Field Accessories For Digital SLRs; While Perhaps Not Top Priority, These Items Can Really Come In Handy Page 2
Block The Breeze
Top on the list of items to steady up your subject is the "Plamp,"
made by Wimberley. With a list price of $36.95, this is one of the most versatile
accessories to have, particularly for those wishing to photograph wildflowers
in all weather conditions. Simple in design, it attaches to your tripod with
a hefty, all-plastic clamp. From there, the flexible arm extends out to a smaller
lightweight clamp, which allows you to mount a wind blocker, or even a shadow
maker, to make great close-ups when there's a light breeze or harsh lighting
conditions.
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Close-Up Lens Gear
Canon offers a close-up lens that mounts on the front of your longer lenses.
It allows you to use, for example, your 70-200mm lens with the larger 77mm filter
ring with a close focusing distance of around 20". This sure helps lighten
your trekking load by eliminating the need for a separate macro lens. The model
number is 500D and the current street price is around $140.
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Instant Overcast
You might want to consider the Cloud Dome for the diffusion of small objects
in sunny or otherwise harsh lighting conditions. It's easy to set up and
carry. I use it for both product and nature photography and don't even
have to worry about the white balance. That's easy--cloudy of course!
Retail price is quoted at $179.95 with a universal bracket.
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Filter Factors
Filters are an important part of any foray, and when I want to reduce the brightness
of ambient light for special effects I reach for my Singh-Ray Vari-ND filter.
This filter can effectively control density up to 10 full exposure stops without
any change in color density or sharpness. It also can be used to position your
flash units closer for macro photographs without the fear of overexposure, be
employed for selective focus in bright light, or to enhance the motion of fast-moving
subjects, like a stream in the woods. Sure, it's expensive at $340, but
I never leave home without it.
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