Final week, whereas I used to be placing collectively a listing of images suggestions for our Patreon readers—which, as all the time, included a images quote—the very first thing that got here to thoughts have been the phrases of Professor Ján Šmok: “The photographer’s greatest buddy is the trash can.” Which may have one thing to do with the truth that I lastly began culling my pictures from Ecuador and the Galápagos.
I’d add yet one more merchandise to that checklist of the photographer’s greatest mates: a pair of scissors, AKA, the cropping software. Within the Galápagos, I bumped into one main drawback of my 500mm prime lens—its minimal focusing distance. Even whereas capturing, I knew that some cropping must be accomplished. Why? Effectively, as a result of (and that brings me to a different quote, or moderately a saying) “generally much less is extra.”
Current Bulletins
- Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM: A macro lens of a standard focal size, however with a much less widespread magnification. Sony achieves as much as 1.4× magnification at a working distance of 8.9 cm (3.5″). The lens is suitable with teleconverters, reaching as much as 2.8× magnification with the two× TC hooked up (at 200mm f/5.6). 4 excessive dynamic linear motors promise quicker AF efficiency than its predecessor. The optical design options 17 components in 13 teams (2 XA, 2 ED). Picture stabilization has been optimized for close-up macro work. A devoted aperture ring permits for de-clicked (easy) operation. Obtainable from November 2025 for $1,498.
- Unistellar AR ENVISION Sensible Binoculars: A binocular that makes use of augmented actuality (AR) to counterpoint your consciousness of what you’re . It could possibly detect and title over 1,000 sky objects at evening, and through daytime statement, it acknowledges a couple of million factors of curiosity. Noticed one thing fascinating you need to share? Merely save the situation, and the binoculars can information one other individual to the identical spot. Past its AR features (powered by batteries, lasting as much as 5 hours or 1,000 engagements per cost), the gadget works as an ordinary binocular with 10× magnification and 50mm goal lenses. However persistence is required—you’ll want to attend till October 2026. Pre-orders are already open at $999 (common worth shall be $1,499).
- 7Artisans 10mm f/2.8 Mark II: An ultra-wide, guide focus, full-frame fisheye lens for E/L/R/Z mounts. It delivers a dramatic fisheye perspective with a 185° angle of view (up from 178° within the first era). Optical building consists of 11 components in 8 teams (1 ASPH, 2 ED). The de-clicked aperture ring controls a 10-blade diaphragm, producing 10-pointed starbursts when stopped down. Minimal focus is 0.15m, or about 40mm from the entrance aspect. Weighing 602g, the lens options an built-in hood and doesn’t settle for filters. Priced at $278.
The Rumor Mill
Doable Canon L-grade superzoom
Trying again at Canon’s DSLR period, you’ll discover an underrated however fascinating lens: the EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM. Canon at present doesn’t provide an identical lens for the RF mount. Nonetheless, if we take a peek beneath the hood of Canon’s growth middle, it seems to be like one thing is brewing within the subject of ultra-zooms. Based mostly on registered patents, we might see certainly one of these three variants sooner or later: Canon RF 24-300mm F3.5-5.6L, Canon RF 24-400mm F3.5-6.3L, or Canon RF 28-500mm F3.5-7.2L.
Superzooms have by no means had the perfect status, however lens design has come a great distance. Whereas they’re unlikely to outperform customary zoom lenses or particularly a superb prime, they are perfect for journey or for conditions the place swapping lenses isn’t sensible, reminiscent of in dusty environments. Which of those would you wish to see Canon put into manufacturing?
By way of Canon Rumors
Sony’s new sensor hints at future instructions
There are fewer sensor producers than digicam makers, however one of the vital gamers on this space is Sony. Their sensors energy cameras throughout many manufacturers, together with Nikon. That’s why it’s value watching which manner Sony strikes, as a result of it offers us a glimpse into the way forward for the cameras we’ll quickly be utilizing.
One of many largest improvements not too long ago was the introduction of a worldwide shutter sensor within the full-frame Sony a9 III. A fast refresher: As a substitute of studying the picture line by line, information on a worldwide shutter is learn abruptly after publicity. Whereas panorama photographers will not be impressed, international shutter generally is a game-changer for sports activities photographers and anybody utilizing flash (particularly open air in vibrant gentle).
