Review of ImageRecycle Image Optimization Service for Wordpress
ImageRecycle is a cloud-based image optimization service that can shrink the size of your image files. Here’s another in my series of reviews of image optimization tools for WordPress.
Benro GoTravel 2 GC269TB2 Carbon Travel Tripod – Hands-on Review
The Benro GoTravel 2 GC269TB2 is a carbon fiber travel tripod that folds up into a small, portable package but offers impressive stability. It also has a couple of tricks up its sleeve.
Oben CT-3581 Travel Tripod – Hands-on Review
With this travel tripod, Oben is aiming at the cheaper end of the market while still retaining features like carbon fiber construction, twist locks, and a convertible monopod. Here’s how it stacks up.
Kirk TT-1 Mini Table Top Tripod – Hands-on Review
The Kirk TT-1 is an unusually solid table-top tripod rated for loads up to 100 pounds but is small and lightweight, easily fitting in a camera bag’s pocket.
Best Tripod Stands for the Ricoh Theta S Spherical Camera
Shooting spherical 360° panoramas with a Ricoh Theta S has a distinctive challenge: having the tripod take up as little of the frame as possible. Here are the stands that have become my favorites.
Hands-On Review of the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Zoom Lens
Nikon has come out with a new version of its 24-70mm zoom lens that adds Vibration Reduction. I’ve been shooting with it for a few weeks now. Here’s my review.
Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art Lens
I’ve been putting the new Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art Lens through its paces. Here’s what I found.
Sirui T-2205X Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod – Hands-on Review
As part of my ongoing series trying to find the best travel tripods available, I put the Sirui T-2205X to the test.
Nikon D5300 Sample Images
Here’s a selection of images I’ve taken with the Nikon D5300 and a Nikkor 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G lens.
Nikon AF Micro-NIKKOR 200mm f/4D IF-ED Lens Hands-on Review
Now that spring has finally arrived, here’s a hands-on review of using the Nikon 200mm f/4D IF-ED macro lens for outdoor flower photography.
Hands On with the InCase DSLR Pro Pack
The InCase DSLR Pro Pack is a backpack-style camera bag to fit a laptop, tablet, and your camera gear and is best suited to urban-style travel or commuting.
Review of the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S
A hands-on review of Sigma’s flagship super telephoto zoom for sports and wildlife photography.
Fastest SD Card Speed Tests
With cameras getting improved 4K, 5K, and even 8K video recording and burst shooting features all the time, some of them need the write speeds that only the fastest SD cards provide. So here’s a roundup of the fastest SD cards based on my independent tests.
Lexar Professional Workflow Memory Card Readers Test & Review
Lexar has come up with a new way to streamline the chore of downloading photos from your memory cards to your computer: the Lexar Professional Workflow system.
Review of the Spyder5ELITE for Desktop Display, Laptop, & Projector Color Calibration
The Spyder5ELITE is the top model in the Spyder5 display color calibration range. Here’s how it compares to the Spyder5PRO.
Varavon Baby T3 Mini Tripod
The Varavon Baby T3 Mini Tripod is short, but that small stature comes with its virtues as a travel tripod.
Review of the ColorSpace UDMA3 Portable Memory Card Backup Device
My hands-on review of the new ColorSpace UDMA3 portable memory card backup device.
Review of the RocketStor Thunderbolt Dual-Bay Hard Drive Dock
For years, there have been hard drive docks that allow you to connect naked hard drives using USB. Now, there’s a new dock with a Thunderbolt interface that claims to offer double the speed. However, it may not be suitable for everyone.
GoWorx FreeRide Phone Mount
The GoWorx FreeRide is a smartphone cradle mount that attaches directly to GoPro mounting accessories without the need for an adapter.
How to Calibrate a Display with the i1 Display Pro
A correctly calibrated display helps in your photo processing workflow and ensures better end results. Here’s how the i1 Display Pro performs.
