Thursday, December 21, 2023

The best tripod company for all needs

The best tripod company for all needs

I am not endorsed by SLIK, however, I wish I was. This company has been the one who has saved my ass more than once on photoshoots, in traveling, even in the long exposure work I do, and on podcasts. Yes, even in my podcast.



Any links I have in this post will be some sort of affiliate link with Amazon because I need to make money and I am giving this information and opinion out to the world so you can see what and how they have done to help me in my work.



I will start out by saying this, I have tried a few different companies for Tripods in my work. From the lowly Amazon Basics tripods, to Manfrotto, Joby and Gitzo. I have truly spent some time and lost some equipment to them all.



Not all tripods are created equal.



It was after losing backup cameras due to weird locking mechanisms, unreliable heads, and horrible legs that I had to figure out a better means to hold and protect my gear. Just like when I had finally purchased a real strap for my cameras while I was on the go, (Shout out to Blackrapid and the OG Breathe Strap that has held 2 of my cameras now for 7 years.).



I had to figure out what worked best for my needs for a tripod. If I was setting up cameras, phones, long exposure shots, landscape work. Anything that was really and truly demanding that my cameras being held in place, snuggly, and most important, without any jittering or movement.



Now, I may have done something quick about tripods before with SLIK and I touched on Manfrotto and Gitzo and dove deep into my MAIN baby the SLIK Pro 700 DX. It is still my workhorse tripod all these years later.



What I want to really talk about now is, what other models I have and truly tested in life now for a year.



The Real World



So, the real world is very different than a "test environment". Tossing gear around, shoving it in the car, knocking it over, dust storms, rain, and endless other elements that truly tested my gear. So, let's start with the two other SLIK tripods I have in my arsenal. The Mini Pro V and Sprint III MINI Black.



SLIK Mini Pro VThis is the Mini Pro V - This little guy is a life saver.

SLIK Sprint IIILightweight, small, and easy to transport.

Let's really get in the weeds about both of these guys. First, let's talk about the travel option, the Sprint III.



SLIK Sprint PRO III MINI Travel Tripod



That's it's official name. I generally just call it the Sprint III and that is what I will refer to it as.



I will start with the pros and cons of this. I'm not going to sugar coat it, they may be my favorite tripods, but nothing is perfect.



Pros

- Folds to just under 13 inches

- Weighs under 2 Pounds

- Price is under $100

- Rated for 4.5 pounds, but I have used a 8 pound rig on this for night photography

- Feels super sturdy and is stable even without weights

- Ball Head is a little wonky sometimes

- Locking system gets stuck on ball head sometimes

- I despise the leg locks

So, I bought the Mini so I could get it in my luggage, sling it to the underside of my camera bag, and most importantly, not have to worry about the incredible heft of my Pro 700 DX. Sure, it's half the price of my Pro 700 DX, however, it's half as durable, 1/5th the weight, and is meant to go anywhere you go without being a burden. I love my Pro 700, but hiking with it is definitely a burden.



So, with the Mini or the standard Pro Travel, what you get is an extremely versatile travel tripod that has applications in every place you can think of due to it's smaller form factor.



When I am not traveling, it's my web cam stand that I use for my podcast (Go check out Navigating Neurodivergence and subscribe!)



Here is a video episode so you can see it holding my camera on me. This is from the latest episode at writing:



https://youtu.be/BESOqepL22w?si=_KHCkIaznP4HfIjF

It's honestly my favorite tripod for multi-use camera purposes.



So, if that is my favorite for multi-use purposes, then why did I get that little Pro V?



SLIK Mini-Pro V Tripod



Well, it's super compact and could be used for travel too (and it is, constantly). It really has some fantastic use. Let's do another pro/con list to show what is going on with the Mini Pro V.



Pros

- Tiny at 8 inches folder

- ULTRA Sturdy

- Highly Durable

- Can be setup anywhere and hold 3 pounds easy but can take more

- Portable

- Pan/Tilt Head is a little strange when you want to tilt and can hit the legs

- Height only goes up a small amount. 6 to 9 inches in height.

- Legs don't lock entirely if not careful

So, this seems counter intuitive to have such a small tripod that doesn't extend all the way and has a limited range of motion on the head.



That may be true, but what I found is the tripod isn't just amazing for cameras, it's amazing for everything that can attach to the mount.



