The post Tamron Announces an Eye-Catching Travel Zoom, the 35-150mm f/2-2.8 for Sony appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.
Tamron has unveiled a uniquely versatile zoom lens, the 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD for Sony E-mount cameras.
Perfect for travel and other on-the-go photographers, the lens features an impressive focal length range, spanning from wide-angle (35mm) through standard (50mm) to telephoto (150mm) focal lengths. At the wide end, capture beautiful landscapes, architectural scenes, and environmental portraits; in the middle, shoot tighter landscapes, portraits, and street scenes; toward the end, capture headshots, architectural details, and even the occasional bird or animal.
But the most impressive feature of the Tamron 35-150mm lens is not its focal length, but its aperture range:
f/2 at 35mm, narrowing to f/2.8 by 150mm, in what Tamron is billing as the “world’s first mirrorless zoom lens with a maximum wide-open aperture of f/2.”
It feels groundbreaking. Even versatile f/2.8 zooms are hard to come by, yet Tamron’s 35-100mm takes this a step farther, guaranteeing tremendous low-light performance at the wide end (and a respectable low-light performance at 150mm, too). And Tamron promises another wide-aperture benefit: “enhanced, beautiful bokeh…even on the wide-angle end of the lens’s focal range.”
Image quality will be top-notch, according to Tamron, “[t]hanks to the latest optical design featuring four LD (Low Dispersion) and three GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements optimally arranged.” Expect outstanding sharpness at every focal length, both in the image center and in the corners, ideal for detailed landscape photography, architectural photography, and even commercial work.
Tamron is pushing the 35-150mm as a “travel zoom,” and the wide maximum aperture and versatile zoom range ensures that the lens will satisfy even the most demanding of travel shooters. It’s compact, too, especially for an f/2.8 (and f/2) lens, and Tamron’s VXD focusing motor offers fast focusing, useful for those travel photographers who enjoy photographing action – or for sports and action photographers more generally.
Unfortunately, a pro-level, all-in-one zoom lens doesn’t come cheap, though the $ 1899 USD price tag is reasonable given the outstanding feature set. The lens is currently available for preorder, and you can expect a ship date toward the end of October, though Tamron does note that, “[d]ue to the current global health crisis, the release date or product supply schedule could change.”
Regardless, if you’re interested in a powerful zoom lens for travel photography, landscape photography, and so much more, check out the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8.
Now over to you:
What do you think of this new lens from Tamron? And what do you think of the price? Will you consider purchasing it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post Tamron Announces an Eye-Catching Travel Zoom, the 35-150mm f/2-2.8 for Sony appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.
The post The Best Camera for Travel Photography in 2021 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Matt Murray.
I love photography and I love to travel, so I often get the question, “What is the best camera for travel photography?”
When I bought my first camera in 1994, I really wasn’t thinking too hard about the decision. Growing up in Australia, I always longed to travel the world. When I was 20 years old, I got my chance – I bought my first camera and my first overseas airline ticket on the same day.
At the time, I wanted a camera that was compact, light, affordable, and weather resistant. I didn’t know much about photography, but I ended up walking out of the duty-free camera store with a Pentax Zoom 90WR. This compact point and shoot traveled with me all over Europe for the next two years and made a ton of memories. It was also my doorway into photography.
Since buying that first Pentax, I have traveled with dozens of cameras – film, instant, and digital. Although technology has changed, what I look for today is the same as what I looked for 25 years ago.
What should you look for in a travel camera?
Here is my list of ideal travel camera characteristics:
Compact and lightweight
An excellent fixed lens (or a good range of lenses available)
A good range of features
Good battery life
Weather resistant
A competitive price
Note that I used the word “ideal,” as there are very few cameras that offer everything on the list. In fact, one of my favorite travel camera and lens combinations is the Fujifilm X-T3 and the Fujifilm 50-140mm lens, and it’s not exactly a pocketable option.
But for this list of best cameras for travel photography, I focused on compact and lightweight models, starting with my number one pick:
1. Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III
The Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III is the third iteration of a popular point and shoot series from Canon. It’s sleek, it’s stylish, and it almost looks like a mini DSLR.
