RRS iPhone 5 Case

I know, some will say that now I’ve gone over the deep end. And perhaps I have but I do shoot a lot and I mean a lot with my iPhone. When I moved up to the iPhone 5, I went looking for a case and it just so happened at the same time, Really Right Stuff came out with their XC-iP5 case. It’s a very simple, very strong (RRS standards here) case that does a great job as a case, but wait, there’s more! Like everything RRS, there is a clamp just for the case so you can attach the iPhone to a tripod, the B2-Xj2. You have to be asking by now, “Why go to all of this for an iPhone?” And that’s a very valid question! Well, I like to share simply clicks taken with the iPhone on social media but I never just make a simple click. I often use TrueHDR for just about every shot, it’s simply a great photo app! It works by tapping on the highlight and going click, tapping on the shadow and going click and then the app combines the two images. The camera has gotta hold still for both images for it all to work. The other app I’m really having fun with is Cycloramic. This little gem permits you to capture a complete 360 but it does it so simply and accurately, even I can do it! And finally, there is SlowShutter, a great app my bud Kevin turned me onto. This app actually takes control of the shutter speed of the iPhone permitting a slower shutter speed for, you guessed it, blurred water (used for the Yosemite Fall photo). What does this all have to do with the RRS iPhone 5 case?

You gotta have it sharp, even coming from the iPhone. Often, it’s an after thought when I shoot with it. I’m already shooting with the D4 and often, I’m wearing gloves. So using the Manfrotto 492LCD Micro Ball Head I can attach the iPhone to the hotshoe of the D4 and go. The bottonline, I wanted a way to take a sharp image with the iPhone that was not only effecient but looks cool. The RRS iPhone 5 case does that and, oh ya…protects the phone too!

Nik Collection by Google

Just released:

The Nik Collection by Google: photography first, for professionals and more

Here on the Google+ Photos team, we’re busy building tools for all kinds of photographers. Today, and for all the professionals out there, we’re bundling the complete set of Nik plug-ins as the Nik Collection by Google. We’re especially excited about three things:

1) It’s more affordable. The entire set of plug-ins for Photoshop, Lightroom and Aperture only costs $149 (versus the previous $499).

2) It’s really powerful. The Nik Collection by Google gives you tools for everything from noise reduction and HDR imaging to creative effects and image sharpening (and lots more).

3) It’s free to try. You can visit niksoftware.com for a 15-day free trial of the Collection.

If you’ve already purchased one or more Nik plug-ins in the past, then don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In fact: we’re going to upgrade you to the entire Nik Collection by Google for free. Just keep an eye out for emailed instructions in the next few days.

Once you’ve got a Nik Collection shot that you’re excited about, feel free to share it with the Google+ community. Simply tag your public pictures with #nikcollection , and we’ll reshare some favorites from the +Google+ page. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create!

Nest

Bet you were thinking bird nest, weren’t ya? When Nest first came out, a number of my friends jumped on their band wagon and installed them. They said they were neat, cool, invited by the guy who invited the iPod but I didn’t hear much else. Well, I finally heard someone say, “It saved us money” so we finally pulled the trigger and bought one. Why did it take so long? $300 for a thermostat, yikes! I ordered one from Amazon (1st gen, didn’t need 2nd gen that does air conditioning) and when it arrived, it took less than 5min to install. It’s just like anything you might get from Apple, simple, straight forward and works. It saw the home network, it saw when I installed the app on the iPhone and it saves us money! The first month, the bill dropped $274 and the second month, another $62 drop. The key is that it “learns” you habits to minimize energy use. It also has a “Away” feature so when you’re not home, the home is not being heated to the same extreme. In this day and age when saving energy (that environment thing) and saving money (saving for 800f5.6 thing) is a good idea. I can honestly say, Nest works!

18-35AFS – OMG!

Like I always do with a new lens, I live and shoot with it 24/7 and I’m here to tell you, the new Nikon 18-35AFS is blowin my socks off! Shooting on just the D4 today, and it’s performance is simply not what I was expecting. The corner to corner sharpness is gorgeous. Its focusing split, lickity split! But the thing that really blew me away that unlike the 18f2.8AF, you can use a polarizer or screw-in split grad and NO vignetting! Ya, from 18mm to 35mm, no issue! At $750, this lens blows away everything else!

New Nikon 18-35AFS in Hand!

Oh ya baby, B&H came through again, putting the brand new Nikon 18-35AFS in my hands for my Yosemite & Bermuda shoots! I’ve shot a little with it so far and I’m kinda impressed. To be honest with you, more than I thought I would be (that’s because the lens is only $750). I was hesitant to get the lens because of the f/3.5-4.5, being used to my 18AF constant f/2.8 but the corner to corner sharpness so far is impressive. I’ve just begun shooting with it so I’m not ready to say it’s a “gotta have” lens yet, but it’s going in the right direction. My one hesitation right now is the all “composite” lens barrel. That said, the zoom ring is sexy smooth and it attaches to the camera with a solid click. It make the lens weigh a whole lot less than my 18f2.8 but the feel, I’m not so sure. Stay tuned, more to say!

