The photo world has been full of the new Nikon Z8 over the past few weeks. I’ve noticed a few landscape photographers moving over and last week I was asked twice if I’d be buying one. Will I be handing over my money? Read on to find out.
Read More
Blea Tarn
Kingjoy C83S Tripod Review
Last year I reviewed the outstanding Kingjoy C85 Tripod and found that it not only performed as well as my Gitzo Systematic 3 Series but that by the end of the review period I was choosing it in preference on a regular basis. My interest was especially raised therefore when Kinjoy invited me to try out another of their tripods. This time the C83S.
Read More
Sunway GH Pro II + Geared Tripod Head review - UPDATED CONCLUSION
The advantages of a geared head are that it allows for very precise adjustments in composition to be made in exactly one plane. With a ball head, while adjusting to raise the camera slightly, you may also very slightly move to the side or slightly incline. With a geared head, only the adjustment you desire is accomplished. There is an oft quoted parallel benefit of slowing the photographic process down.
Read More
Nikon Z 24-200mm f4-6.3 Review
This review has been difficult to write, I feel as though I've been swimming against the tide throughout. I've had to force 'head over heart' and analysis over instinct. I've had to forget decades of experience and accept the new.
Read More
Shimoda Action X Photo Backpack size comparison
Many photographers I meet assume that three sizes is to allow varying amounts of camera equipment to be carried. Not so in my case at least. For me, its all about what else goes in the bag. How much other stuff needs to be carried.
Read More
Light on the Landscape by WS Neill - Review
This delightful book arrived a couple of weeks ago courtesy of the inestimable @blackwellbooks. I've been waiting for the release since I first heard about the possibility. It is a brand new book but not brand new content. Rather it is a carefully curated collection of Neill's essays for Outdoor Photographer, the American magazine.
Read More
Aspira Smock
Some thoughts on waterproof clothing
If considering an item of waterproof ( or indeed any) clothing for use in wild country, a number of factors need to be balanced. First and foremost the purpose of your endeavours. In my case there is a need for complete compatibility between foul weather protection, landscape photography and comfort. Comfort? That's clearly very individual but while I'm prepared to endure ( and even relish) the extremes of UK weather, if they compromise what I'm doing I feel that I have failed.
Read More
Nikon Z50 +16-50mm +50-250mm
Nikon Z50 Review
Before attempting to provide a perspective on this (or indeed) any camera it is helpful to be clear about what one hopes the camera will achieve. In my previous post, I sought to examine the reasoning behind buying this camera and the desired outcomes. This review in greater depth, seeks to evaluate how well those outcomes are met.
Read More
Which is better - a Nikon Z50 or a D810?
Easy answer, 20 vs 36 MP, full frame vs APS, ease of use, output, robustness, control, configuration, flexibility - almost everything that can be judged makes the D810 the better camera. Only size and weight make the Z50 a winner and potentially access to a more future-proofed development stream.
So why did I sell my D810 to buy a Z50? Read on..
Read More
Printed, linen cover
SAAL Professional Line Photo Book Review
SAAL Professional Line Photo Book Review
Some time ago the terribly nice people at SAAL offered me a voucher towards the cost of one of their Professional Line books. The voucher was for £100 and this was enough to completely cover the production of a book.
Read MoreLee 100 Hood Review
I’ve been using the newest Lee Lens Hood for the past few months and since I’m unlikely to be taking it out over the next few, this seemed like a good point to review the progress so far.
Lee Filters have offered a lens hood ( two in fact including the WA variant) for many years. I'd often considered owning one but felt the flaws did not balance the potential advantages. Advances in design, materials and the launch last year of the new 100 holder enabled a very welcome update in the form of this new 100 Hood.
Read More