Many compact cameras have a tiny sensor – one inch or smaller – but not this one. The PowerShot boasts an impressive APS-C sensor, which is one of the biggest sensors offered in a camera so compact. It also features a handy zoom range of 24-72mm and an optical stabilizer for shooting in low light.
The PowerShot is easy to use and produces images with high clarity and outstanding colors. The only downside is the price tag; at around $ 1000 USD, it may be on the high end for some enthusiast photographers.
Pros
Large APS-C sensor
Compact size
Articulating screen
Cons
Premium price
2. Sony RX100 VII
The Sony RX100 VII is a small camera with an impressive zoom range.
Sony keeps improving the RX100 line, and the VII is their best model yet. It may have a smaller sensor than the Canon PowerShot featured above, but the RX100 VII is still a powerful performer. It boasts impressive autofocus, a flip-screen for vlogging and selfies, a mic socket, and a huge zoom range equivalent to 24-200mm in full-frame terms.
The RX100 VII also borrows tech from Sony’s flagship models, which is why it can shoot up to 20 frames per second with no viewfinder blackout.
If you’re a watersports fan, there’s an added bonus: the RX100 has underwater housing available for surfing, diving, and snorkeling photos. At around $ 1300 USD, the RX100 VII is on the pricier side, but for serious travel photographers, it’s an excellent choice.
Pros
Impressive autofocus
Handy zoom range
Up to 20 frames-per-second shooting
Mic jack
Cons
Expensive for a compact camera
Smaller 1-inch sensor
Battery life could be better
3. Fujifilm X-T30
The X-T30 has many features of the flagship X-T3, yet it’s lighter and more affordable.
In 2016, I bought a Fujifilm X-T10 as a backup camera for trips to Indonesia and the Faroe Islands. It was so good I couldn’t tell the difference between images shot on the X-T10 and my X-T1.
The X-T30 is the latest Fujifilm model to take the best features from the flagship camera but in a smaller, lighter body. The X-T30 features the same 26-megapixel APS-C sensor as the X-T3 and can shoot up to a whopping 30 frames per second. And like other Fujifilm cameras, the X-T30 has face- and eye-detection autofocus, which is a big help for travel portraits and street shots. It also includes Fujifilm’s renowned film simulations for JPEG files.
You’ll get around 30 lenses to choose from (the hard part is deciding which is the best for you!). My personal go-to lens for travel photography is the XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens. While there is no stabilization in the X-T30 body, there is optical image stabilization in the 18-55mm lens, and it delivers the quality you’d expect from much more expensive glass but at a fraction of the cost.
Unfortunately for photographers who like to shoot in tough conditions, the X-T30 isn’t weather resistant – it seems there are some trade-offs for a lighter, less-expensive body.
Pros
Excellent lens lineup from the affordable XC lenses to enthusiast and professional XF lenses
Stunning image quality with a range of JPEG film simulations
Many of the features of the flagship X-T3 model
Cons
No weather sealing
The price point isn’t especially competitive
4. Nikon D5600
This next brand needs no introduction; Nikon SLRs were favored by many famous travel photographers in the 1980s and beyond. The D5600 is the latest camera in Nikon’s midrange APS-C series, and it’s a perfect choice for beginners and enthusiast photographers alike.
The D5600 boasts Nikon’s excellent ergonomics, and the camera feels reassuringly comfortable in your hand, although it’s not as compact as other models on this list. Image quality is superb and low-light shooting is very impressive. Plus, you get a fully articulating screen (for selfies, vlogging, and tough compositions), along with excellent battery life.
Pros
Excellent image quality
Good ergonomics and handling
Good battery life
Cons
No 4K video
Not as compact as other cameras on this list
5. Ricoh GR III
Stylish minimalism: the Ricoh GR III.
Ricoh has been producing super-compact GR cameras since the film heydays of the late 1990s. Those classic point-and-shoot GR models were known for their sharp wide-angle lenses and minimalist controls, and the digital line of GR cameras is no different.
The Ricoh GR III is a perfect mix of portability, optical quality, and impressive features. You get a fixed 28mm full-frame equivalent f/2.8 lens capable of producing good images, and four-stop shake reduction that ensures sharp files even in challenging light.
