Travel Lens Protection

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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")

All My Glass

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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

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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).

The Verdict - I decided that I would keep the B+W filter and order more filters for the rest of my lenses.  I have been happy with the Nikon NC Filters, and no complaints, but the B+W filters were clearly better.

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

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II

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Today I got my new 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II that I ordered back in August. It should have been in last week, but apparently some mix ups at J&R led to a day. A phone call Tuesday corrected the glitch, and they overnighted my lens. I haven't really gotten to try it out yet. Emil Slacker Salameh invited me to shoot some pictures of the boys at their Soccer game on Saturday, but if the weather is cold (it should be snowing), I may have to make up an excuse to not go. Its a good thing he doesn't read this blog.

Discovery Green

Today Dustin and I took a short drive down to Discovery Green in downtown to try out his new Nikon D5000 and 18-105mm VR lens.  The weather was gloomy, but we did meet some fellow photogs while out on our shoot.  Lunch was at Bigs on Montrose, and the sliders left little reason to come back for more.

Nikon 24-70mm With Lens Hoodie and Sleeve

And finally my Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G with the Op/Tech Lens Sleeve (6") and the LensCoat Hoodie (Small). I keep this lens on my camera mostly, so I have did not order the pouch for it. More pictures are in the gallery when you click on the picture.
The combo can be ordered from Adorama at the links below:
$9.95 OpTech Lens Sleeve (6")
$12.99 LensCoat Hoodie (Small)

Update 02.09 - I added a LensCoat LensPouch Large Wide pouch to complete the combo!

Nikon 14-24mm With Lens Hoodie, Sleeve, and Pouch

Here is what my Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G lens looks like with the Op/Tech Lens Sleeve (4") and the LensCoat Hoodie (Medium). Excellent protection for this. I also ordered a LensCoat LensPouch (Medium Wide) for storage. More pictures are in the gallery when you click on the picture.
The whole combo can be ordered from Adorama at the links below:
$8.95 OpTech Lens Sleeve (4")
$13.75 LensCoat Hoodie (Medium)
$17.99 LensCoat LensPouch (Medium Wide)

Nikon 50mm With Lens Hoodie, Sleeve, and Pouch

I am very anal about lens protection for my Nikon and I think I have finally found what I feel is the best combination of protection for my lenses that get put in my camera bag.
I have been using the LensCoat Hoodie Lens Caps on my lenses, and I just got some Op/Tech USA Lens Sleeves to match.

For the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G I purchased a LensCoat Hoodie (Small) and a Op/Tech Lens Sleeve (3").

Op/Tech makes a "Hood Hat" but I prefer the LensCoat variety since they include a hard plastic/foam insert to protect the front element. The same insert is found in the bottom of their pouches as well.  The "leather" tab also appears to be thicker and stronger than the ones on the Op/Tech variety.

When the pair is used in combination, it provides excellent protection for the lens. I typically use keep this lens with the hood on at all times, and I believe that if your are a "hoodless" shooter, it will work as well, but the LensCoat Hoodie XS may be required for the perfect fit.
The padding seems more than adequate and the neoprene will provide excellent moisture restistance due to the rubber inside.  I have no problems putting this lens now in a non-photo backpack if I need to take it on the go.

I also purchased a LensCoat LensPouch (Small Wide) to keep this lens in for storage, although when I shoot, I can leave this at home.  This is ideal since the hard foam/plastic inserts makes the lens "float" in the middle of the pouch with protection on the top and bottom.

The whole combo can be ordered from Adorama at the links below:
$7.95 OpTech Lens Sleeve (3")
$12.99 LensCoat Hoodie (Small)
$16.99 LensCoat LensPouch (Small Wide)

Full pictures are in the slideshow which are linked by clicking on either picture.  I will post pictures for the Nikon 14-24mm and the 24-70mm later today.

Nikon Lens Thursday . . . f/2.8 Zoom Trifecta

This morning I decided it was time to do some lens upgrades. I had been pondering doing this for a little while, and decided to take the plunge. So let's see what I picked up today.

The first lens I bought was a Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 ($1799.88) from J&R. This is a super wide angle that should pair very well with my Nikon D700. I wish I would have had this on my vacation at Pensacola Beach 2 weeks ago . . . but oh well.

This lens is geared for landscapes or indoors where you need the wide perspective. I must say I am rather excited to get this lens (probably next week sometime) and see what it can do. The front element is curved, so no filters can go on this baby, but it is supposed to be as sharp as some of Nikon's prime lenses in this range (and cheaper than buying a 14mm, 20mm, and 24mm) separate.

The second lens I purchased is a Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 ($1849.88). Now I already own this lens, I picked it up from Zane Reed . . . fellow photographer from Nikonians (brand new), but I decided if I was going to pay this much for a lens that I was going to use as my "everyday" lens, I was going to get one with a receipt in my name to take advantage of the 5 year warranty.
This lens was out of stock when I ordered it, but it will show up within a month or so. Not a big deal as I still have my 24-70mm which I will sell when the new one arrives. I called Oscar (ext 1016) after making my order and he was cool enough to drop the price to $1799 for me.

The last lens I ordered is the newly announced (but not released) Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II (2,399.95). Now this lens won't ship until November, but this will be a hard to find lens when it is released. I already have a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR that I bought from Tom Stovall (another Nikonian), but this new lens is supposed to be more optimized for Full Frame (FX) over the old one. Hopefully this will arrive before the holidays . . . and yes Oscar @ J&R took $50 off too. Thanks man!

Self Inflicted Birthday Presents

This was a birthday present to myself . . . a Nikon D700 camera. I had this shipped to the resort at Pensacola Beach and had it there when I arrived last Thursday. The lens is a Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 and this arrived to my office on Friday, so I didn't get it until I got back in town.
The MB-D10 grip on the bottom was bought with the lens.

I must say this has been a great birthday weekend!

Thanks Aaron, Kim, and Zach for the Amazon goodies! Thanks for the good weekend Courtney and Chase!

Nikon D700

This is one of the first pictures taken with my new Nikon D700. It arrived at the Portofino resort yesterday before I got here, and they were kind enough to hold it for me. Now the vingnetting (dark around the corners) is pretty strong, but that is because I am shooting with a Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 DX . . . certainly not made for a full frame camera like the D700. That is Courtney and Chase on the beach way down there . . .

I did buy a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens that is full frame, it should be arriving in Houston tomorrow with the MB-D10 grip. If you are interested in a gently used Nikon D90 in box with everything ($800) or a Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 ($900), let me know . . .