It isn’t at all times straightforward to provide you with a subject for the opening paragraph of this weekly information. More often than not, although, I discover that life itself offers the inspiration I would like. Like proper now, for instance, as I sit underneath our backyard pergola writing these phrases and witnessing a bit scene unfolding earlier than my eyes: Perched on a low department of a close-by pine tree are two fledgling Widespread Redstarts. They’ve already mastered flying, and hanging across the nest is not their thought of enjoyable. Nonetheless, they eagerly demand parental consideration within the type of tasty insect deliveries. Freedom and independence are nice, however a full stomach at all times wins. It seems to be like this brood could have a contented ending.
That wasn’t the case just a few years in the past, when a nesting try ended tragically after a neighbor’s cat discovered and raided the nest. So, you probably have a cat, please don’t let it roam freely throughout nesting season. I notice this recommendation would have been extra well timed a few months in the past, so let me supply a extra season-appropriate piece of recommendation: Don’t be fooled by the lovable, helpless look of seemingly deserted fledglings. One of the best factor you are able to do is want them luck and depart them alone. “Rescuing” them usually dramatically lowers their probabilities of survival.
The younger robins are asserting their arrivals effortlessly. The remainder of this week’s information, nonetheless, will want a bit assist, so right here’s the most recent roundup.
Current Bulletins
- Nikon Z8 Firmware Model 3.00: We coated the upcoming options of this firmware replace in fairly a little bit of element in the June twenty second version of Images Information. The replace is now out there for obtain on Nikon’s web site or straight by the Nikon SnapBridge cellular app. Nonetheless, word that the replace could cause some points associated to third-party lenses. Nikon warns that you shouldn’t replace to this firmware whereas a third-party lens is connected to the digital camera! Additionally, third-party autofocus lenses might have some bugs after the replace. For instance, Tamron has issued a press release warning that “after updating the Nikon Z8 to firmware model 3.00, some TAMRON lenses might expertise limitations in performance.” For now, you could need to depart your digital camera on the earlier firmware you probably have any third-party autofocus lenses.
- Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2: The second era of this quick wide-angle lens gives a broader zoom vary whereas preserving a equally compact (101.8mm) and light-weight (440g) construct. With the expanded zoom vary (up from 17-28mm), the optical method has grown by three parts and now consists of 16 parts in 13 teams. Nonetheless, the 67mm filter thread stays unchanged from its predecessor. The lens is scheduled to ship on July 31 for Sony E-mount and August 22 for Nikon Z mount, priced at $929.
- 7Artisans 10mm f/3.5: A completely handbook APS-C extremely wide-angle lens for Sony E, Fuji X, Nikon Z, Panasonic and Olympus M43 mounts. This very compact lens comes with an equally compact price ticket of $99, providing a 108° area of view whereas sustaining “straight edges with out distortion.” Its five-blade aperture produces ten-point solar stars when stopped down. The lens physique is generally made from aluminum, whereas the optical method packs 9 parts in 7 teams. It weighs simply 125.5g and measures a mere 34mm in size, together with the mount. The diameter of the filter thread is a miniature 37mm.
- DJI Energy 2000: No, this isn’t an influence financial institution for backpackers or one thing you’ll casually toss in your carry-on. This beast weighs 22kg and measures 448×225×324 mm. However wherever you handle to haul it – or, extra doubtless, drive it – you’ll have entry to a 2048Wh capability and a 3000W steady high-power output. That ought to be sufficient for about 118 digital camera recharges. And if you happen to’re planning to completely settle within the wilderness or arrange a distant analysis station, you possibly can broaden the capability with DJI Energy Growth Batteries 2000 to a staggering 22,528 Wh. Value: $1,299.
- Leica 100 Leica Tales: Celebrating the centennial of the Leica I, 100 Leica Tales is a curated hardcover assortment of 100 tales and over 170 pictures from the historical past of Leica cameras. The e book contains an outline of all serial manufacturing fashions, in addition to anecdotes, iconic pictures, and different curios from a century of photographic excellence. Obtainable at B&H Photograph for $70.
The Rumor Mill
Samyang anticipated to announce a brand new line of “Prima Sequence” lenses
The Korean lens maker Samyang is making ready to launch a brand-new line of full-frame autofocus lenses referred to as the Prima. The primary anticipated fashions are an 85mm f/1.8 portrait telephoto lens, a 35mm f/1.4 reportage traditional, and a 16mm f/2.8 huge angle. Leaked pictures have already revealed the design of the lenses, however we should wait a bit longer for the total technical specs.