Calibrating Your Display with the Spyder5PRO
Using a color calibrated monitor can save a lot of time, aggravation, and ink, and helps ensure that your images look their best when viewed elsewhere. Here’s my hands-on review of the Spyder5PRO from Datacolor.
Panasonic Lumix GF1 Sample Images
Here’s a selection of photos I’ve taken with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1.
WP Smush Pro Image Optimizer for Wordpress
WP Smush Pro builds on the oldest of the cloud image optimization services. Here’s how the reborn version stacks up.
ShortPixel Image Optimizer for Wordpress
There are many image optimization services for WordPress that work in the cloud. I tested ShortPixel to see how it compares to other options.
Polaroid Cube+ Action Camera Review
I tested Polaroid’s second-generation action cam, the Polaroid Cube+, to see how well it performs and if it can be a good alternative to the GoPro HERO4 Session.
Smartphone Apps for Tracking the Sun, Moon, and Stars
Whether you’re trying to make it for magic hour, line up the sun or moon with a landmark, or just want to make sure your subject is shown in the best natural light, smartphone apps that calculate the location of the sun and moon for any location on earth for any date and time can come in very handy.
MOVO MTP-10 Timelapse Panning Base
The MOVO MTP-10 is a device that adds rotation and panning to timelapse photos. It offers more features but is also more expensive compared to other options. Here’s my review based on personal experience.
Camalapse 4 360-Degree Panning Timelapse Base | Review
If you’re looking for a way to spice up your timelapse captures, adding some rotation can be a good start. Here’s my hands-on review of the Camalapse 4 360-Degree Panning Timelapse Base.
Which Lexar Memory Card Reader is Better?
Lexar has two USB memory card readers available. One is marketed as the professional model; one isn’t. I put them to the test.
Hands-on Review of the Lowepro Photo Sport BP 300 AW II Camera Backpack
Lowepro has a new version of the Photo Sport BP 300, a light backpack with a camera compartment in the bottom and room for everything else in the top. Here’s my hands-on review.
Kraken.io Image Optimizer for Wordpress
Kraken.io is a Wordpress plugin and cloud service combination that aims to reduce to file size of your images in order to speed up your site. Here’s how it works in practice.
Optimus Image Optimizer for Wordpress Review
Optimus is a plugin and cloud service combination that promises to dramatically reduce the filesize of your images and speed up your Wordpress site. Here’s my hands-on review.
Ricoh GW-3 0.75x Wide Conversion Lens Test & Review
If you’re looking to make the Ricoh GR II lens wider, from 28mm to 21mm, you’ll be after the Ricoh GW-3 Wide Conversion Lens. Here’s my hands-on review.
3 Legged Thing Brian Travel Tripod – Hands-on Review
I’ve been testing out the EVOLUTION 3 Brian Carbon Fiber Tripod System from 3 Legged Thing. Here’s my hands-on review.
Digital Foci Picture Porter Advanced – Hands-on Review
The Digital Foci Picture Porter Advanced is feature-packed. Here’s how it stacks up in real-world use for backing up photos without a computer while traveling.
USB Chargers for Camera Batteries
Many cameras come with an AC battery charger. But charging from a USB power source can be far more convenient when you’re traveling. The good news is that there are USB chargers out there for the batteries used in common camera models, even if you have to hunt a little to find them.
WD MyPassport Wireless Review
The WD MyPassport Wireless is a portable hard drive that can be used to stream media to mobile devices like iPhones and iPads. But it’s also a cost-effective option for backing up your photos while traveling.
3 Legged Thing Rick Travel Tripod – Hands-on Review
The Rick is a lightweight carbon fiber travel tripod from 3 Legged Thing. Here’s my hands-on review.
HyperDrive ColorSpace UDMA2 Memory Card Backup Device Test & Review
Memory card backup devices combine a battery-powered hard drive with a memory card reader so you can back up your photos and videos without a computer. Here’s my hands-on review of the ColorSpace UDMA2.
