Category Archives: Photography gear

*Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3, the new Bigma: A user review.

by in Photography gear and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

We are living in a time where our photographic reality is absolutely overflowing with optical options.  Regardless of which system or systems a photographer is invested in, the choices are plentiful.

I was an early adopter of mirrorless system cameras, in fact this very blog was largely built upon the back of my passionate love affair with the micro 4/3 system over a decade ago.  In the time that I’ve been writing about photography on this site, I’ve wholly switched over to mirrorless cameras which has provided me with certain benefits as well as a few drawbacks.  A facilitating factor for much of my excitement originally was adaptability and that factor has, over these years, turned into a revolution in many ways with the birth of smart adapters for the mirrorless setups I have and am currently shooting with in the micro 4/3, Canon RF and previously the Sony E system.

One drawback to investing in newer mirrorless system architecture is that many new lenses are expensive.  A global economic landscape, combined with investment needed by the companies building these newer systems, in optical engineering, manufacturing and marketing results in that cost being passed to the consumer, especially with proprietary offerings.  

In come third party manufacturers.  Whether you’re shooting a mirrorless or DSLR system, third party lens options can offer huge cost:performance benefits.  The last few years have seen some changes in my life, not the least of which seeing me move from part time working independent photographer, to hobbiest.  Cost is now more important to me than ever as I’ve seen my fun budget reallocated elsewhere by necessity these days.  C’mon in to see more from this Sigma super tele zoom lens on Canon, Sony and Micro 4/3 bodies, and to see if it’s up to snuff.

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*Sigma 56mm f/1.4 for Micro 4/3, holy crap…

by in General ramblings, Photography gear and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 34 Comments

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While Panasonic seemingly focuses on video featured GH cameras along with their new full frame platform, and Olympus hopes pros jump to its EM1X, I’m over here enjoying my now aged, and in my mind legendarily ‘just right’ Goldilocks GX8 with some new glass.  I’ve long blown the horn for Sigma’s full frame optics, providing industry leading optical performance at honest, realistic prices (every one of the half dozen lenses I’ve tested/reviewed and/or purchased over the last few years have been wonderful), I started to wonder why I’d not tried out their crop frame offerings.  Well, I have now, and I don’t know why I’m surprised, but the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens is another absolute gem.

I’m using the micro 4/3 mount option, which crops to a 112mm equivalent focal length, putting it right in that mid tele, portrait sweet spot between the traditional 85mm and 135mm focal lengths.  For the APS-C lot, this lens falls right into the more standard short tele ~85mm slot, which will certainly appeal to many (as it absolutely should).  I for one like the extra cropping as it starts to compete with my long standing, and stellar Olympus 75mm f/1.8 lens for time on the camera when portraits or more isolated subjects, with bokehfied backgrounds come calling.

Weather sealed at the mount, compact, lightweight, fast and sharp as a tack, this lens is one I feel many system shooters can find great value in.  C’mon in to see my take…

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*Nauti Straps has a new look. Forest Flora ready to follow you out into the wild.

by in General ramblings, Nauti Straps - handbuilt camera straps, Photography gear and tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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Shameless self plug alert, but my kids gotta eat, and I’m also very proud of these.  ***Nauti Straps has a new colorway available in 3 different straps.  The new mottled Forest Flora blends light and dark greens along with a clay beige to put a pop in your camera fashion for the summer months.  Mimicking the dappled light through a forest canopy, Forest Flora blends into nature, or compliments more monochromatic backdrops.  Available in the Regatta and Wayfarer shoulder straps, along with the Cascade wrist strap, it’s a new look for the three popular strap designs.  As always, every Nauti Strap is 100% hand built to the highest standard (by moi) using high end sail racing line designed for open ocean races under the harshest conditions.

