Photo Geek - Lens Tips

Photo Geek Tips - Camera Lenses

Camera Body | The 5D Mark II is coming out in November 2008. Should price at around $3K. Eventually Canon will make all camera lines body full framed (the 50D line for example will turn full frame within the next year, two or three to beat out it's competitor, Nikon). Nikon recently changed to full frame to keep up with Canon. Eventually, we'll all be able to purchase full framed cameras at a reasonable consumer price.

Lenses | Buy the most expensive full framed lens you can afford. If you can't afford it, then wait until you can (rather than buying low and upgrading later). Also buy the fastest lens you can afford. It will make a difference in your photo quality and creativity. Some people only work with primes, others like zooms, and yet others like myself like to work with both.

Long zooms lenses | While a 20-300 won't get you the clearest shots at the end ranges (plus vignettes), these lenses are great for travel. For domestic shots (at your home, on assignment) opt to carry multiple lens such as a 17-85 and 70-200 for example. More flexibility and better quality.

Storage | Place your camera in air tight containers with silicon to absorb moisture. Algae, particularly in humid climates, will permanently scratch your expensive camera lens.

Photo Geek - Flash Tips

Photo Geek Tips - Flash

Buying a Flash | Get the most powerful flash you can afford. This is one area where it's not worth it to save a few bucks to get a lesser flash. The level of flash power makes a huge difference.

Flash brackets | Not only positions the flash directly above the camera body with height, but also allows you to take portraits *vertically* while avoiding black spaces in portraits.

Flash and portraits | For those with blue and light eyes, always position the flash from the top down to prevent red eyes. Learn how lighting bounces off ceiling and subjects using the 3 positions of the external flash.

Omni Bounce & Flash Diffuser| The omni bounce softens the skin. The plastic diffuser bounces light off the ceiling less harshly. The textured clear cover is to diffuse light for wide angle shots.

Flash Chord | Allows you to hand hold flashes to catch side lighting. Attach a hand chord to the flash so you don't drop the flash while setting camera functions for the next shot.

Lithium batteries | Drains fully, longer life, and weighs less. Alkaline drains quickly, has a slow death (flash operates slower and slower over time), and will leak in your camera.