Curious about drop-in filters and how they fit into high-end lenses like the Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3? When I first encountered them, I found little to no explanation about what they were or how they worked—until I got hands-on. In this article, I break down the mystery behind drop-in filters, show you how they function, and share tips on where to find replacements. Whether you’re a wildlife or astronomy photographer, this guide will help you get the most out of your gear. Click to learn more!
Unlock the secrets to capturing stunning wildlife photos at the zoo. With 11 expert tips, you’ll learn how to transform ordinary zoo snapshots into professional-level portraits. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer, these insights will help you elevate your zoo photography to new heights.
The Ulanzi Cooling Fan is a cost-effective solution for preventing camera overheating, significantly extending recording times for models like the Sony ZV-1 and Fujifilm X-H2. Learn more about its impressive features and why it's a must-have accessory for videographers.
The effectiveness of Apple AirTags in safeguarding camera gear against loss or theft is put to the test. Through real-world experimentation of their functionality, discover how these tags assist in tracking down missing equipment. Finally, the potential security implications of these tags for user privacy are examined.
The Ulanzi Cooling Fan is a cost-effective solution for preventing camera overheating, significantly extending recording times for models like the Sony ZV-1 and Fujifilm X-H2. Learn more about its impressive features and why it's a must-have accessory for videographers.
The effectiveness of Apple AirTags in safeguarding camera gear against loss or theft is put to the test. Through real-world experimentation of their functionality, discover how these tags assist in tracking down missing equipment. Finally, the potential security implications of these tags for user privacy are examined.
Are high-end tripods worth the extra money? Let’s look at the Artcise AS90C Carbon Fiber Tripod to find out.
Can the Jackery Explorer 240 Power Station charge 2 laptops at the same time? See all the specs and details.
In a seemingly never ending quest to improve my workflow and allow me to record videos faster, I’ve now turned my attention to voice overs. As I state in the video below, I don’t have a quiet studio or even a quiet room to record videos in. Our house was not designed to be sound proof. As such, just about anything the missus, one of the pets, or an neighbor outside does can be heard throughout the house.
Aokeo Microphone Shield Front
This is why you often see me recording introductions outside of the house at random locations. I love doing that and feel it gives my channel some uniqueness so I don’t plan on stopping that, but sometimes it’s necessary to record inside as well.
Aokeo Microphone Shield Back
My biggest issue is not being able to go back and do voice over, either to add more explanation or to adjust what I said because the quiet times are few and far between. With that in mind, I went looking for a microphone shield. My first stop was the local Guitar Center, but as expected, they were expensive and probably overkill for my needs.
A quick look on Amazon uncovered the Aokeo Portable Vocal Booth. At the time of my purchase it was $39.99 which is right in the impulse buy zone for equipment so I purchased it and a day later it arrived.
After trying it out for a while I have nothing but good things to say about it. The construction is good. The included adapters and accessories are reasonable and useful and it does what it advertises. The 3 different mounting options (sitting on a table, screwing onto a microphone stand, clamping onto a pole) give it a diverse range of uses. It makes it more of a one size fits all device.
I can’t weigh in on the quality of the sound foam because I have no experience with others, but to my ears in the audio tests, I can hear a reduction of echoing. Download the unedited audio samples to check yourself: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1om2qb9FUzSkKNz98qVtGdgpaPV0V3Oyf/view?usp=sharing
Etubby Suspension Arm
Just keep in mind that you may need to get creative with the microphone mounting if your mic setup is larger than what I used in the video. A great, inexpensive microphone arm that I reviewed and use is the Etubby Microphone Suspension Arm. You can see the video for it here.
Update July 13, 2019:
See original post below
I contacted Rode’s customer service via email explaining that the Power button on my receiver unit was faulty. I wasn’t expecting much because the device technically still works. I also am always leery of getting a replacement for a brand new product that I can’t just return to the store. I was afraid they would need me to send back my defective one and then wait for weeks while they fix it, but I thought I’d give it a try contacting them.
My Email to Rode
I got the standard automated response back saying someone would get in touch with me in 48-72 hours, then almost immediately after, another email that said due to higher support volume, it may take longer than 72 hours. My hopes weren’t high at this point.
