best PhotoEquipment - Reviews, Buying Guides and more

Feisol Tripod Review CT 3441sb

Regardless of your experience level and location, a good tripod is an essential piece of equipment that provides you the right base for capturing beautiful scenic shots. Feisol is one of the best brands to consider when looking for a reliable tripod. They offer an affordable range of carbon-fiber tripods that last long and facilitate travel.

In this post, we review the Traveler series tripod, Feisol CT 3441sb and take a closer look at its features and offerings to help you understand what you can expect from it.

Feisol CT 3441sb Review – UPDATED 2021

The CT 3441sb is a tripod that any photographer should have if he likes capturing whatever he encounters on the road. It is a lightweight model from the Traveler series of the brand which includes the CB-30D ball head to allow free-flow movement on all axes from a single point.

Specifications

Folded size – 43cm

Maximum height – 183cm

Minimum height – 43cm

Weight – 1.45kg

Maximum load capacity – 20kg

Maximum leg tube diameter – 28mm

Warranty – 3 years

Design

The Feisol CT 3441SB is designed to deliver a lightweight performance wherever you carry it. The tripod has an advanced design that lets the legs turn to 180 degrees along the central column and fold easily into a length of 43cm. It is constructed using durable carbon fiber that reduces its overall weight and the entire kit weighs just 1.45kg when packed.

Being a lightweight traveler tripod, the CT 3441SB can be carried easily with other equipment without adding extra load. The tripod also features a twist-lock mechanism that makes it really easy to lock the legs in place. It comes with the Feisol CB-30D ball head that facilitates easy camera movement. It also includes the quick release plate to let you install and remove camera attachments efficiently.

Construction

What makes the tripod so light in weight is the use of compact aluminum and carbon fiber components in the ball head, leg joints and central column. The four-section leg tubes measure 28mm in diameter at the top and reduce to 17mm at the lower point yet the package weighs only about 1.5 kg. the ball head is the smaller of the two premium choices

Finish

All the components of the tripod are machined well in a consistent matte finish while the leg locks have a glossy look. Everything is assembled well, the legs turn smoothly, they lock tightly without effort and the tubes turn in and out without any wobbling.

Feisol Tripod Review – Should You Buy?

The Feisol CT 3441SB is easy to carry in the field once packed in the bag. Its light weight and ability to support load makes it a go-to gear for long hikes. Automatic leg angle locks make setting up things quickly and the legs take a very short turning to unlock. The tripod also reaches its mentioned load capacity in reality.

When the tripod legs are extended with center column sections lowered, it shows excellent vibration resistance. It minimizes the initial shock and dampens the vibrations quickly. This is attributed to its high-quality carbon fiber construction, sturdy build and solid components. The tripod is easy to use in hot and cold weather conditions and temperatures don’t affect the performance of the legs or ball head.

Pros

Lightweight and sturdy
Outstanding finish and great build quality
Excellent vibration resistance
Ball head available in two sizes

Cons

Rotating dual-centre columns
Non-retractable weight hook
Too tight bag

While there are some small glitches, the overall ease of use, compact and lightweight design and high-quality construction make this tripod a great choice for those who want something sturdy to accompany on trips.

Feisol Tripod Shooting

Talking about the shooting experience with the Feisol CT 3441sb, it can be said that it is not only lightweight but also quite smooth and efficient. Here are some of the features that make it a great tripod in the market.

Movement

An important consideration for a tripod is the ability to turn the camera when mounted on. The Feisol provides a smooth operation with an easy set up without any jerky movements. A little twist from the lock knob allows moving the camera on the ball head.

Camera Switching

The Feisol CT 3441SB includes a quick release plate that screws to the camera to make sure it can easily slide off the head and you can swap the cameras in just seconds.

Stability

A good tripod should provide a stable platform and do it during macro shots as well. This tripod comes with a screw at the bottom of the central column and lets you mount the ball head underneath the tripod. This means the camera is positioned about 2 inches above the ground so that you can capture delicate, minute objects beautifully.

Feisol CT 3441s Vs 3441sb – How Do They Differ?

While the 3441sb is an extended version of the Traveler tripod Feisel CT 3441s, there are a few minor differences between the two models. The CT 3441s has a lower operating height at 176cm while the 3441sb offers a maximum operating height of 183cm. Both of these models also differ in terms of weight. The Feisol CT 3441sb weighs 1.45kg whereas the 3441s weighs a little lesser at 1.19 kg. most other features of the two models are almost similar.

The Feisol CT 3441sb comes with the new CB-30D ball head and center column attached. It can also be used with spikes to work well on different types of terrains. While both these traveler tripods are stable, durable and easy to use, it is recommended that you should go for the CT 3441sb as you get a higher operating height and some extra stability with the weight.

Mitakon 35mm F 0.95 Review

Talking about the world of photography today, it can be said that two characteristics of lens rule over others, sharpness and bokeh. The Mitakon 35mm lens gives you the depth of field and bokeh at a versatile focal length and is easy to work with. It is a small but fast lens for a mirrorless camera known for its durability and de-click aperture.

Let us review the Mitakon Speedmaster lens and take a closer look at its features, performance and offerings to help you understand what you should expect from it.

Mitakon 35mm F 0.95 Review – UPDATED 2020

The Mitakon 35mm F 0.95 is a versatile lens for photos and videos with a sharp focus in the center that gets sharper as you stop it down. It is specially built to deliver incredible performance at fast apertures and performs well at it. This lens is a great choice for mirrorless shooters interested in taking their portraits, weddings and artistic photography to the next level.

Specs

Focal length – 35mm

Max aperture – F 0.95

Minimum aperture – F 1.6

Minimum focus – 0.35mm

Length – 60mm

Diameter – 63mm

Weight – 460g

Ergonomics

The Mitakon 35mm F 0.95 lens fits great in hands and the focusing ring can be easily turned without any feeling of overextending on fingers. Though a 0.95 lens, it is much lighter in weight and smaller.

Build Quality

The build quality of this lens is excellent. It has a metal construction with great precision. It doesn’t use a rubber focus ring like other lenses and sticks to a traditional teethed metal ring construction. Focus and aperture are quite smooth with the right amount of resistance. It also comes in a box.

In terms of durability, it performs well throughout the year. It operates properly in hot and cold temperatures without any issue of sticky aperture or focus.

Ease of Use

As a manually focused lens, the Mitakon 35mm F 0.95 is extremely easy to use. It focuses smoothly but there is one problem. The aperture ring is clickless so it is easy to move it accidentally and change the aperture while shooting. This can be dealt with using a rubber band that holds the focus ring in place.

Focusing

The Mitakon offers a focus throw of about 135 degrees, making it easy to focus precisely at close distances. You need much less rotation to move the focus beyond 1.5m. when shooting at f/0.95, the DOF is very shallow. There is a focus shift when the aperture changes so you should keep that in mind while adjusting the aperture. Moreover, be careful not to turn the aperture ring accidentally when trying to focus.

MitakonSpeedmaster Review

Talking about the performance of the MitakonSpeedmaster, you can say that it is way better than what its price and production suggests. The sharpness is great if you can get the focus right. The bokeh is pretty good. There are never any issues and it doesn’t feel nervous or busy. It is always pleasant even when stopped down.

Color Rendering

This lens produces a balanced look, neither too cool nor too warm. Colors are quite rich even when wide open and bokeh. The way images hold together in terms of color and contrast at wide apertures is impressive.

Sharpness

The lens is quite sharp and is not hard to focus at f/0.94. When you shoot wide open, sharpness covers the central part of the image and it quickly falls off towards the corners. When you stop down to f/1.4, central sharpness and contrast improve but corners stay soft. At f/2.8, corners sharpen up to a great extent while it extends beyond the frame by f/4.

Pros

Ultrafast aperture
Adds a nice weight to Fujifilm cameras
Accurate, smooth focusing ring
Great sharpness
Pleasing bokeh
Sturdy build quality
Excellent manual focus

Cons

No autofocus
Electronic communication not available with cameras
Clickless aperture ring can be accidentally moved
Lens hood not included

Mitakon 35mm F 0.95 Sample Images

Here are some samples from the Mitakon 35mm F 0.95, a mixture of low-light and daylight images. The lens produces pleasant black and white images as well. It has a nice contrast and tonality even when you shoot wide open.

Tarion Vs Mitakon

Both Tarion and Mitakon are great companies popular for their own range of products. Mitakon is a Chinese company while Tarion is based in London. Tarion specializes in durable, sturdy photography accessories whereas Mitakon focuses more on camera lenses and related stuff.

Both Tarion and Mitakon offer ZhongyiSpeedmaster 35mm F 0.95 lens designed for APS-C mirrorless camera. Both these lenses have similar specifications, build and quality. The manual focus lenses can deliver outstanding image quality with any type of shoot mode and the lightweight design makes them convenient to use.

The lens from Tarion is a standard one while Mitakon 35mm is a wide-angle lens. The maximum aperture of the Tarion 35mm lens is f/16.0 while it is 0.95mm for the Mitakon lens. The two lenses are similar in terms of minimum aperture, maximum focal length, minimum focal length and photo filter thread size.

Conclusion

What makes the Mitakon 35mm F 0.95 lens a great buy is its ability to soak up light and separate subjects. It is one of the lenses that perform well and are so fast at this price. It is a great choice for floral, wedding, art and portrait photography and does an outstanding job in low-light conditions. It is a must-have for photographers who want to add some creative touch to their portfolio.

Sirui Tripod Review

Regardless of your skill level and frequency of photographing, you can certainly benefit from a good tripod. These tools are particularly a significant part of a travel photographer’s toolkit. You can rely on a sturdy and lightweight tripod to keep the camera steady to capture photos and videos outdoors.

In this review, we talk about the backpacking tripods from Sirui which are designed to be portable, lightweight, versatile and ideal for any experience level.

Sirui Tripods Review – UPDATED 2020

Sirui is one of the leading providers of high-quality photography equipment including camera and video tripods, specialty heads, camera cabinets and bags. Their travel tripods are the most popular among photographers for their lightweight and portable design. They are a great choice for travel photography and videography.

The Sirui T-series tripods are great accessories for outdoor shooting. Most of these models are made up of a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber to provide something really lightweight for easy carrying. The aluminum components are anodized to make them corrosion resistant and sturdy. Their center column is reversible to let you adjust the angle to suit your application.

These travel tripods also allow detaching the center column into a short and a long section to provide enough stability and versatility. The height is adjustable to facilitate different angles. It can be easily converted to a short center column for low angle shooting. Ergonomic leg design gives a comfortable grip.

Sirui 025x Carbon Fiber Tripod Review

A great option for conditions where weight and size are a problem, the Sirui 025x carbon fiber tripod belongs to the T-series introduced by the brand for travel photographers. It features an extremely small and portable design and weighs just 1.5 lbs to suit backpacking. Its folded size is only 31cm which can be held with one hand.

The carbon fiber version of the T-005 model from Sirui has the same specifications as the original tripod but comes in a lightweight design and a variety of color options. The tripod comes with a load capacity of 13.2lbs and is designed for compact camera bodies. It suits a fixed lens camera, small DSLRs and CSCs. It can even be used with video camcorders. Special five-section leg design and lighter weight make them less suitable for larger DSLRs though you can use them with bigger cameras as long as the weight is less than the capacity and they are used on a stable surface.

The T-025x is a light and compact model that extends to up to one meter in height. It also folds up to be a highly compact unit and is great for travelers.

Build and Performance

The tripod ships in a dust-proof bag with a shoulder strap and a zip-lock pouch, a carabiner clip, a warranty card and a user manual. Each of the legs of the tripod has five sections that come together with clamps. Two of the leg sections also have foam covers for a comfortable grip. The clamps at the leg joint are covered in rubber for a non-slip, secure point of contact with easy locking.

When packed, the tripod legs lie along the central column with 180 degrees turn up. As the legs are pulled out from the column, you can lock them in one of the three click stops to suit the desired position. Once you get familiar, the locking system is easy to use and lets you adjust the legs at different angles.

The Ball Head

At the top of the central column on the tripod, the C-10 ball head screws onto the mounting plate. It is a strong and sturdy ball head made out of anodized aluminum. A 29mm ball attaches permanently to the head holding the camera. You can find three adjustment knobs to attach different parts of the head.

Centre Column

The tripod’s central column is made up of two sections and the inner one can extend up to 145mm to raise the mounting plate for the ball head. It is locked in place with a twist clamp. You can unscrew and detach the entire column to increase its stability. There is a small metal loop at the undersurface of the center where you can hang weight to boost stability. The carabiner clip lets you hang a camera bag, sandbag or any other weight.

Best Lightweight Tripods For Backpacking

Let us consider some other lightweight models ideal for backpacking and traveling.

Sirui N-2204x 4 Section Pro

One of the highest-ranked models from the brand, the carbon fiber tripod includes a travel bag for easier storage and travel. Weighing only 3.3 pounds, this tripod folds to a height of less than 19 inches and easily detaches for convenient storage. By extending the legs, you can increase the height to more than 52 inches.

The tripod has a load capacity of 33 pounds and suits heavier professional cameras and video equipment. You can also hang weights to the center column to keep the tripod stable during longer photography sessions.

Sirui T-005KX Aluminum Alloy Tripod with Ball Head

While this model does not accommodate as much load as others, it is an ideal tripod for those who want something really light for backpacking. You can use this tripod with a camera and accessories that weigh less than 8.8 pounds. At a weight of just 1.9 pounds, it is so lightweight that kids can carry it too. It has a maximum height of over 54 inches and comes with rubber grips on the leg for easy adjustments. The integrated locks let you fix the legs to a specific height. You can even remove the center column for lower angle shots.

Conclusion

Sirui is a Chinese manufacturer that specializes in lightweight, functional backpacking tripods for outdoor shoots. It offers several lines of compact, sturdy, lightweight tripod models that suit different users and applications. If you are in search of a reliable companion for your backpacking or adventure, Siruitripods will certainly suit your needs.

