Choosing a tripod can seem like a riddle with no correct answer. The lighter and smaller the tripod, the less stable it’ll be, seemingly defeating the point of even bringing one. I especially seem to run into this problem while traveling, when a bulky tripod just isn’t feasible. Travel tripods always make some tradeoffs, but one tripod from Heipi caught my eye. It’s called the Heipi travel tripod, and I’ve spent some time testing it recently. Here’s what I think about it.
Today I am very excited to announce a project that I have been working on for the past few weeks, which will be one of the new pillars of Photography Life. Welcome to our brand-new forum! Yes, the timing of this announcement is not a coincidence – I know that many other forums have been popping up lately in response to DPReview’s sudden closure. But this is also an idea I have been planning for years – a better, faster, more positive, and more sustainable forum for photographers of all levels.
I have to admit that we have rather bizarre Easter traditions in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Before Easter Monday, men and boys weave a kind of whip out of wicker. Then they go from house to house with it, and while reciting Easter rhymes, they hit the girls on their legs and bottoms with the twigs. If they arrive too late, the women throw cold water on the men. You can read more about it on Wikipedia.
So you have a bit extra cash to spend on photo gear, and you’re about to go shopping. Before you do we want to remind you of something we’ve stressed in the past; namely, it often makes far more sense to upgrade your optics than it does to invest in a new camera.
Lens characteristics, after all, are the ultimate determinant of image quality. If that doesn’t make sense, try making a few shots with your best lens on a low-end camera. Then shoot a couple more with a cheap kit lens on the best camera you own and compare the results. As you’ll see, a great lens always wins.
Hence, we’re presenting the following tutorial from Canadian pro Simon d’Entremont who shoots everything from wildlife and macro to expansive vistas of landscape scenes. In other words, he owns a ton of glass and is the perfect source to help you make an informed choice when purchasing a new lens.
Focal length is obviously a primary consideration, depending upon the type of subjects you shoot and the lenses you also ready own. Likewise, choosing the proper lens mount is a no-brainer unless you shoot with both crop sensor and full-frame cameras. And the degree to which crop factor affects the focal length you choose also factors in the equation.
The above basics notwithstanding, there are other important variables deserving of attention, and that’s what this enlightening episode is about. Simon discusses everything you need to know about different types of lenses, how they work, the different techniques they require, and any tradeoffs to be aware off.
If you’re uncertain about what the nomenclature on a lens means, Simon has you covered. He also discusses the distinction between prime lenses and zooms, and the pros and cons of each. Maximum aperture (i.e., fast vs. slow lenses) is another key topic—especially if you often shoot in low light. And lens characteristics like flare and bokeh are worthy of some thought.
You’ll also see what to expect with lenses from various manufacturers, and why the most expensive choice may not be your best option. Another important criterion is the resolution of your camera’s sensor. That’s because hi-res cameras enable you to do more cropping, and thereby “move in tighter” with a less powerful lens,
There’s much more to learn in this episode so watch until the end. Then head over to Simon’s YouTube channel for more great advice on a wide variety of topics.
