Friday, December 31, 2010

Sony VCL-HGA07 HG Wide Angle Conversion Lens 0.7x for 30/37mm Right now


if you have a sony full hd cam like I do (sony hdrxr500) then this is a must for people serious about there stuff...this lens lets you cover more of an area it adds to the image coverage all around from bottom to top left to right...there are just few flaws the lens is a bit heavy adding a hefty weight to consumer Camcorder plus the lens borders are to thin i guess because it results in a lot of flare with my video lights so i have to adjust a lot...plus the lens gets dirty quite often for the same reason...otherwise the image quality is super there is no distortion whatsoever attaching it is a snap but be careful sometimes it might fall of while removing or attaching so hold it steady but the lens itself seems really well built it is really sturdy it can take some bashing...its worth itGet more detail about Sony VCL-HGA07 HG Wide Angle Conversion Lens 0.7x for 30/37mm.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Cheapest Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras


This is a very good lens for the price range. The images are sharp and 500 mm and price are really nice. The problem was for the type of photography I do - that of a lot of travel as light as possible - this lens is just too big and heavy. If you can handle that you would be very happy with it. The image stabilization (VR) is quite good when hand-held and focusing is fast enough for 3D on my D300. I got some great Eagle (moving and flying quite fast)and other bird images during the short time I tried it.Get more detail about Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Cheap Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras


Recently purchased this lens Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 ED AF Zoom. I must say this is a worthy investment. Im an avid photographer and if you appreciate beautiful pictures and would like to take them yourself occasionally then I recommend this lens. It is one sharp and fast lens at f/2.8 in low light condition and action photography. Im really happy to finally have the right equipment and experience producing good shots. A tank of a lens but I don't mind at all.Get more detail about Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Buying Sony VCL-DH1758 Tele Conversion Lens for DSCH1 Digital Camera


Purchased after reading the other reviews. Some of the reviews were not so positive, but I think the camera works to good, the subject has to be in perfect focus, i get a lot of blurry pictures if im not right on.

Have not used manual focus or changed to many settings. Some of my close ups come out a little dark also.

I had good shots before the tele lens, now im getting even better ones.Get more detail about Sony VCL-DH1758 Tele Conversion Lens for DSCH1 Digital Camera.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Buy Olympus Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital ED SWD Lens for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras


I had the 70-300 prior to buying this lens. I shoot a lot of indoor ice hockey and have doubled the number of good shots that I get. Focusing is fast except in very low light and the quality is excellent. Well worth buying but a bit pricey for a beginner. If you are a beginner, go with the 70-300 first and only get this one if you need low light shooting.
It is a bit heavy but well worth the money.Get more detail about Olympus Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 Digital ED SWD Lens for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Purchase Lowepro Lens Case 3 (Black)


I like to pack my Canon lenses in lens cases with their lens hoods reversed. That way I always have the hood to use when shooting. But this also means over-sizing the lens case a bit to accommodate the hood. I simply measure the diameter of the lens with its hood reversed, as well as it's length with protective caps at both ends, and go to the Lowepro site to find the closest fit. I don't like to "fit" my measurements any tighter than about 0.25" to any specific Lowepro inside published dimension, as I find that this can mean the fit is TOO tight, and this can be annoying in the field with a case strapped to your belt as you try to remove the lens with one hand, while holding your camera with the other. Too tight means pulling too hard, and that can spell disaster with a fumbled lens as it "pops" out.

I simply adore the Lowepro lens case line for it's ample padding, weather sealed case design, dual zipper system, and its AWESOME belt strap system. You can put this case on any belt without removing the belt or unfastening the belt, and it's dual-velcro belt fastening system is basically foolproof, and very secure. Easy on, easy off. I enjoy field work with one to three lenses strapped to my belt, or tucked safely in to a backpack. I absolutely hate shoulder straps of any kind - they always fall off, snag on things, and beat me to death when walking or jogging. I keep my camera in a waist belted holster for the same reason when in the field and not shooting. The Lowepro cases are low-key, black, and don't stand out too badly, even though you may be toting around 3 or 4 lenses and a camera.

This Lowepro lens case #3 is a bit large for one's belt, but it works if necessary for field work. I think I would prefer putting this lens case in a backpack for field work though. I currently do that with my EF100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM lens and case. It's much more comfortable on one's back, than beating against your leg for a lens that size.

I sized and ordered the Lowepro 3 lens case for my EF70-200mm F4L IS USM lens with its EW-74 lens hood installed backwards. This lens came with a soft, collapsable case from Canon, but this afforded NO padding at all, and basically just served as a dust cover and scratch protector. Not good enough for a $1000+ lens in my humble opinion. I was delighted to test fly the Lowepro 3 lens case with the EF70-200mm lens & reversed hood and to find it was a nice fit, without being too tight at all. This included the add-on tripod ring mount on the lens, which does not come standard with the lens. I will place the filter-end of the lens in first, which leaves the smaller diameter lens base for firmly grasping when the lens needs to be removed. Note that the case fits the lens with the optional tripod ring mount installed "bracket forward" or "bracket backward", for maximum flexibility.

