Review of Lowepro Classified 160 AW Shoulder Bag (Black)

This is a perfect bag for carrying:
- 1 DSLR camera with 70-200mm f/2.8 (i.e. big) zoom lens attached (mine is Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 which is comparable in size and weight with Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8)
- 1-2 additional lenses and/or flash (I put 17-80mm and 50mm f/1.8 lenses and the SB-400 flash
- a couple memory cards and extra battery

It’s pretty sturdy and tight (with the stabilizing strap), but that’s good because the camera and lens won’t move much inside the bag.

Here are the pros and cons:

Pros:
1. Can fit SLR attached with the big 70-200mm f/2.8 lens (or equivalent)
2. Enough room for extra lenses and flash
3. Topload feature for easy access
4. Sturdy and good padding to protect the expensive equipment inside
5. Slim profile and more discreet design (vs some other pro camera bag)
6. Stabilizing strap to minimize movement
7. Lots of compartment for memory cards, batteries, lens cap, etc
8. Less than 3 lbs, and compact size
9. All weather cover is nice to have (and essential for professional)
10. Expandable (i.e. you can manage the divider/padding to create different size of space)

Cons:
1. Only take 1 full size SLR (I tried 2 D40s + 18-55mm and it works)
2. A bit pricey (for my amateur standard)
3. Close to 3 lbs (depend on how you see it)
4. Not a backpack model (if you prefer carrying backpack type bag when photographing)
5. Can’t put your regular 15 inch laptop in this bag (however you can squeeze in the 8.9 inch netbook). If you want to add your regular notebook, you will need to get the Lowepro Classified 250 AW series
6. Might be a bit too much bag/space for a quick short trip where you don’t need to bring your 70-200mm f/2.8 lens (use the Lowepro Topload Zoom series bag instead)
7. Not as easy (as I thought it would be) to pull out the camera in and out of the bag but it’s reasonable (maybe it’s because of the design and position of the zipper and the fact the bag is still stiff since it is new. I’m expecting it will get better as the bag will get softer/break-in with use)

In conclusion, this is a very good (and very stylish) bag if you want to carry a camera attached with the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens (or smaller lens), with 1-2 extra lens (smaller lenses than the 70-200mm f/2.8) and/or flash.

Product Description
Hardworking bags specifically designed for the hardworking photojournalists who carrythem. Classified AW shoulder bags help conceal gear (and the mission), while protecting itwith artful balance. These nimble, fast-access bags have a modern, off-hours appeal. Aslimmer profile, contoured to move easily with the body, helps the professional navigate abusy street in Prague or a crowded subway in New York. Soft edges, briefcase styling,leather details at contact points, and an embossed logo create a discreet aesthetic.Collapsible, removable padding in the main compartment allows custom organization. Andthe built-in All Weather Cover protects contents from the elements when getting to thenext assignment by bicycle, bus, motorcycle or foot.

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Review of Nikon Coolpix Soft Blue Camera Carrying Case + Cameta Accessory Kit for L18, L19, L20, P60, S51, S51c, S200, S210, S220, S230, S520, S550, S600, S620, S630, S700, S52 & S52c Digital Cameras

I bought this accessory kit for a Nikon camera that I bought my grandson for Christmas.It was everything that it was promoted to be and exactly what I had expected.The mini tripod is a great accessory when traveling and you want to take photos with yourself in the picture using your camera’s self-timer feature.

Product Description
Kit includes: 1) Nikon Coolpix Soft Camera Case; 2) Cameta Microfiber Cleaning Cloth; 3) Memory Card Wallet; 4) Flexible Tabletop Mini Tripod; 5) 5-Piece Cleaning Kit. ♦ Comfortably carry and protect your Nikon Coolpix digital camera in this stylish and ultra-compact, padded neoprene case with belt loop and removable, adjustable shoulder strap. The zippered main compartment safely and securely stores your camera whenever you’re not taking pictures. In addition, the inside of the main compartment has a mesh compartment for convenient storage of your Secure Digital (SD) Memory Cards. As an added convenience, the front compartment’s velcro closure provides handy and quick access to your spare batteries. ♦ Your digital camera’s LCD monitor screen and optics usually become soiled with fingerprints, oily smudges and other contaminants. It can be really frustrating trying to clean the LCD monitor safely and completely without smearing using typical lens tissue or lens cloths — especially out in the field. The Cameta Microfiber Cleaning Cloth is designed using the latest 21st Century technology to perform this task quickly, safely and easily. ♦ This Memory Card Wallet holds and protects a minimum of three memory cards and has a convenient belt loop. ♦ The Flexible Tabletop Mini Tripod is a convenient pocket-size tabletop tripod that you will always want to have with you so that you can get in the picture with your family and friends. ♦ The 5-Piece Cleaning Kit contains Lens Tissue, Lens Cleaner Liquid, Cotton Swabs, Surface Cloth, and Blower Brush.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nikon Coolpix Soft Blue Camera Carrying Case + Cameta Accessory Kit for L18, L19, L20, P60, S51, S51c, S200, S210, S220, S230, S520, S550, S600, S620, S630, S700, S52 & S52c Digital Cameras

