Jon Sienkiewicz Blog

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Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Jul 27, 2014  |  0 comments

Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera systems promised us lenses that are more compact but fully featured. That promise has finally been fulfilled—and it took Tamron, the master of the All-in-One Zoom, to make it happen.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Jul 11, 2014  |  0 comments

You may have used a beauty dish in the studio. Here’s a very portable model that you’ll find hard to leave at home. It’s quite affordable, too.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Jun 25, 2014  |  0 comments

Beauty is as beauty does. A Leica M with a 50mm APO Summicron attached is the iconic archetype of modern digital cameras with retro design. Using it is a prodigious experience comparable to, let’s say, playing a concert Steinway grand piano, or maybe setting the hands on a Patek Philippe timepiece. I’m only guessing here, ‘cause I’ve done neither. But I did use a Leica M and 50mm APO Summicron for a week. Did they perform? Read on…

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Jun 19, 2014  |  0 comments

If a visitor from another planet arrived on Earth and asked to see the perfect specimen of what a digital camera and lens should look like, this combination might be the best choice. In terms of design and construction, fit and feel, the Leica M with 50mm APO Summicron is nearly perfect.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  May 25, 2014  |  0 comments

Misprint? No. The latest “all-in-one” zoom lens from Tamron ranges from 16mm to 300mm, the equivalent of 24mm to 450mm on my Nikon D300s (with APS-C size sensor). Add Vibration Compensation (VC), excellent Macro focusing and PZD Piezo Drive for quiet and blazing-fast autofocus and you’ve got “Lensational.”

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Nov 24, 2013  |  0 comments

Lensbaby Spark lets your camera color outside the lines. It mounts directly on your Canon or Nikon and focuses manually when you squeeze it toward the rear while watching the sharp, sweet spot move around in the viewfinder. The affordable Lensbaby Spark deserves a spot on every photographer’s holiday wish list.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Oct 23, 2013  |  0 comments

Ever have a camera or gadget bag strap that wouldn't stay on your shoulder? Read about this tacky solution.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Sep 19, 2013  |  0 comments

The cleverly engineered CapturePRO Camera Clip from Peak Design provides a secure and convenient way to attach a camera to your belt, backpack or other strap. It’s a quick-draw device that allows you to spring into action instantly—but locks down your camera safely when not in use.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Sep 08, 2013  |  0 comments

If you’re long on artistic ambition but short on psychomotor skills (i.e., hand-eye coordination) like I am, SnapArt 3 from Alien Skin may liberate the Rembrandt hidden in you.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Aug 21, 2013  |  0 comments

Identity theft is a serious problem worldwide. Carelessness with your camera or memory cards may help thieves in some really scary ways. Here are two ways you might be donating information without realizing it.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Aug 11, 2013  |  0 comments

We all know how big a tomato is. If we see a photo of a GIANT tomato sitting all by itself, we have no idea that it’s bigger than its cousins. To convey the perception of size one must position the tomato near another object of known size—say, an egg or a walnut. Same is true about cameras.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Aug 04, 2013  |  0 comments

What every photographer should own; add to that list an inexpensive collapsible reflector.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Jul 28, 2013  |  0 comments
Sharpen your shooting skills by giving yourself an “assignment.”
Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Jul 21, 2013  |  0 comments
It used to be fun selecting film and developer combinations back in the Dim Ages of Photography, before digital happened. You can enjoy nearly the same experience today by processing images with Alien Skin Exposure 5.
Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Jul 13, 2013  |  0 comments
After one of their most dramatic marketing build-ups in recent times, Leica unveiled the X Vario camera on June 11. I was fortunate to get a working sample—for just a few days—and put it through its paces. Here are my impressions.

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