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Finally a Fast Standard Zoom with Stabilization: The Tamron SP 24-70 f/2.8 VC USD

Shooting video with our digital cameras is becoming HUGE. With all the new technology pouring in especially in sensor design, we are finding ourselves in a world where virtually any lighting environment is in play. The newest generation of CMOS chips are pulling off outstanding quality when set to be uber-sensitive to limited light.

 

Add the ability to swap optics for composition and even more light gathering, and suddenly we’re running around town at night shooting stellar video. Advancements in audio monitoring like the simple addition of a headphone jack have made DLSRs popular “B” cameras for documentarians and smaller budget film makers. In fact, the small size has made these rigs the “go-to” setup for travel, food and extreme sports documentarians. Think of shows like Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations and the opening sequence to Saturday Night Live. These were all shot with DSLRs.

But still there has been this huge gap left open in the immense selection of lenses out there. Nobody has made a fast standard zoom with a stabilizer, leaving us to deal with all manners of contraptions to attempt to keep a steady hand held shot from 24-70mm with an f/2.8 aperture. That is nobody until now! And the company to lead us to salvation wasn’t Nikon or Canon. The company who is leading us to this promised land specializes only in optics. That company is Tamron, and this is the SP 24-70mm f/2.8 USD VC. Check out this video tour of the tech and applications for this lens

Click on this link to see Tamron’s super cool online thingy that shows how their Vibration Compensation works.

To add one to your bag click here!

Quick Tip–Shooting in the Rain by Tara with BONUS WingMan footage!

Spring shooting means taking a few extra precautions for sudden downpours and strong winds but the results are often well worth it. Having a plastic bag or a rain jacket like we mentioned a couple of weeks ago to shield your camera is a must, but if you find yourself inspired in the rain without anything to shield you and your equipment, you have another option.

ProMaster SLR Foul Weather Jacket

Instead of trekking your gear out in the rain and taking chances with it getting damaged, consider staying in the car. Yes, that’s right, just roll down the window and shoot from the interior. Of course, wind will play a factor but if it isn’t blowing, you should be able to fit in a few shots. You can experiment from different windows in the car and even pop the back window if you’re driving an SUV or a van. Use your judgment, of course, but you may find that this method allows you to still capture the rainfall without being in the middle of it!  There are car window mounts available as well to keep you stable. Keep in mind that if your camera doesn’t clearly state it is waterproof; it more than likely hates the rain. Check out the Mini Fat Gecko in this video Paul built a little while ago for securing cameras to glass! He has sold these window mounts to those crazy storm chasing people hunting tornados!

Not only are there waterproof cameras out there for still shots, but for video as well. Check out the Delkin Wingman HD complete with full 1080p HD video and 8 mp still photos. It has a standard 1/4 X 20 tripod attachment for unlimited mounting options. Also comes with the ability to use any mount, bracket or device built for standard cameras and camcorders. In addition to the included helmet mount, vented helmet mount and bar mount, the WingmanHD is compatible with the full line of Fat Gecko Camera Mounts and accessories.

Check out the footage from this video that Paul took with the Wingman mounted on his scooter. This camera is an action camera like the GoPro series, but with a couple of huge advantages. It has a rechargeable lithium battery instead of AAAs and an LCD screen!

Note how darn durable it is even in light of human failure! He skipped it down the street downtown! (It wasn’t intentional Joe!)

Here is some, well let’s just say BETTER footage?  Hahaha!

Happy Shooting!

Tara