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L.I.V.E. - Learn, Invest, Visualize, Execute
-Jakob
TOP 5 BEST INEXPENSIVE CANON LENSES!
Over the years I’ve had my hands on countless lenses when dealing with videography and photography. People ask me all the time what are the best and most importantly, affordable lenses to get and use when it comes to production. Thusly, I’ve compiled a list of my top 5 favorite, best, and most importantly, affordable lenses to use when it comes to videography and photography! When it comes to your arsenal of lenses you should always have your focal length basis’ covered, everything from a wide angle, to a macro, to a long zoom lens. That entire range is covered with this list of 5 lenses I present to you below!
Note: (All lenses are EF mount based)
CANON EF 50MM f/1.8 II CAMERA LENS: http://goo.gl/Y8BN8b
Every videographer/photographer should own a 50mm f/1.8 lens as your first upgrade from the kit lens that came with your camera. This was one of the first purchases I made when I bought my Canon t2i years back! The lens is sharp and has an extremely fast aperture for shooting in low light as well as giving you that beautiful bokeh effect. You really can’t beat the price, it’s extremely affordable for the results and images it gives you. It’s really a no brainer to add it to your lens lineup whether your just starting or have a few lenses already. Often referred to as the “Nifty Fifty” it holds up to it’s nickname
TOKINA 11-16MM f/2.8 II DIGITAL ZOOM LENS: http://goo.gl/egb9DB
The very first wide angle lens I ever purchased as the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 lens, and I loved it. I used this lens primarily with my t2i as well as my Canon 5D Markii & Canon 5D Markiii. It’s a solid lens with a solid build, it’s durable and holds up well to the regular bump and grind of the production world. The lens is sharp and very wide! The price of the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX II Lens is on the moderate side. This lens has the widest-available aperture in its class, and that fact is often responsible for higher prices. Although, many of it’s competing lenses in it’s class are priced much higher, making the tokina 11-16 a steal for the quality that it is.
TAMRON AF 28-75MM f/2.8: http://goo.gl/iGcEHl
A mid range zoom lens is one of the most popular and effective styles of lenses on the market. Early on I had purchased the Canon 24-70 f2.8 L series lens. Now, that lens is a beast of a lens but it’s also a beast of a price. The Tamron 28-75 is an exceptionally great lens and produces sharp images for it’s price point. The lenses’ optics are similar to that of the 24-70 canon lens, but nearly 1/4 the cost! I would definitely recommend the Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 for anyone looking for a lens that would be somewhat of an equivalent to the Beast that is the Canon 24-70mm lens.
CANON EF 70-200MM f/4L USM TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS: http://goo.gl/OHcAfM
Although this lenses f/stop only achieves f/4, I should note the f/2.8 version of this same lens jumps all the way up to around $2,500. That being said having an f/4 aperture is not that bad. This lens is optically equivalent to it’s more expensive counterpart and even lighter. So if you’re looking to keep things light with your lens and your pocket, this is the zoom lens for you!
CANON 100MM F/2.8 MACRO LENS: http://goo.gl/lwyY4y
Everybody needs a macro lens in their lens arsenal! If you don’t have one already the canon 100m f2.8 macro is the lens to fill that void. Being able to get and achieve sharp macro shots is very important in not only the photography world but video as well. This lens is the little brother of the Canon 100mm f/2.8 L lens, which is slightly sharper and has better build quality. But just because there is a more expensive version of this lens does not take away from the value of this excellent and sharp portrait and macro lens. If you want to do serious macro photography or videography on a budget, then this lens is an excellent lens option.
I hope this list of affordable and amazing lenses helps you in your decision when it comes to your next lens purchase!
L.I.V.E. - Learn, Invest, Visualize, Execute
-Jakob
5D Silicon Cover!