Sure, I can bring it anywhere, put phones and cameras and even my go-pro on it. This will generate great low angle shots that are stable on the ground, on a table, up on top of a book case for interesting angles. You can even mount security cameras to it.



However, what is intense is... you can hook anything you want to it.



I use it to hold my secondary microphone's shock mount.



Yes, it can hold a studio condenser microphone with a shock mount with no problems at all. It's amazing to see it hold it for podcasting and recording, because it's the most efficient and space saving mic stand I have ever seen.



Please sponsor me SLIK



One day SLIK will be the brand who will sponsor everything I do, from podcasting and photography. Because I have recommended them for years and tell people about them all the time.



I trust them with my cameras, recording equipment, lights, and more.



The pricing for them is always great, you can get a top tier tripod for under $200 USD. Which is insane because I know that there are offerings out there for thousands. Sure there carbon fiber and cinema tripods that are hundreds from SLIK, but, that's it. Even their top tier, a pro Carbon Fiber, is under $500 right now. I've seen Gitzo tripods go for over $1,500 before.



So the price and quality are un-matched.



Maybe one day they will sponsor me and let me take some of their high end products for a test drive. Until then, I will keep buying them all.




https://www.stefanglazer.com/reviews/gear-reviews/the-best-tripod-company-for-all-needs/

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

5 Physical Tools to Help Focus with ADHD

5 Physical Tools to Help Focus with ADHD

For everyone that uses my tools from the book, "Tools for Navigating Neurodivergence" to form habits, I am asked questions and sent messages that all are of the following ilk:



"Creating habits is great, but I need help focusing..."
"Meditation is great for focusing on meditation... how can I focus on things like... people talking to me?"



While I have yet to put together the definitive list of all the tools I use in the book to navigate your ADHD (that is coming up soon), I want to put these 5 things out there. Links to amazon will be connected to my associates account so that if you DO buy anything from this list, you will be helping me out by giving me a few pennies of your purchase! Woohoo!



Here are five physical tools that can be used to help individuals with ADHD maintain focus:



- Fidget Tools:



- Fidget spinners, stress balls, or other handheld fidget tools can provide a physical outlet for restless energy and help improve focus by allowing individuals to engage in a low-intensity, repetitive activity. This one is a favorite of mine, it has a good tactile feel, the clicks and presses are really clicky, the spins are endless, and overall they just feel good in hand.

- Weighted Blankets:



- Weighted blankets provide deep touch pressure, which can have a calming effect on the nervous system. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD who may struggle with sensory processing. The added weight can promote a sense of security and relaxation. The one linked here is a heavier option for people and comes in a wide array of colors!

- Noise-Canceling Headphones:



- As mentioned previously in my post about 15 different noise cancelling headphones for any budget, noise-canceling headphones can create a more focused and quiet environment by reducing or eliminating background noise. This can be especially helpful for those with ADHD who are sensitive to auditory stimuli.

- Desk Organizer or Task Box:



- A well-organized workspace can help minimize distractions. Use tools like desk organizers, task boxes, or trays to keep essential items easily accessible and to create a visually structured environment. This can help individuals stay on task and reduce the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed. This one is more of an "everything" station that lets you have your phone, your fidget toys, your keys, your post-it notes, and more on it for a central location on your desk. (SUPER GOOD)

- Time Timer:



- A physical Time Timer is a clock that visually represents the passage of time. It uses a colored disk that gradually disappears as time elapses. This visual representation can make it easier for individuals with ADHD to understand and manage their time, promoting a better sense of urgency and structure. I hate that these are marketed towards "kids" only, but this one looks pretty good on a desk and will keep you on track when you say you're going to spend 30 minutes doing social 5 media posts and it rings off and tells you 30 minutes are up.

These tools, when used in combination with other strategies such as behavioral interventions and personalized accommodations, can contribute to a more supportive environment for individuals with ADHD. It's important to recognize that the effectiveness of these tools can vary among individuals, so it may be beneficial to experiment with different options to find what works best for a particular person.


https://www.stefanglazer.com/adhd/5-physical-tools-to-help-focus-with-adhd/

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

15 Noise Canceling Headphones to Battle Distractions of ADHD

15 Noise Canceling Headphones to Battle Distractions of ADHD

Being able to mitigate distractions is important. Being able to block them out all together with some good music and binaural beats and getting deep into flow. These are some of the best noise cancelling headphones at every price point. Yes, the $15 dollar ones you got are great, until you realize they aren't. That being said, there are tons of really affordable options.



