For many years, I have relied on my Canon and Yongnuo Speedlites for almost all of my flash needs. Most recently, I purchased the latest Canon Speedlite which is the 470 EX-AI Speedlite. It is an amazing flash, with great features, and the artificial intelligence ability goes a long way to achieving the perfect lighting for portrait, and in some cases even product photography. For macro photography and product photography, I sometimes use my photography Lightbox that works really well, and at other times, I use acrylic backgrounds which obviously are affected by ambient light. I have been looking at adding flexibility to my photography when using backgrounds, or when I am working with clients shooting food photography, and after much research, I have decided to try a good entry level strobe flash with a modeling light.

The Westcott Strobelite Plus Monolight seems like a great strobe to start with. It has a decent flash recycle time of 2 to 2.5 seconds, which will work fine for my in-studio work. Its flash power can be adjusted from 25% to 100%, and it has a built-in 150-watt modeling light that gives you the great ability to preview the light in your shot. It is well constructed, has a Bowens S-Type front accessory mount that supports umbrellas, light modifiers, and softboxes, and a 15-foot removable power cord.

If you would like to purchase the Westcott Strobelite Plus Monolight, you can pick one up at Amazon or B&H Photo Video for approximately $230.

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The Westcott Strobelite Plus Monolight might just be the right light to complete your kit originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 31, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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As the excitement and curiosity continue to build around Sigma’s release of its new Art series lenses, there is another lens in their lineup that catches my attention.

At first glance, the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens looks like a beast of a lens.
It is a fast f 1.4 Lens that should perform amazingly well in low light, and according to Sigma’s specifications, should allow for great control over the depth of field. Dubbed the “Bokeh Master” by Sigma, this short telephoto prime lens is designed for high-resolution rendering, and along with its Hyper Sonic Motor should produce quick, smooth, and quiet autofocus, while still allowing full-time manual focus override. According to Sigma, “the large 105mm-diameter front contributes to improved peripheral illumination, in order to reduce vignetting.” The lens comes with a removable rotating Arca-Type tripod collar and foot and it is compatible with Sigma USB dock.

If you are interested in the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens, you can head over the B&H Photo Video and sign up to be notified when it becomes available. The lens will be initially offered in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts. The price is yet to be announced.

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The Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens is the new beast in their lineup! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 30, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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I am pretty sure that by now that many of my fellow photographers, and especially macro photographers, are anxiously awaiting the release of the Sigma’s new art lenses. I am referring specifically to the new Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art Lens.

As the first true macro lens in the Sigma Art series, it is designed to prioritize optical performance above all else. This lens is a true 1:1 macro lens, and as a part of the Art series, I am expecting it to be well made, and to provide “crisp” photos with great clarity and sharpness.

The lens is designed with a “focus-by-wire” system that eliminates any direct mechanical contact between the focus ring and the focus drive. According to Sigma, “all of this adds up to a lens capable of razor-sharp, well-delineated focus with beautiful bokeh”.

A new coreless DC motor assists with the task of acquiring focus with minimal noise, while the full-time manual focus remains available during autofocus. The lens is built in a dust and splash proof body, and it is compatible with the Sigma USB Dock that can be purchased separately. The initial release will be for Canon and Sigma mounts, with others to follow.

If you interested in the new Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art Lens, you can preorder one at B&H Photo Video for $569.

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The new Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art Lens may be the best of the best! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 29, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Getting back to the subject of lighting, those of us in the photography and videography industry are forever working with lights and looking for the “right” light or lighting fixture. Different types of lights offer different positive and negative characteristics, including the ability to create moods and effects. For example, there is a difference in lighting between, halogen light, LED lights, and fluorescent lights.

The Impact 4 Socket Fluorescent Fixture supports up to 4 CFL 50 watt bulbs for a total of 200 watts of output power. The fluorescent bulbs provide stay-cool lighting in a portable and compact design. The fixture features a standard 5/8” receiver that mounts on any 5/8” stud or accessory, and the bracket tilts and locks in position. It also has a built-in receptacle so that a photo umbrella can be mounted on it. It accepts Edison Base CFLs and comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

You can purchase the Impact 4 Socket Fluorescent Fixture at B&H Photo Video for $99.95.

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The Impact 4 Socket Fluorescent Fixture gives the right light for the right mood originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 25, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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When I am working on Macro Photography, or when I need to place my camera some distance away from me and remain out of the way to get a photo, a wireless remote shutter switch is the ideal tool. It is also great to use to start and stop programmed time-lapse photos.

The Wireless ShutterBoss III Remote Switch with Digital Timer from Vello is just such a device. It works on the 2.4 GHz frequency range, and the transmitter and receiver can communicate at up to 250 feet apart. It allows you to perform the basic function of triggering your camera remotely, as well as long exposures, and “elaborate time-lapses”. It has 99 channels built in and can be programmed for an infinite number of shots. It also features a delay setting and multi-exposure mode, and long exposures up to approximately 100 hours. While its wireless capability is the main feature, it can also be used as a wired remote.

The Wireless ShutterBoss III Remote Switch with Digital Timer from Vello is compatible with several camera models from Canon, Nikon, Sony Olympus and Panasonic, and can be purchased from B&H Photo Video for $99.

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The Wireless ShutterBoss III Remote Switch with Digital Timer from Vello offers great remote control for your DSLR originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 24, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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