If you’re traveling and want to photograph your adventure like a pro, discover the tools you need to make the most of your trip
Text & Photography By Brian Matiash
As a pro photographer, I’ve done more than my share of travel photography. But one thing I’ve noticed in my personal experiences as well as those from other travel shooters: The genre of travel photography is so broad and expansive that it’s almost impossible to make recommendations without first learning more about the intent of the photographer...
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If you're on the road during the hottest months of the year, invest in a compact, versatile zoom or prime that makes bringing back better pictures more convenient than ever
William Sawalich
2019 is shaping up to be a great year for travel lenses, with new offerings from many manufacturers—particularly for their mirrorless camera systems that are small and light and ideal for travel.
One way to think about these types of lenses is that they’re go-anywhere, do-anything devices. That’s because travel encompasses such a broad range of...
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I’ve experimented with Lensbaby lenses for years, since they paradoxically let me focus on blur in a very unique and compelling way
Text & Photography By Terry Sullivan
During a trip to Florida a few years ago, while staying at a beach-side resort, my daughter began blowing bubbles by the beach. What intrigued me about the oval shapes and oily texture of the bubbles is that they echoed some of the oval shapes appearing in the background as part of the photo’s bokeh. I love the dreamlike quality the lens allows me...
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Whether you want to make big enlargements of tiny subjects with a macro lens or alter the focal plane and perspective with a tilt-shift lens, these specialty lenses produce truly unique optical effects
Text & Photography By William Sawalich
When most of us think about camera lenses, we think about things like focal lengths and maximum apertures and how they allow us to photograph certain subjects most effectively. Lots of lenses work for lots of different things, most of the time. But some lenses are built to do things that are especially unique.
These specialty lenses may be designed...
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Sports photographers need to reach out and grab the shot. Here's how to pick the right lens.
Text & Photography By Mark Edward Harris
I used my Nikon D4 with my NIKKOR 300mm F2.8 lens set to 1/2000th of a second, f/4.5, ISO 200 to capture the action of a steer wrestling competition at the PRCA Rodeo during Cheyenne, Wyoming’s Frontier Days.
When it comes to sports photography, since speed is the name of the game, pros turn to “fast” lenses. But what constitutes a fast lens...
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Landscape photographers need a wide variety of lenses to capture nature’s splendor
Text & Photography By Brian Matiash
It’s very important that I provide viewers with a clear path within my photos, especially when I’m using an ultra-wide focal length. I want to avoid the problem of confusing the viewer as to what the primary focal points are by establishing a clear sense of direction.
It’s fair to say that landscape photography can mean different things to...
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What to look for when shopping for a portrait lens for any camera, any format and any budget
Text & Photography William Sawalich
Just about the moment the camera was invented, it was used to create portraits. Historic records of people have always been a main photographic focus. In an era of selfies, a portrait stands out as a composed and intentional representation of a person.
The first consideration when choosing a lens for portraiture is typically focal length because it...
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Confidently capture the world with these great lenses
Mark Edward Harris
Kudla/Shutterstock
While there’s no single defining characteristic that makes something a travel lens, there are definitely pieces of glass that are geared for work on the road. When it comes to zooms for travel, one focal length range must be covered—a 24-70mm for a full frame camera or a 16, 17, or 18-55mm for a camera with an APS-C sensor.
With...
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Outfit a growing camera kit with the ideal lenses and accessories for the kind of photography you like to do—from travel to landscapes, portraits to wildlife
William Sawalich
Without a lens, a new camera is useless. And, without the right lens and the right accessories—media, tripod and camera bag—anything beyond the basics is a real challenge. Here’s a look at the lenses and accessories that make a new camera better and more fun.
Lens Fundamentals
Lenses aren’t very flashy, but they sure are important. In the past...
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An update to a popular wide-angle prime lens results in an instant classic
David Schloss
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm 1.4 E ED lens replaces the venerable NIKKOR 28mm f/1.4D, bringing a modern optical and operational upgrade that gives the new lens an incredible range of sharpness, low levels of distortion, and faster focusing.
The 28mm focal length is an interesting one, sitting within the range classic landscape-friendly zooms like a 24-70mm...
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