Some old photography “rules” are hard to break. This became clear to me yesterday afternoon when I went out cross-country skiing (rather foolishly carrying a full camera backpack, my Z9, and my tripod). The rule in question? No shooting in the sun! As I took the photo below, a woman came up to me and asked who I could possibly photograph. She wasn’t a photographer, but she certainly knew the age-old rule of not shooting in sunlight. But with modern lens coatings, I think shooting into the sun can result in beautiful silhouettes and moody photos. So to start off this week’s photography news, I leave you with the photos below.
Recent Announcements
- leica sl3-s: At first glance, the biggest difference compared to the outgoing SL3 is the price, which is $1,700 less! But what else is different? The most significant technical change under the hood is the BSI CMOS sensor with a resolution of 24.6MP (compared to 60.3MP in the SL3). This results in doubling the maximum ISO (up to 200,000) and doubling the continuous shooting speed (30 FPS). Unfortunately, this speed can only be achieved with an electronic shutter – keep in mind the sensor is not stacked – and 12-bit RAW. If you prefer 14-bit RAW, you’ll have to put up with a sluggish 5 fps, which is quite low for the price in today’s market. As far as video goes, the SL3-S can record internally at up to 4K/30fps in 10-bit RAW across the full width of the sensor. From a design standpoint, the SL3-S has a more stealthy look than the original SL3; The bold white LEICA logo has been replaced with a lighter black one. Its journalistic nature is further emphasized by the ability to activate C2PA content authentication. value is $5,295,
- dji flip: Another DJI drone weighing less than 250 grams. This weight range is important for those who want to avoid the hassles and regulations associated with heavier categories. Despite its lightweight design, this drone has a solid camera mounted on a three-axis gimbal and is equipped with a 48MP 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor. It can record videos up to 4K at 100 FPS. For still images, it supports both JPG and DNG (RAW) formats. Video lovers will appreciate the 10-bit D-Log M color mode. Its innovative propeller guard (useful when flying near people) keeps the drone in the air for up to 31 minutes. Price-wise, the Flip sits between the entry-level Neo and the sub-250g flagship, the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Price varies depending on accessories $439 To $779,
- TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8: 210 g APS-C lens (35 mm full-frame equivalent) designed for Fuji X, Sony E and Nikon Z mount cameras. Its all-metal body contains 11 elements in 9 groups (1 high-index, 2 extra-low dispersion). Autofocus is driven by an STM motor with a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters. Firmware updates are handled via the USB-C port built into the rear lens cap. The price is $127.
- 7Artisan 18mm f/5.6: This fully manual, 146 gram lens is an ultra-wide option covering full frame. It fits cameras with Leica L, Sony E, or Nikon Z mount. The lens length is only 25mm (including mount). The all-metal barrel has a 49 mm filter thread, and the optical design includes 7 elements in 5 groups (2 aspherical, 1 low dispersion). The fixed aperture design offers a single f/5.6 setting – an unusual limitation that keeps the price down to just $89.
- Voigtlander Nokton 28mm f/1.5 Aspherical: This fast, full-frame lens isn’t exactly new. Its Leica M-mount version debuted in December 2023, followed by a Sony E-mount version a year later. The latest addition now brings compatibility with Nikon Z-mount cameras. While the lens is manual focus, it still communicates with the camera, enabling focusing aids like EXIF data transfer, IBIS support, and focus peaking. Compared to the M-mount version, the minimum focusing distance has been significantly reduced (from 0.5 m to 0.28 m), the filter thread size has increased (from 43 mm to 52 mm), and the weight has increased slightly (330 g. to 360 grams). However, the core optical design of 10 elements in 8 groups remains unchanged. Its price is expected to be around $750.
rumor factory
Laowa Probe Zoom Expected: 2x macro lens with long nose and wide range
Over the past few years, Laova has established itself as a manufacturer of unique and original macro lenses. For example, 15mm f/4 super wide angle macro lens, or 24mm T8 2x probe Macro lens, the front part of which can be submerged under water. Now it seems that Laowa is preparing to release a combination of both lenses – with some additional features – in April-June 2025.
The lens is expected to offer three options for shooting angles: direct, periscope, and 35-degree tilt. (It is not yet clear whether these angles will be covered by a single lens or all three, such as current version.) Rumors suggest that the waterproof front of the lens, along with its 2x macro capability, will be inherited from the existing Probe lens. But perhaps the most interesting feature of the upcoming lens will be its variable focal length, which is expected to range from 15mm to 35mm.
through photo rumors
Panasonic Lumix S1R II: The poor man’s Leica SL3?