The GR III is often compared to another camera in this list, the Fujifilm X100V. Consider the Ricoh if you prefer a smaller camera with a wider angle of view.
Pros
Truly pocketable
Four-stop shake reduction
Fantastic wide-angle lens
Cons
The straight-out-of-camera JPEGs are not as good as Fujifilm’s
Battery life could be better
6. Sony a6600
The Sony a6600 has an impressive spec sheet that includes Real-Time Eye AF.
It’s easy to see why Sony has grabbed a big share of the mirrorless camera market in recent years: the company produces an impressive range of cameras that appeal to professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The Sony a6600 may not have a full-frame sensor like some of its stablemates, but its compact body and impressive specs make it a strong candidate for the best camera for travel photography. The a6600 features a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, along with Real-Time Eye AF for photography and video, plus five-axis optical image stabilization. The 180-degree flip screen also makes the a6600 handy for vlogging and selfies. I do think that the layout and controls could be improved, but it’s one of the only drawbacks to an otherwise excellent camera.
Quick note: if you like the look of the a6600 but you’re on a tighter budget, also consider the a6400. It may not be as up to date as the a6600, but it offers excellent value for money.
Pros
Small and light
Great lens lineup
Real-Time Eye AF
Cons
Handling and ergonomics could be improved
7. Olympus Tough TG-6
Shockproof, dustproof, crushproof, and fogproof: the Olympus Tough TG-6 can handle pretty much anything.
Going on an extreme adventure? The Olympus Tough TG-6 could be the best travel camera for you. This compact point and shoot can withstand a lot of punishment, thanks to its shockproof, dustproof, and crushproof body.
The TG-6 can also work in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius), and it’s fogproof, even during sudden changes in temperature. As I found out on a recent trip to Indonesia – where I was frequently moving from an air-conditioned hotel room to the outside heat and humidity – a foggy camera can be a real inconvenience.
For snorkeling and diving fans, the Tough TG-6 loves being underwater as much as you do. It’s waterproof up to 49 ft (15 m), and it boasts several underwater modes, including a microscope mode that can focus on objects 0.39 in (1 cm) away.
Pros
Super tough
Compact
Affordable
Cons
Only 12 megapixels
More suited to adventurers than enthusiast photographers
8. Fujifilm X100V
I’m a huge fan of the Fujifilm X100 series cameras (I’ve owned three of the five models released over the last decade). Even photographers loyal to other brands buy an X100-series camera as their “take everywhere” body.
The X100V is small and light, yet it features an incredible 35mm f/2 fixed lens. Other useful features include its leaf shutter and built-in neutral density filter. And of course, Fujifilm’s range of stunning JPEG film simulations are ready to use as soon as you turn on the X100V.
The best compact camera ever? The Fujifilm X100V.
While the entire X100 series is great, note that the latest model, the X100V, does have an important improvement over its predecessors: it’s weather resistant. This makes it an excellent choice for photographers who shoot in sand, rain, snow, and more.
Pros
Excellent lens
Built-in ND filter
Fujifilm JPEGs
Weather resistant
Cons
Fixed lens
No in-body image stabilization
More expensive than its predecessors
9. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
For travel photographers, there’s a lot to like about the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II. The camera has a stylish design, with an aperture ring on the lens and a shutter speed dial on top of the camera for full manual control.
The Lumix LX100 II sports a fast lens with a handy 24-75mm zoom range. It also features optical image stabilization and can shoot 4K video up to 30 fps.
Although it has a smaller 17-megapixel Four Thirds sensor, the Lumix makes up for this in other ways. It can focus as close as 1.2 in (3 cm), it offers a focus stacking feature, and it even includes the ability to change focus in an image afterward.
Pros
Excellent image quality
Fast lens
Small and compact
Cons
Fixed rear screen
Only 17 megapixels
10. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Olympus has a reputation for making some of the most innovative compact cameras in photographic history. Their mirrorless cameras are no exception, and it’s easy to see why Olympus models have been popular with the travel influencer crowd. I’ve spoken to many people who’ve downsized to Olympus from full-frame systems, and they couldn’t be happier.
