Camera Gear Update II

mitchbautista — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:48:47 +0000

So, I sold all my lenses But, im getting a new one hopefully by friday. A Tamron SP AF 17-50 f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspehrical (AN16 II) from a reputable seller from HK, Longbeard (Benedict Bueno). Its all getting clear now! I have decided what 1st and basic lens to get. I was really torn between the Tamron SP AF 17-50 f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspehrical (AN16 II) and the 18-50mm f2.8 EX DC Macro HSM. I’ve been reading around some forums like Phipo and DPP (the 2 most visited photography forums in the country) for reviews on both lenses. Of course for the full detail and field test of these lense go visit Photozone. So far the Tamron SP AF 17-50 f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspehrical (AN16 II) kicks ass. The only downside based from reviews is the comparison of its older model for its AF. Its quite slow compared to its older model. Comming from Nikkor lenses i really do expect a slower AF in this lens.

Well Anyways, here is the upgrade track i would follow.

Tamron SP AF 17-50 f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspehrical (AN16 II) - As mentioned above, will get this on Friday (Yahoo!)

Lowepro Fastpack 250 - Since i always bring my notebook with me in shoots which require fast results and post processing this is a very handy bag. I also have my Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home if i only need my complete camera gear. (Im a Crumpler addict, shame on you crumpler you never had a laptop/DSLR combo bag as nice as this!)

Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR or Nikkor AF-S 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED DX VR - Still thinking if i should go cheap on my future telephoto lens. To be exact the Nikkor AF-S 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED DX VR is only half the price of the Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR. Since this aint wide aperture lenses i still need to do more research on these lenses and i don’t have cash till i buy the bag hehehe

Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR

Nikkor AF-S 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED DX VR

Nikon D80 - After all the basic lenses (A fast standard zoom and a telephoto lens) i need a second body! (Actually, my main body, my old trusty D40 would be my 2nd body). But over time and when i reach the budget for this i think it would be a newer model and if the Nikon D300 would drop its price benga na yan!

Outstanding performance for every aspiring photographer

Here are the small things that would be on track after i have finished my upgrade!

Crumpler “Industry Disgrace” Camera Strap – Do i have to elaborate on this? 2 words, Crumpler and Camo! Need to say more?

Velbon Sherpa 600R - Bang for the buck tripod Very stable and good looking

I think i would be updating this blog! Please disregard the 1st camera update

Camera Gear Update

mitchbautista — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:11:17 +0000

Well, its been a while since i blogged again. Hehe, funny thing here is, all i talk about is my babies So what diba? If you don’t like it, Go to hell mother fucker!!! (Joke)

Photography Gear:

I Currently own a Nikon D40 w/ YXTM Battery Grip, 2 Origial Batteries, Nikon Speedlight SB-600, Nikkor AF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 w/ Hoya 67mm MC UV Filter, Nikkor AF-D 50mm f/1.8 and a Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home shoulder camera Bag (I’llpost pictures soon!)

Future Purchase (Sana near future hehe)

Tamron SP AF 17-50 f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspehrical with Motor

Reviews Here

I’ve been lusting for a Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 lens for the longest time. To be realistic, i really can’t affor that kind of glass! I’m more into portrait photography so i think this would be a very useful lens. The Tamron SP AF 17-50 f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspehrical lens is 70% cheaper than its nikkor counter part. It also have good reviews which i’ve been reading for the longest time. Only one thing here is missing, Experience the damn fucker!!!

Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR

Reviews Here

I’ll let this piece of Nikkor glass pass its quite affordable for its performance. Well reality wise again, i can’t afford its upgraded version which is the Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 G IF-ED VR. I think this glass could be really handy in the near future. Never the less i would still prioritize the Tamron lens i mentioned above.

Sigma AF 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM

Reviews Here

This complements the range of the Tamron SP AF 17-50 f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspehrical . Well it dosen’t really reach the range of the Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR, but what the hell! Its the same fast aperture as the Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 G IF-ED VR and basically 1/3 of the price!

A Laptop / DSLR w/ accesssories backpack

Actually I havent decided yet on what brand/model to get. I’ve been looking at some in the market but nothing really catches my full interest. Here are some choices (Comments included)

Tamrac Adventure 9

Reviews Here

Based from what i have seen and felt the material of Tamrac bags, I’m really not impressed on the design and quality build (Sorry for this comment, i never had a tamrac bag this is all based on how i feel the material) I rate this bag 6/10

Crumpler Sinking Barge

Reviews Here

Design wise i’m also impressed, but i really find the laptop compartment to be very secure and safe for my macbook. Actually i had a Crumpler Keystone before, it has great design but the laptop really feels congested when inserted. The DSLR slot feels so tight which i think i would end up putting my other gear (Aside from the DSLR itself) near my macbook. I Rate this bag 7.5/10

Crumpler Whickey and Cox

Reviews Here

Its silimilar to the keystone but only bigger. I think my macbook would juggled around this baby! (Macbook pro na to! haha) and the downside of this bag, FUCKING EXPENSIVE! I Rate this a 7/10

Lowepro Fastpack 250

Reviews Here

As i read the reviews over at cambags.com I would rate this as a 9/10 bag. Well it think i made a choice here Well i’ll try this out in infomaxx one of these days

I’ll continue writing if i have time again

www.digitaltamago.com

mitchbautista — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:34:48 +0000

Well, at least i have to start somewhere I uploaded the new design for our site. I also made a new logo since our old site and logo was so boring and serious.

Please do visit our site (haha, some parts are still under construction!) at www.digitaltamago.com. You may email me at mitch@digitaltamago.com for the mean time if you need to avail of our services. Chow people

Bye Ches!

mitchbautista — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:24:39 +0000

Just got home from a despedida party of my good friend, collegue and model Chesca Rueda. Shes one of the freshes faces i ever shot. Shes leaving for the states tomorrow for good. It’s sad that shes already leaving because me and my team (DT photo) have developed a friendship and common bond with her. I remember the last photo shoot marathon for her school project. 2 weekends, 2 locations, 8 looks, 4 photographers, 1 make up artist and 1 crazy guy (Gage, the stage boyfriend hehehe). Will surley miss you Chesca. Hope to see and shoot you again.

By the way, Im posting this entry using my phone. Testing this new app for symbian S60 V3. devices called scribe.

April 2, 2007 :. 10:20 AM update

Here are some pictures Doc Paul shot last night

Back from Boracay

mitchbautista — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:54:16 +0000

This is my 1st day at work since my Boracay trip and i feel great and recharged. Well, in summary i had more fun this year than my last years trip. I’ll be posting pictures in the coming days because I’m so lazy opening my camera bag!

Anyways, it’s after lunch and hanging around my PC. Well, its a “SABAW” moment for me e ever since this morning, All i can think about is a blank black space. It’s not because i still have a hang over my beach expedition. Plainly its just i don’t have the energy to do, think or even digest who or what ever is in front of me except my PC. I don’t even want to talk even on IM.

I was about to discuss my future plans for my photo gear but i feel I’m really not in the mood to do so. I’ll be meeting up with the guys (DT PHOTO) later for Chesca’s farewell party. I’ll just post pics of it as soon i as i have the energy. tataaa!

April 2, 2008:. 2:20PM update

Here’s the Picture’s i promissd

Holy Work, Holy Week!

mitchbautista — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:22:00 +0000

It’s holy friday right now and im at work! hahaha Well i’ve accepted this 2 years ago pa so no worries When you sign up for an IT kind of job it comes with it Here in our client’s office in Net 3 building Fort global city. All alone in the office with 4 work stations. Im actually enjoying a site called imeem. Imeem is a big community site where users share their music online. on sample is this

Cool no? hehehe

It’s about time

mitchbautista — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 03:10:00 +0000

I had my health issues way back 6 years ago when i was diagnosed with Diabetes. It sucks, Now, i also have a complicated case of Gastroenteritis. In short Gastroenteritis, is sort of a digestive disease. I’m only 26 and suffering from theses 2 cases really sucks. Its about time i fix my lifestyle and took more care of my health. The 25-35 age is the age bracket where you are on your peak. Career wise and marriage speaking. This is the time you work hard for yourself and your future family (If you want one). Right now I am still an engineer in Fujitsu Philippines and waiting for my big break. I also fell in love with 2 elements which i think i could not live without. Kaye and Photography.

It’s kind of self explanatory when you fall in love with a person right? It’s a feeling that everyone should experience Frankly speaking, Kaye change my life. From a guy with out direction to a career driven bastard. Hehehe, the reason behind this is, i do everything for my future and of course also hers. I learned to appreciate things i took for granted like my family and my health. Now i can shout to the world that the best things in life is for free!

Photography, for 25 years of my life i haven’t took the advantage of one of our family’s assets. My uncle and the greatest photographer in the whole world! Bien Bautista I wish i would be like him someday! You can view his website here

Black Hole

mitchbautista — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:25:00 +0000

Black hole — An object whose gravitational pull inside a certain radius is so strong that nothing, not even light can escape it. A black hole forms when the amount of matter in the core of a star undergoing a supernova is great enough to cause a runaway gravitational collapse.

Source

Well, i titled my blog that way cause metaphorically speaking I’m in one! Fuck, work man! This ain’t the normal day you go to work and enjoy. Sometimes it really sucks that you couldn’t escape. I’ve been in a black hole for quite sometime now, say 3 weeks? I wouldn’t really mind if the compensation is good, or even when your boss covers you up 24/7. I’m not a wuss on this kind of situations but fuck man, I’m a vendor not a fucking client! Every thing’s fucked up right now. Well at least my ass feels better now, I’m talking litelary. OH Fuck! thats all i can say! Fuck Off!!! you know who you are!

Happy 2008!

mitchbautista — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:09:00 +0000

As posted in my year ender entry, i sold off my whole photo arsenal. Here are the updates of my new battle gear.

December 23, 2007

Went to Mayer’s Photo in Hidalgo Quiapo to get my new DSLR kit, a CDSC Nikon D40. Prefered to go entry level because i want to start all over again with the basics. Also, my prefered body (Nikon D80) costs 46K which can buy 2 Nikon D40 Kits.

December 31, 2007 – January 1, 2008 and January 5, 2008
Tested my new Nikon D40 during a short village shoot around, our family reunion and trip to Global Carnival with friends. I really like the performance of Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. Really sharp and handy lens.

January 12, 2008

Sold my trusty Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens from a guy who came all the way from Valenzuela. I really didn’t understand the guy because he only saved 700 bucks with my item knowing that the distance of my place to mine is like the other end of the universe. He’s reason was, i had nice feedbacks in TIPIDPC which convinced him i had a great and nice item for sale. Well, the truth did prevail. Nice dealing and meeting with you Jun! Shoot tayo minsan!

January 16, 2008

Aquired a Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. Tested it on my Nikon D40. Hell yeah, it has great range, sharpness and the conveinience of not changing lenses. Kind of heavy to the point it out balances the body. Actually it made me crazy and wanting a grip for my DSLR body. Searched for battery grips the whole night and found cheap ones in ebay. $81.00 for a phottix battery grip, 2 phottix ENEL-9 replacement batteries and airmail shipping.

January 17, 2008

After debating to buy a battery grip online, which i concluded that warranty is a big issue for me, i decided to purchase a third party battery grip from a local seller. It amounted to 5 grand without batteries. Well, at least i have support!

January 18, 2008

The grip was delivered to my office. Opened the package and tried it immediately on my D40. Haha i found out that it didn’t had an even mount on my camera Hahaha, thats where the money i spent came in! Local support! I called up the seller and told him about the uneven mount. He told me that he would replace the grip next week. Now I’m contented spending the extra 2k for the support hehehe.

On the same day, i sent an sms to this guy inquiring a pre-owned Sigma 530 DG ST flash gun.
Purchased it for the Sunday Shoot @ UP with my fellow PODtogs and Sharla O’ Hara

January 20, 2008

Before i went to UP Diliman for the shoot, i went to Columbia Megamall to use my 1000 GC to purchase an extra battery so i could use it for my third party grip. When, i asked the lady on the counter if i could claim my GC, she told me that i should have it inside the box and not with the paper that Mang Ramon of Mayers gave me. Hahaha, I’ve been had! Fuck it! I don’t care I’m happy with my camera anyways Had a fun day with the PODtographers and Sharla O’ Hara.

Here are some Pictures

More here

January 26, 2008

I’ve been tripping out with Photoshop the past few days with Agwe. We ended up mastering the Orton Effect

Here is the digital workflow i followed

Open your image (Image 1)
Duplicate the background layer (Right click on the background layer and choose duplicate) and name that layer Sharp
Create another duplicate of the background layer.
Change the Blending mode of the Sharp Copy to screen
With the Sharp Copy layer selected, right click and choose Merge Down (Image 2)
Right click on the Sharp layer, choose Duplicate and name this layer Out of Focus
On the Filter Menu, choose Blur – Gaussian Blur (Image 3)
Depending on the resolution of the image you are using, the amount of blue needed will change. Use enough that the shapes are still visible, but detail is not. For this 6.1 Megapixel image, a value of 15.9 was sufficient.
Change the blending mode of the Out Of Focus layer to Multiply. (Image 4)

Reference site

Agwe’s Version

Imagination

mitchbautista — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 15:45:00 +0000

Its been over a month since i wrote my last entry. Plenty of stuff happened again. Had 2 shoots in between the last and this current entry. Had a model shoot last December 8, 2007 with my fellow PODtogs and new photog friends. Check it out here, i also had a photo op (shoot and run, actually tour) in UPLB Mt. Makiling 2 weeks ago. Haha to tell you the truth landscape photography really bores me. I just enjoy the company of my fellow photographers and friends when we do shoot and runs. But sometimes i end up with great flower photographs though

Actually its a mixed emotion day for me. I sold my whole photo arsenal to a good friend and officemate of mine. I was sad because that was the 1st official DSLR i owned to begin with. I really enjoyed, love and cherished that baby from the time i got it to the time i had to turn it over to my friend. Happy because i’m moving forward in upgrading my gear and having the lens of my choice. I’m having a hard time in choosing on what DSLR body to get. Also, I’m torn between 2 lenses, a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 or a Sigma 17-80 f/2.8-4.5. I’ll leave the decision behind me 1st and enjoy the holidays

So much for the adrenalin reading lens and body reviews that i forgot to mention why i tagged this blog entry as “imagination”. The main reason is, I thank you Lord all mighty that you have blessed me with a great gift. The gift of imagination to express myself, help out others and gain new friends and acquaintances. Thank you Lord for a great year.