Review of Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Nikon D40x, D40, D60, & D5000 Digital SLR

Having just received this grip, it was time to bolt it on and see just how ‘bad’ the fit actually is. I for one, take negative reviews lightly, especially those authored by amateurs (non-pros), many of whom seem to have problems with everything.

As it turns out, the Opteka D40/D40X/D60 Grip is very well made indeed! A full 1/4″ thick hard plastic molding – practically indestructible. The machined casting is made to very close-fit tolerances, requiring exact alignment (it can take a bit of patience). Once positioned correctly (there is a tight-fitting dowel hole to mate to the body), the grip fits snug and flat. It looks very well mated to the contour of the D40/60 series body.

I popped in 2 1800 mAh Li-ion batteries (3600 mAh total) and it was a somewhat different camera! Moving the single battery from the battery chamber down into the grip, along with another, adds additional weight, and also lowers the center of gravity of the entire assembly. Now my Nikkor 18-70 & 70-300 (heavy) lenses feel much more at home hung on this more-stout little DSLR!

The included pop-out infrared diode works well with the camera receiver. Contrary to others who cry about ‘what a pain..menu settings..’, it is quick, simple, and efficient. Simply press the fn button on the front of the camera body, next to the lens mount, when taking a vertical shot, and pop out the infrared sender in the grip. On the D40, D40X, and D60 cameras, the fn button defaults to infrared/2 second delay (no menu needed!!). Thus, when the vertical button on the grip is pressed, the camera will set aperture and shutter, auto-focus, (depending on your other settings), and click the shutter. It returns the fn button back to off (default) after exposure. What could be easier than that?

All in all, a great addition for those who are looking for more body bulk (I’m talking about the camera!), lower center of gravity, better heavy lens balance, more serious pro-like looks, easier vertical shot triggering, and several times the power available, this is a really great add-on. I recommend it highly – do it, you’ll like it!

Product Description
Opteka is one of the world’s leading producer of high-performance batteries and accessories. Opteka believes there is no limit to the potential of portable power  and as a company they will always strive to find innovative and efficient ways to power your life in the future!The Opteka BP-D40 holds 6 AA or or 2 EN-EL3 batteries. This provides a extremely extended shooting time. Compatible with the Nikon D40, D40x, D60, & D5000 digital SLR only.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Nikon D40x, D40, D60, & D5000 Digital SLR

Review of Phoenix 500mm f/8 Telephoto Lens with Mount for Nikon D40, D60, D90, D200, D300, D300s, D3, D3x, D700, D3000 & D5000 Digital SLR Cameras

You definitely have to use a tripod and keep it very still.The quality of the picture was not great, but it was what I expected from an inexpensive lens.For what I would use it for it works perfectly fine.I don’t think it will be very effective for action shots because it doesn’t do well with any movement; although, the description says action/sports shots…I haven’t tried, but with any movement the picture blurred quite a bit.It should be used for those wanting a closer shot of stills that doesn’t mind a little less in quality, but a lot less in price.

