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The good and bad of phone photography at a Renfaire.

Let's talk about the good, the bad, and everything in between when using a phone for photography. Specifically, this is about my experience at the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Wisconsin. I was primarily using my phone, but I also had access to a Sony a7R V, an impressive full-frame camera.  Let’s get into the benefits and drawbacks of using a smartphone for photography, especially in a scenario like this one.  Check out the related video with visual examples and more information! I've also got a video where I feature the Sony a7R V camera at the same event.  The Good: Phone Photography Benefits The size of bag I tend to bring with to an event like this. Using a backpack instead would mean a very sweaty back and more to carry... First off, having a phone with you means you’ve got a camera in your pocket. It’s easy and convenient, especially since most of us use our phones for communication anyway. No need to carry around extra electronics if you don’t want to. I personall...
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Viltrox UV PRO MC HT Filter Overview and Test

Let's take a look at the Viltrox UV Pro MC HT filter. Viltrox had to agree to my collaboration terms before I accepted the product.  See the related video for more information Check out the lens on their official store:  https://viltrox.com/products/viltrox-ultra-slim-mc-uv-protection-filter   I'm not an affiliate of their store and make no commissions from purchases there. This is intentional and based on my collaboration rules I've defined for myself.  Visit my affiliates to see the filters as well:  Amazon: https://amzn.to/3CzAdL9   B&H: https://bhpho.to/40QYBSk   ebay: https://ebay.us/GxiMqM   As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases!  The Viltrox filter with it's included case. There's a paper manual behind the foam. Viltrox claims that it has high transmittance, featuring a UV cut at 395nm. With a single-sided reflectance within the visible spectrum of below 0.3%. That’s supposed to minimize any impact on im...

Brightin Star 60mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro Lens Overview

In this article, I'm going to go over my experience using the Brightin Star 60mm f/2.8 2:1 macro lens. Brightin Star sent me this lens based on my collaboration terms . They had no say in the article or videos I've produced and have not previewed anything before publishing it.  The full video I produced about the lens: Check out the lens through my links: Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UJLpek   ebay: https://ebay.us/vPjnhb   As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases!  Or visit their official website for more information. I'm not affiliated and earn nothing from purchases there. Build Quality The lens in hand. The Brightin Star 60mm f/2.8 lens feels solid. It features an all-metal casing, including a metal mount, which gives it a weighty feel in hand. This is a completely manual lens, meaning the aperture and focus are both mechanical. You won't get any electronic data transferred to your camera, which is generally fine for macro lenses since you'll...

Nikon Z50 II has been announced.

The original Nikon Z50 was released in 2019. What does the Nikon Z50 II offer compared to the original after 5 years? Let's take a look!  The Z50 II with a kit lens. I haven't used the  Z50 II  camera. This is mostly a dive into specifications. I have tried the original Z50 . Even back then it felt a bit quirky in some aspects, but overall a decent camera.  A few references: https://www.nikonusa.com/p/z50ii/1784/overview https://imaging.nikon.com/imaging/lineup/mirrorless/z50_2/ https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-z50ii-initial-review Petapixel:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5Qm_RPoQxg The top of the camera. Notice the button below ISO. That's for picture control.  Check out the camera through my affiliate links:  B&H Photo Video: https://bhpho.to/4es6jFP Amazon:  https://amzn.to/48M6uud   As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases! The good (most of these copied from Nikon's global website): Fully articulatin...

7Artisans 50mm f/1.8 for Nikon Z-mount Overview

In this overview, I'm taking a look at the 7Artisans 50mm f/1.8 lens for the Nikon Z system. Is it worth considering over the official Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8s lens? I also compare it with the Nikon Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 kit lens at 50mm.  Check out the full video on YouTube :  7Artisans sent me this lens to try out based on my  collaboration terms . They had no say in the content produced and were not allowed to preview it.  Check out the lens out through the 7Artisans official store . I am not affiliated with their website.  Or see the 7artisans 50mm f/1.8 AF Lens through my links:  Amazon.com B&H Photo Video ebay.com As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases!  I have two additional videos. One shows autofocus performance in video situations . The other is a mix of GoPro footage and example photos from the photowalk of the Japanese styled garden .  Build Quality & Handling 7Artisans and Nikon lens side-by-side. The 7Artisan...

Trying the Sony A7R V at the Bristol Renaissance Faire

This year I was able to photograph the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Wisconsin with my friend's Sony a7R V mirrorless camera. Paired with the Sony 28mm f/2 and 85mm f/1.8 lenses.  My video on YouTube Check out the Sony a7R V here through my links:  B&H Photo Video Shop Moment Amazon   ebay As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases!  Renaissance fairs are a great option for people interested in photography. You can capture performance artists, intricate props, unique architecture, and many other subjects. I mostly go there to enjoy the time and atmosphere with friends, but it's great to get some photography in as well.  First Impressions: Build and Ergonomics The Sony A7R V stands out for its build quality compared to other Sony cameras like the a6000 and a7S that I currently have. It feels impressively solid and has that professional-grade heft without being overly bulky. Even though it's a high technology camera, it doesn't overw...