Lens News

In commenting on an obscenity case back in 1964 Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart famously quipped, “Hardcore pornography is hard to define, but I know it when I see it.” The same can be said of bokeh, a Japanese term for the perceived quality of the out-of-focus areas in a photograph. 

Weird Lens Guru Mathieu Stern is our go-to source of clever ways to use cheap vintage lenses on modern digital cameras. In the quick video below he illustrates how to easily modify an old lens to create dramatic nocturnal photographs with a unique look.

Does a 5mm scratch in the center of the front element ruin a lens? We gouged a brand new, straight-from-the-box, $499 Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 zoom to find out. Then we shot some test subjects. Was the defect visible in the images? See for yourself…

Nikon is celebrating its upcoming 100^th Anniversary with the introduction of two special-edition flagship DSLRs and a selection of commemorative lenses, collectible items and binoculars.

In the trifecta of portrait lenses—85mm, 105mm, and 135mm—the 85mm focal length is the gateway. It’s short enough for tight shooting spaces, while producing a real portrait look, yet versatile enough for use in other genres, including photojournalism, where a nifty 50 comes up a bit short. Enter Sigma’s 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens ($1,199) that’s fast enough for reportage and long enough for portraiture.

Lens condensation is an inconvenient and potentially damaging problem for those of us living in hot, humid climates and photographers traveling to similar locations. The problem arises when you leave a cold, air conditioned room and step outside into the heat.

The late Mr. Newton was certainly onto something. I believe the overwhelming desire of most portrait photographers is to please the client, with seduction, amusement, and entertainment far from their minds. Let me submit this idea: shoot what the client says they want and then shoot something challenging their assumptions. Most wedding clients tend to be traditional but even introducing black and white or infrared images can increase sales and show clients you’re thinking outside the veil.