Review: AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

This FX-format lens is my go-to lens for portrait and macro work in the DX format. It combines ultra-fast speed with incredible sharpness in an autofocus lens that is manual-focus friendly.

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

The traditional 50mm f/1.8 “normal” lens is the standard in SLR photography. It provides the most natural perspective, simulating what the human eye sees, and is fast enough for most existing light applications. With the introduction of the DX format with its 1.5x crop factor, a new standard had to be developed, which the AF-S 35mm satisfies.

Review: AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G

I poo-pooed this lens until my partner got hers, bundled with her new D3100. Since then I’ve been kicking myself for not buying my D-90 body with its kit lens.

Review: Tiffen Low Light Polarizer (rotating)

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 Tiffen Low Light Polarizer.

Review: Nikon F3

As I have chosen Nikon as my primary camera “platform”, it only makes sense to have some film bodies to use with my growing collection of F-Mount lenses. While my N80 is a great film body, it doesn’t meter with non-chipped, manual focus lenses. And shooting with it is more like shooting with a full-frame digital than with a traditional manual-focus film body. So when a pre-owned F3HP came my way, I welcomed the opportunity to add it to my trove of working collectibles.

Review: Marumi 40mm MC-UV Filter

Well it took some doing, but I finally received this from 2filter.com. If you own the Fujifilm X10, this is an important filter to consider.

After reading some posts about the Fujifilm X10 filter issue, I learned the following:

Review: Voigtländer Color-Skopar 20mm f/3.5 SL II

I can never seem to stop looking for F-Mount pancake lenses, which are somewhat limited if you’re considering a Nikkor. There’s the 45mm f/2.8 P , the 45mm f/2.8 GN, the second-generation 50mm f/1.8, and the 50mm f/1.8 Series E, the craving for all of which has been satisfied by the Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f/2.0. It’s an outstanding lens.

First Impressions: Fujifilm X10

The Fujifilm X10; The Digital Rangefinder has Arrived.

The packaging was not exactly the velour-lined variety you’d find in a Leica, but it was still definitely upscale (and environmentally friendly) nonetheless. The camera comes in a bag with a foil factory seal that cannot be removed and replaced without visible evidence. I bit utilitarian, but it was exciting to unpack nonetheless.

Review: Minolta MD 50mm f/1.7

Minolta MD 50mm f/1.7

This is an equipment review of a somewhat different nature.

Review: Fotodiox Minolta MD-Nikon Lens Mount Adapter

Fotodiox Minolta MD-Nikon Lens Mount Adapter

My primary reason for acquiring this was to use the Minolta MC Macro ROKKOR-X 100mm f/3.5 lens that I had acquired from its previous owner. Being in good condition, and at the time the only dedicated macro lens I owned, it seemed worthwhile to put it to good use in the digital realm.

Review: Minolta MC Macro ROKKOR-X 100mm f/3.5

Minolta MC Macro ROKKOR-X 100mm f/3.5

This is an equipment review of a somewhat different nature.

I’ve found working with conventional lenses converted for macro photography using extension tubes, macro reverse rings and closeup lenses quite rewarding. However, since I do posses a dedicated manual-focus macro lens, it also makes sense to use that as well. The only problem is, it’s not a Nikon macro lens, but a Minolta.

Review: Nikon 28mm f/2.8 Series E

Nikon’s smallest, lightest 28mm AI-S lens offers impressive image quality at a modest price. Fine color rendition and contrast, no distortion and surprising sharpness make this manual-focus lens a true find on the second market.

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.

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).

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.

Review: Nikon Circular Polarizer II (slim)

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 Tiffen Low Light Polarizer.