Digital Foci Photo Safe II OTG Portable Digital Photo Storage Device Test & Review
The Photo Safe II is an inexpensive and straightforward way to back up memory cards without a computer. Here’s how it stacks up against its competitors.
Geotagging Software
Here’s a roundup of software that will take your photos and a GPS tracklog and marry them together to geotag your photos.
Using a Garmin Fenix GPS Watch for Geotagging Photos
Garmin’s Fenix GPS watches aren’t aimed at photographers, but they make for surprisingly useful tools for travel photography.
GPS Trackers for Photographers
For travel photography, location matters. Whether you’re trying to track your adventures on a map or enter caption information in the image metadata, it helps to know exactly where a photo was taken.
NextoDI ND2901 Portable Memory Card Backup Device
A hands-on review of the NextoDI ND2901 portable memory card backup device for backing up photos and videos from memory cards to a hard drive without using a computer.
Portable Hard Drives for Photographers
A roundup of some of the best options for small, reliable external hard drives that are perfect for backing up your images while traveling.
Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG HSM Test & Review
Sigma’s 35mm f1.4 prime lens is a direct competitor to Nikon’s version. But there’s a very big difference in price. Here’s how the Sigma performs in real-world shooting.
Nikon 35mm f1.4G Prime Lens Hands-on Review
A 35mm lens might well be among the most useful primes out there. Here’s how the Nikon 35mm f/1.4G stacks up in real-world shooting.
Nikon 16mm f2.8 Fisheye Lens – Hands-on Review
The Nikon 16mm fisheye lens packs a lot of dramatic punch into a tiny, lightweight package. Here’s my hands-on review.
Panasonic Lumix GH4 as a Stills Camera – Review
The Panasonic Lumix GH4 has a well-deserved reputation as a very good camera for video. I wanted to find out how it held up for stills.
Benro Travel Angel II C1682TV1 Travel Tripod – Hands-on Review
Benro says its Travel Angel II tripods are Triple Transfunctional Tripods. What that means is that it transforms into a tripod, monopod, or walking stick. Here’s a hands-on review of how it performs.
Taking Macro, Fisheye, & Wide-Angle Photos with an iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
If you want to expand your lens choices with the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus you’re going to need to attach something to the existing lens. I put the olloclip 4-in-1 kit for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus through its paces.
Induro Grand Turismo Travel Tripod – Hands-on Review
My hands-on review of Induro’s Grand Turismo CGT114 carbon fiber travel tripod.
A USB Hub with Style
With so many devices using the USB standard these days, USB hubs have become a necessity. Here’s an option that won’t look like an ugly brick on your desk.
Travel Tripod Reviews
A good tripod can sometimes make or break a great photo. Here are my hands-on reviews of some of the best travel tripods available.
Gitzo Traveler Kit Series 2 Travel Tripod
Gitzo has long led the pack when it comes to travel tripods. Here’s their latest contender for the best travel tripod kit.
EWWW Image Optimizer Cloud Review
If you use a lot of images on your WordPress site and are serious about speeding it up, image optimization is a great place to start and can give some really impressive gains for very little work or expense.
Manfrotto Befree Travel Tripod – Hands-on Review
Manfrotto’s Befree carbon fiber travel tripod aims to be lightweight, and lightweight it is. At only 2.4 lbs–and that’s including the head–it qualifies as ultralight. Here’s my take on how it performs in real-world use.
MeFoto GlobeTrotter Travel Tripod – Hands-on Review
MeFoto’s Globetrotter is designed as a go-anywhere travel tripod for DSLR and mirrorless systems. It’s small, compact, and very competitively priced. Here’s how it stacks up in use.
Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-f/5.6G VR ED Telephoto Zoom Lens Review
The newest version of Nikon’s 80-400mm telephoto zoom lens is quite different to the one it replaces. Here’s how it stacks up in real-world shooting.
