Outstanding Prime Lenses for your Videos

Canon EF 24mm F/2.8 IS USM

24mm prime lenses are perfect for capturing wider scene shots to set a story properly. This is the best lens size to mimic how the eyes travel across the scenery, which is handy for creating POV. Wider lenses also detect fewer wobbles when you move in towards the action or follow your subject’s path. Canon’s EF 24mm lens adds image stabilization that lessens edge distortions and corner frays that are the usual limitations of using other wide-angle prime lenses for videography.

Nikon AFS-DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

Unlike the 25mm wide angle, the 35mm tightens up the shot and forces you to think each element through. In a way, this helps bring out the creative in you since you are always conscious of the composition that fit into your frame. Nikon’s AFS-DX 35mm lens is one of the most compact and lightweight in the market that delivers both the classic natural angle view and focused takes comparable to a 50mm.

Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

50mm lenses isolate your subjects to create that dramatic focus while keeping a safe distance from the action. The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM delivers that weighty bokeh that locks the viewer’s eyes to the main point of interest. The close-ups that draw the viewers deeper into the story makes the 50mm one of the best prime lenses for videography.

Sigma 70mm f2.8 DG Macro Art

For intense moments where the tiniest facial gestures convey emotions, the 70mm macro lens does an excellent jobs. Sigma’s 70mm f2.8 DG Macro captures the last threads and bits of your subject and keeps in focus those details that we’d never notice from a normal 35mm or 50mm shot.

Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens

For those who consistently do serious work on portraits, the 135mm is a worthy investment. Canon’s EF 135mm creates the creamiest bokeh and magnifies pin-point sized features with captivating depth and quality.

Complete Your Videography Toolkit

Prime lenses are a great way to start your videography journey. With the solitary focal lengths, using prime lenses for videography force you to explore the art behind each shot, and improve your handling skills to maximize each range. You’ll also learn the mechanics for creating different effects, a valuable skill that will stay with you long after you move on to more advanced lenses.

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Nikon Z7 and Sony A7 III are both mirrorless full-frame cameras that are available at an affordable price point. You can buy either for less than 4,000 USD without any attached lenses. Both also show promising versatility and high-quality image rendering, but they also have marked differences that will affect your overall experience.

Image Quality

Both cameras are supported by BSI CMOS image sensors and pixel chips. Sony’s A7 III does extremely well with 24.2 megapixels, but Z7’s 45.7 megapixels is impressive for a budget full-frame camera. It’s not all about the MPs though. You’ll definitely get more shots with the 10 frames per second from Sony A7 III vs Nikon Z7’s less snappy 9 fps. A7III is also armed with an ISO range of 50 to 204,800, which makes it a top performer for night scenes and low-light shots.

Build

Nikon Z7 weighs 41.4 ounces including its batteries and kit lens. Sony, on the other hand, weighs much lighter at 33.3 ounces when batteries and kit lens are attached. Both cameras have stable 5-axle support and boast dust and moisture resistant bodies. While both feel solid and sleek, Nikon’s more substantial size gives it a more comfortable grip than the lithe A7III.  

User Interface

The Z7 uses the same touchscreen menu system from Nikon’s DSLRs which makes it very easy to operate. In contrast, A7III has a more complex interface that could be quite confusing to navigate. Sony makes up for it with deep customization so you could access all your favorite features with an easy flick on the menu.

Battery Life

For a smaller full-frame camera, Sony A7III has a pretty large battery capacity. Sony’s new NP-FZ100 has a CIPA rating of 650 shots and performs even better in actual use. In contrast, the Z7 only lives for around 250 shots and the USB charging hardly makes up for the shorter battery life.

Nikon Z7 Vs Sony A7 III

Nikon Z7 Pros

• More comfortable grip
• USB-chargeable batteries
• Easy to navigate touchscreen panel
• Higher megapixels for detailed close-ups

Sony A7III Pros

• Faster continuous shooting
• Better low-light  capacity
• Longer battery life
• Easier to carry

Both the Z7 and the A7III are built for high image quality and flexible use. Sony approaches this goal with a light build, strong built-in battery pack, and excellent range for both outdoor and low-light settings. On the other hand, Nikon packs ultra-high resolution into a solidly-built camera with painless navigation options. This Nikon Z7 vs Sony A7 III comparison ultimately boils down to Nikon’s stress-free handling versus Sony’s all-around photography.

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Top 6 Best Camera Lenses For Your Kit This Year

Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM For Sweeping  Landscapes

The ultra-wide lens goes on full-frame cameras and is suitable for a wide range of subjects. The lens offers a 24mm wide-angle view, paired with a wide f/1.4 aperture. When you pair it with full-frame mirrorless cameras like A7R III, you can capture bright beachfront shots and magnificent nighttime skyscapes with no pain.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM For Stunning Low-Light Images

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM doesn’t go as wide as Sony’s FE 24mm. But its even wider f/1.8 aperture lets in more light for stunning low-light images. You can play around with this lens to create dramatic and breathtaking high-contrast photos.

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM For Show-Stopping Action Shots

This is the ultra-fast telephoto zoom lens you need to capture crisp and vibrant blow by blow sports photos, every single time. The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM is well worth its steep cost. Its Hypersonic Motor (HSM) Autofocus, optical stabilizer, and f/2.8 maximum aperture grind for crystal clear close-up and long shots that truly speak for all the action.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR For Still-Life

70-200mm lenses are most convenient for covering special events without stepping too close to the limelight. Nikon’s AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR gives your wedding photos and portraits a depth and vitality that very few other lenses achieve.

Zoetouch 2 in 1 Professional HD Kit For Mobile

The Zoetouch Clip-on HD 2 in 1 Lens includes a 12.5X macro lens and a 0.45X wide angle lens amplifies your mobile phone and digital cameras. Zoetech packed both wide-angle and ultra-zoom capabilities into this clip-on kit so you can capture life’s big moments and little surprises without distortions and background noise.

Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS For Versatile Zoom Shots

Sony’s FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS is capable of multiple angles and shots. This zoom lens is the perfect balance between wide-angle landscapes and standard action shot. The f/4 aperture works well for bright outdoor shots, but it also pairs with full-frame cameras like Sony’s A7 series to capture crystal clear low-lights.

Always be Ready for the Best Moments

Life usually goes by in a blur, and you want to be ready to capture all its best moments. You can, when you have all the best camera lenses you need. Check them out in your favorite shop and head into 2019 with a complete photography kit.

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We rounded up 5 of the best cameras in different niches based on their performance and overall value-for-money.

Fujifilm X100F For The Classic Professional

The retro-style Fujifilm X100F comes with a design that is both aesthetically and functionally beautiful.  It comes with a fixed focal length 23mm 5/2.0 lens and a 24.3MP resolution hybrid viewfinder.

Fujifilm X100F is Perfect for:

• Professional photographers who hanker for a high-end clicker with a vintage touch.

Sony A7R III is an Artist’s Smart Investment

The Sony A7R III is a full-frame mirrorless camera with a 42MP sensor. A7R III boasts of clear and dynamic landscape and outdoor shots, thanks to its slew of auto focus features. It’s also tough with a magnesium alloy body that’s dust and moisture-resistant.

Sony A7R III is perfect for:

• Landscape, fashion, street, and fine art professional photographers
• Photography sessions on the go

Nikon D850 Balances Vibrant Stills and 4K Footages

The silent burst shooting and 4k video features of full-frame camera Nikon D850 make it an easy charmer for wedding photography and event coverage. It comes with a 45.7MP sensor with various preset resolutions for fashion, portrait, and landscape set-ups.

Nikon D850 is perfect for:

• Professional shots for fashion shows, weddings, and other event coverage
• Professional landscape, street, and indoor photography

Canon EOS 80D for Affordable HD Footages

If you are focused on capturing video while working on something less than a full-frame camera, Canon EOS 80D is a handy option. The 24.2MP full HD DSLR has a 3.2-in Vari-angle touchscreen that lets you capture footages with crisp details, vibrant colors and controlled noise levels. You can follow the scene into any location and not have second thoughts on the end result.

Canon EOS 80D is perfect for:

• Full HD footages without full-frames

Sony A7 III is the Versatile Choice for Beginners

A7 III is Sony’s more affordable iteration of the A7R III. This mirror-less camera comes with the latter’s best features, such as the Eye Tracking Autofocus, high-quality stills, and 10fps bursts. But all at a lower price point. A7 III gives photography beginners and enthusiasts an affordable option that also gives comparable end results.

Sony A7 III is perfect for:

• Beginner or enthusiast-level landscape, outdoor, and low-light photography

What are the Best Cameras for You?

The best cameras are the ones that work best for you. These 5 cameras are on the top ranks for this year, but they are designed for different purposes. The best camera in your world is the one that suits your price range and elevates the quality of the work you do.

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Customizable Granite Gear Re-fit Belt

The Granite Gear Crown2 totes the label’s Re-fit belt. Similar to the label’s Lutsen series, Crown now has an adjustable hip belt that easily fits different body sizes. It is also much wider around the hips, which achieves a double purpose. First, it makes a snug fit that helps ground your center of gravity and makes trekking easier. Second, it has room for a couple of handy hip pockets that can hold your phone, digital camera, or snack bar.

Removable Top Pouch

The 5-liter top pouch is perhaps the most noticeable addition to the Granite Gear Crown2. They managed to add this to the actual pack without significantly bringing up the pack’s overall weight or price point. You can throw in your gas canister, paracord, or army knife into the top pocket with DWR treated zipper to keep them accessible and secure. When you’re not fully loaded, you can also snap it off to reduce the pack’s weight for shorter trips.

Web-Protected Packing Space

The pack also comes with sturdy webbings that run across the front, sides, and top to secure the whole pack without adding any weight. The actual pack is actually really huge, 23.5 inches high, 13 inches wide, and 8 inches deep. You can easily use this pack for week-long trips without going short of space for all your gear.  You can store your sleeping bag, bed roll, clothes, food, equipment, and basically everything you need.

Granite Gear Crown Ventilated Suspension System

The Crown2 is supported by Granite Gear’s innovative Vapor Current Mark-frame System, which includes a compression-molded polypropylene frame sheet with die cut holes. The frame itself is removable in case are carrying a lighter and smaller pack. But when you are on a multi-day trail, the design optimizes the pack’s load capacity without adding significantly to its weight.

The suspension system also includes a molded foam back panel with ventilation channels. This is one of the most interesting features for Granite Gear Crown2 – your back stays dry and comfortable even when you’re already sweating all over your face from the long and challenging hike.

Get Ready for Your Week-Long Trip with Granite Gear Crown2

If you’ve been saving up your leave credits for that week-long adventure outdoors, you can’t go wrong with Granite Gear Crown2. You can fit all your essentials in your pack, keep your tools and gadgets handy in the belt or top pocket, and trudge the trail without sweat drenching your back the whole time.  

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Granite Gear Crown V.C. 60’s Vapor Current Suspension System

The contoured back panel is coupled with a thorough mesh channeling. The contouring facilitates air circulation and evaporative cooling without shifting the weight from the back frame. Your back stays dry and comfortable in long and challenging hikes.

Hidden from view inside the back panel is the pack’s lightweight HDPE frame sheet. Paired with its dual-density padded shoulder straps and hip belt, Granite Gear Crown V.C. 60’s back support eases the tension out of your back, shoulders, and core during long hikes.

Lightweight Support with Die-cut Hip Belt and Shoulder Straps

Granite Gear Crown V.C. 60 also comes with a dual-density hip belt that you can detach and swap with other belt options from Granite Gear to get the most comfortable fit. The belt’s wide frame helps ease balance the load from the back, and shoulders so you can scale rough terrain without the pack toppling over.  

Roll Top Closure for Secure and Easy Packing

The Granite Gear Crown V.C. 60 is not your conventional top loader. It has no lid or zips on the top side. What it has is a roll top closure system that effectively compresses your pack for a snug fit over your load. With the snap-on roll-top, everything is secured exactly the way you packed them throughout the trip. No more worries about flipped containers and jumbled contents.

If you do like to travel with a lid, the V.C. 60 can also fit Granite Gear’s Line Loc lid. It attaches easily over the top and provides extra protection for your pack.

All the Compressed Storage You Need

What this lightweight Granite Gear Crown V.C. 60 pack provides is storage and lots of it. The pack itself  has a 3,600-cubic inch capacity. It also sports a large mesh pocket up front, two large ones on the side, and two small ones on the shoulder straps. All the pockets are lined with the Line Loc Compression straps so you don’t lose any item from your extra pockets along the trail.

Granite Gear V.C. 60: Your Go-to Ultralight Pack Partner

Granite Gear Crown V.C. 60 is as reliable as an ultra-light pack can be for any trekking trip. V.C. 60’s suspension, compression, belt and shoulder support, and roll-top systems give you all the secured storage you need for your trailing essentials, minus the pain and discomfort of going full-load.

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WHAT’S THE BEST BACKPACKING PACK?

Finding a trustworthy backpacking pack boils down to 3 important elements: minimal dead weight, weather-tested durability, and lasting comfort. These are what Granite Gear has put into consideration when the brand made their best-selling outdoor backpacks.

Weight

The Crown V.C. 60 is as light as you could go for a heavy-duty pack. The model offers regular and long versions that are just between 2.125 and 2.25 lbs. The HDPE frame is specifically designed to maintain structural integrity without additional load.

The Crown2 60 is also incredibly light, but a few ounces heavier compared to the Crown 60. It has 3 torso size options, ranging between 2.26 lbs. to 2.46 lbs. While the frame and fabric materials remain similar to V.C. 60, Crown2’s extra weight is due to its innovative lid compartment and adjustable RE-FIT hip belt.  The new features both have key uses, but the trade-off evidently lies in taking on slightly heavier load than the first Crown 60.

Durability

Extreme weather conditions are expected in any trek, so weather-proof durability is an essential for keeping your supply usable throughout the hike.

Both backpacks sport the 100D and 210D high-tenacity Cordora Nylon fabrics, which are treated with NeverWet Liquid repelling technology to keep all your goodies dry during unexpected rain or water crossings.

Both are also framed by reinforced Polypropelene (HDPE) and die-cut holes for long-range uncompromised support.

Comfort

The main step-up for Crown2 is convenience and hiking comfort. The water-proof compartment gives you an easy access to your smaller essentials.

The RE-FIT belt also maintains stable center of gravity without biting into your skin. You can stay nimble on the trail despite the full load on your back.

For less demanding outings, both are top performers for comfort.
The molded back panels and mesh ventilation channels keep your back dry until the end of the trail.

The Main Differences

The classic Crown V.C. 60 is still the lightest, most durable minimalist multi-day pack from Granite Gear. There’s no removable lid nor pockets on the hip belts. It is my go to pack when I want to backpack fast and light. On the other hand, the Crown2 60L does come with a removable lid (2.8 ounces) and pockets on the hip belt (6.6 ounces). If you’re planning to carry an ultralight load (less than 25lbs) with the crown2, you can remove the lid and the frame sheet, lowering the pack weight to 1.7lbs. The crown2 comes with a different style of straps, which in my opinion, are much better than the old strap mechanism on the classic Crown 60L.

In a Nutshell

Crown V.C. 60 is still one of the best outdoor backpack if you want to shed the weight that slows you down. If you are planning to pack more weight or are going on a longer backpacking trip, then the Crown2 60 for additional storage and stability would be worth every penny. I personally switch in between these two packs, depending on if the trips are long and if I’m planning to carry more camera gear.

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Landscape Photography Combo Edge

Effortless Focus

Sony A7R III sports a 35mm full-frame sensor. For the pros, full-frame is an absolute essential for greater image depth and focus, especially under low light. The camera’s Eye AF mode and Autofocus joystick are handy for quickly zeroing on your subject in a wide-angle shot. Along with its impressive noise-reduction process, the camera’s AF is very responsive, if not necessary, to maximize the camera’s 10-FPS continuous shooting capacity. The main perk is getting batches of stunning landscape raws no matter how fast your shutter has to go.

Sweeping Wide Angles

Of course, you can’t get serious with landscapes without going wide-angle. The Sony 16-35mm f4 OSS lens extends A7R III’s full frame imaging into sweeping wide-angle shots 16mm out. The zoom range between 16 and 35mm allows enough flexibility for framing subjects in their most dramatic angle. Sony 16-35mm’s sensitive response zoom ring also provides fluid and accurate zoom transitions for easy manual adjustments. For more details, check out our review of this lens.

Crisp Outdoor and Low-Light Images

The level of detail you can capture for landscape photography with this duo is legendary. A7R III’s 5-axis Image Stabilizer, Bayer-cancellation, and strong JPEG engine works in tandem with OSS lens’ Optimized Image Stabilization System (OSS). The synergy creates generously lit shots with crisp details, impressive auto-white balance, lifelike colors, and sharp textures. The OSS constant maximum aperture of F4 balances with the full-frame for just the right amount of light so could whip up the same combo for capturing starry night skies and shooting sunny beachfronts.

Robust and Versatile Build

Both the A7R III and the Sony 16-35mm come with solid metal builds, weighting more than 500g each.  Ironically, this may be your best combo option if you are looking to go lightweight for landscape photography. A7R III optimizes the larger frame with a larger grip and bigger batteries. The 16-35mm zoom range also lets you work with different angles and effects with just one lens. You can keep both hands busy with your photos rather than lugging spares and supplies.

In Conclusion

The Sony A7R III and 16-35mm F4 OSS lens combo is the perfect travel buddy for a landscape photographer:

• Long battery life & hardy build
• Low-light and outdoor shooting
• AF modes for effortless depth and focus
• Full-frame with optimized image stabilization
• Versatile 16-35mm wide-angle zooming range

With these in your pack, you have the right equipment for your landscape photography essentials.

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Sony A7R III: Features

Image/Video Quality and Performance

The Sony A7R III has a long list of scrummy features. The 3.69M dot (1280 x 960 pixel) OLED viewfinder comes with an improved touchscreen menu interface. A dedicated autofocus positioning joystick makes manual set-up even less painful. The Eye AF mode improves the clarity of fast action images.

Like its predecessor, it carries a 42MP BSI CMOS Sensor. But unlike A7R II,  this version has the processing systems and algorithms of A9. The difference shows in the improved autofocus, rolling shutter, and continuous shooting performance.

Sony A7R III also works hard on your sessions – shooting a rapid 10 frames-per-second. And each shoot comes with full AF, live updates and noise processing. The camera also uses 5-axis image stabilization, bayer-cancelling multi-shots. Add to the picture an ever stronger JPEG engine. The goal is crisp details and sharp textures within a spacious full frame.  

Build and Design

The Sony A7R III body is a cross between the leaner Mark II version and the chunky pro-sports camera A9. The larger build comes with a host of improvements.  It has a much deeper grip than the A7R II, making it an easier companion for high-action outdoor shoots. The viewfinder requires less squinting. And yes, it has a larger battery pack. You can go all-out for a whole day without lining your pockets with spares.

For a compact camera, this one has a lot of buttons to play with. There are record, AF-on and AEL buttons on the rear face. The diopter adjuster and two more mode buttons are tucked into the left shoulder. Your standard navigation dials are also laid out for easy manual adjustments.

On the left side is the latch that hides two SD cards, one of which steps up your processing speed time with a UHS-II card. On the other side, the latches hold a whole host of connectivity ports. There are mic and headphone connectors across a Micro B USB/Multi connector jock. It also comes with a Type C USB connector, HDMI output socket, and a flash sync port. That enough options for easy data transfer, tethered shooting, and charging.

In a Nutshell

Sony A7R III full-frame mirrorless camera combines speed, autofocus, and resolution.  It is Sony’s well-learned lessons from the A79 II and A9:

• better grip
• longer battery life
• laser-sharp autofocus
• faster processing time
• streamlined interface and navigation panel

All these handsome features makes Sony A7R III the reliable go-to for a wide range of stills and videos.

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Sony 16-35mm F4 OSS Lens Features

Image Quality and Performance

The Sony 16-35mm weighs a hefty 18.4 oz, which is slightly more than you’d expect for a 3.07 x 3.88” tube. It comes with a standard 35mm lens which zooms out up to 16mm ultra-wide angle. The range is pretty normal for its category, so this is a classic and an expected range for a landscape zoom lens.

What does make this lens remarkable is its optimized image stabilization system (OSS), which offsets a rather dimmed constant maximum aperture f4. In tandem with a highly responsive zoom ring, the OSS produces crisp still photos and smooth video footage.

The lens achieves a perfect balance of wide angle zoom and tack sharp autofocus. This is just what every photographer and video maker needs to get captivating shots of nature’s fluid motions and vivid forms. At 16 mm zoom, it literally captures the big picture and produce grand wide-angle landscapes. The 16-35mm range take in details with varying levels of focus. This is a great piece to have when you need multiple effects  on your trip and have room for only one lens.

Build Quality and Design

The solid metal build comes in an unpretentious design. The zoom ring and focus motor are masterfully integrated using electronic and mechanical connections, allowing for that super smooth transition. The ring details adjust silently and accurately, a totally pleasant aesthetic and tactile experience by itself.

Weighting 0.52 kilograms, this is not the most lightweight 35mm you could get your hands on. But if you factor in the range of work you could do using this one lens, the additional ounces quickly become irrelevant. The versatility even gives you the option to pass up on a second camera and lug a much lighter load on your next nature trip.

The piece sports a simple and straightforward look, but by no means lackluster. The narrow lens hood over its 72mm lens filter actually makes the whole thing look sleek and put-together. Someone sat down to make sure the camera was a thing of beauty itself – a fitting package for the calibre of shots it is capable of creating.

In a Nutshell

The Pros

• Smooth zoom ring
• Optimized image stabilization great for video
• Excellent auto focus
• Constant maximum aperture
• Ultra-versatile

The Cons

• F4 aperture not ideal for astro photography

In conclusion, the Sony 16-35mm f4 OSS lens offers a lot of exciting benefits, with minimal downsides. For serious photography buffs or professionals on the move, this is a dream come true. Coming from DSLR lenses, this wide angle lens is light and so versatile, you can capture your whole trip with just this lens. When you’re in the midst of nature’s imposing terrains, having a combo that does all the work is surely worth the trade-off.

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