I had the chance to test the Viltrox AF 24mm f/1.8 and Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 extensively in the field – part of my quest to find the best wide-angle prime for the Nikon Z system! Both of these lenses aim for low prices rather than maximum performance, but which is actually better?
Viltrox AF 24mm f/1.8 vs Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8
One of the few companies that makes third-party, autofocus lenses for Nikon Z (and for Sony E) is Viltrox, a Chinese company focused on prime lenses. The AF 24mm f/1.8 and AF 35mm f/1.8 caught my eye, and I tested them side-by-side in the field and in the lab. Here’s what I found.
Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Development Announcement for Sony E
Tamron's has announced the development of a full-frame 17-50mm f/4 lens for Sony E mount. In the past, combining ultra-wide and normal focal lengths in a single full-frame lens has been quite a challenge. While Sony's recent 20-70mm started to head in this direction, Tamron is taking things even further...
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 for Nikon Z: $1999, Ships Next Month
Following last month’s development announcement of the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 for the Nikon Z system, the lens was officially announced today for a price of $1999. Tamron says it will be available starting September 21st, and you can already pre-order it on B&H and Adorama.
Photographing the Fluorescent Bones of Amphibians using “X-Ray Vision”
"How did you make that photo look like an x-ray?" It’s one of the questions I get asked most frequently, usually referring to one of the images below. The answer is that I get this x-ray effect by using fluorescent lighting while photographing some species of amphibian! Here's a quick...
Photography News: Nikon Zf Rumors, SanDisk SSD Mess
When I’m doing nature photography, I feel like I can completely let go of all my worries and immerse myself in what I’m doing. A few days ago, while I sat at the edge of a small puddle, a beautiful dragonfly was chasing insects around the water and I was...
Challenges of Bird Photography in São Paulo, Brazil
Wildlife photography has taken me to many places around the world, both exotic and familiar. In the realm of the familiar, I have one vivid memory from last year, from back in my home town Ottawa. I remember lying in the snow and holding my D500, just waiting for a...
The Effects of Print Size in Photography
How does print size affect the emotional feel of a photo? It may seem like an image that works at one size will be equally good at any size – but in practice, I don’t find that to be true. Instead, the best print size changes from photo to photo. It’s all about what you want to say.
Photography News: Rumored Nikon, Canon, & Sony Cameras
The high temperatures that have been plaguing our readers in the United States have finally arrived here in Central Europe. I can't say I'm a fan. So, I have decided to follow the example of many animals and shift my activity to the evening and night hours. By that I...
Photographing the Goosander, a Very Special Duck
For most of us, the duck we know (and love?) is the widespread Mallard. You can see it across the world: Europe, Asia, North America, and it has even been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. But today I'm going to introduce you to a duck that is different in...