Once again, the staff members here at Photography Talk have combed the Internet and kept their ears to the ground to bring you the skinny on the newest, best and brightest gear available for photographers this month! We've done the legwork for you and I'm happy to say that this month we've got some really incredible stuff to tell you about! Without further ado, here are the top 10 for July of 2015.
1. Argraph SIRUI W-Series Waterproof Tripods
These aren't your average tripods in any other way, either. With 180 degree swiveling legs, a new locking system that's easy to use even with wet hands or gloves, and ½ twist leg adjusters, setting up and breaking down are easier than ever and you can level up almost anywhere. Each model comes with easily interchangeable, slip-resistant rubber feet and stainless steel spikes, so they're ready for any surface, too. A split center column lets you go from short to long in almost no time.
Every W-Series tripod has a detachable leg that can be used as a monopod when you're in close quarters and you can mount the center column on it too, if you need more height. How's that for versatility? The series includes models up to 70.9 inches tall and there are both economical, aluminum alloy models and 100%, 10-layer carbon fiber to choose from.
Isn't it good to know that there's finally a professional tripod available that's no more afraid of a harsh environment than you? Check out the Argraph SIRUI W-Series Professional Waterproof Tripod line HERE.
2. Rosco 3-head Litepad Vector CCT Location Kit
If you shoot people on location, you need powerful, portable lighting that sets up and breaks down quickly. Here's a kit that fits that bill in a way that every pro will appreciate.
LitePad's soft, even LED illumination is renowned with professionals worldwide for portraits, corporate head shots, stage photos, cinematography, and other applications that call for smooth, lightweight lighting. This kit gives you the same lighting in a lightweight, 3-light setup including 8" x 8" units that produce 4 times the light of the 12" x 12" standard LitePad and rolls on to your location, ready to go to work in just minutes.
Don't be fooled by the portability; this is a professional LED lighting setup. Take a look at this short list of features of each of the 3 included LitePad Vector units:
- 1500 lux
- 8" x 8" pad (200mm x 200mm)
- Less than 4.5 lbs (2kg)
- White color temps tuneable from 3000K to 6000K
- Up to 93 CRI color rendering
- On-board controls for color temp and dimming
- RJ45 DMX control capable
- 100/240VAC power supply
- Anton/Bauer and V-Mount battery pack compatible
- Built-in accessory slot
Add the 3 fully adjustable light stands with receivers and yokes, 3 honeycomb egg crates, 3 OPTI-FLECS filter kits and a hard case with rollers, and you've got a complete lighting kit that's ready to go anywhere you go. It's also covered by a 1-year limited warranty. Get the all the details of this awesome package here.
3. Datacolor Spyder 5
No matter what your level of involvement in photography, viewing your images correctly is important to knowing how they're going to look to others. If you're selling those images, it isn't just important; it's critical. Judging color and tone on an uncalibrated monitor is, frankly, a bad idea.
If you're not sure why monitor calibration is important, here are just a few of the reasons:
- Prints won't match the colors you see on an uncalibrated monitor.
- Adjusting colors for printing requires extra editing.
- Different monitors show colors differently.
- Monitor color can shift as your monitor ages.
- Without calibration, you may not be seeing the true colors of your image.
Fortunately, the folks at Datacolor have a solution to the color matching problem that's quick, easy, accurate and affordable. The Spyder5 calibration system gives you true-to-life, accurate color from all your monitors in no time, with its powerful software and colorimeter with a patented, 7-detector engine. The entire process is simplified with a wizard that walks you through it step by step. Periodic checkups are a snap, too.
Three bundles are available to let you choose the features and price range that match your needs and budget. Whether you're a hobbyist or full-time professional, there's a Spyder5 package that's designed for you. Don't waste any more printer ink and paper or your valuable time on a monitor that needs calibrated. The Datacolor Spyder5 is one of the best investments you'll ever make for your photography. Check it out here.
4. Photomatix Essentials + Plugin Edition
If you've had any interest in HDR photography, you'll no doubt recognize the Photomatix name. As one of the premier applications in the field, Photomatix Pro has set standards for ease of use and outstanding results and it's the choice of many professionals for creating HDR images. In short, it allows photographers to create high dynamic range images from their photos, quickly and easily, with full control over the effects, from realistic to artistic.