NOTE: Shot all morning with this lens, point blank…I’m blown away by the results! It’s not what I was expecting at all!!!

Epson’s Finish Strong Contest

Jake & I were really honored to be part of this great campaign, and now YOU can too! Click on the photo to learn details. Dano is a GREAT guy to work with along with the entire team. Talk about bigtime fun! Good Luck!

Nikon Glass Rebates going to the END of the Month!

Yo! Some of my favorite lenses like the 24f1.4AFS, 70-200VR2 and 24-70AFS ARE STILL HEAVILY REBATED! Click on links to see why I depend on these lenses!

PSA – Spring Forward Tonight!

New 80-400VR3 and Coolpix A

The 80-400 is long been a popular lens. The old version while very sharp was, very slow focusing. The new 80-400 promises not only the same amazing sharpness (if not a biut better) but amazing AF performance. I have not shot with one yet but the FX lens might just be the lens for the wildlife, aviation photographer! So, I’ve put in an order for one because even at the price, it just might be the perfect tool especially for the traveling photographer.

Now here’s a P&C that has my attention. While I really like the V2, it’s still to large a package for what I’m looking for in a P&C. The new Coolpix A has a number of big features in a small package. First, is has a AP-C size sensor, it captures Raw, 1080p stereo video, 18f2.8 lens (love that focal length) and a whole bunch more. I have also put my name on one of these, might just be the P&C camera I’ve been looking for the last couple of years.

BTJ vol16.2 – Special Content!

We’ve had a few inquires when the next issue of the BT Journal would be released. Well, we were waiting for the announcement of the D7100 and then permission to tell my story. It came today so I’m madly working on it. The story on the D7100 will include a full users report along with the stories behind shooting the campaign for the D7100. Sorry for the delay but we think this expanded coverage (longer than normal digital version) and special content will make up for it.

The D7100 is HERE!!!

Nikon has announced the amazing D7100 today, the top in their DX family. It is much more than an upgrade to the D7000 and I know this first hand. I had the great honor and huge photographic challenge to be part of the team to produce the images for the announcement of the D7100. Along with the amazing Nikon Team, Sharon & I spent two weeks deep in the Costa Rican rainforest in January shooting with the D7100 (simply an amazing experience!). I really can’t describe in words the D7100 performance, but I think the nearly 13k stills and video I brought back from those two weeks do!

I really like this camera!!! This 24MP, high dynamic range, 7FPS (in HSC mode) with Custom Setting e4 monster produced for me whether shooting deep in the forest, bouncing offshore in a boat, from kayak to high over head to on the beach. A great example is the photo of the poison dart frog. After parking, we walked deep into the forest following a small creek in being followed by Spider Monkeys. All of us had eyes on the muddy ground looking for the dark blue / black form of a frog the size of a quarter. Armed with the D7100 with 60macro, we kept walking. We stopped to work with a Vine Snake as Jason continued up the creek. In a little while we heard the prey had be discovered. Our amazing guide Gary wrangled the poisonous critter so for 90min, stooped over this tiny subject, the D7100 captured the black body on the green leaf with the highlight in the water, not missing a pixel! Simply amazing!

The process of shooting this project for Nikon with the D7100 is nothing like you might think. Nothin! There is a lot more to it than just taking purty pictures. I now have a whole new level of respect for the photographers who have come before me shooting these campaigns. At the same time, I have a whole new level of respect and awe for what goes into the production of these bodies. You can read the specs for the D7100 here but I can honestly tell you, they don’t do justice to the capabilities of the D7100!

There is one helluva of a lot more to share with you about the D7100 and I will in time, the project and the amazing Costa Rican rainforest and our host for two weeks, Luna Lodge. But right now you just wanna know two things. The specs of the D7100 and what Moose thinks about the body. Moose thinks the D7100 is a freakin great body that is a slam dank, gotta have!

(Note: all photos shot with D7100, files direct from camera, Jpegs with all metadata removed. Lenses: 500f4, 10.5, 70-200f4, 60micro)

HUGE – HUGE Nikon Glass Sale!!!

What you see here doesn’t EVEN scratch the surface of all the lenses On Sale for just the next two weeks! Click on the photo or link to see all the lenses for sale at pricing we’ve not seen in years and might not again for some time.

It Will Save YOU Money!

I am amazed every time I tell someone that the Moose / B&H Hotline will save them money, they say, “Really?” This hotline that connects to 7 great folks at B&H who know Moose, his gear and shooting style and ready to help YOU get YOUR gear fast, safely and saving you some money! I don’t see a penny from this, it is simply a service that B&H & I established to help you with your photography. While most see B&H as just a camera store, I know as you will come to learn, they really are all about photography. Call the 800# you see here and give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!

