July, August & September 2022's News
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Nikon vs Canon vs Sony Full-Frame Mirrorless Mirrorless vs DSLR
Canon: EOS R3 R5 R5C R6 II R6 R RP R7 R10 1DX III 1DX II 5DS/R 5D Mk IV 6D II 90D T8i SL3 Flash Lenses
Nikon: Z9 Z7 II Z6 II Z7 Z6 Z5 Z fc Z50 Z30 D6 D5 D850 D780 D750 D500 D7500 D5600 D3500 Flash Lenses Best Nikon Lenses
Sony: A1 A9 II A9 A7R V A7R IV A7R III A7 IV A7 III A7R II A7S III A7c A7 II A6600 A6400 A6100 A6000 ZV-E10 RX10/4 RX100/7 RX100/6 Flash Lenses
Fujifilm: GFX100S GFX100 GFX50R X100V X100F X-H2 X‑H2s X‑T4 X‑T3 X‑T30 X‑Pro3 X‑S10 X‑E4 X‑T200 Film Lenses
LEICA: SL2 SL2 S Q2 Q2M M11 M10-R M10M M10P M10 M240 M-E M9P M9T M9 M7 M6/TTL CLE M3 IIIf IIIa Lenses
All Reviews: Apple Audio Zeiss Tamron Sigma Tokina HASSELBLAD Contax Olympus Pentax
Take Better Pictures How to Shoot Film Recommended Cameras Best Cameras Gifts random
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28 September 2022, Wednesday
NEW: Sony FX30 E-Mount Cine Camera.
Also comes as a combo with the camera and an XLR audio input handle.
4K/120 and 26 MP stills.
NEW: Sony 750 MB/s CFexpress type A cards in 80, 160, 320 & 640 GB.
In-Stock: Canon R10 w/18-150mm.
In-Stock: Canon R10 w/18-45mm.
21 September 2022, Wednesday
NEW: Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 for Fuji.
NEW: LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH.
The latest in the indomitable LEICA bloodline of 35mm SUMMILUX.
This new version focuses to 1.3' (0.4m), has an 11-blade diaphragm, 46mm filter thread and pull-out hood.
$400 Off: 16" MacBook Pro M1 Pro 10-Core 32 GB 512 GB: $2,499.
NEW: Logitech Blue Sona Active Dynamic Broadcast Mic.
Supercardioid to reject noise, with a +25 dB preamp built-in.
NEW: Vespera Astronomical Observation Station Scope & Camera Combo.
New scope camera that sets itself up by scanning the sky, and then goes to whatever you want all by itself.
It has a guidance system, a 50mm diameter 200mm focal length objective, a 2MP 1/2.8" Sony sensor and connects to a phone app to stream and allow multiple users. It has a 1.6º x 0.9º field of view, about a 1,400mm f/4 equivalent. It's an interesting idea; I have no idea how well it works. I think the idea is one person drives it out to the desert to set it up while the rest of your friends sit home and tweet the images from the comfort of their couches.20 September 2022, Tuesday
Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8.
NEW: Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Review.
Super light, fast, close-focussing and inexpensive — but a limited zoom range.
Nikon's Z Lens Roadmap to 2023
Nikon Lens Roadmap to 2023. bigger.
NEW: From my EOS R7 Sunday:
Surfing Dog Catching a Frisbee, 10:42 AM Sunday Morning, 18 September 2022. Cropped from middle of Canon EOS R7, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM II on EF to RF adapter at 400mm (650mm equivalent) wide-open at f/5.6 at 1/1,250 at Auto ISO 160, +0.3 stops exposure compensation (LV 14.7), Perfectly Clear. bigger.
Like how 30 FPS lets me catch the exact moment the surfing dog catches the Frisbee?
I cropped the image above from this much larger image below:
Complete image from which the above was cropped. bigger.
Being able to crop for sports is a good thing, as reality is moving so fast and unpredictably that if I didn't have all the empty space around the image hand-held with such a long lens, often I'd have something important run off the edge of the frame.
Surfing Pug with His Mom & Dad, 10:56 AM Sunday Morning, 18 September 2022. Cropped from Canon EOS R7, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM II on EF to RF adapter at 400mm (650mm equivalent) wide-open at f/5.6 at 1/1,250 at Auto ISO 160, +0.3 stops exposure compensation (LV 14.7), Perfectly Clear. bigger.
I cropped the shot above from this EOS R7 frame:
Complete image from which the above was cropped. bigger.
The insane resolution of my EOS R7 and my EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM II (on EF to RF adapter) lets me crop whatever I need. This family was hundreds of feet away; I was standing back on the dry sand! I prefer my EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM II over the RF 100-500mm because it works much better with teleconverters, althogh I was too lazy to carry any today.
Surfing Chocolate Lab, 10:58 AM Sunday Morning, 18 September 2022. Cropped from Canon EOS R7, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM II on EF to RF adapter at 340mm (550mm equivalent) wide-open at f/5.6 at 1/1,250 at Auto ISO 200, +0.3 stops exposure compensation (LV 14.3), Perfectly Clear. bigger.
Surfing Dog with Blue Mohawk, 11:13 AM Sunday Morning, 18 September 2022. Cropped from Canon EOS R7, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM II on EF to RF adapter at 400mm (650mm equivalent) wide-open at f/5.6 at 1/1,250 at Auto ISO 250, +0.3 stops exposure compensation (LV 14.4), Perfectly Clear. bigger.
Here's the frame from which the above was cropped:
Complete Image. bigger.
If I really wanted to crop-in, I can read the markings on his sunglasses, see the ocean spray on the lenses and see all us landlubbers and the bluffs reflected in them!
Tighter Crop, Surfing Dog with Blue Mohawk. bigger.
Not bad for a couple of hundred feet away.
16 September 2022, Friday
NEW: DJI RS 3 Combo.
15 September 2022, Doesday
Canon EL-100 Speedlite Flash.
NEW: Canon EL-100 Flash Review.
This tiny, full-featured gem is the perfect mirrorless take-everywhere flash. I totally missed it when it came out in 2018 along with everything else for Canon's new mirrorless system announced the same day.
While high ISOs let even my iPhone shoot hand-held in starlight, fill-flash is critical for photographing anything, especially people and animals, in most real-world lightning conditions. Fill-flash puts catchlights in people's and animals' eyes to make them look more alive, and lightens faces that otherwise are usually too dark or backlit.
Oddly no one else has made a good, low-priced flash that just gets the job done and is tiny enough to live atop your camera all the time for critical fill-flash as needed. Nikon and Canon have nothing like it. They each make iffy flashes that are bigger and cost more but don't work any better; too big really to want to take everywhere just in case.
The next best flash is my favorite Nikon SB-400 that was discontinued years ago and lives on at eBay (How to Win at eBay). The SB-400 is even smaller and has less features, and is also a perfect mirrorless fill flash if you don't need to do much in the way of bounce flash. The EL-100 is fully articulated and can bounce in any direction.
NEW PHOTO: Nikon FM3a with NIKKOR AI 35mm f/1.4s and SB-500 flash.
I just happened to come across this studio shot I hadn't used. I added it to my reviews of the Nikon FM3a, NIKKOR AI 35mm f/1.4s and SB-500 flash. The 35mm f/1.4 AI-s (still my favorite Nikon 35mm f/1.4) and SB-500 flash are both sold new, and I got my FM3a used at eBay (How to Win at eBay).
NEW: DJI RS 3.
NEW: Bose Quietcomfort Earbuds II.
14 September 2022, Wednesday
NEW: Tokina 11-18mm f/2.8 for Sony APS-C: $599.
NEW: GoPro HERO11.
NEW: GoPro HERO11 kit.
NEW: GoPro HERO11 mini.
NEW: DJI Osmos Action 3 Standard Kit.
NEW: DJI Osmos Action 3 Adventure Kit.
NEW: DJI Osmos Action 3 Cameras & Accessories.
These are all over today. I tested a really cheap offbrand version back in 2016; these are much better today.
Canon EL-1 Speedlite Flash.
$200 off: Canon's fastest pro flash ever, the amazing EL-1, is now just $899 at B&H, at Adorama and at Amazon.
13 September 2022, Tuesday
NEW & IN STOCK: Canon RF 1,200mm f/8 L IS USM.
Canon RF-s 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM.
NEW: Canon RF-s 18-45mm IS STM Review & Sample Images.
UPDATED: Nikon NIKKOR AI-s 50mm f/1.4 Review & Sample Images.
No big deal; I just realized that the basic, compact Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AI-s weighs exactly twice what the tiny plastic Canon RF-s 18-45mm IS STM Does as I'm in the process of reviewing the excellent Canon.
In case you're curious, Nikon formally refers to what most of us call "AI-s" lenses as AI NIKKOR, with the "s" after the aperture value as I listed in the image caption above. The "s" signifies a direct logarithmic relationship between the position of the diaphragm actuation pin and the effective aperture (I think it's about 1 millimeter per stop). Nikon added this in 1981 as a refinement to their mechanically-controlled aperture system and tried to get you to think that you needed the "s" versions to get Program and Shutter priority from that era's cameras, whereas in fact even the older AI and AI-updated lenses worked just fine in these modes, just possibly slightly slower as the cameras had to use a closed-loop metering system to confirm exposure at the taking aperture with non-s lenses after the shutter was pressed.
12 September 2022, Monday
NEW: Fuji X-H2: $1,999 (also at Adorama).
NEW: Fuji X-H2 w/16-80mm: $2,499 (also at Adorama).
This new X-H2 has higher resolution than the existing X‑H2s. Fuji users want the X‑H2s for action, and this new, less expensive 40MP X-H2 (base ISO of 125) for nature and landscape. They share the same body, controls, finder and LCD.
This new X-H2 also offers a 160 MP scanner mode, which is mostly useless except on a copy stand. If anything moves or breathes this scanning mode doesn't work.
Mechanical shutter rated 500,000 shots with a 1/8,000 top speed.
15 FPS with mechanical shutter, 20 FPS with 1.29× crop and electronic shutter.
The electronic shutter has a 1/180,000 top speed, so say goodbye to ND filters with Fuji's f/1.0 and f/1.2 lenses.
Its dual slots take CFexpress type B cards and I think SD cards.
There's an optional fan for video
The older, more expensive X‑H2s has a "stacked" sensor with faster readout for higher frame rates and much less rolling shutter effect than this higher-resolution new X-H2.