However, I want to be clear that there is a lot of options out there, these are just the ones I have been diving into and looking at myself. I have only got to try a few of these myself.



As always, all the links are Affiliate based, so if you decide to buy them, you're helping me out!



Let's get to it.



Under $100:



Anker Soundcore Q20

My recommendation for under $100. Really quality sound, quality build, and on sale often for under $50.



Buy Now

- Anker Soundcore Life Q20: These headphones offer decent noise cancellation and a comfortable fit at an affordable price.

- TaoTronics SoundSurge 60: Known for their budget-friendly options, TaoTronics provides effective noise cancellation in the SoundSurge 60 model. Hard to find unfortunately.

- Mpow H5: The Mpow H5 headphones provide good noise isolation and a comfortable design at an affordable price point.

- Sony WH-CH720N: Sony is known for its high-quality audio products, and the WH-CH720N offers noise cancellation at a reasonable price. Price may be over $100 at the time of reading, at the time of writing, they were on sale for $98.99.

- MOVSSOU E7: The Movssou E7 is a popular budget option with active noise cancellation and a comfortable over-ear design. They are definitely the least expensive in the bunch, but not the best rated.

Under $300:



Sennheiser HD 450BT

My overall TOP recommendation. You generally can find these hovering around the $100 mark. I put them up in this mid tier category because they are hands down the best for any budget without spending a mortgage payment on a set of headphones. While the Sony WH-1000xM4s are an "Industry Standard" for best in show across the board... these come in second for a third of the price.



Buy Now

- Sennheiser HD 450BT: Sennheiser is recognized for its audio quality, and the HD 450BT provides excellent sound along with effective noise cancellation.

- JBL Free X: JBL offers a range of headphones, and the Free X provides good noise isolation along with wireless capabilities.

- Bose QuietComfort 45: Although slightly above $300, these are often discounted. The QuietComfort 45 is known for its superb noise cancellation and comfort.

- Beats Studio Pro: Beats by Dre headphones, like the Studio Pro, offer a stylish design along with active noise cancellation.

- AKG N60NC Wireless: AKG, a brand under Samsung, provides the N60NC Wireless, which is known for its compact design and effective noise cancellation.

No Budget Limit:



- Sony WH-1000XM4: Considered one of the best in the market, the WH-1000XM4 offers exceptional noise cancellation, premium sound quality, and various smart features.

- Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700: These headphones from Bose feature a sleek design, excellent noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit.

- Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless: Known for their audio quality, the Momentum 3 Wireless headphones from Sennheiser combine style with effective noise cancellation.

- Shure AONIC 5 In Ear: Shure is recognized for its audio equipment, and the AONIC 5's offers top-notch sound and noise cancellation.

- Bowers & Wilkins PX7: B&W's PX7 headphones provide high-quality audio and effective noise cancellation, along with a premium design.

Remember to check for the latest prices and reviews, as they can vary over time. Additionally, personal preferences such as comfort, fit, and specific features may influence your choice.


https://www.stefanglazer.com/adhd/15-noise-canceling-headphones-to-battle-distractions-of-adhd/

Friday, September 22, 2023

Ben Carroll

Ben Carroll

From Metal shredding to Sound Healing, Ben Carroll sat down with me and chatted about the healing properties of music, the power of sound, and so much more.



From his time in Ra to Today, Ben is a deeply talented and amazing musician and we touch on his journey into sound healing and where it's going.



Be sure to visit his website:



⁠soundheals.us⁠



For more information including his Inner Circle for live streamed sound healing and a huge archive of great past streams and so much more.



Be sure to follow him on all social media:



⁠https://www.instagram.com/bencarrollmusic/⁠



⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BenCarroll⁠



⁠https://www.facebook.com/BenCarrollOfficial



https://youtu.be/_PzrVM9XaTM

https://youtu.be/IwUZrjxLJp8

https://youtube.com/shorts/elvWgR3fAuQ?feature=share
https://www.stefanglazer.com/podcast/ben-carroll/

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Episode 37 with Harmony Williams

Episode 37 with Harmony Williams
https://youtu.be/204-TJfRLf0

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0DJsNV6T115KiCKa5GUjcA

Harmony Williams is a mother of 5, a grandmother of 1, and has a household full of Neurodiverse people, a life coach, and so much more. She also is the Host of "Life Changing Trips Podcast" where she dives deep into Journey and how plant medicine has helped heal deep wounds of PTSD, Anxiety, and more.



