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In preparation for some new announcement by Nikon showcasing a new EVIL camera, I bought a new body cap, the Nikon BF-1B from B&H.  These pics are a comparison with the current cap.  Hopefully this will keep me from being confused with a potential new format.

The first thing I notice is the prominent “F mount” moniker on the front of the cap.  This is what is causing the rumor of a possible new mount.  It is noticeably thicker as you can see from the profile picture.

While I do not have a picture of the mating, coupling the BF-1B Body Cap with the LF-1 Rear Lens Cap seems to fit snugly, while the BF-1A does not, it comes loose.  I am awaiting delivery of the LF-4 to see what the new Rear Lens Cap will do.

Since I am not going to be taking a camera bag, I needed to buy a new backpack that can handle the travel a little better.  Rain is in the forcast everyday in Luanda, Angola, so gear protection was important.  I decided to buy two packs, but will probably send one of them back before I leave depending on which one I prefer.

The first pack I ordered is the North Face Overhaul 40 from Backcountry.  I made sure to go through Bing Cashback to get 12.4% back, so I should be getting back $18.47.  Kelly at Backcountry was nice enough to bump me to 3 day shipping for free.

Cost:  $130.48 ($148.95 -$18.47 Bing Cashback)
Size:  21.25″ x 13″ x 9.5″
Capacity:  2450 cu. in.
Weight:  3 lbs

From the reviews of this pack, it is geared to the traveler . . . I like the pocket on the bottom to stuff in my raincoat when not in use.

Photo Gallery

I 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.

See the Photo Gallery for more pictures

I thought I would take some time a do a music review. I know it sounds weird, but it has been a while since I actually paid for music (sorry RIAA). 30 Seconds To Mars is one of my favorite bands and on Tuesday they released “This Is War”. What bothered me the most is their departure from a “Rock” sound with real drums and guitars in their first two albums to a mode “Depeche” sound with more synthesized and drum-pad sound.  Some of the vocals even sounds like T-Pain had his hand in making this album . . . but whatever.

1. Escape (2:23) – This is really just an intro, so let’s not count this one as a real song. Singing actually comes in after the first minute with the main chant “This Is War” by the kids. (2*)

2. Night Of The Hunter (5:40) – Okay some french girl speaking in the beginning, and then some fake drum sound . . . decent song, I like it somewhat. (3*)

3. Kings And Queens (5:47) – What is up with the screeching eagle at the beginning of this song? It made me think of Nacho Libre when Jack Black was going to get the eagle eggs . . .
Anyway this is a great song and worth a listen. (4*)

4. This Is War (5:27) – Great song, even though it seems very repetitive, but not like I Gotta Feeling by those Black Eyed Punks.  This album is coming along like more of a story and as you can see by track 4 I have started liking the songs alot.  And yes the kids were chanting in this one . . . annoying, but I like the song anyway.  (5*)

5. 100 Suns (1:58) – This is actually a live acoustic song, although they could have remove the cheering at the end.  It reminded me of The Big Lebowski and the Nihilists because it keeps repeating “I believe in nothing” (2*)

6. Hurricane (6:12) – This is probably my favorite from this album.  Great melody and lyrics, and the kids chanting in this one was not too over the top. Crash Crash Burn (in a good way).  (5*)  Another version of the song with Kanye “I’m Gonna Let You Finish” West.  It was not included on the album due to contract issues with the record labels, but I prefer the version without Krappe West.

7. Closer To The Edge (4:33) – Great song . . . had it pegged at 5*’s but then hearing the chanting kids again, I had to take a star off.  (4*)

8. Vox Populi (5:43) – Kid chant . . . overplayed on this album at this point . . . and it is a “call to arms” song, again with the “This Is War” theme.  This is one of those songs you like and would listen to if you were alone, but I wouldn’t play it if I had someone in my car with me.  (3*)

9. Search And Destroy (5:38) – Great sound and music . . . the vocals had a little Trent Reznor sound at the beginning . . .  I give this a 3* rating in iTunes right now, but I can see this moving up a star after I listen to this a bit more . . .  (3*)

10. Alibi (5:59) – This is that slow ballad . . . the one that shows up on an album once and a while, and it is quite beautiful.  Take a listen (5*)

11. Stranger In A Strange Land (6:54) –  Heavy synth at the beginning, reminded me of “Where Is My Mind” by the Pixies (song at the end of Fight Club).  Good beat and vocals, I like it.  Two thumbs up. (5*)

12. L490 (4:26) – This had the most annoying sounds that just got louder and louder.  If I could rate a song a negative I would.  This is actually an exit song, so who cares anyway.  (0*)

Overall a great album . . . but next time get rid of the kids in the songs.  Maybe it had to do with 30STM trying to get this third album out from being sued by their record label and they needed to put something out, but it seems like there was a lot of work in most of this songs in this one.

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 . . .