LEE100 Polariser Filter review
Lee100 Filter Holder – Why do you need it? Although you can use image editing software to achieve many of the same effects with specific filters, such as a polariser to cut reflections and improve saturation, it remains advantageous for some types of photography, such as interiors and landscapes As they cut down on exposure somewhat, they can also be used as a pseudo Neutral Density (ND) filter, albeit mostly in a limited fashion*. They are also pretty expensive, so if you have several lenses of different thread diameters, using a holder can save a lot of money. Please note this review has been edited and updated from the Lee100…
High-speed V90 SDXC card prices continue to fluctuate
Prices continue to fluctuate for the vaunted V90 speed SDXC cards, which are highly prized for continuous shooting with stills and high-bit 4K video. While high-speed CFexpress cards will continue to take over from SDXC cards the V90 spec, which boasts the fastest read and write speeds, is still recommended for the Leica M11, Q2/Q3, Fujifilm GFX 100 II/100s/50s and many other new camera models with an SD slot or use SD as a back-up. Little-known brand Nextorage which was recently formed by ex-Sony staff currently has a sale on Amazon for SDXC V90 cards and their super-fast B1 Pro CF-expresss Type B cards. For, example the Nextorage 128GB V90…
Leica APO Summicron-SL 50mm F2 ASPH lens review
Announced on 15 August 2019 (see our coverage here), the Leica APO Summicron-SL 50mm F2 ASPH is a relatively compact high-end lens for Leica SL cameras. Inside, the lens design is complex for a 50mm. However, it’s designed for a digital sensor, so some prerequisites must be met. It has no less than 12 elements in total, with several AD (anomalous dispersion) elements to mitigate CA and fringing, plus three with aspherical surfaces to reduce SA and distortion. The lens also adopts what some call a “digital element,” or a lens profile, to correct vignetting, distortion and CA, more as an afterthought in this case, as the lens is so…
Leica SL3 camera announced
Leica has announced the Leica SL3, the latest top-of-the-range model in the 35mm full-frame SL system. This is an exciting new camera for Leica and a hugely compelling update to the SL2, however, keen-eyed readers will see that there’s no multi-shot function, which was one of the key features of the SL2 (and SL2-S), or at least a key-differentiator between it and rivals (who haven’t yet matched Leica/Panasonic in either implementation or result). I spoke with a Leica executive and they informed me that the multi-shot feature has not been included this time but if there is strong demand for it then they will consider adding it at a later…
Cinema camera maker RED acquired by Nikon
In a surprise announcement this morning, Nikon Japan – there has been no word from the UK subsidiary – announced they’ve acquired the cinema camera maker RED, making the US-based independent company a subsidiary. While it’s not surprising that RED has been acquired – James Jannard was the founder of Oakley sunglasses until moving onto RED cinema cameras- what is unexpected is that Canon has seemingly missed this opportunity. Press release: Nikon Corporation (President: Toshikazu Madate, Minato-ku, Tokyo) announced today that it has entered into an agreement with James Jannard, founder of RED.com, LLC (President: Jarred Land, California, hereinafter referred to as “RED”), a U.S.-based company that develops, manufactures, sells,…
Nikon Nikkor Z 14-24mm F2.8 S lens data
Technical Data Manufacturer Nikon Model Nikkor Z 14-24mm F2.8 S Web www.nikon.co.uk Elements/construction 16 elements in 11 groups Angle of view 114° to 84° (diagonal) Max aperture F2.8 Min aperture F22 Min focus distance 0.28 m (0.92 ft) Mount Z mount Filter size 112mm (with hood) Length 124.5 mm (5 in.) Diameter 88.5 mm (3.5 in.) Weight 650 g (1 lb 7 oz) Price £2379 inc VAT Check Stock and Prices [Affiliate links] Amazon UK | Wex Photo | Park Cameras Amazon US | B&H Photo | Adorama Secondhand MPB UK | KEH US
Nikon adds RAW file based Pixel Shift to Nikon Z 8
Nikon has announced a new firmware update (Version 2.0) bringing a host of new features to the already impressively specified Nikon Z 8. The most intriguing is the addition of ‘Pixel Shift,’ which aims to improve detail while also reducing noise levels. A further attraction is diffraction mitigation by careful use of aperture selection. It’s not clear what the ‘effective resolution’ is from the press release but the fact that the Nikon Z 8 outputs RAW files to merge in their NX Studio utility (which was also upgraded today) is encouraging; Canon’s decision to add the functionality to the Canon EOS R5 outputting a finished JPEG missed the mark. As…
Nikon Nikkor Z 14-24mm F2.8 S lens review
The Nikkor Z 14-24mm F2.8 S is one of Nikon’s high-end S-line triumvirate of high-speed zooms (at the time of writing) and in effect replaces the renowned F-mount lens of the same focal length and ratio that redefined the ultra-wide-angle zoom in the SLR era. Kevin Carter takes a closer look. As a ‘made for mirrorless’ lens, it’s much smaller and lighter than its esteemed forerunner (650g vs 970g), thanks largely to a far less wildly convex front element. Indeed, the two highly convex elements at the front of the F-mount lens have been replaced by a single double-sided aspheric front element in the new S-line. While the change in…
Gitzo GC5101 and GC4101 tripod bags reviewed
When a tripod is needed, a decent one is essential, and most high-end models don’t come with a bag. A good tripod is a long-term investment, so a decent bag is another essential, especially if you use it on location. Kevin Carter takes a closer look. I own both the Gitzo GC5101 and GC4101, which are designed for Gitzo’s Systematic range of tripods. While there’s only around 8cm or so in length between them, the GC5101 is much larger in terms of internal volume and was designed presumably for the Geant (Giant) model, a 5-series Systematic that still measures some 73cm (35 in) even when collapsed. I don’t have that…
Leica Q3 review: the quintessential Leica
Leica’s Q series is the company’s best-selling digital camera to date and it’s not all that difficult to see why. Kevin Carter looks at the latest iteration, the Leica Q3 Small, light and unobtrusive the Leica Q embodies all that’s attractive of the Leica M with added the benefit of a Kabe-designed Leica autofocus 28mm F1.7 lens. This is the closest we have to an autofocus M series camera, and unless you’re adept at using one of those you’ll be more successful shooting at the initial aperture or close to it and far more discrete using a Leica Q. What’s more, the latest iteration the Leica Q3 is the fastest…