Product Description

Kit includes:
♦ 1) Phoenix 500mm f/8 Telephoto Lens
♦ 2) Rear Lens Cap
♦ 3) Precision Design T-Mount for Nikon AF

Phoenix 500mm f/8 Telephoto Lens includes: Soft Pouch; Front and Rear Caps; Instruction Manual; Phoenix USA Warranty

This powerful Phoenix 500mm telephoto Lens utilizes aluminum alloy construction, computer designed all glass optics and the latest optical multi-coating techniques to provide crisp, high contrast, virtually flare free images of distant subjects, even under adverse lighting conditions. The aperture settings from f/8 – f/32 retains a full range of exposure / depth of field settings, TTL metering, aperture priority automatic and manual metering capabilities of your camera. For tripod/monopod use, the rotatable tripod mount is positioned to provide optimum balance and rotates for quick and easy vertical format shooting. The amazing power of this lens gives you the equivalent of looking through a pair of 10x power binoculars. This affordable 500mm telephoto is perfect for nature, sports and surveillance photography, and comes complete with a soft case, caps and full warranty.This lens kit includes a T-mount lens adapter which allows this lens to be used with Nikon AF mount cameras, as well as a compatible rear lens cap.

Will mount to ANY Nikon Manual Focus, Nikon AutoFocus Film or Nikon Digital SLR Camera Including: Nikon D3, D300, D200, D80, D70, D70S, D50, D100, D2X, D2Xs, D1X, D2H, D2Hs, F100, F90, F6, F5, F4-Series, N90s, N90, N80, N75, N70, N65, N60, N55, N50.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Phoenix 500mm f/8 Telephoto Lens with Mount for Nikon D40, D60, D90, D200, D300, D300s, D3, D3x, D700, D3000 & D5000 Digital SLR Cameras

Review of Digital Concepts +1 +2 +4 +10 Close-Up Macro Filter Set with Pouch (67mm)

The first one sent to me had some small chips out of the glass on the 10X.
When trying to clean the replacements and compare them with the original I can see how absolutely horrible the glass is.

Each filter in both packs is riddled with small nicks and scrapes (I’m not talking microscopic level, this is really just inexcusable).

Having said that, I guess the saving grace here is that the way the focus works I have yet to see any of these defects present in the photos taken.

NOTE:I would strongly suggest you do not attach these directly to your lens.The threading on these is not at all precise, do NOT strip your threading on your expensive lens. Use some good fitting protective filters between these poorly made things and your nice expensive lens. (so glad I did)

If you have $450, get a real macro lens. If you have only $20-$30, this will suffice.

Here’s two photos from my Nikon D90 with an 18-105 lens and the 10X filter:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bittermuppet/3323557389/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bittermuppet/3323483981/

Product Description
The Digital Concepts 67mm Macro Filter Kit includes four close-up diopters at +1+2+4 and +10 magnificationand a durable carrying case. These filters simply screw onto the front of any 67mm lensand will maintain resolution and picture clarity while magnifying image size. Plusthese filters are double-threadedwhich means you can combine them to achieve increased magnificationor you can attach additional optics such as polarizers or skylight filters. These macro filters are ideal for photographing small items and focusing in on details of coinsflowersjewelry and insectsas well as industrial photos of miniaturized componentsmedical and dental laboratory work and other scientific photography.

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Review of Zeikos ZE-FLK37 37mm Multi-Coated 3 Piece Filter Kit (UV-CPL-FLD)

When I ordered these filters I hoped they woulod fit my camera.The package includes adapter rings for many sizes.
I stacked the UV and polarizing filters and found they worked as I expected.I also dropped my HD camera lens first and the lenses were covered with grass and dirt. The camera lens was protected.Quite pleased.

Product Description
Zeikos 37mm Glass Multi Coated 3 piece Filter Kit consisting of an Ultra Violet (UV), Circular Polarizer (CPL), and a Fluorescent (FLD) Filter. They have Silver metal rings to match most cameras. Protective hard case included.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Zeikos ZE-FLK37 37mm Multi-Coated 3 Piece Filter Kit (UV-CPL-FLD)

Review of TR-M Timer Remote Control for Nikon D90

I bought this product to act as an intervalometer for my Nikon D90 for time-lapse photography.There aren’t many products currently that can do this for the D90, as a result of Nikon changing the remote cable connector. You can do time-lapse with Nikon’s camera control software, but you’d also need to lug around a laptop and pay $170 for that minimalistic software. The Satechi product was the cheapest remote timer / intervalometerI could find, and its functions seemed to fit what I wanted so I bought it. Overall I’m very satisfied.

