My Two Favourite Portrait Lenses

For Portraits, without a doubt my favourite lenses are the Nikon 85mm f/1.4 and Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8. Check out the  NEW Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII.

The Nikon 105mm f/2.8 is also known to be a good portrait lens, however I definitely pick the above two over the Nikon 105mm f/2.8.

Camera: Nikon D700

Lens: Nikon 85mm f/1.4

Flash: SB-900

Camera: Nikon D700

Lens: Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8

Flash: SB-900

Nikon’s New 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII

One of my favourite lens, the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 has received a make over today with the announcement of the NEW Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII. Also announced are Nikon D3000, D300s and Nikon 18-200mm which are less important to me :P

NEW Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII Released 2009 Lens Construction (Elements/Groups) 21 elements/16 groups (7 ED glass elements, and 1 Nano Crystal Coat) Picture Angle with 35mm (135) format 34°20’ - 12°20’ Picture Angle with Nikon DX Format 22°50’ - 8° Minimum f/stop 22 Closest focusing distance 1.4 m (throughout entire zoom range) Maximum reproduction ratio 0.12x Filter Attachment Size 77mm Dimensions (approx.) (from the camera’s lens mounting flange) 87 x 209 mm Weight (approx.) 1,530g

Original Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR Released 2003 Lens Construction (Elements/Groups) 21/15 (5 ED glass elements) Picture Angle with 35mm (135) format 34(deg)20'-12(deg)20' Picture Angle with Nikon DX Format 22(deg)50'-8(deg) Minimum f/stop 22 Closest focusing distance 1.5m/5 ft. Maximum reproduction ratio 1/6.1 Filter Attachment Size 77mm Dimensions (approx.) (from the camera’s lens mounting flange) 87 x 215mm Weight (approx.) 1,470g

Optics

Lowepro Flipside 400 AW

Lowepro flipside 400 AW is the largest of the flipside range. It is also the only model equipped with AW.

It is a medium size backpack that is not overly large on your back. The access of the main compartment is from the back so it is more secure when on the move. It has an integrated quick release tripod holder and a large pocket at the front which are missing from the Flipside 200 and 300.

Size comparison between mini trekker AW ( left) and flipside 400 AW (right)

On the side, there are attachment loops for sliplock accessories. Also included for additional support is a padded waist strap. The shape of the flipside 400 is much more contoured which is a bit more appealing.

What can you fit in the Lowepro Flipside 400 AW ? Actually quite a bit of more gear when compared with the Flipside 300 and Flipside 200

It fits:
Nikon D700 + MB-D10
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 (attached)
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
Nikon 20mm f/2.8
Nikon 50mm f/1.4
Nikon 85mm f/1.4
Nikon TC-14E

Flipside 300

It fits:

Nikon D700 + MB-D10
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 (attached)
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
SB-900

Flipside 200

It fits:

Nikon D700 + MB-D10 (sideway)
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 (attached)
Nikon 50mm f/1.4
Nikon 85mm f/1.4
another small lens

Lowepro Flipside 400 AW is a good medium size backpack for those adventurous photography trips where you might be bringing quite abit of gear. In fact, it can fit a pro DSLR with lens attached up to 300mm f/2.8 plus additional 6-8 lenses and accessories. However, you might want something bigger like the photo trekker if you are on a professional photography trip or something smaller for trips that are less photography orientated. So far, I have to say the Flipside 400 AW suits me the most (but not perfect) out of all the other Lowepro backpacks that I have encountered. Next, I will continue my search of the perfect backpack trying out the ThinkTank Streetwalker.

Check out my other blog entries on Camera Bags

Where can I find the equipment seen on this site?

If you find this site useful and planning to purchase any of the equipment seen on this site, please show your support by purchasing your photo equipment at B&H Photo Video or through any of the affiliate links seen on this site.

Official Magazine Photographer

Officially a Magazine photographer

The interview between Magazine CEO Kim Hoi and NZ labour MP Raymond Huo lasted for about five and a half hour, but I was only there for about one and a half hrs. It was a pleasure to be there at the interview, as well as photo shooting for the magazine.

Here is a three page article of the interview.

Lowepro Mini Trekker AW

Yet another Lowepro backpack for the collection. This time is the Lowepro mini trekker AW.

It is a fairly small backpack, but can hold quite a bit of gear. It has an integrated quick release tripod holder and a large pocket at the front. The size is a little bit smaller and thinner than the Lowepro flipside 400 AW (to be review soon) and hence the internal space is also a bit smaller than the flipside 400 AW.

Size comparison between mini trekker AW ( left) and flipside 400 AW (right)

On the side, there are attachment loops for sliplock accessories. Also included to additional support is an un-padded waist strap. The shape of the mini trekker is less contour than the flipside 400 and so it does look a bit like a box.

