Scout Images

So we have all accumulated a whole lot of gear. The better camera body, the nice glass…but have we turned around and looked what all this spending has allowed you to achieve?

In the last few years I have made a whirlwind transition from my first SLR that I owned (my sorely missed Nikon D40X + AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF) to buying a D300, adding a S5 Pro and enough glass to make most people cry. However, in recent months I have returned back to the smaller, lighter, simpler form factor with the addition of the D60 and more recently the AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G. Don’t worry, I am not getting all “Ken Rockwell” on you all.

I have really missed the inconspicuous nature and the creative freedom that such the smaller lighter bodies allow. But more importantly I have found myself using less, carrying less and spending less time worrying about what to use and spending more time taking photos. Most importantly I have in a sense recaptured some of the spontaneity in my photos that I lost when I moved to larger and heavier gear. In retrospect, I was happier with more of my work from the D40X compared to the work I did with the D300 and co. This is actually no fluke, restricting oneself forces us to think about what we do, makes us stop to compose, forces us to consider the chance of success of a shot.

I recently added the AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF VR into my kit bag. This lens harks back to the limitations of my 18-135mm but with a more restrictive range. The combination of the D60+16-85 is very reminiscent of the D40x+18-135 in size so it is in many ways a homecoming for me. Although I didnt bring home as many keepers on my last trip up to the Gold Coast where I ONLY brought this kit, I felt so free when I was using it. In short, I did not feel painfully restricted. I would happily travel again with only this kit.

This draws me to my main point: there is an innate sense of satisfaction in using simple gear. At the present I am happiest when I have a fast prime attached to my camera. In saying this, I do not mean an exotic prime, but the lowly 50mm f/1.8 or the 35mm f/1.8. Why? The answer is simple, with a fast, inexpensive prime I can enjoy all the benefits of my large, heavy, expensive f/2.8 lenses in a package that is not a pain to carry around. I have sharpness equal to professional zooms, I have great depth of field control and all in a tiny package that no one runs away from.

So what primes? I have mentioned two lenses, one that has been in my kit longer than any other lens, and the other an addition that I have found hard to remove from my cameras.

The first is the traditional 50mm f/1.8 (aka “fast fifty”, “nifty fifty”), a lens that is cheap to make, superbly sharp and regardless of the manufacturer always one of the best. These lenses were traditionally the lenses sold in kits with film SLR’s. The lowly 50mm f/1.8 is what is termed a “normal” lens, meaning it gives us a field of view similar to that of what we see, however digital throws a curve ball at us as the field of view is cropped. This leaves us with a 50mm f/1.8 that has the field of view of a traditional 75mm (but not the same compression though). So on APS-C (DX in Nikon terms) the 50mm f/1.8 has proven to be a bit too “long” to be a useful walk around, this has not stopped many from buying and loving this lens (and it’s f/1.4 and even f/1.2 brothers). For me, the AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D represents the first extra lens I bought, and since the day I picked it up it has been in the kit bag even though I had to focus it manually on the D40x. It proves to be a great low light lens and due to the crop a fairly good portrait lens.

The 2nd lens in question here is the AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G. I bought this lens on a whim, when I was woken by a very good friend who happened to be in New York and wanted to ask me which lens to buy (the 35mm or the 50mm mentioned earlier), I advised the 35mm and was quickly asked if I wanted one as well…the rest is history. Since I received my lens it has not really left the camera body. Traditionally the 35mm focal length is a bit wider than normal but not very wide, however on APS-C (or DX) 35mm provides a 52.5mm field of view….maybe you can see something here. For those who have not worked it out, 35mm is the digital 50mm, the normal field of view! Like a traditional 50mm f/1.8, Nikon’s DX 35mm f/1.8 is a small, lightweight package that offers supreme sharpness and depth of field control. I have found that this lens has just enough width of most everyday candid and street photography, therefore it has been constantly on one of my cameras (usually the D60).

Between the 50mm and the 35mm (or digital 50mm) we have two simple lenses that are both fulfilling to use and inexpensive. For those of you who are not using Nikon: 4/3rds have the 25mm pancake, and Canon sounds to be making a cheap 35mm f/1.8 as well, not to mention the 35mm primes (also available for Pentax). Everyone should try a “fast 50″ of some description. It is these basics that make photography fun and you’ll be surprised with what they can teach you!

For added versatility, consider coupling one of these lenses with a set of extension tubes, or even close up filters, (available here) for a handy macro solution!

