Accessories
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Filter sizes for Leica M lenses
As you might expect, Leica offers its range of UV filters, which are recommended for the protection of the front element in everyday use but also to prevent damage when cleaning. It’s much less worrying to clean a filter than a front element. However, I also recommend B+W (UV or Clear) filters, which, although made by the German brand Schneider-Kreuznach, tend to be slightly cheaper and yet are not considered inferior in any way. The XS-Pro, now replaced by the ‘Master’, features a thin brass frame and a Nano coating to facilitate easier cleaning. More competitively priced offerings include the excellent Breakthrough Photography UV X2 range and the Firecrest series…
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Recomended Filters for Lens Protection
Filters for lens protection seem to divide opinions; however, I’m strongly in favour of them. Not only do they prevent fumbling with lens caps (keep those for storage), but they’re also a lot easier to clean than the front element. I also don’t like cleaning lenses and would rather accidentally scratch a filter than my lens. And if you think it’s unlikely, consider the number of secondhand lenses for sale on eBay with scratched front elements. Those few that aren’t sell for appreciably more. My filter of choice for my Canon lenses is the Canon ‘Protect’ or Protector filter. I also use Canon Polarisers, which can also be used to…
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Filter sizes for Fujinon GF lenses
When reviewing the Fujinon lenses, Fujifilm UK always send out samples with Fujinon Protector Filters, and I’ve been impressed with the way they handle flare and ghosting. Filters for lens protection seem to divide opinions; however, I’m strongly in favour of them. Not only do they prevent fumbling with lens caps (keep those for storage), but they’re also a lot easier to clean than the front element. The following is a work in progress, so the columns will be filled out in due course. Fujifilm doesn’t specify the pouches in their lens manuals or websites. Buy Fujifilm Fujinon Protect Filters [Affiliate links]: Amazon UK Amazon US As an Amazon…
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Filter sizes for Canon EF lenses
Canon filter sizes are difficult to find, at least in a list form. At one time, all manufacturers went to the trouble to do so with printed brochures but now, with the internet, not so much. With the move to EOS R cameras and the highly capable and versatile EF-RF adaptors, the older EF lenses remain hugely popular. Indeed, with focusing accuracy as good if not better than the older DSLRs, especially when focused off-centre, EF lenses have seen a new lease of life. Filters for lens protection seem to divide opinions, however, I’m strongly in favour of them. Not only do they prevent fumbling with lens caps (keep those…
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Filter sizes for Canon RF lenses
Manufacturers have favourite filter sizes. Canon, for example, often adopted 72mm and 77mm for L-series EF mount lenses but that has changed somewhat with the RF mount to 67mm, 77mm and 82mm being common sizes. Once a popular size on the original Canon FD breach-lock mount lenses from the 70s (not FDn), the 55mm filter thread size is also making a comeback. For Canon lenses, I recommend Canon ‘Protect’ or Protector filters as they’re extremely high quality. They’re also very reasonably priced, at least for the popular sizes. Sizes above 82mm are steep, though, so you could look for more competitive offerings such as the excellent Firecrest models for that…
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LEE100 Polariser Filter review
Lee100 Filter Holder – Why do you need it? Although you can use image editing software to achieve many of the same effects using specific filters, such as a polariser to cut reflections and improve saturation remains an advantage for some types of photography, such as interiors and landscapes. As they cut down on exposure somewhat, they’re also used as an ND. They are also pretty expensive, so if you have several lenses of different thread diameters, using a holder can save a lot of money. Please note this review has been edited and updated from the Lee100 Filter Holder review, which can be read here. Lee100 circular-type polariser Lee…
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Gitzo GC5101 and GC4101 tripod bags reviewed
When a tripod is needed, a decent one is essential and most high-end models don’t come with a bag. A good tripod is a long-term investment so a decent bag is another essential, especially if you use it on location. Kevin Carter takes a closer look. I own both the Gitzo GC5101 and GC4101, which are designed for Gitzo’s Systematic range of tripods. While there’s only around 8cm or so in length between them the GC5101 is much larger in terms of internal volume and was designed presumably for the Geant (Giant) model, a 5-series Systematic that still measures some 73cm (35-in) even when collapsed. I don’t have that tripod,…
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Billingham 307 camera bag review
This was one of the most popular reviews from the old site, and so I’ve decided to re-publish it here with up-to-date links for those trying to buy – thank you for your continued support. Introduction to the Billingham 307 Billingham camera bags need little introduction, they’ve been the choice of professional photographers since the mid-’70s and the Billingham 307 typifies all that’s great about them. There have been one or two imitators, most notably the well-regarded Classic range from the sadly defunct CCS (Camera Care Systems) and the hand-made range of bags from FOGG; probably the closest in terms of quality and materials, if not in design (FOGG were…
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OWC USB-C Travel Dock review: Great addition for MacBook Pro power users
If you’re a photographer and perhaps an occasional videographer, using a modern MacBook Pro with USB-C ports, you’re likely in the market for a compatible SD card reader or a dock, such as the OWC USB-C Travel Dock. Few photographers will not have heard of OWC’s multi-port docks; they are well known, but these are desktop models, and while excellent, they’re relatively pricey. I have this model, which is outstanding, as well as the Travel Dock, and it greatly simplifies my desktop. Fortunately, as a forward-looking company, OWC introduced a small Travel Dock version, which is not only purposefully small but also relatively affordable. There are now two versions, the…
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MindShift Gear Backlight 26L review: Versatile and comfortable
The MindShift Gear Backlight 26L is a medium-sized backpack for photographers made by the same company that makes the ThinkTankPhoto range. It’s priced at $249.99 (around £200 ex VAT). For me, like a lot of photographers, I imagine, finding the right carrying solution for your gear is a tricky proposition. And of course, it’s dictated by the gear you’re carrying and the location you’re working in. Rollers are great for working from out of a car when you get to the location easily, but as soon as you have to move away from it (which is often the case), then a backpack is the most appealing solution. However, most backpacks…