What can you fit in the Lowepro mini trekker AW ? Actually quite a bit of gear consider it is a fairly compact backpack.

Fits:
Nikon D700 + MB-D10
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 (attached)
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
Nikon 20mm f/2.8
Nikon 50mm f/1.4
Nikon 85mm f/1.4

Lowepro mini trekker AW is small enough for day to day use, yet big enough for those adventurous photography trips where you might be bringing quite abit of gear. However, you might want something bigger like the photo trekker if you are on a professional photography trip.

Check out my other blog entries on Camera Bags

Where can I find the equipment seen on this site?

If you find this site useful and planning to purchase any of the equipment seen on this site, please show your support by purchasing your photo equipment at B&H Photo Video or through any of the affiliate links seen on this site.

Nikon 105mm f/2.8 + TC-14E Portrait shots

Camera: Nikon D700

Lens: Nikon 105mm f/2.8 + TC-14E

 

Nikon Acquisition Syndrome (NAS)

Prime lens line up

Engagement ring shot

Nikon D700

Nikon 105mm f/2.8 +TC-14E

SB-900 wireless triggered

Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR and auto extension tube

Another lens arrived with the Nikon 20mm f/2.8 is the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR. This lens was released in 2006, a fairly new lens equipped with Nikon's latest technology such as VRII (up to 4 stops better) and nano crystal coating. Some info extracted from Nikon.

Lens Construction (Groups/Elements)
12/14

Closest focusing distance
0.31m/1.0ft

Maximum reproduction ratio
1/1

Dimensions (approx.) (from the camera’s lens mounting flange)
83 x 116mm

Weight (approx.)
790g

A size comparison with the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8.

Below is a series of macro test including shots taken at 1:1 reproduction at minimum focusing distance, together with Marumi/Kenko auto extension tube set and then with TC-14E teleconverter

Auto extension tube set (13, 21 and 31mm)

Nikon TC-14E (1.4x teleconverter)

 

The test subject used in this case is a 52mm Nikon cap

No extension tube, minimum focusing distance with Nikon 105mm f/2.8.	31mm extension tube with Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR
13+31mm extension tubes with Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR	21+31mm extension tubes with Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR
13+21+31mm extension tubes with Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR	13+21+31mm extension tubes and TC-14E (1.4x teleconverter) with Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR
13+21+31mm extension tubes with Nikon 50mm f/1.4

Marumi Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set

Extension tubes are designed to enable a lens to focus closer than its normal set minimum focusing distance. Getting closer has the effect of magnifying your subject They are exceptionally useful for macro photography, enabling you to convert almost any lens into a macro lens at a fraction of the cost while maintaining its original optical quality. However, you lose the ability to focus to infinity and the focus range is greatly limited to a very close focusing range.

Unfortunately I couldn't get my hand on the Kenko extension tube set, however instead I got a set from Marumi to test. The functionality probably is identical except Kenko comes with a set of 12, 20 and 36mm tubes compare to 13, 21 and 31mm tubes from Marumi. When stacked, they give a combine extension of 65mm. The extension tubes are made in Japan. The tubes are solidly made, mostly are metal. Notice the metallic contact circuitry on the tubes to maintain metering data and TTL auto exposure. I did try using the auto focus function, it kind of work only when you have the subject near focus anyway. Don’t expect it to find the focus automatically for you. Magnification test was done using Nikon 50mm f/1.4, which is a typical lens used with the extension tube set. The test subject is a 62mm Nikon cap.

No extension tube, minimum focusing distance with 50mm f/1.4	13mm extension tube
21mm extension tube	31mm extension tube
13+31mm extension tubes	21+31mm extension tubes
13+21+31mm extension tubes Notice the distortion near the edges

Nikon 20mm f/2.8

After waiting for about 3 months, the Nikon 20mm f/2.8 has finally arrived. Although I already have the stunning 14-24mm f/2.8 wide angle zoom, a light weight wide angle prime lens is more desirable for light travel.

The Nikon 20mm f/2.8 is even smaller than the 50mm f/1.4, but larger in diameter with a filter size of 62mm. I haven’t tested out the lens yet, but will do in due course.

One thing I like about this lens is it shows the hyperfocal distance scale for f/5.6 and f/11, which is very useful for landscape shooting.

Nikon 20mm f/2.8 with 62-77mm step up adaptor ring.

Nikon 20mm f/2.8

 

Nikon D700 equipped with the Nikon 20mm f/2.8

阿Ken廚房: Chocolate Muffin

Actually this is from 阿Grace廚房………

Shot at f/2.8, abit too much DOF.....

Model Portfolio - Jen

UPDATED: Click here for full Gallery

Photographer/Process: Kent

Model: Jen

Camera: Nikon D700

Lenses: Nikon 85mm f/1.4, Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8

Flash: SB-900