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.

First Impressions: AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

I was surprised to learn that the AF-S 50mm f/1.4 is not that much larger that the AF-S DX 35mm. It is however heavier, weighing in at 9.8 oz., minus caps and hood. The 35mm is a mere 7.0 oz. by comparison. The large, recessed objective lens gives the AF-S 50mm a serious, intimidating appearance.

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.

Father’s Day with the Ōlloclip.

The Ōlloclip: Three Lenses in one for the iPhone 4 and 4S.

This ingenious little device combines a fisheye lens, wide-angle lens, and macro lens into a single, compact unit. A great Father’s day give for iPhone toting dads.

Panoramic Video for the iPhone 4S

The Kōgeto Dot is an ingenious lens attachment for the iPhone 4 and 4S which works in tandem with a dedicated app to create immersive 360° panoramic videos.

It draws no additional power from the camera, and the Looker app allows you to capture, view and share your panoramic videos by eMail, Facebook, Twitter or Dotspot, a dedicated panoramic video sharing website.

The unit clips to your iPhone, which you then hold flat (camera-side up) to allow the lens to capture the action in a 360° band. The app then converts the lens’ projection into the camera into a horizontal panorama, and allows you to view your own content, or that shared by others.

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For more information on this exciting new product, visit the Kōgeto website.

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8G Available for Pre-Order

The new AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G

This new lens may be 2/3 stop slower than its f/1.4 cousin but it’s also $1,200.00 cheaper!

First Impressions: Kenko TelePlus MC7 AF 2.0X DGX Teleconverter

AF-S Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED + Kenko TelePlus MC7
900mm; 1/5 s @ f/11.0, ISO 800

This year, a Kenko Teleplus MC7 teleconverter found its way under my tree.

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.

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.

Why Nikon?

It’s probably apparent by now that I’m a big proponent of Nikon. Not that I don’t appreciate, own, and use many other brands of camera, but many followers have asked me why Nikon is my camera of choice.

Nikon Boldy Takes Two Steps Back…

Nikon’s first new system camera since 1959 features a 13.2mm x 8.8mm sensor with a 2.7x crop factor. Huh?

Nikon had the opportunity to develop a new camera system with the first new lens mount since 1959, and what did they do?…

Just What IS Normal, Anyway?

So, if the focal length of the lens doesn’t determine the perspective, but your position does, what focal length should you use? The same as your eyes? What is the focal length of our eyes? What really constitutes a “normal” focal length?

The Case Against Zoom Lenses

Zoom lenses are convenient for sure, but unless you know how to use them properly, they can cause more problems than they solve…

First Impressions: Loreo Lens in a Cap

How ironic is it that the Loreo Lens in a Cap arrived the day after my Holga HL-N? And just as I was snapping some test shots on a more Holga-friendly sunny day!

First Impressions: Holga HL-N 60mm f/8.0 “Lens”

I can’t believe I’m actually writing this. But then, this is likely to be such a misunderstood product, that it bears the shedding of some light.

Happy Father’s Day, Brought to you by Holga

Holga HL-N 60mm f/8.0 Lens. Photo Courtesy B&H Photo & Video.

Well, I was right. Amongst the many thoughtful gifts I received today from my wife and daughter, was a genuine Holga NL-N.

First Impressions: Voigtländer Color Skopar 20mm f/3.5 SL II

I had been fighting this for a long time. I’m a big fan of the Voigtländer Ultron 40mm f2.0 SL II, but often need a lens that’s wider. I carefully weighed the differences between the Nikkor 20mm and this lens, and settled on the Nikkor due to it’s additional speed and auto focus capability. The Nikon was also a tad sharper. But I’ve been seeing a lot of great sample images from the Color Skopar, and started to give it some thought.

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.