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The Nauti Straps Wayfarer (see HERE)

A fully adjustable rope strap enabling a longer, looser throw for the cross body sling, or a tighter, closer length to keep it from bouncing off your belt when over your neck.  Available in 8 different colors, this design came from a desire to have a nice rope strap that didn’t have to be built in various lengths for different needs or body sizes.  One size fits all, and can be adjusted between 32″-55″ (81-140cm) long.  Held by nonslip O rings, and fastened by stainless steel quick release clasps, the Wayfarer is a great strap when needing versatility and comfort while looking slick.  Having a double strap at your neck also helps distribute weight better than a single rope strap.  Available in 8 different colors.

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The Nauti Straps Cascade (see HERE)

Our most popular wrist strap has a new look as well.  The secure and adjustable Cascade wrist strap is fastened to the camera via a 170lb test, steel split ring and is fully adjustable to fit any sized wrist with ample room to operate the camera.  Strong nylon, dyneema and high tenacity poly dual braid line, finished with hand spliced and whipped ends makes this, quite possibly, the strongest rope wrist strap in existence.  It feels and looks good too.  Available in 7 different colors…

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The Nauti Straps Regatta (see HERE)

Are you more of a traditionalist?  The Regatta shoulder strap uses the same high end rope, and keeps it simple in design.  A straight 46″ (117cm) non adjustable, hand built rope strap attaches to the camera via two stainless steel quick release clasps.  A stylish and elegant rope strap while out and about.  Available in 10 different colors, the Regatta suits most any shooter’s style.

I handbuild each and every strap I sell, and I’ve extensively used and refined each and every design to provide both a practical, and comfortable option in the strap game.  I guarantee these straps will last, and have now been building and selling them for over 7 years now.  You can read what others have to say via the reviews at Nautistraps.com if you don’t want to take my word for it.

I hope everyone in the Northern hemisphere is enjoying the summer months, and for our friends in the south, here’s to hoping the winter solstice has found you well, and know that your days are now getting longer.  Drop a comment to let us know where you shoot and reside, and if you’re a Nauti Strap user, let us know how it suits you.

Happy shooting and all the best,

Tyson

*I’m going back to Canon…? My impression, and user review of the new EOS R.

by in General ramblings, Photography gear and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

I’ve just passed the 9th anniversary of this particular blog, and about the 12th overall of me rambling on about camera gear, software and photographic technique online, and as Ladies Love Cool James once eluded to, I have seemingly come full circle.  I’ve waded through and swam in many different pools.  Technology has made some pretty exciting leaps over this time.  After years with a few EOS bodies, I then got excited with the advent of mirrorless as an early adopter in Panasonic, then Olympus, Pentax, Sony, even GoPro while dabbling in various film formats with my 35mm and medium format cameras, and now for the first time in about 6 years, I’ve purchased a Canon branded product again.  At first, I feared I’d made a horrible mistake, but as I’ve now had this camera for the last few months, I’m starting to come around to what it does offer me, and I think I may finally get rid of my Sony full frame gear.

C’mon in for my thoughts, why and where I feel its worth while, and where I foresee Canon going with this format.

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*Lensbaby Burnside 35mm, a unique dual aperture lens!

by in Photography gear and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

My long standing relationship with Lensbaby as a fan, and friend has rewarded me again with the ability to use and review the Burnside 35mm f/2.8 dual aperture lens.  I was asked to play around with the new Burnside 35, but as is always the case here, all my opinions are purely that.  Mine.  I don’t get paid (unfortunately) to do this, nor was it required that I write up a fluff piece, so while I do have a soft spot for the local, independent Portland based company, I’m also in no way contractually required to like their stuff.  As you’ll read, I don’t hold back criticism where I see fit.  Lensbaby tends to get the online readers divided based on perception that cameras and lenses need to test off the charts in all ways, and anything that isn’t trying to accomplish that should be burned at the stake.  If that’s what you’re after, feel free to argue scientific test charts somewhere else, also, I feel a little sorry that the joy of photography has seemingly evaporated in your life, assuming it was ever there to begin with.  I’m not saying you need to like the weird, wild and quirky, but you certainly don’t need to piss in the cereal of those who enjoy creating different effects in camera.  The true beauty of free will is just that.  We all get to decide what we like, and I often like in camera effects.  …okay, are all the curmudgeony troll pessimist chart nazis grumpy enough to have clicked away?  Good.

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*Happy Holidays from TRP and Nauti Straps!

by in Nauti Straps - handbuilt camera straps, Photography gear, SALES!, Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Hello and happy holidays!  Long time no write, eh?  Yeah, life.  So, while I’ve been largely absent on the blog here, I have been busy elf’n away on the life and biz side of things.  The Mettle Speed strap that I’ve designed in conjunction with my friend and fellow small business creator Randall at Mettlecycling.com is keeping me busy as well as being showcased in the upcoming Bicycling Magazine, so keep an eye out for Randall’s interview!  The Mettle Speed strap was designed for shooting one handed while riding, but it also works wonderfully for various outdoor activities.  I’ve used mine rock climbing, hiking, paddle boarding (with a waterproof gopro), filming while skateboarding and just out and about around town.  They’re awesome for small to mid size camera setups.

On the home front, I’m spending most of my time between work, adulting and building the Nauti Straps which has been going smashingly.  Thanks to all of you for that.  So many of you that I’ve been interacting with over the years have chosen my straps, and for that, I and the Squeeze clan are eternally grateful.  Thank you.  

New news on the Nauti Strap side of things is that I’m incorporating new colorways into many of my existing designs and will continue to showcase these as we release them.  We will be getting back into the monthly fundraising/donation schedule come the new year with us aiming to donate 10% of all our sales to a variety of causes and groups in need, so stay tuned for that. We raised hundreds of dollars for causes in 2017 with the monthly fundraising donations and while life required me to take a break in ’18, we’re gearing up for 2019 and looking forward to finding wonderful causes to support.

Our first new release is a silver, high tenacity polyester material with the same 3M reflective tracer we use in many of our Black w/3M straps (see above).  The HT Poly is smooth and silky to the touch, and the 3M material is a near identical color match to our silver strap material, so it is unnoticeable until hit with light.  A great compliment to those sporting a silver camera body and lenses, or liking to contrast with the black cameras.  The Silver Glow is available in the Tommy wrist, Vector wrist, Vector Excel QR wrist and Genoa shoulder straps, the Silver Glow w/3M is pretty tight.

As it is our second holiday season (officially as Nauti Straps, anyway), we’re going to offer ALL straps at 30% off through the end of the year as a holiday thank you.  If you need a gift idea or stocking stuffer for the shooter in your life, or would like to grab one for yourself, it’s a great time to do so and this way, I can potentially afford to buy Mrs Squeeze stuff for the holidays and her shortly after the holidays, birthday.  

Find us at www.nautistraps.com and don’t forget to use code “NAUTIORNICE” at checkout to get 30% off any and all orders.  We’ll be running it through the end of the year.

I wish everyone a happy holiday season, no matter what holidays we may celebrate this time of year.  I hope that everyone, along with your friends and families are well.  With all the anger and chaos in the world today, it is a great opportunity to focus on the good and do our best to shelter those in less fortunate situations, from the bad by being positive, giving, and a contradiction to the garbage that is going on by example.  As Bill and Ted once brilliantly said, “be excellent to each other”.

To all out there reading, here’s to another year nearly in the books.  I look forward to what the future brings, and if you have any ideas on collaboration, reviews or just want to say hi, hit me up on the Contact Me link, or via the socials below.


Find Nauti Straps on Instagram HERE, or Facebook HERE and share your shots using the hashtag #ishootnauti to share with all of us, and for a chance to win future giveaways.

Thanks, happy holidays and happy shooting,

Tyson and Rachael

*Sony a7II vs a7RII – A user comparison

by in General ramblings, Photography gear and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Camera tech is a fascinating thing.  What will companies provide us as customers, in hopes of luring us into their systems?  I mentioned in my previous article that I’d been awaiting announcements on the update to Sony’s full frame mirrorless cameras before deciding on my own upgrade path, and chose to jump on the discounted a7RII deal as an update to my longstanding a7II.  

