Quick thoughts: TC-20E III

By Jason Odell | February 7, 2010 9:25 AM | | Comments ( 0) | TrackBacks ( 0)

I received a Nikon TC-20E III teleconverter a few days ago.  I've not really been an advocate of 2x teleconverters, but this new design from Nikon contains aspherical elements (Nikon claims it is the first teleconverter with such a design) intended to drastically improve performance.


A 2x teleconverter is only intended for use on fast telephoto lenses.  In fact, Nikon's design prevents mounting any of their teleconverters on non-AFS lenses.  Because the teleconverter robs you of light (in the case of the TC-20E III, two full stops), autofocus performance may degrade and viewfinder brightness will diminish.  Given that, I only have a couple of lenses in my arsenal that would be a good match for the TC-20E III:

  • 70-200mm f/2.8 AFS VRII (becomes a 140-400mm f/5.6 lens)
  • 200mm f/2.0 AFS VR (becomes a 400mm f/4.0 lens)
I also have a few lenses that might work ok, depending on my need for fast autofocus:

  • 300mm f/4.0 AFS (becomes 600mm f/8.0 lens)
  • 200-400mm f/4.0 AFS VR (becomes a 400-800mm f/8.0 lens)
  • 600mm f/4.0 AFS VR (becomes a 1200mm f/8.0 lens)

So far, I've briefly evaluated sharpness and AF ability with each of these lenses in a non-scientific manner.

Continue reading for my first impressions...
Continue reading Quick thoughts: TC-20E III.


Out of the blue: New Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 AFS VRII and TC-20E III

By Jason Odell | December 10, 2009 7:57 AM | | Comments ( 0) | TrackBacks ( 0)

How many of us saw this coming? In a very late-year announcement, Nikon have announced two new products: a new 300mm f/2.8G AFS VRII prime and a brand new 2x teleconverter, the TC-20EIII.


The new 300mm lens has the improved VRII system, which is said to offer stabilization equivalent to a shutter speed 4-stops faster.  Based on my initial results with the 70-200VRII, I'd say the VRII system lives up to this claim.

More after the jump...
Continue reading Out of the blue: New Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 AFS VRII and TC-20E III.


Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.G AFS VR II first impressions

By Jason Odell | December 8, 2009 3:37 PM | | Comments ( 0) | TrackBacks ( 0)

I received my new 70-200mm AFS VR II Zoom Nikkor lens last week from Roberts Imaging after being on the waiting list since day one. Here are my first impressions using the new lens.


General Handling
The new 70-200VR is slightly shorter and fatter than the VRI, but doesn't seem too big.  In fact, I think it feels just right in the hand.  The MF ring is smaller, and this feature, combined with a new A/M AF mode, means that you'll be unlikely to accidentally engage MF during AF usage by bumping the MF ring.  Gone are the AF activation buttons on the end of the lens barrel (I didn't use those on my old VRI, anyway).  The tripod foot is the same as the original, and can be replaced with an Arca-Swiss foot from RRS or Kirk-- I was able to use my old foot on the new lens.

More after the jump...
Continue reading Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.G AFS VR II first impressions.


New Nikon D3s, 85mm DX Micro announced

By Jason Odell | October 14, 2009 7:20 AM | | Comments ( 1) | TrackBacks ( 0)

Well, it's official.  The much-rumored Nikon D3s has now been announced, along with a new DX-format macro (micro) lens. 


The big news on the D3s is that the sensor has been tweaked to offer an in-spec ISO range of 200-12,800!  The Hi-range mode now goes to Hi-3, or the equivalent of ISO 102,400!  Of course, keep in mind that the "Hi" range in all Nikon DSLRs should be considered an "emergency" mode-- good for low-res or black and white images when ANY shot is better than no shot at all.

Other cool features of the D3s:
  • HD (720p) movie mode
  • Integrated sensor cleaning (sonic)
  • "Quiet mode" release-- I agree that the original D3 is pretty loud compared to other Nikon DSLRs
  • Expanded buffer supports 42 NEFs in continuous shooting
  • 1.2 (8MP) crop mode
  • Better battery life (4200 shots)

New 85mm f/3.5 DX VR Micro Nikkor
Also announced today is a new 85mm VR macro lens dedicated to DX shooters. The 85mm focal length is approximately equivalent to a 127mm angle of view on 35mm cameras, so this new lens is not a 105mm replacement for DX shooters. However, the lens has VR II image stabilization. Because it is a DX lens, it will not cover the full-frame FX format unless you use cropped mode on a D3/D700.

Editorial commentary after the jump.
Continue reading New Nikon D3s, 85mm DX Micro announced.


Image Doctors workshop a smashing success

By Jason Odell | October 3, 2009 7:27 AM | | Comments ( 0) | TrackBacks ( 0)

Odell_20090928_5755.JPG
I'm back from four days in Rocky Mountain National Park teaching the "Image Doctors" photo safari.  We lucked into some (mostly) fantastic weather, and everyone came away happy.  More importantly, everyone left the workshop with loads of fantastic images.  If you weren't on the workshop, here's what you missed:


Continue reading Image Doctors workshop a smashing success.


