Search results for: photography buying guide guide to wildlife photography lenses
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by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
There is nothing that can replace the extreme close-up view of a rare bird in the wild. Binoculars can get you close but, if you want to look the bird in the eye or confirm that identification for your life list, you need a spotting scope. Spotting scopes pack incredible magnification in a generally simple and lightweight package that is
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
We’ve all tried to photograph something up close. This small-scale world fascinates us all, whether it be a stunning flower or a bumble bee crawling about, but our cameras can’t seem to focus as close as we want. So, what is a struggling photographer to do?
There are several ways to do close-up, or "macro" photography, but the
by Bjorn Petersen · Posted
Photographers are a tricky bunch to shop for, especially those avid shooters who seemingly already have all the gear they need. Cameras, lenses, bags, tripods, and so on—it’s a tough task to find a photo-related gift for the photographer who already has it all. Since the Pope’s Leica is no longer on the market, here are some ideas for not-so-common gift options sure to please all types of photographers.
Lensbaby Special Effects Lens
Sure, your
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Landscapes and wildlife are among the most challenging subject matter to capture well with a camera. Wildlife is unpredictable and despite your best efforts, will not respond to posing instructions. Landscapes are stationary but at the mercy of available light and weather conditions. All that being said, it is the unpredictable nature of landscape and wildlife photography that has earned these genres a very large, very dedicated, and very passionate following. The dedication of these photographers can make finding the right gift all the more
by John-Paul Pale… · Posted
The new school year is nearly upon us, which means it’s time to start stocking up on necessary gear and school supplies. For film and photo majors, that means finding the camera that’s right for you. To help you get the perfect shot, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite cameras, including options for beginning photographers, prosumers, and professionals.
Medium Format
The
by Bjorn Petersen · Posted
Not all fathers are photographers, but for those who are, I’d argue that a point-and-shoot camera is essential tech for the dads in the world. Even for those with the latest smartphone, point-and-shoots are dedicated, purpose-built tools that excel in areas where phones can’t quite keep up. And, besides, dads love tools, right?
OM SYSTEM TG-7 Digital Camera
If Indiana Jones had a point-and-shoot digital camera, it would be the
by Bjorn Petersen · Posted
When it comes to choosing the best camera for wildlife, sports, and action photography, three key factors to focus on are speed, reliability, and autofocus performance. In the past, with SLRs, the flagship models usually translated to being the top models for action photography. The same is still true today, with mirrorless cameras, but speed is now more
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
The camera bag starts as an afterthought—something you get after you buy a camera and/or lenses, and for many, just about any camera bag will do the trick for them. But, when you get deeper into photography and expand your kit, the camera bag becomes an essential part of your everyday carry. There are many parallels between shopping for a camera bag and shopping for something like a pair of shoes—hundreds (maybe thousands?) of options,
by John Harris · Posted
When speaking with wildlife and bird photographers, the subject of camouflage always sparks conversation. Some are surprisingly dismissive, others are all-in and, of course, there are those of us in the middle, who understand the benefits, but are not quite ready to order a complete ghillie suit. In fact, camouflage gear is not a panacea, and all photographers should agree that your location, movements, techniques, scent, and even breathing have more impact on getting that great animal photograph than what you are wearing or under what you are
by Jill Waterman · Posted
Bristling along the sidelines of practically every professional sporting event, super-telephoto lenses are known for their ability to reach out and capture distant subjects with exceptional clarity and speed. They feel incredible in the hand, with top-of-the-line build quality and a heft that gives shooters confidence in their equipment. Many feature a variety of switches and buttons that allow users to set up the lens for optimal performance in any situation.
In addition to length, these lenses feature all of the latest technology, such as
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
The tripod: a three-legged camera support. Why is the tripod market so flooded with options when they all look pretty much the same and are designed to do the same thing? Isn’t one tripod as good as any other? Why are some so expensive? Why are others comparatively inexpensive? Do some hold cameras more steadily than others? And, why in the world is that one pink?
In this article, we will be emphasizing the use of a tripod for photography.
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
What is the best lens focal length for photographing the total solar eclipse? Well, there really isn’t a correct answer to that question. There are many factors involved, so let’s outline some options for different types of cameras and budgets.
Above: The Hinode satellite X-ray telescope mission captures the January 6, 2011 solar eclipse. © JAXA/NASA.
Expedition 43 Flight Engineer Samantha Cristoforetti took a series of photographs
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
When the phrase “camera support” is mentioned, most of us think of the tried-and-trusty tripod, and for good reason—the tripod is the single best way to steady your camera for long shutter-speed exposures, group photos including the photographer, or just for minimizing camera movement to maximize image sharpness.
However, the tripod has definite shortcomings, and it is not always practical or permitted to bring a tripod with you to every location. Because of this, creative inventors in the world have developed alternatives to the three-legged
by John Harris · Posted
There is still one basic truth about photographing sports—access is everything. If you are not near the action, you will not get a photograph. Does this mean you need a sideline pass at the Super Bowl or a family member in the NBA? No. Those are good to have, and media credentials for a Super Bowl is a professional feather in your cap, but “access” can be found in many places and many ways. A good sports photo does not even have to be on-field action, so do not let a lack of access intimidate you, but understand that to join the upper echelons
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
Capturing amazingly sharp photos of birds in the wild is the goal of many birders. There are different ways to do this, but the most organic is using extremely long telephoto lenses for digital or film SLR cameras or mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. Not only useful for photography, modern digital cameras also can record