My internet travels have led me to discover another interesting lens. Tamron has finally developed a SWM/USM equivalent, this means for the first time Tamron offers fast, silent focus with full time manual override – the USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive). The first lens that uses this new technology is the “Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD”.

This lens is clearly designed to compete with the Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4-5.6 VR and the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, featuring the same focal range, image stabilisation (VC) and fast silent focus. (What does the alphabet soup mean?)

I know I will be keeping a close eye on this lens as a possible replacement for my Tamron 70-300mm (1:2 Macro).

Full press release available here.

Although Samsung is not the first brand that we think of when we think camera they have given us the first APS-C sensor EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens) camera. Whilst at work today I had the pleasure of handling one under the watchful eye of the Samsung rep.

I have been following this camera quietly since it first broke news as a announcement at CES 2009, now that I have played with a pre-production prototype (with production firmware) I am impressed enough to admit that Micro 4/3rds has something to worry about.

Small and lightweight, but at the same time very comfortable to grip the NX10 will definitely appeal to those who want something smaller than a SLR but with the same performance. The NX10 delivers most of the benefits of an entry DSLR with its APS-C sized 14MP CMOS, although not focusing quite as fast. The combination of a 3″ AMOLED and a high resolution EVF works well. The ability to shoot 720p HD video at 30fps  in 25min clips means the NX10 can challenge the EP-1/EP-2 and the GH1/GF1.

Initially only 3 lenses will be available. A pancake lens (30mm f/2), a standard zoom (18-55mm OIS) and a telephoto zoom (55-200mm OIS). I handled the first two of this trio and did not find anything amiss with these Samsung designed/built lenses. However proper testing is needed.

I was also lucky enough to play with Samsung’s K-mount adaptor, which employs an aperture ring compatibility is maximised. Novoflex has also promised EOS and Nikon F adaptors, so if you want to use your precious Canon and Nikon glass you can.

I only had a short play with this camera, but I am sufficiently impressed by it to consider further examination in the future. Maybe it can replace my D60, or be a candidate for IR conversion.

How much?

NX10 + 30mm f/2 Pancake – expected rrp AUD899.

NX10 + 18-55mm OIS – expected rrp AUD849.

It has been a busy few days for me, with Christmas coming up I have been working more in my retail day job but this has not meant that I have not been able to find time to pursue my photographic interests.

Firstly, I wanted to share some photos that were taken over the last few days, whilst heading into the city and USYD at night and then Mittagong the following day.

After this I swapped a lot of my Nikon gear for some Canon gear (refer here for the status of my kit including loan gear) to brush up on my Canon usage in preparation for some workshops requested by some Canon users. So I was out and about with a 400D and some lenses today.

I just thought I would share some new products that Phottix has been cooking up.

First of all is the Duo TTL cord, a flash sync cable that allows you to mount a flash on both ends of the cable…which comes in 1m, 1.5m and 2m (all coiled) these cables are all universal, being compatible with Nikon/Fuji iTTL (I have tested), Canon eTTL (I have tested), Olympus and Pentax/Samsung. However, the name of this product is slightly misleading, although TTL is retained perfectly when one flash is used, when the second flash is added (or turned on) you have to switch BOTH flashes to manual. This is CLEARLY stated on the packaging so as far as I am concerned Phottix is not being misleading. The usual caveats of using compatible camera and flashes is necessary. I have tested these cables with Nikon D3000, Fuji S5 Pro, Canon EOS 1000D, SB-400, SB-600, SB-800, Nissin Di622, 430 EX II.

Second up are the new Phottix AF Extension Tube sets – available for both Nikon and Canon (I have tested both). The good news is that they work, although they are still very basic extension tubes, the AF (AF-S, AF-D, USM) and image stabilisation (VR and IS) are retained. However I did find that you have to be pretty careful when mounting them on camera. I have not had any experience with extension tubes, but I can say that stacking all three tubes together appears to hamper the AF ability of lenses on a Canon EOS 1000D (18-55 IS, 50mm f/1.8 and 60mm f/2.8 macro). I have only briefly used them on a Nikon D90 + 18-105VR and 50mm f/1.8 but will hope to play with the Nikon ones more soon.

I have personally purchased one of the Duo TTL cords (1.5m as we only bought these) for myself and have purchased a set of the AF extension tubes (Nikon mount) for a friend. I would like to have a close look at the Kenko set of extension tubes to compare the two products as the Canon mount Phottix set appear to be very primitive with simple rods passing on the electronic signals to the lenses. The Nikon mount version appear to be more complex as they also pass through the screwdriver signal for AF-D lenses (and you cant see the guts of the extension tubes).

