Featured Articles and Reviews

Which Nikon DSLR to Buy First?

Even though quite a few of our readers are beginner photographers, we often talk about things that, while simple to us, are much more difficult to … [Continue Reading]

Which Nikon DSLR to Buy First

How to Use a Reflector

In the world of photography, nothing happens without light. In most cases, there are two types of light that photographers work with: natural light … [Continue Reading]

Reflectors

Which Nikon Prime Lens to Buy First?

Buying a DSLR often means having several accessories to go with it, among which are lenses. But choosing your first lens isn't easy - there are so … [Continue Reading]

Which Nikon Prime Lens to Buy First?

How to Read MTF Charts

When my article on field curvature was published a while ago, where I talked about how one could do a quick analysis of lens MTF data and determine if … [Continue Reading]

How to Read MTF Charts

Nikon D7100 Review

This is an in-depth review of the Nikon D7100 DSLR that was announced on February 20, 2013, along with the Nikon WR-1 wireless remote controller. … [Continue Reading]

Nikon D7100

Nikon 50mm f/1.8G for Wedding Photography

As promised in my Nikon D800 for Wedding Photography article that I wrote a couple of days ago, I am continuing the series and this time with the … [Continue Reading]

Nikon 50mm f/1.8G Weddings (10)

Mastering Lightroom: How to Tether Your Camera

Lightroom is a very flexible image management and processing software, but apart from powerful tools and settings to enhance your photographs, it also offers features that help you during the actual process of photographing. Have you ever felt that, even with the constant resolution and physical size growth, camera LCD screens just aren’t big enough for comfortable image viewing in the field? Luckily, Lightroom offers a way to import photographs and review them as you shoot. This function, called Tethered Capture, is especially useful for studio photographers who don’t tend to move about too much. It can be equally useful for landscape photographers, too. In this Mastering Lightroom series article, I will explain how to tether your camera. This allows you to import images directly into the Lightroom 4 environment for quick and comfortable revision as you photograph.

How to Use Tethered Capture

1) When Should I Use It?

The best time to use Tethered Capture is when working in a less active environment. For example, studio and landscape photographers, who tend to bring their laptop computers along on a shoot, will find it to be very simple and fuss-less. However, wedding photographers, who tend to move all the time and change their shooting position, would find Tethered Capture to be annoying at the very least. Who’d want to photograph a wedding with a USB cable strapped to the camera constantly, and through it, a laptop? You’d need an assistant just to have that laptop lugged around behind you! In many other situations, Tethered Capture can make reviewing images that much more pleasant.

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Sony SLT-A77 and NEX-7 Instant Savings

Two highly regarded Sony cameras have received generous instant savings at B&H, our most trusted reseller. Both SLT-A77 and NEX-7 mirrorless camera offer great 24 megapixel APS-C sensors, durable magnesium alloy bodies and extensive manual control with lots of professional features, and are of the most desired cameras among Sony users.

Traditionally, Sony offer a lot of bang for your buck (a strategy to counter photographic pedigree of its fierce competition). Now, with instant saving, they are even cheaper, especially compared to competition. We were very impressed with the A77 (click here to read our review) and although NEX-7 has not yet been reviewed, it’s baby brother, the NEX-6, left Nasim with positive feelings as well (click here to read our reaview of the NEX-6).

Sony Alpha A77
Sony NEX-7

Purchase Links

Anatomy Of A Winning Ad – “So God Made A Farmer…”

These words summarized what was arguably the best commercial of the 47th Super Bowl between the Ravens and 49ers. I was not surprised that this Dodge Ram Truck commercial rose to the top of the pack, since I have been a long-time fan of the man whose touching words graced the 2 minute ad – Paul Harvey. The most intriguing aspect of this ad was that it was as low-tech as it gets. No fancy computer graphics. No matinee idols. No pop culture icons. No questionable language. No massive creative ad budget. It was merely the legendary voice of Paul Harvey, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 90, reciting a 35 year old text… and a series of touching photographs. Let’s take a look at the elements of this great ad and understand why it proved to be so appealing to so many – even lifelong inhabitants of big cities whose only experience with farms has been watching them on TV.

