Photo-Blog ‹ Seth Block Photography

Feb

Nikon 28mm F1.4D

Photography Products / 0 Comment / February 23, 2018

We all know the world we share has been making incredible leaps with technology in almost every arena, so much so it is often difficult to keep up with it.

Many of our favorite pastimes and pursuits are very different as the technology has changed the way we do things, listening to music comes to mind as my idea of listening to music is very different than that of my children.

Who would have thought that CD’s are now the technology of the past and that retail stores are removing them from their shelves.

Photography has gone through many changes over the past 150 years, with the digital world it is going through a constant change again leaving one standing still if you blink your eyes.

Having gone digital and enjoying the freedom of what amounts to unlimited film and instant results, I am sometimes still amazed just at that.

I use to pride myself on my ability to change a roll of film in seconds with one hand, having a camera that would shoot 4 frames per second was almost reckless, going through a 36 shot roll of film in 9 seconds was crazy.

Today a camera shooting 11 frames per second with each frame metered and focused individuality seems normal.

I have gone a little retro, I am finding that some of the older lenses are richer, warmer and just as sharp as the new computer produced lens of today, with less technology in the lenses they have less motors and chips to wear out as well.

One such lens came from one of my own favorite times in lens production, what I call the class of 93 from Nikon. 1993 was a year that the Nikon or Nikkor company released some fabulous lenses.

One of them is the 28mm F 1.4D AF, when introduced this compact superfast lens became a favorite among professionals specifically photo journalists, those that had to get a clear sharp image in low light and capture a scene had to look no further than the (28 1.4) the lens became difficult to find and as it was expensive was often overlooked by consumers and nature photographers.

As a result, Nikon stopped producing the lens in 2006, the lens of course became popular and due to its scarcity, the cost of the lens skyrocketed, by 2008 this lens was being sold for over $4,000.00.

Today, ten years later (2018) the lens can fetch $2,000.00.

The lens although 25-year-old technology was produced in a time when Nikon was producing some of their best products, produced by artisans and the finest engineers in the photographic world, the results still speak from themselves.

Coupled with a high performance digital SLR like the D4S, this lens is just starting to peak with its low light edge to edge sharpness and quick response.

Sometimes old can not only be new, but can continue to be amazing.

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Jan

Break the Rules

Opinion / 0 Comment / January 27, 2016

Just about everything has rules, the rule of Law, Physics, Mathematics, Decency and yes Photography.

Some of these are intertwined, Sometimes you need to break the rules, (not the law of course) physics is unyielding, Decency, that is a judgment call, Math well today with the math of common Core, I think they tossed out all of the rules.

In Photography there are some old school rules too, for instance the rule of thirds. Balancing your subject with the rest of the viewable area, having everything in view line up in a regimented format. This practice allows certain functionality but often results in a cookie cutter result.

Focus, Shutter speed and Bokeh, when to freeze or unfreeze a subject, allowing the background to fade or highlight the surrounding landscape that captures the image.

Lighting is another area, balance, fill and kicker lamps have their place, but challenging the rules and having an imbalance of light can offer some surprisingly pleasing results, ambient light can also be molded into a scene.

The Subject itself can be manipulated, whether in a time or space continuum to allow for a different perspective than what the eye has been conditioned to see.

Color is a key element most viewers are drawn too brilliant colors, however it is often the subdued tones or dare I say it, Black and White Images which present the most dramatic effect.

The key to Monochrome photography is lighting, the depth and soul of an image is revealed in the starkness of black and white and there are no substitutions or place to hide in this arena of the photo gods.

So whether you are planning a shot or just happen to be in the right place at the right time, trying to catch the essence of a moment sometimes bending or breaking the rules is the only way to get there.

The photo above is an example of everything going wrong, yet it worked. (I think it did)

The young Diva having just brought the proverbial house down with an incredible operatic performance quickly leaves the stage, bathed in both a standing ovation and the overwhelming spotlight, the Master of Ceremonies blurred to the right as he waves his arm towards this performer while announcing her once again.

The audience out of sight to the right but you can sense their presence. The darkened shadows of the next performers in the background await their turn under the lights. The young lady approaches half in the shadows and aglow with both relief and satisfaction clearly etched on her face.

There was no time to plan this shot, I had rules to follow, No Flash, No noise, so I had the camera set to its quiet mode which slows down the shutter release, I had both the darkness and brilliant spot in which to contend and a moving subject, I had only one shot, I waited for her to get closer, as the darkness of the back stage released her, I took the shot.

Virtually nothing was in clear focus, the light is stark, everything in the background is totally blurred due to the f-stop being opened up all the way, the shutter speed slowed down to allow the light in, but not enough to get white washed in the spotlight, there was a lot going on, somehow this fleeting moment of triumph was caught…

You have to know the rules in order to break them properly… this is just one example.