Recently as I was browsing amazon for some new camera batteries and other small accessories I stumbled across this really cool silicone cover! I thought it would be something fun and different to add a little bit of flare to my camera. I thought why not, and jumped on the order! On my most recent trip to Denver Colorado I brought it with me and slipped the cover onto my 5DMarkiii. I really like this product! The cover hugs the camera tight and even has a couple rippled areas for enhanced grip, not to mention giving it a really cool look that just stands out! A couple of times while I was walking around downtown shooting some flicks I had a couple people stop me and ask what kind of camera I had because it just looked so interesting and cool. I thought I'd share this product with you all, because not only do I really like it for the look, but also for the functionality it brings to everyday use!
PRODUCT LINKS:
Yellow Cover: http://amzn.to/22iWPRn
Red Cover: http://amzn.to/1SFvvYe
L.I.V.E. - Learn, Invest, Visualize, Execute
-Jakob
Hello, World!
The Best Video and Photo Gear!
Hey Guys, so I've been getting asked a lot of questions about the various gear I use when it comes to shooting. So I've made a comprehensive list with links to the exact items I've purchased and use!
The list includes everything from Cameras, lenses, backpacks, batteries, memory cards, sensor cleaners, shoulder rigs and more!
Flatlay of some of my gear!
GEAR LIST:
Sony A7sii: http://amzn.to/1MOj2hB
Fotodiox EF to Sony E-Mount Lens Adapter: http://amzn.to/1ngnyQS
Lexar 128GB Memory Card: http://amzn.to/1PpNznE
5dMarkiii: http://amzn.to/1MbFPe5
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L: http://amzn.to/1MQMwlA
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II: http://amzn.to/2056BXA
Zeiss Milvus 21mm 2.8: http://amzn.to/23ilK9V
Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 Lens: http://amzn.to/1ckaoxu
Zeiss Milvus 50mm f2 Makro Lens: http://amzn.to/1N9eFPV
Rokinon 8mm f3.5 Lens: http://amzn.to/1SASEex
Canon 70-200mm f2.8 Lens IS II Lens: http://amzn.to/1Jau96z
Evecase Extra Large DSLR Camera/Laptop Travel Backpack:: http://amzn.to/1XhGeMC
Canon 5d Mark II: http://amzn.to/1GvBbPo
32GB Sandisk CF Card: http://amzn.to/1LWj7Q4
Devin Graham Glidecam: http://amzn.to/1LEXKZC
Panasonic GH4 (Body Only): http://amzn.to/1V6b51E
Panasonic GH4: http://amzn.to/1c3lOER
Panasonic SD 32gb memory card: http://amzn.to/1EC6be6
Metabones Canon EF to Micro 4/3 speedbooster/adapter: http://amzn.to/1SFwlrc
Canon G7X: http://amzn.to/1IUnGM7
Canon g7x camera battery: http://amzn.to/1K6ZTvi
Rhode Hot Shoe Mic: http://amzn.to/23kVYCX
ZoomH1 Recorder: http://amzn.to/1mhVkEL
LED Light: http://amzn.to/1TTcJyN
GoPro Hero4 Black : http://amzn.to/1JnpjG2
GoPro Accessories Bundle: http://amzn.to/1JnpEIK
KNEKT Combo Package GOPRO: http://amzn.to/1VxK19k
GoPro Batteries and charger: http://amzn.to/1MSUydW
GoPro 3 LCD Touchscreen: http://amzn.to/1NQ3NH7
Camdive A7sii underwater housing: http://amzn.to/1WcVEDp
Full Frame Sensor Cleaner swabs: http://amzn.to/1MSM3j2
DJI Ronin: http://amzn.to/1EPbvOP
Francier Fluid Head Tripod: http://amzn.to/1HQh17U
Tiffen 77mm Variable ND Filter: http://amzn.to/1J6Lejm
Tiffen 82mm ND Filter Set: http://amzn.to/1UWKdRe
G-Raid 8TB Harddrive: http://amzn.to/1PipH75
G-Raid 4TB hardrive: http://amzn.to/1Qi4SaU
L.I.V.E. - Learn, Invest, Visualize, Execute
-Jakob
Adobe Lightroom Presets!
I’ve always had a knack for coloring my footage, so I’ve now taken that skill and translated it to photos! I’ve developed 10 all original Adobe Lightroom Photo presets and combined them into a bundle called BuffNerd Shooters Vol. 1
Check it out all below!
