review: Nikon 24mm f/1.4G
review: Nikon 24mm f/1.4 G AF-S
For a long time the only wide-angle auto-focus prime lens that Nikon had available, was the remarkable 28mm f1.4D ... which caused the lens to reach astronomical prices eventually on the used market when it was discontinued. I sold my copy of the 28mm f1.4 a few years ago - a move I still regret - but I couldn't pull the trigger on a $4000.00 wide-angle prime lens when Nikon's wide-angle zooms were so incredible. The Nikon 14-24mm f2.8 AF-S (B&H), for example, set a new standard for how good a wide-angle zoom can be, surpassing pretty much ever Read more inside...my take on Nikon’s flash settings – TTL vs TTL BL
Nikon flash system - TTL vs TTL BL
Nikon’s TTL flash system is generally accepted as being quite exceptional. The camera and speedlight working together according to various algorithms to control the flash exposure. The TTL flash exposure will depend on various factors - the tonality of the subject and scene; the brightness of the scene; and how the camera interprets the sections of the metering pattern. The other factors quite possibly also includes data from the lens. How these factors inter-relate, we can only guess at. We can make educated guesses; and many photographers Read more inside...review: Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 AF-S VR II
review: Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 AF-S VR II
I've been very happy with the older 70-200mm f2.8 VR telephoto zoom. Even even though the edges are softer than the center, it never bothered me. With weddings, I am mostly only interested in the center portions of the image being super-crisp. Similarly, the vignetting didn't bother me. I usually add more vignetting in post-processing anyway. Still, I ordered the new Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 AF-S VR II (affiliate). My first impression - it is a beautiful lens! Doing a few test shots around the house, and was immediately Read more inside...review: Nikon D5000
In testing cameras these days, they are rated not just for specification, but for their primary qualities in helping you take great photographs. And for that, judging the camera according to handling, image quality and auto-focus speed and accuracy, becomes even more important than just the list of specs.
Nikon D5000 hands-on review
So with that in mind, when I recently got my hands on a brand-new Nikon D5000, (B&H), I thought I'd hit the streets and see how it performs. I took it for a late-night stroll around Times Square in New York, armed only with a Nikon 50mm f1.4G AF-S, Read more inside...common wisdom – Canon’s TTL flash vs Nikon’s TTL flash
Canon's TTL flash vs Nikon's TTL flash
One of the frequent topics on the various forums is the Canon vs Nikon debate ... and one of the usual replies is that Nikon is better in certain ways, and Canon is better in other ways. And the common wisdom that Nikon's flash system is superior to Canon. And this seems to be accepted as one of those general truths. Now, having shot primarily Nikon for a few years (D100 / D2H / D2x), and then Canon (mk2 / mk2N / 5D / mk3), and now Nikon again (D3) ... I have this observation about Canon's flash system vs Nikon's flash system ... they are Read more inside...more subtle fill-flash with your Nikon speedlight
In blending flash with available light, I am often after that delicate balance where the flash is just barely perceptible. This can be with flash as an equal partner to the available light, or with flash as a subtle fill-flash. But what I've found with my Nikon D3 bodies, when used with the SB-900, that the fill-flash flash is still too much, even when turned down -3EV on the flash exposure compensation. I've found similar with the various Nikon D300 and Nikon D700 bodies that attendees to my workshops use. In other words, this isn't just my cameras - this is repeatable with other Read more inside...