We talk about a lot of amazing different topics.



Be sure to check out everything Harmony does:
https://linktr.ee/Harmonywilliams



There is a lot of great links in her Link Tree and you should visit them all.



Be sure to sign up for her launch list! Get info on podcast clips, integration, retreats and more:




http://subscribepage.io/Life-Changing-Trips-Podcast


https://www.stefanglazer.com/adhd/episode-37-with-harmony-williams/

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

The Professional Amateur is now...

The Professional Amateur is now...


I decided to rebrand my podcast... and now... my blog. You see, the idea behind the Professional Amateur was about always creating professional work and still having the love and passion of that work of an amateur trying to make it.



It was a concept that was pretty close to my heart and let me talk to people in many capacities, teach people, and more. I'm not saying that the idea for photography courses and tutorials won't live on with the Professional Amateur moniker.



I am saying that my main focus in life is giving light to, educating on, and talking about Neurodiversity. If you didn't know already, I wrote a book and it's available on Amazon. This is it here in Hardcover, Paperback and Kindle:



I am setting up a whole swath of ways to support from updating my podcast page:



https://www.facebook.com/NavigatingNeurodivergenceWithStefanGlazer/



to creating an actual support group:



https://www.facebook.com/groups/toolsfornavigatingneurodivergence



I want to not just help people, I want to give them a space to be open and talk about their struggles. I think this is a very important topic to talk about, because it's a giant burden to a lot of the population that mostly will struggle silently with.



Navigating Neurodiversity was the start of a huge movement for me, personally and professionally. It's letting me be me and telling others it is ok to be them too.



So, I will take this from my social media post:



Rebranding is important. Especially when you look at what you're doing and who you're serving as a person. While I will still have people on the podcast who truly love their passions in life. I will be doing a positive pivot and refocusing on what truly is important to me and what I do in life.



So, if you're already subscribed, you might have gotten a notice, if not. Here is your update:



The Professional Amateur Podcast is now, "Navigating Neurodivergence with Stefan Glazer".



I am excited in the direction I'm going, because this direction is nothing but positive and will help so many people. It will also give people a new place to tell their stories, their struggles, and their love of their craft who have overcome any number of neurodiverse issues.



So, feel free to stop by and listen. You'll notice it was really this all along.



Those that have stories to tell, contact me!



Those that are confused by this... are you really? Doesn't this just make much more sense coming from me? Because I feel it does. I know it does.


https://www.stefanglazer.com/adhd/the-professional-amateur-is-now/

Thursday, August 10, 2023

DSLR Users are dinosaurs

DSLR Users are dinosaurs

I'm a dinosaur. I am ok with it for right now. My Canon 7d mk ii is old and faithful, but I'm really a dinosaur in the age of mirrorless.



The number of photographers staying with DSLR cameras compared to mirrorless cameras in the professional landscape is declining. In 2020, about 60% of professional photographers used DSLR cameras, while 40% used mirrorless cameras. By 2023, it is estimated that only 30% of professional photographers will be using DSLR cameras, while 70% will be using mirrorless cameras.



Well, I'm still holding on.



Close-Up Photo of Dslr Camera

There are a few reasons for this shift. Mirrorless cameras are becoming more and more capable, with features that were once only available on DSLRs, such as high frame rates, weather sealing, and fast autofocus. They are also becoming smaller and lighter, making them more portable and easier to use.



In addition, mirrorless cameras are often more affordable than DSLRs. This is because they do not have the same complex optical viewfinder system as DSLRs, which can be expensive to manufacture.



As a result of these factors, mirrorless cameras are becoming the preferred choice for many professional photographers. However, there are still some photographers who prefer DSLR cameras for certain types of photography, such as sports photography. DSLRs tend to have better battery life and image stabilization than mirrorless cameras, which can be important for long days of shooting.



black nikon dslr camera on white table

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use a DSLR or mirrorless camera is a personal one. There are pros and cons to both types of cameras, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.



However, I will stay with my DSLR until it locks up and dies forever.


https://www.stefanglazer.com/photography/dslr-users-are-dinosaurs/

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Being a Photographer in an ages of Cameras

Being a Photographer in an ages of Cameras

I get asked as a photographer from time to time.