NEW: Fuji XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR: $999 (also at Adorama.)
This is a new optical design with more elements and now an 11-bladed diaphragm, faster autofocus and a fluorine front coating to replace the existing XF 56mm f/1.2 R.
67mm filters.
13 elements in 8 groups. 2 ASPH, 1 ED.
15.7 oz. (445g).
ø 3.1" x 3.0" (ø 79.4 x 76mm).
NEW: Fuji GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR: $2,499 (also at Adorama.)
This is an ultrawide for the GFX medium-format system. It's a 16-28mm equivalent!
82mm filters.
14 elements in 10 groups. 3 ASPH, 1 ASPH ED.
Internal zoom.
1.1' (0.35m) close focus, 0.14× macro ratio.
25.6 oz. (725g).
08 September 2022, Thursday
Here's a typical grab shot from my iPhone 13 Pro Max on Saturday:
Brewing Storm Clouds over Anza, California, 2:47 P.M., Saturday, 03 September 2022. iPhone 13 Pro Max 5.7mm (26mm eq.) camera at f/1.5 at 1/9,434 at Auto ISO 50 (LV 15.4), Snapseed. bigger.
Of course I'm going to order my iPhone 14 Pro Max as soon as I can.
iPhone is everything. These past couple years I've done my very best work on iPhone, as you've seen in my Yosemite (October 2021) and Central Coast (April 2022) galleries.
I'm sure you all know the specific specs, but when you ask "is it worth it," considering we all of take an average of at least ten photos a day on our iPhones even when we're not actually deliberately out taking pictures, as something we all use all day, every day, of course it's worth it.
I'll have full reports on the iPhone 14 Pro Max as soon as mine arrives, and know that every iteration of iPhone for the past 15 years has always been much better than the one before. Just as digital cameras were back around year 2005, iPhone is still evolving with real improvements in picture quality with each generation. As you've heard, the Phone 14 now has 48 MP, even more than the LEICA Q2, and as I showed over two years ago, even my 12 MP iPhone 11 Pro Max takes better pictures than the Q2!
Here's a favorite snap from April with my iPhone 13 Pro Max:
Backlit Kelp at Sunset, Oceano Dunes, California, 7:12 P.M., Wednesday, 20 April 2022. Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max 1.6mm (0.5× or 13mm equivalent) camera at f/1.8 at 1/201 at Auto ISO 32 (LV 11.0), Snapseed on iPhone and then Perfectly Clear. bigger or fit-to-screen.
Yes, my Nikon Z9 has a crappy little flippy LCD screen, but my Phone 13 Pro Max has a huge, bright OLED screen I actually can see from arm's length, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max' 13mm (equivalent) ultra-ultra-wide lens has far more depth-of-field than my full-frame Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4, and forget trying to hold a Z9 in place as the waves keep crashing in. In this shot, it was trivially easy to get my iPhone 13 Pro Max in exactly the position I wanted for this shot as I envisioned it. Only with the pretty much unlimited depth-of-field of its 1.6mm lens could I get this all in focus in the real world racing the waves.
07 September 2022, Wednesday
New: HASSELBLAD X2D 100C: $8,199. Also at B&H.
New: HASSELBLAD XCD 38mm f/2.5: $3,699. Also at B&H.
New: HASSELBLAD XCD 55mm f/2.5: $3,699. Also at B&H.
New: HASSELBLAD XCD 90mm f/2.5: $4,299. Also at B&H.
New: Lumix S 18mm f/1.8 L-mount: $997.99. Also at B&H.
New: Panasonic HC-X2 4K Camcorder: $3,199.99.
New: Panasonic HC-X20 4K Camcorder: $2,599.99.
Real video camcorders for real video. I always suggest real video cameras like these for video rather than mirrorless cameras, which are designed for still images.
New: Canon PTZ Jib & Dolly Camera: $9,699.
New: Canon 4K 27" Pro Monitor: $18,999.
New: Canon 15-120mm Cine lens w/1.5× extender: $30,999 in Arri, also comes in EF mount.
06 September 2022, Tuesday
Canon EOS R3 and EF 50mm f/1.0 L on EF to RF adapter.
In Stock: Canon EOS R3.
But not in stock for long!
New: Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 for Nikon Z: $699.
New: Sony PTZ Jib & Dolly Camera.
Also comes with lens.
Clearance Sale at Adorama
$320 off: Sigma 45mm f/2.8 for Sony: $229!
80% off: Meade 10×25 Binoculars: $7.99!
60% off: Syma X25PRO Quadcopter: $39.99!
$80 off: Tasco T2G Laser Rangefinder: $69.95!
$65 off: Tasco 800mm × 60mm Telescope Set: $59.99!
$65 off: Tasco 700mm × 50mm Telescope Set: $59.99!
Used with the right adapter (1.25" eyepiece to T mount to your camera mount) you can mount a camera to the back of these scopes. I had a Tasco 700mm × 60mm set similar to these as a kid, and would mount my Minolta SRT-102 to it as a 700mm f/11 lens. While the same price, the 800mm × 60mm seems like a much better and more complete system. I loved mine for decades! Every kid needs one of these.
75% off: LowePro Tahoe 25 II compact case: $4.99!
End of Summer Sale by Marc Silber
Marc says he's excited to release his courses and books that he's created from over 50 years as a photographer and from thousand of hours of interviews with some of the top photographers on the planet!
Marc says he's decoded the complexities of photography, asking if you've ever felt confused about any aspect of photography (as he was ;) – what’s the most important starting point for a stunning photograph? How to master my equipment? How should I process my images? How can I get them out to the world? Etc, etc? Marc says he has a system that will help you get to your photography goals step by step.
He says you can start with one ebook (free) or grab his full program for 70% off during his End of Summer Sale. In any case he's thrilled to help you advance your photography.
03 September 2022, Saturday
NEW: Canon RF-s 18-150mm IS STM Review & Sample Images.
01 September 2022, Thursday
$2,000 off: Canon 1DX Mark II: $3,999!
The 1DX Mk II is one of the world's top two DSLRs, along with the 1DX Mk III. Both are performance monsters that get the job done for people whose lives depend on the images they produce.
More R7 Snaps
More from my EOS R7and RF-s 18-150mm IS STM:
Best Day Ever, 7:13 PM, Thursday, 25 August 2022. Vertical crop from horizontal Canon EOS R7 shot, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, Canon RF-s 18-150mm IS STM at 118mm (190mm equivalent) at f/8 hand-held at 1/200 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 13.6), Luminar Aurora HDR to explode the colors and then Perfectly Clear to take it further. bigger.
Catch that? This is a horizontal shot, and I cropped this vertical from its center. Automatic leveling works great!
Yellow and Violet, 7:44 PM, Thursday, 25 August 2022. Canon EOS R7, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, Canon RF-s 18-150mm IS STM at 59mm (95mm equivalent) wide-open at f/5.6 hand-held at 1/25 at Auto ISO 1,600 (LV 5.6), Luminar Aurora HDR to explode the colors. bigger.
Three Palms at Sunset, 7:22 PM, Thursday, 25 August 2022. Canon EOS R7, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, Canon RF-s 18-150mm IS STM at 70mm (115mm equivalent) at f/8 hand-held at 1/80 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 12.0), Luminar Aurora HDR to explode the colors. bigger.
Highway 101, 7:53 PM, Thursday, 25 August 2022. Canon EOS R7, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, Canon RF-s 18-150mm IS STM at 150mm (240mm equivalent) wide-open at f/6.3 hand-held at 1/25 at Auto ISO 1,600 (LV 4.0), Luminar Aurora HDR to explode the colors. bigger.
Luminar Aurora HDR is greatly lightening the deep, dark shadows, and letting us see much more noise in the sky than we would without it.
I love this little R7 and 18-150mm IS STM combination. It's small enough to carry everywhere, and captures everything I can see, no tripod required. The two are a hugely capable system in a tiny package, especially the lens. Bravo!
31 August 2022, Wednesday
Tree with Glorious Sun Shining Through It, 6:44 PM, Monday, 08 August 2022. Canon EOS R7, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, Canon RF-s 18-150mm IS STM at 31mm (50mm equivalent) wide-open at f/4.5 at 1/1,600 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 15.0), Perfectly Clear to get it started and Luminar Aurora HDR (now part of Luminar Neo) to make it explode in color (instead of washed-out sky and dark grass), all from just one NORMAL JPG file. bigger or camera-original (unprocessed) 32 MP © 8 MB NORMAL JPG source file.
Heh, I found this snap filed away in my folder for my Canon RF-s 18-150mm IS STM lens review, on which I'm working today. It's shot on my EOS R7 and pumped in software, and figured you'd like a sneak peak.
Art is where you find it: I made this snap walking my dogs. Having the EOS R7 and ultralight, do everything RF-s 18-150mm IS STM means I had it when I found it (as well as my iPhone 13 Pro Max, of course). In this case I used my Canon rather than iPhone for a change.
30 August 2022, Tuesday
$200 off: Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L MACRO IS USM: $1,199.
$100 off: Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM: $549.
Bargain! Nikon or Sony have nothing like it. Especially with the R10 or R7, ultra-ultra tele in your jacket pocket!
$100 off: Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM: $1,699.
$100 off: Canon RF 85mm F/2 Macro IS STM: $499.
$40 off: Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens: $159.
World's least expensive mirrorless lens, and one of the sharpest!
Thanks goodness this camera gear hasn't been impacted yet by inflation; grab it while we can still afford it!
New: TAMRON 50-400mm for Sony: $1,299.
New: DJI Avata Drone alone (needs controller or goggles): $629.
New: DJI Avata Fly Smart System & Goggles: $1,168.
New: DJI Avata Pro View System & Goggles: $1,388.
New: More DJI Avata System Goodies.
New & In Stock: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro: $599.
New & In Stock: Canon RF 15-30mm IS STM: $549.
New & In Stock: Fuji X-H2S: $2,499.
New & In Stock: Olympus OM-1 Digital: $2,199.
25 August 2022, Thursday
Canon EOS R10 and Canon RF-s 18-45mm IS STM.
New: Canon EOS R10 Review & Sample Images.
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New: Canon EOS R7 vs. EOS R10.
Next stop: full reviews of the two new RF-s lenses.
Canon 5D Mk IV and 50mm f/1.2 L.
Updated: Canon 5D Mark IV.