Functions

All timing functions work great. When used in full manual with the camera, the timer control can set the exposure time as well. The controls are pretty simple – one look at the user’s manual and you’ll know how to use the timer without needing to reference it again. If using any other modes on the camera (P, S, A), the remote simply acts as a remote timer / intervalometer. It’s smart enough to pre-focus during count-down, prior to triggering the shutter – so for example, if you want to take 1 shot every 5 seconds, the timer will tell the camera to perform autofocus about 2 seconds prior to actually triggering the shutter. One of my initial concerns was that the documentation listed number of exposures from 1 – 399. This is the pre programmed number limitation, however you can also set it to `–` which essentially means keep taking pictures forever. This is the mode I especially wanted since I plan to take time-lapse photos over very long periods of time.

Build Quality

This is the only reason I didn’t give this product 5 stars. The build is pretty cheap plastic, the battery cover is a little flimsy, but it’s essentially what I expected for buying the absolute cheapest intervalometer I could find. It’s very light, so I don’t think if I dropped it, it would break. But if crunched in a bag/luggage I could see the screen breaking.It does have an LED light which I thought was really nice to have, since I’ve been in many low light situations where this is needed.

Connections

This remote plugs into the `GPS’ port on the D90. Because of the connector Nikon chose for this port, it’s not inherently obvious which way you plug in the cable.This product’s cable uses a hard plastic connector, not a metal housing.It is foreseeable that you could force the connector in the wrong way which could possibly damage the pins on the camera. However, I think this is more of an issue of the connector Nikon chose and not so much a cheap connector on the part of Satechi.

If you want to do time-lapse photos, or need a basic remote-trigger timer for your D90 – this is your product.I’ve uploaded some picture for size comparison reasons – look at the picture next to the can of soda.

Product Description
The Timer Remote Control Shutter is an advanced Nikon D90 Digital camera shutter release tool which can be used to release camera shutter, as well as to be programmed to run timed photography task, etc. Delay the starting moment, manage exposure time, set shooting interval or organize numbers of shots. It allows you to control camera shutter up to 1.0 m (3.28 ft) away from a compatible Nikon D90.

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Review of Hoya DMC Pro1 Digital 72mm TWO Multi-Coated Glass Lens Filters (UV Haze & Circular PL Polarizer) + Accessory Kit for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus & Pentax Lenses

Product was as-described and was shipped on time and is a good value.The only problem is the lens cover keeper. The elastic that holds this around the lens broke with only a few hours of use.I was not really intent on using it anyway since I was afraid it would get in the way of focusing and/or zooming the lens.I would not recommend it for use with a zoom lens, it just gets in the way.

Product Description
Kit includes: 1) Hoya 72mm UV Filter; 2) Hoya 72mm Circular Polarizer Filter; 3) OP/TECH 2 Filter Holder; 4) CapKeeper 2 Lens Cap Strap; 5) Deluxe 6 Piece Cleaning Kit. ♦ Both filters include: Hoya USA Warranty. ♦ The Hoya Pro 1 Digital Series Ultraviolet UV Filter is a multi-purpose, fine-weather filter that is designed to optimize the photography experience of the digital SLR user. UV filters, which absorb ultraviolet rays that often make outdoor photographs hazy and indistinct, should be constantly fitted to a lens to provide improved clarity and color balance, as well as to provide protection to your lens. ♦ The Hoya Pro 1 Digital Series Circular Polarizing (PL) Filter allows you to remove unwanted reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water and glass, and they also improve color saturation, clarity and contrast. This threaded filter is often used to increase the contrast and saturation in blue skies and white clouds, for example. Hoya’s polarizing filters do not affect the overall color balance of a shot, and they will provide protection for your lens while shooting. A polarizer is different than most filters in that it is composed of two pieces of glass, mounted independently inside a round frame so that one can be rotated relative to the other. As it is rotated, it increasingly cuts out glare and haze. ♦ The CapKeeper 2 prevents lens cap loss with adhesive-backed disc attached to the cap. Never lose your cap again! ♦ The OP/TECH neoprene filter holder is designed to hold two filters and offers a secure and convenient, easy access method for carrying filters in the field or protecting them while in storage. ♦ The Deluxe 6-Piece Cleaning Kit includes: Hurricane Air Blower, Booklet of Lens Cleaning Tissues; Lens Cloth; Lens Cleaning Liquid; Blower Brush; Cotton Swabs.

