My friends at Think Tank Photo have launched a new brand called MIndShift Gear which aims to meet the needs of outdoor photographers. Their first new bag looks like it belongs on the shelves of REI!
I’m testing this bag now and will report back with a review soon, but in the meantime I wanted to share a photo and video courtesy of Mindshift Gear.
I’ve got one in my hands as I write this and I can tell you it is so much cooler in real life and YES it’s light for its size! This thing is like the Swiss Army knife of photography backpacks.
Click here to learn more about this bag when it is released!
Disclosure
I was so excited when I found out about the KickStarter campaign to make this bag happen that I tossed in a decent chunk of cash – with a request for nothing in return – just so I could see this bag become a reality. Apparently I wasn’t alone as the funding was many times more than what was requested, so there seems to be a lot of excitement about this idea.
This bag is not currently for sale so I don’t have a mechanism for earning a commission, but I will in the future.
If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by donating a dollar or saving several dollars by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!
Click here to learn more about how this blog is funded.
Photography legend, Gary Parker, has launch a new web site for his all-new workshop series that begins this week! This master of light will teach you how to light anything using natural light, studio lights, or even a flash light or candle! Gary has over 35 years experience as a commercial photographer and photojournalist so he knows how to get great light in ANY situation – IN A HURRY!
If I lived in the bay area, I’d be at his workshop sitting on the front row this week as NOBODY I’ve met has more to offer about how to get great images on the fly than Gary Parker.
Gary has been my mentor for years, but I pale in comparison to some of the great photographers he has trained over the years. He’s the REAL Canon equivalent of Joe McNally and he has a resume that holds up to the who’s who of the best photographers in the world. If you haven’t ever heard of Gary that’s because he’s been out shooting as a real photographer instead of telling the world what a great photographer he is – his work and resume speak for themselves!
If you want to learn from the best for prices that are dirt cheap for someone with this level of expertise then I’d urge you to check out Gary’s site and reserve your spot before his remaining sessions sell out!
I don’t make a penny off this referral. I’ve learned a ton from Gary and I know you will too, so I make this recommendation as a service to my readers without any compensation.
If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by donating a dollar or saving several dollars by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!
Click here to learn more about how this blog is funded.
My friends at Think Tank Photo just announced an exciting new Test Drive program and the release of a new version of its monster rolling camera case, the Logistics Manager™ 30.
With the Test Drive program you get to try out any of Think Tank’s very popular Retrospective® soft shoulder bags for 30 days for free! Should the shoulder bag meet your needs, then your credit card will be charged at the close of the 30 days. Should it not meet your needs, return it within the Test Drive time period and your card won’t be charged. The Retrospective series was created as an homage to classic photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank. Designed for the photographer who wants to remain inconspicuous in any situation, its "old-school" look mixes with "new-school" features giving tribute to the days when bags were visually simple but highly functional. It comes in nine models and three colors. This offer is good only on shipments to U.S. addresses.
And, Think Tank just released a new version of its largest rolling camera case, the Logistics Manager™ 30. Its roomy internal dimensions of 13.75”W x 27.5”H x 8.25 – 10”D (35 x 70 x 21 – 25.5cm) allow it to hold multiple combinations of cameras and lenses, lighting gear such as strobes and reflectors, and accessories of all kinds. Use this link and you will receive a free gift with your orders from Think Tank.
And don’t forget, there is free shipping on all orders through May 31, 2013.
Conclusion
This is a great chance to try out these awesome bags!
The Test Drive program will run from May 15, 2013—June 15, 2013 or while supplies last.
If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. It doesn’t cost you a penny more, but it does help to support future articles like this.
If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by donating a dollar or saving several dollars by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!
Click here to learn more about how this blog is funded.
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while then you know I’m a huge Scott Kelby fan, and his Digital Photography Books have been long-time entries on my must read photography book list!
Well now Scott’s finally touring the country doing a new seminar where he pulls everything together from all of those books into a single seminar. Here’s a short video where Scott explains in his own words what you can expect from this day long event:
Sounds great, right?