Hands-on Review of the Sirui P-326 Carbon Fiber Monopod
Tripods aren’t always ideal for travel photography. There are too many places you can’t use them. But a good monopod can come in very handy.
Cloud Storage for Photographers
Storing and backing up photos isn’t the most exciting part of photography, but it is crucial. And a cloud-based solution is now a good option. But not every cloud storage service is a good fit. Here’s a roundup of some of the best cloud storage for photographers.
Fujifilm X-T1 Hands-on Review
Fujifilm has a new contender for the best mirrorless camera. On paper it looks impressive. Here’s how it performed in real-world shooting.
Optimizing Images for the Web with ImageOptim
If you’re posting images on the web there are very good reasons to keep the files as small as possible. ImageOptim makes images smaller without sacrificing quality.
How to Find the Lens Diameter of a Camera Lens
When buying filters or lens caps you need to know the diameter of your lens. But you don’t need to break out a ruler. You just need to know the code. And once you know what to look for, it’s easy. Includes lens filter size charts for major brands.
The Weekend Photographer | PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK REVIEW
This is my review of The Weekend Photographer by John Van Put, a book aimed at amateur photographers shooting for themselves while traveling.
Better Protection for Memory Cards
Memory cards are very resilient, but they do break, and they can get lost. CompactFlash cards are also pretty solid, but you can get sand and grit in the sockets. So it’s good to look after them rather than risk losing all your hard work. Here are two very good options.
The Photographer’s Guide to Making Money, by Karen Dorame | Review
The subtitle of this book is “150 Ideas for Cutting Costs and Boosting Profits.” And that really sums up the book. Its goal is to help you think differently about what you’re already doing.
The Best New Books on Food Photography
Food photography isn’t easy. It takes real skill to make food look inviting and tasty. Here are some of the best books to help.
Gitzo GT1542T Traveler Travel Tripod – Hands-on Review
Review of the Gitzo Traveler GT1542T. It’s small, light, and stable, a winning combination for DSLR and mirrorless cameras with small to medium lenses.
People Photography: Capturing Lifestyle for Art & Stock
Book review. Taking photos of people offers endless variety. Whether it’s baby and kid photos, headshots of an aspiring actor, workers going about their work, or a family celebrating a special occasion, every photo has its own challenges and opportunities. This book aims to help.
Adobe Photoshop for Underwater Photographers, by Jack and Sue Drafahl / Review
Review. There’s much more to underwater photography than keeping your camera dry. This book outlines Photoshop post-production strategies for underwater photos.
Tiffen Variable ND Filter Test & Review
An ND filter blocks light, meaning you can use a slower shutter speed or larger aperture. The Tiffen Variable ND Filter sounds great on paper, offering flexibility and convenience. Here’s how it performs in practice.
Timelapse Calculator for iPhone
Timelapse Calculator for iPhone is a simple yet effective app for calculating shoot durations, frame rates, and clip lengths for creating time-lapse video.
Time-Lapse Photography with a Panasonic Lumix GF1
One of my few complaints about the Panasonic Lumix GF1 is that it doesn’t have a built-in intervalometer to take time lapse shots. But for about $50-$70 you can get a third party timer cable release that does the job quite nicely.
Kit Essentials: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Sacks
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry SacksSmall, cheap, endlessly useful for travel photography and something I like to keep in my camera bag at all times.
Review of The Underwater Photographer by Martin Edge
If you’re looking to do any kind of underwater photography, this might well be just the book you’re after.
The Art and Business of Photography, by Susan Carr | Review
Book review of The Art and Business of Photography by Susan Carr, a practical look at the photography business in the modern photography market.
Capturing the Sun and Moon: The Photographer’s Ephemeris
What if you want to be sure to get a shot of the sunset over a mountain range or the full moon with the Eiffel Tower? The Photographer’s Ephemeris helps with that.
