Product Review: Oben CTM 2500 Monopod
A $99 Monopod That Delivers in the Field I recently started using monopods again for bird and wildlife photography. Monopods provide stability in the field yet are far easier to pack and maneuver when...
View ArticleReview: Gnarbox WiFi Hard Drive
Gnarbox Product Review: A Wireless Portable Hard Drive for Mobile Workflow As I find myself exploring the world with my camera, my need to “go light” has ramped up. While I still prefer to use my...
View ArticleNikon Mirrorless System: The Image Doctors
The Image Doctors, Rick Walker and Jason Odell, sit down to discuss the new Nikon Z mirrorless system announced last week. The post Nikon Mirrorless System: The Image Doctors appeared first on Jason P....
View ArticleGear Review: Nikon DX 18-300mm lens comparisons
Nikon DX 18-300mm Lenses Compared 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR DX zoom Nikkor versus 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 VR DX zoom Nikkor Nikon has two 18-300mm DX zooms. How do they compare, and which is right for you? All...
View ArticleNikon D6 DSLR & 120-300mm lens
New Nikon Flagship DSLR Announced Nikon has announced the development of their newest flagship DSLR, the Nikon D6. Given the timing of this announcement, and that 2019 marks the 20th year of Nikon...
View ArticleGear Review: Mindshift FirstLight Photo Backpack
Photo Backpacks Designed for the Outdoors I recently received an evaluation copy of a new series of photo backpack from MindShift Gear. MindShift Gear is a sister company to ThinkTank Photo, whose bags...
View ArticleNikon cuts prices on many Nikkor lenses
I received an email today from site sponsor B&H Photo indicating that Nikon has dropped prices on a large list of Nikkor lenses. It’s unclear as to whether these are temporary cuts, or are more...
View ArticleLife at 50: The Nifty 50 Millimeter Lens
The “Nifty” 50 Millimeter Lens When I got my first SLR camera, it came with a 50 millimeter lens. For many years, this was the only lens I had, and so I used it for just about everything. I...
View ArticleHands-on: Nikon 200-500mm VR
Ah, the joy of receiving a gold box from Nikon! I just received the new 200-500mm f/5.6 AFS G VR zoom Nikkor from B&H Photo. As someone who enjoys shooting wildlife, especially birds, I figured I...
View ArticleShould Photographers Consider an iMac?
I’ve used Mac workstations since the early 1990s. As a professional photographer, it’s important to have a computer that is not only fast, but also scalable. For me, that meant being able to add...
View ArticleField Test: Nikon 200-500 f/5.6 AFS G VR
A few weeks ago, I received the new Nikon 200-500 f/5.6 AFS G VR zoom Nikkor lens. My initial impressions were quite good for a lens of this design and price point. I had a chance today to take it to...
View ArticleNikon D5 and D500 DSLRs Announced
Nikon just announced their newest flagship FX and DX bodies, the D5 and D500, respectively. I’m just looking over the specs now, but here are the highlights. These are fast cameras with just under 21...
View ArticleDenver Zoo walk around with Nikon 200-500mm VR
Yesterday was a beautiful spring-like (unseasonably warm) day in Colorado, so I headed up to the Denver Zoo to visit the animals. I brought the Nikon D810 and Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 AFS G VR zoom Nikkor...
View ArticleNikon D500: Hands-on first impressions
My Nikon D500 arrived today! Finally, I get my hands on a true flagship DX body from Nikon. I’ve always had a place in my kit for a DX body, because I appreciate the extra reach when shooting wildlife;...
View ArticleTripods for under $500
A good tripod is one of the most critical photographic accessories. A solid tripod enables you to shoot long exposures, use lower ISOs, and get sharp images. However, I think the first time any of us...
View ArticleHands-on Review: Nikon 300mm f/4E PF AFS VR Nikkor
A Lightweight, Compact Telephoto Lens from Nikon Perfect for Sports and Wildlife I’ve always considered Nikon’s 300mm f/4 lenses to be underrated for sports and wildlife photography. They are sharp,...
