Jon Sienkiewicz Blog

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Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Jul 08, 2021  |  0 comments

It’s Friday and I just ordered a set of 9 color graduated filters from Amazon for $26.59 in 67mm. Cheap, no? Amazingly, the 52mm set is $4 cheaper. Part of me says, “What can you expect from a $3 filter?” But the optimistic little devil sitting on my other shoulder whispers, “How bad can they be?”

Read on to learn whether this buy turned out to be a bargain or a bagel.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Jul 01, 2021  |  0 comments

Tamron just released their new 150-500mm f/5-6.7 zoom and we received one of the first samples for review. Where would you take such a lens? We went to the NJ Audubon Center, a Somerset Patriots baseball game (they’re the NY Yankees’ Double-A minor league farm team), a nearby nature preserve and the patch of bee-attractant flowers in my back yard. Here’s our review and lots of pictures from these four venues.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Jun 24, 2021  |  0 comments

There’s something about denim that says comfort with style. And the Domke F-5XB and original F-2 shoulder bags have been favorites of photographers since their introduction. Put this all together and you have a combination of Denim Domke that is bound to make you smile. Available now—and of course made in the US of A.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Jun 18, 2021  |  0 comments

Gura Gear is back in the photo shoulder bag game in a big way with 13- and 16-inch Chobe 2.0 Everyday Carry bags. Roomy, functional and extremely durable, these handsome bags appeal to travelers, photographers, businessmen and students, and everyone else who appreciates absolute top-shelf quality

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Jun 11, 2021  |  0 comments

Topaz Studio 2 provides the most creative fun you can have editing digital images for under $100, hands down. Experiment, build, adjust, edit and create your own personalized “Looks” for your photos, and save them for future use. Each Look functions as a customized filter for Photoshop within the Studio 2 plug-in. Topaz Studio 2 offers so many possibilities, you’ll never run out of creative options. And it’s soooo EASY. Here are the step-by-step instructions.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Jun 09, 2021  |  5 comments

Your mirrorless or DSLR camera probably offers four Exposure Modes: Program, Aperture, Shutter and Manual. Program Mode is easy, Manual Mode is slow, and Aperture Priority Mode is the best in most situations. Here’s why.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Jun 04, 2021  |  0 comments

Here are three very good and very different photo backpacks, each unique in its own ways. With summer coming and travel restrictions loosening, it’s time to pack a new bag and head out to make up for lost time exposures.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Jun 02, 2021  |  0 comments

The insanely popular Nik Collection of Photoshop plug-ins has been upgraded to Version 4.0. The good news: DxO has made many useful improvements and added some new presets. The bad news: no new filters.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  May 28, 2021  |  0 comments

Whether you call Flying Saucers by their traditional name or use the Pentagon’s new nomenclature (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena), capturing a UFO/UAP video or digital image is easier than it sounds. So grab your camera and tinfoil hat and join the fun.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  May 21, 2021  |  2 comments

Ranging in price from $5 to $75, these unique and special photo-related products make wonderful, thoughtful gifts for a graduating senior who digs photography. Holiday Alert: Father’s Day is June 20.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  May 14, 2021  |  0 comments

Topaz Labs claims that Sharpen AI is the first sharpening tool that can tell the difference between real detail and noise. Breakthrough or BS? And why is this important to you?

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  May 07, 2021  |  0 comments

This is the best new bag I’ve seen in 2021, hands down. Innovative and functional design, great cosmetics and durable but light-weight material—and it offers practical modular expansion. Yep, this bag is definitely a keeper.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Apr 30, 2021  |  0 comments

The right accessory makes photography more fun. Some photographers pursue accessories that are keys to unlock new activities, like macro or time-lapse photography. Us? We love gadgets of all sorts and shapes, and we’ll never have too many. Thankfully, the goodies on this list are all budget friendly. And BTW, if you’re searching for a photo-related Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or May/June Grad gift, here are some cool ideas.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Apr 25, 2021  |  0 comments

Hands on with a Hasselblad X1D II 50C medium format mirrorless camera, Hasselblad 24mm f/4.8 HCD wideangle lens and the enigmatic Hasselblad XH Converter 0,8. Does this change our attitude toward converter lenses? Continue reading to find out.  

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Apr 23, 2021  |  0 comments

The monitor you look at every day when you edit video and digital images should be as good as your camera, otherwise you may not truly be producing the output you envision. Calibration is a must, but a reliable, high performance display is indispensible.

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