However, less than 48 hours later, Peter emailed me back and no questions asked offered to send me a replacement provided I return my defective product in a prepaid envelope. Of course I would.
Rode’s Reply
I sent them the information they wanted the following day and waited.
6 days later I got an email saying that the shipment was delayed, but they expected it to ship in the next 72 hours. I wasn’t surprised by this because from what I could tell, this product was in high demand (hence why it was sold out in stores and online when I bought it) and I assumed their supply was low.
7 days later, so a bit longer than the 72 hours promised, they sent me a UPS tracking number. 3 days later (accounting for the timezone difference) the box was at my front door.
All in all, it was a very pleasant experience and I was so distracted by other things, holidays, preparations for a trip, etc, that it seemed much faster than it does now that I go back and look at time stamps of emails.
I was really surprised when I looked at the customs form and saw more than just the replacement unit. (Yes, I admit that I knew what was in the box before I opened it). I decided that this level of customer service quality needed to be shared. However, I did not know if the button would be fixed or if there would be another issue so I also felt it would be beneficial to let the public know if the faulty button was a systemic problem or a one off.
As you can see in the video, the replacement unit works just fine. I’m going to contact Rode about sending back the faulty unit though so once I hear from them, I’ll update it here.
If you like the audio quality in this video (shot entirely with the Rode Wireless Go) you can pick one up here and help support my channel:
Rode Wireless Go: https://amzn.to/2XrQPyd
The Follow Up Video
Original Post June 24th, 2019:
The Rode Wireless Go microphone uniquely combines the mic directly into the transmitting pack, eliminating the need to wire up the speaker with a corded lavalier mic, but is the audio any good? Let’s compare it to the competition in its pro-sumer price range with an audio test!
I’m pretty happy with the audio quality from the microphone so far and really looking forward to not having to use my lavalier mic. The cable on those drives me nuts, plus the audio quality on mine that came with the Zoom F1 Field Recorder doesn’t have much dynamic range. The Rode Wireless Go on the other hand does a much better job capturing the bass and tenor fluctuations of my speech.
1 Amazon Reviewer said they had issues with the transmitter not switching back to internal microphone after plugging in an external mic, but I haven’t experienced that issue. The only issue I have, as I said in the video, is that the power button is hard to press on the receiver. I’ll update this post if/when I hear from Rode on getting it serviced or replaced under warranty.
If you decide to pick one up for yourself, please consider using the affiliated link on the right to support this channel.
The Original Video
The rest of the items
Rode Wireless Go: https://amzn.to/2XrQPyd
Rode VideoMicro: https://amzn.to/2Y8QAVZ
Zoom F1: https://amzn.to/2FtD4Vw
Zoom H5: https://amzn.to/2Y8yu6p
Zoom Stereo Shotgun Mic: https://amzn.to/2XpHPcX
Fujifilm X-T3: https://amzn.to/2WZ6RLF
Sony FDR-AX53: https://amzn.to/2FvNFPA
After spending hours comparing different brands, capacities and features, I ended up settling on the Anker PowerCore+ 26800 and here’s why.
I bought this specifically to take on my week long trip backpacking off grid. I am planning to film a lot and knew I needed high capacity. This power bank is up there near the top of the list before you start getting into either excessively large power stations or batteries that are not safe for airplanes. While I’m not flying on this trip, I wanted to make sure it could be taken on future trips as well.
In addition, it needed to be compatible with all of my stuff. Last year I really tried to make sure nearly everything I own can use USB-C plugs so my battery bank needed to have one as well. The fewer cables that I have to carry, the better. Plus, USB-C has a multitude of other functions depending on the device. My phone can even charge other devices in a pinch.
It also needed to be able to charge both itself and other devices quickly. I’m planning to carry 5-10 things on this trip that need charging and I can’t have one of them take several hours to charge. I need to be able to charge one quickly and move on to the next device so I’m not spending all my time focusing on batteries. This also means that it needs to be able to charge from more than one port at the same time so I can double or triple up on the devices. After a long day of hiking, I don’t want to have to stay extra time charging just so that I am ready to go in the morning.
