Dave Benham

Lenscoat make a range of neoprene covers for standard and telephoto lenses. One of those items that I probably wouldn’t need on a portrait session, but invaluable shooting from a hide. And it would spook guests at a wedding (just think of the candid shots you’d get!).

Prices on the 70-200 Nikon cover above start at $79.99, and I’ve got to admit I’m really tempted. There are a number of different camo styles to try too.

Although the Lenscoat site has covers up to 600mm listed, they do custom jobs too; check out the video for making a cover for Canon’s 1200mm f/5.6 lens on the Lenscoat home page.

I completed a pilgrimage of sorts recently by managing to visit Grays of Westminster. Based in Pimlico, this is an exclusively Nikon camera store from a bygone age.

It’s an interesting place, in perfect character with the surrounding stores in Westminster. Upstairs is where the new equipment is displayed, and pride of place belongs to the new D3X. Downstairs past their reading room is the second hand equipment – an array of F5 bodies in the first cabinet is testament to the demand of digital. The most recent second hand digital body was a D3, but I’m happy with my D700. Unless anyone wants to donate one of course…

Image courtesy of Prweb.com

I’m not sure if Santa reads my blog, but on the off chance that you do Mr Claus I’ve been a very good boy this year (so far). And if you want to get my present organised early this year I’ve got a suggestion…

Despite now having a fantastic camera that shoots brilliantly in available light you can’t help but be enthralled by the creative possibilities of off-camera flash. I’ve made no secret of my desire to focus (ahem) on portraits. I have limited available space indoors, and wonderful forest outside – I think you can guess what I’m thinking.

For the uninitiated, PocketWizard have been producing radio transmitters to trigger flashes for some time. Nikon’s equivalent works on line of sight, and the PocketWizard range is far greater. This new range of units adds TTL capabilities to the mix.

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Amateur Photographer reports today that Canon prices will rise by another 10% from today due to fluctuating exhange rates.

It’s the second set of price rises this year, and it’s being announced at the same time as a 67% loss of profit in their camera division.

Nikon have also raised their prices once this year (My D700 currently costs £150 more than I paid for it in early December). Canon have promised to monitor the exchange rates on a monthly basis and react accordingly.

You can’t help but think that market conditions will dictate and that prices of the mass-market cameras will drop sooner rather than later. I’ve also noticed a knock on effect on used prices – I spotted a Nikon AF-S 70-200 f/2.8 VR lens arrive on the Mifsuds second hand page priced at £1149, the cost of the lens brand new only last month.