Photo From Dodge Ram Commercial
Image Credit – Chrysler Dodge

The Power To Move People – The Messenger

Based on my recent article regarding Looklet’s LookCreator software replacing photographers and models in the clothing catalog arena, some of you may have thought that I was ceding the world of photography to high end computer graphics. Nothing could be further from the truth. I still believe that a photograph can have profound impacts and change people’s minds and hearts, and in some cases, their wallets as well.

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Impact Turtle Base C-Stand & Grip Arm Kit Review

As you know from reading this website, Impact makes a number of excellent products that offer quite a bit of bang for your photography buck. The Impact Turtle Base C-Stand & 20 Grip Arm Kit is no exception.

Impact_Turtle_C_Stand

1) Initial Thoughts

This Impact stand is an impressive piece of gear. It is attractive, very solid, and well made. If a C-Stand fits your studio needs, you should consider this model.

Impact Turtle Base C-Stand & 20 Grip Arm Kit

Impact_Turtle_C_Stand_Controls

2) Product Specifications

Accepts Wheels: No
Material: Chromed steel and aluminum
Minimum Height: 3.3′ (1.0 m)
Maximum Height: 5.9′ (1.8 m)
Closed Length; 3.3′ (1.0 m)
Footprint Diameter: 39.3″ (1.0 m)
Riser: 20″ (51 cm), 2 section
Grip Arm; Bar length: 20″ (51 cm)
Grip head: 2.5″ (6.35 cm)
Maximum Load: 22 lbs (10 kg) used as a stand
Attachment Size: 5/8″ (16 mm) male stud
Weight Kit: 18 lb (8.2 kg)
Stand alone: 17 lb (7.7 kg)

2) Features

- Fold-away, twist and release locking legs
- Durable finish resists all weather conditions
- Innovative design on the C-Stand base allows individual legs to be set at any angle, and can be positioned in locations not possible with classic stands
- Ergonomic T-shaped handles are captive – they do not come off of the stand when unscrewed, preventing loss
- Each riser section has an external rubber gasket, which protects your equipment and fingers from sudden drops in stand elevation

Depending on the angle of the riser, this unit will position a beauty dish or softbox between 6-7 feet. It also acts as an excellent short boom/stand combination for a hair light.

Impact Turtle Base C-Stand & 20 Grip Arm Kit

3) Construction And Operations

This chromed steel stand and steel/aluminum grips are not only classy looking, they are well-suited for the task of handling professional lighting heads and light modifiers. This unit easily balanced my Bowens Gemini 500W head, reflector, and Photo Wizard control, which weighed about 8 lbs. Throughout the grip’s range of motion – even at 90 degrees – this Impact stand proved to be extremely sturdy. I put a significant amount of pressure on the grip arm with my hand and it didn’t budge an inch. As long as you align the riser with the upper leg, this unit is simply not going to move. With a larger softbox attached, I would likely add a 10 – 15 lb sand bag for extra stability.

The handles are very large and easy to grip. Locking them required very short turns and very little pressure. The base of the unit has a ring, which, once pulled, allows the legs to fold together for compact storage. Tightening the nearby handle ensures that the legs remain locked.

With Bowens' Light Attached

4) What Is In The Box?

- Turtle Base C-Stand – 5.9′ (Chrome)
- Grip Head for Lights and Accessories – 2.5″ Diameter (Chrome)
- Extension Grip Arm 20″ (Chrome)
- 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty

5) Quality

This stand is extremely well made and stylish as well. It is a solid piece of gear that will probably last longer than the rest of your photo gear combined.

6) Value

At $154.95, this stand offers a good value for your photography dollar. Oddly enough, I found that Impact also makes another variation of this stand which extends to nearly 11 feet, includes a 40 inch arm, weighs 5 lbs more, but costs less – $128.95. The reason for this price difference is not apparent from the specifications. Perhaps Impact judged that a slightly smaller and lighter C-Stand should carry a premium price tag.