The OM-D E-M5 Mark III is one of Olympus’s latest weather-sealed Four Thirds cameras. It’s lightweight, yet it boasts impressive autofocus and excellent image quality. Other features include a fully articulating 3-inch screen, in-body image stabilization, and built-in focus stacking.
Olympus also boasts a wide range of lenses. A perfect choice for a lightweight setup is the 14-42mm EZ lens, though if you want more range, take a look at the 14-150mm.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a favorite among travel influencers.
Pros
Compact and light
Excellent image quality
Good range of lenses
Weather sealed
Cons
Smaller Four Thirds sensor
Battery life could be better
What is the best camera for travel photography?
Choosing the perfect travel photography camera is a difficult task, and one that depends on many factors. I recommend looking at the list of ideal features offered earlier in this article. Determine what you value most, then evaluate the different cameras I’ve discussed based on those criteria.
So what is the best camera for travel photography? Only you can answer that question! Research different models. And if you need to, go to a camera shop, where you can talk to the staff and hold each camera in your hands. Also try talking to people who own your top picks and ask for their honest opinions. Then, when you’re ready, buy a camera – and hit the road!
Now over to you:
What camera do you currently use for travel photography? Which of the cameras on this list is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post The Best Camera for Travel Photography in 2021 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Matt Murray.
What photographer hasn’t dreamed of traveling the world, visiting exotic destinations, and capturing inspiring images? Imagine the sights you would see, the stories you would have to tell. But how practical is a career path as a travel photographer? Is there really a need? Can you actually make a living? What do you have to do to break into the Continue Reading Photodoto
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The post How To Take More Creative Environmental Travel Portraits appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kevin Landwer-Johan.
Including people in your travel photos creates a stronger sense of connection for anyone who views your photos. Environmental travel portraits add depth of interest to any album, presentation or book of travel images.
Adding a person to a landscape, cultural location, or market scene will almost always add appeal to the photo. Capturing locals engrossed in what they are doing can make for a more interesting picture. Stopping to chat with them and asking if you can take their portrait means a scene takes on a whole new dynamic.
Environmental travel portraits are photos of people involved in the setting they are in. They are usually connected in some way with the location. A regular portrait will typically be cropped tighter and contain little contextual information.
This is an environmental portrait of a Karen woman cooking in her home. The composition contains visual information about her lifestyle and where she lives.
Here is a portrait of a Karen woman. We were in her village when I took this photo, but there’s no visual information to tell you this.
Connect with your subject for better environmental travel portraits
Don’t be a shy photographer. Connecting with people will often result in more interesting environmental travel portraits. Even if you don’t have a common language, you can still relate to people. Showing an interest in someone and what they are doing, you can build a connection. Choosing the right people to photograph provides you with a better opportunity.
I saw this guy on the streets in Bangkok selling his genuine crocodile skin wallets. He demonstrated to an interested tourist that they were real. To do this, he poured some lighter fluid on the wallet and put a flame to it. I set my camera and approached him, requesting he repeat the process. He was most obliging and played up to my camera.
When encountering people who are totally engrossed in what they are doing it’s best to not to interrupt them. This is when it’s best to remain separate and capture candid, or semi-candid photos. I rarely hide my camera, instead, I prefer to have it out in the open so people can be aware that I’m taking photos. Most people will pay no attention, especially when you’re in a touristic area.
For this photo, I wanted to capture the young boy advertising their goods at the top of his voice. He and the older man (I presumed it was his grandfather he was helping) were aware of my presence and that I was taking photos. I was able to do so without disrupting the action.
Environmental travel portraits need to show something of your subject’s surroundings. Where you position your subject in the frame will influence how they look in their environment. As always, aim to fill your frame only with what is relevant to the photo you’re making. Compose so your subject looks connected to their surroundings.
Photographing this Akha woman picking coffee in northern Thailand, I chose to place her near the edge of the frame. I wanted to fill most of the frame with the coffee bush she was picking from. I also placed her further back from the camera and positioned myself, so there were coffee cherries closer to my lens. This helps draw your eye to the cherries and makes them more obvious.