According to L-Rumors, it looks like the successor to the five-year-old Lumix S1R may be announced sometime before the CP+ show (before February 27). Right now, almost nothing is known about the camera – although it’s expected to have the same 60.3MP sensor as the Leica SL3. Interestingly, Panasonic has officially registered three new camera models in Asia. And since Panasonic cameras often come in pairs, we may also see a lower-resolution sibling, the Lumix S1H II, in the first half of 2025.
through l-rumors
Good deals and new sales
Nikon has many of its cameras and lenses on sale for January (mostly, but not all, mirrorless gear). Below are the cameras and lenses you can currently find at better than usual prices at B&H.
camera and lens kit
camera
- NIKON Z9 Was $5,497, now $4,997
- NIKON Z8 Was $3,997, now $3,397
- NIKON Z7 II Was $2,997, now $1,997
- NIKON Z6 II Was $1,997, now $1,497
- NIKON Z6 III Was $2,497, now $2,197
- NIKON Z5 Was $1,397, now $997
- nikon zf Was $1,997, now $1,797
lens
- Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Was $6,497, now $5,497
- Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4E FL ED VR Was $12,297, now $8,697
- Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Was $15,497, now $13,997
- Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S Was $4,797, now $3,797
- Nikon AF-S 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR Was $3,597, now $3,297
- Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S Was $13,997, now $12,997
- Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Was $3,247, now $2,797
- Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Was $2,697, now $2,297
- Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Was $1,047, now $847
- Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED Was $2,097, now $1,897
- Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Was $2,697, now $2,197
- Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Was $1,247, now $1,047
- Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Was $1,297, now $997
- Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Was $2,397, now $1,997
- Nikon Z 28-75mm f/2.8 Was $1,197, now $897
- Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S Was $847, now $697
- Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Was $2,497, now $1,997
- Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S Was $1,347, now $1,147
- Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Was $1,197, now $997
Other pages of interest
The cones of our eyes are adapted to see the world around us in wavelengths of light from 380 nm to 760 nm. However, the light-sensing cells in camera sensors have no such limitations – with modification, they can be made to capture images in the infrared or UV light ranges. And what do such photos or videos look like? Let you be inspired by the winners of the Kolari contest – life in another light,
The Andromeda Galaxy is just 2.5 million light years away from Earth. In cosmic terms, this is about the distance from your home to the nearest grocery store. It’s no surprise, then, that its angular size on the night sky is six times the apparent diameter of the full Moon (though much fainter). The Hubble telescope has been used to capture the Andromeda Galaxy through more than 600 images. It took NASA 10 years to capture and assemble it stunning mosaicWhich contains more than 200 million stars. Now you can see it for yourself, and download it if you want, in resolutions up to 42,208 x 9,870 pixels. On my slow Internet connection, downloading this 203 MB image took about as long as capturing it – but it was worth every second.
Perhaps the opposite of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is the Nikon 14.3mm f/4 Fisheye. This single, highly specialized lens is designed for the large IMAX 360-degree 70mm film cameras, although it can be adapted for 35mm SLRs. But be prepared – behind the huge front element, which resembles the eye of a deep-sea squid, your camera (and probably your head) won’t be much visible. You can see the lenses in person at the Leica store in Lisse, Netherlands, or read more details about them websiteHowever if you want to buy it, you will need an additional $250,000.
Photo Theme Challenge, Week #85
last week’s topic was closer to homeand you can see the results in this threadThanks everyone for your presentations! This week’s topic is macroand you can submit your results in this thread Through Saturday, January 25, 2024!
Week #84 Results
Let’s look at some of the shots we got for the “close to home” theme, starting with Tom Pazol’s photo:
A very fascinating and ominous image taken from the rooftop of his house!
Next, we have the DL84’s photo of a beautiful forest nearby:
Great job, and a place I would definitely love to stay!
Next is a close-up photo by Andrew Gusev showing that macro and intimate landscape photos can be taken almost anywhere:
Finally, we have a great photo of the Black Redstart by PRG Lagarde. This may break some of the classic “rules” of bird photography but it is still effective because of the interesting story being told in the photo!
Thank you to everyone for submitting your photos to the challenge, and we look forward to seeing more photos next week macro Subject.