My main interests were gaining an upgrade to image file quality in resolution, dynamic range and then overall performance upticks on the hardware side of things.

(*I’m selling a bunch of Sony FE gear!  Have a look HERE)

After a few months with the R, here is what I’ve found out…

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*Lumix GX9, death of the GX line?

by in Photography gear and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 68 Comments

Hey everyone!  Look, the opinions are pretty polarized in regard to Panasonic’s newest m4/3 camera, and I feel that both sides are right.  On one side, we have those of us that are excited to see the form factor shrink a little bit with the cost coming down to a remarkably reasonable level.  On the other side, we have those of us that are lamenting the lack of ergonomics, weather sealing, fully functional, high spec EVF and general feel that the GX8 has been downgraded.  

As someone who has owned every GX model made (less the GX80/85 which I have shot with fairly extensively, however) I do feel I’m in a position to throw my opinion around a bit.  Not that you have to agree, nor even listen, but here’s what I think…

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*Nauti Straps are 30% off, sitewide!!! Use code “NAUTIORNICE” to save on any of our camera straps.

by in Nauti Straps - handbuilt camera straps, Photography gear, SALES! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I don’t know about you all, but I’m already tired of blackfridaycybermondaysmallbiztuesdaysale™ season.  That said, it is the time of year that retailers attempt to capitalize on those of us looking for deals for the holiday season.  In that vein, Mrs Squeeze and I are jumping on that train and offering 30% off of all hand built camera straps that we make.  I mean, the kids have gotta eat, right?

If you, or any beloved photographer you know are needing a gift idea for the holidays, we’d be happy to build you a camera strap that is not only fashionable, but remarkably strong and beautifully functional.

Find what we do at NautiStraps.com HERE, and use code “NAUTIORNICE” at checkout to receive 30% off any and all straps, be they wrist, sling or shoulder.

We’ve also added a worldwide express shipping option for those who may be in need of these quickly (3-5 days delivery) through DHL Express.  As always, we have the free US shipping (normally 2-3 days delivery) and an economical flat $10.00 international shipping rate option as well (transit time usually ranges between 1-3 weeks, depending on where in the world you are).

Wherever you may be, and however you may celebrate, from our family to yours, we hope all is well and that this season will find you and yours happy and healthy.  

Happy shooting,

Tyson and Rachael

 

*Anyone want a nearly free 13×19″ photo printer? Canon has huge rebates, and I bit…

by in General ramblings, Photography gear, SALES! and tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

I’ve long used my Canon Pixma Pro-9000 printer for my home printing needs which I got via a similar rebate when buying my long absent 5D many moons ago, and after about 10 years of use, I jumped on the Pro-100 rebate which is essentially an upgraded Pro-9000 with wireless printing capabilities.  Canon has a history of nearly giving their large media printers away when you purchase new cameras, but I’ve not seen this rebate before.  This time around, if you “purchase” a substantially discounted 50 pack of 13×19″ Canon Photo Paper Pro Luster (normally $75) for $0, you get the printer (normally $379) for $130 after a $250 mail in rebate (click here to see at B&H) along with the 13×19″ photo paper 50 pack.  Considering that to purchase all 8 ink cartridges for this (or just about any higher end photo printer) is $125, you’re basically getting a printer and 50 sheets of 13×19″ paper for $5, while “buying” the ink which is also included in the purchase.  Well, the ink is always where they get you, and that doesn’t change regardless of how much you pay for a printer, but in this case, I bit after doing a little research on this Pro-100.  C’mon in for links to all the rebate info, which runs through a purchase by date of December 31st this year, and see some prints which I just ran through both the Pro-100 and Pro-9000 printers for comparison’s sake.  I’m pretty damn impressed…

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