Well, this is ronmartblog.com and you know I love my readers so I’ve worked my magic once again to sweeten the deal. Not only have I secured a special $10 OFF discount for you, I’ve also made arrangements for my guests to sit with me during the show and meet Scott Kelby briefly during his break*!
Conclusion
If you’ve never been to one of these types of classes you are in for a treat. They are a screaming deal and you learn a ton. Even if you just took the swag and excellent handouts (which are very nice printed and bound typically) it would be more than worth the full ticket price. The fact that you can sit and learn a bunch during the day makes it even better!
I really enjoy these which is why I’m going, so I figured – hey, why not sync up with my awesome readers and see if we can go see Scott too? I thought you would like it so I hope you can join me!
FINE PRINT & LOGISTICS
This is for the Seattle, WA on Thursday May 23, 2013 show ONLY and space may be limited if too many people take advantage of this offer. The show organizers will do their best to accommodate my plan for us to sit together as well as meet Scott, but stuff happens so don’t go postal if it doesn’t work out. The real “deal” here is the discount and a chance to hang out with me (big whoop huh? ;-p). Everything else on top of that is extra that I hope will work out as planned.
When you check in you MUST mention that you are with the ronmartblog.com group and hang out with me for the opportunity to meet Scott. Space is limited, so contact me after signing up to get on the VIP list!
*= Scott’s crazy busy during this event and needs time to eat so our time will be limited and if the show is running late or there are complications this opportunity may not be possible. We will do everything we can to try to make this happen, but I want to set expectations that this is a 99% chance – not a 100% chance to get up close to Scott Kelby and say hello.
If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. It doesn’t cost you a penny more, but it does help to support future articles like this. This offer is also void where prohibited and there’s no guarantee of anything beyond the show discount. It’s always possible I could get sick, Scott can’t see us, or we can’t logistically sit together – but every effort WILL be made to try to make that happen.
Master your HDR Skills with StuckInCustoms Video Tutorials
Click here and use the coupon code RONMART15to get 15% off on the best HDR instructional videos on the web. Here are some of my favorites:
If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by donating a dollar or saving several dollars by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!
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In part I of my Canon T5i/700D review I was impressed with several features of this camera, but overall I had this nagging feeling that I was using a gloried point and shoot. At the same time I tested this camera I also tested the Fujifilm X-S1 which IS literally a point and shoot camera with a single big optical zoom lens. This got me to thinking, would I really recommend this camera over a mirror less to a friend?
For now the answer is yes primarily because when you buy an interchangeable lens camera you are buying system that includes lenses and accessories. Canon has a lot to offer the user of this camera over its mirror less counterparts, and you have the opportunity to grow into better gear within the system. This is what I did when I moved to digital SLR cameras with my old Rebel XTi, and I never regretted that decision.
Bookshelf Images
These are taken from in-camera JPEG’s with zero modifications taken during everyday life events. Nearly all were taken in Aperture Priority (Av) mode using a timer and a tripod with stabilization turned off. The goal of these samples is to have a common measuring stick in a controlled environment by which you can measure the lens and sensor performance. What’s more you can also compare these to bookshelf shots of other cameras that I’ve reviewed to get an idea of how a camera really compares. See my other camera reviews for links to additional bookshelf images.
Visit http://photos.ronmartblog.com/canon/t5i for a full gallery and click the images to see the full-size originals. All images are copyright Ron Martinsen – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You may view them, but you may not store, edit, print, distribute or otherwise reuse any images without written consent.
T5i, f/5.6 @48 mm, 4s, ISO 200 18-55mm kit lens The kit lens quality shocked me as to how sharp it was
While the kit lens feels like a piece of plastic worthy of a child's toy box, the quality itself is surprisingly good. In fact, I found some areas of the image on par with the ultra expensive 70-200mm professional zoom lens.
Below I found the high ISO performance to be a big improvement – to my eyes – over the T4i. Personally I’d probably lower the in-camera noise reduction to the minimum values as I felt it destroyed more detail than I’d like.
f/4 @ 70 mm,1/25, ISO 12800 (using 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens) ISO 12,800 is totally usable - a HUGE improvement over the T4i
In-Camera HDR
In-Camera HDR Nice results, but not a huge amount of range and a huge crop
The in-camera HDR works okay but it seems to take an aggressive built-in crop – especially considering this shot was taken on a tripod. I was also frustrated by the fact that this camera doesn’t save the RAW or JPEG images it takes when you use its in-camera HDR – you only get the end result of the merge. It also doesn’t have as much dynamic range and depth as I would expect in a feature like this.
Personally I’d strongly recommend that HDR fans continue to do traditional bracketing in the camera and let HDR Efex Pro be your tool for getting a better HDR image.
Conclusion
I definitely preferred the T5i/700D over the Canon EOS M, but when you start comparing it to the higher end Fujifilm, Sony and Olympus cameras the decision isn’t as easy to make. The compact size and high quality of the mirror less cameras make them very compelling choices. However, those cameras aren’t as user friendly for the average soccer mom or technophobe dad. I also think that this camera’s auto focus system significantly outperforms other cameras I’ve tested at this same price point. As a result, I’d definitely take this camera over the mirror less options as of May 2013, but the tide is turning for sure. The good thing though is that you are in good shape to grow into different products when you choose the Canon platform whereas the current mirror less platforms are still rather volatile and evolving.
Practically speaking, I think the Canon EOS Rebel T5i (aka 700D) with EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens kit makes more sense over the 18-55mm that I tested here because of the extra reach of the lens. I tested the 18-135mm lens with the T4i and felt like it was a decent kit lens.As a result, I think the added reach you get for the extra $200 makes a lot of sense.
Those with an extra $500 in their budget (and no existing Canon lenses) would be wise to consider the Nikon D7100. In my Nikon D7100 review I compared its quality to that of the D800E, and really it is a pretty impressive camera. It’s images will seem dull and flat compared to Canon’s hyper saturated in-camera images, but that’s just in-camera post-processing trickery.
If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. It doesn’t cost you a penny more, but it does help to support future articles like this.
If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by donating a dollar or saving several dollars by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!
Click here to learn more about how this blog is funded.
CLICK HERE and use my coupon code RONMART to ALL 6 Nik products for only $126.65 – for a LIMITED time only as discounts will expire soon! This is a worldwide offer (see details below)!
Click here to learn more and see the articles below to see my thoughts on each of these products:
The following is my understanding based on my conversation with my Nik Software marketing contact and what I’ve read on the Google website. I’m not responsible for any errors or change in policy that is beyond my control. Buyer beware.
Is this really a limited time offer? It’s been going on since April.
Original I was told coupon codes would be going away soon, and that still is true. What's more with the announcement of the Google Affiliate Network shutting down on July 31st, the system that brings you this great deal is going away as well. It's unclear what the future holds, so if you want the $126 price then NOW really is the time to act!
I already owned the collection, but I didn't get the free upgrade email. What do I do now?
Start by checking your junk mail folder. If you can't find it there, check your deleted items. If that doesn't work, then try to think if you had a different email account that you used to register or purchase your Nik software. If none of that works, then send an email to supportus@niksoftware.com to request a new email.
I clicked on the link but it wasn't a exe. What do I do with this file?
Odds are you are using Internet Explorer. Instead of clicking, choose right click Save As... and save it as a exe on your desktop. If that doesn't work, download the file and RENAME it to have a .exe extension, then run it. Alternatively you can use Chrome as shown in my videos and this won't happen as it lacks this security feature to prevent you from downloading malicious exe's off the web.
I just bought the complete collection - how do I get a refund?
It is my understanding that those who purchased within the last 30 days will get a email (check your junk mail folder) within the next couple days that will get an automatic refund of the purchase price different (i.e., you get it for $149 - max). The exact cutoff date is 30 days prior to today's announcement. They can't go back forever, so if you go back 31 days then you are out of luck.
What happen to my product ID's?
They've been eliminated - your email address that you used to register your product is your new product id. Your email from Google (check your junk mail) has details on how to install the new Nik Collection by Google upgrade.
What's new in the upgrade?
Branding, Windows 8 support, Single Installer and a new licensing model that doesn't require PID's. I'm not aware of any fundamental changes to any of the Nik products.
If I only own one Nik Software product what happens?
You are very lucky because you get a FREE upgrade to the entire collection. Count your lucky stars! ;-)
What about upgrades?
All Nik customers who get the email will be upgraded to the latest version at no charge. I've also been told that in the future upgrades will be free, so it sounds like it's pay one price to play.
Is Google using this as a trick to force us to all pay for an upgrade to a new or replacement product here in 6 months?
Not from what I understand. It sounds like they plan to carry the product forward and just wanted to simplify the distribution, licensing and upgrade process.
Wait Ron, I asked for your advice and you told me X and now this happens. You suck!
Hey, I'm very sorry as I just found out at 8:36 AM this morning like the rest of the world. I had no clue this was happening and it's financial impact on me is going to be significant, so I feel your pain.
Does this mean Nik is now in maintenance mode and we won't see any real upgrades?
It's my understanding that the product group still exists and is working on new products, so I don't think that is the case. I have no facts though so this is pure speculation based on rumors.
Now that Nik is so cheap, which program would you get? This or a competing product?
Click here to read my advice on which plug-ins to buy. Nik still makes the best products in the business, so my advice doesn't change based on this. This will impact the business model of this blog, so I will lose money over the long haul. If you find this blog useful, donations will become more important over the long haul to sustain this blog now that one of my top partners has changed the game.
I didn't get the email, what do I do?
Start by checking your junk mail folder. If you can't find it there, check your deleted items. If that doesn't work, then try to think if you had a different email account that you used to register or purchase your Nik software. If none of that works, then send an email to supportus@niksoftware.com to request a new email.
I clicked on the link but it wasn't a exe. What do I do with this file?
Odds are you are using Internet Explorer. Instead of clicking, choose right click Save As... and save it as a exe on your desktop. If that doesn't work, download the file and RENAME it to have a .exe extension, then run it. Alternatively you can use Chrome as shown in my videos and this won't happen as it lacks this security feature to prevent you from downloading malicious exe's off the web.
Upgrade Video
Here’s a little video I did on my Windows system that shows how you can upgrade quickly and easily for both Photoshop and Lightroom:
Mac Users Video
Here’s a little video I did on my Mac OS X 10.8.2 system that shows how you can upgrade quickly and easily for both Photoshop and Lightroom:
Zenfolio - The Ultimate place to host your photos on the web
Disclosure
If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. All information is provided to the best of my ability based on reliable sources, but my sources and I do not make future policy so changes are possible without notice.
If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by donating a dollar or saving several dollars by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!
Click here to learn more about how this blog is funded.
Click here to order Trey Ratcliff's Lightroom Presets. Please note that you will NOT see the 25% off price until you go to shopping cart, and it is ONLY for this ONE item – the Lightroom Presets.
THESE DO NOT WORK WITH LIGHTROOM VERSIONS LESS THAN 4.0!
If for any reason you aren’t seeing a discount then use the RONPRESETS coupon code which will expire on May 27th, 2013. Use my RONMART15 code for 15% off most other products when this offer expires and consult my discount coupon code page or contact me if you are having troubles getting the discount to show up in your cart.
If you did everything right your cart should look like this when you place your order:
When this order expires then be sure to use my RONMART15 code for 15% off nearly all the products in the Stuck In Customs store. Only one coupon code is valid per order.
When I interviewed Trey in early 2010 his site wasn’t much bigger than ronmartblog.com is now, so I’ve been studying his site carefully to see why he’s experienced such tremendous growth in the last 4 years. The key reason seems to be his consistency at cranking out images that people love. Many of these images are HDR, which is what he’s famous for, but the real secret sauce in his imaging has been what he does AFTER the HDR merge. He talks about it in his tutorials but what struck me as the most impressive thing is how quick his workflow is! This dude is fast at making images that start out looking like something you or I would take, but then BAM they look awesome!
Like all photographers he has a workflow which features a lot of things that done frequently that might seem random to the casual observer. Trey has collected these common things he does to make his images look great into this collection of Lightroom Presets which can transform any image – HDR or not – to get that Trey Ratcliff signature color look and feel.
Due to Mother’s Day I needed to do a quick article tonight so I didn’t have much time to build samples for the article, but I’ve been playing with these for a few days and I really like them. To help demonstrate how they look on a random image that I just edited recently (see here for my full HDR edit). Here’s the original image with no adjustments and no HDR (just one frame):
Original with no edits - nothing special, just an average tourist shot
Trey's HDR Preset: A Good Start I was quite happy with this one click improvement from LIGHTROOM ONLY!
Endless Portrait Preset I was excited about the whole new direction this photo took with this preset
Stronger Glaze Preset This was a pretty hot effect that I would have never come up with on my own
The Navigator Preset This looked like a Infrared converted camera took the shot – awesome!
Dramatic Chippy Preset This felt like a cool old film shot
HDR Mild Mild Mild Preset And for those who really want a subtle improvement, this was nice!
Amazing Raisins Preset This wasn’t exactly to my taste, but it gave me some ideas that I really liked because it’s Lightroom I can easily many non-destructive changes from here!
Overall I was impressed with the variety of styles I could get with a single click.
Please note that ALL of these images in this section are Copyright Ron Martinsen – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED! You may view them on your own machine but you may not print them or save them beyond the time you are viewing this article.
Please keep in mind that Lightroom Presets REPLACE your settings and are NOT additive so you click and you get this effect. Click another and you get a different effect – not the combination of both.
Click here to see the full gallery and larger sizes of these files. Additional preset applications not shown here are included.
Conclusion
These are the hottest selling Lightroom 4 and UP presets on the web right now because they are really quite good! In fact, I can easily say these are the best ones I’ve ever used and honestly the only ones I’ve felt are worth importing in Lightroom. Most of the others I’ve tried elsewhere have been crappy presets that I can easily do myself!
With my discount you can get them for only $14.98 that’s less than a quarter a preset! $15 bucks is worth a try and if you don’t like them then enjoy the risk free returns!
THESE DO NOT WORK WITH LIGHTROOM VERSIONS LESS THAN 4.0!
Other articles you may enjoy
If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy these:
If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. It doesn’t cost you a penny more, but it does help to support future articles like this.
All example Images provided by StuckInCustoms.com were taken directly from the order page. It is my understanding that these are shots where the presets have been applied, but I have not personally seen the before shots.
My before and after shots are authentic and you can try them yourself if you get this product.
Terms and conditions are subject to change and this offer WILL expire as described in this article.
One of Trey's Favorite Plug-In's and Ron's Too!
If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by donating a dollar or saving several dollars by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!
Click here to learn more about how this blog is funded.
The fastest 1 NIKKOR lens. Featuring a maximum aperture of f/1.2, the 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2 is perfect for portraits and low-light shooting.
32mm focal length (86.4 mm equivalent in 35mm format) allows for versatility to capture images in multiple situations, from beautiful portraits to everyday shooting.
Features technologies employed with 1 NIKKOR for the first time: Nano-Crystal Coat, Silent Wave Motor, and Manual Focus Ring.
Nano-Crystal Coat reduces ghosting and flare, even in bright sunlight.
Silent Wave Motor (SWM) reduces noise of AF during shooting and movie recording.
Manual Focus Ring allows for full focus control, especially while looking through a viewfinder.
High quality, metallic exterior for attractive styling.
Compact and lightweight, maintains the perfect balance with the rest of the Nikon 1 system of bodies and lenses.
Where to order
My friends at Adorama have it available here. (Links may not be available for a little bit – please come back to try again)
Other articles you may enjoy
If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy these:
If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. It doesn’t cost you a penny more, but it does help to support future articles like this.
If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by donating a dollar or saving several dollars by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!
Click here to learn more about how this blog is funded.
