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Panasonic Lumix S 40mm F2 (S-S40) lens additional sample photographs
The following sample of photographs was created with the Panasonic Lumix S1R II, complete with the new Lumix S 40mm F2 lens, on loan from Panasonic UK. I wouldn’t typically use F2 for garden photographs intended for magazine work, but this is a lens review and using the lens wide open like this gives you an idea of how it performs. Magnolia and Alliums, Farm Garden, 2026. Panasonic Lumix S1R II with Lumix S 40mm F2, F2 at ISO 80 with profile correction (for distortion and fringing) applied from a RAW file processed to taste in Adobe Lightroom Classic. Silver Birch, Farm Garden, 2026. Panasonic Lumix S1R II…
Panasonic Lumix S 40mm F2 (S-S40) lens sample photographs
The following sample of photographs was created with the Panasonic Lumix S1R II, complete with the new Lumix S 40mm F2 lens, on loan from Panasonic UK. The photographs of the disused factory with its grain silo are part of a documentary-style project I’m working on, but I’m not the first to photograph it. I noticed it was used as a backdrop recently in a short scene for the Netflix TV series, Legends. Disused cereal factory, 2026. Panasonic Lumix S1R II with Lumix S 40mm F2, F4 at ISO 80 with and without profile correction (nor any transform) applied from a RAW file processed to taste in Adobe Lightroom…
Sony A7R VI announced with new 67MP stacked sensor
Sony has announced the Sony A7R VI, the latest in the high-res R series cameras, with a 66.8MP Exmor R stacked sensor. It offers 30 fps blackout-free burst shooting, a 1‑second pre-capture feature, and an autofocus system that performs up to 60 calculations per second to help track fast subjects. The in-body stabilisation provides about 8.5 stops of compensation for steadier handheld shots and improved video, and the camera can record video up to 8K at 30p. 66.8MP Exmor R stacked sensor New Bionz XR2 processor 16 stops of dynamic range 8.5-stop in-body image stabilisation 1-second pre-capture Lighter than the A7R V, thanks to new battery £4,399 in VAT Preorder…
Canon announces the EOS R6 V for filmmakers and content creators
Targeting both content creators and professional filmmakers, the Canon EOS R6 V is a full‑frame camera built for high-end video in a compact, on‑the‑move body. It features a 32.5MP sensor with dual‑gain ISO for clean footage across varied lighting, supports 7K Open Gate Raw up to 60p, and includes Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus with intelligent subject tracking plus 6.5 stops of in‑body stabilisation, making it an excellent handheld run‑and‑gun tool. 32.5MP imaging sensor 7K Open Gate RAW video Base ISO values at 800 and 6400 15+ stops of dynamic range C-Log2 and C-Log3 colour profiles Fully articulating touchscreen Vertical mounting tripod socket Tally-style front record button £2,399 inc VAT…
Zeiss reveals new Otus ML 1,4/35 in RF, E and Z mounts
Zeiss has announced the latest addition to the made-for-mirrorless, manual-focus Otus ML range: the Otus ML 1,4/35. This is the first Otus model in the popular 35mm focal length, having been omitted in favour of 1,4/28 in the original series. That said, Zeiss updated the optical design of the manual-focus Classic 1,4/35 model with the Milvus 1,4/35, both of which were probably the best 35mm F1.4 lenses for DSLRs at the time of their introduction. Time doesn’t stand still, of course, and there have been several notable additions over the intervening years, such as the Sigma Art DG 35mm F1.4 HSM, Canon EF 35mm F1.4L USM II and more recently…
Sigma announces update to popular 35mm F1.4 Art series lens
Sigma has announced an updated version of the 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art series (made for mirrorless) lens. The new Mark II model promises faster focusing and improved image quality thanks to the adoption of new glass types, including two Super Low Dispersion (SLD) elements and a total of four “high-precision” aspherical elements. Sigma says, “the lens thoroughly suppresses aberrations, particularly axial (longitudinal) chromatic aberration,” which is typically difficult to control with high-speed lenses such as this. The new lens also features a new Advanced Amorphous Coating (AAC) to reduce ghosting and flare, and is both 14% shorter and 20% lighter than the previous model. Available in Sony E and…
Canon announces the RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM lens
Canon announced the Canon RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM lens on the same day as the RF 14mm F1.4L VCM, see the previous post. This new Fisheye lens replaces the highly regarded EF model and is a welcome addition to the range, but it is likely to appeal to a smaller market. I reviewed the EF 8-15mm F4L Fisheye USM lens and the later Nikon equivalent and found them very useful for their unique field of view. What’s more, I’ve sold photographs made with both lenses, so while niche and appealing mainly to the editorial market, the unusual perspectives do get noticed. The new lens costs £1,719 inc VAT ($1,899)…
Canon announces astro-oriented RF 14mm F1.4L VCM lens
Canon’s new RF 14mm F1.4L VCM is targeting astrophotographers, as the lens designers say in an interview published on the Canon Japan site; however, an ultrawide like this is likely to appeal to a much wider audience. The new lens costs £2,399 inc VAT ($2,599) and will be available from 20th February. A second lens was also announced: the Canon RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM lens. Key features and user benefits • Rectilinear ultra-wide hybrid-type prime for lower distortion (supplemented with digital (profile) correction) • Fast F1.4 maximum aperture for added versatility in low light (faster shutter speeds possible for night-time and astro photography, reducing movement blur and noise) •…
Leica Noctilux-M 35mm F1.2 ASPH announced
Leica has officially announced the Leica Noctilux-M 35mm F1.2 ASPH for Leica M cameras. The new lens has a high-speed maximum aperture of F1.2 and is the first in the Noctilux series to feature the 35mm focal length. It consists of 10 elements in five groups (which includes 3 aspherical elements and floating elements). It also features an appealing minimum focus distance of just 0.5m, yet retains the common 49 mm filter thread size, measures 50 mm (2 in) in length, and weighs 416 g (14.6 oz). The new lens will be available immediately for £7,700 inc VAT /$9,650. Summary: Maximum aperture: F1.2 Elements: 10 elements in 5 groups (including…
Black Friday deals
My Black Friday sale is currently open. Save 25% off any of my Capture One Styles with the discount code 6AXYHX9Z. Ends on 28 November. This site’s subscription is also 25% off currently, at $37.30, for 12 months (regular price $49.99). Does not renew, so you’re not locked in. There’s no need for a code, as the price reflects the discount. Also ends on 28 November. Amazon has been running Black Friday deals for a few days already, giving me some time to browse through the more interesting photography-related products. Surprisingly, though, there aren’t that many this year. Lightroom Classic users can pick up a 12-month subscription for just £61.99…
