Category: Equipment
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Guide to Buying Used Photography Gear
Buying gear within the used market can be a great way to save money. However, you can also be left with a lemon, and no way to return your soft lens or broken gear. Since we work with thousands of pieces of gear on a daily basis, I figured it was time to discuss the many tips you can use to look…
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Canon 100-400 IS II MTF and Variation Tests
When the Canon 100-400 f/4-5.6 IS L Mk II lens was first released we immediately did some testing. First we took one apart and were extremely impressed with the build quality. Then we compared it using Imatest to the original Canon 100-400 IS L and the new Canon 400mm DO L IS Mk II lenses at 400mm.…
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MTF and Variation: An Example
We’ve spent most of the last month establishing a database of MTF curves and expected copy-to-copy variation for a number of lenses. Most people have a general idea about what we’re doing, can follow along the basics of MTF curves, etc. But many other people also have a very good question, “How…
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Review of the Sigma 24-35mm f/2 Art Series
Last week, Roger had the unique opportunity to get a single copy of the Sigma 24-35mm f/2 Art Series to test the sharpness up against the most common lenses in the 24mm and 35mm focal range. When Roger was done with his tests, and showing off his results, I had the opportunity to bring the lens…
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Street Photography and the Sony A7s
Recently I took a trip to NYC and I wanted practice street photography on the same streets as Gary Winogrand and Robert Frank. I chose the Sony A7s to take with me because I’m spoiled on a full frame sensor and the option to change lenses. The Sony A7s is easily in my top 3 favorite cameras, and…
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Quick MTF of the Tokina 24-70 f/2.8 PRO Fx
* Courtesy Tokina, USA * Tokina is releasing a new competitor in the 24-70mm f/2.8 standard zoom lens group. It’s a reasonably sized lens, having an 82mm diameter front ring, measuring 4.25 inches long, and weighing 2.2 pounds. That’s just a bit smaller and lighter than the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 VC…
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A Quick Look at the New Sigma 24-35 f/2 Art
* Image Courtesy Sigma USA * I generally do MTF testing on multiple copies of a given lens so that I can present the averages, look at sample variation, and stuff like that. I’m always aware that looking at any single copy of a lens, especially a zoom lens, gives only a limited prediction of how…
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Using the Zacuto Zgrip Relocator for C100 with the Movi M5
We are currently teaming up with our friends over at Zacuto as a part of the #withmycamera Giveaway. Today, you can win a $600 LensRentals.com Rental Credit as well as a $1250 Zacuto Gift Card! Check out all the details here! I think this would be a great opportunity to talk about one of my…
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Using ND Filters to Balance Ambient Light With Artificial Light
A week or so ago, I posted an article about some of the features on the Profoto B1 that separate it from the competition. Among those features, was High-Speed Sync, allowing you to use off camera lighting at shutter speeds faster than 1/200th of a second. Today, I would like to tell you about how…
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A Quick Guide to Teleconverters
Teleconverter use and compatibility can easily get confusing. I’d like to shed some light on the subject for those looking to get more length out of their lenses without the extra weight or cost. Teleconverters can add versatility to your camera bag by giving you extra length and a variety of looks…
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Second Shooting a Wedding: What I Use When Gear Is Unlimited
I get asked quite often what gear I recommend for shooting weddings. Almost always, recommend the same old tried and true things: high end bodies with good low light performance, f/2.8 zooms, and if you’re feeling frisky, fast aperture primes. But no one ever asks me about their second shooters. I…
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Five Features On The Profoto B1 Not Seen On Other Strobes
I’ve said it hundreds of times now, I really love the Profoto B1. Years ago, I would use my Alien Bees strobes at a fraction of the price, and scoff at those who chose to go with the more expensive strobe solutions. I’d often laugh, and say light is light, and that if you need a 2 thousand dollar…