Review of Tamron AF 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Di-II SP LD Aspherical (IF) Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

I do real estate photography and the 11 – 18 is essential for interior work. I’ve been using the lens for about 2 years now and like it pretty well. The major problem I have with it is color fringing along lines of high contrast. The lens also suffers from some minor fisheye distortion in the 11 – 13 range, but it is easily remedied in the digital darkroom. It has less distortion in the 14 – 18 range than my Nikkor 18 – 70 does at 18. It is not a good choice for people photography. I consider it a good value for the money.

Product Description
Lenses are designed for exclusive use on digital cameras with smaller-size imagers and inherit all of the benefits of our Di products. These lenses are not designed for 35mm film cameras and digital cameras with image sensors larger than 24mm x 16mm. This new super wide-angle zoom lens, designed for exclusive use with digital SLR cameras using a sensor smaller than full frame, provides the extended focal length covering 17mm when converted to 35mm format that is desired by today’s advanced and pro photographers using digital SLRs. The lens features an entirely new optical system designed for optimal performance with digital SLR cameras.

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Review of NIKON ES-1 52MM SLIDE COPYING ADAPT.BOX

The good thing about this product is that Nikon does not include any cheap glass in the adapter. ES-1 has no optical elements at all! Thus the quality of your reproduction depends on the quality of your macro lens, and of the camera. So why does an empty tube cost $49 and not $10 as it should? I know, I know, the “N” is $10, the ‘i’ is $10 and the “kon” is also $10. And we still do have issues with this device:

1) Despite its high price, the product has a significant deficiency forcing you to do even more shopping: If used with a customary 50/60mm macro lens, it projects the 35mm slide on a full frame 35mm area. However, the majority of DSLR’s support support the smaller sensor size, often called APS or DX. In order to use this adapter with a ‘DX size’ DSLR, such as Nikon D300, D80, Canon 40D or a Pentax K20, you will have to use an additional 20mm/30mm long 52mm diameter extension ring. This might be the old K5 ring by Nikon. I use the K4 and K5 ring in tandem. Difficult to find, a hassle and more cost to say the least. Nikon should have included such rings in the first place.

But wait, there is more!

2) You might also need a step-down ring, because most lenses will have a filter diameter larger than 52mm used by ES-1. I need for example a 62-52mm step-down ring, do not confuse it with the much more common step-up rings 52mm-62mm!!

3) Another pain with the ES-1 are the two harsh metal springs depressing the slide to the device, what prevents its use with uncut film, and may even damage your slide. This is really a big, major, crying out loud issue with this device: How in heaven shall we copy uncut film? The solution would be so easy, if these springs would be made of a soft teflon, and placed horizontally rather than vertically. But Nikon is (in)famous for being both “the only game in town,” and delivering things not well thought through. The uncut film ordeal with the SA30 roll film adapter in their LS4000 and LS5000 scanners comes to mind.

4) Another great deficit of this device is lack of any position fixing mechanism. The front element of ES-1 shifts for “zoom” and rotates freely. And this causes that after each change of a slide its position will slightly change. The result are crooked photographs. To prevent this to happen I use… a painters blue tape(!!) holding the front ring, once adjusted into position. How embarrassing! This reminds me of the (in)famous “credit card and a paper clip fix” in the $400 SF200 Nikon slide adapter needed to prevent jams! Nikon team “designs” again.

I think that this is a long and impressive list of negatives for such a seemingly simple gadget.

To summarize a generic opinion: Do not use any adapter with build in lens elements, take rather the Nikon ES-1 despite its shortcomings. Cheap no-name glass will likely spoil the resolution of your pricey macro lens. Nikon ES-1 is the right way of doing it, however in a lousy execution. Thank you Nikon for ES-1, shame on you Nikon, you blew it again.

Product Description
Nikon is a precision optical company with worldwide manufacturing, research and marketing capabilities. The Nikon name is equated with extraordinary photographic performance, innovation, precision and optical quality.

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Review of Lowepro Tasca 20 (Red)

I purchased the lowepro tasca 20 on a whim when I was unhappy that the clip on ANOTHER cell phone case broke! Since then, I’m estatic with this little thing.It’s a perfect tiny carryall.Secure on my belt and EASY to get something in and out of! Perfect for a cellphone, a camera or simply a bit of cash. I was initially concerned that the magnetic closure would not be secure — but nothing has fallen out so far!