Through Photograph Rumors
Leica M with digital viewfinder presumably coming this October
Although it’d sound like heresy to conventional Leica followers, rumors have been circulating for some time a few traditional M rangefinder digital camera outfitted with an digital viewfinder. In response to the most recent whispers, Leica is anticipated to make it official this October. The brand new digital camera will reportedly be based mostly on the M11-P, however with a clear prime plate and no ISO dial. As for the identify, it’s more likely to be both M11-V or just M-V. After all, this doesn’t imply the top of optical viewfinders – it’s simply Leica providing a sensible various for individuals who worth the advantages of an EVF over a love for custom.
Through Leica Rumors
Sony is testing a brand new macro lens
This rumored GM lens is anticipated to characteristic picture stabilization, a focal size of 100mm, and a most aperture of f/2.8. Sony already has a lens with these specs in its lineup, however after greater than eight years of service, it’s regularly approaching time for an improve. And in response to the most recent reviews, that refresh ought to arrive “within the not-too-distant future.”
Through Sony Addict
Good Offers and New Gross sales
B&H Photograph is presently operating their July 4th Offers for just a few extra days, providing alternative to select up some new gear at a reduction. Right here are some things that caught my eye.
- Lexar 128GB Skilled 2000x UHS-II SDXC Reminiscence Card 2-Pack (was $225, now $165)
- Lexar 128GB Skilled 1667x UHS-II SDXC Reminiscence Card 2-Pack (was $75, now $49)
- Pelican Reminiscence Card Case for 12 SD, 6 miniSD, and 6 microSD Playing cards (was $36, now $19)
- OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II (was $2,400, now $2,000)
- Insta360 X5 360° 8K Digicam (was $550, now $520)
- Venus Optics Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Extremely Macro APO (was $400, now $360)
- Peak Design Slide Digicam Strap (was $80, now $72)
- MindShift Gear BackLight 36L Backpack (was $300, now $220)
- Peak Design Tech Pouch 2L (was $60, now $48)
- RODE Wi-fi GO II 2-Particular person Compact Digital Wi-fi Microphone System/Recorder (was $300, now $220)
Different Pages of Curiosity
If there’s one factor I actually envy about birds, it’s their means to see the world from above. Judging by the recognition of drones and the sheer variety of pictures and movies captured from this attitude, I’m clearly not alone. You possibly can get pleasure from some inspiring sky-based pictures within the on-line gallery of the Worldwide Aerial Photographer of the 12 months 2025 competitors, that includes 101 of one of the best aerial pictures from world wide.
For €7,200,000, you might purchase 1452 Nikon Z9 cameras, 417 Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S lenses, or just get pleasure from a really carefree life. Or… as somebody lately did, you might buy a single well-worn, century-old digital camera with a really fascinating historical past. You in all probability know the place I’m going with this, proper? On the latest Leitz Public sale No. 46, two cameras made it into the highest 5 most costly ever bought, with hammer costs hovering into the thousands and thousands of euros: the Leica 0-Sequence No. 112 and the Leica M3 No. 700000 Kruckenhauser.
Wildlife images usually entails quite a lot of ready – typically hours, typically days, and sometimes even years. For photographer Randy Robbins, years of persistence in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains lastly paid off when he managed to seize footage of the extraordinarily uncommon Sierra Nevada crimson fox (Vulpes vulpes necator). It’s estimated that not more than 39 of those foxes inhabit the park’s huge wilderness. In an interview with KCRA 3, Robbins shares the story behind the video and explains what it took to movie this elusive animal.
Photograph Theme Problem, Week #110
Final week’s theme was dramatic shadows, and you’ll see the outcomes on this thread. Thanks to everybody on your submissions! This week’s theme is your metropolis, and you’ll submit your outcomes on this thread by Saturday, July 12, 2025!
Week #109 Outcomes
Let’s try among the photographs we obtained for the “dramatic shadows” theme, beginning with AndrewGusew’s picture:
The dramatic shadows right here give an charisma to the storage and depart me questioning concerning the nature of the lone Volkswagen.
rjbfoto’s picture:
The shadows right here successfully carry consideration to the topic of the caravan and likewise intensify the repeating sample of individuals standing within the sand. Very cool!
Lastly, PRG Lagarde’s picture:
On this very good road picture, the exercise of town has been lowered to its essence of simply figures in movement with the dramatic shadows.
Thanks everybody for submitting their pictures within the problem, and we hope to see extra subsequent week within the your metropolis theme.