Nikon AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm F4E TC1.4 FL ED VR lens review: Nikon’s best tele-zoom
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm F4E TC1.4 FL ED VR is an updated version of the AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm F4G ED VR – one of the first lenses Nikon added stabilisation (VR) to (the other being the AF-S Nikkor 200mm F2.0, effectively a 300mm on the DX only bodies back then) and the favourite of animal safari photographers everywhere. Not surprisingly, it’s also a popular choice with those who cover sports. This new model, though, is much more than just an update – it’s a redesigned lens complete with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter that’s meant to counter the Canon EF 200-400mm F4L IS USM Extender 1.4x, itself a showcase model…
How to easily install and organise Styles in Capture One Pro
Capture One Styles are an important feature in Capture One and Capture One Pro. Styles are perhaps the single most important aid to your branding, and can save you both time and money when re-creating your unique creative vision. In addition to the Built-in Styles that are supplied with Capture One Pro, which you can use as a starting point to edit your images, you can also buy additional Styles or “Style Packs” from the official Capture One site [official link*] or from our Store. While Styles can greatly improve your workflow and reduce the time you spend editing, they’re not an instant fix for problem images. It’s…
Sigma 45mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens review: Great rendering and build quality
Sigma’s range of ‘Contemporary’ series lenses, such as the Sigma 45mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary, are all about maintaining a balance between size, performance and price. They’re not smaller versions of the Art series lenses, which are meant to deliver the best possible image quality, regardless of size. With a 55mm filter thread, and weighing 215g ( 7.58 oz), its diminutive size in E-mount nicely complements the Sony a7/9 series and in the L-mount version, maybe also the larger Leica SL and Lumix S1 models, which it has also been designed for. At around £549 / $549 [advertiser links], this all-metal lens is beautifully made. It even comes with…
MindShift Gear Backlight 26L review: Versatile and comfortable
The MindShift Gear Backlight 26L is a medium-sized backpack for photographers made by the same company that makes the ThinkTankPhoto range. It’s priced at $249.99 (around £200 ex VAT). For me, like a lot of photographers, I imagine, finding the right carrying solution for your gear is a tricky proposition. And of course, it’s dictated by the gear you’re carrying and the location you’re working in. Rollers are great for working from out of a car when you get to the location easily, but as soon as you have to move away from it (which is often the case), then a backpack is the most appealing solution. However, most backpacks…
LEE100 Filter Holder review
Lee100 Filter Holder – What is it? The Lee100 Filter Holder is a completely redesigned version of the popular and versatile 100mm filter holder for square (and rectangular filters). Like its predecessor, the Foundation holder which I have, the Lee100 Filter Holder also stands out for being one of the few that accepts a polariser – it fits to the front of the holder to allow the use of older, more affordable polyester filters, or ‘gels’ which would otherwise interfere optically. The holder attaches to the lens using a specific adapter ring, so you need only buy a ring for each different size diameter thread, instead of multiple filters of…
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm F2 ASPH lens announced
Leica has announced the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm F2 ASPH lens, an L-mount lens that’s not only compatible with the Leica SL currently, but as a part of the L-Mount alliance, the lens is compatible with the Lumix S1 series made by Panasonic, as well as the Sigma fp. The lens features 12 elements with three aspherical surfaces and an unknown number – Leica claim the “majority” of elements being made of anomalous partial dispersion glass for apochromatic correction. As with other lenses in the Summicron-SL series, the 50mm F2 ASPH features a Dual Syncro Drive (DSD) stepping motor for fast autofocus, which allows for the lens to be driven over its…
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm F2 ASPH tech specs
Technical data: Lens APO-Summicron-SL 50 mm f/2 ASPH. Angle of view (diagonal, horizontal, vertical) 47.2° / 40.0° / 27.3° Optical design Number of elements/groups 12/10 Number of aspherical elements 3 Position of entrance pupil in front of the bayonet flange 63.2 mm Focusing Working range 0.35 m to infinity Smallest object field 120 × 180 mm Largest reproduction ratio 1:5 Aperture Settings/functions Electronically controlled iris, setting with the camera setting dial, half- or one-third stop settings possible Aperture setting range 2 – 22 Smallest aperture 22 Bayonet/sensor format Leica L-bayonet, full-frame 35 mm format Filter thread E67 Dimensions and weight Length to bayonet flange 102 mm…
Billingham adds new Hadley Pro 2020 to range
British bag manufacturer Billingham has announced a new Hadley Pro 2020 model to the range. The Hadley Pro series* is one of the most popular in the manufacturer’s catalogue and the new model adds several new features, including the ability to take slightly larger bodies and lenses. New features include: • High-strength handle reinforced with fibreglass to minimise stress with leather underside for extra comfort and grip, particularly when carrying heavy equipment • Removable, adjustable shoulder sling made from rugged shuttle woven spun polyester, delivering further flexibility and convenience • Durable luggage trolley retainer strap • Weather-proof zipped pocket on the back to stow and protect important documents The Hadley…
Lee Filters adds Hood and Tandem Filter Adaptor to LEE100 range
Lee Filters has announced a collapsible Hood as well as a Tandem Filter Adaptor for the recently redesigned LEE100 Filter Holder, launched earlier in the year. Made from water-resistant reinforced nylon, the newly designed LEE100 Hood is characterised by its “sturdy” construction and self-supporting design, which does away with rails or guides. The 320g hood comes with an attachment ring that clips to the LEE100 Filter Holder using four locking tabs which can then locked in place using a single lever. This is then attached to the lens as normal with a threaded adaptor ring. The filter holder and hood can be rotated independently, allowing the use of graduated ND filters…
New Nikkor Z series lens to arrive in September
Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z 85mm F1.8 S, a short fixed focal length prime lens for its full-frame mirrorless Z system. Nikon claims that the new fast portrait lens stands out for its “edge-to-edge sharpness” and “natural-looking bokeh”. Focus breathing “is all but eliminated,” Nikon add. Compared to the existing AF-S Nikkor 85mm F1.8G the new lens has the same minimum focus, filter thread size, and weighs 70g more. The new lens is also 19mm longer, though it’s smaller in diameter by 2mm. Nikon currently advertise the AF-S lens with a list of £499. The new lens will go on sale in September, 2019 at a list price of…
