Pro quality prime lenses anyone can afford for DSLR and Mirrorless cameras.
Whether starting out in photography or a seasoned pro, every photographer deserves pro grade, primes lenses that won’t make you broke. Here are some of our top picks for small, pro-grade, prime lenses that won’t break the bank.
Instant cameras will bring a new dimension to your travel work through a deeper connection to the craft of photography.
At first glance, looking at a print from an instant camera will stir judgements about the crummy colors, lack of sharpness, and the fact that the print is a one-off. But that would be far off base when thinking about instant photography. Creating with instant cameras is far deeper when you look below the surface. When creating with instant cameras you’ll experience a closer human connection, a genuine photographic print and way to connect with another human being that’s not social media. Creating with an instant camera is less an ego play and more an act of pure photography. Free yourself from the distractions of social media, the desire to spend hours in post, and practice your craft. You’ll become a better photographer by shooting with an instant. Here’s some solid choices when looking for instant cameras.
You don’t need to spend a whole ton of money to get into Leica cameras on the cheap.
Every photographer, whether or not they want to admit it, has dreamed of a Leica at one point or another. Their ergonomics are top notch, the reliability of their film cameras has always been top notch with recent digital editions following suit, and they’re cameras that you truly need to work and save for. But if you want to get into owning a Leica and working with the system, there are ways to lower the barrier of entry.
The Blackforest Bags K2 Leather Edition looks nice if you’re into Gucci.
When the Blackforest Bags K2 Leather Edition came in for review, the first thing I thought about is how much it looks like a man purse. I’ve reviewed tons of stylish camera bags before, but more than anything else that I’ve used, the Blackforest Bags K2 Leather Edition seems best meant to accompany your super high end camera. Yet the Blackforest Bags K2 Leather Edition isn’t available at a super high end price. This version is the all-leather option, but there are offerings with canvas if you please. It’s not going to hold a laptop or most computing devices, but it will be more than enough for most things you’ll need to have with you while out shooting.
Canon and Nikon are really trying to change things up in the photo world right now; but should we go back to them?
Canon and Nikon are absolutely doing what they can to win back customers after slowly losing ground to both Sony and Fujifilm over the years. While the latter two have been doing all that they can to gain market share and continue to push forward, we can say with absolute certainty that Canon and Nikon have done little to nothing to either give customers what they want or to adapt with the times. It’s taken too long. While I’m sure that Canon and Nikon are going to do what they can to try to get customers back, I genuinely wonder if we really should go back.
Lower ISO settings would be something truly revolutionary in the camera world. It could change the industry.
One of the easy answers to this question is it isn’t sexy and marketers don’t know how to market it. High ISOs, details, and measurbations are all sexy, and since they’re done in a lab everyone can talk about and adore them. Then folks who have little else to do can sit there and argue about their results on forums, in Facebook groups, etc. But it’s an organic and real question that I’ve had in my mind for a very long time: why don’t we have cameras with lower ISO settings?
This set of limited edition Leica cameras may be among the most unique — and historically inclined — additions to your Leica collection.
Attention Leica fans and collectors! If you’re still looking for the next gorgeous Leica to adorn your shelves, here’s your chance to grab not one, not two, but four limited edition models. Our latest ebay find is a set of these rare Leica cameras made in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution in China. You’ll most likely find this set interesting if you’re into collecting anniversary edition Leica cameras.
If a full frame Ricoh GR camera body ever makes its way into the world, this is what I’d want from it.
There is a hope amongst many photographers out there: that one day a full frame Ricoh GR camera body might actually make it out into the world. It’s the dream of many a photographer, especially those in the street photography community. But otherwise, it would also just be nice for those who travel and want a compact camera with solid image quality to tote around. This lust comes partially from just how good their film point and shoot cameras still are even today. They still sell for a lot of money online and even though their last GR II was a solid camera, it’s time to upgrade to something even better.
Here’s yet another rare Leica camera screaming to call a lucky collector’s camera shelf its new home!
Ready to score another amazing vintage beauty? Our latest ebay find may just be the stuff you’re looking for. It’s a rare Leica M4 version that was born from the partnership of Leica and Zeiss once upon a time. If you were interested in the rare military-issued M4-M from early this year, you’ll surely find this yet another fascinating piece. But, as with any other Leica, this beauty is definitely worth a fortune!
The 7Artisans 35mm f2 lens isn’t as sharp and doesn’t have better bokeh than a Leica, but it’s still very pleasing
Let me get this right out of the way, the 7Artisans 35mm f2 lens isn’t as good as Leica’s. Leica’s outperforms in sharpness, detail, and bokeh in pretty much every way and at every aperture. But the 7Artisans 35mm f2 isn’t at all bad; and it can still render very gorgeous images. Being a Chinese lens, there are surely folks out there who may doubt how capable it is. But I can assure you that unless you had other lenses side by side or were very familiar with other optics, you wouldn’t really be able to tell the difference between the 7Artisans 35mm f2 and other offerings when it comes to image quality. But when it comes to the ergonomics, there are surely differences.
Leica is apparently collaborating with Panasonic to bring out a new full frame Leica SL camera
Leica has been making mirrorless cameras for a long time, thanks to the very nature of their classic rangefinder designs. They have also been dabbling in digital mirrorless cameras over the years, with varied success. Now, reports over on Mirrorless Rumors are indicating that thanks to their continued collaboration with Panasonic, Leica is gearing up to launch two new cameras; a new full frame Leica SL mirrorless camera and a new C-LUX compact camera. Continue reading…
This special Leica camera is definitely on everyone’s list of the most expensive cameras ever
Been wanting to grab a Leica camera with an interesting story or cool fact behind it? You might want to consider getting our latest ebay find: the last Leica M3 ever made. That is, if you’re willing to part with an outrageously large sum.
