JayKnight Life: Running, Reviews, Photos

   OK, Cool so, I'm doing this review on the Cannon 70-200mm 4L.  To most people this is just another lens. It's not an iPhone 5, an iPad. Camera lenses  are cool to photographers (amatuer and professional) and a hard sell to anyone that doesn't use a camera often.      When I upgraded from the SX20is to the T3i there was at least one person that said.... "I thought your other camera was working just fine for you."       But anyway on to the review. Before I bought the lens I did a lot of research to make sure it would fit my style, improve my pictures, give me more flexibility or even just allow me to get the shot i wanted when i needed it. I'm sure a lot of photographers can agree to this... We're spoiled. We want what we want no matter how hard someone says it'll be to get. (that applies to my day job as a tv producer too)     So why does this fit into my camera bag ?    ...

      So, I admit that I have a problem. I've gotten into the habit of taking my camera with me everywhere. No, I'm not talking about my iPhone... I'm carrying this huge DSLR around with me. I'm still a little inconspicuous because I don't have one of those professional "L" lenses (the big long white ones with the red ring.) So, here's a few reasons why I'm lugging it around.     1. I'm Crazy     2. I want to be prepared if I want or need to take a picture     3. Networking,        The problem (or benefit) to lugging this camera around with me all the time is that I'm always thinking about what I could capture in the lens. So, a walk in the park isn't just a walk in the park any more. It's a photo-op for anything, everyone and at any moment. I pick on the park because there are times and places when I have to leave the thing behind (malls, schools, hospitals, church -- well sometimes.) The main reason -not listed abo...

So, I've fallen back in love with the Opteka semi-fisheye lens attachment for my canon t3i.after using it a few months ago I wasn't too excited about it because of all the lens aberration... but i think I've taken care of that. You still get a lot of junk on the edges.. but by using a smaller aperture, you cut back on most of the soft focus and aberrations. These are some sunset shots from North Haven-- behind the Toys R Us plaza if you know the area. So, in short it must have been user error-- yea I'll admit it. It is also a really good macro lens.

     So, It's Christmas time! and it's time to start thinking about the pro- or amateur photographer in your life. Get them something nice, something memorable and something that they'll take with them on every shoot. I've gathered a list of the top 10 photo gear gifts that will likely take your photographer's skills to the next level and possibly even make them some money. While gathering this list I have to admit that none of these gifts are in my photo closet. I'm not being paid by anyone to push their product... but that's the point. These products aren't in my closet and i suspect they may be in very few closets. But, they're all items that I think are cool enough to throw on a wish list... and I suspect that I'm not alone. 1. The The Lens Cap Strap Holder at the Photojojo Store!        Kickstarter.com is an awesome website that has spawned a couple of the gift ideas on my list. The first idea and probably one of the most simple and int...