Travel Packs

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.

The second pack I ordered is the North Face Base Camp Compressor from eBags.  Again I went through Bing Cashback to get a 20% return.  Too bad eBags charges sales tax to Texas.

Cost  $79.41 ($89.99 + $7.42 Tax -$18.00 Bing Cashback)
Size:  20" x 13.25" x 9.25"
Capacity:  2022cu in (33L)

Weight:  2 lbs, 13 oz

This bag is similar in size to my North Face Recon that I use everyday at work, and it is made of a waterproof material, so this may work out perfectly.  I will update when I receive the packs and have a review

Travel Lens Protection

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")

This Is War - 30 Seconds to Mars

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.

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

Photo Gallery

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

Photo Gallery

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.

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.

Tamrac Expedition 6x Photo Backpack

Well I ordered a Tamrac Expedition 6x from Amazon to take my gear with me to El Salvador tomorrow. I went running to Camera Co-Op and Houston Camera Exchange to see the different backpacks and this is what I decided on. Everything will be a tight fit, but considering I will be carrying the camera and main lens in my hand, it should work out fine. There was even a space for my laptop. So here is what I am bringing:
-Nikon D700
-Nikon 50mm f/1.4G
-Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G
-Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G
-Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR
-Nikon SB-400 Speedlight
-Nikon SB-900 Speedlight
-Apple MacBook Pro 13"
Everything fit in the bag I tried out just fine, a little tight. What I like about it is that it is water resistant (only Lowepro has waterproof) so I don't need the rain coat that comes with Think Tank or Lowepro AW bags. Padding on the straps seemed very comfortable and seemed lightweight when carrying some photo gear (laptop and some of the stuff will stay at the hotel). It should be delivered tomorrow, just in time for Saturday's trip!

10.09 - Well I decided to return the backpack, a little too big for my liking.  The search for the perfect photo backpack continues.

Review: Gitzo GC1201T Series 1 Travel Tripod Carry Case

Without a doubt, Gitzo makes the most lightweight tripod in the business. When I bought my Gitzo GT1541T Tripod ($575) it came with a soft slip case. That has worked perfectly for me for a while, but I find I keep my tripod in the trunk so I can always have it with me and I always worried about damaging the carbon fiber legs by some box or junk in my trunk.

I decided to get a protective case for the tripod and I turned to the Gitzo GC1201T ($69) Series 1 Travel Tripod Carry Case. I ordered mine from Amazon when they had 1 left in stock (now a 1 - 2 month wait). Since I was unable to find any pictures of how this fit with my tripod, I ordered it blind. I hope my inclusion of the pictures will help others decide if this is right for them.

The case is as small as it can be to fit the tripod and a head. I use a Markins Q3 T ball head, so I can confirm that it fits perfect, but it is a snug fit.

Take a look at the slideshow below to see all the pictures.