Reviews

On the 21st September 2011, Nikon launched their first range of mirror-less Interchangeable Lens Cameras (ILC), the Nikon 1 series, which include the Nikon J1 and the Nikon V1.

I had always thought of the Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 L IS USM as a bit of a unicorn – you hear tales about it and it’s magical qualities, but I very much doubted I would ever have the privilege of shooting with one myself. That all changed the moment the doorbell rang.

For me, it’s all about size and convenience, which is where the Lowepro Pro Runner 200 AW fits in perfectly. Whilst appearing small from the outside, unzip the Pro Runner 200AW and you have your very own personalised Tardis.

The first thing I noticed was how light the Kata Bumblebee DL-210 is – just over 1kg (2lbs for those who still measure everything in bags of sugar).That does leave it feeling a little less robust, but Kata are a company founded by two ex-members of Israel’s elite special forces so the emphasis is on hi-tech materials.

After spending forever carting lenses that weigh 4kg and upwards around, what an absolute breath of fresh air it was to just go out shooting with the Sigma! It’s so much lighter, making it far more portable, and when paired up to a crop sensor camera it offers an incredible amount of reach.

Could Black be the new White? Photographers have been shooting Hi Key portraits against white backgrounds for a long time now, perhaps too long, and I just wonder if Hi Key has had its day? I have this thought because more and more photographers are asking me how to shoot against a black background.

The Strobelite looks good with its smooth finish and one piece moulded design that incorporates a large grip handle and moulded air vents behind the tube. I think the heads look very smart in that matt black finish and I also liked the way that the brolly clamp is very neatly built in to the chunky stand bracket.

The lens is extremely well built. On mounting it to my Canon 5D Mark II for the first time I noticed this straight away. The metal gives it a tank like feeling and it will easily deal with the knocks and bumps of daily life.

Photographers probably already know about Lowepro, who produce a large range of quality camera bags. Well, they have now also added an optics range of bags designed for those who mostly use binoculars or spotting scopes and I recently got the chance to test their Field Station, a belt-pack designed to give you a hands-free and comfortable way to carry your binoculars and other birding gear.

That bottom line for this new player is that here is a full size tripod that can cope with a pro weight camera but packs right down so you can take it out without being exhausted – of course I’m only reflecting my own modest fitness not the super human stamina of all WEX’s customers…