Choosing the best lens for environmental travel portraits
The lens you use for environmental travel portraits will depend a lot on the location you are photographing in. Often a wider lens if more effective than a longer one because you’ll capture more of the location without being too far from your subject. Remember what Robert Capa said, “If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.”
I used my 35mm lens to make this photo of a young French horn player. He was performing in a band during the Chiang Mai Flower Festival parade. Getting fairly close to him, I was also able to show other band members in my composition without including too many other distracting details in the area.
A very shallow depth of field will not often show enough detail in the environment. Too much information can be excluded. Your aim is to include enough of the environment so it adds meaning to the portrait.
Too much in focus in an environmental travel portrait can mean your subject gets lost in the background. You must be aware of how sharp or how blurred your background is. Managing your depth of field well enables you to keep the person you’re photographing as the main subject. Done well, this will encompass enough background detail without it being distracting.
I made this portrait of a samlor (tricycle taxi) rider sitting in his cab. In the background is another samlor passing by. It’s blurred enough so it’s not distracting, but you can still make out what it is, so it adds to the photo.
Careful timing can really make a difference. Watch and observe the person you are photographing and how they are interacting with their environment. Look for patterns of movement and repetition. This can often help you pick the right moment to make your portraits.
For this photo of my friend on National Elephant Day in Thailand, I waited for the elephant’s handler to give the command for the elephant to kiss her. The other elephants and tables with food for them set the scene.
Light will add feeling to your environmental travel portraits when you use it well. Look at the type of lighting in the location where you’re making your portraits. Is it conducive to the style of the portrait you wish to make? Do you need to come back at another time of the day or night? Will adding some flash improve the portrait?
Often when you’re traveling, you can’t wait for the right light, so you must make the best use of available light. When the light at the location is not great, you need to get creative and add some using a flash or reflector.
For this night portrait of a Samlor rider, I was able to position him to make the most of the light in the street market behind him. I also used my flash to illuminate him and help catch a glimpse of the motorcycle passing behind him.
Be sure to look around for items that may enhance your portraits. Including appropriate props will help make more interesting environmental travel portraits.
I’d asked this man if I could photograph him sitting outside his home in a small village in northern Thailand. As he went to sit down, he put his crutches inside, thinking I did not want to include them in the photo. I asked him if it was okay to have them in the picture too.
Be mindful of your surroundings and think about how you can make interesting pictures that tell a story. Who is this person, and how can I make a portrait that captures relevant information about their surroundings?
Please share other tips you have for creating environmental travel portraits, or some of your pictures in the comments below.
The post How To Take More Creative Environmental Travel Portraits appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kevin Landwer-Johan.
From left to right, the MeFoto BackPacker S, Manfrotto BeFree Advanced, Peak Design Travel Tripod and Gitzo Traveler Series 1.
Although image stabilization technology has come along in leaps and bounds over the past few years, there are few things you can do to improve your low-light or telephoto images more than mounting your camera on a tripod. But many tripods are heavy and bulky, making them inconvenient to bring along on longer hikes or when traveling by air. That’s where the humble travel tripod comes to the rescue.
In this review we compare the following travel tripods:
MeFoto BackPacker S – $ 159.95 list / ~$ 120 street
Manfrotto BeFree Advanced – $ 324.99 list / ~$ 280 street
Peak Design Travel Tripod – $ 599.95 list / ~$ 600 street
Gitzo Traveler Series 1 – $ 1014.99 list / ~$ 600 street
Travel tripods are available across a very wide price range, from consumer models that cost not much more than $ 100 to professional-grade ones that can run into the high hundreds of dollars or more. But is it worth spending that extra cash, and can you expect a significantly better experience from a more expensive tripod? To find out, we rounded up a selection of name-brand carbon-fiber travel tripods spanning the pricing gamut for an in-depth, side-by-side comparison.
In many respects, all four tripods have a lot in common. They all come with quick-release plates that you can leave attached to your camera for quicker setup, for example. And they all have reversible center columns which also let you shoot straight downwards, something that can be handy for macro shooting in particular.
