I have been a user of Gitzo tripods for many many years, and have been very fond of their carbon fiber models.
Carbon fiber is the preferred material to use for making durable yet lightweight tripods, however, they are typically very expensive. A few years ago Gitzo developed a new material that offers many of the same advantages of carbon fiber, but at a fraction of the cost.
Check out this video where I explain a bit about the tripods that I am using now made from Basalt, and why I now prefer them over the carbon fiber models.
You can see Gitzo's new line of basalt tripods in the store here: Gitzo Basalt
You may have heard me say that I shoot with a tripod 95% of the time. More accurately what I mean to say is that I shoot with some sort of support for my camera 95% of time.
This can be a tripod, a bean bag, or even a monopod. A monopod can be a very very effective as a support for your camera, but often people get frustrated when using a monopod.
In this short video I will give you a few tips on using a monopod effectively. If you'd like to see a selection of monopods and monopod accessories check them out at the OPG Store
Recently I had the opportunity to test and review the newly released Gitzo Ocean Traveler tripod. Here is a short video review.
The Ocean Traveler is an extremely compact and lightweight tripod specifically made for use in the ocean and in harsh conditions. Tripod is made from Gitzo's 6X Carbon fiber and a specially treated stainless steel that repels any corroding agents, truly making this a durable tripod.
The tripod is pretty pricey, but when you need your equipment to survive harsh conditions, there is no substitute.
If you are interested in one of these tripods, check out the product detail page for the Gitzo Ocean Traveler
With the winter upon us on the northern hemisphere I am always looking for ways to stay warm while being able to operate my camera effectively. Recently I have been using these new gloves and they have quickly become one of my recent favorite photo accessories. The Sensory Gloves from Aquatech are comfortable, waterproof and have a breathable outer shell, but they have one very innovative feature that make them perfect for the photographer. Watch this quick video review to find out.
If you are interested in getting your own pair, head on over to our store
Think back to when you were a kid, heading to school in the snow or rain.
Your mom dressed you up to look like that poor little kid in Christmas Story, including horrendous, floppy black galoshes. You just knew that the other kids would make fun of your big floppy rubber boots.
Things have changed dramatically today. Galoshes, renamed overshoes, have gone hi-tech. Gone are the slippery soles, the big ugly buckles and the floppy rubber. Modern material, grippy soles and a tight fit take their place. New overshoes fit like shoes, are easy to walk in, and most importantly, keep your feet warm and dry.
The best overshoes we’ve seen are made by NEOS, a company that makes both consumer and industrial footwear. Their “uppers” are made from waterproofed Denier nylon (think high-end backpacks) and their soles are lugged just like your favorite hiking boot. They are pretty snazzy-looking too!
NEOS come in insulated and non-insulated styles. The non-insulated overshoes at 20º of warmth to your feet and the insulated styles add 40º. The NEOS Navigator even has a 5” gaiter you can extend out of top of the boot for deep snow.
These new NEOS overshoes are high-tech and dare we say, even fashionable. You won’t have the big kids teasing you anymore with these.
You can check out the NEOS overshoe line in the Store here: NEOS
Good friends Juan Pons, now of DPExperience, Scott Elowitz of LensCoat and I arranged the shoot of this video early in the year, even before we launched Outdoor Photo Gear. We kept it under wraps for a few months while OPG was under construction. We launched our blog with it, and over 24,000 people have viewed it!
A lot has happened since we shot this video. Juan has launched DPExperience with our pal Rick Sammon (and me as the "gear guru") and Scott has introduced many new LensCoat products.
Outdoor Photo Gear has had a banner year, beyond all of our expectations. We're still at work–more products and more website features are on the way!
Thanks to all of you, and we wish you a fabulous 2010!
Winter photography presents its own set of challenges. These extend beyond the technical aspects of getting your shot. Staying warm while still having the ability to access your gear is of vital importance. By having the right gear to keep yourself warm, you can focus your attention on the photography.
When it comes to gloves used by photographers, winter challenges multiply, as bulky gloves do not allow you to perform simple tasks like removing a lens cap or using your camera's controls and buttons. Additionally, many of us now use mobile devices with touch screens. Nothing is worse than being in the field, having your phone ring, and having to remove your glove(s) to answer the call.