Oct

16MM Fisheye

Photography Products / 0 Comment / October 9, 2015

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Who said great things don’t come in small packages?

This little gem is almost always with me when I travel.

The 16MM F2.8 D Fisheye is one of those lens that you have to learn to use, it gives you a 180 degree view of the world with straight lines on the edges (if you hold it properly).

The dynamic flexibility of this lens is that you can change the view and the image depending on how you hold this lens, the possibilities are endless, but this lens will bring out the very worst as well as the best if you are not careful, it can flare in the sun despite it’s built in hood.

I recommend adding some Velcro to the outside of the lens, it helps keep the cap from sliding off and losing it…

It is an auto-focus lens (the newer version) since the mid 90’s and it will focus quickly and with edge to edge sharpness that is hard to believe, you can easily hold this lens above a crowd and snap away without thinking about focus (if you need to).

An excellent landscape lens, or when walking through a deep forest, below you can see an image shot at Muir woods, the tree is over 300 feet in height.

The image on the right is an open field beneath a cloudy sky, by lifting the lens you can create some interesting perspectives.

This lens can expand your horizon literally as well as your creativity, if you have some extra cash and want to truly have fun taking pictures try this lens.

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Oct

Sigma 50MM 1.4 A

Photography Products / 0 Comment / October 9, 2015

_SAB7253-2 The Sigma 50MM 1.4 A (art) lens.

Sigma’s new standard lens dwarfs the Nikon 50 1.4 in size, in weight, in price and in every other way. (pictured, next to the Nikon 50)

This lens makes you want to shoot with a normal lens, the brightness, color, sharpness, bokeh and focusing speed is not to be believed.

No doubt there will be numerous opinions on this giant 50mm, but the results are fantastic (in my opinion).

I had long stopped carrying a 50mm in my bag as I have such a varied collection of lenses, I had that focal length covered in more ways that I could think about, it was a fluke I was at B&H looking for Nikons 24mm 1.4, I was all prepared to drop 2400 down on this thing, when I asked to see Sigma’s 24mm 1.4 Art lens, it has just come out I figured I will take a look. Wow, I had my camera and I tested both lenses, I could not tell which shot came from which lens also the Sigma was built like a tank, so I then asked to see the Sigma 50mm.

It was love at first sight, what a beast of a lens, the test shots I took were sharper than both 24mm lenses, I was instantly hooked. The guys at BH are not going to steer you one way or the other, this guy knew me from past visits, so with his blessing if I took both Sigma’s, I would still go home with cash in my pocket versus purchasing the Nikon 24.

I should mention, I am a Nikon freak, all of my lenses are Nikkor (I have a lot of pro glass) they have all performed beyond my expectations and my photographic ability.

I grabbed both of the Sigmas. I have not looked back, I have been so happy with both Sigmas that are rarely go out without them, whether for my own enjoyment, going on a photo shoot or too cover an event, the 50mm is again my standard almost all of the time.

The results have been incredible. Sigma has indeed figured out how to produce a high quality professional lens.

I have been advising everyone that asks me, buy the camera body you want and give these Sigma lenses a critical look, the lenses that are bundled with most consumer level camera bodies are average at best and don’t compare at all with the Sigma A (art) or S (sports) lenses.

I have not tested or used Sigma’s C (consumer) line, these are Sigma’s budget lenses, if you go that route stick with Nikon’s consumer lenses.

This is just my opinion and we all see things differently, the best thing to do if you are in the market for new photo equipment is give these Sigma’s a test drive before you buy anything.

Apr

Nikon F 1:2D 105mm AF DC in review

Photography Products / 0 Comment / April 27, 2015

http://www.sethblockphotography.com/nikon-f-12d-10…f-dc-in-review/

Arguably Nikon produces the finest lens available for SLR cameras, within the Nikon stable are a number of specialty lenses, several of these were for specific use, medical, engineering, astronomy, but there are a few lens limited production models, while not widely known or used that can produce amazing results.

The Nikkor F 1:2D 105mm AF DC is one of those lens, first introduced in 1993, approximately 14,000 have been produced, few camera outlets inventory this lens but they are available, priced around 900-1000 dollars.

The DC in the monikor stands for (Defocus Image Control) used properly this lens can produce amazing portraits, its true calling however is the ability to have images literally jump off the page.

When using this lens, it is best to use spot focusing and manual control, set the DC control to the desired F-STOP (F for front, R for rear) then set the camera to the same F-STOP check your metering and ISO of course, then compose your shot and go.

Setting the DC to front will allow you to shoot through objects, branches, leaves, chicken wire, fencing, just about anything in front of your subject, while the effect is not apparent on a digital cameras screen, once you lay this image up on a computer, whatever was in front of the subject will no be visible. Basically without getting technical, the lens defocuses those objects to the point of total obscurity.

Setting the lens to (R) has the opposite effect, everything behind your subject is reduced to an indistinguishable blur, the ultimate Bokeh. It is possible to create this effect using Photoshop or other gimmickry to blur a background, many of these images look pasted on the print (some folks like that look) This lens accomplishes this during the photographic process, the effect is immediate and natural.

Only Nikon produces this type of lens, there is a 135 mm version, some say that the big brother is not quite as sharp as the 105, having never used the 135, I cannot comment on that one way or the other.

The Defocus lens offers the shooter the ultimate level of control over an image, this is not the fastest focusing lens, but it is worth the learning curve (takes a bit getting the hang of using this lens) it is a wonderful lens and allows for increased creativity.

The DC lens is produced in Japan, like all Nikon PRO lens, no sub quality China components here, it has a built in lens hood (another great feature) coupled with an F100, D700 and D4S this lens has never disappointed me.

Apr

The Art of Bokeh

Photography Products / 0 Comment / April 10, 2015

Bokeh: The blurred effect and isolation of a photographic subject. It is this effect that causes a subject to literally leap off of an image. In some cases you want to limit this effect but if done correctly the Bokeh effect can be used to transform what would have been a snapshot into a work of Art.

The image above was taken on a quiet country road, the Doe just appeared walking slowly across, my camera was set at f6.3, the focal length 600mm with an ISO of 2500, the shutter speed also at 1/2500.

The Doe and the fence post are almost equal distance from me and are perfectly focused, the rock under the doe about 8 feet behind her, the mail box another 10 feet further back. the tree and bush as far back as 65 feet, you can see how these objects lose their edge and become blurred.

Some lenses at f6.3 would be closed down enough to allow that these background features to be more focused, however the longer the focal length the more compressed the images appear, this lens also has a nine bladed diaphragm with rounded blades allowing softer edges and greater isolation.

Having the camera set to a spot focus, ensures that a single area is precisely in focus before the shutter is released as opposed to an area focus where the camera will check and recheck to ensure that the image is focused (with a moving subject this slows down the cameras ability to fire the shutter) so there is a bell curve with precision, speed and effect anyone of the three can change the end results.

The downside to spot focus is with a moving image, you can miss the shot easily, cameras today have sophisticated capability some have facial recognition for metering many of these are good attributes for snapshots but can also get in the way of executing a precise image.

There are other methods of isolating an image with artificial means, but those are not available out in the field (and look fake) using software to attain a similar effect gives the appearance of an unreal image.

A photographer has to learn the correct way to hold a camera, have the ability to limit body movement, many lenses have vibration controls, but these too slow down the ability to fire the shutter, as the camera won’t release the shutter if the lens is moving about steadying itself.

Some Cameras do have an override that allow the shutter to release before optimal focus has been reached, journalists may use that kind of setting as “getting the photo” is more important than an artistic set up.

In todays photographic arena knowing how to use your camera is the difference between a snapshot and an image, of course being in the right place at the right time also helps.

(To see the full image go to the Animal Kingdom Gallery in the menu.)

Mar

New Lens Review

Photography Products / 0 Comment / March 29, 2015

A simple WOW is what comes to mind when you first unpack the new Sigma Sport 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM. Yes a big name for a big lens.

To be sure there is nothing quaint about this lens, it is huge over 4″ in diameter, 11.5″ long at 150mm, 15.5″ long at 600mm with a protective filter attached and just under 20″ in length with it’s massive lens hood in place, all of this coming in under 6 pounds.

Let there be no doubt in a world where cameras have been fitted to cell phones and watches, this is a big lens.

As a devoted Nikon shooter, I had some hesitation having already been through my Canon phase years ago, having owned several Tamron lenses (none of which I cared for) and one Sigma the 100-300 f4, which was a versatile lens, but lacked sharpness above 200mm. I have used Nikon Pro level lenses ever since and never looked back.

So why Sigma again, I have owned the Nikon 300 2.8 AFS, an incredible lens, fast, sharp, but very heavy, over 5 pounds and expensive (at that time $5000) for a 300 mm it was over the top, I sold that one too.

If I wanted to get close to wildlife, I had to get as close as possible, not wanting to disturb nesting birds, etc. A large focal length lens has been on my short list for a long time, but there was nothing out there that peaked my interest, until now.

This Sigma lens is a relatively slow lens at F5, but when coupled to a Nikon D4S with that cameras amazing ability to shoot clean images in near total darkness, lens speed has become a non issue, In my opinion.

The Sigma 150-600 has a huge front element 105 mm, it incorporates 24 elements in 6 groups, a lot of low dispersion glass, the diaphragm has nine rounded blades, this lenses incorporates Sigma’s optical stabilizer and their hypersonic auto focus motor, which is virtually silent and very fast.

