• 
Lens and camera reviews, research and how-to covering Nikon and Canon DSLR bodies and lenses, along with related gear
GEAR & ACCESSORIES
GPS Units for DSLRs
GPS units for Nikon and Canon.
Really Right Stuff Carbon Fiber Tripods
Top-grade carbon fiber tripods for professionals.
NIKON / CANON MOUNT LENSES
Sigma Telephoto APO Macro Lenses: 150mm, 180mm
Sigma’s fast telephoto APO macro lenses.
- Overview of Sigma 180/2.8 and 150/2.8 APO Macro
- Image Stabilization
- Autofocus Comments
- Sigma 180/2.8 APO vs Leica 180/2.8 APO vs Voigtlander 180/4 APO
- APO.chromatic: Sigma 180 and 150 + Leica 180/2.8, Voigtlander 180/4 + Nikon 70-200/2.8 VRII
- Sigma 180/2.8 APO vs Leica 180/2.8 APO vs Voigtlander 180/4 APO (Mosaic)
- Performance at 1:1 (Doll Face, D800E)
- Performance at ~ 1:2 (Doll Face, D800E)
- Performance at ~ 1:2.2 (Doll Seated, D800E)
- California Poppy at 1:3 (D800E)
- Examples (Various, D800E)
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM A1
Sigma’s fast and affording moderate wide angle.
- Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM
- Flare
- Compared vs Canon 35mm f/1.4L (Dolls, Canon 5D Mark III)
- Examples (Alpine Creek, Canon 5D Mark III)
- Compared to Canon 35/1.4L (Oak Trunks, Canon 5D Mark III)
- Compared to Canon 35/1.4L (Manzanita Flowers, Canon 5D Mark III)
- Compared to Canon 35/1.4L (Gate, Canon 5D Mark III)
- Compared to Canon 35/1.4L (Pots, Canon 5D Mark III)
- Compared to Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.4G (Dolls, Nikon D800E)
- Autofocus Calibration vs Nikon 35/1.4G (Lens Align, Nikon D800E)
- 'Soft Eyes' Portraits BEFORE Fine Focus Adjust (Nikon D800E)
- Portraits AFTER Fine Focus Adjust (Nikon D800E)
- Aperture Series: Sprinkler Controls (Nikon D800E)
- Aperture Series: White/Green Beater Bike (Nikon D800E)
- Aperture Series: Red Beater Bike (Nikon D800E)
- Lens Skew (Nikon D800E)
- Lens Skew Confirmation (Nikon D800E)
- Conclusions
Schneider PC-TS Perspective Control Tilt/Shift Lenses
Unbeatable optical quality in tilt/shift lenses for Canon or Nikon or Sony Alpha or Pentax K.
- Schneider PC-TS Lenses for Canon/Nikon/Sony/Pentax
- Schneider PC-TS Super-Angulon 50mm f/2.8
- Schneider PC-TS MAKRO-SYMMAR 90mm f/4.5 HM
- Introduction to Tilt/Shift
- Ergonomics and Design
- Bokeh, 90mm
- Examples, 90/4.5 (Sierra Nevada)
- Using Tilt to Isolate (Aero), 90mm
- Using Tilt With Architecture (Columns), 90/4.5
- Using Tilt With Architecture (Railing), 90/4.5
- Using Tilt For Special Effects, 90/4.5
- Tilt Rotation Accuracy, 90/4.5
- Diffraction from f/4.5 - f/32, 90/4.5
- Higher Resolution from Stitching Multiple Frames, 90/4.5
- Image Quality Shifted (Yosemite), 50/2.8
- Image Quality at Maximum Shift, 90/4.5
- Correcting Converging Verticals with Shift, 90/4.5
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM on Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 is a worthy contender in the crowded 50mm area. See how it performs compared to the Canon EF 50/1.4 and EF 50/1.2L.
NIKON MOUNT LENSES
Voigtlander 20mm, 28mm, 40mm, 58mm, 90mm Lenses for Nikon and Canon
In-depth review evaluates ergonomics, flare, bokeh, vignetting, focus shift, sharpness. Includes comparisons with Zeiss ZF 35/2 Distagon, Nikon 45mm f/2.8P and NOCT-Nikkor 58/1.2. Reviewed on Nikon, but now available for Canon EOS.
- Introduction
- Main—20/3.5 Color Skopar ASPH
- Main—28/2.8 Color Skopar SL II
- 28/2.8 Color Skopar SL II — Lens Comparisons
- Main—40/2 Ultron SL II
- Main—58/1.4 Nokton SL II
- APO Lanthar 90mm f/3.5
- APO Lanthar 90mm f/3.5 Aperture Series
- Examples—20/3.5 Color Skopar
- Examples—20/3.5 Color Skopar aberrations
- Examples—40/2 Ultron
- Nokton 58/1.4 SL II Focus Shift (Dolls)
- Examples—58/1.4 Nokton
- Bokeh—58/1.4 Nokton vs 58/1.2 NOCT-Nikkor
- Comparison—20/3.5 Color Skopar to Nikon 20/3.5 and 14-24/2.8G
- Comparison—40/2 Ultron vs Zeiss ZF 35/2 Distagon
- Comparison—40/2 Ultron vs Nikon 45/2.8P and Zeiss ZF 35/2 Distagon
- Comparison—58/1.4 Nokton vs NOCT-Nikkor
- Conclusions
Nikon AF-S 28mm f/1.8G
A fast moderate wide angle lens with some practical difficulties.
