We all have photography gear that we love to bring with us, whether we’re traveling around the world taking pictures, or going for a stroll in our backyard for a couple of local landscape shots. The following is the gear I find to be my essential “traveling companions” for trips both long and short.
For me, the Mark II designation forever conjures up images of the classic Jaguar Mark 2 automobile, but this new Pentax DSLR may change my mind. When testing the original Pentax K-1 for Shutterbug I was impressed by its outstanding construction and image quality. That thing was built like a tank with styling reminiscent of the classic medium format Pentax 67.
I was introduced to Fujifilm’s mirrorless cameras back in 2012 during a press conference that launched the Fujifilm X-Pro1. During the press conference, a Fujifilm representative told Shutterbug’s former editor and myself they planned to be number three in camera sales, something that may have surprised Sony.
The classic definition of macro photography is that the image projected onto the digital sensor (or film plane) should be the same size as the subject. With a 1:1 ratio, a DSLR with a full-frame chip should be able to produce life-size magnification and focus on an area as small as 24x36mm.
Tripods come in many sizes, from tabletop models to heavy-duty camera stands designed for studio use. Because of the variety of types, styles, and even colors, there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all tripod for most photographers. And, like eating potato chips, you can’t have just one.
The following is something people tell me when I suggest using a plug-in or specialized software for enhancing or retouching portraits: “But you can do that in Photoshop!” That’s because when it comes to software for wedding, portrait, and boudoir photographs, everyone has an opinion—sometimes a strong one—even if they’re wrong.
“Never have I found the limits of the photographic potential. Every horizon, upon being reached, reveals another beckoning in the distance.”—W. Eugene Smith
When shopping for a wide-angle lens, presented for your approval, is a collection of our favorite (mostly) zoom lenses to expand your view of the world.