In the world of wildlife photography, capturing the perfect shot of a subject from a distance is essential as is having the right telephoto zoom lens. The Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary Lens achieves just that, with spectacular image quality and high performance. Most importantly, this telephoto lens won’t break the bank. In this Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary Lens Review I’ll dive into some of the pros and cons of this lens, go over some of it’s features and functions, provide general tips, and share some of my favorite wildlife photos that I’ve personally taken with the Sigma 150-600mm lens. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! **As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases **Note: All photos on this post are mine and were taken with the Sigma 150-600mm Why I Decided to Purchase the Sigma 150-600mm Lens Like most photographers, I started with a DSLR kit that came with the camera body and lens. My very first DSLR camera was a Nikon D3100 with the generic 18-55mm lens. This was in 2008, right before a trip to Guatemala. I knew I would  visit Tikal, Guatemala and I wanted to photograph the unique wildlife there. I was in need of a telephoto lens, so I purchased the bundle that came with a 55-300mm lens.  At the time, I was amazed by the reach and quality of the 55-300mm lens made by Nikon.  Since then, I’ve upgraded the body of my camera to a Nikon D7500, which I absolutely love.  I got into macro photography using the Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro Lens and instantly loved how detailed the photos were. I then decided I wanted to photograph the wildlife in Okinawa. One of the more unique animals in Okinawa is the Ryukyu Flying Fox. This is a type of mega bat. Last year (2022) I found a bunch at a nearby park and photographed them with my 55-300mm lens. I was somewhat satisfied with the photos, but wasn’t happy with the colors or sharpness. I did some research on better telephoto lenses that would achieve the detail and reach I was looking for to photograph the Ryukyu Flying Foxes. Price was definitely a factor that played a role, I wasn’t looking to spend thousands. I narrowed my choices down to the Sigma 150-600mm and Tamron 150-600mm lens. Ultimately, I decided to go with the Sigma lens based on need and price and am so glad I went with the Sigma 150-600mm lens.  To see the differences between my first kit lens the 55-300mm lens and the Sigma 150-600mm lens, below is a comparison photo of the Ryukyu Flying Foxes. The photo on the left was taken with the 55-300mm lens and the photo on the right was taken with the Sigma 150-600mm lens.  About the Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens The Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Lens is a telephoto zoom lens that is Made in Japan. Here are some of the specs and parts of the camera from the packaging.  The Sigma 150-600mm weight is 1,830g or 4 lbs. Optical Stabilizer (OS), used to compensate for blurry images that are caused by shaking  Tripod Socket and Collar Zoom locking which locks the lens at a specific zoom level set by the user Minimum aperture is F22 and the max aperture is F5-F6.3 Filter size is 95mm, for filters The box contains a case for the lens, a strap, lens hood, and a tripod socket Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary Lens Review I’m going to start the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Lens review by saying, I absolutely made the right decision in purchasing this lens. Every time I process my photos, I am amazed by how sharp and detailed my photos turn out.  There are two types of Sigma 150-600mm lenses, there is a contemporary and sport. The sport version might be more rugged, has a faster autofocus, and might be better weather proofed, but it is much more expensive then the contemporary version. For my purposes, the contemporary lens was exactly what I needed. I primarily purchased this lens for shooting the unique wildlife in Okinawa. Outside of photographing wildlife, I have taken it to an air show in Iwakuni and took some action packed shots of F-35’s zipping through the air.  I use this with my Nikon D7500 and made sure to purchase the Lens for Nikon F Cameras. It fits snug on my Nikon and I’ve never had an issue attaching it.  I use a SLIK Tripod  which I find works well with this lens. Honestly, I shoot mainly handheld, especially with wildlife photography. You have to be ready and move with the subject. Thankfully my Nikon D7500 has an option to shoot multiple images which can be beneficial or those action shots.  The Sigma 150-600mm is heavy and makes for a great forearm workout when out in the field. I tend to walk around with a backpack that stores the lens and take it out when I find a unique subject to photograph. You really need both hands to stabilize the camera and lens.  I tend to use both autofocus and manual focus depending on the subject and if the lens can autofocus. I’ve found it to be easy to use the manual focus and the autofocus works great if it can pick out the subject.  For shooting with this lens, I always shoot in Manual Mode and RAW. I feel this way, I am in total control of my camera and can adjust the Aperture, ISO, and Shutter, as necessary.  