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Review of Tamrac 5767 Velocity 7x Photo Sling Pack Bag (Black) + Accessory Kit for Canon Rebel XSi, XS, T1i, XTi, 40D, 50D, Nikon D40, D60, D5000, D90, D300, D700, Olympus Evolt E-30, E-450, E-520, E-620, and Sony Alpha A200, A300, A350, A700 Digital SLR Cameras

I have a Canon SX10IS.

On first searching for a new bag, I looked at the Tamrac 6.Everyone seemed to say one thing about it- not big enough for their camera.So I bought the 7 instead.

I’ve got plenty of room.I’ve got my camera, a charger, multiple cleaning bits and bobs, 3 sets of batteries, 2 memory cards, 2 lens cleaning wands, multiple cables, a couple of microfiber cloths, a mini tripod, my camera’s operating manual, my mp3 player, and I’ve still got room to carry ID/wallet/eyeliner/sunglasses, whatever else I might need to take with me that day.

Unless you’re switching out multiple telephoto lenses, there’s room.

It’s comfortable.It’s stable when it hangs so I’m not afraid to leave it unzipped if I have to, it keeps everything separate, the interior dividers are very customizable to a variety of needs, there are PLENTY of pockets throughout and extra attachments if you want to hang things off of it, and it’s very secure.The padding is ample, the top loading is a joy.I just can’t say enough about it.

If you’re looking for a mid sized camera bag that isn’t too cumbersome, looks great, and is EXTREMELY comfortable to wear all day long get the Tamrac Velocity 7.

Product Description
Kit includes:
♦ 1) Tamrac 5767 Velocity 7x Photo Sling Pack Bag
♦ 2) LensPen Lens Cleaning System
♦ 3) LensPen DigiKlear LCD Cleaning System
♦ 4) Precision Design Deluxe 6-Piece Lens & Digital SLR Camera Cleaning Kit

Though it doesn’t look like a camera bag, the Velocity 7x Photo Sling Pack is a unique, ultra-functional pack that carries like a backpack, but swings around to the front for quick access to any SLR Camera with a 6″ lens attached and a couple additional lenses. Inside the main compartment, the camera with lens attached is suspended on two vertical, foam-padded dividers. A well-padded sling strap comfortably distributes the weight, but need not be removed to quickly access photo equipment. A Tuck-A-Way waist belt allows the pack to be used while hiking, biking or doing other activities. The front pocket has organizer pockets inside to keep a mobile phone, PDA or photo accessories within easy reach. A pocket inside the lid stores filters and lens caps.

The LensPen is one of the most invaluable accessories a photographer can own. Its unique design makes cleaning your lens fast, simple and effective. On one end, a retractable soft brush sweeps dust and loose particles away from the glass. On the other end, a special dry cleaning compound is used to gently remove fingerprints and spots. The result is a crystal clear lens surface and better pictures in just seconds, a feat that other cleaning items just can’t match.

The LensPen DigiKlear LCD Cleaning System has a special triangular tip that gives it the ability to clean the corners of many screens that would otherwise remain covered in dust and grime. The result is a crystal clear screen in just seconds, a feat that other cleaning items just can’t match.

This 6-piece cleaning kit contains a Hurricane air blower, lens cleaning tissues, lens cloth, lens cleaning liquid, brush and cotton swabs.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tamrac 5767 Velocity 7x Photo Sling Pack Bag (Black) + Accessory Kit for Canon Rebel XSi, XS, T1i, XTi, 40D, 50D, Nikon D40, D60, D5000, D90, D300, D700, Olympus Evolt E-30, E-450, E-520, E-620, and Sony Alpha A200, A300, A350, A700 Digital SLR Cameras

Review of Nikon D40 D40X D60 – Replacement Battery Charger (Incl. Car and European Plug Adapters)

i needed a new charger for my nikon d60 and looked around this was by far the best price and is exactly what i needed.

Product Description
This battery charger replaces the Nikon original [ EN-EL9 ] family model battery chargers. Package includes: One ultra slimlightweight battery chargerone DC Car Plug Adapterand one European Adapter (220V)). Compatible with the following device models: Nikon D40D40X

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nikon D40 D40X D60 – Replacement Battery Charger (Incl. Car and European Plug Adapters)