Articles

This page contains links to articles and posts I’ve written about photographic subjects including the equipment that I use (or, in some cases, have used or studied extensively) — including my tests, reviews, and subjective opinions related to DSLR and other camera bodies, lenses, tripods, bags, and other gear.  Note that some of the review are now quite dated – but I have left them online since the posts still contain useful general information. (Note: I have added an “Articles by Others” section at the bottom of the page that lists articles by other authors.)

G Dan Mitchell’s Annual Favorite Photographs Lists

It has become something of an internet tradition to assemble a collection of annual favorite photographs right around New Year’s Day each year. Take a look at some of what I’ve selected over the years.

2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 (in progress)

ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY

A series of articles looking more closely at photographs and their aesthetic, technical, and location backstories.

The “A Photograph Exposed” Series

Photographic Myths and Platitudes Series

A series of articles taking a critical look at some common assumptions about making photographs.

“Improving Your Odds” Series

A series focused on increasing your chances of producing compelling photographs.

About Making Photographs

Ethics

Reader Questions

Post-Processing and Printing

Technique

Photography Online

Tongue in Cheek

General Photography Equipment Topics

Places

General

  • TBA

Coastal California

  • TBA

Death Valley

  • TBA

Sierra Nevada

Yosemite

Sierra Nevada Fall Color

Utah

  • TBA

 EQUIPMENT

These days I’m using two systems for my photography. Most of my landscape and nature photography is done using a Canon full-frame DSLR system with a range of (mostly) Canon lenses. I use a Fujifilm mirrorless system for travel and and street photography. For recent and similar photography I might use either system… or both! Below are links to articles I’ve written based on the use of this equipment.

Canon Cameras

Canon 5DS and 5DS R

In early 2015 Canon announced the development and scheduled release of two new DSLR cameras in the 5D series, the 5DS and the 5DS R models. Both provide approximately 50 megapixels (MP) of sensor resolution. The cameras seem to be an excellent next evolutionary step for Canon photographers who can use the additional resolution.

(You may use the links in the paragraph to order/reserve either the 5DS or the 5DS R from site-sponsor B&H photo. I have reserved mine — I’m going with the “R” model.)

Canon EOS 5D II

Canon EOS 5D

I used the original Canon 5D full frame DSLR as my primary body for about four years, and then used it for nearly another five years as my second/backup camera body. The 5D was nearly revolutionary at the time of its introduction, providing the benefits of full frame to those who need it at a much lower price point than previously. The image quality was and is excellent from this camera. It remains as good today as it was when it was introduced, though more recent cameras have added important and useful features and updated functional characteristics. You can read an updated post about this camera here at the blog.

Canon SL2

The Canon SL2 DSLR (B & H Photo) is a very interesting little camera. It is Canon’s smallest full-function DSLR, and it uses a high resolution 24MP cropped format sensor. It is a very small and light option for photographers who prefer an optical viewfinder and DSLR design in a small camera and especially for photographers who already have Canon lenses and other auxiliary equipment.

Canon XT/350D Digital Rebel

Canon Lenses

All lenses listed here are lenses that I either do use or have used extensively, so my descriptions are based on firsthand experience.

Canon EFS 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS

Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L II

  • Review of this lens in pending

Canon EF 35mm f/2

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8

  • Review of this lens is pending.

Canon EF 135mm f/2 L

  • Review of this lens is pending.

Canon 16-35mm f/4 L IS

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 L

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

Canon EF 24-105 f/4 IS L

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II

  • Review of this lens is pending.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II (NEW version — Introduced December 2014)

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS L (old version)

General Lens Topics

FUJIFILM CAMERAS AND LENSES

Overview

In early 2013 I decided to acquire a Fujifilm X-E1 and a few lenses so that I could travel a bit lighter during an overseas trip. I had heard good things about this gear, felt it was probably “good enough” for how I intended to use it, and found the small size of the cameras and lenses to be very attractive. (I prefer to travel light, checking no baggage if possible.) I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of this gear, and especially by the image quality of the lenses.

More recently I moved to the 24MP Fujifilm X-Pro2 camera, a hybrid EVF/OVF 24mp system that is smaller and lighter than my Canon system, quite light, and which produces excellent image quality.

See my regularly updated page about Fujifilm gear here:

An extensive of Fujfilm X-series gear follows. (I have not used all of the equipment in this list, and equipment I use is indicated with an “*”.)

Cameras/bundles

Accessories

Prime Lenses

Zoom Lenses

  • XF10-24mmF4 R OIS — B&H | Adorama
  • XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR* — B&H | Adorama
  • XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS — B&H | Adorama
  • XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR — B&H | Adorama
  • XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR* — B&H | Adorama
  • XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R LM OIS — B&H | Adorama
  • XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR — B&H | Adorama
  • XC16-50mmF3.5-5.6 OIS II — B&H | Adorama
  • XC50-230mmF4.5-6.7 OIS II — B&H | Adorama

Teleconverters (compatible with 50-150mm and 100-400mm lenses only )

OTHER GEAR

Printers

I have used and currently use a range of inkjet printers. Here I mention one model I have used for a decade (as of 2019) and others that we own and/or think are worthy.

  • Epson 7900 — I first acquired this printer in about 2009 in order to print an order of nearly 170 large prints for a commercial account (a national park lodge). It served me well for a long time, though it eventually developed clogs that could not be cleared — as generally eventually happens to the professional Epson printers. (The cost of replacing the print head is about the same or more than the cost of a new printer!)
  • Epson P800 — We also have a newer generation P800 printer. This is an excellent printer that produces very high quality prints on widths up to 17″. It is a (large!) desktop printer, so it is easier to  find a place for it than is the case with the larger printers listed above and below.
  • Epson P7000 — The P7000 is a 24″ wide printer, like my 7900. (There is a less-expensive but otherwise similar P6000 model that uses fewer ink colors.)  The P-series printers replace the older “900” series models, such as my 7900. They have an improved ink set that expands the color range and produces better (and darker) black tones on mat paper.
  • Epson P9000 — The P9000 is a 44″ wide printer, like the older 9900. (There is a less-expensive but otherwise similar P8000 model that uses fewer ink colors.)  The P-series printers replace the older “900” series models, such as my 7900 and the 9900 and 11900. They have an improved ink set that expands the color range and produces better (and darker) black tones on mat paper.

Though I do not use them, I hear very good things about the current Canon printers, too. Their print quality is excellent — I’ve made close comparisons of prints made on Epson and Canon. They anticipate clogged ink jets by providing far more than are necessary and also supporting user-replacement of the printhead unit. This supposedly lowers maintenance costs — though some users point out that you’ll likely have to replace the head more frequently than on Epson, potentially equalizing things in the end.

Tripods and Heads

Bags and Backpacks

Lowepro

ThinkTank

Crumpler

  • Six Million Dollar Home
  • Eight Million Dollar Home

Other Equipment

Filters

Electronic Flash

Articles by Others

My Gear List at B&H Photo Video — This website has an affiliate relationship with B&H. Your purchases through these links help support the site and you get the same prices you would get by purchasing directly. Thanks!

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” is available from Heyday Books and Amazon.
Blog | About | Flickr | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | 500px.com | LinkedIn | Email

All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others as indicated. Any use requires advance permission from G Dan Mitchell.

Join the discussion — leave a comment or question. (Comments are moderated and may not appear immediately.)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Photographer and visual opportunist. Daily photos since 2005, plus articles, reviews, news, and ideas.