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/4 ED VR and 70-200mm f/2.8 ED VR II
Which speed zoom for the Nikon D800/D800E?
- Comparison: Size and Weight
- Comparison: Actual Focal Length at Close Range
- Examples: Close Range (Forest
- Comparison: Focus Shift at Close Range
- Distortion: 200mm, 160mm
- Aperture Series: Tower (200mm)
- Aperture Series: Tiled Arch (200mm)
- Aperture Series: Church Doorway (200mm)
- Comparison: 70-200/4 VR vs 70-200/2.8 VR II (170mm)
Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.4G
State of the art design in a fast 35mm lens.
- Introduction to Nikon 35/1.4G
- Autofocus Errors with Nikon D3x, D3s
- Autofocus Errors, Varying Distance, D3x
- Autofocus Fine Focus Adjust
- Focus Adjustment With LensAlign Target
- 35/1.4G and 35/1.4 AI-S Focus Shift Study (Dolls)
- Comparison: 35/1.4G vs 35/1.4 AI-S vs Voigtlander Ultra 40/2 (Dolls)
- Examples
- Portraits At f/1.4
- Aperture Series f/1.4...f/11 — Creek
- Aperture Series f/1.4...f/11 — Tree Trunk
- Aperture Series f/1.4...f/11 — Silver Canyon Pine
- Comparison with Zeiss 35/2 and Nikon 35/1.4 AI-S
- Comparison with Nikon 35mm f/2D
- Animated Aperture Series 1/3 Stops from f/1.4...f/16
- Conclusions
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
Nikon’s High Performance Moderately-Priced 50mm.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G
Nikon’s latest 50mm lens compared with the Zeiss ZF 50/1.4, NIkon 50/1.4D and Sigma 50/1.4.
Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
State of the art design in a fast 85mm lens.
- Introduction
- Ergonomics
- Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)
- Reader Comments
- Bokeh Series from f/1.4 - f/16
- Focus Shift and Color Bokeh
- Focus Shift with a 3D Subject, Head Shot Range (Dolls)
- Focus Shift 85/1.4G vs 85/1.8G (Dolls)
- Off-center Aberrations
- Color Rendition Compared to Older 85mm f/1.4D
- Examples
- Portraits
- Examples at Golden Gate Bridge
- Examples in Yosemite and White Mountains
- Distortion
- Vignetting from f/1.4 - f/8
- Flare: 85/1.4G vs 85/1.8G
- Comparison with Nikon 85mm f/1.4D
- Aperture Series f/1.4 - f/11 Lembert Dome
- Comparison with Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II
- Conclusions
Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
Nikon’s ultra wide angle zoom and the Nikon 14mm f/2.8, critical focus shift behavior.
- Introduction and Overview
- Short Range Comparison — Ancient Bristlecone
- Comparison — White Mountains Road
- Focus Shift with Nikon 14-24 Cuts Resolution In Half!!!
- Focus Shift: Nikon 14-24 vs 24-70 on Nikon D800E
- Focus Shift: Nikon 14-24 Across The Frame, Focus f/2.8 vs f/5.6 (Cabin)
- Correcting Chromatic Aberration
- Conclusions
Nikon AF-S 24mm f/1.4G ED
State of the art design in a fast 24mm lens. Includes full-resolution images at f/1.4.
- Introduction
- Ergonomics
- Autofocus — Introduction
- Autofocus — Nikon D3s Building Distant
- Autofocus — Nikon D3s Brick Building
- Autofocus — Nikon D3s Golden Gate Bridge
- Autofocus — Nikon D3x Brick Building
- Autofocus — Nikon D3x Golden Gate Bridge
- Autofocus — Nikon D3x Flag
- Autofocus — Mis-focus Examples
- Autofocus Examples
- Autofocus Examples At Night
- Autofocus — Conclusions
- Distortion Comparison
- Vignetting from f/1.4 - f/8
- Focus Shift and Color Bokeh
- Focus Shift (Dolls, Nikon D800E)
- Examples — Wide Open
- Examples — Various
- Examples — Mountains
- Comparison with Nikon 14-24/2.8G and 24/2 AI-S
- Aperture Series: Tile Rooftops
- Conclusions
Nikon AF-S 60mm f/2.8G Macro
Comparing the new Nikon 60mm to its predecessors, and the Coastal Optics 60/4 APO.
Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G VR
Nikon’s latest wide range zoom with vibration reduction and fixed f/4 aperture.
