Sticky Note: Photo Gear Envy

[ "Sticky Notes" are my way of pointing to posts on the same subject. I will continually update every Sticky Note with whatever I post that has any relation. Why? I am just that obsessed. ]

People sometimes make the mistake of thinking that I review gear for a living and am qualified to tell them how to burn their cash. Now that I've gotten into photography, I get asked about my opinion on camera gear.

Now the next time I'm asked to give a rundown on the latest greatest photo gear, I can say, with an air of authority, "Check out my user reports at Gear Envy: Hack Your Toys."

• Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro AF Lens User Report - Added June 28, 2006
• Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR AF-S ED-IF AF Lens User Report - Added May 31, 2006
• CompactDrive PD70X User Report - Added May 21, 2006
  
• Nikon D50 DSLR - Added April 18, 2006
  
• Nikon 50mm f/1.4 D AF Lens - Added April 13, 2006
  
• Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC AF Zoom Lens - Added April 12, 2006
  

I can only review what I have, so if you have anything you would like reviewed, contributions in cash or kind are welcome.

Oh, and yes, that's a photo of me demonstrating how NOT to sight properly on a DSLR, with one eye closed. While we're on the topic, this photo of my transgression against good photography was taken by my brother with his Canon Powershot S410. Ironic is not the word for it ....

Cinderella Behind The Scenes

Cinderella Backstage

[ Nikon D50 and Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 ]
[ 1/13s f/3.5 ISO1600 35mm ]

I had the chance to assist on Erik Roque's shoot for the souvenir program of the Philippine Ballet Theater's production of Cinderella. There was not much chance to grab any photos wired to the entire setup since there was so much setup to do and not a lot of time to do it, but Ryan and I grabbed a few shots from the the sidelines.

What I learned:

• I have much to learn about the art and science of studio lighting. And if there was any doubt, those studio lights are fragile and expensive. I think I'll stick to flash guns for now and let the pros handle the studio lights.
• Photographers really need assistants, or the strength of ten men, to carry the hundreds of pounds of gear deemed essential for these shoots. We got by with a little less gear, enough for three out of shape individuals to handle.
• The AF Nikkor 80-200mm may be considered dated or obsolete, but the sharpness will still blow you away. Never, ever, attach it to your camera unless you are prepared to want it.

The director asked for some group action shots and some adjustments had to be made. Besides the redo of the lighting setup, we pressed into service a Speedlight and my own Siggy. Since we didn't have any other wide angle lenses on the set, we ended up using the Sigma 18-50 for the full-body shots. I hope it proves sharp enough at f8.

Immense thanks to Ninong Erik for putting up with a couple of rank amateurs on his set. It was a privilege. It's not every day you get to shoot men in tights. Err ....

More behind-the-scenes photos here.