Another great feature is the focal length lock, you can lock the lens at 150, 180, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500 and 600mm, no more lens creep when you are moving about. Simply turn the zoom dial to unlock it, Yes Moving about this lens is hand-hold-able.

This lens comes with a large lens hood (it resembles a trash can) no glare issues and great protection for the front element, you probably don’t need a protective filter (I did attach one, old habits die hard).

This lens is sealed for rain, splashes and dusty environments. I still keep a weather cover in my bag (storm jacket) just in case and some of my other lenses are not as well sealed.

The Sigma lens has a rotating tripod collar that is a great hand hold, so far I mostly hand held this lens, I have used a monopod when it gets heavy, which it does. I attached quick release clamps to the tripod collar as you want to make sure you don’t hold or hang this outfit from the camera, the lens is far too heavy for that.

There are other features such as a USB dock (not included) for optimization (which I have not used as of this writing).

I have attached several images that I shot with this lens, so far I have been pleased with the results, this lens is moderately priced at $2000, when compared to Nikons closest equivalent the f4 200-400 (an incredible lens) but it weighs 7.5 pounds and will remove $6200 from your account, this Sigma is a bargain.

Granted they are different animals and I don’t believe you can compare a pro Nikon lens to what amounts to a consumer level lens (even a great one like this Sigma) but Sigma has hit one out of the park with this lens.

Sigma had already introduced their highly acclaimed art lenses and now this sport version of the 150-600, they have stepped up their game and will continue to give Nikon and Canon a run for their money, which is great for the consumer, putting high quality lenses within reach of the serious photo enthusiast.

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Feb

Why photographs are important.

Opinion / 0 Comment / February 20, 2015

This single image evoked more of a response than any other in a long while, I did ask the question; What is your favorite piece?

It is something that everyone has in common, memories of a time past, good times often unrecorded as it was before the technology allowed such frivolities as selfies and posting of ongoing events. I wonder, would we have done that back in the 60’s/70’s had social networks been available?

Back then Google it meant going to the library and looking up various books and then finding an appropriate passage or answer to the question at hand, if you were lucky you had an encyclopedia that may have possessed some clue to the query.

Today we are bombarded by imagery and a constant source of information, good bad or otherwise.

40 years ago Photographs were mostly taken on vacations and holidays, they were in mounted in frames and installed on a piece of furniture or in photo albums where we would sometimes reflect upon telling family stories about the people in those images, kids would hang on to every word of the story in anticipation of the funny yarn that was being spun along the way.

It is safe to say that times have indeed changed and that growing up today our children will have very different memories than the ones we have had. In some ways they are passing us by as the technology has become so advanced and in other ways the best part of living has passed them by as children don’t have time or the luxury of being children any longer.

But on this busy winter day a simple photograph of some familiar hunks of cheap tin stopped every one of us for a moment, together both separate and apart we remembered some bit of our youth and maybe brought us a smile.

Feb

What is a perfect image?

Uncategorized / 0 Comment / February 13, 2015

I started this out waxing poetic about perfect images and what that means, I really don’t know the definition of the perfect image, as that will change for each individual.

This is photograph I took at a recent event, a wedding. The two men are brothers, just two burly men in a quiet moment.

I like to think there were a number of good images from this affair, but this remains one of my favorites. This image captured both the love and happiness of the day. These two men strangers to me, but their lives interwoven and connected is there to see.

This is as good a photo as I could hope to muster, far from a perfect photograph but perfect just the same.

Feb

An American Hero

Uncategorized / 0 Comment / February 10, 2015

He returned to America in the spring of 1944 after 10 months of Combat , when introduced to the members of both houses at the Capital he was hailed as America’s leading combat fighter ace, at the time he was with 28 confirmed air to air kills, Johnson flew with the famed 56th Fighter Group known as Zempke’s wolfpack. he eventually led the 61st fighter Squadron. At wars end his record stood as the 2nd highest American scoring ace in the European theater of operations, the 5th highest scoring fighter ace in American history.

Johnson went on to become a test Pilot for Republic Aircraft Corporation and eventually an executive with the firm, later moving on to become a an insurance agent for Penn Mutual on Lexington Ave in NYC having made Long Island NY his home.

In retirement Bob Johnson and his wife Barbara moved to Lake Wylie SC.

Johnson passed away while visiting relatives in his hometown of Lawton Oklahoma, Col Johnson was buried with full military honors in a small church cemetery next to his beloved wife (who predeceased him) in Lake Wylie in 1998.

On a recent trip to Charlotte NC, I drove to Lake Wylie and paid my respects to my childhood hero, in 1970 I had exchanged several letters with Col Johnson, after I built a model of his exact aircraft and shipped it to him when I was 10 years old, it sat for years on his office shelf, I had the chance to meet him in 1991.

I still have his letters like a school boy they are among my favorite possessions.

RIP

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