Product Description
The Tasca is made from tactile neoprene fabric providing the consumer protection without the usual bulk of a more constructed, padded case. The sleeve design assures protection for delicate LCD screens and allows the consumer to slip the Tasca into a bag, pack or luggage piece without threat of scratches and dings. The magnetic top closure keeps the electronic device secure; the carabiner allows consumers to attach the Tasca to pack, lanyard, apparel or belt, enhancing accessibility to electronic devices.

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Review of Nikon DK-22 Eyepiece Adapter for Nikon SLR Cameras

I just love using the DK-3 rubber eyecup on my FM2n and thanks to this adapter I can use it on my D200 too! But beware, you will also need the “Nikon Replacement Eyepiece Finder for FE, FE2, FM, FM2, FM3 – Mfr# 2925″ to attach the rubber eyecup to this adapter!!

Product Description
Allows the use of select threaded viewfinder attachments like the DG-2 on all Nikon SLR cameras with a rectangular viewing eyepiece as notedCompatible WithD50, D70, D70s D100, EM, FG, FG20, N50, N55, N60, N65, N70, N75, N80, N2000, N2020, N4004, N4004s, N5005, N6000, N6006 and Pronea 6i.Not recommended for use with right-angle finders. Physical size, shape and weight of right angle finders make this inadvisable. Use of the DR-6 is recommended.

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Review of 10.1 Mp Digital Camera Gold

this is my 2nd Z1050 camera that i have purchased.I love this camera especially since it has underwater housing that is available for it.

Product Description
The fashionable, 10.1 megapixel Exilim Z1050 offers a host of high performance features in a compact body. This 10.1 megapixel digital camera will enable you to capture high-resolution images that reproduce crystal-clear even when printing very large sizes. Equipped with a newly developed 2.6-inch wide and bright LCD that is nearly three times brighter than previous models and a 3x optical zoom, this camera will allow you to enjoy a wide viewing angle while feeling closer to your subject.The EX-Z1050 features the new Exilim Engine 2.0 image processing module with motion analysis technology to reduce blurring and offset camera shake The camera is outfitted with a Super Life Battery which will take up to 370 shots on a full charge making it dependable for all of life’s unexpected moments.The EX-Z1050 is sure to deliver stunning images!

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Review of DIGITAL OPTICS 2X TELE CONVERTER AF 2XAF/INF NIKON

For the money you can’t beat this teleconverter.It is almost as good as my Nikon TC 17E when used on the Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR lens or the Nikon 300 f2.8 lens.The autofocus slows down some but I was surprised to find that the VR continues to work with this optic.I’ve been working in good light so there my be issues when the conditions are less than ideal but overall, I recommend the product.

Product Description
Product FeaturesDescriptionThe Digital Concepts 2x teleconverter (also known as a tele-extender) will multiply the focal length of the existing lens by 2x, and will cut back the amount of light by 2 f/stops. This precision optical accessory, which is compatible with your Nikon SLR camera, allows you to increase the focal length of your lens without sacrificing optical quality. For example, using a 2x teleconverter with a 300mm lens will effectively increase the focal length to 600mm. A lens set to f/2.8 will now be f/5.6. It also reduce depth of field to the 50% of the master lens.

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Review of Nikon Coolpix 9412 Leather Carrying Case + Accessory Kit for S50, S50c, S51c, S52, S52c, S60, S200, S210, S220, S500, S510, S520, S550, S600 & S700 Digital Cameras

I had purchased this camera case for my old camera Nikon S6, it’s a perfect fit.It does not fit my new camera the Nikon s550.

Product Description
Kit includes: 1) Nikon Coolpix 9412 Leather Case; 2) LCD Screen Protectors; 3) Memory Card Storage Wallet; 4) 5-Piece Cleaning Kit; 5) Tabletop Mini Tripod ♦ This Nikon Soft Leather Case is made to carry and protect a Nikon Coolpix digital camera. Carrying options includes a belt loop, handheld, or the strap provided with your camera. This case has magnetic snap closure which securely provides excellent protection for your Nikon Coolpix camera. ♦ Reduce glare, enhance your view, and prevent scratching with this set of LCD screen protectors. ♦ Keep multiple memory cards protected and organized with this durable storage wallet. ♦ This 5-piece cleaning kit contains lens cleaning tissues, lens cloth, lens cleaning liquid, blower brush and cotton swabs. ♦ Take sharp, blur-free photos and great macro shots with the flexible tabletop tripod.