7) Suggested Improvements

It is tough to suggest any improvements apart from some optional wheels, which might be useful for hard core studio photographers, who need to move their gear quickly with minimal effort.

8) Conclusion

Impact has made a solid C-stand and grip combination which compares favorably to those made by the name brand manufacturers. The only caveat I would add is that the Impact Turtle Base C-Stand Kit – 10.75′ may be a better value if you need the extra height and weight isn’t a concern.

9) Compared To

This Impact stand can go toe-to-toe with any made by Kupo, Avenger, Matthews, and other studio equipment companies.

10) Where To Buy

You can find the Impact Turtle Base C-Stand & 20 Grip Arm Kit at B&H Photo for $154.95.

Unwanted: Photographers And Models?

Imagine that instead of setting up for weeks’ worth of fashion photography, complete with models, hundreds of outfits, hair stylists, and makeup artists, you create a virtual catalogue based on computer generated models, photos of body parts, and photographs of clothing items and accessories that customers can interact with. No glamorous models. No famous photographers. No make-up artists. No hair stylists. No expensive studios. Sound surreal? It is already a reality – a virtual one – but a reality nonetheless. Looklet is a company that has developed and delivered the technology that makes this scenario possible.

Svetlana

Technology – A Walk Back In Time

Ever since my days of working in an engineering software company, I have been keenly interested in seeing how fast CAD and imaging innovations would develop and how far they would progress. First came 2D wireframe modeling, which rapidly progressed to 3D surface and solid models. Eventually, integrated CAD modeling software enabled mechanical engineers to provide detailed “walk throughs” of ships, buildings, and car designs. The process of “rendering” further enabled engineers to create much more realistic looks for their designs. The associated rendering software, which blended realistic surfaces, textures, shading, and light reflections on the engineering models, required very expensive computer software and servers – often costing upwards of $150,000 or more. The rendering process could easily take a few days before the software completed its magic. And while impressive in their day, the resultant animated “walk throughs” of the objects could be rather slow and amateurish compared to the simplest of today’s video games.

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Nikon 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR Announcement

Along with the Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens, the Nikon 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens has also been announced (the first announcement was posted here). Initially, I wanted to post both announcements in a single article, but after reading about the new 800mm lens in detail, I decided to do a separate post on it. Why? Because the new 800mm has a lot of new technological advancements that I believe will make their way into future Nikkor lenses. At a jaw-dropping price of $17,899.95, the Nikon 800mm f/5.6 is surely not for everyone. However, considering what this lens has to offer, there is no other equivalent lens on the market today in terms of optical performance – more on this below.

Nikon 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR

Until the 800mm f/5.6 came out, Nikon’s longest super telephoto lens was the Nikon 600mm f/4G VR. To get longer focal lengths, one would have to use teleconverters – 2.0x with the 400mm f/2.8 to get to 800mm f/5.6, 1.4x with the 500mm f/4 to get to 700mm f/5.6 or 1.4x with the 600mm f/4 to get to 840mm f/5.6. Unfortunately, no other TC combination resulted in acceptably good autofocus performance and accuracy. So why do we need a dedicated 800mm f/5.6 lens, if one could get to 800mm with teleconverters? Because teleconverters degrade image quality, AF performance and AF accuracy, whereas properly arranging optical elements inside the lens can yield maximum performance. So a true 800mm lens will always yield better results than a shorter lens with a teleconverter attached to it. In addition, with the latest generation Nikon DSLRs that can autofocus at small apertures up to f/8, one could get even longer focal lengths with a separate teleconverter. Which is exactly what Nikon did with the 800mm that ships with the TC800-1.25E teleconverter that provides additional magnification to get to 1000mm. Sounds like an overkill, but it has its uses – whether in sport, news, wildlife photography or other special needs.

[Read more...]

Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Announcement

Along with a slew of new point and shoot cameras (which we at Photography Life do not particularly care about), Nikon announced an updated version of the Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 lens – a budget lens designed for both DX and FX cameras. The new Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED replaces the 13 year old 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D lens, which had never been a popular lens to begin with. So it was about time to update the lens with better optics, AF-S and other newer technologies.

Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

So what does the updated 18-35mm bring to the table compared to the previous model? First of all, the focus motor has been replaced with the latest generation AF-S motor, which means that autofocus will work on any modern Nikon DSLR, including entry-level models like D3200 without a built-in motor. Second, the optical formula has been updated – the new 18-35mm has 12 elements in 8 groups, versus 11 elements in 8 groups on the AF-D version. More ED and Aspherical lens elements have also been added for better clarity and contrast. Third, thanks to this updated optical design, the minimal focus distance has also been shortened to 0.28m from 0.33m. Fourth, the new lens is of “G” type, which means that the aperture ring is no longer there. Fifth, the lens exterior has been completely redesigned to make it look just like all modern AF-S lenses and the typical M/A / M switch has also been added. Lastly, the new 18-35mm is slightly larger than the old version and also weighs 15 grams heavier.

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Olympus OM-D E-M5 Review

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The Olympus OM-D E-M5 mirrorless camera was released on February 7, 2012 right before the CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging show in Japan. Along with the E-M5, Olympus also released two lenses for the Micro Four Thirds mount – the 75mm f/1.8 and the 60mm f/2.8 Macro. The E-M5 generated a lot of buzz among the photography community when it was released, because of its impressive specifications, compact weather sealed body and a beautiful retro style design – all to satisfy the demanding needs of the enthusiast and professional crowd. Within a relatively short period of time, the camera became a huge success, thanks to raving reviews from respected photographers. I did not pay much attention to the E-M5 at the time, because I was too busy with the Nikon D800/D800E announcements and tests. However, I really wanted to check it out sometime later, after all the dust settles. Summer and Fall were very busy seasons for me professionally, so I had to postpone my plans even more. The camera finally arrived in mid November, along with a bunch of other mirrorless cameras from Sony, Nikon and Canon. It only took me a week with the E-M5 to realize that it was exactly the camera I had been longing for.

Olympus OM-D E-M5

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Mastering Lightroom: How to Use Virtual Copies

As all previous versions of Adobe’s popular photography management and post-processing software, Lightroom 4 offers catalog system. Such a choice has both positives and negatives. One of the positives is non-destructive editing, which basically means the original image file remains intact no matter what you do to it within Lightroom environment (you can, however, delete the file entirely if you wish so). A side result is a very useful feature called Virtual Copies. In this Mastering Lightroom series article, I will explain how to use Virtual Copies. By the end of the tutorial you will learn how to copy, delete and compare them, as well as see different situations when creating a Virtual Copy can be very useful.

Mastering Lightroom: How to Use Virtual Copies

1) What are Virtual Copies and Why Should I Use Them?

As the name suggests, Virtual Copies are copies of an image file created virtually. In other words, they are copies created within Lightroom environment only. Creating a Virtual Copy does not copy the source file physically. Lightroom only stores editing information within its catalog. Among other things, such an approach also saves disk space (you only need to store information about the adjustments, not both that and a copy of the RAW file itself).

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What is Field Curvature?

Field Curvature, also known as “curvature of field” or “Petzval field curvature”, is a common optical problem that causes a flat object to appear sharp only in a certain part(s) of the frame, instead of being uniformly sharp across the frame. This happens due to the curved nature of optical elements, which project the image in a curved manner, rather than flat. And since all digital camera sensors are flat, they cannot capture the entire image in perfect focus, as shown in the below illustration:

Field Curvature

In a simple field curvature scenario like above, the light rays are perfectly focused in the center of the frame, at Image Plane A (where the sensor is). Since the image is curved, sharpness starts to drop as you move away from the center, resulting in less resolution in the mid-frame and much less resolution in the corners. The circular “dome-like” image in three dimensional form is shown to the right of the illustration. If the corner of the image is brought into focus, which would move the image plane closer (Image Plane B), the corners would appear sharp, while mid-frame would stay less sharp and the center would appear the softest. The effect of field curvature can be very pronounced, especially with older lenses.

[Read more...]