Heading to the Rockies; Follow me on Twitter

By Jason Odell | September 26, 2009 6:54 AM | | Comments ( 0) | TrackBacks ( 0)

Here's a quick update of what I'm up to this week.  In case you missed it, I'm leading a workshop with Rick Walker to Rocky Mountain National Park starting tomorrow.  I'm getting ready for fur days of getting up too early, going to bed too late, but hopefully capturing the aspens at their fall peak and the elk in the rut.


You can now follow me on Twitter: jason_odell.  I'll be posting updates from the workshop if at all possible.

If you can't travel for a workshop, consider signing up for one of my online training webinars.  These classes are live, interactive sessions where you can talk to me directly as I walk you through Capture NX2 or Nik Silver Efex Pro.  Class size is deliberately kept small so that you have ample opportunity for questions.  All you need is a telephone and a broadband internet connection.  It's that simple.


October Workshops with Jason Odell: Silver Efex Pro; Capture NX2

By Jason Odell | September 20, 2009 12:58 PM | | Comments ( 0) | TrackBacks ( 0)

Luminescence of Nature Photography is pleased to announce its October training webinar series with photographer and author Jason P. Odell, Ph.D.  Participants will be able to view Jason's computer screen live and answer questions over the telephone.


Join Jason for the following live online workshops:

Black & White Conversions with Nik Silver Efex Pro
  • October 10 12-2pm EDT
  • October 24 12-2pm EDT

Advanced Image Processing with Capture NX2
  • October 17 11-3pm EDT
To enroll in these workshops, click here.


Odell's guide to Nik Silver Efex Pro a hit with photographers

By Jason Odell | September 12, 2009 1:05 PM | | Comments ( 0) | TrackBacks ( 0)

Kudos keep coming in for Jason Odell's newest interactive PDF book, The Photographer's Guide to Silver Efex Pro.

"The Photographer's Guide to Silver Efex Pro" is a must- read for any photographer interested in converting images to black and white. Jason wrings out the software in a logical and lucid way, making one aware of the tremendous power of Silver Efex Pro and how to get the very most out of it. Another winning eBook from Jason Odell! Highly recommended."  --Tony Sweet, Nikon "Legend behind the Lens"

"Your book is absolutely superb. I have been using Silver Efex since it came out. Your book is exactly what I have needed for better understanding it."-- Jack Larson

"I have been doing traditional darkroom work for over 60 years and got Silver Efex as it seemed very familar with my background and experience. However, as a computer and software user my eyes glaze over "a lot"; so far your ebook has been easy to follow.  I must have at least 6 books on Photoshop... along with some other videos, etc. but everytime I open one to use a technique it is always a struggle; not so with your tutorial on Silver Efex."-- Ann Clancy

"The new book is awesome! Just bought it today. Thanks again!"-- Michael Salerno

"Thank you for this wonderful book. I'm only on page 48, but what I've learned is considerable, even though I've used SEP for some time now."-- Guy Perkins

The Photographer's Guide to Silver Efex Pro is available from Luminescence of Nature Press


Nikon Capture NX2 Update: 2.2.2

By Jason Odell | August 26, 2009 7:34 AM | | Comments ( 1) | TrackBacks ( 0)

Nikon has released Capture NX2 version 2.2.2.  It includes support for the D3000 and D300s NEF files, as well as bug fixes.

To get the update from the Nikon USA site, click here.


If you can't get out of the house-- Read a Book!

By Jason Odell | August 19, 2009 8:01 PM | | Comments ( 0) | TrackBacks ( 0)

We all need a creative spark now and then, something to get the juices flowing and help us muster the energy to get out of bed at 4:30am for that shoot. Sometimes, I hit a creative rut, and when I do, it seems like there is always an excuse not to shoot.  Bad light. Too many clouds. No interesting subjects. Or maybe the recession has you down and you can't take that two-week safari to Africa this year.  Well, a good book can cure that and I'm currently reading two that are chock-full of awesome shooting ideas. We all have room for creative improvement, and there's nothing better than honing our skills or piquing our creativity by reading a good book.


My first read this summer has been Joe McNally's The Hot Shoe Diaries.  All I can say about this book is "wow".  If you are remotely interested in shooting events, weddings, or portraits, this book is an absolute must-read.  Throughout this book, you'll follow world-renowned photographer Joe McNally as he illuminates his subjects and his readers with small flash technology (ie, Speedlights).  As the old saying goes, if you can't bring your party to the light, bring the light to the party.  After I read this book, I had to fight the strong temptation to go out and purchase 47 SB-900 speedlights.

Next on my list is Tony Sweet's Fine Art Digital Nature Photography. You know all those cool filter packs, like Nik Color Efex Pro?  I sometimes wonder just what do to do with all those interesting filter effects.  Well, Tony knows exactly what to do.  In this book, Tony will show you numerous techniques using Photoshop and many other techniques that can be done in-camera (like multiple exposures).  If you need to fire up that creative spark, this is one of those books that can get you out of your rut and back in a groove.  I highly recommend it!

So even if you can't get out and shoot this summer, get educated!


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