Photomatix Essentials is Photomatix Pro's “little brother”, offering a simple, automated approach to HDR processing with a much lower license fee. Photomatix Essentials is now available as a plugin for Adobe Photoshop Elements in addition to the standalone application.
Don't be misled by the lower fee; this is a very powerful, versatile application that delivers amazing results and lets you customize them to suit your needs. It also integrates features like alignment technology that adjusts your bracketed images for camera movement and automatic removal of “ghosts” caused by moving objects. You can select from a great range of styles for the final image and “tweak” the results with presets or manual adjustments.
Photomatix Essentials is useful for more than working with bracketed images. You can use it to enhance the tonal range of single shots, too, so there's extra hope for those grab shots when you don't have time for bracketing or conditions don't allow it.
The software is available for Windows and Mac and the plugin included in the license is compatible with Photoshop Elements version 10 and higher. If that's not enough, there's a trial version that never
expires but adds a watermark to the final image, so you can take as long as you like to make up your mind about licensing.
Whether you're interested in diving into HDR imagery or just want to see what it's all about without the need to spend a fortune, you're going to want to give this application a try. If you've never thought about creating HDR photos, now would be a good time to consider it! Download Photomatix Essentials and the new Photoshop Elements plugin here:
5. Lightning Bug
Lightning photography is fun and rewarding. For decades, the procedure was simple: Lock the shutter open and wait for the strikes. It's a challenging way to get the shots. It's often disappointing, and you may end up spending a lot of time standing in the rain.
There's been an easier and more efficient way to capture lighting for some time. Every lightning strike begins with a burst of infrared light, an instant before the bright flash. This invisible light can be detected and used to trigger the camera shutter. There are quite a few triggers on the market now, with some very sophisticated circuitry. In fact, many of them pretty much do all the work for you, automatically adjusting their sensitivity according to the conditions and intensity of the storm, etc.
The folks at MK Controls took a different approach in developing the Lightning Bug. Their priority was to give you, the photographer, more creative control. The sensitivity on this lightning trigger is adjusted manually, letting you set it to wait for a really bright strike, or make it sensitive enough to capture even the most subtle flashes.
You can also set a maximum number of strikes to detect per second, to allow you to capture repeat strikes more easily. A PC port lets you optionally trigger an external flash as well as the shutter, giving you the ability to add fill flash for interesting effects. Oh, and don't worry about standing in the rain. The Lightning Bug will handle that, too, since it's weather sealed, right down to the soft-touch buttons.
If you're the type of photographer that appreciates the advantages that technology can offer, but still wants to be in control of your images, MK Controls built the Lightning Bug with you in mind. Check it out here.
6. Lightbox Photography Cards
This clever deck of cards is one of our favorite items of the year for photographers. It's an incredibly useful tool based on a deceptively simple process. Whether you're novice or a seasoned pro, you'll not only enjoy them, you'll use them over and over for inspiration.
Each of the 52 cards describes a different photo challenge created by award-winning photographer Paul Michael Kane. Think about it; that's a new project to sharpen your skills and spark your creativity for each week of the year. Of course, there's no rule that says you can't use them more often.
The idea is simple; when you need a little creative inspiration, want a little practice or just need to give your camera a little exercise, you pick a card and complete the challenge on it. With inspiration literally at your fingertips, there's no need to ever endure another creative block. What's more, Lightbox Photography Cards won't set you back - you can pretty much buy them with your spare change. Get your deck today and start letting those creative juices flow.
7. Vanguard VEO 42 Backpack
This lightweight, discreet pack is perfect for the photographer on the move, especially when you'd rather keep a low profile. It's lightweight, rugged and designed to keep your photo gear secure while allowing you to be as nimble as possible, yet look more like a simple day pack.
The VEO 42 is meant for those trips where you just want your camera body, a couple of lenses and of course, a tripod. The clever, seamless side compartment can be used for your tripod or to safely hold a longer lens while you use the detachable belt to secure the tripod to the bottom of the pack. Roomy compartments with adjustable, padded dividers provide plenty of space for accessories. There's a rain cover, too, so you'll be ready for those little surprises from Mother Nature.