They also share locks and/or safety pins to help prevent your camera accidentally being disconnected, and sandbag hooks either at the end of the center column or on the side of the spider, from which you can hang some weight for extra stability. (Just remember to include this weight along with that of your chosen camera and lens when determining your required payload!)
In this review, we’ll focus mostly on how these four tripods differ from each other, and their advantages and disadvantages in real-world shooting. Read on to find out how they performed, and which was our favorite.
MeFoto BackPacker S
Manfrotto BeFree Advanced
Peak Design Travel Tripod
Gitzo Traveler Series 1
MSRP
$ 159.95
$ 324.99
$ 599.95
$ 1014.99
Street price
~$ 120
~$ 280
~$ 600
~$ 600
Length and diameter (folded)*
33.5 x 9.5cm
41.0 x 10.5 cm
39.1 x 7.9 cm
42.5 x 1 cm
Max. height (with center column)*
140.0cm
151.0cm
153.5cm
164.5cm
Max. height (no center column)*
108.0cm
127.0cm
131.0cm
141.0cm
Min. height (standard center column)*
33.5cm
40.5cm
34.5cm
42.5cm
Min. height (short center column)*
N/A
19cm (optional extra)
15.5cm (included)
33.0cm (included)
Weight with accessories*
1017g**
1268g***
1342g****
1489g*****
Load limit
6kg
8kg
9.1kg
10kg
Number of leg angles
3
3
2
2
Converts to monopod?
Yes (143.0cm max.)*
No
No
No
Bubble level?
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Panorama control?
Yes, with degree scale
Yes, lacks degree scale
No
Yes, with degree scale
Swappable head / feet?
Head only
Head only
Both (with optional head adapter kit)
Both
QR plate type
ARCA
Manfrotto RC2
ARCA
ARCA
Special features
N/A
EasyLink attachment
Smartphone holder
N/A
Warranty (with registration)
5 years
10 years
Lifetime
7 years
* All sizes and weights based on in-house measurements. ** Includes ball head, QR plate with safety pins, center-column hook and hex key *** Includes ball head, QR plate, EasyLink / center-column caps and hex key **** Includes ball head with safety pins, QR plate, full center column with hook and phone holder, hex tool and tool holder ***** Includes ball head with safety pin, QR plate, long and short center columns and three hex/Torx keys
The post Peak Design Donates 100% of Profits from Travel Tripod Launch to Charity appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.
Peak Design, the camera carry company based in California, launched their Travel Tripod in early April.
And they donated 100% of the profits to charity.
The Travel Tripod has been making waves ever since it was funded on Kickstarter, where the promise of a stable, compact tripod drew in 12 million USD from nearly 30,000 donors.
Fast-forward a year, and the Travel Tripod was ready to launch as two separate products:
A carbon fiber option and an aluminum alloy option, both offering unprecedented compactness and stability as a pro-level travel tripod solution.
Then, in the weeks prior to the launch, Peak Design announced its intentions to donate all profits to two charities:
The CDC Foundation, for COVID-19 relief, and Climate Neutral, an organization that works to combat climate change.
As explained by the Peak Design CEO:
Now more than ever is the time for us to act on our core values and ensure that our employees, contractors and retail partners can find economic shelter in a product we’ve spent years developing…Peak Design is also in a unique position to offer financial support to those that are solving the problem. To be able to donate in a time of need speaks volumes to the company we’ve built over the last ten years.
Now that the launch is complete, Peak Design has released their numbers; the company sold over 2000 tripods, culminating in a whopping $ 218,000 USD donated to the CDC Foundation and Climate Neutral.
For those who are interested in the Peak Design travel tripod, it offers:
A weight of 2.81 lbs (1.27 kg) for the carbon fiber model
A weight of 3.44 lbs (1.56 kg) for the aluminum model
A weight capacity of 20 lbs (9.1 kg)
Minimum height of 15.2 in (38.5 cm)
Maximum height of 60.2 in (153 cm) with the center column raised
Setup in 9.8 seconds
A ball head with a phone mount
You can pick it up for $ 599.95 USD (carbon fiber) or $ 349.95 USD (aluminum).
