Weird Lens Guru Mathieu Stern is our go-to source of clever ways to use cheap vintage lenses on modern digital cameras. In the quick video below he illustrates how to easily modify an old lens to create dramatic nocturnal photographs with a unique look.
Does a 5mm scratch in the center of the front element ruin a lens? We gouged a brand new, straight-from-the-box, $499 Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 zoom to find out. Then we shot some test subjects. Was the defect visible in the images? See for yourself…
Canon announced some new photo goodies this morning: the PowerShot SX730 Compact Camera with a 40x zoom (24-960mm equivalent), and the Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM lens, which has built-in Macro Lites on the sides of the lens.
The simple teleconverter is a compact and relatively affordable add-on that will increase the magnification of your lens and dramatically enhance its versatility. All teleconverters are not created equal, however, so watch the video below to learn more about these very useful tools.
Nikon is celebrating its upcoming 100th Anniversary with the introduction of two special-edition flagship DSLRs and a selection of commemorative lenses, collectible items and binoculars.
Though it's a commonly used term in the photography world, opinions vary on how the word “bokeh” should be pronounced. The term is said to come from the Japanese word “boke,” which translates as “blur” or, in some cases, “senility.”
In the trifecta of portrait lenses—85mm, 105mm, and 135mm—the 85mm focal length is the gateway. It’s short enough for tight shooting spaces, while producing a real portrait look, yet versatile enough for use in other genres, including photojournalism, where a nifty 50 comes up a bit short. Enter Sigma’s 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens ($1,199) that’s fast enough for reportage and long enough for portraiture.
Earlier this month we wrote about the website What The Lens that’s designed to help you choose a perfect lens for your type of photography. The catch is that site is limited to Canon shooters. But now the new website Lens vs. Lens helps you be a smarter shopper by comparing actual photos taken with Fuji, Nikon, Olympus, Sony and Leica lenses, as well as those made by Canon.
Lens condensation is an inconvenient and potentially damaging problem for those of us living in hot, humid climates and photographers traveling to similar locations. The problem arises when you leave a cold, air conditioned room and step outside into the heat.
I tend to travel on the wide side when it comes to lens selection, so it was exciting to get a hold of Tamron’s new super telephoto zoom—the SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 (Model A022). And what better way to give this big beauty a try than to take it on safari? Admittedly, this “safari” was of the local variety with a quick trip to the recently renovated Audubon Zoo barely two miles from my home in New Orleans. I also spent an afternoon with the Tamron 150-600mm G2 ($1,399) on one of the many bayous running through Southern Louisiana to shoot some gators and less exotic wildlife.
The late Mr. Newton was certainly onto something. I believe the overwhelming desire of most portrait photographers is to please the client, with seduction, amusement, and entertainment far from their minds. Let me submit this idea: shoot what the client says they want and then shoot something challenging their assumptions. Most wedding clients tend to be traditional but even introducing black and white or infrared images can increase sales and show clients you’re thinking outside the veil.
Last week we wrote about What The Lens, a new website designed to help Canon shooters choose the lens that’s best for their style of photography. If that brand-specific tool left you in the dark fear not, because the video below provides some great advice on lens choice regardless of the camera you own.
Last fall during Photokina we ran a report on the weirdest lens we’ve ever seen, the Laowa 24mm f/14 2X Macro from Venus optics. And now, although there is still no information on availability or price, the Chinese company has released three short videos illustrating the capabilities of the lens.
Shopping for new gear is always exciting, but choosing among the myriad of options available can be a tedious and time-consuming task. Now thanks to the new website What The Lens, finding a lens that’s ideal for your style of shooting is easier than ever before.
Weird Lens Guru Mattieu Stern is at it again with this DIY project explaining how to make a Lenbaby style tilt-shift lens for a mere $30. All you need is a cheap vintage Soviet Helios lens, a rubber tube, and you’re good to go.