Outdoor Photo Gear » gear

Bosque del Apache Gear Guide

Chris Klapheke — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:26:51 +0000

It’s fall here in the US, and photographers are out and about, capturing lots of color in mountains and forests. But the early morning chill in the air and the honk of migrating geese remind me of my favorite fall place: Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. Bosque del Apache was the site of [...]

These Aren’t Your Mother’s Galoshes!

Chris Klapheke — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:00:39 +0000

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. [...]

Photo Tips – Shooting from a Kayak

Jerry Monkman — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:52:54 +0000

Sometime you want to take pictures without your feet on the ground. Here are some tips for keeping your gear safe while shooting from a kayak. In this video, New Hampshire based conservation photographer Jerry Monkman explains how to keep your camera gear safe while shooting from a kayak.

Check out Jerry's fall Cape Cod workshop here: Eco Photography

Cotton Carrier Camera Vest System Review

Jerry Monkman — Fri, 27 May 2011 14:09:31 +0000

Skiing with the Cotton Carrier Camera Vest.

A couple of months ago I was asked by OPG to try out a new camera carrying system by Cotton Carrier.

Their Camera Vest system works much like a Baby Bjorn for cameras, holding a camera snug to your chest and distributing the weight comfortably on your shoulders and torso. When I am on my shooting adventures, I usually carry my camera and a spare lens or two in a waist pouch, which I position so that the gear compartment is in front of me. This has always seemed to be the best way to have my camera easily accessible for action shots, but either I'm getting older (o.k., I know I am) or my gear is getting heavier because I'm finding the waist pouch option is increasingly putting pressure on my lower back. I was eager to try out the Cotton Carrier vest to see if it fit my shooting style. After a few outings over the winter and this spring, I've decided it will be my "go to" system for adventure shooting.

Martin Bailey's Canon 1D Mark IV Custom Function Settings

Martin Bailey — Fri, 14 May 2010 12:54:56 +0000

I’m sometimes asked what custom function settings I select on my Canon EOS 1D Mark IV camera, so I figured I’d share this information so that you can compare my settings with your own. I have also made my custom settings file available below for you to apply to your own camera if you want to try this. First, here are my settings.

Martin's Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Custom Settings

This equates to the following custom settings:

C.Fn I: Exposure

1 – Exposure Level increments = 0 : 1/3-stop set 1/3-stop compensation
2 – ISO speed setting increments = 0 : 1/3 stop
3 – Set ISO speed range = * : Highest ISO set to H2 (51200). Lowest set to L (50) – I don’t use H3 (102,400)
4 – Bracketing auto cancel = 1 : off
5 – Bracketing sequence = 1 : -, 0, +
6 – Number of bracketed shots = 2 : 5 shots
7 – Spot metering link to AF point = 1 : Enable (use active AF point)
8 – Safety shift = 0 : Disable
9 – Select usable shooting modes = * : M, Av, Tv, BULB (I turn P off, because I will never use it)
10 – Select usable metering modes = – : Disabled; all metering modes available
11 – Exposure mode in manual exposure = 0 : Specified metering mode
12 – Set shutter speed range = – : Disabled; settable shutter speed range is 1/8000 sec. to 30 sec.
13 – Set aperture value range = – : Disabled; maximum aperture to minimum aperture of lens attached
14 – Apply shooting/metering mode = – : Disabled; Pressing the <*> button will lock the exposure (AE lock).
15 – Flash sync. speed in Av mode = 0 : Auto
16 – AE Microadjustment = none set
17 – FE Microadjustment = none set

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 [...]

These Aren't Your Mother's Galoshes!

Chris Klapheke — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:46:10 +0000

Video Review of the Mongoose M3.5b Gimbal Tripod Head

Juan A. Pons — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:00:58 +0000

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 [...]

Black Rapid Camera Straps

Chris Klapheke — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:00:15 +0000

I feel like a gunslinger. Draw, pardner! Only instead of a six-hooter, 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.

Video Review of the Think Tank Photo Streetwalker Backpack

Juan A. Pons — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:49:42 +0000

juan Pons is a big fan of the Think Tank Photo brand of camera bags. Take a look at his video review of Think Tank's StreetWalker line of photo backpacks. You'll find it informative. You can check out the entire Think Tank Photo line of bags in our store.

Holiday Gift Ideas: Our Gear Board Favorites

Chris Klapheke — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:48:12 +0000

Yes, it's that time of year again, where gift idea lists multiply like holiday bunnies. We're no exception. We've tried to make this gift idea list simple--nothing requiring sizing or items for specific equipment. That way, you can print this article out and give it to your favorite gift giver (a yellow highlighter would help) or heck, just buy the stuff for yourself.

Here goes:

Gifts Under $25

Pelican Memory Card Case

Models for CF cards or SD cards with the same fancy features as the high end Pelican equipment cases. $19.95

Ansmann Power Charger

At only $9.95, it comes with 4 2700mAh batteries. You'd pay more than $10 just for the batteries themselves!

OPG LED Lighted Cap

OK, it's kind of geeky (well, WAY geeky) but invaluable for dark morning setups or for showing your family just how strange you have become. $14.95

LensCoat FlashKeeper

A great neoprene case to hold your flash and extra batteries. $24.95

Gifts Under $50

AquaTech Sensory Gloves

One of our best sellers this cold season. Holes in the neoprene tips of your thumb and forefinger let you operate your camera (and iPhone!) in cold weather while keeping your gloves on. $49.95

Jobu Design Triple Axis Bubble Level

A new product that lets you keep your bubble level working for both portrait or landscape mode. $24.95

Review: Delkin Express Card 34 Compact Flash Adapter

Martin Bailey — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:16:40 +0000

I recently gave the Delkin Express Card 34 Compact Flash Adapter a try for Outdoor Photo Gear. Here are my findings. I chose to try this Compact Flash Adapter from Delkin because I like the idea of having a slimline adapter that I can throw into my laptop PC bag and forget about, rather than the slightly larger multi-card adapter that I have now. The versatility of the multi-card adapter is nice, but the only memory cards I use other than Compact Flash are SDHC cards, and I already have a slot for SDHC cards built into my laptop. I also having an adapter for Compact Flash with no cables helps me to reduce the number of cables I carry, as my multi-card adapter requires a separate cable.