Now over to you:
Do you own a travel tripod? And how does the Peak Design Travel Tripod compare? Share your thoughts in the comments!
The post Peak Design Donates 100% of Profits from Travel Tripod Launch to Charity appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.
Bag manufacturer Peak Design has donated 100% of the profits it made from the launch of its first tripod to charities dealing with the coronavirus response and with climate change. The four-day launch saw the company sell 2265 units of its new Travel Tripod, which generated $ 218,150.
The funds were then split equally between the non-profits Centers for Disease Control Foundation which is assisting in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Climate Neutral organization that helps companies to reduce their carbon foot print. Peak Design is actually a founder of Climate Neutral, which has so far certified 105 brands as being climate neutral, including Kickstarter, and is helping numerous others to achieve this goal.
The development of the Travel Tripod was funded by a Kickstarter campaign, and over the launch period, the aluminum alloy version generated $ 75,110 in profits while the carbon fiber version made $ 143,040 after selling 110 units more.
You can see more information about the Travel Tripod on our initial news coverage, as well as our hands-on with the carbon fiber version.
Press release:
Peak Design Donates 100% of Profits From its 4-Day Travel Tripod Launch Funds will be Distributed Between COVID-19 Response and Combating Climate Change
Peak Design, the worldwide leader in crowdfunding and everyday carry solutions, has announced it will donate 100% of profits from all Travel Tripods sold during the company’s highly anticipated launch, April 7, through April 10, 2020. Profits will include both sales of tripods through PeakDesign.com and through retailers worldwide. Funds generated by the launch will be donated to the CDC Foundation to support their efforts on the front-lines of COVID-19 response, and to Climate Neutral, an organization that helps businesses from all industries verifiably achieve carbon neutrality.
Peak Design depends on a global network of partners to ensure their products are safely manufactured and delivered. The launch of the Travel Tripod is an opportunity for Peak Design to continue to financially support their colleagues while helping to address two global crises. “Now more than ever is the time for us to act on our core values and ensure that our employees, contractors and retail partners can find economic shelter in a product we’ve spent years developing,” commented Peak Design CEO, Peter Dering. “Peak Design is also in a unique position to offer financial support to those that are solving the problem. To be able to donate in a time of need speaks volumes to the company we’ve built over the last ten years. I couldn’t be more proud,” continued Dering.
Peak Design understands that sustainability programs may come under threat as businesses are forced to examine expenditures due to COVID-19. In addition to donating to the CDC Foundation to support Coronavirus relief, Peak Design hopes additional aid to Climate Neutral will help to bolster the response to climate change. “Unfortunately we haven’t swapped one global disaster for the other. Climate change is still a very real threat amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and we fear that many businesses will be forced to consider the economic viability of their sustainability commitments,” states Dering. “We can’t afford to relinquish the progress we’ve made in combating climate change.”
The Peak Design Travel Tripod was originally launched on Kickstarter in May 2019, and raised $ 12.1M from 27,168 backers. Praised for its ground up reexamination of traditional tripod design, Peak Design achieved the world’s most portable, packable, and easy-to-setup tripod for professionals and first-time tripod owners alike. Customers can choose between carbon fiber (MSRP: $ 599) and aluminum alloy (MSRP: $ 349.95) starting April 7, at 12am PST.
For more information about the Peak Design Travel Tripod, please visit: http://www.peakdesign.com/pages/travel-tripod. To learn more about the CDC Foundation’s efforts in supporting the people, communities, and healthcare providers on the global frontline of coronavirus response, please visit: http://www.cdcfoundation.org. To learn more about how Climate Neutral assists businesses to achieve carbon neutrality, please visit http://www.climateneutral.org.
We’ve already seen the Peak Design Travel Tripod and gotten our hands on it for a short period of time, but after successfully sending out units to its Kickstarter backers, Peak Design is ready to open up orders to the public. At 12am PST on April 7, Peak Design will allow the general public to purchase their latest piece of gear; but that’s not all. Peak Design says 100% of profits from every tripod sold will be split 50/50 to COVID-19 disaster relief and climate change relief funds.
