Photo Accessory News

Using filters with ultrawide lenses can often be a difficult proposition but Fotodiox has just launched a nifty solution. Called the Wonderpana FreeArc XL, the innovative filter system enables Canon shooters to use NDs, polarizers and other filters on the ultrawide Canon 11–24mm lens.

Here are some tips I discovered when researching this month’s column. One was from my wife who uses this technique all the time—smile! And you know what, people smile back, making you appear friendly and non-threatening. The other was from Michael Archambault, who suggests you “acknowledge that street photography is not perfect.” Or as my grandfather once told me, “If you spend your whole life looking for happiness, it’ll make you miserable.”

Canon introduced a new mid-range digital SLR tonight: the 24.2-megapixel Canon EOS 80D DSLR. The new Canon 80D, which goes on sale next month, replaces the   from 2013.

I think my urge to customize cameras comes from a love of cars. I can’t seem to leave my cars alone and each one has touches that make it unique. I think that’s why everybody gets really personal when it comes to finding, using, and often treasuring photographic accessories, gadgets, and gizmos. It helps if the source is obscure, foreign, and off the beaten track, which only adds to the exclusivity. And why not? The whole idea is to seek out photo accessories that accomplish something camera and lens manufacturers didn’t think to make but perfectly fills a niche in your own photographic pursuits.

Winter Storm Jonas is bearing down on our nation’s capitol and threatening to bury DC, Philly and maybe even New York City in snow this weekend. In fact, if you live anywhere east of Oklahoma, you’re probably charging batteries, restocking the liquor cabinet and laying in a good supply of unhealthy snacks that you can justify eating only during a weather emergency. But how do you plan to protect your camera when you venture out to capture the storm? Here are a few options. 

The LensCoat LensHide is a clever camouflage covering that conceals both the photographer and his or her camera gear for stealth, undercover nature photography.

Lastolite’s EzyBounce Bounce Card: The new EzyBounce is a foldable compact bounce card that fits directly (and securely) to a shoe-mounted flashgun. This bounce card is designed to help photographers achieve a softer lighting effect and eliminate any harsh shadows that may be created when using a direct flash. It has four different on-flash configurations and a compact/foldable design.