View ArticleNikon 105mm f/1.4 Portrait Lens Announced
Today, Nikon announced a new fast prime portrait lens, the AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED Nikkor. This is a super-fast lens that should deliver amazing bokeh when used at or near its maximum f/1.4 aperture. It...
View ArticleTested: Singh-Ray I-Ray 700nm Filter
A while back, my friends at Singh-Ray filters asked me if I’d be willing to test a new infrared filter. Late last week, I got a sample copy of the new Singh-Ray I-Ray 700nm filter to test and review....
View ArticleNikon 105mm f/1.4E ED Portrait Lens
I got a box from B&H Photo today. Funny… I didn’t order anything (recently). Much to my surprise and delight, they sent me a reivew copy of the new Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED Nikkor, Nikon’s stunning...
View ArticleNew Think Tank Rollers!
I’ve just gotten word that Think Tank Photo has just announced updated versions of their camera roller bags. The Airport Security V3 and Airport International V3 are large-capacity bags designed to fit...
View ArticleNikon DSLR Secrets: My Menu
The secret to finding frequently used items in your Nikon Menus Have you ever been shooting with your Nikon DSLR and find yourself needing to change a menu setting quickly but cannot remember where...
View ArticleMore Nikon 105mm f/1.4 Sample Images
I’ve had a few more opportunities to shoot with the new Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED Nikkor, so I thought I’d post some sample images here. Most of these were shot wide-open, because that’s what this lens is...
View ArticleNikon 105mm f/1.4E vs. 105mm f/2.8 AFS G VR Macro
As you may know, I’m testing the new Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED Nikkor portrait lens. One of the main questions I’ve been asked over on my Facebook page is, “how does it compare to the 105mm micro-Nikkor?”...
View Article2016 Holiday Gift Ideas For Photography Enthusiasts
Happy Holidays! It’s shopping time, and if you are looking for gifts for the photographer you know (or for yourself), here are some nice budget-conscious items you can check out for your photographer...
View ArticleReview: SanDisk Extreme Pro Thumb Drive for Travel
Can a thumb drive replace an external hard drive for travel photography? [youtube_sc url=”https://youtu.be/NTDDr9vKIhw” title=”Tested:%20SanDisk%20Extreme%20Pro%20Thumb%20Drive” autohide=”1″ fs=”1″]...
View ArticleThe Ultimate Nikon Birding Kit
You probably know I enjoy photographing birds whenever I can get the chance. Over the years, I’ve used lots of different Nikon cameras, and I have to say that we’re living in good times if birding is...
View ArticleNikon D850 Speculation Thread
Yesterday, Nikon announced that development is underway for the long-awaited successor to the wildly popular D810 FX DSLR, the Nikon D850. Other than a beautifully produced time-lapse video and the...
View ArticleFirst Impressions of the Nikon 8-15mm Fisheye Zoom Nikkor
A fun fisheye zoom that will spark your creativity… just be careful not to photograph your feet! I received a production copy of the new Nikon 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5 E ED Fisheye Nikkor from B&H Photo to...
View ArticleNikon D850 Officially Unveiled
Nikon D850: The Do-Everything DSLR? Early this morning, Nikon formally announced the full details of their newest DSLR, the Nikon D850. Most of the specs seem to match what others predicted, and are...
View ArticleThe L-Bracket
Why Your Camera Needs an L-Bracket I always mount an L-bracket on my DSLR cameras. These Arca-Swiss compatible plates have a bottom and a side dovetail plate that attaches to a clamp on your tripod...
View ArticleNikon D850 Unboxing & Initial Setup
Setting up the Nikon D850 Woot! My UPS guy just dropped off my brand-new Nikon D850 DSLR. With 45.7 megapixels and 7fps continuous shooting (9 fps with the optional MB-D18 battery grip), this is one...
View ArticleQuick Test: D850 Dynamic Range
D850 Dynamic Range Example I grabbed a quick backyard test shot this morning to test the Nikon D850 dynamic range. This is not a scientific test; instead it is simply a photo I captured using settings...
View ArticleNikon D850: High ISO Samples
Nikon D850 High ISO Performance Tests The Nikon D850 DSLR camera not only produces 45-megapixel images perfect for landscapes and studio work, but its fast frame rate makes it potentially appealing for...
