Equipment Archives - Page 4 of 6 - Craig Rogers Photography

500mm Repair Update!

15th September 20172nd November 2017Craig Rogers

Following on from my “500mm F/4 Lens Disaster“, I have finally sent the Lens off for evaluation.

A big thanks to Eunice Lopes who contacted me after a plea on Portuguese Nikon Club’s Facebook page. Eunice suggested that I could take my lens to El Corte Ingles (a department store) in Lisbon for them to send off on my behalf.

This got me thinking, if one major seller can do this, can other Nikon dealers do the same? I contacted FNAC (an electrical store) and asked if they offer the same service. Not only do they offer it, but I could take it to my local store in the Algarve. So, the lens is now in FNAC’s possession and I await a response.

However, about 2 hours after leaving the lens with FNAC, AtlantPhoto finally responded to my service request stating that I can actually take the lens to their offices in Lisbon where it would be shipped to their service centre in Barcelona for evaluation and, hopefully, repair.

Therefore, if I have no joy with FNAC, at least I can take it direct to AltantPhoto.

More when I know!

Sunset captured on my Samsung Galaxy S8+

14th September 20179th October 2017Craig Rogers

I’m not much of a mobile phone shooter, but tonight’s sunset was stunning due to a few clouds. Rather than run for my DSLR, I thought I’d try out a challenging photo for a mobile phone camera. This scene would be challenging to a mobile camera due to the large differences in very bright and dark areas. This dynamic range is something that a small lens and sensor in a mobile struggles with. As you can see, the result is pretty good considering.

This photo was shot on my Samsung Galaxy S8+. The camera was in “Pro” mode and saved as a RAW (DNG) file. I set the exposure on the bright sunset and also dialled in -1 compensation, I then finished up with some post work in Lightroom.

{Click image for a higher resolution, click Flickr Link in caption to view photo on Flickr}

Sunset on a Galaxy! - Samsung Galaxy S8+ @ 4.2mm, f/1.7, ISO50, 1/60sec - {Flickr Link}

500mm F/4 Lens Disaster!

28th August 20172nd November 2017Craig Rogers

It was enough to almost make me want to cry!

Sitting in the Lounge, I heard a quiet bang from the bedroom, on investigation it seems that one of our (many) Cats managed to open a door to the built-in Wardrobes.

All of my camera equipment is stored in this particular wardrobe and normally right up high on a shelf. However, as there has been some activity around the house (flyby of Short Toed Eagles for instance) I kept both my 500mm f/4 and 300mm f/2.8 standing up ready to grab.

Yes, you guessed it, one of the Cats (who still remains unidentified) knocked the 500mm f/4 over.

Happy 100th Birthday Nikon!

11th January 20179th October 2017Craig Rogers

To celebrate their 100th anniversary of pioneering the world of optics, Nikon have not only produced a special 100th Anniversary website but have also released a pretty impressive short movie. This movie shows the journey through their amazing centenary.

The website can be seen at http://www.nikon.com/100th/ which also has the short film, but I’ve added it directly below.

Testing the new Bushnell NatureView Cam HD Max Live View (Video)

30th January 201625th April 2019Craig Rogers

Back last year, I setup a Bushnell NatureView MAX HD camera to capture footage of the Foxes that visit the garden overnight. Although I got some good footage, it wasn’t without frustration. I had the camera exchanged 5 times with various issues from not triggering to crackling audio and eventually I gave up and returned it for a refund.

However, since not having a “trail cam”, I’ve felt a missing gap in my arsenal. Bushnell have recently released a new camera in the line up, the Bushnell NatureView Cam HD Max Live View which has some improvements including an upgrade to 14mp (from 8mp) and a handy external screen for better alignment (although it can’t be used when mounted in a tripod as the screen port is on the bottom).
Continue reading >>

FOR SALE: Manfrotto Carbon Fibre Tripod and Grip Ball Head (NOW SOLD)

7th October 20159th October 2017Craig Rogers

Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 (Image from the Manfrotto Website)

THIS HAS NOW SOLD

This tripod is great, it’s super light at only 1.350kg and it’s Carbon Fibre tubes and Magnesium castings make it very stable. The only reason I’m selling it is because it’s payload capacity of 5kg (which is perfectly adequate for most medium to long lenses and DSLR) is no longer high enough for my new equipment.

I’m also including a Manfrotto 342RC2 Light Duty Grip Ball Head to fit the tripod along with a quick release plate to fit.

Full specifications can be seen on the Manfrotto website for the Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 and the Manfrotto 324RC2.

As you can see on the website, the RRP when new is just shy of £450. Both are in full working condition with no damage and hardly any signs of use.

I’m only asking £150 for it. I can also ship in the UK for an extra £6 or you are able to collect from near Uttoxeter (evenings and weekend) or Burton upon Trent (during the working day).

Manfrotto 324RC2 (Image from the Manfrotto Website)

Either Paypal or Cash on Collection is fine.

I will post some actual photos later this evening.

Please get in touch either via Email or Facebook.

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below.

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