If you are looking to get into HDSLR shooting for the first time or need a second camera now is the time to act. With these new double rebates you can save some serious cash on lenses with camera purchases. Check them out:

Canon Double Instant Rebates

Nikon Camera and Lens Bundles

There is a wonderful world of manual lenses out there. This guide is dedicated to using Nikkor lenses on Canon, and other camera mounts.

Here is what we will be covering:

1. [1:45] Different Types of Nikkor Lenses (NON-AI, AI, and AIS)
2. [5:25] How to Adapter the Nikon Mount to Canon and Others
3. [9:49] Why Use Manual Nikkors?
4. [12:50] Where to Buy Nikkor Lenses
5. [14:20] How to Customize These Lenses for Video

Links and Notes:

• Nikon compatibility chart I mention at xxx in the video can be found here.
• KEH.com for lenses. Remember EX is the best but if you need to save money and don’t mind a slightly more used lens then the BGN rating will get the price down a little farther. My own rule is if I am spending more than $300 on the lens I get EX or EX+. I’d hate to buy a 50mm F1.2 for $500 at the BGN level and have it be in bad shape.
• Here is a list of the AIS lenses I have bought from KEH:
• 28mm F2, 35mm F2, 50mm F1.4, 85mm F2, 100mm F2.8.
• You might want to check out this article on spotting the difference between NON-AI, AI, and AIS if you do a lot of garage sale or craigslist shopping.

Gear Mention in this video:

Nikon to Canon EOS Adatper

Canon Rear Cap

52-77mm Step-up Ring

Front Lens Cap

Also check out the lens gears from WideOpenCamera.com.

Do you have any tips for adapter Nikkors to different camera mounts?

For only $10 you can get macro shots with almost any lens using these macro tubes (you can find the Nikon version here).

I found it didn’t work well with my wider primes but I got good results using a 50mm prime and my 28-70mm zoom.

There are 5 parts to this particular macro tube set. One piece attaches to the camera, then there are three sections in the middle for adjusting how close you can get, and finally the end that attaches to the lens. You can add or remove the middle rings to adjust how close you are able to get to the subject.

Keep in mind these tubes will narrow your lenses range. They are design only to get macro shots, so you won’t be able to turn around and shoot a wide shot without taking them off. For $10 this is fine. They are easy to remove and are a great addition to your lens bag.

The images below were shot with a 50mm lens. First without the tubes to show you how close the lens could get to the object on its own, then you will see the shot with the tubes on.

Macro Extension Tubes

Yet another instant rebate is here. I have been considering picking up a Canon 70-200mm F4 for a while now and this would be the time to do it. Check out the lenses that are available with rebates from the link below.

Canon Instant Rebates

New Canon Instant rebates are here. Click on the image above for savings on 60D, 7D, 5D, T2i, T3i and a ton of other lenses!

]]> http://dslrvideoshooter.com/instant-rebates-on-canon-cameras-and-lenses/feed/ 0 http://dslrvideoshooter.com/3-areas-to-save-big-money-on-hdslr-gear/ http://dslrvideoshooter.com/3-areas-to-save-big-money-on-hdslr-gear/#comments Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:36:30 +0000 Caleb Pike http://dslrvideoshooter.com/?p=3496

There is so much gear out there for the DSLR shooter to choose from these days, and over the past year I have found 3 areas where you can save a ton of money and not compromise on quality. And yes there are other things to save money on but the items I want to talk about are necessities to every DSLR video shooter.

1. DSLR Batteries

Everyone needs power. And the brand name batteries aren’t cheap. Right now the Canon brand LP-E6 battery for the 60D/7D/5D is $60. Thats a tall order when you need 6 of them. But there is a different brand I have been buying from and their battery is only $16. The Maxtek LP-E6v batteries have performed great for me. Big savings. Now for the price of 1 Canon LP-E6 battery I can buy almost 4 off brand ones.

The same good news goes for T2i/T3i batteries. $40 for the Canon’s and only $9 for 2 off brand ones. Apparently there are fakes out there. Check out this comment for more.