For the most part, I do love this lens. I do find the performance can be poor in low light situations. This lens definitely needs a lot of light. So shooting during the day in light conditions will get the best results. Sometimes, this isn’t always possible. Like when shooting bats at dusk. In many scenarios, I will shoot in Manual mode with Auto ISO. I feel the Sigma 150-600mm is a sturdy camera, well designed, and is a quality piece of equipment.  One of the main reasons I decided to purchase the Sigma 150-600mm was because of the attractive price tag. Some big name brand telephoto lenses can be several thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, I purchased the Sigma 150-600mm lens on Amazon, for under $1000. PROS Price is very affordable Detail and Sharpness of the photos  Zoom Lock Switch Sleek Design and Easy to use Focus and Zoom Ring are comfortable and well built CONS Heavy, especially when handheld Needs a heavier/sturdier tripod Storage Autofocus sometimes has troubles finding the subject The performance in low-light environments and situations is below average. I’ve found it is best to shoot during the day with a decent amount of light  Photos Taken with this Lens Where to Buy the Sigma 150-600mm Lens? I recommend just buying the Sigma 150-600mm lens from Amazon.  Make sure that when buying from Amazon to select the appropriate Style: Canon EF Cameras, Nikon F Cameras, or Sigma SA Cameras.  Once you select the style compatible with your camera, simply purchase the lens. I bought it new off of Amazon and it came with a bag, strap, hood, and lens cover.  There are many Sigma 150-600mm Bundles on Amazon that include other camera equipment such as memory cards, cases, and cleaning supplies. It’s up to the user to decide what they all need.  In addition to Amazon, you can visit the Sigma Website for more information on their lenses and even purchase directly from the site.  Additional Tips When Shooting with this Lens Please note, I am not a professional photographer. I just love traveling and taking photos! These tips are based on my own research and practice in the field while using the Sigma 150-600mm lens.  Typically when shooting wildlife like birds in flight, you’ll want to use a fast shutter speed. Remember, the rule of thumb. Use a shutter speed of 1 focal length of the lens you are using. For animals in motion, try starting with a shutter speed of 1/600 and adjust as necessary from there.  Depending on the light and subject, play around with the exposure triangle  – Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO. Sometimes you only need to adjust one setting or sometimes all three to get the shot that is right for you.  For wildlife photography, don’t always depend on a tripod. I found it is hard to follow and focus on a subject with a  tripod. Get comfortable shooting handheld with this lens for wildlife that is active. For animals and subjects that don’t move or do so very little, feel free to use a tripod.  I’ve been told for high quality and clear photos, that a low ISO, typically ISO 100 is the best settings to shoot in. The Sigma 150-600mm lens needs a lot of natural light, sometimes that is not always on our side. Rules are meant to be broken. For many situations, like shooting the Ryukyu Flying Bats in Okinawa, the time of day is not ideal, or the bats are hanging upside down under the canopy, which is generally dark. I shoot these scenes using Auto ISO. Thankfully, the bats stand somewhat still so I can slow down the shutter speed.  Don’t be afraid to shoot using Auto ISO. Most cameras have a setting where you can adjust the maximum Auto ISO setting sensitivity.  I used to shoot using JPEG but have since switched to shooting in RAW for specialized photography. RAW files are much larger but gives the user much more freedom to work with, especially when post processing. I tend to shoot in Manual mode with this lens. I like to be in control of the camera when shooting wildlife. Plus the more practice I get using Manual the more comfortable I feel using the camera and lens.  Lastly, the best way to improve your photography is to get out there, explore, and practice. You’ll be amazed by the wildlife you encounter when you start paying attention on your daily walks, weekend adventures, or multi day trips.  So, Is the Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary Lens Worth it? The short answer is, absolutely! I’ve had the Sigma 150-600mm lens for about a year now and love it. Every time I take this lens out, I am always impressed with my photos after post processing.  There is a learning curve with this lens and the size can seem a bit bulky, but the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary Lens is 100% worth it. Between the attractive price and detailed photos, I am very happy with the lens. For the price, it simply can’t be beat.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖 🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