The Phottix Duo TTL cord

Unfortunately I have not been able to locate a link for the Phottix AF Extension Tube Sets

I do not work for Phottix, but I do use a lot of Phottix gear and do have a working relationship with Phottix. I buy all my Phottix gear (if this changes I will make sure I will clearly state this) and all my thoughts on the gear is as free from bias as possible.

Another trip to the Zoo and this Zoo Friends pass is really starting to get a workout. This time with so much gear out…including my 70-200mm f/2.8 VR and my D300 I decided to try very different kit just to see how it would go. So on this grey, wet day out came the Nikon D60, Sigma 180mm Macro and the Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8. Shooting alongside me was a friend Marcus (Photomarcs) with his Canon EOS 1000D, Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 and Sigma 18-200mm OS.

Enough gear talk…here are a few images.

I have spent the last few days at PMA over at the Sydney Convention Centre, I just thought I would share a few of my experiences. I have to admit that this was my first PMA and I spent a lot of it working at a stall so this is what I saw and not really an accurate representation of the show.

For the record I was helping out at the hottest stall in the show….PHOTTIX!!!!!

What did I see:

Nikon

To celebrate 50 years of Nikon F, Nikon put up a pretty good show. Nikon brought along quite a show with a nice set up of long lenses as well as an arsenal of stock for people to try. I had my trusty D300′s sensor cleaned and made sure I visited the low light shooting room.  Nikon also put on quite a few public talks with guest speakers including Jason Boland. I didnt notice anything new at their stall though.

Canon

I only had a quick once over of the Canon stall, but I did notice that they had a painted model and lenses for loan as well as a large showcase of their printers.

Fujifilm

I have to admit that Fuji was showcasing some very interesting stuff. As well as their current line up and some new printing and photo kiosks they had an interesting concept….a 3D camera which really works. Unfortunately there was nothing firm about a new Fuji DSLR….hint hint Fuji (I would love a Fuji SuperCCD EXR in a D700)

Olympus

Olympus put up a very good show with an acrobat claiming the airspace several times over the weekend. They also had a lot of gear on show including a few new toys. As a follow up for my earlier post (here) I saw and played with an Olympus PEN E-P1. I have to admit I am very impressed by the build quality and the ease of use.

Maxwell (Lowepro/Tamron)

These guys were also putting up a good show, displaying some great new lines for their new brands (Acme Made) as well as demoing their tried and true products (Lowepro and Velbon). The best part was that they had a model and were lending out the Tamron glass for all to try. I had a quick play with the new 10-24 (which was quite nice…but I would have to have a proper play to comment more on) and a play with my old favourite 90mm Macro as well as the very nice 70-200mm f/2.8.

Many Nikon and Canon users have been troubled by the cost of the Nikkor and Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 lenses. There is no doubt that both these lenses are very nice lenses, but the price tag is steep, and many photographers planning to make the jump to FX (or full frame) in the coming years it seems rather silly to buy a DX or EF-S lens. ENTER the TAMRON SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II (Model A16)…more

I have to apologise for the lack of activity lately, I have had little time to shoot, and even less time to post photos up. But here are a few sets, two from the last few days and a set that has been sitting waiting for upload for awhile.

Today USYD PhotoSoc went on their first shooting Mini-meet, down to the Rocks (Sydney, Aust). Although the Rocks is so photographed there seems to be little to left to capture, if you look hard enough there is always something.

Last night I finally went out night shooting again, this time in the company of a Canon wielding friend. We lugged the Manfrotto’s (Bogen for the American’s) up to Observatory Hill and were rewarded with a slightly different take on the Coathanger (Sydney Harbour Bridge). I didnt get much from the night but it was good to catch up with a friend.

This last set is from our trip down to Jervis Bay at the beginning of the month. We headed down via Bald Hill Lookout and caught the hang gliders. We went snorkelling where my Fuji F100fd + WP-FXF100 got another workout. We finished the trip with a dolphin cruise.

I would just like to wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Go out there, catch up with friends and family, eat, drink and have fun. Christmas is a time for giving and receiving so I am sure that there will be many of you out there that are going to receive new cameras or camera gear (Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Sony, Fuji, Panasonic or Pentax) so whether you use digital or film, get out there and record the moment!

Remember DIGITAL means your shots are inexpensive, so take those pics!! If you use film then you should still take plenty of shots!