Saturday, June 30, 2012

Nifty50

When I was starting with photography, I used to ask myself, why do photographers have more than one lens in their gear? Why don't they just buy one that will be used all through out? Some even have their "trinity" of lenses. All along, I learned that it's quite necessary to have lens choices that fit the proper shoot or assignment.
   
My first lens is a Nikkor 18-105mm. It came with the D90 kit when first purchased almost a couple of years ago. Personally, I find it not that convincing enough in terms of quality in low-light scenarios, because its widest opening is only at f/3.5 at 18mm and before I got it, I was used to the Sigma 18-55mm f/2.8 lens + D40 gear, which my brother lend me. Still, I give big credit to this lens for helping me as an infant in photography's ins and outs, plus it's my best bud during our previous travels. I've seen and captured great memories through this 105mm lens.


Finally, I got a prime lens that I've been researching and reading about for several weeks while funding for budget. This fixed focal length glass would be helpful in low-light situations - where I used to find myself in.


Nikkor 50mm 1.8G a.k.a. "nifty-fifty". I call mine Nifty50 for a change.



Where's the lens? Obviously, I'm using it. Several images of this lens can be found online, have it your way.

Have I come to the stage in photography life that I am also needing more than one lens? Prolly! Hopefully, this would help me more to become a better photographer. Some might say this is not the best prime lens or whatever, but I believe it would definitely serve it's purpose. 


Now, I will stop typing and continue on with the shooting. 


Meanwhile, see these photos below, few shots I have taken during the first few minutes I have Nifty50 on. 



The only model in the room - my lovely wife.

Bokeh! We'll surely have more of this with Nifty50.

The evil me, of course.

Thanks for reading! If you have tips and tricks with this lens, please share. I would like to see your gallery as well. 


Note: All photos in this post were taken using Nifty50.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Studio Anywhere

You can pull off a shot anywhere. It doesn't need to be in a studio. 

Had this drink for take out and brought it in our hotel room. At midway, I thought of a simple strobist setup. Photo taken a couple months ago, I just made the caption now before posting.


-1/30
-f/5.6
-105mm
-hotel lamp on top
-off-cam flash behind the subject
-CLS mode

Sunday, June 17, 2012

DIY Camera Slider

I really enjoy doing "DIYs" (Do-It-Yourself). It makes me feel like a product designer and producer - extracts the creative juices out of me. 

If I can do something (for cheap) that serves the similar purpose like commercially available (but costly) products, then I'd give it a go. 

A camera slider is one of the gear used in video or film making. It adds stability to your shot of static and dynamic subjects. Typically, a slider, as its name implies, slides your camera from point A to point B in a linear motion.  

Anyway, here's what I've got. 



















Materials:

- Fancier (WF-571H) ball head
- 1 pc 3/8" bolt and nut for ball head's base
- 1 pc 1/2 " plywood (8" x 6" cut) as platform
- 2 pcs 1 1/2" x 1/2" wood (6" cut) for wheels' base
- 4 pcs plastic wheels
- 2 pcs 4' stainless round bar as rails
- 2 pcs 1 1/2" x 1/2" wood (8" cut) for round bars' base
- quick drying enamel (black) for finishing



















Two-part sample video:
note: low light. no audio.



This gear was very useful when we produced a project video entry for a company video competition. Able to carry the weight of the D90 with battery grip and 18-105mm lens. Will post the final video soon, so watch out!

Overall, this DIY gear is a success. I'm so impressed with the results.

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