Archive for the ‘Nikon’ Category
Travel Lens Protection
Photo GalleryI have a two week trip to Lisbon, Portugal and Luanda, Angola coming up and I decided I did not want to take a camera bag, and wanted to take them in a standard backpack. The problem with a standard backpack is they do not offer padding like a photo backpack, but they are thinner and don’t look like a photo backpack. I tinkered with the thought of getting a Think Tank Shape Shifter, but with limited pouches, I could not take what I wanted. So this post will be a review of how I am padding my lenses to go in a standard backpack.
I have reviewed the Op/Tech USA Lens Sleeve and LensCoat Hoodie before (Nikon 50mm Lens Protection, Nikon 14-24mm Lens Protection, Nikon 24-70mm Lens Protection), but I decided that this was not enough padding, and Op/Tech USA does not have a Lens Sleeve longer than 6″, so a no go for my 70-200mm f/2.8G VRII, so here is what I used.
Op/Tech USA Snoot Boot (Large 3.6″D x 9″L)
Domke Protective Wrap (Large 19″)
LensCoat LensPouch (Extra Large Wide 5″ x 11″)
I first started with the Op/Tech USA Snoot Boot and put the lens inside. The lens was loaded with the lensmount towards the opening. I then closed the drawstring as tight as possible. This was a perfect fit.
Then I take the lens in the Snoot Boot and wrap it tight in the Domke Protective Wrap. I start with the lens towards one of the corners and roll it until I get to the other end.
Once the lens is rolled in the wrap, I fold the ends as tight as possible, and it looks somewhat like a burrito when complete.
I will then drop the burrito lens inside the hood trying to get the front of the lens tight in the hood. It is a good idea to do this to protect the glass. Even if you shoot without the hood, the hood still serves as a rigid protective band around the lens.
I now drop the lens in the LensCoat LensPouch and tighten the string. The thing I love about this is the double layer of neoprene, which has a rubber layer for water/moisture resistance.
The lens and hood alone weigh 3lb 7oz, and with the protection, 4lb 3oz. So 12oz for three layers of protection for those of you that pack light. Worth it in my opinion.
All My Glass
Well I received another lens today, the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR . . . so this is lens #6 (second from left) in my current collection. I have a trip planned next month, won’t go into details where yet, but
it is not the safest country, so I will be “packing light” . . . meaning my big lens will have to stay at home. I will take the new one instead since it only costs 20% of what the big one was, and it is probably 80% lighter too. I haven’t taken any pictures with it yet, maybe something this weekend . . .
Nikon 60mm f/2.8G Micro Lens
I received my new Nikon 60mm f/2.8G Micro that I ordered from B&H over the weekend and I like it alot. It will be replacing my current Nikon 60mm f/2.8D Micro lens that has served me well. It looks a little longer than my old one, but when the old lens is focusing close, the lens extends, not true with the new one, so I guess it is really “shorter”. No photo gallery on this post . . .
B+W and Nikon Clear Filters
Today I received my B+W XS-PRO 77mm Clear Filter and I thought I would do a little comparison between the B+W and my current Nikon NC Filters.
Packaging - Both filters come in a plastic case, but the B+W case is larger and has foam inserts . . . and it also takes more time to take out. I have cases for all my filters, and all of them are empty (because they are on my lenses), except the one for my B+W Circular Polarizer.
Build - Well I got to weigh both filters, and keep in mind the Nikon is made from Aluminum and the B+W is Brass, so I knew this would be B+W all the way. For gram counters, the Nikon is 31g and the B+W is 38g. Even the Nikon feels a little cheaper when you are cleaning it. I had a Nikon that had the glass come a bit loose and spin around.
Thinness – B+W @ 3mm wins this one. I believe the Nikon is 4mm thick. When it comes to filters, thin is in, unless you prefer vignetting.
Multicoating – I am going to go with B+W on this one with an 8 layer coating on each side and a water/dust repellant. Nikon doesn’t even publish any technical information on their filters, but I think they are made by Hoya anyway.
Cost – Nikon is a little cheaper at $90 (the B+W is $130), but if you are trying to go cheap, why spend the money for Nikon when you can go with a Tiffen or cheap Hoya for under $20 (costs are assuming 77mm filter size).
B+W XS-PRO Clear Filters
Back when I didn’t know any better about lens care, and how important filters are I either didn’t buy one for my lens, or I bought the cheapest ones I could find, which were probably Tiffen ($10).
Fast forward to today, where I use Nikon NC (Neutral Clear) filters on all my lenses. Sure they cost several times what a Tiffen filter costs but they have served me well. I figure if I am going to spend $1500 on a camera lens, I want something to protect it.
So why protect a lens? Well my reasons for throwing on a filter is to protect the lens. Protection from scratches, from dust, particles, and water getting in the internal glass elements, and so that when I clean my lens, I don’t wipe that nice multi-coat from the front element.
Well I decided to replace all my Nikon NC filters in favor of the new B+W XS-PRO (007) Clear Filters.
Since I started buying pro glass, I have always put filters on the lenses as soon as I open them . . . except for my Nikon 14-24mm lens that don’t have a way to screw them in. Today I have a new lens coming in, a Nikon 60mm f/2.8G Micro, but the filter I ordered from Adorama won’t make it to me until Monday, so I guess I have to leave the lens in the box for the weekend 
So back to the B+W filters. I have always loved the build quality of B+W filters . . . I have owned two UV filters and currently have a Circular Polarizer, but I never felt the need to throw a UV filter on a digital camera. Digital Cameras have a UV blocker in front of the sensor, so it is unnecessary, and it leaves a tint on the pictures . . . well they finally listened and made a Clear Multi-Coated with a brass ring. Now I don’t have them yet, looks like next week sometime (wish I decided to change brands before ordering a new Nikon 62mm NC for my Micro Lens). I will do a comparison of both the B+W and Nikon filters when they come in. So here is what I needed to get and the links if you want to try one out.
Nikon 50mm f/1.4G – 58mm Filter
Nikon 60mm f/2.8G Micro – 62mm Filter
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR – 67mm Filter
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G – No Filter
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G – 77mm Filter
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR – 77mm Filter