I just updated the prices; it's dropped a lot since first announced and is still the most flexible DSLR ever made with its unique combination of resolution and speed.
Canon 5D Mark III and EF 100mm f/2.
Old but Good: Canon 5D Mark III.
I just updated the prices in my Canon 5D Mark III Review. It's now only about $550 used at eBay if you know How to Win at eBay, and also is available at Amazon.The 5D Mark III is still a superb camera. It's so good it made me upgrade to Canon from Nikon back when it came out in Spring 2012! I still shoot my 5DS/R as a main camera, because it's still Canon's highest resolution camera ever made and was simply the newer, higher-resolution version of the 5D Mark III.
The current 5D Mark IV is also superb, but obviously more expensive. The 5D Mark IV is a faster, lower-resolution version of the 5DS/R.
All of the 5D Mark III, 5D Mark IV and 5DS/R have rear LCDs with superb automatic brightness control, which I consider mandatory on a digital camera. Jeesh, every iPhone does this. Sadly no mirrorless shares this feature, without which requires manual fiddling to see the screen properly as you go indoors or out, or the light changes from day to night. I love these three DSLRs.
Nikon D90 with 50mm f/1.4 AF-D.
Old: Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AF-D.
Old: Nikon D90.
I just updated the current prices and lens compatibilities in my and Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AF-D and Nikon D90 reviews, both of which are now discontinued, While the 50mm f/1.4 was made from 1986 ~ 2021, the D90 only was available new from 2008 until about 2013.
Today the 50mm f/1.4 sells for about $125 used and the D90 sells for about about $150 used if you know How to Win at eBay.
The D90 is largely obsolete, while the 50mm f/1.4 AF-D is still a fantastic lens for use on every FX DSLR and most 35mm cameras.
24 August 2022, Wednesday
I'm working on my Canon EOS R10 review.
Here's my updated, detailed comparison betweo the EOS R7 and EOS R10.
For now, here are some snaps.
These are all shot hand-held as NORMAL (stairstep icon) JPGs. No tripods, FINE JPGs or RAW CR3 files were used or needed:
Solar Disc and Gull at Sunset, 6:44 PM, Thursday, 18 August 2022. Canon EOS R10, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, RF-s 18-45mm IS STM at 38mm (62mm equivalent) at f/8 at 1/3,200 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 17.6). bigger.
If this was a portfolio shot I'd go back and lighten the dark cloud in the middle, but tough, it's a free website.
I used Luminar Aurora HDR (now part of Luminar Neo) with my one JPG file to restore detail to the harsh highlights and deep shadows. I wanted to see the blinding disc of the sun in the clouds as well as details in the dark sea below. Yes, all I needed was my one lowest-quality JPG and Aurora HDR recovered what was there from it. Few folks without PhDs in mathematics and digital image processing realize that JPGs are gamma-corrected and can have as much dynamic range as you need, while raw files may have more bits but instead use simple linear quantization and don't necessarily have any more dynamic range — ha! Yes, I only shoot JPG.
I've been meaning to write an article to explain how JPG works for almost 20 years, but since unless you have a PhD I'll have to explain all the basics like discrete cosine transforms and quantization matrices from scratch, and that's a lot of work to explain in simple English — sort of like giving y'all a PhD education in one article — but this mathematical magic is how JPGs retain all the picture information that matters in a lot less space. Some day.
Island Sunset, 7:08 PM, Thursday, 18 August 2022. Canon EOS R10 in square-crop mode, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, RF-s 18-45mm IS STM at 21mm (34mm equivalent) at f/8 at 1/640 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 15.4), Luminar Aurora HDR (now part of Luminar Neo) with my one JPG file to restore detail to highlights and shadows. bigger.
Sunset and Boogie Board, 7:19 PM, Thursday, 18 August 2022. Canon EOS R10 in square-crop mode, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, RF-s 18-45mm IS STM at 45mm (73mm equivalent) at f/8 at 1/200 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 13.6), Luminar Aurora HDR (now part of Luminar Neo) with my one JPG file to restore detail to highlights and shadows. bigger.
Sunset and Cessna, 7:25 PM, Thursday, 18 August 2022. Canon EOS R10, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, RF-s 18-45mm IS STM at 45mm (73mm equivalent) at f/8 at 1/250 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 14.0), Luminar Aurora HDR (now part of Luminar Neo) with my one JPG file to restore detail to highlights and shadows. bigger.
Ideally I'd have the plane facing into the image rather than flying out of it. I'd either have the Cessna come around again heading North, but barring that I'd flip it so it faces in the other direction by putting it in a new layer and flipping it in Photoshop CS6 (from 2012), but since this is just a sample photo and not exactly going into my portfolio, tough. It's a free website, my rules.
Black BMW and Red Neon, 7:27 PM, Friday, 19 August 2022. Canon EOS R10, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, RF-s 18-45mm IS STM at 45mm (73mm equivalent) wide-open at f/6.3 at 1/40 at Auto ISO 800, -1 stop exposure compensation to keep the black car black (LV 7¾), Perfectly Clear, curves adjustment layer to increase contrast in Photoshop CS6 (from 2012). bigger.
This is what I love about my weightless R10 and tiny RF-s 18-45mm IS STM: it goes everywhere with me, so when something catches my eye, boom!, instant photo. In this case I snuck out of a pizza place and headed across the parking lot to In-N-Out to get a lemonade that the pizza place didn't have. I saw the neon turned into an "S" as I squeezed past the black car, and bingo, instant photo as I was trying to get back to the pizza place before I got busted.
Pizza, 7:45 PM, Friday, 19 August 2022. Canon EOS R10, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, RF-s 18-45mm IS STM at 18mm (28mm equivalent) wide-open at f/4.5 at 1/40 at Auto ISO 10,000 (LV 3.1), curves adjustment layers and masks to lighten the pizza in Photoshop CS6 (from 2012). bigger.
ISO 10,000 in no light with the slow RF-s 18-45mm f/4.5 ~ 6.3 IS STM? No problem, and you can see why I didn't want to miss my pizza!
Masonry, 9:18 AM, Saturday, 20 August 2022. Canon EOS R10, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, RF-s 18-45mm IS STM at 25mm (40mm equivalent) at f/8 at 1/80 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 12.4), Perfectly Clear. bigger.
P and POO on an unwashed Audi, 9:25 AM, Saturday, 20 August 2022. Canon EOS R10 in 4:3 crop mode, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, RF-s 18-45mm IS STM at 45mm (73mm equivalent) at f/8 at 1/100 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 12.6), curves adjustment layer in Photoshop CS6 (from 2012) to lighten. bigger.
Even at the small screen resolution I show here, I still can see every speck of dirt on this filthy car.
Mercedes SL500 Interior with Eucalyptus Wood (not mine), 9:39 AM, Saturday, 20 August 2022. Canon EOS R10, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, RF-s 18-45mm IS STM at 28mm (45mm equivalent) at f/8 at 1/80 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 12.4), Perfectly Clear. bigger or camera-original 24 MP © 5 MB JPG file.
Orange Camaro, 9:40 AM, Saturday, 20 August 2022. Canon EOS R10, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, RF-s 18-45mm IS STM at 45mm (73mm equivalent) at f/8 at 1/100 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 12.6), as shot. bigger.
Yellow Lamborghini, 9:52 AM, Saturday, 20 August 2022. Canon EOS R10, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, RF-s 18-45mm IS STM at 34mm (55mm equivalent) at f/8 at 1/400 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 14.6), as shot. bigger or camera-original 24 MP © 4 MB JPG file.
1955 Porsche Spyder, 9:52 AM, Saturday, 20 August 2022. Canon EOS R10, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, RF-s 18-45mm IS STM at 30mm (49mm equivalent) at f/8 at 1/250 at Auto ISO 100, -0.7 stops exposure compensation (LV 14.0), Perfectly Clear, perspective correction in Photoshop CS6 (from 2012). bigger or camera-original 24 MP © 5 MB JPG file.
Scuderia Ferrari Badge, 9:54 AM, Saturday, 20 August 2022. Canon EOS R10, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, RF-s 18-45mm IS STM at 45mm (73mm equivalent) at f/8 at 1/160 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 13.4), curves adjustment layer in Photoshop CS6 (from 2012). bigger.
1958 Corvette Rear Emblem, 9:18 AM, Saturday, 20 August 2022. Canon EOS R10, OWC ATLAS S PRO 256GB SDXC card, RF-s 18-45mm IS STM at 38mm (62mm equivalent) at f/8 at 1/320 at Auto ISO 100, -0.7 stops exposure compensation (LV 14.4), Perfectly Clear. bigger.
This emblem is only a couple of inches (70mm) across. It's probably larger than life on your screen. I'm impressed at how close my tiny RF-s 18-45mm IS STM focuses.
23 August 2022, Tuesday
New: SanDisk 4 ~ 22 TB Enterprise-Class External HDDs: $209.99 ~ 649.99.
These are portable, externally-powered hard drives.
They have fast electronic data connections, but the ultimate data transfer speed is limited by the mechanical hard drive itself, not the USB interface. If you want ultrafast data in a much more portable self-powered package, use a SanDisk Portable SSD.
I carry a SanDisk Portable SSD in the field with my MacBook Pro, and use a heavy LaCie 8TB external hard drive in my studio.
22 August 2022, Monday top
New: Godox Retro Flashbulb-Style Flash for modern cameras: $139.
New: Godox Small Retro Flash for modern cameras in various colors: $79.
New: Robus RTH-1030 Ball Head.
New: Neumann KH150 Monitor Speaker: $1,750. (also in white for $1,750.)
These are a bigger version of the KH120 which I lab-tested back in 2015, and were and probably still are the most laboratory-accurate monitors I've ever tested. The KH120s and the new KH150s also come in versions with built-in DACs.
New: Neumann NDH20 Headphones: $599.
$100 Off: GoPro Hero10 Black: $399.
Up to $350 Off: SanDisk Portable SSDs (I use these).
19 August 2022, Friday top
$100 off: Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM: $899.
$1,500 off: Canon 1DX Mk II: $4,499.
$200 off: Canon EL-1 Ultimate Pro Mirrorless/DSLR Flash: $899.
17 August 2022, Wednesday top
Canon EOS R7 and Canon RF-s 18-150mm IS STM.
NEW: Canon EOS R7 Full Review & Sample Images.