Another Lowepro lens case reviewer complained of a bad smell with newer cases when they received them. I ordered both a Lowepro 1W and a Lowepro 3 case at the same time, and didn't notice any odor at all with the 1W case. However, I can smell an odor of some sort in the Lowepro 3 case (not too bad), so I'll air it out with the case propped open for a few days just to be safe. I've never noticed this with other Lowepro cases (and I have several). Not sure it's a big deal, but wanted to corroborate the other reviewer's observation.

The height of the case and lens is a nice fit as well. The top of lens EF-mount cap is just short of the top of the padding inside the case. I have a regular UV filter on the lens, with the Canon lens cap. There's an elastic netting storage pouch inside the top of the lens case as well that could hold a couple of CF memory cards, or even a lens filter in a its own protective plastic case. I always find this handy for "distributing" extra memory and battery accessories for field work.

I am very pleased with the Lowepro 3 case for the intended application, and will put the Canon soft case in permanent "storage". I am baffled that Canon includes a nice case with its EF100-400mm L lens, but not its EF70-200mm F4L lens, given that they are both expensive "L" lenses. But the former lens also comes with a tripod ring mount, wheras the latter does not. I suppose I can "justify" the tripod ring difference based on lens weight, perhaps, but not the significant difference in the lens case???

I did try the EF100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM lens with its ET83C lens hood reversed in the Lowepro lens case 3, but it didn't fit. The hood was too tight. The lens would fit fine without the hood, just FYI.

I can't say enough positive about how the Lowerpro lens cases mount securely to one's belt, and don't require removal or unfastening of the belt to put on or take off, should you need to. I mount the Lowepro lens cases to my trousers belt, or to the camera holster belt, and couldn't be happier. If traveling by air, I pack my lenses in their Lowepro cases and pack them in to a backpack/daypack which is inconspicuous and taken as a carry-on so that it's always ME who's carefully storing them for flight.

I also ordered a Lowepro 1W case for my EF28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens at the same time, and have posted a separate positive review for that as well.Get more detail about Lowepro Lens Case 3 (Black).

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Order Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG HSM II Macro Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras


I am new to photography and depend on reviews and consumer comments to make my purchases. When they say heavy, you had better pay attention! (But I think the neck surgery will be worth it all!) When they say awesome, you had better believe it. I am so impressed with the quality of the photos....super fast focus, much faster than my Pentax lenses, and so quiet. I shoot with a Pentax k20d and this lens may never leave the camera! Better get ya one!Get more detail about Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG HSM II Macro Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Shop For Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G AF Zoom Nikkor Lens (Worldwide), in Black


First, I'm giving this 70-300mm lens a 5 stars rating partly because the price is inexpensive (which is good in my opinion). Usually you get what you paid for, however in this case you get much more than what you paid for.

If your primary objective is to take pictures in low light situation such as wedding and concert, then get the 80-200mm f/2.8 or the 70-200mm VR f/2.8 instead.

Get this lens by any means unless you already have those alternative and more expensive zoom lenses that I mentioned above.

Pros:
1. Inexpensive
2. You can get up close and personal (300mm which is equivalent to 450mm if you attach it to a DSLR)
3. Very sharp and fast in bright light situation (outdoor etc), though it gets a bit softer as you get closer to the 300mm
4. Very light
5. Bokeh is suprisingly good
6. Great for portrait

Cons:
1. Plasticy build and looks cheap (but I don't think you should care on this)
2. Very bad on low light situation especially if the object is moving/sports photography, but still works fine for long exposure with tripod like photographing fireworks or night light building/city/car lights.
3. Focus seems to be slower on low light situation (focus hunting a bit more)

Bottom line: this lens loves a lot of light.

If you give this lens a lot of light, it will take good care of you.

Last but not least, after you get this lens, go and buy the nikon 50mm f/1.8 AF-D prime lens for $100 or less (equivalent of 75mm if used with DSLR which is very good for portrait and semi-zoom). This is a very fast lens and works extremly well in low light situation even without using flash. This lens will complement your 70-300mm lens very very well.

Happy photographing!

Sidarta TanuGet more detail about Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G AF Zoom Nikkor Lens (Worldwide), in Black.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Wide Angle Lens for Canon SLR Cameras


This lens looks well made and doesn't have a plasticky feel to it. But it comes down to image quality, and this lens just has too many weaknesses in that area.

