabilization can be achieved regardless of the user’s experience. When users are shooting around human subjects, the RS 3 Mini achieves smooth camera movements effortlessly. Users don't need to pay too much attention to footwork and pace, as the RS 3 Mini can follow people steadily and switch between high and low angles for a more diverse range of shots. Dynamic 360°-rotation imaging delivers a strong visual impact and eye-catching shots.
Effortless Connection
The Wireless Bluetooth Shutter function supports linking with the majority of today’s mainstream mirrorless cameras. After the initial linking, the camera will be ready automatically for action as soon as it is turned on, and users can directly control the video recording and photo capture functions via the record button on the gimbal, enabling them to concentrate on shooting straightaway. When using a Sony camera with a supported digital lens, users can also directly control the lens's optical or digital zoom via the front dial, eliminating the need for a camera control cable.
Control at Your Fingertips
For convenient control, a 1.4-inch full-color touchscreen, M-mode button to switch between the gimbal’s three custom modes and front dial for focusing, can all be found within easy one-handed reach.
Accessories a Plenty
Featuring a NATO port on the side of the body, the RS 3 Mini opens up more shooting options by connecting various accessories such as DJI’s Briefcase Handle, external fill lights or microphones.
Fantastic Power for a Day’s Shoot
The integrated battery handle of the RS 3 Mini provides up to 10 hours charge, meeting the needs of a day’s shoot. It supports charging during use and can be fully charged in as little as 2.5 hours.1
Make the Most with the Ronin App
The Ronin app has a wealth of smart shooting functions to help users get the most from their creations.
- Time-lapse: Add a timelapse to any video for an engaging opening or breathtaking transition.
- Track recording: Set the gimbal to move along up to 10 pre-set points for a dynamic video of any scene or environment.
- Panorama: Enhance the camera’s field of vision with a panoramic photo showing the whole scene in front of you.
Price and Availability
DJI RS 3 Mini will be available for purchase today from authorized retailers and at www.store.dji.com with a price of USD $369. Full details can be found at www.dji.com/rs-3-mini
DJI Care Refresh
DJI Care Refresh is a comprehensive protection plan for DJI products and is now available for RS 3 Mini. Accidental damage is covered by the replacement service, including natural wear, collisions, and water damage. For a small additional charge, you can have your damaged product replaced if an accident occurs.
DJI Care Refresh (1-Year Plan) includes up to 2 replacements in 1 year. DJI Care Refresh (2-Year Plan) includes up to 3 replacements in 2 years. Other services of DJI Care Refresh include rewards for safe use, international warranty service, and free shipping. For a full list of details, please visit www.dji.com/support/service/djicare-refresh
Camera and lens compatibility can be found here: www.dji.com/support/compatibility
Orders
Learn more, and order the DJI RS 3 Mini from B&H.
From DxO:
DxO releases 1,693 new Optics Modules, providing unrivaled corrections for Canon EOS R6 Mark II, Fujifilm X-T5, Sony A7R V, and a selection of Sigma lenses
DxO’s Optics Modules offer unparalleled corrections, including unique lens softness improvements and distortion corrections that maximize field of view. DxO’s software now corrects more than 80,000 lens and camera combinations.
Paris (France): DxO, the company that has pioneered calibration-based optical corrections for 20 years, today announces its latest batch of Optics Modules. The release of 1,693 DxO Optics Modules includes support for the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, the Fujifilm X-T5, the Sony A7R V, five lenses from Sigma, and more.
For quality-conscious photographers, DxO Optics Modules are a wealth of individually tailored, laboratory-grade corrections, which present the most accurate and powerful route to improving image quality on the market. Superior to other optical correction software, DxO’s adjustments vastly improve results, whether they are applied to entry-level lenses or professional-grade glass.
Essentially, the performance of any lens can be boosted by processing RAW files with DxO software: PhotoLab, PureRAW, FilmPack, and ViewPoint.
A unique approach to defeating lens softness
All correction software offers digital sharpening to combat lens softness, but DxO’s approach is unique and superior, taking into account the varying levels of sharpness across a lens’s entire field of view. Rather than applying general sharpening across the entire image (as with lesser software), DxO Optics Modules target sharpening as required, such as when a lens gets progressively softer towards its edges.
As seen with the Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN, the boost in image quality by DxO Optics Modules makes it perform better in terms of sharpness and distortion (while also eliminating vignetting and aberrations). As illustrated below, nowhere is this clearer than in combating lens softness.
1. The uncorrected lens displays a significant difference in sharpness between the center of the frame and the corners.
2. Typically, photo editing software uses a generic profile to make a global correction across the entire image based on the sharpening required at the center.
3. Edge of frame sharpening from Adobe Lightroom® (left) and DxO Optics Modules (right). Unlike Adobe Lightroom, DxO Optics Modules are able to progressively increase corrections away from the frame’s center, allowing for a sharper overall image.
Sophisticated distortion corrections deliver greater image area
DxO’s Optics Modules frequently deliver a greater image area thanks to more refined assessments when correcting distortions. When needed, DxO Optics Modules give photographers the option to gain extra image area when compared with the crop applied as the result of Lightroom’s corrections.
Intelligent control of chromatic aberration
In addition, DxO’s Optics Modules remove chromatic aberrations — both longitudinal, and lateral. Chromatic aberrations vary depending on the focal length and distance, and DxO’s algorithms take these into account in order to perform more accurate corrections. Colored outlines are removed without degrading the image’s color or detail.
Vignetting accurately removed
Finally, vignetting is resolved, correcting the darker edges of the frame that can occur in certain lenses and at specific focal lengths.
The most exacting science, the highest quality
Each DxO Optics Module is created using individual camera and lens combinations. This means that any minor differences in the performance of a sensor can be measured across all the examples of it in a manufacturer’s lens mount range.
For instance, with the new Optics Modules for the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S, measurements were not made using just a single full-frame Alpha camera, but with almost every Sony camera on the market.
Latest DxO Optics Modules
The latest DxO Optics Modules update — available now — includes the following cameras and lenses, each optimized for specific camera and lens combinations:
- Canon EOS R6 Mark II
- Fujifilm X-T5
- OM System OM-5
- Sony A7R V
- Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | C (L-mount)
- Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C (Sony FE)
- Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN | C (Sony FE)
- Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN | C (L-mount)
- Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S (Sony FE)
- Tokina ATX-M 11-18mm F2.8 (Sony E)
Orders
Order your DxO Software direct from DxO.
I took a little time out to finish off another moose photo waiting in the to-process queue.
The Canon EOS R5 and RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens are a fantastic wildlife combination and take credit for this picture.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 1600
8192 x 5464px
During last year's Rocky Mountain National Park instructional photo tour, we spotted this bull elk from about a mile away. The size of the antlers was an easy reason to go after this animal, but there was another good reason.
While a great subject is paramount for a great image, a primary wildlife or portrait subject often fills a relatively small percentage of the frame. Elk are large animals, and this one fills the composition enough to leave just-comfortable breathing room at the top and bottom. Still, most of the frame is background.
The full Sony Alpha 1 image measures 8,640 x 5,760 pixels, yielding 49,766,400 total pixels. Cropping the image to fit only the elk results in 3,499 x 4,729 pixels and 16,546,771 total pixels. Dividing the smaller total pixels number by the larger one indicates that the elk consumes only 33% of the frame.
Therefore, the background is a vital part of the image. Blurring the background is a great option for emphasizing the subject and removing distractions. While a 600mm f/4 lens can blur the background stronger than most others, the size of the elk pushes the focus distance long enough that the background details remain discernable. Thus, the background still needs to be supportive.
A reason for pursuing this opportunity was the evenly vegetated meadow background. The meadow provides a complementary color and a sense of the location without competing for attention.
A bull elk standing in bright sunlight is an easy scenario to produce a sharp image in, and a fast framerate is unnecessary, right? Not so fast.
That bright sunlight creates heatwaves, and telephoto-focal-length-magnified heatwaves blur the image. The background is already blurred, but the eye must be sharp. Heatwaves move fast, and high-speed continuous shooting often results in some eye-sharp images among the blurred ones.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 125
8640 x 5760px
 "Share on Pinterest!"){kind=small}
 |
|