Wednesday, July 20, 2011

New Nikkor Micro Lens


Nikon is just about set to launch its newest closeup macro lens - the AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G! This impressive lens is versatile enough to be used for closeup work such as macro shots of plants or food, portraits or even landscape work.


Specifications
Mount Type - Nikon F-Bayonet
Focal Length - 40mm
Maximum Aperture - f/2.8
Minimum Aperture - f/22
Format - DX
Maximum Angle of View (DX-format) - 38°50'
Maximum Reproduction Ratio - 1.0x
Lens Elements - 9
Lens Groups - 7
Compatible Format(s) - DX
Diaphragm Blades - 7
Distance Information - Yes
Super Integrated Coating - Yes
Autofocus - Yes
AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) - Yes
Minimum Focus Distance - .53ft.(0.163m)
Focus Mode - Auto, Manual, Manual/Auto
G-type - Yes
Filter Size - 52mm
Accepts Filter Type - Screw-on
Dimensions - (Approx.)2.7x2.5 in. (Diameter x Length); 68.5x64.5mm (Diameter x Length)Weight - (Approx.)9.9 oz. (280g)
Supplied Accessories - LC-52 52mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap, LF-4 Rear Lens Cap, HB-61 Bayonet Hood, CL-0915 Flexible Lens Pouch

Keep watch for more announcements about this great new Nikkor lens!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Think Tank Sale

Hurry in to your local Lighthaus Camera location to check out some awesome Think Tank camera bags and take advantage of this limited time special!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Light Writing

Having gotten through the 4th of July, we always have sparklers left over.  Use those left over sparkers to do some light writing.

Source
Here's how to set up you camera. 

Always use a tripod!  This is a must...
Set your camera mode to M (Manual) this is the best way to set your camera up perfectly.
Set f/5.6 to f/11 this will let less light hit the sensor and make you have a longer shutter speed.
Set shutter speed to 4 seconds to 8 seconds (just about 1 second for every letter in your word)
Try the Tungsten  white balance, remeber your camera has a monochrome that will shoot it in black & white too!
Here is the key.... Make sure everyone writes their letters backwards!
Review & enjoy!

Source

Friday, July 8, 2011

Used Nikon Clearance


All the USED Nikon Equipment in our Honolulu Location is 10% off for 3 days only.  Check out the selection on our website http://www.lighthauscamera.com/ or call our Honolulu location at 808-955-5155.  Order now and pick up at any of our locations.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Fireworks

10 Tips to Better Fireworks Photos
 
#1 Use a tripod, its a must! We as photographers forget how much a tripod can change our images. Forget steady hands and concentration let the tripod do all the work. And for a dramatic feel sit on the ground and bring you tripod lower and point your lens up at the night sky. This can change your perspective dramatically! And don’t forget, turn off your flash.

#2 Use a remote release. This may seem obvious but you would not believe how many shooters forget this small and simple gadget. There are many different types of releases, wireless, corded ones (these allow you to do exposures of 30 seconds or longer) and even digital corded releases. Also don’t forget that even the mirror swinging up and down in your camera can cause the tiniest blur. Try using the mirror lock up option!

#3 ISO. What ISO should you use? Well when doing these types of shots digital noise can be very distracting. The lower ISOs will make your blacks inky black and your colors truly vivid. So start at 100 and try to keep your shutter speeds at a reasonable length( 3-30 seconds). If you find that your shutter is open far too long try a higher ISO till you get the desired effect.

#4 Shutter Speeds. This is where intuition and knowledge come together. Every 4th of July display is different. This is where the bulb option comes in. You can listen for the explosion then hold down the shutter button on your corded remote the release 3-8 seconds later. If this is too loose experiment with different shutter speeds till you get your desired effect. Be care full as shutter speeds too long will quickly get overexposed.

#5 Aperture. All photographers will intuitively reach for their fast lenses so they can fire of shots at f/2.8. Let’s not forget that we have a tripod and some of these explosions are GIANT and have serious depth of field. So a smaller aperture is more rewarding, try a f/8 to f/16. Get ALL of the display in focus at the same time.

#6 Manual Mode. Don’t be scared! Full manual will give you all the tools to change the outcome of your photos! Don’t hesitate to try different shutter speeds and apertures to make a truly dynamic photo.

#7 Lens Selection. I would always suggest you use your favorite lens. That way you are familiar (it will be dark while you are taking your photos). Remember longer focal lengths are going to make it harder to focus and frame. Wider angles may give the image context as to the surroundings of the area.

#8 Framing and Composition. Scope out your location early. You don’t want to be setting up your tripod in the dark! Look at how you may want to frame your images. Do you prefer verticals? Do you love wider angles? Do you have folks sitting in front of you creating a nice silhouette? Don’t forget that the reactions around you may be a portion of why the 4th is so fun!

#9 Experiment! Try new things, like zooming your lens while the shutter is up. Play with blur. If you are shooting digital you will get to see right away if you got something you like. Remember what you did to get certain effects. (I have a small pencil, notepad, and flashlight combo in my camera bag to write down interesting discoveries. )

#10 Grand Finale. All displays have a grand finale. If you are not getting what you want stop, slow down, regroup, and prep for the grand finale.

Lighthaus Camera has all the tools you need to get the best photos this Independence Day Celebration. We have a great selection of tripods, remotes, and lenses. As always we are passionate about photography and want to help you get the best shot!