Nikon Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Fine Art Photography Studio

Gear PocketWizard FlexTT5 Transceiver for Flash Photography

April 25, 2016 Donald Scarinci

Until the most recent Nikon D5 camera, photographers could not use a radio signal to trigger a flash placed in a remote location without getting a third party product. Just about everyone uses the PocketWizard. Now there is an upgrade to the PocketWizard—the FlexTT5 Transceiver Radio Slave. Even before the new Nikon line and before the PocketWizard, it was possible to use two flash units in a master/slave relationship and place one of the flash units closer to the subject then then camera. However, it was necessary to be in the line of sight in order to trigger the flash….

Camera & Lenses Nikon Unveils Innovative D5 Pro DSLR

March 31, 2016 Donald Scarinci

Nikon unveiled its newest professional DSLR at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. Touted by Nikon as a game changer, the camera has impressive low light capabilities and boasts most powerful processor ever. According to Nikon, “The low light performance of the D5 might make it a legend.” The native ISO range of 100 to 102,400 (expandable to Hi-5, ISO 3,280,000) is the largest to date in a Nikon full-frame DSLR. The AF system is also completely redesigned. It features a 153 focus points, 99 cross-type sensors and a dedicated processor. According to Nikon, the D5 works in near darkness…

Lenses Nikon Lenses to Wish For

November 16, 2015 Donald Scarinci

Now that Nikon has refreshed the classic 24-70 f./2.8 and included VR, what other Nikon lenses do photographers want most? Sigma has been catching up to the quality of Nikon optics. Many consider the new art series Sigma 35mm and 50mm prime lenses superior to their Nikon equivalents. Perhaps a good way to approach the “what next” question for Nikon would be to anticipate Sigma. Nikon has a hit with the new technology they are using in the 300mm f./4 lens VR2 recently released. This could become a line of fixed lenses—400mm; 500mm and 600mm. Even if the focal length…

Lenses Nikon Debuts Two New Lenses: NIKKOR 500mm and 600mm

September 10, 2015 Donald Scarinci

In July, Nikon announced the addition of two new full frame telephoto lenses. The AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR has a focal length of 500 mm, while the AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR has a focal length of 600 mm. Thanks to the addition of two fluorite elements, Nikon boasts that the lenses are “the world’s lightest lenses available at their respective focal lengths.” Compared to their predecessors, the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR weighs 20 percent less, while the AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR is 25 percent lighter. Of course, the…

Lenses Nikon Outperforms Sigma Art Series with the 20mm f./1.4

June 1, 2015 Donald Scarinci

Following up on the success of the two previous Sigma art lens series lenses—35mm f/1.4 and 50mm f/1.4—a choice between the new Sigma 24mm f./1.4 or Nikon 20mm f./1.4 released around the same time looked like it might be tough. Now that the reviews are in, it would appear that the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 is not quite up to the standard of their other Art Lens Series lenses. Nikon purists can buy the new Nikon 20mm f/1.8 knowing that photographers without Sigma Stigmaphobia won’t best them. The general consensus among reviewers is that the Sigma’s latest addition to the wildly…

Camera & Lenses Is the Nikon D750 the Best of Both Worlds?

December 8, 2014 Donald Scarinci

Nikon continues to roll out new model with the introduction of its latest full-frame SLR, the D750. In terms of cost and features, the new model falls between the entry level D610 and the professional grade D810. However, it shares many key features with the more expensive model. For photographers who may be considering an upgrade, below is a brief summary of the Nikon D750’s specs: Effective pixels: 24.3 millionImage sensor format: FXTop continuous shooting speed: 6.5 frames per second at full resolutionISO sensitivity: 100 -12,800 (expandable to 51,200)Video: Full HD, 1080p at 60/50/30/25/24pImage sensor: CMOS sensor with AA filterFastest…

Camera & Lenses Should Photographers Upgrade to the Nikon D810?

September 15, 2014 Donald Scarinci

Nikon claims that the D810 is the best Digital SLR it has ever released. Many of the early reviews agree. Are the changes in the D810 significant enough to upgrade if you already own the D800 or D800E? The D810 is an incredible camera, with a number of well thought out improvements over previous models. But, for most amateur photographers, the differences between the models do not justify the spread of about $1500 it might cost to sell the D800 and buy the D810. Depending on your personal preferences or photography demands, there are a few features that may convince…

Lenses Do Nikon Owners Need a Nikkor 400mm Lens Refresh that Sells for Over $11,000?

June 30, 2014 Donald Scarinci

Nikon recently unveiled the Nikkor AF-S 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens. While it is considerably lighter than its predecessor, it comes with a hefty price tag of $11,999.95. In its product release, Nikon touted the new lens as the natural companion for its new Nikon AF-S TC-14E III teleconverter. It retails for $499.95 and will also be available in August. “The new AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR has been evolved to meet the needs of today’s sports, wildlife and multi-media photographers, well beyond the premier precision optics; it is much lighter, and has well thought-out controls and…

Lenses Nikon Lens Announcements Should be Annual

June 2, 2014 Donald Scarinci

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Nikon would announce the lenses they plan to make for the year at one time? That would certainly remove the anxiety from some purchase decisions and allow photographers to budget and plan their expenses for the year. Now that Sigma and Tamron are making lenses competitive to Nikon in quality, perhaps Nikon should revisit its marketing strategy. An annual announcement of all new lenses for the year might cause sales of older model lenses to decline, but it would certainly help keep Nikon lenses with Nikon cameras and help prevent Nikon owners from straying. The…

Camera & Lenses Top Nikon Lens Releases in 2013

January 13, 2014 Donald Scarinci

Whether you want to take portraits or nature shots, Nikon is known for its superior camera lenses. The company added several new products to its repertoire in 2013, and they did not disappoint. Below are some of the top picks from the Nikkor line: Wide-angle zoom lens: For landscape or architectural photography, it is essential to have a wide-angle lens. Weighing in at only 385g (13.6 oz), the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED is a light and compact choice. The lens is also relatively affordable, selling for around $750. It is designed for use on Nikon’s FX (full-frame) SLRs….