New Reader Discount: Save 10% on Formatt-Hitech Filters

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Whenever I can, I try to work with my friends and partners in the industry to bring Shutter Muse readers a discount on the photography gear that I use. When it comes to filters, I use the Firecrest ones from Formatt-Hitech, so I’m pleased to be able to offer you guys a 10% discount on everything in their online store. Simply use the coupon code ShutterMuse10 at the checkout. If you want to see what kind of filters I use, make sure you check out the filter section of my gear guide. NOTE: Formatt-Hitech have two websites, and the coupon …

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Hasselblad X System Crop Factor and XCD Lens Full Frame Equivalent Focal Lengths

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Medium-format mirrorless systems are a great way to get into photography with a larger sensor than a full-frame 35mm sensor, so long as you can afford the higher price point. Whilst cameras like those of the Hasselblad X System and the Fujifilm GFX Format are pricey; they are still less expensive than traditional “full-frame medium format” cameras which use even larger sensors. In this post, I’ll show you how to calculate the Hasselblad X System’s crop factor (and reveal the answer) and the 35mm equivalent focal lengths of all Hasselblad XCD lenses, including equivalent f-stop from a depth of field …

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Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E VR Review

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Exploring the Creative Possibilities of a Super Telephoto Lens I’ve been a Nikon DSLR shooter for over 10 years now. Starting out with the small but mighty 6-megapixel D70S that did so much to crack open the hobbyist/amateur market, I’ve been lucky enough to build up my skills and photographic repertoire just as digital photography technology seemed to evolve and mature in parallel. For many, that initial leap in to the DSLR world is soon followed by the realization that the performance and creative capabilities of any camera are limited nearly as much by lens choice as by megapixels, shutter …

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$230,000 Raised for Charity + Winners Announced

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I’m totally blown away by the response that we got this year from the Complete Photography Bundle. Incredibly, we managed to raise $230,000 for the chosen charities in 5 days. Last year the same event raised $210,000, so I’m really pleased that we set a new record! What’s even more staggering is that the size of this contribution actually takes the total 5DayDeal contributions since 2014 up and over the $1million mark! Giveaway Winners As part of the celebrations this week, I teamed up with the Canon Rumors website and we ran a giveaway for two brand new Canon cameras. …

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Win a Canon EOS M5 Kit and G7X Mark II – 1 DAY ONLY

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CONTEST ENDED – WINNERS HAVE BEEN INFORMED In order to celebrate just how well we’re doing with the Complete Photography Bundle ($140,000 raised for charity so far!), I’m doing something crazy!! In the next 24 hours, I’ll be giving away a Canon EOS M5 mirrorless kit and a Canon G7X Mark II! The contest is open to anyone over the age of 18, anywhere in the world except where prohibited by law. Giveaway Dates The giveaway will run to 12pm (PDT on October 19th. Prizes After the giveaway closes, two random names will be generated from the entry list. 1st …

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My Photo Mechanic Video Tutorials Are Here!

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I’ve talked about Photo Mechanic many times on this site, and even offer a free keyboard shortcut guide for it. This amazing piece of software has been part of my professional workflow for many years, and my video tutorials for it have always been popular. I’ve long had it in mind that I wanted to offer more, but it’s a complex and feature-laden piece of software that needed a huge amount of time to dissect and explain. Well folks, that’s exactly what I did this summer, so I’m pleased to announce today: Photo Mechanic Unlocked. The first ever in-depth video …

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The History of Canon, the FD Mount and the EF Mount

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The origins of global electronics and precision optical giant Canon Inc. can be traced back to humble beginnings in the town of Roppongi, in Minato-Ku, Tokyo 1933. Takeshi Mitarai and three friends, Goro yoshida, Saburo Uchida, and Takeo Maeda founded the ‘Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory’ in a small street-side workshop, and set to work dismantling and examining cameras built by industry leading European manufacturers. Traditionally fetching a high premium in the Japanese market, Precision Optical Instruments dreamt of producing cheaper, Japanese made alternatives. In 1934, having conducted their research, Precision Optics prototyped Japan’s first domestically designed and manufactured 35mm focal-plane …

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F-Stop Kenti Photograpy Pack Review

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The Kenti photo pack is another addition to the popular Mountain Series of bags from f-stop. These bags are designed specifically with outdoor, nature and adventure photographers. Compared to the other Mountain Series bags, the Kenti has some very different design features, namely, zippered access to both sides of the bag. Two camera bodies with lenses already attached can be quickly reached and stowed away again in record time. If speed is important in your photography then you should definitely read on. Bag Design & Features Without a water bladder in the bag the Kenti is a very comfortable pack. …

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Canon Vs. Kenko Extension Tubes

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Extension tubes are a useful accessory that allows you to shorten the minimum focus distance of a lens by moving it further away from your camera’s sensor. In other words, it allows you to get closer to your subject and often create macro-like images without the need for a dedicated macro lens. If you aren’t yet familiar with extension tubes, I would first encourage you to read my guide: The Ultimate Guide to Extension Tubes. Having read the guide, or perhaps you already know all about the tubes already, you’ve obviously come to the conclusion that you’d like to buy …

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New Peak Design Everyday Backpack, Tote and Sling

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UPDATE These new bags were funded via Kickstarter and are now available on the Peak Design store. At the end of 2015, photography accessory manufacturer Peak Design launched their incredibly popular Kickstarter campaign for the Everyday Messenger bag. Before the campaign was over, they’d raised over $4.5million and broken some serious Kickstarter records! This week their back at it again, and now they’re looking to expand their photography bag lineup by introducing the Everyday Backpack, the Everyday Tote and the Everyday Sling. Being the kings of Kickstarter, they set a $500,000 goal and promptly blew through that (and the $1million) …

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