Neutral Density Filters (ND)

Neutral density filters are very useful for photographers that like manual control in bright light. 

The filter filters the amount of light coming into the camera, making long exposures, depth of field, and other effects easier to do, like those dreamy shore scenic photos which appear to be shot at dusk or sunrise but were actually shot in the middle of the day!

There's a the ultimate guide to Neutral Density filters - http://www.redbubble.com/people/peterh111/journal/4421304-the-ultimate-easy-guide-to-neutral-density-filters

However, do note that, like everything else, not all filters are made equal. Here's an example: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brentbat/2372603825/

Hyper Prime Lenses

These are 'super' wide lenses that are made for ultra low light photography ... their f-stop hover around the f1.0 range, Besides being quite rare (many are out of production) and a challenge on the wallet for many, you'd wonder how challenging it is to focus manually at such a shallow DOF.

There are two great reviews on one such lens, which is a new production, called the Noktor 50mm f0.95 (!) - http://www.slrmagic.com/ (p/s: take their product survey and select the camera mount you want them to make.)

Lens Reviews:

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2010/03/03/the-noktor-50-f0-95-lens-review-diary/

http://philipbloom.net/2010/03/10/review-of-noktor-f0-95-hyperprime-50mm-lens-for-micro-four-thirds/

Currently this lens works on these cameras without the need for any adaptor:
Panasonic: Lumix DMC-G1, DMC-G2, DMC-G3, DMC-G10, DMC-GH1, DMC-GH2, DMC-GF1, DMC-GF2, AF-100, AF-101, AF-102, and AF-103
Olympus: PEN E-P1, PEN E-P2, PEN E-PL1, and PEN E-PL2
Sony: NEX-3, NEX-5, NEX-VG10, and NEX-FS100

The Useful Canon Lens Specifications and Accessories Table

When you are shopping for a lens, don't only read the reviews, and check prices, also make sure to read the Canon Lens Specifications and Accessories Table. There's valuable information like the number of shutter blades for smooth bokeh and the minimum focusing distance. This distance is important. If you notice, many of the fast primes do not focus close. Close should be like 0.8ft or 0.25m, especially for wider lenses.

Sample:

Here's the link to download the complete pdf table. When new lenses come out, hopefully Canon will keep this table updated -

http://www.usa.canon.com/app/pdf/lens/EFLensChart.pdf

Alien Looking Duo Flash Mount for Macro Photography

The world of camera accessories is only limited by your imagination. Take this alien looking duo clash mount from Fotopro.

Here's the specs from Fotopro:
Fotopro Arca Compat Macro Duo Dual Flash Mount 2 Shoes
Metal plate is 140mm (5.5") long.
Includes: 2 x 1 /4"-20 cap screws, 1 hex safety screw and allen wrench.
Permanent articulated arms will hold up to 1.5lbs (.7kg) each
and can be adjusted to any position.
Arms are 12" (30cm) in length (including the ball head)
Each shoe is mounted on a metal ball head with lock

Fotopro is a China company that creates a host of very competitively priced products. Namely camera support systems

www.fotopro.cn - tip: use google translate to read the pages.

Highly Recommended Lenses for Canon EOS Cameras

So once in a while you have this urge, this craving, this NEED to buy a new lens!

You've got a problem!

But don't worry, there are many photographers who are just like you and that's why there are so many different lenses for sale. The REAL problem is which lens to buy? How to hide it from the Mrs? How not to be so obvious ... how not to break the bank, well at least not too badly.

Here's a list that will help you (it helped me) - reproduced courtesy of BobAtkins.com

Canon EF 135mm f/2.0L USM - Rating 9.8, price $900. Not cheap, but a really outstanding lens.

Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM - Rating 9.6. A very good lens indeed for "only" $650. The highest rated low cost "L" series lens.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro - Rating 9.6, price $470. Highest rated lens under $600. Very sharp and gives 1:1 magnification.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM - Rating 9.5, price $1000. Highest rated EF-S series lens and one of the highest rated of all zooms.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM - Rating 9.5 and Canon EF 100mm f/2.0 USM - Rating 9.4, Two very reasonably priced ($350-$400) fast short telephoto lenses which are ideal for portrait work.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM - Rating 9.4, price $550. A highly rated zoom and the cheapest "L" series lens.

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f2.8 XR Di-II LD Asph. IF - Rating 9.3, price $450. Very highly rated "general purpose" lens for APS-C sensor cameras. God wide to short telephoto range at a constant f2.8 aperture.

Canon EF 300/4L USM - Rating 9.2, price $700 (used). One of my favorite lenses and (if you can find one) a great telephoto that's affordable (and works great with a 1.4xTC too!).

Canon EF-S 10-22/3.5-4.5 USM Rating 9.1, price $690. An excellent lens which doesn't appear in the above lists because it's too expensive for the $600 list and the rating is 0.2 points too low to appear on the absolute best list. However a 9.1 rating is very good and the price is still affordable.

Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro - Rating 8.9, price $270. A high ratings/low cost for a 1:2 50mm macro lens.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM - Rating 8.9, Price $550. A very good telephoto zoom with very effective Image stabilization.

Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical IF - Rating 8.5, price $390. A well regarded lens at 1/3 the cost of the Canon 24-70/2.8L (rated at 9.1).

Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 (Rating 8.5, price $170) and Canon EF 35mm f/2.0 (Rating 8.7, price $230). Either one makes a good "normal" lens on an APS-C sensor DSLR.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II - Rating 8.5 , price $100. Clearly the best bang for the buck.

Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM - Rating 7.8, price $230. A good solid zoom for a very reasonable price. [Now discontinued].

Being Discreet is a good thing with Puleme Backpack Inserts

This I have to share with you guys.

It is cool to have a 'camera' type branded bag or backpack but at times it is better to not be so obvious ... especially if you're traveling. I'd rather let people think its a regular backpack than scream: "THERE"S A DSLR IN HERE !!!"

You can easily turn your regular backpack into a camera bag with this smart insert called Puleme Backpack Inserts. There are others like it and they come in all shapes and sizes to suit your needs be it a backpack or a shoulder bag.

To purchase just Google and they are all over the web.

Introduction to Canon Speedlite Flash Photography - Course Outline

This is a beginner's course in Speedlite flash photography. If you already have a fairly good grasp using your Canon DSLR and want to venture into the world of off camera flash photography with one of Canon's Speetlite flashes, this is the course for you. Start understanding your flash and learn how to use it creatively.

Course Outline:

Week 1 - Control and Modes
. Basic Flash Operations
. Exposure Modes
. Flash Exposure Compensation
. Sync Modes

Week 2 - On and Off Camera Flash
. The Importance of Shadows
. When On-Camera Flash Works Well: Fill Flash
. Moving One Speedlite Off-Camera
. Creating Dramatic Shadows

Week 3 - Modifying Flash Output
. Making The Speedlite Appear Larger
. Modifiers That Make The Speedlite Appear Smaller
. Change The Color Of A Speedlite
. Limit What The Speedlite Illuminates
. Speedlite’s Built-In Modifiers

Week 4 - Shoot out.

What you will need:
. Canon DSLR
. Canon Speedlite 430ex or 580ex

Course Times:
A 4 week course. Once a week. 2 hour sessions.
Group size minimum 3, maximum 5.
Private one-to-one instruction also available.

Location and dates to be determined based on group.

Course Price:
Group - $150
Private - $250