Enter the AquaTech Sensory Gloves.
AquaTech has a solid reputation for their quality and innovative designs when it comes to protecting cameras from the elements. I was intrigued when I first saw the AquaTech Sensory gloves and based on AquaTech's reputation alone; I decided to order a pair.
Upon arrival, I will admit, I had my concerns. Although elegantly innovative in the design of the inner and outer shell and the sensory holes in the pointer and thumb, I still had my concerns over how a lightweight glove could keep my hand warm.
On a recent winter trip to Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, I put the gloves to the test. As anyone who has been in RMNP during the winter can tell you, the wind is a constant source of annoyance. Moreover, the snow and temperatures with a wind chill of zero made things dicey.
My initial concerns about the AquaTech Sensory gloves turned out to be unfounded. They most certainly live up to the reputation of the other AquaTech products. The gloves did a wonderful job of keeping my hands warm while still allowing me to control the camera (and my phone). The lightweight nature of the gloves gave me more control over my equipment, something you lose with more bulky gloves. The small, neoprene holes in the pointer and thumb are rather ingenious in terms of design. You push your finger and thumb through these holes when you need control. No more peeling half the glove finger off, leaving your fingers exposed and cold. This innovation gave me full control over my camera while keeping my hands warm.
What I found most impressive about the AquaTech Sensory gloves was that when I took off my gloves, after being in the wind, snow, and cold, my hands were actually sweaty. My hands, for once, may have been the warmest part of my body.
When using the gloves on my iPhone, they performed as expected. Because of the placement of the holes on the palm side, the gloves do bunch up slightly, and may block some of your view of your phone screen. A minor nit, but necessary by design.
If you are looking for a glove to provide you warmth this winter and still allow you to control your camera (or answer your phone), give the AquaTech Sensory gloves a try. Their new design and light weight are a leap ahead of other photo gloves. You won’t be disappointed.
Theodore A. Stark is a Colorado native and an avid nature, wildlife, and architectural photographer. He also does portraiture work, focusing in the candid style. He and his wife, Erin, currently live in Centennial, Colorado.
I recently had to opportunity to test and review the Mongoose M 3.5b Gimbal Tripod Head for super telephoto lenses. The first thing I have to say is that I am very impressed with this compact and lightweight gimbal head. Very lightweight and packs easily.
Craftsmanship is superb, and you can tell the folks at 4th Generation Designs really paid close attention to detail.
Check out this short video review. You can see all of the wonderful 4th Generation Designs line in the OPG Store here.
Make sure and visit the entertaining and informative site and blog by Rick Sammon and Juan Pons, the Digital Photo Experience.
Juan Pons brings you the features of the AquaTech SportShield Rain Covers, Collapsible Lens Hoods and the AquaTech Soft Cap lens protectors in this informative video.
You can see the entire AquaTech lineup here: AquaTech
I feel like a gunslinger. Draw, pardner! Only instead of a six-shooter, I have my spanking new Canon 7D by my hip. Up comes the camera, fast and ready to shoot.
For events, parties or photo walks, the Black Rapid camera straps give you instant access to your camera, and keep weight strain off of your neck. Black Rapid straps are worn across your body like a sling, and attach to your camera via the tripod socket.
Sound unique? It is. The Black Rapids are comfortable and adjustable, and will have you saying “why didn’t I think of that!” With the camera at your hip or behind your back, you can maneuver easily through a crowd, carry a tripod or other gear, or simply have both hands free. When you’re ready to take the shot, the camera quickly glides up the strap into shooting position.
The Black Rapids are made of ripstop nylon and have nice mesh cushioned shoulder pads with various pockets. The straps come in two models with different sized pads and pockets. A double model is available for a camera at each hip. You can also get extra camera attachments to change gear quickly. Black Rapid has also come out with new "MODS" such as extra pouches.
The Black Rapids just may become the strap of choice for mobile photographers.
You can get more information and purchase the Black Rapids in the OPG store.
Here is a quick video I shot with Rick recently on the Black Rapid camera straps.