I know you've all been waiting, and as always I wanted to do this right rather than fast, giving you all the full, detailed review you always expect. Thanks for your patience.
I know, now I'll go open my EOS R10 and get started with it and its RF-s 18-45mm IS STM. No rest for the weary.
Canon EOS R7 Automatic Leveling Mode. The sensor automatically stays level as the camera moves! bigger.
I kid you not: the Canon EOS R7 has an astounding new feature that rotates the sensor automatically to keep photos and movies level, and it really works! This saves me so much time in shooting and editing. I now expect all new cameras to have this feature from ths point on. Sony and Nikon, you've been served.
16 August 2022, Tuesday top
NEW: Sony ECM-G1 Directional On-Camera Mic: $148.
15 August 2022, Monday top
Apple Back-to-School Deals
13 August 2022, Saturday top
Canon EOS R7
I finally got my EOS R7 from B&H as well as my RF-s 18-150mm IS STM (to get yours, order and be patient) and obviously am working on its review.
This tiny RF-s 18-150mm IS STM on this camera makes an exceptionally sharp combination, autofocus is super smart and fast and the photos look great as expected — and it really does shoot and track focus at the full 30 FPS with the electronic shutter.
It has a traditional electronic shutter, meaning it has a rolling effect and won't work with flash, and it is silent and runs at 30 FPS with full tracking.
It also has the new "Erase Scene Including Image" option when you hit DELETE on an image shot as part of a burst in any of the Continuous advance modes. This means if you shoot 120 images in one 4-second burst at 30 FPS and realize you just shot 4 seconds of nothing, select the "Erase Scene Including Image" option and those 120 go away - and nothing else is deleted. Sports shooters rejoice; this makes it much faster when you get back and start picking winners. (I and most sports and news pros use Photo Mechanic for sorting through the thousands of images we make with cameras this fast at any event.)
Here are some snaps from the past few days.
These are all shot hand-held as NORMAL (stairstep icon) or FINE (quarter circle) JPGs, no tripods or RAW CR3 files were used or needed.
Look at the high resolution images and original files at the links below; I'm impressed at the remarkable sharpness (more than I usually see from other cameras) with this R7 and RF-s 18-150mm IS STM combination:
Southwestern Window, 10:05 AM, Saturday, 06 August 2022. Canon EOS R7, Canon RF-s 18-150mm IS STM at 60mm (100mm equivalent) at f/10 at 1/320 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 15.0, as shot, perspective correction in Photoshop CS6 (from 2012). bigger or camera-original 32 MP © 22 MB FINE JPG file.
Cream Dashboard, 10:08 AM, Saturday, 06 August 2022. Canon EOS R7, Canon RF-s 18-150mm IS STM at 84mm (135mm equivalent) at f/14 at 1/100 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 14¼), Perfectly Clear. bigger or camera-original 32 MP © 13 MB FINE JPG file.
Ferrari as Seen from Across the Street, 10:21 AM, Saturday, 06 August 2022. Canon EOS R7, Canon RF-s 18-150mm IS STM at 125mm (200mm equivalent) at f/8 at 1/400 at Auto ISO 100, -0.7 stops exposure compensation (LV 14.6), Perfectly Clear. bigger.
Suburbia under Glorious Light with Distant Storm, 6:52 PM, Monday, 08 August 2022. Canon EOS R7, Canon RF-s 18-150mm IS STM at 64mm (100mm equivalent) at f/8 at 1/200 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 13.6), as shot, perspective correction in Photoshop CS6 (from 2012). bigger or camera-original 32 MP © 11 MB NORMAL JPG file.
Palms in Golden California Sunset, 7:43 PM, Monday, 08 August 2022. Canon EOS R7, Canon RF-s 18-150mm IS STM at 141mm (230mm equivalent) wide-open at f/6.3 at 1/250 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 13.4, exactly as shot. bigger or camera-original 32 MP © 4 MB NORMAL JPG file.
Lifeguard Station Enrobed in a Golden California Sunset, 7:15 PM, Thursday, 11 August 2022. Canon EOS R7, Canon RF-s 18-150mm IS STM at 18mm (29mm equivalent) at f/8 at 1/125 at Auto ISO 100 (LV 13, Luminar Aurora HDR to make it explode in color, perspective correction in Photoshop CS6 (from 2012). bigger or full resolution.
When I played this back in my R7's finder I thought camera motion had caused the double-images on the hand-written letters on the lifeguard station — but became perplexed when everything else was sharp. Walking up to the plaque, it turns out that that's how the dry-erase marker looked, as if it was erased and then written mostly the same the next day. Weird but true.
Afterglow, 8:03 PM, Thursday, 11 August 2022. Canon EOS R7, Canon RF-s 18-150mm IS STM at 50mm (80mm equivalent) at f/8 hand-held at 1/10 at Auto ISO 160 (LV 8.7), Luminar Aurora HDR to explode the colors. bigger.
Construction site by Sodium Light, 8:10 PM, Thursday, 11 August 2022. Canon EOS R7, Canon RF-s 18-150mm IS STM at 35mm (55mm equivalent) wide-open at f/5 hand-held at 1/10 at Auto ISO 6,400 (LV 2.0), Luminar Aurora HDR to explode the colors. bigger.
Announced |
24 May 2022 |
24 May 2022 |
Format |
APS-C |
APS-C |
Resolution |
32 MP |
24 MP (looks exactly the same as 32 MP) |
In-Camera Stabilization |
Yes |
No |
Mechanical Shutter |
15 FPS |
15 FPS |
Electronic Shutter |
30 FPS |
none |
Maximum video rate |
4K / 59.94 |
4K / 29.97 |
Claimed dust & dew resistance? |
Yes |
No |
SD card slots |
Two |
One |
Weight, w/battery & SD card |
21.6 oz. 611 g |
15.1 oz. 429 g |
Price, 08/2022 |
12 August 2022, Friday top
Did You Know?
These are the top-selling accessories at B&H:
Calibrite Passport Video ColorChecker.
Calibrite Passport Photo ColorChecker 2.
Datacolor SpyderLensCal Autofocus Calibration Aid.
Oben 3/8”-16 to ¼”-20 Bushing!
Small but invaluable! Funny thing is B&H calls them "reducers," but put them atop your tripod and they are enlargers. It depends on your point of view.
11 August 2022, Thursday top
NEW: Sennheiser Momentum 4 noise-canceling Bluetooth Headphones. (also in white.)
NEW: B&H Photo's Monterrey, California OPTICS West 2022 Conference.
It's FREE, and features speakers like Frans Lanting and Scott Kelby.
Looks like a heck of a lot of fun!
$200 Off: Nikon Z 28-75mm f/2.8: $996.95.
$600 Off: Sony A7R IIIa: $2,198.
$100 Off: Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM: $1,198.
08 August 2022, Monday top
NEW: Sigma 20mm f/1.4 for Sony. (also at Adorama.)
NEW: Sigma 20mm f/1.4 for LEICA L. (also at Adorama.)
NEW: Hood for Sigma 20mm f/1.4.
NEW: Sigma 24mm f/1.4 for Sony. (also at Adorama.)
NEW: Sigma 24mm f/1.4 for LEICA L. (also at Adorama.)
NEW: Hood for Sigma 24mm f/1.4.
06 August 2022, Saturday top
Weekend Report
beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X.
NEW: beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X Review.
Great headphones at a super price. Bravo!
05 August 2022, Friday top
Oak Preserve, Los Osos, California.
NEW: Photographs from California's Central Coast.
Venus Optics Laowa 10mm f/4.
NEW: Venus Laowa 10mm f/4 Review & Sample Images.
04 August 2022, Thursday top
Updated: Canon EF 100-400mm L IS, EF 100-400mm L IS II, RF 100-400mm IS USM and RF 100-500mm L IS.
I updated images, resolutions, prices and comparisons.
People are always asking me to compare them; here's what you need to know:
Canon EF 100-400mm L IS USM
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM.
This lens is out of production. It has superb fluorite optics, but its IS system is ancient and its push-pull zoom make it a pain to shoot. It was state-of-the-art at the time, but long past its prime. However, if you don't mind a push-pull zoom and don't depend on IS as I do, it's just as sharp as the newer lenses and a steal for about $650 used if you know How to Win at eBay.
Canon EF 100-400mm L IS II USM
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM.
This is my favorite tele zoom of all time, and prefer it to the Canon RF 100-500mm L IS because the 100-400mm L IS II is better made and less expensive, and works much better with (even stacked) teleconverters.
This EF lens works great on mirrorless and DSLRs and 35mm cameras.
Canon RF 100-400mm IS USM
Canon RF 100~400mm IS USM.
This little gem is the best choice for mirrorless. It won't work on DSLRs, but it is compact, inexpensive, ultra-sharp and autofocuses ultra fast and close.
I don't see any practical reason for the much larger and more expensive Canon RF 100-500mm L IS unless you prefer to carry huge lenses around all day.
Canon RF 100-500mm L IS
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM.
This big baby is by far the most expensive lens here, but has (to me) a deal-breaking flaw where it can't be set to shorter than 300mm when used with an extender.
Unlike with DSLRs, mirrorless cameras work brilliantly with extenders, and I often stack my EF 1.4 and 2x converters with my EF 100-400mm L IS II to get to an easy hand-holdable 1,120mm - which I can't do with the RF 100-500mm L IS.
Since I already own the fully professional all-metal, fluorite-element EF 100-400mm L IS II, I can't see any reason for this more expensive lens that won't work on my DSLRs or with my EF extenders.
Don't let me stop you, however. If you don't already own any of the others and aren't as cheap as I am, this 100-500mm lens is superb if the 100-500mm range is what you want on mirrorless, and it does weigh less than my favorite EF 100-400mm L IS II — and the RF 100-400mm IS USM takes the same pictures as any of these.
02 August 2022, Tuesday top
$20 Off: Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8: $276.95.
Today Only
Sales end when sold out, or at Midnight NYC time (9PM west coast):
$50 Off: ZEISS 10×25 Terra TL Compact Binoculars: $249.
Sony Zeiss T* FE 35mm f/2.8.
Updated: Sony ZEISS FE 35mm f/2.8.
I just brought this review up to date. It's an ultra-sharp lens that sells for $598 new.
It came out in 2014 at $798 as one of the very first lenses for Sony's ground breaking new "mirrorless" cameras, before Sony made good lenses itself and had to look to ZEISS for great optics (Sony's G and GM lenses are better today than most of the older ZEISS FE lenses).
