Review

I really enjoyed shooting with the Nikon 14-24mm AF-S f/2.8G ED lens which was released as part of Nikon’s foray into full-frame cameras along with the D3. It takes incredible images and was a pleasure to use. But for most of us it has several drawbacks which make it a difficult acquisition. First is price. At $1800 for the US version it is a large investment for a lens that typically gets used a lot less than a mid-range zoom. Second, it is large and heavy. If you lug your gear with you the 2.2 lb. weight and 4”x5” size create quite an impact on your photo pack. Finally the “domed” front makes it difficult and expensive to use filters with it (an expensive add-on adapter is needed).

Grand Prismatic, Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
Nikon D700, Sigma 12-24mm Lens at 12mm, f/22@1/250s, ISO 800
Going ultra-wide is the only way to get the full scene, as the moving steam rules out a pano

For every two steps back we take in lost travel convenience due to the latest new security regulations sometimes we can take a step forward. The newly arrived “Checkpoint Friendly” laptop briefcases are an example of that. I’ve been using the Skooba/Tenba Checkthrough Laptop Roller Case and it is definitely a stress reliever when going through crowded checkpoints with my vitally important (to me at least) laptop. Read on for our review and some of my favorite “insider” travel tips…