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Think Tank My 2nd Brain Review

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The guys at Think Tank Photo recently sent me one of their latest My 2nd Brain laptop bags to test and review.  This new lineup of cases is designed specifically with Apple products in mind, and sized for the 11″ Macbook Air and 13″ + 15″ Macbook Pros.  There’s also an additional Tablet version which is designed specifically for the iPad and all of the larger ones also feature a plush lined iPad pocket. The idea behind these bags was to design something that has the perfect space for all the things you need when you travel with your laptop.  …

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Canon 200-400 Review

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Over on Shutter Muse I have posted an in-depth review of the Canon 200-400 f4 L IS.  Is this the worlds best wildlife photography lens as many predicted?  Find out what $12,000 can get you here……

Backup Routine Revisited

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I’ve just had another drive failure here in the office and this always causes me to stop and think about my backup routine.  I haven’t lost any data in the incident but I like reviewing things every now and again and reminding you guys how important this stuff is.   The drive that failed was my primary boot drive for my 27″ iMac.  In fact it was a $600 SSD which in theory should last much longer than a regular spinning disk drive.  In reality it lasted less than a year before catastrophic instantaneous failure.  Never trust a drive.  SSD …

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Canon Looks to Revolutionize Video AF

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Have you ever wondered how your camera’s AF system work ?  What the difference is between phase detection and contrast detection ?  I’ve explained all of this in my latest guest post on ProVideo Coalition, as well as an introduction to Canon’s latest method which is called Dual Pixel CMOS AF.  A method which looks set to shake up the possibilities with video AF on DSLRs. I’d love you to head on over and take a look at the article HERE.            

Canon 70D Vs 7D

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This is going to be a question that gets asked over and over again so let’s dig into it! In July 2013 Canon launched the EOS 70D, slated for shipping in September 2013.  Nearly four years previous to this, the 7D was launched as Canon’s premium, pro-sumer APS-C DSLR.  The Launch price of the 7D was far far higher than that of the 70D but as time has gone on, the price has fallen and they are all but the same price now as the 70D when it hits store shelves.  The question “which one to buy” is going to …

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Keeping Your Photography Cables Organized

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Someone e-mailed me today with the simple question “how do you keep you cables organised?” My solution comes in two parts: 1. Buy the Et Cetera cases from Gura Gear.  I prefer the ‘cases’ for organization when I travel and in the office/storage cupboards and then the ‘pouches’ are flatter so they work best to stash in my bag when I’m out shooting. 2. Use Pearstone Touch Fasteners from B&H.  These things are super cheap and just awesome.  You tie one to each cable and then there’s always a way to fasten it up into a neat little package.  So …

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Unboxing the Canon 200-400 F4 L IS 1.4 Ext

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Well the day finally came.  Canon’s most anticipated professional lens is making its way into public hands and I was able to get one of the first few that landed in Canada.  As I say in the video, every photographer should get the opportunity to experience the excitement of unwrapping one of Canon’s “Big Whites”.  Gear porn? Yes indeed, but i know some of you love these kinds of videos. Now time to go and shoot! Buy your own Canon 200-400

Accessories For The Canon 200-400 F4 L IS

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I ordered the Canon 200-400 F4 L IS the minute it was finally announced and as soon as my local store confirmed that it would be arriving in just a couple of weeks I set about grabbing a few necessary accessories for it.  Since it’s a $12,000 lens I don’t mind spending a few more dollars on a couple of things to protect it and ease its operations.  Let’s take a look at what is available for this exciting new lens: Really Right Stuff LCF-53 This is a replacement foot for the lens that included the Arca Swiss standard dovetail …

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Mindshift Gear’s New Rotation 180 Pro – Full Review

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Last year at Photo Plus Expo in New York I came across a surprise as I was walking across the show floor to the Think Tank Photo booth. Attached to the side of their booth was a small table and a new banner; Mindshift Gear. I’m a big fan of Think Tank’s stuff, you guys have probably read a review or three on here in the past but whilst they make the best roller bags and sports/event photography gear in the business they have never produced a bag that suits my main needs as an outdoor and adventure sports photographer. …

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CalDigit AV Pro Review – Hot Swapable Single Drive Bay With USB3

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Ok guys listen up, today we’re going to be talking hard drives.  Now I can already hear the collective groan from the bleachers but bare with me on this one because someone out there is finally doing something innovative in this space and whether we like it or not, as media professionals we come into contact with hard drives on a daily basis.  Our livelihoods are often in their hands so whilst it isn’t as glamorous as a new lens or shiny camera it is a necessity and anyone that simply rolls into their local Best Buy and picks up …

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Solving The Camera Strap Conundrum With The Carry Speed DS-2

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Like most people who usually have a camera with them on any given day, I have never been satisfied with the strap that comes packaged with the camera.  For the last few years I’ve been using some much more comfortable straps provided to me as part of the Canon’s CPS membership which are simply Canon branded versions of the Optech Utility Strap with a different, more robust attachment system.  The neoprene strap works well for easing the discomfort of a heavy camera on your shoulders but the traditional attachment points on the left and right sides of the camera still …

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Canon’s 90EX Flash As Portable Macro Flash

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Here’s an interesting little setup which Many people haven’t considered.  I’ve been shooting a lot with the little EOS-M , Canon’s mirrorless camera and it came packaged with the little Canon 90EX flash.  It’s powered by just two AAA batteries and that means that it is decidedly pocket sized !  Whilst it’s marketed as a flash for the EOS-M , it works just fine with any Canon camera that has a hot shoe.  If you use a 5D , a camera with no built-in flash, then it can also be a handy accessory for general shooting and at $150 it …

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