Photo Accessory News

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Roger W. Hicks  |  May 30, 2013  |  First Published: May 01, 2013  | 

The world of photography is a very wide one, and in this report Roger Hicks takes us to the fringes of photographic accessories. While you might well wonder how you might use some of these items, well, you never know!—Editor

 

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, um… it’s um… a camera-carrying helicopter drone. Honest! Though our other favorite in this meandering survey is probably a lot more use to a lot more people. It’s a changing room! It’s a hide for photographing wildlife! It’s a monopod! It’s a light modifier! It keeps the rain off! Or the sun! It’s… um, it’s an unusually versatile umbrella.

C.A. Boylan  |  Jul 02, 2013  |  First Published: May 01, 2013  | 

A trio of new battery grips is on offer. The Pixel Vertax series (Argraph) gives you a firm handle on your camera while providing a power boost. Features include a vertical shutter release, shutter and aperture control wheels (Nikon models or a single wheel for Canon), exposure lock, multifunction control buttons, and more. The grips accept AA batteries (alkaline or rechargeable) or camera batteries for added shooting capacity. The grips offer excellent dust and moisture seals and a rubber handgrip for slip-free control. They are made for use on current and newer model Nikon and Canon cameras. Prices start at $79.

Jack Neubart  |  May 03, 2013  |  First Published: Apr 01, 2013  | 

There are several ways to trigger a camera wirelessly but up until recently none of them conveniently gave Nikon D600 shooters a large-screen remote live view. Enter the Nikon WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter that operates with “smart” devices—namely iOS and Android tablets and phones, in conjunction with the Nikon Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility app. The device is a tiny Wi-Fi 11b/g/n dongle about the size of the tip of your thumb and connects to the camera’s USB port. It even comes with a short lanyard and protective case, so you can keep it attached to the camera strap. I tested it with a third-generation Apple iPad with Retina display. Read on, as you’ll find important tips here that are not found in the instructions. (Note: WU-1b also works with the Nikon 1 V2; model WU-1a is currently available for the Nikon D3200.)

Roger W. Hicks  |  May 14, 2013  |  First Published: Apr 01, 2013  | 

While photokina could be considered a distant memory, we have a number of reports yet to run that deal with products that were new to market and caught our reporter’s eye, and that in many cases are just becoming available now. Here’s a report on useful items filed by Roger Hicks that covers interesting accessories and other products he found at the show.—Editor

C.A. Boylan  |  Apr 30, 2013  |  First Published: Mar 01, 2013  | 

Midwest Photographic Resource Center is now offering their new USB Case. This pro-quality display box comes with either a 8GB or 16GB stainless steel and leather USB flash drive. The lid features a built-in display window that allows you to personalize the box for each client. The retail price for the 8GB drive and USB Case is $29.95.

Frances E. Schultz  |  Mar 19, 2013  |  First Published: Feb 01, 2013  | 

It’s a truism that the best tripod is the one you carry with you, because it’s the only one you can use. But equally, it has to be the right tripod: the one that holds the equipment you use at the height you want and that locks it firmly, without “creep.” It also needs to be quick and easy to use, and durable. With that in mind here are some of the many tripods at photokina that caught my eye.

C.A. Boylan  |  Mar 29, 2013  |  First Published: Feb 01, 2013  | 

Nikon 1 V2 Camera
The Nikon 1 V2 camera is powerful and highly versatile. Features include a 14.2-megapixel CX-format CMOS sensor, an EXPEED 3A image-processing engine, a traditional grip with a new Command dial, a 73-point AF array, and a high-resolution 3” LCD display. The 1 V2 has full Auto/Manual controls and the modes include Enhanced Motion Snapshot, Best Moment Capture, and Advanced Movie. It is compatible with all 1 Nikkor lenses and the WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter. The suggested retail price is $899.95 with a 10-30mm kit lens.

C.A. Boylan  |  Feb 07, 2013  |  First Published: Jan 01, 2013  | 

Lensbaby Spark
Created for young photo enthusiasts, the Lensbaby Spark is a fun and affordable lens that offers Lensbaby effects for just $80. Made for use with Canon and Nikon D-SLR cameras, this 50mm f/5.6 lens features a multi-coated glass doublet and a focusing range of 13” to infinity. This manual focus lens offers a sharp sweet spot surrounded by soft blur. The Spark is compatible with the Lensbaby Optic Swap System and all of the Lensbaby 37mm threaded accessory lenses.

CA Boylan  |  Dec 14, 2012  | 

The Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens boasts the company’s proprietary Optical Stabilizer (OS) technology and a wide f/2.8 aperture. The OS feature is said to allow the use of shutter speeds approximately four stops slower than would otherwise be possible, enabling handheld, close-up photography.

C.A. Boylan  |  Feb 04, 2013  |  First Published: Dec 01, 2012  | 

The Phottix BG-5DIII Multi Function Battery Grip is made for use with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III D-SLR. It holds one or two LP-E6 or six AA batteries and features AF/On, FEL and AF Points buttons, a vertical shutter button, a command dial, and a power switch. The BG-5DIII provides a comfortable vertical shooting position with an additional shutter release and a scroll wheel for access to the camera’s functions when shooting in vertical orientation. It features a tripod socket, comes with a user’s guide, and has a retail value of $129.99.

 

Matthew Bamberg  |  Dec 17, 2012  |  First Published: Nov 01, 2012  | 

Photographers should back up their image files—it’s as simple as that—and there are numerous services that offer their services today. In this article I’ll be looking at one, Carbonite (www.carbonite.com), that works somewhat differently from others. Many people have told me that their $59 per year for the Home Plan, unlimited backup, is a steal, so I thought I’d check it out.

Jack Neubart  |  Dec 28, 2012  |  First Published: Nov 01, 2012  | 

Gitzo turned the tripod world upside down—literally—when the company first introduced the Traveler, a true travel tripod. This lightweight carbon-fiber support was unusual for its inverted, contortionist-like design, where the legs fold back 180 degrees on themselves and the leg tips hug the ball head, making it more compact.

C.A. Boylan  |  Nov 27, 2012  |  First Published: Oct 01, 2012  | 

Titanium Cloth Backdrops & Candy Floors
Backdrop Outlet’s durable Titanium Cloth backdrops are made from a wrinkle-free, fleece-like fabric that provides vivid color. The Candy Floors are durable, lightweight, and easy to switch out. Use them both for vibrant, realistic-looking backgrounds.

Susan Park  |  Oct 19, 2012  |  First Published: Sep 01, 2012  | 

With the profusion of new cards with various and often confusing classifications and ratings we thought it a good idea to get guidance on selecting the right card for your camera and way of working from an expert. We recently met with the folks from SanDisk and they were kind enough to offer the following synopsis of card and camera, ratings and usage.—Editor

C.A. Boylan  |  Oct 30, 2012  |  First Published: Sep 01, 2012  | 

Rogue Master Lighting Kit
Designed for advanced speedlight photographers who want to create multiple lighting setups using various accessories, ExpoImaging is now offering the versatile Rogue Master Lighting Kit. It includes a large FlashBender reflector, large diffusion panel, small FlashBender reflector, bounce card/flag, universal gel kit, 3-in-1 honeycomb grid, and grid gel kit. The suggested retail price is $199.95.

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