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

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…

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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 Memorial Day weekend Sale, plus brand new Vector Excel QR Straps now available!

 

Happy Memorial Day.  Things have been crazy busy around the Robichaud camp of late, but nonetheless, we’ve got a brand new wrist strap available in the Vector Excel.  It’s the same fundamental design as the original Vector, yet it uses a thicker, wider material as well as replaces the split ring with a stainless steel quick release clasp.  For the holiday weekend, we’re offering 15% off of any and all straps we build by using the code MEM15 over at NautiStraps.com HERE.

The new Vector Excel was designed in response to inquires about a wrist strap for larger cameras, providing a more comfortable fit for heavier setups.  While it provides a comfortable option for larger cameras, it does great for smaller cams too.  Great for DSLRs, Mirrorless and compact Cams, the quick release clasp allows you to switch between straps, or remove the strap when on a tripod, in the bag, or wanting to quickly switch the strap between different cameras.

Available in 4 different colors (red/black, blue/black/orange, silver/black and solid black with 3m reflective tracer), the Excel is ready to go.  

Happy Memorial Day weekend to everyone stateside, and happy regular weekend to everyone else. Visit us at NautiStraps.com and use MEM15 at checkout to get 15% off of the Excell, or any of our hand built camera straps through Monday.  

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

Thanks and happy shooting,

Tyson

*Voigtländer 17.5mm f/0.95 – Getting some time in with another m4/3 system gem.

Believe it or not, I’m still attempting to actively write, and after a very hectic year, I’m getting back into the game, kinda.  This article all started indirectly during the total solar eclipse this year.  A friend who also shoots micro 4/3 and I got to talking about lenses we like for the system.  We were taking turns using my adapted Sigma 150-600mm through a solar filter to snap shots of the celestial event, and we got to talking about the Voigtländer offerings.  I, having been the proud owner of the 42.5mm Nokton (review on that bad boy HERE), was excited to find out my friend was toting the 17.5mm version around with him.  Well, I’ll spare you the minutiae of the back and forth, but we decided to do a lens swap for a month or so, and here we are. C’mon in for some touchy, feely bits on my time with the Voigtländer Nokton 17.5mm f/0.95 lens

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*Brand New, adjustable Wayfarer Strap. Comfy, elegant and on sale!!!

 

 

I get a lot of enjoyment from figuring out more efficient and elegant ways to design camera straps.  One question I’ve fielded multiple times has been the desire to see an adjustable, nautical rope shoulder strap.  The Regatta strap has done well, and has been well received, but for me, it posed two problems.  First, the adjustability.  Tricky part with rope is that there are few ways to actually allow for adjustment to length without bulky hardware.  Secondly, while it does well for rigs up to 2-2.5 lbs, after that, a single rope can become a little uncomfortable while out and about if carrying your camera for long periods of time.  Enter the brand new Wayfarer shoulder strap which remedies both of those issues, and I’m really happy with how they’ve come out.  Available in 7 different colorways, at Nautistraps.com now, you can also get them for 15% off as an introductory sale offer this week, using the code “NAUTIWAY15” at checkout.

C’mon in to see colors and learn a little bit more about the design process…

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*Lensbaby Trio28, embrace the weird, wild and wonderful world of imperfect. w/@seeinanewway

In an industry that provides me with my very favorite of hobbies, the idea of perceived perfection in performance is often the benchmark.  To this end, I too am guilty in that I often look for and test to make sure I have the best optics for whichever sensor I happen to have invested in.  Often times, when we as photographers focus on measurable optical metrics, we can lose sight of the artistic, creative outlet that visual art such as photography can provide us.  As the old adage goes as far as skill and creativity are concerned, sharpness is overrated.

I like to explore photography from a very large spectrum of angles, and find I enjoy myself most when I change my vantage from time to time.  I don’t feel photography is one thing, and certainly feel for me that if it only provided me with one type of result, I’d not be nearly as happy.  I like variety, I like difference, I like weird.  For those who’ve been around for a while, you’ll probably remember articles I’ve written about Lensbaby products, and how the company resides just down the road from me.  Back when this was a fledgling little blog, they offered me many opportunities to beta test new optics, and provide fodder for those looking for adaptable optics for their (at the time, young, new) mirrorless system cameras.

Say hello to the Lensbaby Trio 28mm f/3.5 lens.  Three unique Lensbaby optics, built into a single lens for mirrorless systems, and I’ve been loving it.  C’mon in for some examples and comparisons…

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*New Nauti Straps Speed 2 Sling Straps, adjustable and ready to go!

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The Speed sling strap has been a mainstay for me, but over the last year, I’ve gotten feedback that an adjustable version would be something of interest to many.  Well, I sourced a lightweight, but sturdy cam lock buckle to fit the strap material, re-designed how I was splicing the clasp on, and locking the strap, and boom.  New Speed 2.  