Link To Buy: http://jakobowensproductions.bigcartel.com/product/buffnerd-shooters-adobe-lightroom-presets
L.I.V.E. - Learn, Invest, Visualize, Execute
-Jakob
Zeiss Milvus Lenses Review!
With the recent destruction of my two Zeiss lenses I needed some replacements. After some bouncing around the web and various youtube searches, I came across the Zeiss Milvus Lens lineup. I loved my previous Zeiss lenses (Zeiss 21mm F2.8 ZE and Zeiss 50mm F2 ZE Makro). So I decided to essentially pick up the newer updated models of those lenses.
Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Milvus ZE Macro Lens
I’ve been very happy with them. Their build quality is exceptional, they feel rock solid in the hand and have beautiful optics and glass to couple that solid build. Along the solid build they are weather sealed which is a big plus! Along the mount of the lens they have a blue rubberized ring that protects the glass from outside elements like water and dust. The focus rings are buttery smooth and fluid, no jerky jerk moves or clicks when attempting to throw focus.
Just like the previous zeiss lenses, these Milvus lenses are manual focus lenses, so if you’re big on using autofocus for video or photo these lenses are not for you. I’ve never been one to use or trust autofocus, so this is not a problem for me!
I’ve always loved the optics of zeiss lenses and the sharp image they produce, and these lenses are no different. These Milvus lenses are some amazing lenses especially for the price point. A couple of the lenses get upwards up $2k but others are just over the $1k mark which I feel is a great price given the overall quality and durability of these lenses!
The lenses are available in both canon and nikon mount. (I own the canon mount). Links to the exact lenses I own are listed below!
LINKS TO THE ZEISS MLIVUS LENSES:
Zeiss 21mm f2.8 Milvus ZE lens: http://goo.gl/ELgEqG
Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 Milvus ZE Macro Lens: http://goo.gl/Qfndir
L.I.V.E. - Learn, Invest, Visualize, Execute
-Jakob
Marty Grimes Video Shoot!
Yesterday I teamed up with artist Marty Grimes in what was the 1st of 2 videos I’m directing for him this week. This post's purpose is to give you all a little insight into what went into creating the main look for the visual.
The song “Dangerous” itself is a very moody record. I wanted to capture that dark energy of the song, and bring it to life in the video with a dark, moody and artistic visual. I wanted to create a black void space with very top heavy lighting and deep overhead shadows to really bring out that dark mood I was aiming for.
To achieve this look we ran 6 20x20 black solids along the back wall and sides to block out any light, as well as gives us that black void backdrop from all angles. From there all that was really left was to hang the 5 2k overhead space lights in the middle of the floor where our subjects would be.
Then we wrapped the outer edge of the space lights in another black solid so the light would shoot straight down and not spill out all over the studio floor. This gave us that direct overhead spotlight look.
I’ve used this look before, and It’s one of my favorites! It’s simple, yet so effective in creating a dark moody tone that just looks AMAZING!
We used a couple other lighting setups in the video as well, but for now you’ll just have to wait to see the video!
L.I.V.E. - Learn, Invest, Visualize, Execute
-Jakob
The Ocean Tried To Steal My Gear!
It was a beautiful day down at El Matador beach just off the PCH in Malibu, California (If you haven’t been there, you need to go). When we got down on the beach I left my bag in a seemingly safe place, the sand was dry and fluffy, nowhere near to where the tide had been reaching. We walked down the beach aways and began shooting. 10 minutes or so must have passed before a man jogged over and said “Um… sir, your bag is in the water.” I was confused for a second, and then, it hit me! I took off sprinting down the beach. As I ran over I noticed my bag and all of it’s contents i.e.. lenses, batteries, filters, accessories, were sprawled out all over the beach, and in the water. I frantically tried to pick up every last piece of equipment before the water could hit them again.