OUTDOOR USE:
Sunlight or even a cloudy day will overwhelm it, even using high apertures of f/8 or higher with a hood attached. It casts a white haze over subjects and just about everything else. The white overcast makes color tones on subjects look slightly desaturated, almost approaching grey. Skin tones will often come out pale in appearance ( this goes for bright colors, too). Increasing the aperture does little after going past f/5.6. Using a fill flash will remedy the color problems but will also create more haze. I even tried it with a Tiffen neutral density (0.3) with little effect. The lens just can't take a lot of light. But you would think, well, maybe it's designed for indoors only. Well, indoors it has even stranger problems as you will read below.

INDOOR USE:
People look like pale cadavers unless you use the flash. The whole point of f/1.8 is to avoid using the flash, but that's not the way Canon see it. Post processing will remedy the problem if you're willing to accept unnatural looking, vibrant colors. But if you're looking for the dynamic tonal range of colors of the human face look elsewhere. Using the flash closer than 6 feet with this lens will create the white hazy overcast I mentioned above.

CORNER SHARPNESS:
Even at high apertures of f/8 or higher this lens will not deliver detailed images except for the center area. It does focus quite well on subjects and it does it fast, but it just fails to capture surrounding details, even at f/22.

IDEAL USES:
It seems best suited for portraits. As long as situations calling for high depth of field and well lit environments are avoided.

PERFORMANCE AT F/1.8:
It sucks. It softer than a kit lens when used at 1.8. This thing will devour whole images unless you get it up f/2.8.

PRIME LENS:
Hahahahaha! Prime lens my a**. I'm selling this pig as soon as I can.

PRICE VS PERFORMANCE:
It's not worth the money and is not what I'd consider a walk-around-lens unless one thinks that cell phone picture backgrounds look 'good enough'.
Get more detail about Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Wide Angle Lens for Canon SLR Cameras.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras Top Quality


I haven;t had alot of time just yet to use this lense. But everyone says that it is the best. I wanted it for sport pictures this summer at the ball park . Maybe I can give a better review after I really get started using it more.Get more detail about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras This instant


This is a really beautiful piece of kit. I read the reviews here and on the various web fora and was obviously worried about the oft mentioned "back focusing" issue, but went ahead and bought one back in October 2009. My thinking was that I simply loved my Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM and, as it was the lens that was most often on my camera, I really wanted the best possible in this class, especially as I do like to shoot wide open around the home and indoors using natural light rather than flash.

Needless to say, the lens is a bit of a beast in terms of size and weight when compared to the other 50mm lenses Canon makes (I have owned the 1.8, 2.5 and 1.4 at some stage over the last few years). But I love the stability that weight gives to you when you hold it in your hands. Shooting wide open does take a lot of getting used to given the razor thin DoF, and I have made sure to use the centre point on my 5DMkII and 50D for best results. The results in portraits can be beautiful though with a slightly soft dreamy effect wide open (which has been improved with practice). The lens gets nicely sharp around 2.0 and tack sharp at 2.8. However, the whole deal with sharpness to me is second to the ability to be able to get the shot in the first place. That's where the 1.2 excels.

Regarding the "back focus issue" I went through the process of microadjusting all my lenses using this relatively easy yet effective method explained here: [...]. It turned out my 50mm 1.4 was focusing much more than my 1.2. I think the 50mm 1.4 was something like -15 and the 50mm 1.2 was -3. It seemed to be a consistent issue with my primes (though to varying degrees). My zooms were all pretty much spot-on. Simply must be to do with the wide apertures of the primes as DoF becomes thinner and thinner. 1.2 is as wide as it gets these days.

For sample images, please feel free to check out these pics: h[...]

The biggest caveat with this lens is, of course, the price. For that reason, I would say the best deal in terms of picture quality, low light ability, etc. is the Canon EF 50mm 1.4 USM. I still love that lens and have kept it for back-up and for whenever I need to travel. It really is a great piece of glass for the price. The 1.2 L is just that bit better though and, for my business, that's what I need to have.

Pros:

Great low-light ability at lower ISOs
Fast focus
Amazing build quality
Contrast and colours are beautiful
Bokeh is gorgeous even when stopped down (with nicely rounded aperture blades)
Feels nice and solid in your hands when shooting in low light without tripod
1/2 stop faster than the Canon EF 50mm 1.4 USM

Cons:
Heavy
Expensive
Takes some time to master using wide open
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM offers comparable image quality (though half a stop slower and less well built).

Get more detail about Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Tamron AF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Immediately


First of all, I am not a pro photographer, therefore I couldn't get any cheaper than this lens, good quality, manual as the old school,not comparable to the high end ones than runs over the thousands, but again, for the price hell is good!

The product came on time, as expected.Get more detail about Tamron AF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras.