Search results

  1. blackstar

    Your thoughts

    These nightscape photos (from MacRumors forum) were all shot by the new iPhone 15 Pro/Max. Personally, I think they are at least comparable to DSLR or ML photos. What are your thoughts?
  2. blackstar

    Compare sharpness and IQ

    These two images are not mine, but there was a serious critical debate about the photo gear used to produce them. In order to not bring in your personal biased (or intentional) opinion, none of the details is revealed. Just compare the images and opine on their sharpness and IQ: one is better or...
  3. blackstar

    Night Light

  4. blackstar

    Is this a good deal?

    https://bcgforums.com/index.php?threads/nikon-d500-mb-d17-battery-grip-en-el18c-batteries-and-mh26aak-charger.29109/
  5. blackstar

    Toggle AF-C and AF-S on Z6ii

    Hi, This could be a dummy question from a real green photo hobbyist. So lol if you will. AW, I found on many occasions when shooting around on the field that I needed to change from AF-C to AF-S and vice versa. The way I did this is by using the "i" button. Of course, the other way is to dig in...
  6. blackstar

    Remove screen window

    This photo was taken by an old iPhone through a screen window. Disregarding the poor image quality, the question of how to remove the screen from the image is asked for the general purpose of all cameras' creation. Appreciate all inputs.
  7. blackstar

    Best way to sell Nikon FTZ ii Mount Adapter

    (Hope I am not wrong to post here) Any suggestions on the best (fast) way to sell my like-new FTZii are appreciated (excluding eBay for the 10-15% fee and the process). Thanks. FYI, I am lucky on the way to buy Nikon Z 180-600mm to replace Sigma 150-600mm as being able to return Sigma for a...
  8. blackstar

    Z6ii firmware update

    z6ii firmware update v1.60
  9. blackstar

    Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

    Nikon just announced two z zoom lenses. See the 180-600mm: Here Good things include: light ~ 4.3 lb, fixed length - internal zoom (probably no need to adjust position on gimble when zooming for balance), ... reasonable price ~$1300, and good quality/performance are expected. (if I could hold...
  10. blackstar

    Osprey against headwind

  11. blackstar

    Wear sunglasses when taking photo shots

    Not sure if this topic suits the photo Q&A section, but fire it up for your experience, comments, and advice anyway. I have been wearing prescribed glasses with a "transitional" feature for a long time. It's been my all-time-around glasses except for my computer/reading glasses. So since the end...
  12. blackstar

    Telephoto landscape by focus shifting

    The day at the shooting site was good weather, warm (90 degrees), and shining. Unfortunately, the remote mountain area (Yosemite and Sierra) was mostly covered with clouds and fog. I tried anyway knowing no success could be expected for the target, Half Dome, which was barely visible to the eye...
  13. blackstar

    StarStaX question

    Did a small test on Star trails: 6", iso=600, f/2.0, fl=20mm, z6ii, 20 shots (interval timer). StarStaX results: 1. Amount= medium (default in Tools setting) 2. Amount= less I suspect that the Amount setting in Tools is reversed, i.e., less = more and more = less. Any comments?
  14. blackstar

    What happened at Sony World Photography Awards

    https://petapixel.com/2023/04/14/artist-refuses-prize-after-his-ai-image-wins-at-top-photo-contest/ So this is happening, and many people are aware of and anticipating it coming. Wonder why do those big Sony award juries (must be photographers) not even suspect or check up on the work that...
  15. blackstar

    Focus shifting (landscape)

    My next project (when the weather turns and all view clears) is to shoot a Yosemite scene from far (miles) away (see below screenshots from Google Earth). 4X zoom (clearly see the Half Dome in view) Since the view is so far away, I plan to use Sigma 150-600mm lens to reach/catch the main...
  16. blackstar

    Is USB Dock a must for Sigma 150-600C + FTZ + z6ii?

    Just found out that my Sept 2022 acquired new Sigma 150-600C has an unknown version of firmware installed because don't have a dock to check it. I contacted Sigma for an answer and got no straight answer of knowing my piece version unless using a dock to check/update (serial # won't help). Also...
  17. blackstar

    Interesting moon shot

    These photos are from online sources and reports. Only the photographic perception is considered, here, for these images. Chinese space station (CSS): CSS passing in front of Moon March 7, 2023 (screenshots)
  18. blackstar

    Rainbow at sunset

  19. blackstar

    z6ii settings (changed from "BBAF on Z camera)

    Since upgrading from D3500 to z6ii, AF by the shutter button has been the only operating mode for me, kind of forgot the way of BBAF I operated with D3500. Just bought the AF ebook from Steve Perry (Fred recommended it) and read the front part of it. The section of BBAF reminds me of all the...
  20. blackstar

    Cause(s) of soft images

    Recently, I practiced a lot with z6ii + sigma 200-600mm + gimbal tripod for small birds. Most images I got look soft (like the sample below). Just wonder what is (are) the cause(s): lens, camera body, settings, scene issue (background/foreground interference), lighting issue, or my technical...
Top