In this case, this 35/2.8 is still extraordinarily sharp today, and because most people have forgotten about it, it sells for only about $275 used if you know How to Win at eBay.
LEICA TRINOVID 8×20 BCA.
Updated: LEICA TRINOVID 8×20 BCA.
I last wrote about these in 2014, and they're still sold brand new. They came out in 1982 — forty years ago — and like everything LEICA, are eternally l superb. I take them everywhere.
01 August 2022, Monday top
In-Stock: Canon EOS R3.
$100 Off: Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L: $2,299.
$100 Off: Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L: $2,699.
$1,500 Off: Canon 1D-X II: $4,499.
$20 Off: Nikon Z 40mm f/2: $276.95.
$100 Off: Sony A7C: $1,698.
$100 Off: Sony A7C w/28-60mm: $1,998.
$1,100 Off: Olympus E-M1X: $1,899.99.
Today Only
Sales end when sold out, or at Midnight NYC time (9PM west coast):
$200 Off: SanDisk 512GB Extreme PRO CFexpress Card Type B: $399.99. (coupon applied only in checkout.)
$84 Off: Audio-Technica AT2020USB+V Cardioid Condenser USB Mic Limited Edition Silver: $115.
Half Price: Snaptain SP510 2.7K Foldable Drone: $99.99.
30 July 2022, Saturday top
Nikon Z30 and Nikon Z 16-50mm VR.
NEW: Nikon Z30 Review & Sample Images.
Newer keeps getting better! I kid you not: the Z30 has the same or better high ISO performance as last year's full-frame Z9. Just look at the images and judge for yourself. They look the same at each ISO, and the Z30 goes a stop faster to ISO 204,800 while the Z9 stops at ISO 102,400. Wow!
28 July 2022, Thursday top
NEW & UPDATED: All Nikon 105mm Macro Lenses Compared.
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1970-1974 |
1975-1983 |
1983-2021 |
1990-2007 |
2006-2021 |
2021- |
After I published this yesterday, I can't believe no one asked for a comparison chart, which I just added.
Yesterday I said I can't believe no one asked me for this after all these years, like my Nikon 70-200 & 80-200mm f/2.8 history page, Nikon 180mm f/2.8 history and Nikon 300mm f/2.8 history pages.
In Stock: Canon R10 at B&H and at Adorama.
It comes as body-only, or a kit with either of the RF 18-45mm IS STM or RF 18-150mm IS STM lenses.
$60 Off: Godox V860II flash for Fuji.
Today (Thursday) Only: $100 off Pelican 1557AirTP Hard Carry Case (instant coupon applied on checkout).
NEW: Robus SPCS-001 Smartphone Tripod Adapter & Stand.
This looks like an Arca Swiss or Really Right Stuff version; I want to try one!
NEW: Ruggard Red Mahogany and Weathered Oak Electronic Dry Cabinets.
This provides the perfect storage environment for your valuable devices.
NEW: Auray Wireless Charger with Case for Røde Wireless GO and Wireless GO II.
27 July 2022, Wednesday top
Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8G VR Macro.
Updated: Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8G VR.
It was discontinued last year, and it's easy to get for about $450 used at eBay (How to Win at eBay), half the price of the Z 105/2.8, and works great on the FTZ and has better (direct mechanical) manual focus, which is how we shoot serious macro.
In Stock: Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM.
New: Angler Mini CatchLight Reflector.
26 July 2022, Tuesday top
Updated: Canon RF Lenses.
I went through all of my reviews and updated new and used pricing.
As you may or may not know, not only do I list prices for everything I review, more importantly I list the price history for everything. Simply look towards the end of any review's Specifications section and you'll see the new and used prices by date.
This can help you know when it's a great time to buy.
Prices fluctuate based on the yen/US Dollar exchange rate, as well as by how new or popular something may be.
Right now the less expensive lenses have dropped in price, while the crazy ones have gone up. The ultra-sharp RF 50/1.8 is only $179, while the nutty RF 28-70/2.0L is now $3,099.
25 July 2022, Monday top
Up to $160 off: DJI Action 2 Cameras.
Up to $200 off: Sony CFexpress Type B TOUGH cards.
Up to $300 off: Rokinon lenses for Sony.
23 July 2022, Saturday top
New at Crutchfield
New: "Creators" Kit for Nikon Z30.
New: Canon RF 15-30mm IS STM.
New: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro.
New: Canon "Robocam," white.
New: Canon "Robocam," black.
22 July 2022, Friday top
New at Crutchfield
New: Nikon Z30.
New: Nikon Z30 w/16-50mm.
New: Nikon Z30 w/16-50mm & 50-250mm.
New: Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5.
Nikon Z30 In-Stock
This will vary by the minute, but generally the kits with the Z 16-50mm VR or Z 16-50mm VR and Z 50-250mm are now in stock. The Z30 body-only isn't in yet, so if you need that, order and be patient. Hint: the 16-50mm is a tiny pancake lens that makes the Z30 (or Z fc or Z50) the tiny little awesome camera you want it to be. You want to get the 16-50mm with any of the DX mirrorless, and it works swell on the FX mirrorless Nikons as well. Unless you already own a 16-50mm, you do want the kit with this lens.
Z30 body-only: $707 at Adorama, at B&H and at Crutchfield.
Z30 & Z 16-50mm VR: $847 at Adorama, at B&H and at Crutchfield ($850 at Amazon).
Z30, Z 16-50mm VR & Z 50-250mm: $1,097 at Adorama, at Amazon, at B&H and at Crutchfield.
Deals: Manfrotto Tripod kits.
20 July 1969, The End of Impossible top
Aldrin during the lunar EVA. bigger.
53 years ago to day men first walked on the moon.
What does it teach us? It teaches us that nothing is impossible.
16 July 2022, Saturday top
FREE: Grubhub for a year!
$100 Off: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM: $1,298.
$50 Off: Canon RF 100-400mm IS STM: $599.
Get It Done
Apollo XI liftoff from pad 39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA, 16 July 1969, 6:32AM PDT (9:32 A.M. EDT). Photo: NASA.
Today is the 53rd anniversary of us launching the first men who would walk on the Moon.
Looking back at the technology we used, it's laughable by today's standards. Mission plans were written sheet-by-sheet with typewriters and then mimeographed for distribution. While Apollo XI and new "space-age" electronics were solid state in 1969, the rest of the world was still running on vacuum tubes. We had to take the tubes out of our radios and TVs, put them in a paper bag to carry to the drug store to put on the tube tester when our TVs went on the fritz. I know, I watched the whole thing as a kid on a tube-type TV I helped my dad build, and we were always going to the drug store with bags of tubes to test and replace as needed.
Computers? Apollo's computers used hand-sewn memory cores! Women weaved these together, core-by-core for each and every bit; eight cores to a byte. Apollo XI's navigation computer got us there with only 4 kilobytes of RAM. That's 0.000004, or four-millionths, of a GB.
Did we let this stop us? Did we give up and wait for some new version of firmware before we got there? NO WAY! We got it done with what we had. "Git 'er Done," as we say in the South. Laugh all you want, but the key is that we got it done, 53 years ago, and no one else has ever come close.
I remember in previous years when I've mentioned the Moon landings some people tried to say "oh, we've lost that technology; we could never do it again." Seriously? We couldn't pick up our iPhone and order a Saturn V from Amazon; we started the 1960s without that technology and had to invent most of it as we went along. As a kid all my friends' dads worked at Grumman Bethpage and came to our first-grade elementary school classroom each day bragging and comparing what each of their dads had invented or built for the LEM the day before. Today NASA's Artemis program is bringing America back to the moon just because we can — and continue our path to Mars we already had on paper back in the 1960s as well.
I also remember someone complaining - to me of all people - that they thought the photos they saw of the internal construction of the Lunar Excursion Module (LEM) were a bit "sloppy." Well, excuse me, but obviously it worked, and if you wanted to stop and take the time to make it all look pretty, you may never have gotten to the moon. Get it done.
It wasn't just once that we got two guys up and walking around. We kept going and got a total of a dozen men to walk on the moon and back safely. Walking around wasn't enough for America, we even brought electric vehicles on our most recent three trips and played a few holes of golf while we were there!
How does this relate to photography? People are always writing me, worried that their camera isn't good enough to do what they want it to do. Well, looking back at how little we had and how we were able to use that to get us to the moon for 9 AM tee times, obviously Your Camera Doesn't Matter. Get what you need, but never let a perceived lack of gear stop you from getting your picture. An artist uses whatever he has at hand to get the job done. Winners never give up.
How to Get Your Fuji X100V
Fujifilm X100V.
The X100V is so wildly popular that you won't find it "in stock," but it's also easy to get your X100V. Order it at Adorama in silver, at Adorama in black, at B&H in silver or at B&H in black and be patient for it to arrive. Most people don't realize that these come in and go out the same day to people like me who have them on order all the time, without ever showing as "in stock" because they never make it to "stock" before they get shipped to us. Order yours and be patient, or be prepared to pay about $1,700 for a used one. The X100V is this good!
The X100V is so good that B&H may not be taking orders right now, as demand is so much greater than supply.
If you lack patience, they're $2,199.99 at Amazon in silver and $2,199.99 at Amazon in black, or about $1,700 used if you know How to Win at eBay.
Here's a better idea: I prefer my older X100F because it has a rear 4-way controller rather than the foolish "touch functions" of the X100V, and today the X100F sells for much less than the X100V and is easy to get used if you know How to Win at eBay.
How to Get Your Nikon Z9
Nikon Z9 and Nikon AI Noct-NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2s on FTZ.
It's easy to get your Z9. People keep asking, so here's how I got mine: I got my Z9 by ordering at B&H the day it was announced in 2021 and being patient. It arrived in February 2022! I'd also get it at Adorama, at Amazon or at Crutchfield.
Most people don't realize that there are so many backorders that they never show as stock, while people who have them on order get theirs all the time as they come in. They fly right out the same day as they arrive to those of us who have them on order. Order yours and be patient, or be prepared to pay about $7,000 for a used one from a scalper. The Z9 is this good!
You can't wait to find one in stock; order yours now and it will ship as soon as it comes in, long before you'll ever see them marked as IN-STOCK sitting on a shelf.
Like many things in life; it's a matter of preparation. Your card doesn't get charged until it ships, and as you can see, you could sell it for more than you paid for it if you felt like it, so you just can't lose when you order these. It just takes patience.