- Introduction
- MTF Curves
- Ergonomics
- Examples
- Flare Into The Sun
- Mosaic Comparison Notes
- Mosaic Comparison 24mm — Nikon 24-70/2.8G, 24/1.4G
- Mosaic Comparison 28mm — Nikon 24-70/2.8G
- Mosaic Comparison 35mm — Nikon 24-70/2.8G, 35/1.4 AI-S
- Mosaic Comparison 50mm — Nikon 24-70/2.8G, 50/1.4G
- Mosaic Comparison 70mm — Nikon 24-70/2.8G, 70-200/2.8G VR II
- Mosaic Comparison 85mm — Nikon 70-200/2.8G VR II, 85/1.4G
- Mosaic Comparison 120mm — Nikon 70-200/2.8G VR II
- Distortion at 24mm
- Distortion at 28mm
- Distortion at 35mm
- Distortion at 50mm
- Distortion at 70mm
- Distortion at 85mm
- Distortion at 120mm
- Conclusions
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
Nikon bread and butter telephoto zoom
28mm Shift Lenses for Nikon
In-depth review on the Nikon D2x of the Nikon 28mm f/3.5 PC-Nikkor, Nikon 28mm f/4 PC-Nikkor and the Schneider 28mm f/2.8 PC-Super-Angulon. Flare, distortion, color fringing, color rendition, sharpness, ergonomics, aligmnent, sample variation. A must-read if you’re considering the Canon or Nikon 24mm tilt/shift lenses. See also other shift lens reviews.
Special Report: Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF
Evaluates performance of the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR on the Nikon D3. Comparison with the Nikon 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF.
180mm Lenses for the Nikon D3x
Explores options for 180mm lenses on the Nikon D3x, including the Leica 180/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R in Nikon mount, Nikon 180/2.8 ED, Nikon 70-200/2.8 VR, Nikon 70-300/4.5-5.6 VR, and Tamron 70-200/2.8. Updated: now includes the Voigtlander 180/4 APO!
Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 200mm f/4.0D IF-ED
Nikon’s workhorse 200mm macro lens, and not just sharp at close-ups!
Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8 VR II
Does high price guarantee quality control and superb images?
Nikon Ultra Wide Zooms
Comparing Nikon 16-35mm f/4 VR, 17-35mm f/2.8, 14-24mm f/2.8, 18-35mm, 24-70mm f/2.8 along with Nikon 20mm f/3.5, 24mm f/2, 28mm f/2, 35mm f/1.4 AIS, and more.
- Main Page
- Personal Usage Notes and Reactions
- Specifications and pricing
- Understanding Lens Performance
- Hazy Low Contrast with 17-35 @ f/2.8
- Correcting Distortion in Software
- Distortion at 16mm
- Distortion at 17mm
- Distortion at 21mm
- Distortion at 24mm
- Distortion at 28mm
- Distortion at 35mm
- Vignetting at 16mm
- Vignetting at 17mm
- Vignetting at 21mm
- Vignetting at 24mm
- Vignetting at 28mm
- Vignetting at 35mm
- Overview of Comparisons
- Crops at 16mm — Focus
- Crops at 16mm — Top Left Corner
- Crops at 16mm — Right Edge
- Crops at 16mm — Left Edge
- Crops at 16mm — Bottom
- Crops at 17mm — Focus
- Crops at 17mm — Left Edge
- Crops at 17mm — Top Left Corner
- Crops at 17mm — Right Edge
- Crops at 17mm — Bottom Right
- Crops at 21mm — Focus
- Crops at 21mm — Left Edge
- Crops at 21mm — Top Right Corner
- Crops at 21mm — Bottom
- Crops at 21mm — Bottom Right Corner
- Crops at 24mm — Focus
- Crops at 24mm — Left Edge
- Crops at 24mm — Right Edge
- Crops at 24mm — Upper Left Corner
- Crops at 24mm — Bottom Right
- Crops at 28mm — Focus
- Crops at 28mm — Left Edge
- Crops at 28mm — Right Edge
- Crops at 28mm — Top Left Corner
- Crops at 28mm — Bottom Right Corner
- Crops at 35mm — Focus
- Crops at 35mm — Left Edge
- Crops at 35mm — Right Edge
- Crops at 35mm — Top Left Corner
- Crops at 35mm — Bottom Right Corner
- Conclusions on Mosaic Comparisons —
- Download Full Resolution Mosaic @ f/5.6
- Overview of 18-35 vs 16-35
- Distortion of Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 vs 16-35/4 VR
- Vignetting of Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 vs 16-35/4 VR
- 18-35 vs 16-35 — Crops at 18mm
- 18-35 vs 16-35 — Crops at 21mm
- 18-35 vs 16-35 — Crops at 24mm
- 18-35 vs 16-35 — Crops at 28mm
- 18-35 vs 16-35 — Crops at 35mm
- 18-35 vs 16-35 — Conclusions
- Conclusions
- Where to Buy
Nikon AF 16mm f/2.8D Fisheye
Exploring the 16mm fisheye for landscape photography, and correcting fisheye distortion.
Hartblei 40/80/120mm SuperRotators
Medium format Zeiss glass in Hartblei precision tilt/shift lens barrels!
- Introduction
- Build quality and ergonomics
- Operation
- Bokeh
- Examples—40/4
- Examples—80/2.8
- Examples—120/4
- Resolution chart—40/4
- Resolution chart—80/2.8
- Resolution chart—120/4
- Stitching with the 40/4
- Field shot aperture series crops—40/4
- Field shot aperture series crops—80/2.8
- Field shot aperture series crops—120/4
- Resolution from Diffraction —120/4
- MTF for Hartblei 40mm f/4
- MTF for Hartblei 80mm f/2.8
- MTF for Hartblei 120mm f/4
- Conclusions
Nikon 24mm Lens Choices
Options for a 24mm lens: Nikon 14-24/2.8G, Nikon 24-70/2.8G, Nikon 24/2 AI-S, Nikon PC-E 24/3.5. Sharpness, distortion, flare, field curvature, shooting impression and ergonomics.
CAMERAS
Nikon D800E vs Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Comparing the 2012/2013 high-res pro DSLRs.
Nikon D800E
D800E supplement and comparisons with Nikon D800.
- D800 vs D800E Optical Low Pass Filter and Wave Plate
- D800 vs D800E Sharpness
- D800E — Moiré Example (Stonework)
- D800E — Moiré Removal With Lightroom 4 (Stonework)
- Examples — D800E — Initial Evaluation
- D800E Diffraction and Optimal Aperture (Mosaic, Zeiss 50/2)
- D800E vs D800 (Aerial, Fountain)
- D800E vs D800 RAW Sharpening Comparison (Aerial, Fountain)
- D800E vs D800 (Dolls)
- D800E vs D800 RAW Sharpening Comparison (Dolls)
- D800E vs D800 Sharpening Noise (Dolls)
- D800E vs Canon 5D Mark III vs Leica M9 (Dolls)
- D800E AF-S Accuracy: Nikon 28/1.8G (Mosaic)
- D800E vs Canon 5D Mark III Noise (Whites Outhouse)
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
22 megapixel successor to the popular 5D Mark II.
- Ergonomics and Usability
- Manual Focusing, Live View
- Examples — Carrizo Plain
- Examples — Alpine Creek
- Examples — Alpine Creek with 85/1.2L II
- Examples — RAW Processing
- Focus Accuracy (Green Dot Assist)
- Noise at ISO 200 with 1.2-stop Push
- Noise at ISO 100 with 1-stop Push
- 5D Mark III vs 5D Mark II from ISO 50 to 25600 (Dolls)
- 5D Mark III vs 5D Mark II from ISO 50 to 25600 (Flowers)
- 5D Mark III vs 5D Mark II from ISO 50 to 25600 (Creek)
- 5D Mark III vs 5D Mark II from ISO 50 to 25600 (Pipe Organ)
- 5D Mark III vs 5D Mark II from ISO 50 to 25600 (Last Supper)
- Shadow Noise vs Nikon D800E
- ETTR and Noise
- Exposure Latitude: RAW vs JPEG
- Sharpness: RAW vs JPEG
- D800E vs Canon 5D Mark III Noise (Whites Outhouse)
Nikon D800 / D800E Image Quality Best Practices
Image quality best practices and how-to with the Nikon D800/D800E.
Nikon D600
Full-frame 24 megapixel DSLR.
- Field Comparison: D600 vs D800E (Saddlebag Overlook)
- Field Comparison: D600 vs D800E (Cabin Bathroom)
- Field Comparison: D600 vs D800 (Kuna Peak)
- Field Comparison: D600 vs D800 (Pine Creek Tungsten Mine)
- Field Comparison: D600 vs D800 (Pine Creek Tungsten Mine, Aerial)
- Worth Saving the Money on D600 vs D800/D800E?
- Notable Limitations of the D600
- Live View Issues with the D600
Overview of Video with Nikon D800, D800E, D4, Canon 5D Mark III
How does video quality compare with crop of mid-2012 DSLRs?
- Overview of Nikon/Canon DSLR Video
- Comparing Video Quality at 1080 HD
- Comparing Video Quality at 720p
- Nikon D800E Video with Nikon 14-24 (Zoom Sequence)
- Nikon D800E Video (Canyon’s End)
- Nikon D800E Time Lapse Video: Ellery Lake at Dawn
- Nikon D800E Time Lapse Video: Clouds Moving Granite Bowl
- Nikon D800E Time Lapse Video: Rain Pool With Green Ferns
- Nikon D800E Time Lapse Video: Canyon’s End
Canon EOS 1D X
18 megapixel big black brick, Canon’s top of the line DSLR.
- Ergonomics and Usability
- Key Features of Note
- Sensor Quality Claims and Reality
- RAW to 16-bit TIF Conversion in Adobe Camera RAW
- How Much Sharpening to Apply
- Focusing Accuracy with 85mm f/1.2L II
- Resolution: 1D X vs 5D Mark III (Dolls)
- Noise/ISO: 1D X vs 5D Mark III from ISO 50 to 204800 (Dolls)
- Pattern Noise — Streaking and Banding (Picnic Table)
- Pattern Noise — Streaking and Banding (Grill)
- Pattern Noise — Expose to the Right Analysis (Grill)
Nikon D800
36 megapixels in a compact full-frame DSLR.
- Ergonomics
- Custom Functions
- Alternative ~36 Megapixel Cameras
- NEF Formats: 12-bit or 14-bit, Uncompressed or Compressed
- D800 Live View vs Other Nikon Bodies and Canon 5DM3
- D800 / D800E Live View Tip for Better Definition
- How Accurate is the Virtual Horizon Feature?
- Staircasing on Sharply Defined Edges
- Examples — Initial Miscellaneous
- Examples — Miscellaneous
- Examples — Aerial and Architecture
- Examples — Church Interior
- Examples — Portraits
- Examples — Sharpening Portraits
- Examples — Downsampling to Competing Sizes
- Examples — Black & White Conversion
- Diffraction and Optimal Aperture (Mosaic, Leica 100/2.8 APO)
- Examples — RAW to TIF Processing
- Focus Accuracy (Focus Assist with Green Dot)
- Autofocus AF-S Accuracy: Ad-Hoc Field Shooting
- Autofocus AF-S Accuracy: Nikon 85/1.4G, 85/1.8G (Mosaic)
- Autofocus AF-S Accuracy: Nikon 85/1.4G (Trash Can)
- Autofocus AF-S Accuracy: Lens Align Target
- AF Fine Focus Adjust (Rodin)
- Autofocus AF-S Accuracy: Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II (Various)
- Autofocus AF-C Accuracy: Nikon 85/1.4G, 85/1.8G (Mosaic)
- Comparison to Nikon D3x (Aerial)
- Comparison to Leica S2 (Mosaic)
- ISO Series from 50 to 25600 (Flowers)
- ISO Series from 50 to 12800 (Mosaic)
- ISO Series from 50 to 25600 (Brass Doors)
- ISO Series: D3s vs D800 from ISO 100 to 12800 (Dolls)
- Resolution: D3s vs D800 from ISO 100 to 12800 (Dolls)
- Long Exposure (Maple)
- LENS Evaluations: Notes
- LENS: D800 + Voigtlander Color-Skopar 20mm f/3.5 SL-II
- LENS: D800 + AF-S 24/1.4G
- LENS: D800 + AF-S 35/1.4G
- LENS: D800 + Voigtlander Ultron 40/2 SL-II
- LENS: D800 + 45mm f/2.8P
- LENS: D800 + PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED
- LENS: D800 + AF-S 50/1.4G and AF-S 50/1.8G
- LENS: D800 + Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f/1.4 SL-II
- LENS: D800 + AF-S 60/2.8G Macro
- LENS: D800 + AF-S 85/1.4G
- LENS: D800 + 85/2.8D PC-Micro-Nikkor
- LENS: D800 + Voigtlander 90mm F/3.5 SL II APO-Lanthar
- LENS: D800 + AF-S 105/2.8G ED-IF VR Macro
- LENS: D800 + AF-D 105/2 DC
- LENS: D800 + AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II @ 70mm, 135mm
- LENS: D800 + 180/2.8D ED-IF vs AF-S 70-200/2.8G VR II @ 185mm
- LENS: D800 + 200/4.0D ED Micro-Nikkor
- LENS Evaluations: Conclusions
- Optimal Aperture, Depth of Field
- Downloads
Nikon D4
Nikon’s pro-body high speed low light wonder.
Nikon D3200
24-megapixel APS-C consumer DSLR.
Nikon D2x vs Canon EOS—Nikon D2x, Canon 5D, 1Ds Mark II compared, details
In-depth review on the 12MP Nikon D2x compared to the 12.8MP Canon EOS 5D and 16.7MP Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II. Resolution, field shots, dynamic range, color, long exposures, depth of field, lens evaluations, ergonomics and usability.
- Table of Contents
- Main Page
- Subjective Image Quality
- Usability
- Resolution
- The Sensor Size Conundrum
- Resolution—Mosaic
- Resolution—Long Lens
- Resolution—Field Shot
- Resolution—Far Field
- Resolution—Fisheye
- Noise
- Dynamic Range
- Color
- Color—Macbeth ColorChecker
- Color—Warm Sunlight
- Color—Autumn Harvest
- Color—Landscape Scene
- Color—Portrait
- Long Exposures
- Depth of Field
- Background Blur
- Bokeh
- Lens Evaluations
- Lens Aberrations
- Raw File Processing
- Conclusions
- The Future
Nikon D3s
Nikon D3s low-light versatile DSLR.
Sony A900
The 24.6 megapixel Sony A900 digital SLR is compared with Canon’ top-of-the-line 21.1MP EOS 1Ds Mark III. A field report including two comparisons with the Canon 1Ds Mark IIII, example images in color and black and white, and the Zeiss ZA 135mm f/1.8 Sonnar. Anti-Shake (SteadyShot) is assessed, as is noise behavior.
Nikon D3x 24.4-megapixel DSLR review
Includes: D3x resolution comparisons (res chart) with Nikon D3, Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, resolution comparison on outdoor shot with Nikon D3, large examples, large wildlife examples, Nikon 200mm f/2 VR on D3x, long exposure noise ISO series, D3x sensitivity on diffraction, D3x dynamic range at ISO 100 vs ISO 50, D3x vs D3 color and noise.
- Main Page
- At the Zoo with the 200 f/2
- Shooting Mode Issues
- Examples
- Wildlife Examples
- Criticality of Focus
- Dynamic Range
- D3x Resolution vs Others
- D3x Resolution vs Others
- D3x vs D3 Matched Resolution
- ISO Series
- ISO Series
- Noise, Color and ISO
- White Balance
- Diffraction with the D3x
- Diffraction Mosaic
- D3x vs D3 and EOS 1DsM3
Long exposures with Nikon D3x, D3, Canon 5D Mark II
Long exposure noise performance with the Nikon D3x, D3 and Canon 5D Mark II at ISOs from 50 through 25600.
Noise ×4: Nikon D3x, Nikon D3, Canon 5D Mark II, & Canon 1Ds Mark III
Noise performance of early 2009’ premier digital SLRs. ISOs from 50 through 25600, dark area noise, noise reduction effects, noise versus resolution. Can more smaller pixels beat fewer large ones?
Canon 1D Mark IV
Canon 1D Mark IV 16-megapixel DSLR.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II review
Canon 5D Mark II impressions
Nikon vs Canon: noise and sharpness
Nikon vs canon: Noise and Sharpness
TECHNIQUE
Landscape Photography at Wide Apertures
Escape the banale postcard look by shooting landscapes at f/1.4 or f/0.95.
Stimulating your photographic creativity
Approaches to making fresh new images.
- What is creativity?
- Wide Apertures for Landscape
- Isolate Your Subject
- Vary Your Perspective
- Explore the Ordinary
- Color and Shape
- Good Light and Bad
- Look for Natural Patterns
- Play with Movement
- Fun With Photoshop
- Blending Multiple Exposures
- Motion Blur
- Infrared for New Tones
- Monochrome Images for Impact
- Shoot One Lens For Better Images
- Shoot A Classic Lens Design
- Leave the Tripod Behind
- Park Your Butt on a Rock
- Solitary Shooting
- Format and Aspect Ratio
The Sharpest Image
Archives: long superceded by Making Sharp Images.
- Revision History
- Table of Contents
- Main Page
- Blur
- Handheld Sharpness
- VR Active Compared with VR Normal
- Exposure Variation
- Handheld/VR Shootout
- The Settle Down Test
- Lens Focal Length
- Shutter Speed
- Shooting Mode
- Shooting Technique
- Tripod versus Tripod
- Tripod versus Tripod: Burst Shooting
- Lens Tripod Collars
- Conclusions
- Tripods and Ballheads
- The Sharpest Image—Glossary
DIGITAL WORKFLOW
RAW-file Converters—Nine RAW converters compared, details
Archives (out of date): Analysis of the image quality from 9 different RAW-file converters. While there are newer versions of the converters in this review, the comparisons are still highly useful in evaluating the current versions. Both Canon and Nikon files are used for the review.
VIDEO
VIO POV.HD 1080p Helmet Camera
A helmet-mountable HD video camera for sports or action or underwater.
CONTEXT
Historical perspective on digital technology.
The rapid evolution of digital imaging quality.
WORKFLOW
Workflow Tips and technique
An introduction to digital workflow and best practices.
- How to Convert RAW to TIF in Adobe Camera RAW
- Why a Wide Gamut Color Space Matters
- Gamut of Fruit: Reds and Oranges
- Wide Gamut Colorspace Reduces Noise, Avoids Posterization
- RAW Conversion: Adobe Camera RAW vs DXO Optics Pro
- How to Downsample and Sharpen an Image
- How to Use Tonal Curves for Image Correction
- Localized Contrast Enhancement
- Sharpening with Photoshop Smart Sharpen
- Sharpening with Topaz InFocus
- How to Correct Color Fringing in Adobe Camera RAW
- Faux HDR
Expose To The Right (ETTR)
Maximizing image quality, dynamic range, minimizing digital noise
- What is the Correct Exposure?
- Bits, Signal and Noise
- RawDigger for Raw Data Analysis
- Exposure and Noise
- Understanding 'Push' and 'Pull'
- Introduction to 'Expose to the Right' / ETTR
- Considerations for ETTR in the Studio or In the Field
- Introduction to Camera Histograms
- Camera Histograms: Color Space, Contrast, White Balance
- Recommended Camera Settings for Camera Histogram
- How JPEG Sharpness and Contrast Settings Affect Live View
- Use a 16-bit Wide-Gamut Color Space for RAW Conversion
- ETTR: Camera vs True Raw Data (Nikon D800E, Dolls)
- ETTR Example 2+ Stops Range (Dolls, Olympus E-M5)
- ETTR Example (Cabin)
- JPEG vs RAW Example (Dolls)
CANON MOUNT LENSES
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon’s tiny and lovely pancake lens.
- Overview of Canon 40/2.8 STM
- Comparison: Canon 40/2.8 STM vs Voigtlander 40mm f/2 SL II
- Aperture Series: Aspen Trunks
- Aperture Series: Rancher’s Cabin
- Aperture Series: Ancient Bristlecone Pine
- Dual Aperture Series - Choice of Focus: Tioga Pass
- 40mm: vs 24-70/2.8L II and 24-70/4L II (MTB, Canon 5D Mark III)
Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II and 24-70mm f/4L IS
Canon’s premium mid-range zooms.
- Overview of Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II
- Overview of Canon 24-70mm f/4L IS
- Technical specs: 24-70/2.8L II vs 24-70/4L IS
- Aperture Series: 24-70/2.8L II vs 50/1.2L, 50/1.4, 50/1.8 II (Dolls)
- Aperture Series: 24-70/2.8L II vs 35/1.4L (Dolls)
- Aperture Series: Close Range at 70mm (Dolls)
- Examples: Russian Ridge
- Color fringing at 70mm (Close Range, Dolls)
- Bokeh at 70mm (Close Range, Dolls)
- Bokeh (Outdoors, Alpine Creek)
- Aperture Series: Alpine Creek Redwoods (Focus Shift Study)
- Compared vs 35/2 IS, 35mm f/1.4L(MTB, Canon 5D Mark III)
- 24mm: 24-70/2.8L II vs 24-70/4L II (Garden Pots, Canon 5D Mark III)
- 40mm: 24-70/2.8L II vs 24-70/4L II vs 40/2.8 STM (MTB, Canon 5D Mark III)
Canon 35mm f/2 IS
Canon’s image stabilized 35mm.
Canon 85mm Lenses
Canon’s ultra-fast medium telephoto compared and in the field
- Canon 85mm Lenses: Main Page
- Comparison: Canon 85/1.2L II, 85/1.8, Nikon 85/1.4G
- Aperture Series: Canon 85mm f/1.2L II (Bristlecones)
- Aperture Series: Canon 85mm f/1.2L II (Bristlecone Stump)
- Aperture Series: Canon 85mm f/1.2L II (Backlit Scene)
- Aperture Series: Canon 85mm f/1.2L II (Near/Far)
- Aperture Series: Canon 85mm f/1.2L II (SUV Rocky Ground)
- Field Illumination: Canon 85/1.2L II, 85/1.8, Nikon 85/1.4G
- Aperture Series with Canon 85mm f/1.2L II (Pavers)
- Aperture Series with Canon 85mm f/1.2L II (Roof)
Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM
Canon’s compact high-performance 24mm prime.
Canon 50mm Lenses
Is Canon’s f/1.2 lens really better than an inexpensive f/1.4 or f/1.8?
Canon 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye Zoom
State of the art design in a never before seen fisheye zoom.
Canon TC III
Do Canon’s 1.4X and 2X version III tele extenders offer image quality at reasonable apertures?
Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II
In-depth review of the Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II including flare, distortion, field curvature, resolution charts, numerous field examples and comparison to the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G. The Canon EF 14/2.8L II is a superb lens, but with some peculiarities which may enhance or degrade its appeal for different uses. The review is as much a “user guide” as a review; even if you use this lens it’s well worth your time to read this review.
Canon TS-E 17/4L
Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS
Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS
- Canon 100mm f/2.8L: Main Page
- Canon 100mm f/2.8L: Blur example
- Canon 100mm f/2.8L: Blur example 2
- Canon 100mm f/2.8L: Blur 3 vs Zeiss
- Canon 100mm f/2.8L: Example
- Canon 100mm f/2.8L: Examples
- Canon 100mm f/2.8L: IS Glitch
- Canon 100mm f/2.8L: Vignetting
- Canon 100mm f/2.8L: Infrared
- Canon 100mm f/2.8L: Conclusions
Canon TS-E 24/3.5L II
Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II
Canon 24mm f/1.4L II
State of the art design in a fast ultra wide angle lens.
Canon 800mm f/5.6L IS Super Telephoto
A review of Canon’s 800m f/5.6L IS super telephoto, with high performance that demands technical mastery to use well.
Canon 200mm f/2L IS
A review of Canon’s 200mm f/2L mini super telephoto. Not just for sports, it makes a great landscape lens.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II
A review of Canon’s new 70-200mm zoom, along with comparisons to other models and the 200mm f/2L IS. Extensive comparisons at multiple focal lengths.