Lenses For Canon 1100D

One of the highest-rated entry-level models in the DSLR range from Canon, the 1100D that was introduced in 2011, is a great choice for anybody giving photography a try or looking to upgrade from a traditional camera. It is priced affordably and boasts all the features and functions you would want in a modern camera. The Canon 1100D features a 12.2 MP sensor, 9-point autofocus capability and support for 720p HD video.

The Canon 1100D is a versatile piece of equipment to suit a variety of applications. Users soon realize that adding a good lens to it can make a lot of difference to the experience. This guide is aimed at helping you choose the right lenses for this camera to take your photos and videos to the next level. In this guide, we discuss what you should look for in the best lenses for Canon 1100D and consider a few of the options available.

Lenses For Canon 1100D – UPDATED 2023 – A Complete Guide

Canon is one of the best choices when looking for a great glass for the Canon 1100D. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 is one of the first lenses one should consider to make the most out of this DSLR. It is known to be a must-have for professionals who want to take great shots in a variety of conditions. It features a distinct optical design in a light, tight, weather-proof construction to be ideal for usage in any situation.

Then, there are lots of options for a wide-angle lens that one would want to add to the camera to complement the system. These lenses are perfect for portraits, architecture and landscapes and provide a better field of view as compared to the naked eye, capturing more into the frame.

EOS 1100D Lens Compatibility – What You Should Know?

Most people entering the world of photography believe that a camera lens fits every camera that accepts lenses. However, the reality is different. Every manufacturer has its own unique mounting system including Canon. This means Canon users can add different lenses that support specific mounting systems like EF-M, EF-S and EF.

Though you can always get third-party mounting rings that convert any lens into universal, it is a good idea to be aware of the lenses that directly comply with your camera. Fortunately, the EOS 1100D lets you use any lens with an EF or EF-S mounting compatibility. This type of lenses is designed to fit the EOS series of mounting and you can use the lenses without having to look for any additional hardware which affects the power of the lens.

Sigma Lenses For Canon EOS 1100D

Sigma has a complete range of lenses designed to work with the Canon EOS 1100D and most of them perform as good as the Canon glasses and come at much better prices. Here are some of the 1100D lenses you can consider from Sigma.

Sigma 35mm F 1.4 DG HSM Art

This lens from Sigma boasts a quality that beats that of Canon and others. It delivers excellent sharp images and is quick to focus. At the widest aperture, the performance is outstanding in low-light conditions and the bokeh looks beautiful. It is one of the best wide-angle lenses for the Canon 1100D.

Sigma 17-70mm F 2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Canon EF

Extremely compact and lightweight, this lens is ideal for family, travel and art. It is great for macro photography and lets you take close-ups of flowers and jewelry. A large maximum aperture aids the composition of images and fast shutter speeds to prevent blurring. It offers a superior quality of image throughout the zoom range.

Sigma 24mm F 1.4 DG HSM Art Canon

This 1100D lens offers excellent optical performance and provides images free of warping. The latest design technology means there is a minimum aberration and a natural bokeh effect. This lens features FLD glass elements to deliver a high quality of image throughout the focusing. It ensures high-contrast images even at open aperture.

Tamron Lenses For Canon EOS 1100D

Another company making high-quality lenses at affordable prices, Tamron has a number of options available when you are looking for new glass for your camera.

Tamron SP 70-300 mm F 4-5.6 USD Canon EF

This lens uses an advanced optical design to achieve the highest image resolution. It is the first lens to boast the Tamron ultrasonic auto-focus mechanism for fast focusing, making it a great choice for a telephoto zoom. Specialized glass elements help it achieve top resolution in the 70-300 mm category with image quality improvement.

Tamron SP 150-600 mm F 5-6.3 Canon EF

The lens offers a high-performance 150-600mm long-range zoom to let you capture birds, wildlife, sports action and travel spots. Special ultrasonic silent drive and vibration compensation allow shooting crisp images of distant, moving objects effortlessly while modern technology works to produce vibrant pictures.

Best Telephoto Lens For Canon 1100D

Telephoto lenses have a focal range that allows capturing nature shots and fast-action sports. The zoom of this type of lens lets you photograph the subject through different distances and actions. A wide aperture is advantageous for shooting in low-light conditions.

Canon EF-S 55-250mm F 4-5.6

There is no better option than this Canon glass for those who want to get their first telephoto lens for their 1100D. It is an affordable lens in high-quality with fast autofocusing and stabilization. It is light and can be carried around easily and delivers the desired performance in any condition.

Canon EF 70-200mm F 2.8L USM

This lens is a serious consideration with features, construction and optics second to none. The F 2.8 aperture across the zoom range lets you shoot images in low-light conditions. It also offers exceptional autofocus and image stabilization.

While it is not so easy to find the right lens for your budget and needs, this guide should help you find the best options for your Canon 1100D. The perfect lens can change the way your pictures look. We hope the options we have highlighted help you make an informed decision.