I share stories, that will show you the way to discovering the art and craft of photography, inspiring you to venture out into the landscape and make your own stories.
I use storytelling rather than boring classrooms to bring the world of landscape photography to life. Going out in the field means I have to react to changes in the natural world, just like you. So the stories may not always hit all the points I want to cover, but that’s what real shoots are like, get up and try again.
By sharing the real stories behind landscape photography, the highs and lows maybe I can inspire you to go out and give it you’re best shot. The life of a landscape photographer isn’t the perfect Instagram grid - there are more failures than successes.
Subscribe, share wildly, and I hope to see you in the comments.
I came in luck at my local camera shop 2 days ago 2nd hand/used but luckily enough the camera shop owner told me teh previous owner hardly used it its completely fresh no scruffs or scratches and proper clean the black is all really shiny new still the previous owner wants £795 for it thow plus the other reason why its more expensive because I have the converter with it which is included I think i have a good deal I will possibly hardly use the converter unless I am at a huge lake and they are far way
I think sigma could have designed a better mounting bracket with stronger materials. Heck, it may as well have been made of tin. I sold mine because of this and that the release/locking pin seemed to have expanded the recessed, alignment hole in the mounting bracket of the lens.
I truly enjoy mine as well. I was shooting it on a 7D ii, but I have recently purchased the 5D iv and I don't regret it in the least. Thanks for your thoughts!
Faster the better! I usually try for 1/16000! Seriously, there are so many variables to consider: type of water, movement of water, location of the water, etc., and then what is the desired effect? Is some movement desired in the photo, or total blur of the movement? I seriously think there is no one answer. And NO ONE KNOWS everything there is about Photography. I’ve been tripping the shutter for 45 some years, and still find myself learning, discovering, and wondering about Photography, and making stupid mistakes along the way. I liked how you ‘wrapped up’ your Video. Stay safe and Happy Shooting!
Only just picked up your excellent video. I have one question, did you use the widest diameter lens ring? My my widest lens is 77mm so would get 82mm lens ring, in your opinion would this negate the vignetting?
Hi, Yes. I used the 82mm on the with my lenses on my 24-105 which is 77mm so is still got vignetting when using multiple filters but only at the 24mm end
Great video and probably a surprise to some photographers that time blending is an option to get creative and make the best image to represent what you actually experienced. You’ve done it in one still and explained it very well. Your photoshop tutorial was interesting using LR and photoshop but it worked great. I enjoyed the video and as you know the worlds best photographers use the time blending technique. It’s perfect for seascapes.
Hi Thanks lead-dog. I get youre point but the boundaries are very blurred between photography and art and always have been. I have a few guidlines that I go by so let me explain. I clone nothing out of a photograph that is fixed to the ground, i.e it cant walk away, be blown, driven, or move of its own accord. I only use photographs that I have taken within minutes of each other and capture the essence of experiencing being there (so no AI prompts) It has to pass through my lens when I was on location. and everything is taken at the location. I justify adding the waves back in as they bring me back to closer to the moment I stood there and took those photographs. Composites are not new to photography, we have done them in the darkroom for 100’s of years, but no questions wether those are “real” photographs. But your comments are very welcome. And I must thankyou maybe I have a new topic for a video?
Excellent video. I am in the process of buying a magnetic system and your clear guidance has prompted me to get the K&F system. Too late for the discount unfortunately.
Thanks a nice review and your experience is similar to mine. You did not mention that with the magnetic ring or the front of the lens, it makes it not possible to clip on the lens shade where as with a screw on filter, this is not a problem.
Hi Peter indeed you are correct. As I was using larger filters than my native lens thread size the only way around this would be to use the same saize filters as your lens. I did suggest to K&F that if they were able to provide a solution which incorporated a manetic lens hood or some other attachment that would be a geat addtion. I have looked at at Kase as they have a lens hood option but the kit to achieve the same that I have with K&F would be over £400 ! bit hard to justify for most.,
I think that there is a simple solution for them: The screw in adapter ring needs to have threads on the face or location where the magnetic face is and a magnet that attaches to the already screwed in adapter ring. Then the lens shade or hood would attach the same as the filters.@@BrianNorthmorePhotography
@peterkumble4093 yes you are right that would work. I think a little more may need to be done to prevent vignetting, lets hope they get something out soon
@@BrianNorthmorePhotography Maybe... but if I can use a "normal" screw on filter which is much thicker than the K and F and clip on my lens shade, their more narrow or thin adapter ring with a clip on lens shade should/could work.
Cold! It’s a small space so does not take a lot to heat up I have a small electric heater that runs off my Jackery, but it drains fast. Windows are great for the light, but bit of a pain in the evening to put up the black out’s. I need to get some curtains, this will be faster. Condensation is an issue in the winter. There are always going top be compromises with a small van. If I did it again I would fit a deisel heater and maybe a roof vent for ventilation, I could get a good air flow then from heater to vent. Maybe some day I will redo the in side when the children are a bit older and turn it into a two or three seater and full time camper set up. For all its draw backs Its great as an everyday vehicle. I can get away on my landscape photography trips for 3 nights in the winter and can stay fully self sufficient. Thanks for watching
@@BrianNorthmorePhotography Thank you for your detailed answer, I am in a similar situation with 3kids and doing some photography. But I think this is the only way if you need a car that can handle you every day life and your hobby. Will think about the diesel heater, Thanks a lot. Actually I've found a caddy that has a mini slide window on side that might help with the ventilation. Thanks again!
That line from Capa is interesting. Most think "being close" was meant physically. But there is much more to it. Being more present, being more in the moment, understanding more what's happening around you, enhancing more your senses, listen, feel, look. I think your selection process progressed well, the last image you processed really conveys the mood.
Hey Thankyou Marcel. You got it there are many ways to get close to your subject, reagrdless of what they are. And most of oure dissapointment with our images, comes from the feelings they fail to recreate when when we look at them. Thanks for watching, next vid Im going to tell the story of how I edited that last photograph.
That was a very interesting video Brian, and I do know what you mean about the drama on the day and coming home to be disappointed with the results. That was thought provoking and I will try out some of your techniques. Thank you.
Thanks for posting this excellent video, Brian. I have a question about the circular polariser that I don't seem to be able to find the answer to. With a standard polariser, once you screw it on to the lens, part of the filter rotates to adjust the filter. Is this the same with the magnetic polarising filter or is the filter one piece that you adjust by actually turning it on the magnetic adaptor ring? Cheers!
Hi John, Thanks for your kind comment. In answewr to your question the filter is one piece and just turns inside the magnetic mount. It works reasonably well, the frames are a bit thin but that helps with the vignette issue, size and weight. It takes a little getting used to but after using these on a good few shoots now if have no issues at tall. The money off affiliate links still work in the description, if you are looking to buy.
You did really well in those windy conditions and the 24-105 gave the best result. It looks like a good option to try macro photography and worth keeping it in your backpack. I ended up buying a dedicated f/2.8 macro lens which was a pricey but the image quality is amazing. The reason being I love butterfly and fungi photography. I looked at close up lenses and cheap tubes. The tubes are excellent but like the close up option have a shallow dof. I’m my opinion the bokeh can make a photograph. Focusing stacking is a faff using a rail but the results are amazing. Ross Hoddinott , the macro award winner uses a 200mm macro lenses…Crazy money but doesn’t disturb the insect or butterfly.
Thanks for another great video Brian. That nisi lens didn't look bad at all . Judging by your experiments the 105 length seemed to work much better. I'm sure on a calmer day this would have been a better test . 105 mm is exactly what my sigma lens is , and thr price is realistic too . I can see thr nisi being a hit with those wanting to do the occasional macro work
Thanks for the comments. Yep I think it’s a great lens. When I have used it for a bit longer I may do another video using bring together my reflectors and fill light. Interested to know what you think of the video format. Narrating the story from the desk and mixing it with video from the field, planning to do a lot more of this, as it allows me to work quicker in the field and a bit more fluid.
I thought the video format on this was great . Sometimes in the field it's not always easy to get your point across clearly . Like others I appreciate the work that goes into producing videos in thr first place.
Great video Brian, very informative looks like a nice piece of kit for the money. Macro is quite a specialist genre and to get it right if you are in that system then you do need all the right gear. But for your experiment Nisi lens did seem to do a good job and if you are just a casual macro photographer it may be the right answer for you. Thank you for a different option. 🎥
Hi John, That’s the idea, give people who want to play about with macro an option that’s affordable and gives a decent result. And you don’t need to carry an extra lens with you. Id like to ask what you thought of the video format. It’s a bit different with me sat at the desk using video from the shoot.
@@BrianNorthmorePhotography Yes I liked the format nicely presented and easy to follow. Look forward to a possible follow up with another video using the lens maybe without the wind and a more controlled status.
Greetings from across the pond, Portland, OR USA. Thank you Brian, I was looking into this lens for that extra reach for Wild Life photography. Thank you for this video very excellent!
I don’t understand this. Mine is certainly not plastic and details are sharp, no noticeable fall off in sharpness. I do think the polarisation could be stronger. This is the detail direct from the manufacturer. 4. After the glass is optically polished, a high-tech film is plated on the surface. "Moldproof", "Waterproof", "Anti-scratch" and "Anti-greasy". While having the characteristics of hard scratching, it will not have any impact on the image quality, even if it is contaminated with water droplets or oil, it can be easily removed; Maybe you refer to the film coating, but this is no different to many nano coatings used on opical glass by all manufacturers. Maybe you got unlucky with yours.
An interesting point of view of photographing something different to what’s gone before. Great tip about using a map to decide where to go. The amount of aps you can get to help us photographers is crazy, yet extremely useful. You ,at not know what subject you are going to photograph but the weather can help decide on what type of genre is likely. An overcast day can be good for minimalistic LE work as you know. I found when we were all staying local during Covid times I explored locally using maps which ended up being mostly woodland. This actually changed my style since then. I think we have to be versatile, learn new skills, know different techniques and our lens capabilities. This will most definitely help with creativity and give you more options on a shoot. Look forward to your next outing.
Indeed. Stay flexible, adapt to the conditions and the landscape. And totally agree that having an arsenal of skills will make enable you to get the most from the landscape. But seeing will always trump skills.
Great work Brian. We really do get caught up in imagery paradigms. Probably does somewhat infect our creativity. I will endeavor to remember this video... Thanks
Hey Jim, glad you enjoyed the video. “ Imagery Paradigms” that’s a great way of putting it. You remember my video I’m going to try and remember that phrase!
Interesting concept Brian, and I very often use the map to find my photo shoot. I try not to watch too many captures on various platforms and just follow my own vision and compositions. Thank you for another good video. 👌👍
Suggest your photo be on the left side so I could actually see the layers. I assume you used a black mask and painted on the mask. One layer did not have a mask and you painted on the other two. Just a thought. Did like the video and the different blend modes in one photo.
Hi Paul, many thanks for the feedback. And impeccably timed. I'm i n the process of planning a new and improved vid on this subject, may even be two. One in the field and on editing bit sure yet but I will take your suggestions on board. Thanks for comment and glad you enjoyed it.
Happy New Year Brian, Excellent review of the magnetic filters. It’s a big change from the excellent but cumbersome Lee system. Do K&F do combined CPL + ND which seems to be popular atm especially for wide angle lens. All the best for 2024. 😎👍🏼
Thank you Brian for a clear and accurate video K&F looks to be quality and I may buy later. I am in Thailand at the moment not due back to the end of January and then I am looking to buy Nikon Z6 so might have to wait. Thank you for your videos through the year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2024. 👍🐕
Thanks John, glad you enjoy the videos. Enjoy the rest of your time in Thailand. Z6 is a great camera. If you buy please use my affiliate links and offer code. January sales my code will get you 17% off! I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
I am not certain if this system has additional step down rings. I know these are an additional expense and do add to the complexity of the system. However buying say the 82mm system and stepping down can avoid the vignetting issue when stacking filters.
I have the 82mm filters using the 77mm to 82mm magnetic mount. Are you saying use a separate ring ie a separate 77 to 82mm ring and then use the 82mm magnetic mount. I hadn’t considered it. I would have thought it would have been worse as I would the effectively be using two rings in front of the filter. I’m tempted to try it though. Has anybody else on here tried this? It would solve the problem if it did that is a game changer for this product!
I have the 82mm filters and I adapt the filters to the different lenses using step down rings. And when I use the CPL and a ND filter, I have not noticed any vignetting. The most extreme situation is my Panasonic 9mm on a Olympus EM1 camera where I use a 58-82mm step down ring or would you say step up ring, to adapt the 82mm magnetic filters to the lens. And when stopped down to f8 / f11, I don’t recall any vignetting. I will need to pay attention in the future. I agree magnetic filters are much easier to use. I was told to be careful when rotating the CPL filter because if you rotate the filter in “wrong” direction the adapter ring can be unscrewed. I was told there is a difference in the “strength” of the magnets. I have noticed this in the system I use. The newer filters have a much stronger magnet. The one 16 stop filter feels “weaker” but still very usable. Will the strength change over time, I wonder. I agree K&F filters offer value for money. I use their square filters and I am impressed.
Ah ok. You’re shooting on a micro 4:3 system. I don’t think you will get an issue with vignetting. I didn’t want to comment on different form factors on the videos as I can only test this on Full frame. If KF made 95mm filters I don’t think full frame users would have an issue. Thanks for your very detailed reply.
Thanks for that honest review Brian, these filters really are worth the money . Thank you also for another year of wonderful videos and images , merry Christmas to you and your family, looking forward to seeing what the new year brings.
Thank you for all your support. It’s been great reading your comments about the various topics I have covered. Looking forward to sharing more and reading more next year.
Good to see you’re trying out the magnetic filters and moving away from Lee. I switched about a year ago visiting a Kickstarter project with the Maven System. I’ve found it’s compatible with the Kase end caps and step up adapters. I’ll look forward to your findings on the optical performance of the KF system. Colourcast , CPL effectiveness etc. I’m keeping my Lee System for Timelapse photography on my other camera when you need to get exposure right in camera.
Wow! I just looked at Maven using the current exchange rate it would cost £650.00 to go up a filter size and solve the vignette problem. That’s a huge cost. No doubt quality is great but…. Is it 3 times better? I guess the kickstarter project would have saved you loads Working on the video now, for the quality of the optics
@@BrianNorthmorePhotography Yes Maven is expensive especially with the tax. It was the filter colour coding, strong magnets and zero colour cast that persuaded me to go for the Kickstarter deal. It cost £310 with delivery to buy the 82mm system with an additional 77/82 step up ring, an extra front cap and a back cap. I’m sure KF are excellent too as are Revolution Kase. Looking forward to your part 2 review. All the best, Chris
One of the problems that I tend to find with a magnetic filter system is that the magnets tend to be so strong when you try to remove a filter from a stack you end up pulling them all off.
That’s a very good point. I must say I didn’t have this issue when used them for the first time. I guess it’s hard to get the strength of the magnet just right. You don’t want them falling off either. Do you still used magnetic ones?
@@BrianNorthmorePhotography - I use a magnetic CPL because it is very quick to get on and off, but if I am using ND filters I use the Kase Armour System with Lee filters in. The Armour system is magnetic but it is much easier to get hold of. I tried a full Kase round magnetic system when they first came on the market, but I found the vignetting to be a big issue, and the problem I highlighted above so I sold them on eBay.
@valerievaleriem1769 Vignetting has been the only issue I have seen I think the answer maybe to buy the biggest size you can get and use step down rings. I need to experiment a bit more.
Good point. I bought Maven System and have the same problem. They are bringing out a Wave 2 Kickstarter project for more products and one is a new design of end cap that has a pull tab moulded in the centre. Maybe the magnet is slightly weaker too. You could carefully add PVC tape and trim around the contact rim of an end cap to weaken the pull off strength.
Hi, Yes I don’t see why not. I’m guessing you are shooting aviation? It would certainly give you huge reach on a crop sensor camera. Depending on where and how you intend to shoot you may find a 400mm lens more manageable it would still give you full frame equivalent of 640mm. But the 150-600 is great value for money. Just consider what, where and how you are going to use this lens. Good luck!
I've been using the variable ND filter for a couple of years , it for me works fine , I believe it stops from about 8 down to 3 stops , no issues with that . I never use the UV filter as yhe lenses are already coated with uv protection.. looking forward to seeing your verdict in these as I did think of going the circular magic route, thanks Brian.
You are right about UV coating on the lens. Bit I’m old school and we used to use the UV filter not just ward off UV light, but also to prevent impact from damage. With no filter and no lens hood the lens is very exposed, makes me a bit nervous. Variable NDs used to be ok for video but not if such a high quality for high Res photography, but times move on and if it works for you then this could be a solution to the vignetting I think they make a variable BD that goes up 3200 or 15 stops! That’s plenty. Next vid should be out Saturday or Sunday.
Indeed it would Darren, I’m hoping to get back in a few months. And guess where I’m planning to start! The rain was driving right into the lens from the sea. Never mind excited for the next trip. Thanks for watching and commenting
Thanks for your practical review of this lens. Most useful suggestions for me were: Using a hand strap to spread the weight when using hand held. Putting it on a monopod when taking photographs of birds. Thank you.
Sorry Rog bad wording on my part, it didn’t use them together. But took versions using both to give me varying shutter speeds. I carry a 10 and 15 stop with me. Having said that in a few weeks that may change when I trial a new filter system…. There will be a vid about this.
I do aviation and bird photography too and I recently bought this lens to go with the new Canon 90D body. Haven't got much chance to use it yet as it's been raining everyday here lol. It's monsoon season. I also have a second hand 100-400mm mark 1 version and probably will enjoy using them both.
It’s a great lens. Check out the link on my website, webpage. If the price is good it helps out my website with a small commission. Have a very Merry Christmas, and the enjoy lens.