"How do you survive as a photographer when everyone has a camera on their phone or knows someone with a fancy camera?"



I say things like, "oh you know, I provide more than capturing photos" or "It's ok out there for someone like me" or even, "It's a little slow, but I do alright".



The reality is, I don't do alright. I don't survive on what I do. My clientele has been all over the map, my focus has been all over the map, I have been all over the map.



I get scared because I have these skills and abilities that people are amazed by, but there are a few things that cause alarm in my life attached to me being a photographer.



I don't make any real money. I don't make consistent money. I don't sell any prints of my artwork.



I get frustrated constantly because I feel like everyone should be able to live off doing the things they love. I love photography. I LOVE creating images that people love.



I can have, at length, social posts, links, and more about my work and services, however, it doesn't turn into sales, it doesn't turn into clients, it doesn't turn into growth.



But, upfront, I say, "It's ok".



This is the constant battle I have in my head. It's a big reason why I stopped pursuing clients last year for photography. I just didn't feel like I could be a photographer.



But things change, thoughts change, and people do actually change.



Sedona





































This year, I've thought a lot about how I am a photographer. That is a huge distinction.



A big change was working with Chrystopher the Astromedium and you might see some recent work of mine come across both his website and his instagram.



Chrystopher the Astromedium











This is a path I need to follow. I need to keep working with special people, light workers, magic beings. These are the people that believe in my art and believe in my photography.



And with my photography. I will forever capture their magic as well.



I want to continue to bring more and more art to the world. Show people their magic more and more. I want to make sure the entire energetic world is represented in photos.



So, be sure to get a print and to book a photoshoot with me.



Order Prints from a Photographer



The Landscapes



The Hidden Worlds



The Night Moves



The Pugs


https://www.stefanglazer.com/photography/being-a-photographer-in-an-ages-of-cameras/

Celebrating Myself

Celebrating Myself

I want to be sure to let you all know that it's ok to celebrate yourself, your accomplishments, your wins.



I have a really hard time doing this.



A really hard time.



white fired candle

I don't celebrate myself. I don't buy myself presents. I don't take a moment to think about the task I completed. I don't even really acknowledge that I finished something.



I tried really hard to do it with this book. I really did, but it wasn't until after I had sent my draft to the editor that I even really posted about it in depth.



Even then, that's all I've done. I overcame so much inner turmoil writing a book, putting my thoughts together, getting the ideas coherent and easy to read and understand, and getting it edited.



Then taking the edits, updating them, getting revisions, and getting to a final, formatted draft for kindle, softcover and hardcover.



These are things that someone with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria from ADHD and even Emotional Dysregulation will have full on panic attacks thinking that the work they did wasn't good or they are horrible people because they made mistakes.



I got through all of it.



I am 12 days from the release of my book. I have done all the work. I have all the versions of the book available and ready to go live. I have the pre-order for Kindle available. (pre-order for kindle still available!)



https://amzn.to/46VmOaJ



What I really need to do is celebrate my accomplishments. Actually celebrate it.



Not just feel relief that I finished it.



I'm working on it though.



For now... it's a work in progress.


https://www.stefanglazer.com/life/celebrating-myself/

Friday, July 7, 2023

ADHD Memes soothe the soul

ADHD Memes sooth the soul

This one hits close to home and it's funny when you are officially diagnosed with Severe Inattentive ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder and see a meme like this.





The first thing you learn is that you are not your diagnosis. The next thing you learn is that it's really hard not to fall into the traps of the first thing.



However, I want to be clear, especially here, how incredibly debilitating this can be for someone.



When I had taken the test for inattentiveness I was surprised to see my score, it was a 7, I was bummed and asked the doctor, "That seems low, a 7 out 20 is pretty bad, it's not even half way..."



And that is when the doctor corrected me and showed me that I scored a 7 out of 100 on the inattentive scale.



I was so distracted, bored, fidgety... I scored a 7 out of 100 on paying attention.



What I learned then, were the caveats to inattentive ADHD... and boy oh boy did I tick all the boxes.



But, also, if there was too much to read or do that didn't interest me... I would just not be able to. At all.



It was what led me to develop the tools I use in the book. Even before my diagnosis. I had to find ways to capture my interest, to help me push forward, to keep me on task, and to make a habit out of seemingly mundane things that would make my life easier if I just did them.



I know others are out there struggling.



I know others need the help.



Be sure to pre-order my first book of "Tools for Navigating Neurodivergence". It's not a one and done subject, because we are never a one and done type of people. Neurodiverse people are a large swath of many different things and never actually done type people.



https://amzn.to/3XIRJ66


https://www.stefanglazer.com/adhd/adhd-memes-sooth-the-soul/

Friday, June 30, 2023

Tools for Navigating Neurodivergence Kindle PRE-SALE

Tools for Navigating Neurodivergence Kindle PRE-SALE

Today is the day the Kindle Version of the "Tools for Navigating Neurodivergence" goes on Pre-Sale.





I'm really proud of this book and it's just the first of many to come exploring the world and troubles of being a neurodiverse individual in a neurotypical world. "Tools for Navigating Neurodivergence" lets you into our world and shows you how we have to approach things differently than neurotypical people.



The Idea of the book



I lay out 3 categories of tools, Mental, Physical, and Social tools, that can help those with neurodivergent minds get a better understanding. How to get habits to stick, and how to get the things neurotypical people call "easy" to actually be navigable.



So, if you are on the neurodivergent side of life with Asperger's, ADHD, Autism, OCD, or any of the other fun neurological wiring. We have and want to get a few tools that helped me through. This book is for you! Written from one neurodiverse to another.



If you know someone who struggles with the small things in life that seem so easy to you. Things like "how can I even get anything done?" or "Meditation? I can't even have a quiet thought for a split second!". One of my favorites, "I know how to breathe, but can it really help me calm my mind?". And of course "Sticky Notes? I have them, but how do I really use them so I don't forget to... brush my teeth or clean the fridge?". You will probably want to pick this book up for them.



Maybe your significant other has issues and problems with any of the neurodivergent tendencies and you want to help them through some of these things that you didn't understand why they aren't working., because you are trying to make them work like they work for you. (That was a long run on sentence. None of that in the book, I promise).



Bottom Line



You should get this book.



Bottom line, the Amazon Kindle version of "Tools for Navigating Neurodivergence" is up for Pre-Sale NOW.


https://www.stefanglazer.com/adhd/tools-for-navigating-neurodivergence-kindle-pre-sale/

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Canon 75mm-300mm 4-5.6 vs Sigma 18-300mm Lenses

Canon 75mm-300mm 4-5.6 vs Sigma 18-300mm Lenses

If you are looking for a versatile lens that can cover a wide range of focal lengths, you might be interested in comparing the Canon 75-300mm Zoom Lens to the Sigma 18-300mm Macro Zoom lens for Canon. These are two popular telephoto zoom lenses that can be used for various types of photography, such as wildlife, sports, portraits, and landscapes. However, they also have some significant differences that you should consider before making a purchase. Here is a brief overview of their main features and performance.



The Canon Offering



The Canon 75-300mm Lens is a budget-friendly option that offers a 4x zoom range from 75mm to 300mm. This is equivalent to 120-480mm on an APS-C format camera, which gives you a lot of reach for distant subjects. The lens has a maximum aperture of f/4-5.6, which means it is not very bright and may struggle in low-light situations. The lens also lacks image stabilization, which can make it hard to get sharp images at longer focal lengths without a tripod.



Canon's offering uses a DC motor for autofocus, which is relatively fast and quiet, but not as smooth or accurate as a USM motor. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 1.5m and a maximum magnification ratio of 0.25x, which means it can also be used for some close-up shots .



Who is Sigma? The best (biased) third party



The Sigma 18-300mm Lens is a more expensive option that offers a 16.7x zoom range from 18mm to 300mm. This is equivalent to 28.8-480mm on an APS-C format camera, which gives you both wide-angle and telephoto perspectives in one lens. The lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5-6.3, which is slightly brighter than the Canon lens at the wide end, but similar at the telephoto end.



It has optical image stabilization, which can help you get sharper images at slower shutter speeds or longer focal lengths. The lens uses a HSM motor for autofocus, which is fast, quiet, and accurate . The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.39m and a maximum magnification ratio of 0.33x, which means it can also be used for macro photography .



Both lenses have some advantages and disadvantages that you should weigh according to your needs and preferences. The Canon lens is cheaper, lighter, and more compact than the Sigma lens, but it has less zoom range, no image stabilization, and lower image quality .