In-Stock: Sony E 10-20mm f/4 PZ G.
In-Stock: Sony E 11mm f/1.8.
In-Stock: Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G.
In-Stock: DJI Mini 3 Pro with DJI RC Remote or with Nanuk Case.
15% Off: Rotolight AOES 2 Base Light.
15% Off: Rotolight AOES 2 Explorer Light Kit.
15% Off: Rotolight AOES 2 Masters 2-Light Kit.
15% Off: Rotolight AOES 2 Ultimate 2-Light Kit w/battery.
These are RGBAW continuous LED lights which can make any color, as well as white from 3,000 to 10,000 K. They also have a "flash" mode, but for stills, I prefer xenon. These lights are mostly for video.
Use coupon code ROTO15OFFAF2 for your 15% discount.
$50 Off: SanDisk 1TB microSDXC w/SD Adapter: $189.99. Lots of other SanDisk cards on sale, too.
$244 Off: SanDisk 2TB extreme Pro SSD V2: $254.99.
13 July 2022, Wednesday top
It was Amazon Prime Day.
NEW: Ricoh GR IIIx Urban Edition: $1,049.
24 MP APS-C with fixed 26mm (40mm eq.) f/2.8 lens.
NEW: Canon "SpyBot" Powershot PICK Pan/Tilt/Zoom RoboCam: $499. Also comes in black.
I named it the SpyBot and RoboCam, that's not its real name.
This little guy sits by itself, keeps looking around, and just snaps and video records whatever it thinks is interesting. It also can be remotely controlled and viewed via its app, pointing and zoom manually or all by itself.
Put a bunch of these on the tables at a reception and see what happens, sort of like leaving a bunch of disposable 35mm cameras out there.
NEW: Tascam CD-RW900SX Professional CD Recorder & Player: $549.
NEW: Sony ECM-G1 Vlogger Narration Microphone: $149.99.
It's a small directional supercardioid mono (not stereo) shoe-mount microphone. It's powered from the digital hot shoe on most Sony cameras.
$200 Off: Lumix G7 w/14-42mm: $497.99.
12 July 2022, Tuesday top
NEW: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM.
52mm filters, 9.5 oz./270 g, 0.5'/0.14m/5.5" close focus, 1:2 (0.5×) macro ratio.
NEW: Canon RF 15-30mm IS STM.
67mm filters, 13.8 oz./390 g, 0.4'/0.13m/5.1" close focus, 1:2 (0.5×) macro ratio.
Two new full-frame lenses, and the RF 15-30mm IS STM is among the lightest ultrawide zooms ever made. These are all brilliant lenses with no equals; Sony's Power Zoom 16-35mm is small and light, but has no stabilization and no normal mechanical zoom, and Nikon's Z 14-30mm also lacks stabilization and weighs much more, and each of those costs more than double what this brilliant new RF 15-30mm IS STM does.
Bravo, Canon!
Amazon Prime Day!
$100 Off: Canon RF 24-240mm: $799.
11 July 2022, Monday top
Sony Sale
$200 Off: Sony E 10-18mm OSS: $698.
$100 Off: Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Full Frame Ultrawide: $1,498.
$100 Off: Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM: $1,898.
$600 Off: Sony A7R IIIA: $2,198.
$200 Off: Sony A7III w/28-70mm: $1,998.
$600 Off: Sony A7II w/28-70mm: $998.
$500 Off: Sony A7II: $898.
More Deals
$90 Off: Seagate 12 TB Desktop Drive: $249.99.
I use the 8TB version for all my backups.
$50 Off: Ring Doorbell: $149.99.
I love mine; it's the best security camera I have, giving great images from daylight to moonlight with its built-in illuminator. It alerts me instantly when people are there as well. It's much better than my Canary camera system, which is very slow to respond, has poorer pictures and works crappy by comparison - and seems to be much more expensive to pay for the service over the years I've had these. If I knew this now, I'd be all-Ring rather than have all the systems I do.
$300 Off: Atomos Ninja V 5" 4K Recording Monitor w/1TB AtomX SSDmini & Mounting Kit: $899.
$250 Off: Sirui 75mm f/1.8 1.33x Anamorphic Lens for Sony: $649.
$70 Off: Impact Hexi 24 Speedlight Softbox: $79.95.
SmallRig AD-01 Video Tripod with Included Fluid Head.
NEW: SmallRig AD-01 Fluid-Head Video Tripod Review.
Nikon 14mm f/2.8 AF-D ED.
Updated: Nikon 14mm f/2.8 AF-D Review.
It was discontinued last year, so I brought its page up to date. The good news is that while I got a screaming deal on a used one the day before Nikon's first FX digital camera was announced (and these these were in low demand), today they sell for only about $500 if you know How to Win at eBay. They used to sell for almost $2,000 new.
05 July 2022, Tuesday top
$15 off: Lexar 2000x 64GB UHS-II SDXC card: $79.99.
$31 off: Lexar 1600x 128GB UHS-II SDXC card: $31.69.
NEW: NiteCore NB20000 Ultralight Power Bank Review.
04 July 1776, Independence Day top
Today everyone should read The Declaration of Independence, which is a brilliant example of a well-written work by very educated men that explains exactly what was the problem, exactly what we did to try to get the British to fix it, and therefore why we no longer had any allegiance to them as they continued to ignore and abuse us. In other words, it's a work that clearly says "you guys have treated us like crap, here's exactly why, you refused to do anything about it when we repeatedly asked, so screw you guys!"
Of course we had no idea back then (nor did General Cornwallis, arguably the world's biggest loser in all of history) that by about 1890 our independence and drive would have blasted us to being the world's largest economy ever since. GO U. S. A.!!!
Reading it each year is like reading The Night Before Christmas to the kids every Christmas Eve. I especially admire the section that says:
"Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed."
Which, in modern English, says "While one shouldn't go toppling large governments on a whim, experience has shown that most people would rather put up with the same crap every day forever than have the guts to do something about it right now." America exists only because we stood up and did something about it rather than shrug and just say "different day, same crap."
Oben CT-2491 Carbon-Fibre Tripod.
NEW: Oben CT-2491 Carbon-Fibre Tripod Review.
03 July 2022, Sunday top
Weekend Report
beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO.
NEW: beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO Review.
02 July 2022, Saturday top
Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR.
NEW: Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR Review.
01 July 2022, Friday top
Nikon 500mm f/8 N Reflex-NIKKOR.
Updated: Nikon 500mm f/8 N Review.
What Was New in:
May & June 2022: Canon EOS R7, Canon EOS R10, Canon RF-S 18-45mm IS STM, Canon RF-S 18-150mm IS STM, Nikon Z30 Review, Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 Review, Nikon Z 28-75mm f/2.8 Review, Nikon Z 100-400mm VR Review, Nikon Full-Frame Z Midrange Zooms Compared, Sony ZV-E10 Review, Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 G PZ Review, Sony E 10-20mm f/4G PZ Review, Sony E 11mm f/1.8 Review, Sony E 15mm f/1.4G Review, Fuji X-H2s, Fuji XF 18-120mm f/4 R LM WR Power Zoom, Fuji XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM WR OIS, Fujifilm's 2022-2023 Lens Roadmap, HASSELBLAD PME Prism Meter Finder Review.
January ~ April 2022: Photographs from Yosemite & the Eastern Sierra, The Effect of Scale, Canon EOS R3 Full Review & Sample Image Files, Canon EOS R5C, Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM, Canon RF 1,200mm f/8L IS USM, Canon PowerShot ZOOM Review, Nikon Z9 Review & Sample Images, Nikon Z9 User's Guide & Tutorial, Nikon Z 18-140mm VR DX Review & Sample Image Files, Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 Review & Sample Image Files, Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 SE Review & Sample Image Files, Nikon Z 40mm f/2 Review & Sample Image Files, Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 VR, Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR, Sony A7 IV Full Review & Sample Image Files, Sony A7 IV Tutorial & User's Guide, Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 G PZ Power Zoom, Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Review & Sample Images, Sony HVL-F60RM2 Flash Review & Sample Images, Sony HVL-F46RM Flash Review & Sample Images, Sony SD Card Reader, LEICA M11, Apple Mac Studio, Apple 27" 5K Studio Display, 5th generation 10.9" iPad Air, Cooke S8/i 25mm, 32mm, 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm and 135mm T1.4 Lenses in PL mount, Huion Kamvas Pro 13 (2.5K) drawing tablet review, Kodak GOLD 200 in 120 format, OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock Review, OWC ATLAS S PRO SDXC Card Review, OWC ENVOY PRO ELEKTRON SSD Review, OWC USB-C TRAVEL DOCK E Review, Oben CFT-6194L Lateral Carbon-Fibre Tripod Review, Oben CFT-6394 "Big & Tall" Carbon-Fibre Tripod Review, Oben BC-139 Review, Olympus OM-1, M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II, M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 PRO, Panasonic Lumix GH6, Sigma 16mm f/1.4 for Fuji, Sigma 30mm f/1.4 for Fuji, Sigma 56mm f/1.4 for Fuji, Sigma 20mm f/2 full-frame for Sony E, Sigma 20mm f/2 full-frame for LEICA L, SmallRig 3457 Compact Fluid Head Review, ThinkTank Retrospective 75 Duffel, ZEISS Supreme Prime 15mm T1.8, Feet, PL Mount, Jackery Explorer 1000 Power Station & Solar Generator Review, Jackery Explorer 300 Review, Jackery SolarSaga 100W Panel Review, Nitecore BlowerBaby Review, B&W 702 S2 Speakers, beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X headphones review.
November ~ December 2021: Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Review, Canon RF 100-400mm IS USM Review, Canon EF 28-80mm f/2.8-4 L ULTRASONIC Review, Nikon Z 28-75mm f/2.8, Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8, Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3, Leica Q2 Reporter Edition, Best USB-C Card Readers, Docks & Hubs Compared, Mitakon 90mm f/1.5 Review, McIntosh MQ 107 Environmental Equalizer Review.
October 2021: Nikon Z9, Nikon Z 18-140mm VR DX, Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR, Nikon FTZ II, Canon STEREOSCOPIC RF 5.2mm f/2.8L 190º Fisheye, Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM Review, Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 Soft Focus Review, Sony A7 IV, Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II, Apple Watch Series 7.
