First Look: DX Lensbaby

Just the other day I was thinking, what Lensbaby really needs to do is make a series of optics for DX Cameras. And ironically, they did just that, with last week’s introduction of the Sweet 35.

Is There a Macro Lens in My Future?

So I guess it’s pretty clear by now that I’ve been consciously avoiding the purchase of a dedicated macro lens. I can’t help it; I’ve been having so much fun exploring all the ways I can get around it. It might even have something to do with the $500.00-$900.00 price tag.

Review: Fotodiox Canon FD-Nikon Lens Adapter

They said it could not be done and yet here it is. A means to use Canon FD lenses on a Nikon body.

Review: Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set DG for Nikon

If you want to explore macro photography but don’t want to invest in a dedicated macro lens, for an investment of around $170.00, you can convert any lens into a macro lens.

First Impressions: Sigma EM-140 DG Macro Ring Flash

Santa was generous this year, and brought me this welcome addition to my macro outfit.

Review: Hoya Pro1 Digital MC UV(0)

It may seem overkill to write a review on a filter, but the bottom line is, there doesn’t seem to be much valuable information out there concerning these rather expensive accessories. So, today I am reviewing the Hoya Pro1 Digital MC UV(0).

First Impressions: AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

This superb little lens was so popular this holiday season, that it sold out completely and was no where to be found. So you can imagine my amazement when I found one quite by accident at my local Best Buy store.

First Impressions: Nikon SB-28DX Speedlight

I was in the market for a speedlight for my N80, but it’s not as simple as just ordering the current model. Film bodies require D-TTL, the original through-the-lens flash technology released in the mid 8o’s, and with the discontinuation of the SB-600, Nikon no longer supports D-TTL.

The NIKKOR 20mm f/2.8 in Action

My daughter’s school was having a concert at a local mall today, where she played violin. Naturally my wife and I were there to take pictures, her with her new D3100, and me with my D90. Since she had everything covered with the mighty AF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 zoom, I decided to take along the AF NIKKOR 20mm f/2.8D.

Nikon Changes its Body Cap

I know, I know. This Earth-shattering piece of news is going to keep you up all night. But while searching for a Nikon-branded baseball cap, body caps popped up and what did I find? The words “discontinued by Nikon” beneath a photo of a BF-1A. And internally I said to myself, “WTF!”.

Review: Samyang 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens

It’s hard to get really wide on a DX camera without spending a lot. The AF NIKKOR 14mm f/2.8D ED which lists for $1,894.95 will get you to 21mm, and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED will get you from 15mm to 36mm for $899.95. But the Samyang/ProOptic 8mm f/3.5 lens is a great way to get REALLY wide on a budget.

Review: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

When I purchased my first Nikon DX body, I elected to forego the kit lens and select my own. The criteria was simple; if this were the only lens I would ever buy, which one would I choose? So, I was looking for the best combination of quality, versatility, size and price, pretty much in that order. It came down to the 16-85mm zoom or the 18-200mm zoom. Because the 16-85 was optically superior, smaller, and cheaper, it ultimately won out.

Review: Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2.0 SL-II

If you’re looking for a compact, normal lens with a traditional feel, This is the one to get. With the compact dimension of a “pancake” lens, but a little extra room for ease of operation, this manual focus lens is sharp and fast. The focus is so smooth, it will make you reconsider the whole autofocus phenomenon.

Review: AF NIKKOR 20mm f/2.8D

Let me start out by saying that this lens is not really designed for digital cameras. Oh sure, like most Nikon F-Mount lenses, it will fit and function as it should. But digital camera sensors behave differently than film with wide angle lenses.