Buyer's Guides

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Joe Farace  |  Jul 26, 2016  | 

We all know nature and wildlife photographers need long focal length lenses but they’re not the only ones who need a longer-than-normal lens. While the only wildlife I have photographed are the mule deer who treat my backyard like it’s their backyard, I’ve photographed a racing car from time to time and that’s when a telephoto or long zoom lens comes to the rescue.

Joe Farace  |  Jan 31, 2017  | 

This January issue’s theme was outdoor photography and other than architectural interiors and studio photography, more images are probably captured out of doors than indoors. This column’s focus is on camera bags for landscape, nature, and wildlife shooters, whose needs are different from their urban counterparts. Kelly Moore, for example, manufactures fashion bags (see the December 2016 Geared Up column) and offers the beautifully crafted Woodstock Backpack ($229) that’s probably better suited for Rodeo Drive than Jellystone Park.

Joe Farace  |  Jun 28, 2016  | 

When people asked legendary editor Herbert Keppler why he sometimes wrote about cameras costing more than the average photographer could afford, he told me it was because of the Maserati factor. “Most people,” he said, “can’t afford a Maserati but like reading about them.” And I get that. My personal dream car is a 1961 Maserati 3500 GT, which sells for north of $450,000. Fortunately, medium format cameras, while expensive, cost less than that.

Shutterbug Staff  |  May 08, 2020  | 

Mother’s Day is just hours away. If you haven’t come up with a gift idea by now, we may very well be your last hope. Here’s a potpourri of products and services that covers a wide range of mommy-types and is respectful of Social Distancing. And don’t forget that all of these suggestions apply equally to Father’s Day, Graduation celebrations, birthdays and self-indulgence.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Dec 13, 2024  | 

This isn't an ad. It's a how-to that gives you the ins and outs of using lens mount adapters to inexpensively engage some of the best glass ever made—easily and cheaply.

We're amazed that not everyone knows this. Nikon Z owners can adapt legacy Nikon F-mount optics—made by Nikon, and state-of-the-art when they were originally introduced—that work in Manual Focus Mode and Aperture Priority or Manual Exposure Mode—and they're a genuine steal compared to the price of modern optics. It's very easy and very affordable. A huge plus: while many don't realize it, the image quality is exceptional, even when compared to current lenses. Wait—there's more…

Joe Farace  |  Apr 08, 2016  | 

Many years ago, along with some fellow writers, I visited an Agfa—remember them?—facility in Brussels. During the tour one of the leaders asked, “What do you think of the idea of adding a phone to a digital camera?” We all laughed and thought it was the dumbest idea we’d ever heard. It turned out that he was asking the wrong question; it should have been, “What do you think of adding a camera to a phone?”

Joe Farace  |  Nov 08, 2016  | 

Proving you can, in fact, change your tune; Paul Simon revised the lyrics to “Kodachrome” when performing the song in Central Park in 1991 to “everything looks better in black and white.” Picky photographers insist “monochrome” is more precise because it covers images made using sepia, blue, or other tones, while images using only shades of gray are black and white.

Joe Farace  |  May 10, 2016  | 

When a photographer leaves the studio to go on location, they need to start packing. It doesn’t matter whether you’re slinging gear into a Range Rover or a baggage handler is stuffing it inside an Airbus, you need tough, dependable bags and cases that are up to the job. How do you pick the bags and cases that hold your equipment? Like green bags? Prefer anonymous bags? Want a hard case? What about wheels? The answer to these questions and more are found in this month’s installment of “One Case to Schlep.”

Sponsored  |  Jun 08, 2021  | 

Do you know a photographer who's itching to snap some brilliant shots of beaches, sunsets, water sports or those most quintessential summer treats: ice cream and watermelon? We’ve collected 6 fantastic photography gifts ideas to help you set your special photographer up for what could be a roaring summer.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Mar 17, 2023  | 

If you recently purchased a Mac of any flavor, you no doubt discovered that your new computer has a ton a great features but darn few I/O ports. No USB-A, for instance. Yeah, it has a couple USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, but where do you plug in your USB-A memory card reader? Or maybe an HDMI display?

Joe Farace  |  May 31, 2018  | 

Tripods come in many sizes, from tabletop models to heavy-duty camera stands designed for studio use. Because of the variety of types, styles, and even colors, there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all tripod for most photographers. And, like eating potato chips, you can’t have just one.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Mar 14, 2025  | 

The Nikon Z6III sits about in the middle of their Z-series mirrorless camera lineup, but make no mistake! The Z6III is way more than a mid-range camera. Chockfull for high-end photo and video features, the Nikon Z6III is sure to be a favorite, durable creative workhorse for years to come.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  Nov 08, 2024  | 

Tamron just announced the availability of a 90mm f/2.8 Macro lens for Sony E and Nikon Z full-frame and APS-C cameras. Shutterbug had the opportunity to shoot extensively with this new lens for a few weeks prior to its release. Here's our evaluation of the Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Di III Macro VXD (Model F072) and a gallery of sample images.

Jon Sienkiewicz  |  May 24, 2024  | 

Yes, I want to shoot some film. But where the heck do I get it developed?
Relax! There are a number of options, five of which we identify here. One will possibly surprise you.

Joe Farace  |  Apr 04, 2017  | 

How much do I hate smartphones? Let me count the ways. But seriously, they aren’t going away anytime soon and many photographers, although not moi, have found clever ways to harness the power of these mobile devices. That said, I do own a smartphone albeit an older model and am on many social media platforms.

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