This simple, versatile pack is just right when you want to pack light, move fast and be ready for the shot when it comes. Find out more here.
8. Iceland – Imaging the Land of Ice and Fire
How would you like to spend 6 days photographing one of the most unique and scenic locations in the world? Better yet, how would you like to do so with the guidance and instruction of not one, but two seasoned professionals? Here's the opportunity to make it happen.
The location? It's one of the world's most unique landscape, with lava fields, glaciers, geysers, black beaches, mountains, streams and much more, all on one island. Iceland is a paradise for photographers, with natural wonders to explore, extraordinary wildlife, quaint towns and interesting people.This workshop will give you the full experience and you'll create amazing memories with your photos.
Your hosts for this tour will be National Geographic and fine art photographer Raymond Gehman and Tim Vollmer, an Internationally-renowned photographer whose Iceland workshops and photo tours are well known and booked well in advance. This team is sure to give you a one-of-a-kind experience in photography that will both educate and entertain you.
With breathtaking scenery, expert instruction and your creativity, this Iceland workshop promises to be the experience of a lifetime. If you've been waiting for the "right" workshop or tour, wait no longer. Find out more about this opportunity today, while your place is still available.
9. Platypod Pro™ Deluxe Kit
If you've ever tried to stabilize your camera at ground level for that awesome low-PoV shot, you know it can be a headache. How about that grab shot at night, when you need to stabilize your camera for a long exposure, but you left the tripod at home or don't have room to set it up? What about that on-location, professional self-portrait using your camera timer or remote? Remember that time you wanted to set up an external flash to supplement the lighting for a shot, but didn't have anything to hold it steady?
Here's the solution for those situations and more. The Platypod Pro is designed to replace those bean bags and other various props you've used to try to level up and brace your camera when the tripod just isn't going to get the job done. It's a flat, portable, sturdy mount that accepts your favorite tripod head and can be placed anywhere, from the ground to the top of a wall or even on a convenient large rock.
This Deluxe Kit includes everything you need to set up a camera or flash bracket just about anywhere, quickly, easily and securely. There's the base plate, of course, with its mounting stud. Three adjustable spikes are included for leveling and a sure grip. There's even a 1/4" x 3/4" spigot adapter to let you attach an umbrella or flash bracket. It all carries easily in a ballistic nylon pouch that expands enough to accommodate a mini ball head, too.
You can even create your own legs, brackets, etc. with standard hardware, so the versatility of this mount is limited only by your own imagination. Best of all, the Playpod Pro Deluxe Kit is inexpensive enough that you can afford to carry several, so you can be ready to set up cameras, lights, umbrellas and more in just about any location. Find out more about it here.
10. Leica M Monochom (Typ 246) Digital Rangefinder Camera
The last item on our list this month isn't going to suit every photographer's taste or budget. Nevertheless, it's an incredible new product from a brand name that's inspired photo buffs for decades. The Leica M Monochrom is the successor to the world's first digital camera dedicated to creating amazing black and white images and it's something every photographer that appreciates quality should see.
Imagine what a 24-megapixel, full-frame sensor can do without the complications of color filters and circuitry. Instead of having to modifying the light to produce an in-camera black and white image, the electronics of this camera are dedicated solely to producing the highest quality images possible, without the complications of color rendering. You'll capture images with depth and clarity you never imagined from a digital camera. With this new generation, you'll see those images three times as fast as the previous model, too.
A 3" LCD monitor gives you an amazing 921,600 pixel resolution view, allowing amazing creative control in Live View mode. What's more, there are two focusing methods available in Live View: the familiar zoom method and Focus Peaking, which indicates when objects are sharply focused. You'll see sharpness you've never achieved before.
The new Leica M Monochrom packs in all the features you'd expect from a high-end digital camera and all the quality and rugged durability associated with the Leica name. It shoots 1080p full-HD video at the touch of a button, creates toned jpegs from your images with one touch and offers a host of other creative controls.
Even if you've never considered a monochrome-dedicated camera, you really should take a look at everything this one offers. It's truly a marvel of engineering and it even has that unmistakeable Leica appearance. Here's the place to find out more.