Weighing in at a mere 2.2 ounces, and utilizing the same high strength materials, stainless steel quick release clasp and proprietary hand built design, the new Speed 2 sling strap is perfect for mirrorless and compact cameras, for on the go photographers.

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Available in Blue/White, Yellow/Gray, Orange/Gray, Red/White, Black/White and a new Solid Black with 3M® reflective tracer, the new Speed 2 is ready to go over at NautiStraps.com now.  The straps can adjust from 16″-29″ (the original Speed sling strap was a fixed 25″) and are designed to wear across your body as a sling, attaching to the camera via a quick release spring clasp and 170lb test split ring (included).  I like being able to switch between a Speed sling, and other straps using the quick release clasp.  Especially handy when wanting to get straps out of the way on the tripod.

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Available now for $48 including delivery (in the US), and for blog readers you can get a 15% discount for the next week (discount runs through Sunday, February 12th) using code “SPEED2” at checkout, these guys are ready to rock.  As always, shipping via the US Postal Service is free within the US, and is a flat $10 rate for anywhere outside of the US.

Thanks for all of the support over the last year as I’ve been working on all of these straps.  It means a lot, and I greatly appreciate the feedback and conversations I’ve had with many of you guys over this time.

I hope everyone is well.  Connect with me via  Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Instagram.  

To stay up on new articles, you can add your email address at the top of the page (via standard browser) or below if viewing on a mobile platform.

Happy shooting,

Tyson

*Olympus m.Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO lens, a user review w/ @getolympus

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Ultra wide angle options for every system, tend to be expensive and/or compromised.  It can be difficult to optically correct and transfer light onto these digital sensors which are far less forgiving than film ever was, especially outside of the center frame.  Add to that, with various “crop” formats, the physical focal length needed to achieve these angles of view has to be remarkably short which provides other engineering challenges.  Panasonic saw the need for an ultra wide angle zoom lens from the very early stages of the Micro 4/3 format, and has offered a very solid 7-14mm f/4 lens for years, but many system shooters wanted both a faster option, along with one that was environmentally sealed for outdoor work.  Olympus answered that call with the m.Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO lens.  A substantial, weather sealed, tank like 14-28mm f/2.8 equivalent lens (in light gathering you FF fanatic naysayers, you) that costs a pretty penny, especially considering the Panasonic Lumix option at close to half the price, it’s not necessarily one for the budget minded shooter.  It is however, a pretty damn stellar performer.  I have had this lens for the better part of the year, and I’ve just returned from a trip to Portugal and Holland where I used this lens on the GX8 for my travel documentation needs.  I have some other shots sprinkled in, but I want to give a bit of perspective when using this lens as a travel companion. C’mon in for some shots and thoughts…

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*40% off the Speed Sling Straps plus free shipping (in US) while they last!

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Happy Tuesday from an extremely cold, wet day in the Pacific Northwest.  Here in Portland, we’ve had more snow on the ground for a longer period of time than I can ever remember seeing in my years.  This has led to mass school cancellations resulting in a Lord of the Flies type atmosphere around here with our kids and the others in the neighborhood.  They’ve literally had one day of school since they had nearly 3 weeks of winter break.  Shit has gotten serious.  By serious, I mean seriously mental.  This may explain why I’m feeling the need to move some straps as I’ve also been home, working and staring at these things on the shelf.

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Normally $42, all Speed Sling Straps are available for 40% off when using code “SPEED40” at checkout which drops it down to $25.20 with free shipping in the US or a flat $10 international rate. (go to Nautistraps.com HERE)  Good while the stock I have lasts, and currently, I’ve got every color stocked up – solid black, black/white, blue/white, red/dk gray, yellow/dk gray and orange/dk gray.  

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The Speed Sling is a lightweight, comfortable shoulder sling style strap with one connecting point, worn across body and attaching to the camera via a 170lb test split ring and steel spring quick release clasp.  A great strap for compacts and mirrorless system cameras.  I use these with my Sony a7II and Panasonic GX8 all the time.  When wanting to switch it to a handheld, I wrap the strap a couple times around my wrist and it works wonderfully.  Find the Speed Sling, and all my other designs at Nautistraps.com 

Use code “SPEED40” to get 40% off the Speed Sling straps while I’ve got them in stock.

Find Nauti Straps on Instagram HERE, and tag me #ishootnauti to share with the NS fam.

Thanks and happy shooting,

Tyson

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*Lensbaby Announces the Popular Velvet 56 in various Mirrorless Mounts along with new lenses for the Fuji X mount!

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Now, I’ve yet to get my mitts on a Velvet 56 of my own, but I plan to, and I’ll review the crap out of it when I do 🙂  In the mean time, check out the announcement by Lensbaby today:


Lensbaby Announces Availability of Fuji X Mounts for Flagship Lenses 

   Company also adds popular mirrorless mounts for hugely successful Velvet 56 portrait lens

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