Outdoor Photo Gear » Equipment Review

Think Tank Photo Releases Multimedia DSLR Buyers Guide

Chris Klapheke — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:20:05 +0000

We've all been aware of the convergence of video and still photography over the past few years. There's a lot of information and a lot of noise out there on the subject. Sorting through it all can be tedious, and every article has its own opinion of how things should be done. Think Tank Photo has [...]

Introducing Induro’s New PHQ 5-Way Panheads

Matt Dennison — Tue, 11 May 2010 13:05:10 +0000

Induro's new 5-Way panheads hit the shelves today. We thought you would enjoy this video that illustrates the options this unique head has in store for all types of photography. You can learn more, see detailed specs, and purchase a PHQ in the OPG store here: Induro

Five Reasons the iPad is a Great Tool for Photographers

Juan A. Pons — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:09:37 +0000

When the iPad was announced, I immediately started thinking about how this device would work into my photography. After a lot of thought, I boiled down the iPad's photography advantages to the five below. Where they enough to make me purchase an iPad? Yes, they were!

1. The Screen

The iPad screen uses a technology called IPS, the same display technology that is used by the coveted Apple Cinema Displays. The Cinema Displays' clarity and color reproduction are top notch. How does this help you as a photographer? Load up your best images on the iPad and use it as the most versatile and beautiful portable portfolio presenter ever made. When showing your images to prospective clients they'll be amazed!

Think Tank Photo Airport TakeOff Review

Rob Knight — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:37:39 +0000

I have an old Samsonite roll-aboard suitcase that I put a padded divider set in to hold camera gear. The wheels are terrible, the handle is rickety and it tips over when it’s loaded. I was preparing to lead a workshop in Costa Rica recently and I figured it was time for a new rolling camera bag.

Photo courtesy of Think Tank Photo

My experience with Think Tank Photo products made their rolling bags my first choice. Think Tank has a few bags to choose from that are US and international carry-on size. I decided on the Airport TakeOff because it has backpack straps that you can pull out if you need to carry the bag instead of rolling it. It is usually not a problem to roll a bag like this around town, but outside of the city limits it’s nice to have the option to throw it on your back.

When I got the Airport TakeOff from Outdoor Photo Gear, I found the usual Think Tank Photo quality and attention to detail. This bag just feels sturdy. The handles on the side and top of the bag are big and easy to hang on to. The pull-out handle is thinner than the handle on most roll-aboard cases. I’m sure this is so the handle doesn’t take up valuable space inside the bag. It feels a bit flimsy at first, but it has given me no trouble in real-world use. The instructions tell you not to lift the loaded bag by the pull-out handle, and I would definitely second that. The bag comes with a rain cover and straps to carry a tripod on the side of the bag.

Aquatech Soft Hood Mini Review

Charles Glatzer — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:54:02 +0000

Air travel is more difficult than ever before; it seems carry-on policy, size and weight restrictions, and additional fees imposed change daily. We need to save every ounce of weight and space possible while trying to safely transport our gear to and from location. To this end I had been placing my long lens hoods within my checked luggage, and although I stood them on end, all the hoods exhibit stress fractures from baggage handling.

Jobu Design BWG-Pro Gimbal Head Review

Joe McCabe — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:41:54 +0000

Introduction

I was recently given the opportunity test and review the Jobu BWG-Pro gimbal head. Outdoor Photo Gear arranged to have Jobu Design send a BWG-Pro my way so that I could test it out, write a review for OPG and provide feedback to Jobu Design. All-in-all, I was very impressed with the BWG-Pro’s design, construction and operation.

Background

I am a Juneau, Alaska based photographer who shoots everything from still life to landscapes to wildlife. I use Canon DSLRs and own a host of lenses, including a Canon 500mm f/4 IS. To date, when using my 500mm, I’ve been using a Wimberley Sidekick mounted on a ballhead (currently the RRS BH-55) all atop an old but sturdy Gitzo 1345. I should note that until spending time with the BWG-Pro, I hadn’t really tested any other full gimbal head to any great degree. I had always felt the ballhead/Sidekick combination was adequate for my needs and hadn’t been convinced otherwise when given the occasional opportunity to briefly borrow or try full gimbal heads. My tests of the BWG-Pro were my first chance to really put a full gimbal head through its paces and get comfortable with the "full gimbal way of life".

Basalt, an affordable alternative to Carbon Fiber for tripods

Juan A. Pons — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:00:31 +0000

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 [...]

Tips for Using a Monopod

Juan A. Pons — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:00:33 +0000

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 [...]

Gitzo Ocean Traveler Video Review

Juan A. Pons — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:00:12 +0000

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 [...]

Quick Video Review of the Aquatech Sensory Gloves

Juan A. Pons — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:00:26 +0000

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 [...]