The Travel Tripod launch announcement was originally embargoed for the day of the launch, April 7, but Peak Design Founder and CEO Peter Dering took to YouTube in the above video to explain the decision to launch the tripod at the time they’ve chosen, as well as announce a ‘Weird Times Sale’ that is currently live and sees nearly all Peak Design gear (everything except the Travel Tripod) between 20–40% off to help keep inventory moving during a time when sales have all but ceased.
A breakdown of the discounts for Peak Design’s sale.
Travel Tripod Updates
The Peak Design Travel Tripods were first introduced in May 2019. Over the course of its Kickstarter campaign, the company raised over $ 12.1 million from more than 27k backers. Over the course of production, Peak Design altered a few aspects of the design to refine the initial version to improve the overall experience. Specifically, Peak Design’s revisions include a new hex tool key with leg clip holder, an updated padded, weatherproof carry bag and an ultralight conversion kit that turns the tripod into a more compact tabletop tripod.
Peak Design also opted to use an aluminum center column for its carbon fiber tripod, citing testing its own engineering team came up with as well as insight from tripod testing extraordinaire David Berryrieser of the Center Column. Peak Design says Berryrieser’s testing, ‘revealed a significant improvement in the aluminum center column resisting lateral twist, less vertical slip and higher max load for the counterweight hook […] All this for the price of 16g or 10 paper clips worth of additional weight.’
As previously mentioned, 100% of profits from each Travel Tripod sold from April 7–10 through PeakDesign.com and Peak Design’s retail partners around the world will be distributed to the CDC Foundation and Climate Neutral.
You can find the ‘Weird Times Sale’ on Peak Design’s online shop and authorized Peak Design retailers. Travel Tripod sales should go live at 12am on April 7 if you’re interested in securing one.
Chinese camera accessory manufacturer SIRUI has announced its new carbon fiber AM-2 Travel Tripod series featuring a total of five tripod models. The company describes its new lineup as lightweight, with the largest and heaviest model weighing in at 1.22kg (2.69lbs). The tripods are suitable for uses that range from macro to travel photography, according to the company.
The SIRUI AM-2 Travel Tripod series features the following models:
AM-223 ($ 129.90): 350mm (13.78in) max height, 15kg (33lbs) max load
AM-225 ($ 199.90): 1200mm (47.24in) max height, 6kg (13.23lbs) max load
AM-254 ($ 199.90): 1200mm (47.24in) max height, 12kg (26.46lbs) max load
AM-284 ($ 249.90): 1200mm (47.24in) max height, 15kg (33.07lbs) max load
SL-200 ($ 29.90): 320mm (12.60in) max height, 15kg (33.07lbs) max load
The tripods are resistant to corrosion and have a high level of stability, according to SIRUI. Features vary based on the model, but include anti-slip leg locks, leg angle adjustment buttons, 1/4″-20 accessory port, interchangeable feet for use with metal spikes, included adjustment tools and tripod bag, as well as, in some cases, an included ball head. The AM-2 series can be used with the optional low gravity A-10R ball head priced at $ 99.90.
The new models are listed on the SIRUI USA website at this time but don’t appear to have yet been added to other online stores like Adorama and B&H Photo.
The post 7 Tips for Using a Tripod in Landscape and Travel Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.
In this video from Julian Elliott Photography, he gives you 7 tips for using a tripod in landscape and travel photography.
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You may want to know why you need a tripod at all when you do landscape and travel photography? There are times when you will want to use slower shutter speeds. For example, when doing long exposures to get silky smooth waters, shooting in low light situations, or for bracketing exposures.
So watch Julian’s video and find out some invaluable tips on how to get the most out of your tripod, how to keep it in good condition, and how to use it.
You may also like:
How to Choose the Right Tripod for Landscape Photography
Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test
6 Advantages of Using a Tripod in Your Photography
10 Dos and Don’ts for Mastering Your Tripod
Peak Design Travel Tripod Review
7 Reasons Why a Tripod is Must for Outdoor Photographers
K&F Concept TC2335 Carbon Fiber Tripod Review
The post 7 Tips for Using a Tripod in Landscape and Travel Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.
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