View ArticleIntroducing the (BIF) BullsEye™
Arca-Swiss Shoulder Stock for Action/Outdoor Photography I’m pleased to announce that a project I’ve been working on since last year has gone live. After attending one of my field workshops, one of my...
View ArticleNikon D850 Hands-On Review
The Amazing Nikon D850 My hands-on, non-techincal, totally subjective review I’ve had the Nikon D850 for about a month now, and I’ve been able to use it on two of my landscape photo safaris so far. I...
View ArticleHoliday Gifts for Photographers
Gift ideas for the photography enthusiast Hope you’re on the “nice” list this year! Ah, holiday shopping season is upon us again, and that means it’s time to take a look at some of my recommended gift...
View ArticleBirds In Flight!
BIFs! I’m trying out a new camera accessory designed to make capturing birds in flight easier. The (BIF) BullsEye™ Arca-Swiss camera stock is a lightweight aluminum shoulder stock that makes tracking...
View ArticleBehind the Shot: Western Gull
How my gear made a difference Here’s a pretty standard shot of a Western Gull, which I captured a few weeks ago while leading my San Diego Birding photo safari. Gulls are relatively easy targets for...
View ArticleNikon 14-24mm f/2.8S Lens Hands-on Review
The ultimate super-wide zoom lens for Nikon mirrorless cameras I recently got my hands on the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8S super-wide zoom lens for FX format Nikon Z mount mirrorless cameras, and I’ve spent...
View ArticleNikon 50mm f/1.8 Lens Tests
Comparing the 50mm f/1.8G with the 50mm f/1.8S on the Nikon Z7 Almost every photographer has at one point owned a 50mm prime lens. That’s because the “nifty fifty” lenses are inexpensive, fast, and...
View ArticleNikon 14-24 f/2.8 Shootout
Comparing the Nikon 14-24/2.8S with the legendary 14-24/2.8G When Nikon introduced the AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED zoom Nikkor in late 2007, it was quickly hailed as a “legendary” lens. In fact, some...
View ArticleFirst Impressions: Nikon Z fc
The Retro-Styled DX Mirrorless Nikon Camera I just received the new Nikon Z fc camera kit with 16-50mm DX lens. You might be asking why I would purchase this camera, seeing as how I already have a...
View ArticleReview: Small Rig Grip for Nikon Z fc
I tested the Small Rig Arca-Swiss grip for the new Nikon Z fc mirrorless camera. The post Review: Small Rig Grip for Nikon Z fc appeared first on Jason P. Odell Photography.
View ArticleNikon Z Mirrorless Infrared Lens Performance Review
I recently converted a Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera to capture infrared images. Along with my Image Doctors co-host Rick Walker, I tested most of the new Nikon Z-mount lenses to see how well they...
View ArticleNew Infrared Lens Tests for Nikon Z
Thanks to some readers, I’ve been able to update the Nikon Z Infrared Lens Performance Chart with some new glass. Nikon 40mm f/2 Z Nikkor (tested by R. Walker) Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 DX Z Nikkor...
View ArticleThe Image Doctors #125
Photographing Holiday Lights ‘T is the season for festive holiday light displays! This week, we’ll offer our tips and tricks for getting impactful shots of holiday lights, including the best times,...
View ArticleThe Image Doctors #126
Hands-on with the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S This week, we just got evaluation copies of the two newest Z-mount Nikon lenses. Since we haven’t had a lot of time to put the lenses through their paces yet,...
View ArticleThe Image Doctors #129
Nikon Z9 Hands-On Review Jason recently received a Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera, and we both had a chance to use it in the field. This week, we’ll discuss the major new features it offers Nikon users,...
View ArticleNikon Z9 Settings for Wildlife Photography
Download my Nikon Z9 Settings I’m happy to announce that I’ve made my Nikon Z9 Wildlife settings available for download. My settings will help you configure your Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera for wildlife...
View ArticleThe Image Doctors #136
Nikon Z9 firmware 2.0 announced Today, Nikon announced firmware update 2.0 for the flagship Z9 mirrorless camera. We’ll unpack what’s been announced, what we like, and what improvements we’d still like...
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