This is an in-depth review of the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G, which was announced back in September of 2008. For many years the focal length of 50mm lenses was considered a “standard” or “normal” focal length, because it closely resembles the perspective of the human eye. These lenses were widely popular...
Must-Have Filters for Landscape Photography
While I was photographing the beautiful scenery of the Glacier National Park at sunrise, I realized that some filters are pretty much required to get good results when photographing landscapes. While many photographers think that some of the built-in tools in Lightroom and Photoshop can simulate filter behavior, making filters...
What is Chromatic Aberration?
Chromatic aberration, also known as "color fringing" or "purple fringing", is a common optical problem that occurs when a lens is either unable to bring all wavelengths of color to the same focal plane, and/or when wavelengths of color are focused at different positions in the focal plane. Chromatic aberration...
What is Focus Shift?
Focus Shift is an optical problem that occurs due to Spherical Aberration, when an object is brought into focus at maximum aperture and captured with the lens stopped down. Focus shift can lead to blurry images and focus errors, when working with subjects at close distances and using fast aperture...
Photoshop vs Lightroom: What You Need to Know (2024)
Many beginners do not know the differences between Lightroom and Photoshop and have a hard time choosing which one to use. This article breaks down all the differences between these two software packages from Adobe, what they are used for, and what you can do in Photoshop that you cannot in Lightroom.
Nikon 40mm f/2.8G DX Review
This is an in-depth review of the new Nikon 40mm f/2.8G DX macro / micro prime lens that was announced in July of 2011. The Nikon 40mm f/2.8G DX, also known as "AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G" is a consumer-grade lens for photo enthusiasts that need an affordable macro lens...
Jobu Design Black Widow Jr Review
This is a review of the Black Widow Jr.3 (BWG-JR3) Gimbal head by Jobu Design. A good, reliable and flexible tripod head is a must when using long telephoto lenses. While there are many different tripod heads and mounts out there, the "Gimbal" type head is preferred, because it provides...
Nikon 400mm f/2.8G VR Review
This is an in-depth review of the Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR lens that was released in August of 2007, along with Nikon D3 and two other exotic super-telephoto lenses. In this review, I will not only provide general information about the Nikon 400mm f/2.8 VR and its performance, but...
What is Spherical Aberration?
Spherical Aberration is an optical problem that occurs when all incoming light rays end up focusing at different points after passing through a spherical surface. Light rays passing through a lens near its horizontal axis are refracted less than rays closer to the edge or "periphery" of the lens and...
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Review
This is an in-depth review of the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM prime lens that was announced on March 18, 2008 for Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony mounts. The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM is a professional-grade lens for enthusiasts and pros that need a high-quality lens...