The Nikon COOLPIX W300 is a rugged outdoor camera that is built for the outdoors, sports, and recreation. This point and shoot camera is ideal for any outdoor and sports enthusiast. Nikon’s COOLPIX W300 has video capability and shoots in 4K UHD. One of the main draws for this camera is that it is completely waterproof and is safe without a housing up to 30m/100ft. This camera is not only waterproof but it is freezeproof and shockproof, meaning you don’t have to worry about dropping this camera or taking it on a high altitude expedition. Whether you are mountain biking, scuba diving, trekking, or just exploring some place new, the Nikon COOLPIX W30 might be the perfect camera to suit your needs.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! **As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases **Note: This product was released on June 30, 2017 but has since been discontinued. It still can be purchased online.  Nikon COOLPIX W300 The Nikon COOLPIX W300 is built for thrill seekers and outdoor enthusiasts who need a tough camera that matches their hobbies and lifestyle. The COOLPIX W300 is built for any activity under any condition whether it be for scuba diving, mountain biking, surfing, or even mountaineering. The point is, this camera can withstand tough conditions. The COOLPIX W300 is waterproof and can be used at depths as low as 30m/100ft and has a shockproof of 2.4m/8ft. The Nikon COOLPIX W300 shoots 4K Ultra HD or 1080p Full HD videos. This camera has a 16MP sensor and 5x optical zoom. Built in the camera is the hybrid Vibration Reduction (VR) that assists with the steadiness even when performing activities like snorkeling or snowboarding. If trying to capture fast motions or actions, the camera is capable of capturing 7 frames a second.  Built in the COOLPIX W300 is a GPS, eCompass, altimeter, along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Another nifty feature on this camera is the LED light that can be turned on at any moment.  The built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow users to share photos and videos at any moment using any compatible smartphone or device. The app used for this is called SnapBridge.  To make it a little less-wordy, here are the important camera features for the Nikon COOLPIX W300 Waterproof up to 30m/100ft Shockproof up to 2.4m/8ft Shoots 4K Ultra HD or 1080p Full HD videos Capable of shooting 7 frames per second 5x optical zoom Built in GPS, eCompass altimeter, and flashlight Snapbridge app to share and store photos on the go hybrid Vibration Reduction 16MP sensor Nikon COOLPIX W300 Review I primarily use my Nikon d7500 when out and about. But I’ve always had a need for a camera that I could take on my outdoor adventures whether it be scuba diving or cycling. To be honest, sometimes when traveling, it is a pain to lug around the giant DSLR camera, so having a compact camera handy to log my travels is necessary. I did my research on several waterproof cameras. I took in to account several factors, including price, durability, and quality of photos and that is how I landed the Nikon COOLPIX W300. I don’t take videos, so I wasn’t as interested in Go-Pro. It came down to the Olympus Tough and the Nikon COOLPIX. The Olympus camera was waterproof up to 15m/50ft and was about $100 more expensive then the COOLPIX. This is my Nikon COOLPIX W300 review based on my personal opinion and experience using it.  I’ve owned the Nikon COOLPIX W300 for several years now and have taken it on several adventures around the world. It’s been with me while cycling the Katy Trail in Missouri, bike riding from Seoul to Chuncheon in S. Korea, snorkeling the beautiful waters around Caye Caulker in Belize, and scuba diving around the tropical island of Okinawa. Simply put, this is my go to camera for all my outdoor activities that I truly love.  The COOLPIX W300 is a simple point and shoot camera. In terms of usage, it is very easy to navigate the screens and choose camera modes ideal for the present situation. Simply hit the “Scene Button” and I can go from landscape mode to underwater mode.  The Nikon COOLPIX W300 has a large shutter release button that has grooves in it for extra traction. Between the size and extra traction of the shutter release button it’s easy to focus on a subject and take the photo. I recently purchased gloves for diving and had no issues with the shutter release button.  When cycling and kayaking, I enjoy the vibration reduction the camera has. I feel it does a good job at capturing the moment without shake and blurriness.  I don’t really use or feel a need for the built in GPS, eCompass, or altimeter, as I usually have my own devices to record those features that are separate from the camera itself. But I have played around with these features and they work as expected.  I stated earlier, I don’t really shoot film, I stick to photography. I did try and take video of a sea snake while snorkeling in Okinawa, and the video was so shaky it was not worth saving. I am not sure if that was my inexperience with shooting video or what, but I can’t blame the camera on poor video quality based on that video alone.  PROS The COOLPIX W300 is waterproof up to 30m/100ft and shock proof up to 2.4m/8ft Easy to use and capture images at any moment Takes clear images and the colors are decent enough Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Multiple modes ready for any occasion Can take anywhere and rugged enough for all terrains and weather CONS The plastic screen scratches easily Video is not as sharp  SnapBridge app is troublesome on some phones It is just a point and shoot camera, so it is limited Not a whole lot of accessories Using the COOLPIX W300 for Diving and Snorkeling The COOLPIX W300 is waterproof and capable of going to depths up to 30m/100ft. I’ve taken this camera with me several times both while snorkeling and scuba diving.  