The Sigma lens is more expensive, heavier, and bulkier than the Canon lens. Though it has more zoom range, image stabilization, and better image quality . Both lenses suffer from some optical flaws such as distortion, chromatic aberration, vignetting, and softness at the edges. That can be corrected in post-processing or by stopping down the aperture.



Zoom zoom conclusions



The Canon 75-300mm Lens and the Sigma 18-300mm Lens are two telephoto zoom lenses that can offer you different levels of versatility and performance for your Canon camera. Depending on your budget, style, and expectations, you may prefer one over the other. However, if you want the best image quality possible from a telephoto zoom lens. You may want to look at other options that have faster apertures, better optics, and higher prices.



My Workhorse



However, the Sigma 18-300mm is my workhorse.



What makes this lens even more impressive is its macro capability. The Sigma 18-300mm Macro lens has a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3. Which means you can get close to your subjects and reveal stunning details in Macro. The lens also features a Super Multi-Layer Coating that reduces flare and ghosting.



A Hyper Sonic Motor that ensures fast and quiet autofocus, and an Optical Stabilizer that helps you avoid camera shake.



What can all of those fun features do? Get you to take amazing zoom and landscape shots... and also, macro work that is incredibly detailed.







The Sigma 18-300mm Macro lens is a great option for photographers who want to travel light. Though the lens is heavy, it's one lens that does a lot.



It is compatible with Sigma's USB Dock and Mount Converter, so you can customize and update your lens as needed. It also comes with a lens hood and a padded case for extra protection. If you want to learn more about this lens, visit the Sigma website or watch some reviews on YouTube.



Also, if you like my little comparisons, feel free to check out my other mini breakdowns.


https://www.stefanglazer.com/reviews/gear-reviews/canon-75mm-300mm-4-5-6-vs-sigma-18-300mm-lenses/

Monday, June 12, 2023

A book needs a name

A book needs a name

Of course it does, however, it needs a name, a cover, and everything in between it. You know, the words.



I still get a little struck that I have written a book. A book to help millions of people on this planet. Not just those like me who are neurodiverse, but for those that love their friends, family, and love ones who are neurodiverse.



I literally sat down and wrote out an entire book to help learn important Physical, Mental, and Social tools to navigate their minds, make routines, and alleviate life struggles you may be having.



So? What did I name this? The main title is:



Tools for Navigating Neurodivergence



So, what do you think? I have a few mockups of a book cover as well. This one is in the running:





Soon enough, you'll be able to pre-order the book as well on Amazon:





It's crazy but it's almost here! Just waiting for the second edit to be done and then we can go!



Hey, do you want to improve your life in every possible way? Do you want to learn the secrets of happiness, success, and fulfillment? Do you want to get access to exclusive tips, tricks, and insights from the best self help experts in the world? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to sign up for my self help book mailing list right now! It's free, it's easy, and it will change your life for the better. Don't miss this opportunity to join a community of like-minded people who are on their way to achieving their dreams. Just enter your email address below and click subscribe. You won't regret it!



https://mailchi.mp/5778a51da3f1/tools-for-navigating-neurodivergence





https://www.stefanglazer.com/adhd/a-book-needs-a-name/

Thursday, June 8, 2023

I'm writing a book... I wrote a book

I'm writing a book... I wrote a book

I never sought out to be an author, I never wanted to put a series of words together for the world to read or to help people. I know what you're thinking, "You write on your blog consistently enough and these posts help."



This isn't about these posts, this is me sitting down and taking my thoughts, getting them organized to a point where they could be a book. At least 22,000 words in a cohesive order and full of helpful information.



I honestly always thought I would just be silly on my blog or even informative in reviews.



What I didn't think I was going to do was help those in need of help. Those like me.



Neurodivergent Minded People



I didn't think I would open up, explain how and why I struggled most of my life, and the little tools in life that I had developed to help me.



I didn't even know there were issues I was overcoming with my ways and after my diagnosis and deep diving into research about Severe Inattentive ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder living symbiotically in my brain, I pushed further.



white ceramic mug with coffee

Writing a book with ADHD



It's almost like a good joke really.



"A man with ADHD sits down to write a book about ADHD and gets side tracked constantly every step of the way!"



It's almost a pitch for a sitcom. However, the first draft is complete, the first edit is complete, and it's back in the hands of an editor and proofreader.



Do you want to learn more and get updates when this book is being released?



Sign Up for the Book Release Newsletter
https://www.stefanglazer.com/photography/im-writing-a-book-i-wrote-a-book/