July ~ September 2021: Nikon Z fc Review, Nikon Z7 II User's Guide, Nikon Z FX 28mm f/2.8 Special Edition, Nikon Z 40mm f/2, Nikon Z 50mm f/2.8 Macro Review, Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 VR Macro Review, Canon EOS R3, Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM, Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Review, Canon RF 100~400mm IS USM, Canon DM-E1D Stereo Mic, Canon ST-E10 Speedlite Transmitter, Canon AD-P1 Android Data Transmitter Adapter, Canon AD-E1 Normal to Multi-Function Shoe Adapter, Sony ZV-E10, Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Review, Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 Review, Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 Review, Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 Review, Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Review, Fuji GFX 50S II, Fuji GF 35-70mm, Fuji GFX 50S II w/35-70mm, Fuji X-T30 II, Fuji XF 23mm f/1.4, Fuji XF 33mm f/1.4, Sigma 24mm f/2 DG DN, Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN full-frame für LEICA L, Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 for Sony and for LEICA L, Tamron 18-300mm for Sony APS-C and for Fuji, Tamron 35~150mm f/2~2.8 for Sony, Laowa Argus 35mm f/0.95 Review, Godox Ving V860III TTL Li-Ion Flash, Megadap Sony to Nikon Z Lens Adapter, TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Review, Voigtländer Heliar Classic 50mm f/1.5, Audeze LCD-XC Planar Magnetic Headphones full review.
April ~ June 2021: Photographs from California's Central Coast, Canon EOS R3, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM III Review, Canon RF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro Review, All Canon 100mm Lenses Compared, Canon RF 400mm f/2.8L IS, Canon RF 600mm f/4L IS, Nikon Z7 II Review, Nikon Z fc, Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 Review, Nikon Z FX 28mm f/2.8 Special Edition, Nikon Z 50mm f/2.8 Macro, Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 Review, Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct Review, Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 VR Macro, Sony A1 Review, Sony A6100 Review, Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G Review, Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Review, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Review, Sony E 70-350mm G OSS Review, Fujifilm X-E4 Review, Fuji X-S10 Review, Fuji XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR Review, Fuji XF 18mm f/1.4R LM WR, Fuji XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR Review, Fuji XF 70-300mm R LM OIS WR Review, LEICA M10-R in black paint, Pentax K-3 Mk III, iRig Pre 2 XLR Mic to Mirrorless, DSLR, iOS, Phone or Computer Preamplifier, Robus RTH-1050 55-lb Capacity Ball Head Review, Ritz Gear 256 GB CFexpress card, Turboant Thunder T1 Electric Bike Review.
January ~ March 2021: Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM review, Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS review, Canon RF 85mm f/2 MACRO IS STM review, Canon EL-1 Flash review, Nikon Z9 review, SONY A1 review, Sony A7C review, Sony FE 28-60mm review, Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 G, Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G and Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G, Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM, Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM review, iPhone 12 Pro Max review & guide, Apple Watch Series 6 review & guide, LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-M 35mm f/2 ASPH, LEICA 50mm f/1.2 NOCTILUX-M ASPH, Fuji GFX 100S, Fuji GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR, Fuji X-E4, Fuji XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR, Fuji 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR, Ritz 256GB 265/120 MB/s V60 SD card, Mitakon 50mm f/0.95 review, 7Artisans 50mm f/1.05 review, Polsen MVP-3 Micro Shotgun Microphone, Polsen MVP-6 Shotgun Microphone, Polsen MO-CPL2 USB-C Lavalier Microphone, Polsen SCL-1080 Dual-Pattern Shotgun Microphone
October ~ December 2020: Canon 1DX Mark III Review, Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Review, Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM Review, Canon EOS M50 Mk II, Big EL-1 flash and odd compact PowerShot Zoom 100-400mm P&S, Canon PIXMA Pro-200, Nikon Z5 Review, Nikon Z6 II Review, Nikon Z7 II Review, Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 Review, Nikon Z 24-50mm Review, Nikon Z 24-200mm Review, Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 Review, Fuji 50mm f/1.0 Review, Fuji X-S10, Fuji 10-24mm f/4 OIS WR R, LEICA Q2 Monochrom, LEICA SL-2 S, ZEISS ZX1, Audeze LCD-X Headphones Review, TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 ASPH Review, Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro for Sony E or LEICA, Megadap Any Lens to Nikon Z Autofocusing Adapter Review, Oben CTT-1000L Compact Tripod Review, MacCase iPad Pro Case Review.
May ~ September 2020: Canon EOS R5, Canon EOS R6, Canon EOS R, RP, R5 & R6 Compared, Canon RF 15~35mm f/2.8L, Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS, Canon RF 24-105mm IS STM, Canon RF 24-240mm, Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS, Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM, Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L DS USM, Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L versus f/1.2L DS, Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM, Canon RF 100-500mm, Canon RF 600mm IS STM, Canon RF 800mm IS STM, Canon RF 1.4× extender, Canon RF 2× extender, Canon 90D, Canon Rebel T8i (EOS 850D), Nikon Z5, Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8, Nikon Z 24-50mm, Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2, Nikon Z TC-1.4× teleconverter, Nikon Z TC-2× teleconverter, Sony A7c, Sony A9 II, Sony A7S III, Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM, Sony LA-EA5 Adapter, Apple Watch Series 6, Fuji X-T4, Fuji X-T200, Fuji XC 35mm f/2, Fuji XF 50mm f/1.0, LEICA M10-R, LEICA Q2, LEICA Q2 User's Guide, LEICA Q2 vs Fuji X100F vs iPhone 11 Pro Max vs Canon 90D, LEICA vs iPhone vs Fuji vs Canon, LEICA SF-24D, Hasselblad 907X 50C, ZEISS SONNAR 50mm f/1.5, Tokina Opera 50mm f/1.4, Luxli Timpani, Cello and Viola2, Audeze LCD-1 Headphones.
April 2020: Fuji XF 16-80mm f/4 Review, Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 STM, Canon C300 Mk III, Canon 25-250mm T2.95 Cine, Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mk III, Irix Full-Frame, Manual Focus 45mm f/1.4, Laowa 210º 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye, Lensbaby Velvet 28mm f/2.5, Rokinon AF 75mm f/1.8, Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 for Sony, DJI Mavic Air 2 , DJI Mavic 2 Pro 4K , BlackMagic Pocket Cinema 6K, Zoom H6 Recorder Review.
January ~ March 2020: Photo Products of the Decade 1820~2020, Nikon D6, Nikon D780, Nikon D780 Plain-English User's Guide, Nikon 120-300mm f/2.8 FL VR, Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8, Nikon Z 24-200mm, Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR, Nikon Coolpix P950, Canon 1DX Mark III, Canon Rebel T8i, Canon EOS-R5, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM, Canon RF 24-105 f/4~7.1 IS STM, Canon QX10 Pocket Portable Printer, Sony A7R IV Review & User's Guide, Sony FE 20mm f/1.8, Sony E 50mm f/1.8 OSS, Sony E 55-210mm OSS, Fuji X100V, Fuji X100V Plain-English User's Guide, Fuji X-T4, Fuji X-T200, Fuji XC 35mm f/2, Fuji GF 45-100mm f/4 OIS, LEICA M10 Monochrom, LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Edition "LEITZ Wetzlar, LEICA S3, Tokina 85mm f/1.8 for Sony full-frame, Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2× Ultra-Macro, Think Tank Retrospective Backpack 15, Fringer Canon EF -> Fuji X Adapter, Fringer Canon EF -> Nikon Z Adapter, DJI Mavic 2 Zoom with Smart Controller, Senal SMH-1200 Review.
November & December 2019: Fall Color from Yosemite and California's Eastern Sierra, Nikon Z50 Full Review, Nikon Z50 Plain-English User's Guide, Nikon Z DX 16-50mm VR Review, Nikon Z DX 50-250mm VR Review, Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 Review, Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 Review, Sony A6600 Review, Sony A6600 User's Guide, Canon EOS Ra Astro Mirrorless, Fujifilm X-Pro3 Review, Fuji GFX 100 Review, Fuji GF 50mm f/3.5 Review, Apple Watch Series 5 Review, Apple 32" Pro 6K Display, Apple 32" Pro 6K Display w/nano textured glass, Photo Mechanic Software Review, Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Full Frame for Canon EF, LEICA SL2, Sigma 24-70/2.8 for Sony, Sigma 24-70/2.8 für LEICA L, Turboant X7 Review.
August ~ October 2019: iPhone 11 Pro Max, Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8, Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8, Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM DS, Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM, Canon EOS 1DX Mark III, Canon 90D, Canon EOS-M200, Canon M6 Mk II, Fuji X-Pro3, Fuji X-E3 Review, Fuji X-A7, Fuji XC 15-45mm PZ OIS Review, Fuji XC 50-230mm OIS Review, Fuji Touch Screen Settings, Nikon D3500 review, Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S Review, Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 Review, Nikon Noct-NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95, Nikon Z50, Nikon Z 16-50mm DX VR, Nikon Z 50-250mm DX VR, Nikon 200mm f/2 VR II Review, Panasonic S1H, Panasonic 24-70mm f/2.8, Pansonic LEICA DG 25mm f/1.4 II, Rokinon AF 18mm f/2.8, Sigma fp w/45mm lens, Sony A9 II, Tamron 20mm f/2.8, Tamron 24mm f/2.8, Tamron 35mm f/2.8, Voigtländer Nokton 75mm f/1.5, Auray TT-6220 Telescoping Tabletop Mic Stand Review, Auray PFNY-6 Mic Pop Filter Review, Senal SCM-660 Microphone Review, XUMA MTA-300B iPhone/Smartphone Tripod Adapter Review.
July 2019: Rockwell.TV on YouTube, Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 Review, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 Review, Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 Review, Canon RF 24~240mm IS, Sony A7R Mark IV, Sony RX100 Mark VII, Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 review, LEICA M-E typ 240, Hasselblad 907X Special Edition, Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR, Fujifilm GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR, ROBUS RC-5570 Tripod Review, Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 for Sony E und für LEICA L, Sigma 35mm f/1.2 for Sony E und für LEICA L, Sigma 45mm f/2.8 for Sony Eund für LEICA L, Sigma fp mirrorless camera.