Lastly, it had to be from a brand I trust.
A nice to have feature that I looked at was ruggedness. Is it water or drop resistant?
Eventually the list came down to just 2 devices, both from Anker
The Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD
The Anker PowerCore 26800
Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD
Both offer 26,800 mAh which is capable of charging my largest battery, my Pixel 3 XL (3430 mAh), almost 8 times. My other batteries are all around the 1,200 mAh capacity so they met criteria 1.
They are both by Anker, a trusted brand and a leader in power banks so they checked off criteria 4.
They both can charge from 3 ports at once and they both offer high speed charging of devices, as well as options to charge themselves quickly, meeting criteria 3.
Criteria 2 is where one stood out from the other significantly. The PowerCore+ has 2 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C which is capable of Power Delivery (a high power capacity standard) where as the PowerCore has 3 USB-A ports and 2 USB-Micro ports that are only good for charging itself.
Anker Powercore 26800
By going with the PowerCore+ I can reuse the USB-C cable for charging the power bank and for charging devices. With the PowerCore, I’d need to carry around 2 USB-Micro cables that are incompatible with most of my stuff so it’s extra baggage and one more thing to keep track of. Also, the PowerCore+, with its Power Delivery (PD), can charge itself in 4.5 hours using 1 PD capable charger (included) where as I’d need either 2 chargers or use 2 ports on a charger to charge the PowerCore in 6 hours.
Also, because the PowerCore+ can put out PD level power, it can charge high capacity devices, like laptops. It also offers higher speed charging of normal devices like phones compared to the speeds of the PowerCore.
I was also encouraged to see that FujiFilm, maker of my X-T3 camera, officially recommends the PowerCore+ for use with its cameras.
Unfortunately, neither had any water or drop resistance, but a good waterproof bag will serve the same purpose. It also has a pretty squishy carrying sack that should help protect it a bit.
Yes, I did end up paying twice as much for the extra features, but when you’re relying on a piece of equipment in the field, you have to pay for what you need.
I’ll be giving a post camping trip gear review and I’ll make sure to talk about if this power bank lived up to my expectations.
If you’re planning to buy one, I’d appreciate if you use my links below to help support my channel. It doesn’t cost any extra. I just get a little advertising revenue from Amazon.
Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD: https://amzn.to/2XMlaUe
Anker PowerCore 26800: https://amzn.to/2l6F3HU
In today’s quick video I have 2 things to show you.
The first is a daypack by the company Gonex. A daypack is a small, lightweight backpack that you use when doing day hikes away from your camp so you don’t have to carry your full backpack. Having a separate light pack is great because you don’t get as tired and you can move more freely.
The Specs of the Gonex Pack are:
Weight: 11.28 oz / 320g
Capacity: 30 Liters
Compact size: 6.6 x 6.6 in / 17 x 17 cm
Unfolded size: 18.9 x 11.8 x 17.8 in / 48 x 30 x 20 cm (H x W x D)
Rip and water repellant nylon
1 year warranty
You can pick one up for yourself and support the site using this link: https://amzn.to/2IhqThA
The second thing to see is my new set. It’s still a work in progress, but I think it’s shaping up to be a great area. Let me know what you think in the comments.
In preparation for climbing a mountain this summer, I’ve been buying some needed gear. One of the new items is a Jetboil Flash Java cooking stove. Weighing just 13.1 oz (371 grams), it’s a light weight stove that can heat up 2 cups of water in under 100 seconds.
This kit comes with a french press coffee attachment that makes it easy to brew a couple of cups of coffee as well, which is always welcome on a cold day camping.
My friend has had this stove for several years. We used it during our Kayaking Adventure at lunch. The quick hot meal and coffee did wonders for our spirits. You don’t want to have to wait to get a fire started before you get something warm when tired after exerting yourself for hours at a time.
In this video I unbox the stove, brew up some biscuits and gravy and try the coffee press out.
Pick one up for yourself and support the website using this link: https://amzn.to/2VXporr
You can follow along with my journey to climb the mountain by clicking the ‘Mountain Climb’ link at the top of this website.
