A moment of magic with Apple...

I'm still in love with my iPhone.. it's been over a year and I doubt I have come close to tapping into more than 25% of what it can do..and it's near bullet-proof.  Sort of...

I caved in a few months ago and made the decision to jail-break my phone..  Not sure why but it seemed like a good thing to do.  But as the days past, I realized that since all I accomplished was uncovering more untapped resources, when the next OS update Apple rolled out for the 3Gs I would revert back to factory spec.

Never as easy as others tell you it will be....

Why, oh Why? I just don't get it....

There was nothing wrong with the first version of Nikon's 200-400VR super-tele.. 

I am no marketing guru, but if it ain't broke don't fix it..go after something that needs fixin'.

How about an update to the Cream Machine...the 85 f/1.4?

Update the original 80-400VR and it will sell like hot-cakes..probably enough to equal expected sales on this new 200-400.

Give us a few more constant f/4.0 lenses like the Canon line has.

Please, give me D3s performance in a Dx sensor...  I so love my D3, but I do miss the crop.

Oh well...I can keep dreaming.

Sigma launches five new lenses!

The five new lenses along with links to more info.

85mm F1,4 EX DG HSM (full-frame with HSM focusing)
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1002/10022015sigma85mm.asp

Rear-focus, rounded 9-blade aperture, 77mm filter, hood has adapter for more shading with DX cameras, reproduction ratio is a disappointing 1:8.6 (Nikon's 85/1.4 is similar at 1:8.4).

17-50mm F2,8 EX DC OS HSM (DX lens with HSM)
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1002/10...ma17mm50mm.asp

70-200mm F2,8 EX DG OS HSM (also full-frame with Sigma's image stabilization and HSM)
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1002/10...a70mm200mm.asp

Magnification ratio is 1:8, closest focus is 55". 9 rounded aperture blades. 77m filter thread, hood extender for DX cameras.

8-16mm F4,5-5,6 DC HSM (DX ultra-wide lens with HSM)
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1002/10...gma8mm16mm.asp

50-500mm F4,5-6,3 DG OS HSM (the Bigma with image stabilization added)
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1002/10...a50mm500mm.asp

Pick of the week.... Gaffer's tape

Yep... a lowly roll of tape.

 

It's uses are countless.  It sticks like Duct Tape, but peels off like a Post-It note paper, without leaving any sticky residue.  It isn't cheap as far as tape goes, but there are no substitutes.

Biggest mistake

What is the biggest mistake made by beginning digital photographers??

Trying to load 35mm film into the camera’s compact flash card slot..

But seriously, folks, the biggest mistake made by beginning digital photographers is assuming that the latest and greatest of photographic technology will make it all good and correct all of the hurdles faced by generations of film photographers coming before them.

Granted, advancements in sensor technology and lens control simplify much of the labor in setting up basic shots.  And I am the first to admit I am a serious gear head.  But even the most advanced digital camera cannot suggest composition, dramatic lighting or mood behind capturing a striking photo.

Next time you are pondering that high ticket piece of kit, consider taking a professional workshop or class, or go on a photo oriented trip.  Your photography will improve far greater by spending a few days back to back immersing yourself in your craft than it would by buying a new lens or body..

And, by all means... read the manual!!  Good chance you camera has far more capability than you actually use...