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Canon 70-300mm IS vs Tamron 70-300mm VC

One question I am frequently asked is how does the Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 VC USD compare with the Canon EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM. The answer is “extremely well”. But don’t take my word for it, look at these purely non-scientific examples for yourself. Read more Canon 70-300mm IS vs Tamron 70-300mm VC

Recommended Photo Accessories

I am frequently asked for accessory recommendations by my students. In order to help them, I have created this list of the accessories that I think every photographer should have. I have included links for many of the recommended products to purchase from amazon.com. Your purchase helps support this site. Thanks!! Read more Recommended Photo Accessories

Sony A7s Mark II Announced

Sony surprised us with the announcement of the new A7s Mark II body. Most of us were expecting the announcement of the A6000 replacement, but this camera also makes sense since the other two A7 models have recently been updated. Like the A7II and the A7RII, the new A7s adds the 5-axis image stabilization, and maintains the high ISO performance of the A7s model. This model also adds 4k Video recording to it’s list of features. The A7sII will be available in October for $2,999. Read more Sony A7s Mark II Announced

Sony A6000 on Sale

The Sony A6000 is currently on sale for $599 with the 16-50mm kit lens, $749 with the 16-50mm and 55-210mm kit lens combo, and $449 for the body only option. This is a GREAT camera and the new price makes this an even better deal! I own one and love it! This is my “go everywhere” system since my Canon EOS 6D is sometimes a little too big to take everywhere. I don’t know how long this deal will last, there is a lot of speculation that Sony may be getting ready to announce the successor to the A6000. Unless the new camera comes out at the same price, which is highly doubtful, this is still a great deal on a fantastic camera. Be sure to check out my review of the Sony A6000. Read more Sony A6000 on Sale

How to Read the Histogram

The Histogram is one of the most useful tools on your camera once you understand how it works. This simple graph can give you a good deal of information about the picture you just took, especially when outdoors and your LCD screen is hard to see clearly. The histogram is also one of the most widely misunderstood features of your camera, but this article will help you to understand how to interpret what it is telling you. Read more How to Read the Histogram

Tamron Announces New 35mm f/1.8 and 45mm f/1.8 Lenses

Tamron has announced 2 new fast prime lenses: a 35mm f/1.8 and a 45mm f/1.8. both lenses will feature Tamron’s VC “Vibration Compensation” image stabilization technology and weather resistant builds. The new 35mm will compete directly with the Canon 35mm f/2 IS that was released not to long ago, with the Tamron sporting the slightly faster max aperture and weather resistant construction over the Canon. The 45mm is a rather odd choice to me – not sure why they didn’t make it a traditional 50mm instead. The Sigma Art Series lenses (24mm 35mm and 50mm) have been very successful so it will be interesting to see if the Tamron lenses will be as popular. Read more Tamron Announces New 35mm f/1.8 and 45mm f/1.8 Lenses

Fall Photography Tips

Fall is my favorite time of year for photography. Mother Nature puts on a spectacular color display that doesn’t last very long. As the temperatures begin to cool the leaves on the trees start to change into their fall wardrobe, putting on a show that can be amazing. Leaves can start to change as early as late August and can be as late as mid October depending on Temperatures, moisture and other factors, but once the leaves start to change, you can count on the show not lasting very long. Because it is so short lived, it pays to be prepared and with that in mind here are some fall photography tips to help you improve your fall images. Read more Fall Photography Tips

Tamron Mail-in Rebates Through October 31, 2015

Tamron has updated their lens mail-in rebates for September and October, 2015. They increased the rebate amount on a few lenses and added the 28-300mm lens as well. Tamron does a good job with their mail-in rebates with a quick turn around and very little hassle in my experience. Purchasing a Tamron lens using the links to Amazon helps to support this site. Thanks!!! Read more Tamron Mail-in Rebates Through October 31, 2015