The Goods: Our Favorite New Premium Photo Gear

 

Wedge Edge
When we reviewed the FilmToaster on Shutterbug.com (see the review here: http://bit.ly/28SLqDb) we thought it was a pretty cool device. This unique film-capture cradle, which lets you use your own camera to create digital image files from virtually any size film or transparency up to 4x5, is a clever invention for bringing old analog images back to life. Now there’s a new add-on to the FilmToaster to make it even easier to use. Called the FT45 Wedge, this all-metal CNC machined base mount is a handy accessory that tilts the FilmToaster from its native vertical and horizontal position to 45 degrees. When it’s mounted on a desk and attached to one of three tripod connections at the bottom of the FilmToaster, the FT45 Wedge reduces the viewing height to an angled 12 inches. The tripod holes also allow the overall slanted height to be adjusted by the screw from 12 to 18 inches. “Although many large volume users scanning film consider the native vertical position the most ergonomically versatile, the FT45 Wedge offers additional tabletop height and comfort, especially while camera-scanning for extended periods,” explained Cecil Williams, inventor of the FilmToaster and the FT45 Wedge.

FT45 Wedge
$299
filmtoaster.photography.com

 

Packed Parka
Maybe it doesn’t feel like it right now but, in the words of Game of Thrones’ writer George R.R. Martin, winter is coming. And what do devoted photographers do when it’s super chilly outside? They still go out and shoot! But you’ve got to stay warm, too, and that’s why we like the Field Jacket from COOPH. Made from waterproof and windproof 100 percent cotton fabric and designed to move freely so you won’t be hindered while taking pictures, the Field Jacket will keep you warm while providing plenty of places to stash your gear. The jacket is made from Stotz EtaProof fabric, which was originally used to create overalls for British Hurricane pilots during World War II. The waterproof material protected the pilots from hypothermia when they plunged into the ice-cold Atlantic Ocean so it definitely should keep you dry and toasty. The Field Jacket has a variety of inner and large outer pockets to stash compact cameras and rangefinders or photo accessories. There’s even a quick access pocket for your smartphone or passport. While the jacket is light and breathable, its stylish military design makes you look chic, whether you’re chasing shots in the wild or heading out for a night on the town.

Field Jacket
$437
store.cooph.com

 

Field Friend
When the shooting gets tough, photographers turn to Olympus Tough cameras. And the new Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker could be the company’s most unique, durable field camera yet. Billed as Olympus’ “first rugged experiential camera,” it combines a 204-degree ultra-wide-angle f/2.0 lens with Ultra HD 4K 30p video capture and an “advanced Field Sensor System” to shoot action video while recording related activity data. The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker’s built-in Field Sensors include GPS, a barometric-pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an e.Compass, and an accelerometer. Data logs can be displayed simultaneously with recorded images using the Olympus Image Track app. The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is designed to be used in difficult shooting conditions: It’s waterproof to depths of 100 feet, dustproof, shockproof from 7 feet, freezeproof to 14 degrees F, and crushproof up to 220 pounds of force with no protective case needed. An LED headlight is integrated into the camera body to help shoot in low-light conditions. The bundled SG-T01 Steady Grip helps with stable framing during handheld shooting. The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker’s compact body and tilt-out LCD monitor are designed to provide quick and easy video capture, including low- and high-angle shooting.

Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker
$349
getolympus.com

 

Shark Shooter
Michael Muller’s fantastic photos of sharks are so realistic they look like they’re going to jump off the page and gobble you up. Fortunately, a limited edition version of his new shark book comes with some added protection: It’s wrapped in its own metal shark cage. The XXL Collector’s Edition of the book, which is titled Michael Muller: Sharks, Face-to-Face with the Ocean’s Endangered Predator, is signed by the photographer and sells for the outsized price of $1,500. But, as the title suggests, it’s a collector’s item: This jumbo-sized, caged tome is limited to just 1,000 copies.

Michael Muller: Sharks, Face-to-Face with the Ocean’s Endangered Predator
(XXL Collector’s Edition)
$1,500
taschen.com

 

The Goods spotlights the hottest premium photo gear out there. If you have a product you’d like considered for The Goods, e-mail images and info to editorial@shutterbug.com.

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