What are the basics? The essential lenses that every Micro Four Thirds Photographer could use to create their art?
Photography is a wonderful thing; pick up any camera and any lens and with that you can capture the world, for just a moment, to be preserved as long as the medium which holds it survives. It is a timeless, though under appreciated, a gift to the future. But if you are new to photography, or maybe just new to having a dedicated camera (upgraded from your smartphone, for example), you may be wondering what lenses you need for your new Panasonic or Olympus camera.
Well, it’s just your luck this post is all about that; the essential lenses for your Micro Four Thirds system camera. So, if you’re ready, let’s jump on into it… Continue reading…
This Leica Apo Telyt-R f2.8 400mm Focus Module is by all means costly but still a steal for a lens of its kind
Heads up Leica fans, we’ve got another treat for you! If you’ve ever dreamed of grabbing one of those APO Telyt lenses for your Leica R SLR cameras, you’re in luck. Our latest ebay find is a Leica Apo Telyt-R f2.8 400mm Focus Module, a manual focus telephoto lens that, as its name suggests, comes in a modular system that is both unusual and really cool. Anything that is both really cool and a Leica is bound to come with a hefty price tag; for this one, it’s $7,000.
If you have a Leicaflex or a Leica R camera, this rare and extraordinary 400mm lens could be of interest to you.
Leica may be best known for its M Series rangefinder cameras, but most fans and vintage camera collectors would know that the company also made SLR cameras. If you happen to have a Leica R series or Leicaflex camera, our latest ebay find could be of interest to you: a “single piece” Leica Telyt 400mm f6.8 prototype.
You’ll definitely turn heads with your Leica if you pair it with this curious-looking stereo lens prototype
Prototypes of camera bodies and lenses are among the curiosities and sometimes oddities that catch the eye of collectors, but they often come with a hefty price tag. Make it a rare Leica and you’re guaranteed to make the price double. Today’s vintage find on ebay is one such perfect example — an intriguing and rare Leitz Leica M 30cm Stereo Lens Prototype. It’s all yours if you have a little over $46,000 to spare.
In many cases, camera gear just doesn’t hold its value like it used to
One of the reasons why I still hold onto my Canon 5D Mk II is because it’s pretty much worthless for me to sell it at this point. I’ve done the same thing for my Sony a7 and Fujifilm X Pro 1–except that those are cameras I use on a fairly regular basis. But for photographers who want to switch from one system to another, there are more problems than you’d think. In many cases it has determined why someone purchases one piece of equipment over and another, and yet what happens is that cameras, and not necessarily the accessories around them, get the most digital rot.
I’ve always loved the 35mm lens, but the 28mm looks like a fine alternative
It was the Sony 28mm f2 FE lens that first seriously introduced me to 28mm lenses, but it was the Nikon 28mm f1.4 that made me really fall in love and the Leica 28mm f1.4 that solidified that even further. As a 35mm lens user, it was always nice to be able to look to a scene, put the camera to my face, and shoot a scene that I saw exactly the way I saw it. But when moving around and walking, I’ve learned how to think in 28mm. You know what I’m talking about — you see a scene and you have a vision and somehow or another you know exactly what you’ll be getting from it with the lens and equipment you have. I’ve learned how to use it for anything from landscapes, street photography and even wider portraits. Though I’m still a 35mm man at heart, I can easily switch off when needed.
Ever wondered what’s inside a precious Leica camera? Thankfully, you don’t have to take apart one to find out.
In an era where cameras are sized up based on high-tech parameters like sensor size, pixel count, and auto focus capabilities, is there still room for appreciation of good old vintage cameras? Actually, among the things that still make vintage cameras fascinating today are their mechanical inner workings. The mechanical Leica cameras are especially revered both by Leica lovers, camera historians, and vintage camera fans. If you’ve ever wondered about what’s inside these timeless engineering masterpieces, prepare to find out and be impressed.
Rydell Tomas Jr originally wanted to be a filmmaker
Hi, my name is Rydell Tomas Jr and I’m an upcoming freelance photographer from the Southside of Atlanta, Ga. I’ve been making photos for two years and I’ve been putting together conceptual projects since July of 2017. I started photographing through my love of filmmaking, and after realizing I truly enjoyed making photos, I dropped filmmaking altogether. I love people, so the majority of my work focuses on strangers, friends and family. I currently shoot with a 1957 Leica M3 w/ 50mm Serenar and 1986 Yashica Fx-3 Super 2000 w/ 50mm Yashinon. 35mm film is my favorite and i try to use as many film stocks as possible. My favorites are Kodak Gold 200 and Kodak Tri-X 400.
I didn’t think I’d fall in love with the Leica 28mm f1.4 Summilux like I did
The Leica 28mm f1.4 Summilux was offered to me to test after requesting it a long time ago. I’d probably never buy it brand new as I prefer my lenses and cameras to have what we Americans love to call “Patina” to them, and even as it is I’m pretty well set on the M mount lenses I currently own. The Leica 28mm f1.4 Summilux is quite possibly the ultimate photojournalist’s lens. It has a fast aperture, a solid build quality, and is surprisingly sharp at every single aperture. But even that isn’t the secret sauce to what makes this lens so incredibly special.
