Tips from the pros: 3 keys to taking better bird pictures

A great grey owl. ISO 1600, 1/200 sec, f/5.6 @ 70mm. Michael Cummings/Getty Images This post on better bird pictures has been updated. It was originally published on June 3, 2015. At once challenging and wondrous subjects, birds are fast, elusive, biologically diverse, and can be stunningly beautiful. “There are about 10,000 species of birds… Continue reading Tips from the pros: 3 keys to taking better bird pictures

Save on tons of Samyang and Rokinon lenses for Prime Day 2022

Rokinon and Samyang lenses on sale for Prime Day. Abby Ferguson When shopping for lenses, you may not first think of Rokinon or Samyang. Many write them off as being far below brands like Nikon, Canon, or even Sigma. And while there are, certainly, some low-level lenses from Rokinon and Samyang, there are also some… Continue reading Save on tons of Samyang and Rokinon lenses for Prime Day 2022

How to shoot better firework photos with your smartphone

Getty Images If you’ve ever tried to snap photos of fireworks with your phone, you probably weren’t very happy with the results. Thankfully, with a bit of care and by using the right tools, you can get much better images.  Use the right lens While it’s tempting to zoom in when you’re taking photos of… Continue reading How to shoot better firework photos with your smartphone

The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is a compact super-telephoto built for handheld shooting

The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is the lightest in its class. Nikon Super-telephoto lenses tend to be large and heavy. But, with the launch of the new Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S, Nikon is adding an another lightweight super-telephoto to its S-line of mirrorless full-frame glass. It slots in alongside the recently-launched… Continue reading The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is a compact super-telephoto built for handheld shooting

New gear: Meike 85mm f/1.8 sets a new benchmark for affordability

The new Meike 85mm f/1.8 lens for Sony Full-frame E-mount is priced at $199.99. Meike If you’re a full-frame, Sony E-mount shooter on a budget, Hong Kong-based lensmaker Meike has just the thing for you. The new Meike 85mm f/1.8 prime lens includes autofocus support and blows its sole direct rival out of the water… Continue reading New gear: Meike 85mm f/1.8 sets a new benchmark for affordability

Surf’s up: 11 tips for jaw-dropping surf photography

More than a hundred years ago, a photographer by the name of A. R. Gurrey self-published The Surf Riders of Hawaii, the first book dedicated entirely to the subject of surfing. By the 1930s, John Heath “Doc” Ball helped establish surf photography as a profession. In the 1960s, Leroy Grannis documented the surf scene at… Continue reading Surf’s up: 11 tips for jaw-dropping surf photography

Best cameras for filmmaking on a budget in 2022

Panasonic Best overall Fujifilm X-T4 Check Price Best cinema camera Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4k Check Price Best Micro Four Thirds camera Panasonic LUMIX GH5 4K Check Price Recent years have provided some game-changing options when it comes to cameras for filmmakers on a budget. A camera should simply be a tool to help… Continue reading Best cameras for filmmaking on a budget in 2022

The new Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 is a well-priced alternative to Fujifilm’s own f/2.8 standard zoom

A Tamron-provided sample image shot with the new 17-70mm f/2.8 lens for Fujifilm X-mount. Masaaki Aihara/Tamron Tamron has been hard at work expanding its line of Fujifilm X-mount lenses and the new Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD, priced at $799, is a welcomed addition. Offering a versatile focal range, fast constant aperture, image… Continue reading The new Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 is a well-priced alternative to Fujifilm’s own f/2.8 standard zoom

New gear: Laowa 90mm f/2.8 brings you up close for less

The new all-manual Laowa 90mm f/2.8 macro from Venus Optics offers 2x macro capability. © Alberto Ghizzi Panizza As the brand nears the end of its first decade in business, Anhui, China-based Venus Optics has been busy launching new lenses at a record pace, with five Cine primes, two Zero-D Shift primes, a unique 24mm… Continue reading New gear: Laowa 90mm f/2.8 brings you up close for less

Best telephoto lenses for Nikon in 2022

Nikon Best overall Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Check Price Best for wildlife Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR Check Price Best value Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II Check Price Nothing beats using a telephoto lens when it comes to getting closer to the action. The unrivaled range… Continue reading Best telephoto lenses for Nikon in 2022