Now that you can actually afford to buy several batteries you should consider grabbing a dual charger (T2i version here). Has Saved me tons of time and works with pretty much every brand.

2. CF and SD Cards

Everyone also needs a couple cards, some times 2 types of cards. There are so many different brands out there its difficult to figure out which ones are affordable AND reliable.

Quick disclaimer: With EVERY card brand there is a chance the card will die. Not every card brand is safe. I only work with 8GB and 16GB cards and I back them up all the time. So don’t come crying and cursing at me if your card dies. It sucks, and it happens. One brand I have found to be working great for me is the Transcend brand. $50 for a 16GB 400x CF card is a great deal. Same with the SD only $22 for a class 10 16GB SD. These prices are around half or more the price of compatible cards.

I have 2 of these CF cards and 2 of the SD cards and none of them have failed me which doesn’t mean they will never fail, but I would still recommend them. And don’t forget a good card reader.

3. Prime Lenses

This one is a little more subjective. I get emails all the time from people looking for a prime lens for shooting video on their DSLR. Its seems most people only consider Canon lenses for Canon DSLRs. Or Sony lenses for Sony cameras. But there is a whole world of other options out there, my favorite being manual Nikkor lenses. I get all my lenses from KEH.com they have a great rating system and fantastic warranties.

With Nikkor primes you have 3 levels. Non-AI (Cheapest) AI (Middle) and AIS (Higher). And for killer savings check out the older Non-AI “Nippon Kogaku” Nikkor lenses like this 50mm F1.4 for under $100.

All 3 types work well with an adaptor to Canon cameras. If you are a Nikon shooter check out this Nikon chart to see what your compatibility will be. I have a set of AIS primes and I LOVE them. They all match in color, very sharp, and they are affordable. If you’re low on cash grab a set of the Non-AI and upgrade down the road.

To attach all these magical lenses to your camera you will need an adaptor which will only set you back around 15 bucks.

Conclusion

So there you have it. 3 areas you can save some serious cash especially if you are getting started. So for $200 you could get a fast 50mm, a card or two and some batteries.

Have you got some money saving tips? I’d love to hear what gear you guys have found to save you some money.

Help Me Out

I Don’t charge any subscription fees, nor do I sell DVD tutorials so if you found this article helpful you can really help me out by purchasing gear from one of the links in this article, donating, or by purchasing from one of the links below. Thank you!

There are many great tools out there, but every now and then you come across one that changes how you shoot. Well, today I am sharing a review of one of those tools. Xume Adapters have changed the way I use filtration on my projects. What use to be a hassle when working with filters and multiple lenses, is now an effortless task.

Ethics Statement: I did not pay for this review unit. I am not being paid for this review.

UPDATE:

The guys from Xume contacted me and shared a solution to the lens cap issue:

We’ve already solved the lens cap issue: Pop your lens cap into a holder and it works great. We’re offering additional holders at discount with our kits so you can dedicate a holder or two to your lens cap(s).

Xume Team

Xume Adaptors

I’ve always enjoyed Vincent’s training. He is a very good teacher While most of the time he is pretty intense, in this series on lenses he lets loose a little bit, hangs out at vimeo and dresses up in a viking costume…

Check it out:

Over the past 2 years I’ve come up with a couple tips for making using photography lenses for video easier. I would love to hear what you do to prep your lenses for video production.

Show Notes

• Zip Tie Gears.
• Step up rings.
• Rear Lens Caps:

49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm

• Rear EOS Caps.

________________________________________________________________________________________
Quicktime File: DSLR Video Shooter Episode #023

As more camera manufacturers develop larger sensor cameras, camera mounts, and lens systems I believe its wise to consider what mount type you invest in. I explain my plan in this episode.

Show Notes:

• Tokina Lenses.
• Canon USM Lenses.
• Nikon to EOS WITH Focus Confirmation.

——–
QuickTime File: DSLR Video Shooter Episode #019