- Main Page
- Real vs Actual Focal Length — Breathing
- Loss of Quality Stopping down to f/5.6 - f/11
- Notes on the Mosaic Crops
- 200mm: Compared To original 70-200mm f/2.8L IS
- 70mm: vs 70-200/4L IS
- 85mm: vs 70-200/4L IS, 85mm /1.2L II, 85mm f/1.8
- 135mm: vs 70-200/4L IS, 135mm f/2L
- 200mm: vs 70-200/4L IS, 200mm f/2L, 135/2L + 1.4X
- Sample #6 @ 200mm
- Sample #6 @ 142mm
- Sample #6 @ 200mm + Canon 1.4X Extender (280mm)
- Conclusions
- List of 70-200 Lenses and Where to Buy
Canon Wide Angle Prime Lenses
Comparing the 16-35mm f/2.8L II to most of Canon’s wide angle prime lenses. Optical performance, ergonomics, focus, build quality.
- Main Page
- Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM
- 20mm Comparison: White Mountains
- Canon EF 24mm f/2.8
- 24mm Comparison: Yosemite
- 24mm Comparison: Mosaic
- Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM
- Canon EF 28mm f/2.8
- 28mm Comparison: White Mountains
- 28mm Comparison: Mosaic
- Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L
- Canon EF 35mm f/2
- 35mm Comparison: White Mountains
- 35mm Comparison: Mosaic
- Correcting Chromatic Aberration in DPP
- Conclusions
Canon Ultra-wide Zoom Lenses: 17-40 and 16-35
Comparing the Canon 17-40mm f/4L and 16-35mm f/2.L II.
- Main Page
- Vignetting at 17mm
- Distortion at 17mm
- Comparison at 17mm with Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L
- Vignetting at 21mm
- Distortion at 21mm
- Comparison at 21mm with Zeiss ZE 21mm Distagon
- Vignetting at 24mm
- Distortion at 24mm
- Comparison at 24mm with Canon 24mm f/1.4L II
- Vignetting at 35mm
- Distortion at 35mm
- Comparison at 35mm with EF 35mm f/1.4L
- Conclusions
MEDIUM FORMAT CAMERAS
Pentax 645D 40-Megapixel Medium Format DSLR
A price/performance breakthrough?
- Pentax 645D Overview
- Ergonomics
- Blur from the Shutter at 300mm
- Aspect Ratio of 4:3 vs 3:2
- Glitches and Details
- Cool Features
- Focusing
- Autofocus Assist With Manual Focus Lenses
- Autofocus and Fine Focus Adjust
- Manual focus with Zeiss 3X Loupe
- Sensor Color Uniformity
- Diffraction Effects at f/11 to f/16
- Examples in the Forest with D FA 55/2.8
- Examples with the FA 35mm f/3.5
- Examples in the Rain with 75/2.8
- Examples, Various
- Examples with 400mm f/5.6 ED IF
- Examples, Pentax-A 120mm f/4
- Comparison vs Canon 5D Mark II
- Pentax-FA 35mm f/3.5 AL (IF)
- Pentax-A 45mm f/2.8
- Pentax 67 45mm f/4
- Pentax-A 55mm f/2.8
- Pentax 67 55mm f/4
- Pentax-FA 45-85mm f/4.5 @ 45mm
- Pentax-FA 45-85mm f/4.5 @ 65mm
- Pentax-FA 45-85mm f/4.5 @ 85mm
- Pentax-A 75mm f/2.8
- Pentax-FA 80-160mm f/4.5 @ 80mm
- Pentax-FA 80-160mm f/4.5 @ 120mm
- Pentax-FA 80-160mm f/4.5 vs Pentax-A 150/3.5
- Pentax-A 120mm f/4
- Pentax-A 200mm f/4
- Pentax 67 300mm f/4 ED IF
- Pentax-FA 400mm f/5.6 ED IF
- Table of Lenses for Pentax 645D
- Conclusions
Hasselblad H4D 50 Megapixel Medium Format DSLR
How does Hasselblad’s 3rd generation medium format entry measure up?
Mamiya DL28 medium format 28 megapixel system
The Mamiya DL28 offers the Mamiya 645 AFD III, the new Sekor AF 80mm f/2.8D lens and the Leaf Aptus-II 6 digital back. Image quality is outstanding and the DL28 should definitely be considered by anyone looking into medium format.
LENSES
Shift Lenses for Nikon & Canon
Shift lens performance of Nikon/Canon/Schneider/Olympus on various cameras.
- Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5 on EOS 5D Mark II
- Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8 on EOS 5D Mark II
- Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8 on EOS 5D Mark II
- Nikon PC-E 24mm f/3.5D ED
- Nikon PC-E 24mm f/3.5D ED on Nikon D3x
- Schneider 28mm f/2.8 PC Super Angulon on D3x
- 28mm PC Super Angulon vs Nikon 28mm f/4
- Nikon 35mm f/2.8 PC-Nikkor
- 35mm Shift Lenses: Olympus 35mm f/2.8 Sinaron Digital
- Nikon PC-E 45mm f/2.8D ED
- Movements and Clearance
- Build Quality
- Nikon PC-E 45mm f/2.8D ED on Nikon D3x
- 85/2.8D PC-Micro-Nikkor
Focus Shift In-Depth
Focus shift assesments of a wide variety of lenses of various brands. Shows a range of apertures for each lens and the mount of focus shift, discusses how to compensate for it.