First things first, before entering the water with the COOLPIX W300, always make sure the card/battery compartment is shut tight and appropriately locked. Once confirmed, in the Scenes Menu, change the mode to Underwater, this will give you the best results when taking photos.  I’d also recommend purchasing a Floating Strap. It’s basically just a device that wraps around your wrist that is designed to keep the camera afloat. It won’t interfere with anything while snorkeling or scuba diving. I keep this around my wrist at all times and have never had an issue with it pulling from me or anything. But to be safe, it is assuring to know that if the camera become detached from myself, that it will simply float to the surface.  Chances are this camera will be used in salt water. It is recommended to always rinse the camera with fresh water after each use.  Photos Taken With the Nikon COOLPIX W300 What’s a review without pictures taken with the COOLPIX W300 directly by me doing what I love. Here are a few of my personal favorite photos taken with the W300. These photos have very limited editing so I can show what the natural colors and quality is like.  Is the Nikon COOLPIX W300 Worth it? This Nikon COOLPIX W300 review is just my personal opinion based on my experience I’ve had with this camera over the years. I’ve used the camera while kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, cycling, and for some general travel. I am very pleased with the camera based on the durability, price, and quality. I know, it’s just a point and shoot and the images will not be anywhere near the quality of my Nikon D7500. But I can take this camera to places I would never dare take my D7500. I’ve taken many great photographs with the COOLPIX W300 and love taking it diving and snorkeling with me. So based on all of this, is the Nikon COOLPIX W300 wort it? I think so and I would recommend it for anyone who wants to capture those extreme moments that come with sports and recreational activities we all love.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖 🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

I am fairly new to macro photography 📷 and never expected to write a Laowa Lens Review. I’ve always enjoyed macro photography but have never had the proper equipment to create those beautiful images seen online. You know, those images of tiny insects with water droplets covering their eyes or the picture perfect mushrooms in the forest. I wanted to take photos like that. It started in Okinawa, I did a Night Photography Hike with a local photographer, photographing the wildlife endemic to the island of Okinawa. I had a generic lens on my Nikon D7500. Some of my photos turned out decent but the rest were barely worthy of saving. I asked the photographer I was with what lens he used and he recommended the Laowa 60mm Macro Lens. I did my research on macro lenses, took into account the price, durability, and quality and settled on his recommendation. I’ve been shooting macro photography over the course of six months now and am very pleased with the Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro Lens. I am in no means a professional, far from it but I wrote this Laowa lens review to provide my personal experience with this lens and share some of the photos I’ve taken with the lens so far.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, Laowa, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! **As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases Laowa Lens 60mm f2.8 2X Ultra-Macro The Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro Lens was the first lens produced by Venus Optics. According to their website, the Laowa 60mm was the first lens that had a 2:1 magnification ratio. Most macro lenses have a 1:1 ratio while many of the lenses at Laowa are 2:1 So what does 1:1 and 2:1 ration mean?  It’s pretty simple, at 1:1 the subject you are shooting whether it is an insect or plant is shot at its real life size, the same size as the cameras image sensor. A magnification ratio of 2:1 means the subject in focus is doubled in size, for macro photography, this is huge as the lens can pick up even the smallest details.  The Laowa lens is fully manual. This means there is no autofocus. Both the focus and aperture are manual on this lens. The range of the aperture on this lens can be manually adjusted from f/2.8 to f/22. This lens can go from infinity to 2:1.  The Laowa 60mm f2.8 2X Ultra-Macro is compatible with most big name camera brands. On the check out page for the 60mm, there is an option to select a mount adapter for your specific camera model. I own a Nikon d7500 and the Nikon F mount works great on my camera.  A Few Questions and Answers Where is the Laowa Lens made?  The headquarters and manufacturing is located in the country of China.  When was Laowa Lens first Established?  Laowa Lens started in the year 2013. Does the Laowa Lens have Autofocus?  I believe that most if not all Laowa lenses are fully manual, meaning manual focus and aperture.  