The subject of using or not using protective lenses can invoke heated debates among photographers, with both sides often fiercely defending their choices. I am not going to debate whether it is right or wrong to use protective filters - that's certainly a personal choice. I have been using them...
Why Zeiss Does Not Make Autofocus DSLR Lenses
One of the frequently asked questions by our readers when we post information on Zeiss lenses (which are often optically stellar), is why Zeiss does not make autofocus lenses for DSLR cameras from Nikon and Canon. As you may already known, Zeiss is currently making autofocus lenses only for two...
The Question of 18-300mm Lenses, Part Deux
This article is written in response to "The Question of 18-300mm Lenses" article written by Romanas Naryškin. I used to like my 18-300mm zoom – I called it my Guilty Pleasure Lens (GPL). It was hands-down the most fun lens I ever shot with. When I wanted to just go...
Mosaiculture – Capturing Images at Large Public Venues
With the prime holiday season just around the corner for many Photography Life readers, many of you will be facing challenges photographing at large, public venues. I thought it may be interesting to share some images I took at the Mosaiculture exhibit in Montreal last year, and some of the...
Why You Should Only Buy from Authorized Dealers
There is a lesson here for all, especially when purchasing expensive gear. Expensive is a relative term with a value that varies per individual and can't be generalized, the stuff being said here applies to all values of items. It comes down to how much value the item has to you and...
Shooting Flowers and Foliage with Telephoto Lenses
My wife is an avid gardener and for more years than I can remember, I have accompanied her on a wide range of garden tours and other such outings. While gardening is of little interest to me per se, I do find some enjoyment in capturing images of flowers and...
Fuji X-T1 Preview and Image Samples
I have been shooting with the Fuji X-T1 for the past several weeks and I must say, I am just blown away by what this little camera can do. While I will be working my way to a review fairly soon, I wanted to provide a quick summary of my...
The Question of 18-300mm Lenses
Today, Nikon has announced a new DX zoom lens for beginner photographers. Covering a vast focal length range of 18-300mm, it's not the first Nikkor with such parameters - the similar 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens has already been announced a while ago, not to mention all the third-party competition from...
Profoto 3′ RFi Octa Softbox Review
While testing out the Profoto B1 500 flash head, I also had a chance to use one of my favorite light modifiers, a 3 foot octabox (also known as "octa softbox", "octabank" or just "octa"), known as "3' RFi Octa Softbox" by Profoto. Although Profoto carries a wide array of...
How Shooting Video Led to Me Selling All My Nikon DX Gear
Whether you’re an amateur or professional shooter the choice of which camera brand and format to buy can be daunting. Often after you’ve shot with it for a while another round of soul-searching can happen as you better understand the strengths and limitations of your gear, and consider where your...