Lenses, batteries, ND filters, chargers, memory cards, everything was completely soaked and covered in sand. My heart was in my stomach as I spent the next hour on the beach trying to dry and clean everything as best as I could with the hopes of salvaging something. There were many casualties and only a few pieces of gear survived. I just remember initially how upset and frustrated I wanted to be, but kept thinking about the positives, and how that man was present and courteous enough to quickly run over and let me know what was going on, otherwise, I might have lost everything to the ocean! Well played ocean, well played. You win this round my friend!
L.I.V.E. - Learn, Invest, Visualize, Execute
-Jakob
SonyA7sII Review!
I recently purchased the Sony A7sII with the intention of using the camera in low light situations only. I was quick to discover the camera was so much more than just a low light monster!
Check out my hands on video review of the SonyA7sii and see why I love the camera so much!
SonyA7sII Link: http://amzn.to/1MOj2hB
L.I.V.E. - Learn, Invest, Visualize, Execute
-Jakob
Overcoming Fear!
As a kid like most, I was deathly afraid of heights! Anything from riding elevators, to standing at the edge of a balcony on a 2 story house, riding roller coasters, anything that had involved heights WAS NOT FOR ME!
As I got older I developed a tolerance, and even a desire for adventure and thrills. Heights slowly became less of a fear of mine. I started liking roller coasters, I could finally stand near the edge of the Grand Canyon, or jump off a friends roof into their pool below. I have no idea where it came from, but now that thirst for adventure and risk taking is just there!
The other day while on a commercial shoot, I found myself atop a downtown LA rooftop 20+ stories up above the LA city streets. My buddy and Director of the shoot Dave Farese and I were hanging out on the roof while we waited for the talent/hair and makeup people to arrive on set (As directors know, we’re always waiting on hair and makeup!). We walked over to the edge of the building where it seemed to endlessly drop 20+ stories below and Dave’s knees began to buckle. I was a little more reckless as I leaned up against the edge looking over and below. I joked about the videos I had recently seen on the web of the “stupid” people that would scale dangerously high buildings and just hang off of the edge by just their hands and no extra support.
The more I talked about it and reflected on those videos the more I wanted to try and do it, thinking I could do that! Although, I knew hanging off the side of a 20+ story building was NOT the smartest thing in the world to do, the thought remained, What if? I worked my way up by just sitting on the edge, 1 foot dangling off the side of the building and the other planted firmly on the rooftop floor. (I took a snapchat cause I thought it was badass!) This gave me the courage to push it one step further and swing both feet out over the edge while I rested my body securely on the ledge. At this point I handed my phone to Dave and told him to take a picture as I drifted further off the edge. He began snapping pictures as I hung there for 30 seconds or so. As I hung there I kept telling him to get as many angles as possible, he looked at me as if I was insane, but continued to snapped away. After he grabbed a sufficient amount of pictures to my standard, I swung my legs back over and pulled my self up, looking back down below to what I had just done. I JUST HUNG OF THE EDGE OF A 300+ FOOT BUILDING!
I felt like I had accomplished something. It was a VERY dumb thing to do with absolutely no reward and all risk, but somehow I felt accomplished! I had overcome a fear, and pushed myself out of my comfort zone to achieve something I had never down before, and it felt good!
Then I thought, my parents are not going to be happy when they see this!
L.I.V.E. - Learn, Invest, Visualize, Execute
-Jakob
The BuffNerd Blogs
I’m super excited to dive into this new venture that is blogging!
Throughout my journey as a filmmaker I’ve always been very open and transparent about my work. I love connecting directly with my supporters and fans, sharing my knowledge I’ve collected over my years of experience in shooting the world around me.
The goal of this blog is to create and grow a community interested in valuable information about videography, directing, photography, gear reviews, travel, fitness, and living a full and happy life! I inspire to connect with you directly and create a place where fellow creatives will be motivated to live out their dreams, seize opportunities, and create influential work to share with the world!
I hope you all will come along for the ride as I share my incredible experiences on and off set, talk about shooting tips & tricks, review awesome new gear, share travel stories, and give you the ultimate in depth look with visual images into this visual based life of mine!
L.I.V.E. - Learn, Invest, Visualize, Execute
-Jakob
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