April ~ June 2019: Nikon Z6 Review, Nikon Z6 User's Guide, Nikon Z7 User's Guide, Nikon Z 14-30mm Review, Nikon NIKKOR 135mm f/2 AI-s Review, Nikon NIKKOR 180mm f/2.8 AI Review, Nikon NIKKOR✱ED 180mm f/2.8 AI-s Review, Nikon NIKKOR✱ED 200mm f/2 AI-s Review, Zeiss Otus 100mm f/1.4 Review, Sony E 20mm f/2.8 Review, Sony E 30mm f/3.5 Macro Review, Sony E 35mm f/1.8 OSS Review, Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Review, Sony 200-600mm G OSS Review, Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS Review, Tokina FiRIN 100mm f/2.8 Macro for Sony E, Voigtlander 21mm f/1.4 for Sony Full-Frame, Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 full-frame ultrawide for Sony E, Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM, Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 for Canon RF, Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 for Canon RF, Canon SL3 (EOS 250D), Fujifilm X-H1 Review, Fujifilm X-T30 Review, Fujifilm X-T20 Review, Fujifilm 8-16mm f/2.8 Review, Fujifilm 16mm f/2.8 Review, Fujifilm GFX 100 Review, Fujifilm GF 32~64mm f/4 R LM WR Review, Fujifilm GF 100~200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR Review, Medium-Format vs. Full-Frame Image-Quality Comparison, Apple iPhone Xs Max Review & User's Guide, Apple Watch Series 4 Review, All Apple Watches Compared, new 13" MacBook Pro, new 15" MacBook Pro, Olympus TG-6 Underwater Camera, Panasonic LEICA VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm f/1.7, Panasonic DMW-STC14 1.4× teleconverter, Panasonic DMW-STC20 2× teleconverter, Think Tank "Digital Holster 150" for ultrateles, Oben CTT-1000 Mini Tripod Review.
March 2019: Nikon Z7 Review, Nikon Coolpix A1000, Nikon Coolpix B600, Sony E 16mm f/2.8 Review, Sony E 18-200mm OSS PZ Review, Sony E 18-200mm OSS LE Review, Sony RX0 II, Canon IVY CLIQ Instant Camera, Canon IVY CLIQ+ Instant Camera, Fujinon XF 80mm f/2.8 Macro OIS Review, LEICA Q2, LEICA APO-SUMMICRON-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH, Pixel X900 Flash Review, Rokinon Full-Frame ultra-ultra-wide 10mm f/3.5 for Canon EF, Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 Ultra-Ultrawide for Canon RF, Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 for Canon RF.
February 2019: Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, Canon EOS RP Hands-On Review, Canon EOS RP User's Guide, Canon EOS RP vs EOS R, Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Review, Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Review, Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM DS, Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM, Canon RF 24-240mm IS USM, Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM, Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM, Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM, Fujifilm X-T3 Review, Fujifilm 23mm f/2 Review, Fujifilm 200mm f/2 Review, Fujifilm 50mm f/2 Review, Fujifilm XF 16mm f/2.8 WR, Fujifilm X-T30, Panasonic S1 Full-Frame System, Polaroid POP cameras, Ricoh GR III, Ricoh WG-6 underwater, Ricoh WG-6 in Orange, Ricoh G-900, Tokina Opera 16-28mm f/2.8, Tamron 35-150mm, Tamron 35mm f/1.4.
January 2019: LEICA M10-P Safari Edition, LEICA SUMMICRON-M 50mm f/2 Safari Edition, Verum 1 Planar Magnetic Headphones review, Olympus OM-D E-M1 X, Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S review, Sony 10-18mm Review, Sony A6400 Review, Sony 18-135mm Review, Sigma 28mm f/1.4 ART, Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S and Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro Review.
November & December 2018: Moment 18mm review, Photos from Yosemite and the Eastern Sierra, Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF Review, Adapted Rangefinder Lenses on Nikon Mirrorless, AlienBoard Hoverboard review, LEICA D-Lux 7, Why You Need an Apple Watch, Sigma 60-600mm Review.
October 2018: Loads of Canon and Nikon mirrorless revelations, First Chinese Nikon Z adapters, Canon EOS R Review, Canon EOS R User's Guide, Wimberley Gimbal Tripod Head Review, Sony 400mm f/2.8 Review, How to Photograph Air Shows, LEICA M10-D.
August & September 2018: Nikon vs Canon vs Sony Full Frame, Mirrorless vs DSLR, Do You Really Need Two Card Slots, Canon EOS-R Review, Canon EF to RF Lens Adapters, Canon RF 24-105mm Review, Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L, Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 Review, Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM, Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS II Review, Canon EF400mm f/2.8L IS III, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM, Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM, Canon 580EX II Review, Canon 580EX II User's Guide, Sony 24mm f/1.4, Sony RX100 Mark 6 Review, Sony RX100 Mk VI User's Guide, Nikon's full-frame mirrorless system, Nikon Z7, Nikon Z6, Nikon Z6 vs. Z7, Nikon FTZ Lens Adapter, Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4, Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8, Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8, Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF, Nikon D3500, LEICA M10-P, iPhone Xs Max Bokeh vs Full-Frame Professional Cameras, Tokina "Opera" 50mm f/1.4, Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 G2, Fuji XT-3.
June & July 2018: Nikon Mirrorless hinted at, Fuji 8-16mm f/2.8, Fuji 200mm f/2, Fuji XF10, Sony RX100VA, Nikon P1000, Tamron 100‑400mm Review, best 80-400 and 100-400mm zooms compared, How to Win Photo Contests, Tamron 18-400mm review, Sony 400mm f/2.8, Images of Yosemite in Springtime, Kodak Medalist II Review, Canon 70‑200mm f/4L IS II, Canon 70‑200mm f/2.8 L IS III and my Sony RX100 Mark VI review.
May 2018: Marc Silber's Secrets to Creating Amazing Photos, Sigma 105mm f/1.4, Fuji X-T100, Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 IS/VR Review, beyerdynamic Amiron Home Review, Sigma 70mm Full-Frame Macro Art Lens, Nikon D1 High ISO Samples, Vello MB-D18 (BG-N19) Grip Review, Sunpak RD2000 Review, Small Flashes Compared.
April 2018: Irix 11mm f/4 Review,Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8, Canon 85mm f/1.4 L IS Review,Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 VR/IS Review, Best 70-200mm f/2.8 Lenses Compared, Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 VR/IS Review, Best 24-105mm Lenses Compared, MindShift 18L Backpack, Fuji GF 250mm f/4, Fuji GF 1.4X TC WR Teleconverter, Fuji MCEX-45G WR Macro Extension Tube, Fuji MCEX-18G WR Macro Extension Tube, Sony RX10 Mk IV Review, Sony RX10 Mk IV User's Guide, beyerdynamic Aventho Wireless Review.
March 2018: Nikon 70-300mm AFP E FX Review, Nikon 28mm f/1.4 E FX Review, Nikon 10-20mm Review, Nikon D7500 Review.
February 2018: Sony A7 III, Yosemite Photos, Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Pancake-NIKKOR review, beyerdynamic DT1350 review, beyerdynamic DT240 review, Canon SL2 review.
Janaury 2018: Nikon 180-400mm, Canon 6D Mk II review, Canon 18-135mm USM review, Fuji X-A5, Sony 18-135mm.
December 2017: Canon 35mm f/2.8 Macro review, Sony A7R III review, Sony A7R III user's guide, Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS review, Sony FE 100mm STF G OSS review.
November 2017: Sony 50/2.8 Macro Review, Sony 90/2.8 Macro Review, LEICA CL, Sony 70-300mm G Review, Panasonic G9, iPhone X Review, How to Make Time Exposures with iPhone, 1X Photo Contest, Tamron 100-400mm.
October 2017: Nikon D850 review, Nikon D850 user's guide, Sony A7R III, Sony 24-105mm G, Sony 85/1.8 review, Canon G1X Mk III.
June, July, August and September 2017: Canon 6D Mk II, Canon SL-2, Canon 85/1.4L, Canon TS-E 50/2.8, 90/2.8 & 135/4, Nikon D850, Nikon 70-300 VR DX AF-P, Nikon 28/1.4E, Metabones Mk V Canon EF -> Sony E-mount adapter.
May 2017: Nikon 10-20mm DX VR, Nikon 8-15mm FX Fisheye, Canon 77D Review, Canon Rebel T7i Review, Canon 18-55mm IS STM Review, Springtime in Yosemite, Irix 15mm f/2.4 Review, Sony 16-35/2.8 GM, Sony 12-24/4 G, Fuji X100F Review, Laowa 12mm Review, Olympus TG-5.
March & April 2017: Nikon D7500, Nikon 19mm PC-E review, Nikon D3400 review, Sony A7 Mk II review, Nikon D5600 review.
February 2017: Canon 77D, Canon Rebel T7i, Canon EOS M6, Sony 24-70/2.8 GM, Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM , Sony 70-200mm f/4 G OSS, Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS, Sony FE 85mm f/1.8.
January 2017: LEICA M10, Fujifilm GFX 50S, Fujifilm X100F, Nikon D5600.
November & December 2016: Fuji X-A10.
September & October 2016: Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 FL, Nikon 19mm PC-E, Sony A6500, Sony RX100 Mk V, Sony Alpha 99 II, Canon EOS M5, Canon EF 70-300 IS II USM, Sony 50mm f/2.8 Macro.
July & August 2016: Canon 5D Mk IV, 16-35 IS II, 24-105 IS II, Nikon D3400, Nikon 105mm f/1.4, Fuji XT-2.
Help me help you
I support my growing family through this website, as crazy as it might seem.
If you find this as helpful as a book you might have had to buy or a workshop you may have had to take, feel free to help me continue helping everyone.
If you've gotten your gear through one of my links or helped otherwise, you're family. It's great people like you who allow me to keep adding to this site full-time. Thanks!
If you haven't helped yet, please do, and consider helping me with a gift of $5.00.
The biggest help is when you use any of these links when you get anything, regardless of the country in which you live. It costs you nothing, and is this site's, and thus my family's, biggest source of support. eBay is always a gamble, but all the other places always have the best prices and service, which is why I've used them since before this website existed. I recommend them all personally.
Thanks for reading!
Ken
Fall Photo Trips!!!
17 ~ 20 October 2022: FALL COLOR in California's Eastern Sierra |
20 ~ 23 October 2022: Autumn Light in Yosemite |
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| Golden Aspens and Snow-Covered Mount Emma as seen on last year's trip. | Half Dome in Last Light, Cook's Meadow, Yosemite National Park as seen on last year's trip. |
See my WORKSHOPS page for details. These two outings run one right after the other, so most people who come for one want to stay for both — but you have to register in different places for each.