Moose at Canadian Imaging!

Sharon & I are ~really~ looking for to heading to Vancouver for the Canadian Imaging Convention! What will I be sharing? A ton to be honest with you! I’ll be telling stories, sharing images and explaining the tools I’ve used in the last few months shooting current projects. I’ll have a laugh and tip or two to entertain so please, be sure to come by to say hello and enjoy the great line up speaker!

Share the Season – Last Day to Enter!

I am BLOW AWAY by some of the great photographs and stories that have been posted in my Share the Season photo contest. This is the last day you can enter, winners to be announced on the 31st. To inspire you, here are some more highlights and their stories! Job well done folks and thanks, Michelle, Bill, Jamal, nicely done!

Can anyone find the burned out Christmas light? HA-HA. I came across this house while taking a different route from work due to traffic. I couldn’t wait to come back with my camera and lucky for me they still had their lights on after Christmas. Everyone was stopping on a very busy street to take in the view. Photo was taken in San Francisco, CA with a Nikon D7000. Lens: AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm 1:3.5-5.6G II ED. Settings: f6.3 3sec ISO 100 @ 18mm on December 30th 2012. Post processing in Photomatix and LR4.

nikonD600
24-85 nikkor
75.0mm
ISO 640
f.4.5
First good snow of the year decided to get a few pictures , noticed this group of pine cones and decided to capture a couple shots. This is at a local park in Mahomet illinois, Lake of the woods.

Here’s me sharing the season all the way from Singapore. We’re a small island in the middle of the equator but that doesn’t stop us making “snow”. It’s enjoyable to see everyone especially the kids enjoying the festive season. Forget about our differences, young or old or soaking wet for that matter – it’s time to celebrate! As you can see it’s a blizzard!

Nikon D700
20mm
f2.8
1/400s
ISO 3400
Tanglin Mall, Singapore

ioSafe Rock Just as Well!

I love the IoSafe Rugged Portable 1TB Drives as well! You can RUN OVER these things with you vehicle and they still running. They can get wet, frozen, vibrated to pieces and it doesn’t even phase their operation! They run on USB3, wish they updated to Thunderbolt. They are heavier then most external drives but that’s because of their built. Since they are going back and forth from the MacBook to the Win7 machine, I use Folder Sync Pro on the MacBook to backup my images files. These are great drives that for the outdoor photographer, are a must in my book!

Buffalo Thunderbolt

I’ve been asked if I really see a difference using the Buffalo 1TB MiniStation Thunderbolt. I most definitely do! I have been using them with the MacBook Retina for the last four months. They easily extended the small capacity SSD I have in my MacBook with no sacrafice in performance. I load video onto the Thunderbolt and can edit them in realtime with NO delays in performance in Premiere easily! There is only one little erk I have and that’s not with the drives but using in cross platforms. In simple language, just can’t plug a drive formatted on a Mac into a Win machine and they talk. What I have found that works is format on the Mac to ExFat and then the Win machine will can read the drive. Because of this, I use Folder Sync Pro on the MacBook to backup my images files. The small physically size, the speed with Thunderbolt and ability to use with USB3 on the Win machines makes these great drive!

The iMac has Landed!!!

Ya baby, the new iMac is on my desk and hummin right along! The new Apple 21.5″ iMac Desktop Computer is simply an amazing marvel! Its Retina display, speed, ease of set up an bloody small size has made a believer out of me. For the last four months, the mighty MacBook Retina has been my main business machine and done a great job. I still have a Dell Win7 machine running our digital library but desperately needed a desktop for taking care of everything else. My bud Yechiel at B&H saved my tucus by getting first the MacBook Retina and now the iMac in my hands. And in case you’re not aware of the iMac, the entire computer is integrated into the monitor housing. The keyboard and mouse run on Bluetooth seamlessly. This is the basics of the iMac I got:

Product Highlights
2.7GHz Intel Core i5 Quad-Core
8GB of 1600Hz DDR3 RAM
1TB 5400rpm Hard Drive
nVIDIA GeForce GT 640M Graphics (512MB)
21.5″ HD LED-Backlit IPS Display
1920 x 1080 Native Resolution
802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
Thunderbolt, USB 3.0, SDXC Card Reader
720p FaceTime HD Camera, Dual Mics
Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion (64-bit)

In the process of now getting it all set up and data migrated over from dead desktop. The one thing that I find inconvenient is all the USB ports are on the back side of the monitor. I simply grabbed a USB ext cable so I have access to one port from where I sit for plugging in a Lexar Jump Drive

. As I use it more and get more software loaded, I’ll post a progress report. In the meantime, it’s back to work finally with both desktops!

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