To view more Laowa products and see all their lenses, check out venuslens.net The Laowa Lens and products are also available on Amazon. Laowa Lens Review I’ve had my Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro Lens for about six months now. My main goals for this lens is to shoot photos of the unique animals and insects located on the Japanese island of Okinawa. There aren’t many large animals in Okinawa. Some of the more interesting animals here include amphibians and reptiles. My kit lens (AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-40mm) for the Nikon is a great overall travel lens, but does not have macro capabilities. Based on recommendations and online research, I found the Laowa 60mm Macro lens to fit my needs.  I use a Nikon D7500 equipped with the Laowa 60mm lens and Venus Optics Macro Twin Flash KX-800 📸 . The setup, especially with the twin flash is a bit bulky and awkward looking, but I have been extremely satisfied with the quality of the photos taken.  I ordered the Laowa 60mm lens with the Nikon F mount adapter, the fit is nice and snug on the Nikon camera body.  Since the Laowa lens is fully manual, the Nikon has to be set to Manual (M) mode. On the lens itself, I feel it is very easy to adjust the magnification range and aperture. Almost every case, I switch the camera to Live View (LV) to determine the appropriate lens settings and get a good view of my subject without having to look through the viewfinder eyepiece. Many times, I’ve placed the lens on the ground next to a subject to keep steady and am very pleased with the quality of the lens. It’s a very durable lens so I don’t have to worry to much about damaging the lens itself.  Macro photography involves a whole different skill set when it comes to photography. It’s recommended to use flash because you get so close to your subject, a lot of light is blocked. You also have to have a steady hand and patience. Not every photo you take is gong to turn out amazing. In fact, out of the several photos I take in a session, only a handful are interesting and worth saving. Like any other skill set, the best way to get better at macro photography is simply practice, practice, practice. I get out with my Nikon D7500 and Laowa 60mm at least once a week whether it be during the heat of the day or late at night.  Overall, I am extremely happy with the durability, sharpness, and quality of the Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro Lens. Using this lens has taken my love of photography in a whole new direction. I must admit, that macro photography is not easy but it is very rewarding. I am always look forward to getting out there and shooting with my Nikon D7500 and Laowa 60mm lens.  Photos Taken With the Laowa Lens When it comes to macro photography, I prefer to photograph wildlife and I find the macro world to be fascinating. When you get a close up view of some of Earth’s tiniest subjects, you realize how cute and beautiful they are, to include animals like snails and even spiders.  Below are some of my favorite photos I’ve taken with the Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro Lens. The common Jumping Spider 🕷 . These energetic spiders are probably some of the most popular subjects for macro photography. When seeing them at a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio they are oh so cute and have quite the personality. They live up to their name “jumping spider,” and are not easy to photograph. They have high energy and probably are not big fans of having a giant camera set up right in front of them with a bright flash. I don’t blame them, because of the intensity of the flash I try and take a few quick photos and let them carry on with their lives.  Macro photography can be rewarding when photographing larger spiders and spiders catching prey in their web 🕸 . Below is a photo of a momma huntsman spider carrying and protecting her young. The other photo depicts a spider who just caught dinner.  Snails 🐌 can be great macro photography subjects, mainly because they are slow. Like many other animals, if you pay attention to them you start to notice they all have their own fun characteristics and personalities. If you look in the first photo below, you can see some sort of mite on the snail. I didn’t even notice the tiny creature on the snail until after post processing. It’s amazing what the Laowa 60mm lens can capture.  Frogs 🐸  are one of my favorite subjects to photograph with the Laowa 60mm lens. You have to be quick with these guys, one moment they are sitting perfectly still for you, then they can jump off their platform in a split second. I am lucky enough to live near a park where tons of these generic tree frogs call home.  I shot this gecko 🦎  at night while he was slowly climbing down a pine tree. These are some of my favorite photos I’ve taken with the Laowa 60mm lens. The area of focus is so detailed, mainly around the head. A photographer told me, as long as the eye is sharp and in focus then you are good to go. I feel I’ve achieved this tip while photographing the gecko.  As a photographer, we notice things that others either don’t or simply are not interested in. I am constantly seeking out subjects to photograph and sometimes stumble upon some crazy events taking place right in front of me. Below is a photo of a group of ants working together to move a worm 🪱  much larger then them all combined. The second image below is that of a cicada shell clinging to the branch of a tree.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store.