The present Sony a9 III sensor has “solely” 24.6 MP. This week, Sony unveiled a brand new stacked CMOS sensor with international shutter and 105 MP decision, able to as much as 100 FPS (10-bit output). Its diagonal measures 39.7mm—barely smaller than full-frame (43.3mm), however bigger than APS-C (26.8mm). These uncommon dimensions recommend an industrial digicam utility for now. However, it’s affordable to count on this expertise to turn into out there in shopper cameras sooner or later. A high-resolution, full-frame Sony digicam with a worldwide shutter doesn’t appear far off.
By way of Sony Alpha Rumors
Nikon Zf to obtain new firmware
Not way back, we printed an article specializing in the firmware options that Nikon has integrated into its completely different cameras. Taking a look at what the Z6 III or Z8 can already do, it’s not exhausting to guess the route of some future firmware updates for the Zf and Z9. One distinctive function has already been confirmed, although: a Movie Grain mode for the Zf that provides grain to pictures and movies. After all, in case you shoot in RAW, your pictures would be the similar as earlier than. To see the impact, you’ll have to both course of your RAWs in Nikon NX Studio, movie a video, or shoot JPEG.
By way of Nikon Rumors
Good Offers and New Gross sales
This week, I’ve centered on Nikon lenses, a number of of that are at present out there at engaging reductions:
- Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S (was $5,197, now $4,197)
- Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S (was $16,197, now $15,197)
- Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S (was $3,497, now $3,047)
- Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S (was $2,947, now $2,747)
- Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR (was $2,197, now $1,997)
- Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S (was $2,547, now $2,347)
- Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S (was $2,697, now $2,397)
- Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 (was $1,297, now $1,097)
- Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S (was $1,397, now $1,247)
Wish to save much more? Try the used gear part. B&H Photograph gives a 90-day elements and labor guarantee on used objects which needs to be loads of time to ensure you didn’t purchase a lemon. Listed below are some highlights that caught my eye:
- Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S (new $15,197, used $13,525)
- Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S (new $4,197, used $3,819)
- Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR (new $1,997, used $1,797)
- Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S (new $2,747, used $2,417)
- Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II (new $2,797, used $2,545)
- Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S (new $2,347, used $2,018)
- Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S (new $2,897, used $2,490)
- Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S (new $2,397, used $2,109)
- Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S (new $1,247, used $1,072)
Different Pages of Curiosity
This week has a powerful analog taste. Kodak launched two new 35mm movies: Kodacolor 100 and Kodacolor 200 (each $9 per 36-exposure roll). The marketplace for new movie cameras additionally brightened a bit. Along with the Pentax 17 ($497), you’ll quickly be capable to choose up the Analogue aF-1 point-and-shoot AF digicam (€450 / $566) this winter. Choose to remain digital however need that traditional analog look? Try DxO FilmPack 8, which “emulates the true feel and look” of many black-and-white and coloration movies. And in case you’d like a dose of analog inspiration, check out this yr’s successful entries within the Analog Sparks Awards 2025.
This week, the winners of the largest hen images competitors — Chook Photographer of the Yr 2025 — have been introduced. I’m very completely satisfied to see the names of a number of of my mates among the many awardees, photographers you in all probability already know from our interviews and On-line Workshops (out there to our Patreon Gold Members). Particularly, Petr Bambousek was extremely counseled within the Chook Behaviour class, Tibor Litauszki took bronze in Birds in Flight, and eventually, Tomáš Grim earned a incredible silver in City Birds. Congratulations to all!
On October 1, 2025, on the age of 91, the world misplaced a outstanding primatologist, conservationist, and human being: Jane Goodall. Because the early Nineteen Sixties, Dr. Goodall devoted her life to finding out chimpanzees in Gombe Stream Nationwide Park, Tanzania, uncovering the complexity of their social lives. However her work went far past science—she turned a tireless advocate for the atmosphere and continued spreading consciousness and schooling actually till her closing days. Now you can watch the documentary Jane Goodall: The Hope on Nationwide Geographic’s YouTube channel and replicate on the legacy she leaves behind.
Photograph Theme Problem, Week #123
Final week’s theme was forest, and you’ll see the outcomes on this thread. Thanks to everybody on your submissions! This week’s theme is fall colours, and you’ll submit your outcomes on this thread by Saturday, October 11, 2025!
Week #122 Outcomes
Let’s try a few of the pictures we acquired for the “forest” theme, beginning with
AndrewGusew’s picture:
This drone perspective reveals an fascinating sample of the completely different tree communities.
Crow’s picture:
I like how the upper perspective emphasizes the smallness of the trail.
And at last, Danny’s picture:
We finish with a perspective wanting up, exhibiting the peaceable efforts of the bushes to achieve the sky.
Thanks everybody for submitting their pictures within the problem, and we hope to see extra subsequent week within the fall colours theme.