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Review of Fantasea FL-11 Underwater Camera Housingfor The Nikon Coolpix L11 Digital Camera Plus Accessory Outfit Outfit – Fantasea AFANFL11K1

The case performed beautifully at snorkeling depth of up to 30′.We took it on 5 different trips in 6 days and it was great!It did fog up 2 times but nothing major (we just opened the case and let it air out in between dives).

The only thing to consider is that the L11 isn’t a great camera for uw photography.some of the pictures turned out very nice – but it was difficult to focus (what you want is the ability to “focus lock” with a wide aperture – you can focus lock to infinity by using the landscape mode, but landscape mode gives you a small aperture which will exaggerate any motion blur from you or your subjects – usually both).We found that the video mode was the best way to really get some good momentos.

all in all – this was much more fun than carrying 10 disposables for our big trip!

Product Description
Fantasea FL-11 Underwater Camera Housingfor The Nikon Coolpix L11 Digital Camera With Accessory Outfit Outfit – Fantasea AFANFL11K1

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Review of Precision Design 2000 Deluxe SLR Gadget Bag/Case for Canon Digital Rebel

This bag is very large, much larger then I had expected despite knowing it’s dimensions from its description. It is made of quality materials and allows many configurations with the adjustable partitions. I was on the fence between buying this bag and the two other Canon bags, the2400 and the Rebel bag. What I liked about this bag over the others was that this bag allows you to zip up the main contents of the bag in addition to the top flap with buckles and doesn’t only rely on the two buckle snaps from the top flap to secure everything inside. There are a number of zipper pockets inside the bag as well that can hold your filters, batteries and other items. So far I have my Canon XSi with 18-55is lens attached, another 55-250mm is lens and there is still plenty of room for maybe 3 more lens’ and even a small camcorder. My only criticism at this point is the two side pockets are a bit unsecure since they dont have zippers or latches, just a small velcro patch. I personlly wouldn’t use those for anything valuable for fear something might fall out. I might try to modify it later with a better closing system or extra velcro. Overall, this is a very solid bag and highly recommended.

Product Description
Protect your valuable camera investment with a gadget bag that’s as functional as a Pro could want yet as convenient to carry on vacation – or to a child’s school recital – as the most casual snapshooter could ever ask for in a camera bag. Made of durable Pro-Nylon™, and outfitted with a reinforced handle, this case will easily hold your camera with attached zoom lens, additional lenses, flash, and a plethora of accessories. ♦ Travel, sports, and nature photography are all complemented by the non-slip, padded shoulder strap. A small pocket on the outside top flap allows immediate access to film or memory cards. Two large zippered mesh pockets – one on the inside top flap plus an additional one on the inside of the zippered interior flap – allow easy access to filters and batteries. A large, zippered front compartment contains sewn pockets to hold pens, cleaning supplies, etc. Two padded side pockets provide instant access to accessories. A back pouch conveniently keeps maps, instructions and documents within easy reach. Its best feature is a large (12.5 x 7.5 x 6.75 in.) padded storage and compartment area with movable velcro® dividers to provide individual customization for your equipment. ♦ Whether you use this case for your digital or your 35mm SLR, the Precision Design 2000 Deluxe Gadget Bag will securely hold and safely protect your camera and all of your most essential accessories.

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Review of 3 year Camera Warranty: Rated A+ by BBB. 5-day Service Guarantee – Cameras / Camcorders $125-150

I have purchased Square Trade warranties for years and have saved on the extended warranties compared to in-store warranties.I did have a product that was not working properly.I mailed it in and they were not able to repair the item and did not have a replacement.I was refunded my full price that I originally paid for the item.I believe they do have an excellent warranty program.I would recommend this to those who wish to purchase an extended warranty.

Product Description
SquareTrade Care Plans are great value and cost on average 10-15% of the item price for 3 years of coverage. That is 40% lower on average than traditional warranties.  Upon purchase, you will get an email confirmation.  You will not be mailed a paper contract.  If you have questions, please call: 1.877.WARRANTY.

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