News
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Sigma announces new 35mm F1.2 and 135mm F1.4 lenses for full-frame Sony and Leica cameras
Sigma has announced a new 35mm F1.2 DG Art series prime for Sony E-mount and Leica SL-mount cameras. This new DG II model is a completely new design and replaces the previous version. Being around 30% lighter and 20% shorter, it boasts a significant decrease in size and weight. The redesigned lens features one SLD element, four asphericals and an undisclosed number of elements made from high anomalous dispersion glass. It also features a floating element design by virtue of two High-response linear actuators, one each for the two focusing groups. When changing focus, the dedicated AF acutator in combination with the adoption of the aspherical elements “significantly suppresses focus-breathing,”…
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Lexar CFexpress 4.0 Type B 1TB limited time deal at Amazon
Amazon UK has a limited-time deal on Lexar CFexpress 4.0 Type B 1TB [affiliate link*] at just £259.99 instead of the usual £300+ price (inc VAT). As a new Gen 4.0 card, the 1TB Type B Lexar has 3600/3000MB/s read/write speeds and, more importantly perhaps, a sustained (max) 2600MB/s write speed. I have one myself, and it’s both super fast and reliable. While most cameras benefit from those higher sustained write speeds, a suitable TB4 card reader is necessary to get the best out of it in workflow terms. *As an Amazon associate, I may earn commission on sales via these links. It does not affect the price you pay.
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Key takeaways from the new Hasselblad X2D II 100C announcement
Here are the key takeaways from the announcement of the Hasselblad X2D II 100C camera: Advanced Autofocus System: The X2D II 100C introduces AF-C continuous autofocus with enhanced phase detection, expanding coverage from 294 to 425 zones. This system, powered by deep learning algorithms, improves tracking of moving subjects and includes a new AF illuminator for better performance in low light. True End-to-End HDR: This camera is the first medium format model to support true end-to-end high dynamic range (HDR) imaging. The Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS HDR) enhances colour accuracy and tonal depth, allowing for richly detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions. Has a bright 1400 nit OLED…
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Five key takeaways from the new Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S II lens announcement
Here are the five key takeaways from the new Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens, announced today: Innovative Design: The lens features an internal zoom mechanism, making it the world’s first professional 24-70mm F2.8 lens with this design. This allows for consistent handling and balance while zooming, enhancing usability for both photographers and videographers. Lightweight and Durable: Weighing only 675 grams, it is the lightest lens in its class. The lens is also built with pro-grade weather sealing, making it more robust and suitable for outdoor use. Enhanced Autofocus Performance: Equipped with Nikon’s Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor, the lens offers 5x faster autofocus that is 50% quieter…
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Sigma 200mm F2 DG OS Sports and Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM specs compared
Key Features of the Sigma 200mm F2 DG OS | Sports Lens World’s First 200mm F2 Full-Frame Mirrorless Lens: This lens is specifically designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, offering exceptional optical performance. Exceptional Optical Performance: With a construction of 19 elements in 14 groups, including 2 FLD and 2 SLD glass elements, it delivers high resolution and contrast, even at maximum aperture. High-Speed Autofocus and Optical Stabilisation: Equipped with HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) for fast and accurate autofocus, along with a 6.5-stop optical stabilisation system for enhanced image stability. Durability and Weather Resistance: Features a dust- and splash-resistant structure, thermal insulation paint, and robust design, making it reliable in various shooting…
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Save up to 40% at Amazon on Nextorage SDXC V90-rated cards
Amazon UK have Nextorage F2 Pro SDXC UHS-II V90-rated U3 cards at a special price – the cheapest I’ve seen them at: Nextorage F2 Pro SDXC 128 GB at £74.99, was £124.99 (40% off) Nextorage F2 Pro SDXC 256 GB at £139.99, was £199.99 (30% off) Nextorage ‘Pro’ cards are very high-performance, using pSLC NAND flash, instead of the more usual TLC type. I’ve been using them for a while, and they are now among my first choice of brands, along with ProGrade Digital. Lexar, SanDisk, and Sony can still be recommended, but highly competitive offerings like these are hard to beat for the price/performance ratio. Articles may include…
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How to create and use Virtual Copies in Lightroom
In Adobe Lightroom Classic, you can easily duplicate a photo with various edits using the Virtual Copy function. Here’s how to use virtual copies in Lightroom: What are Virtual Copies? In Lightroom, a virtual copy allows you to create a duplicate of a photo without actually duplicating the file on your hard drive. This means you can apply different edits, settings, or metadata to the same original image while keeping the original intact and unaltered. Crucially, VCs allow you to visually compare the effect of various edits on what’s essentially the same photo, without the huge file sizes of TIFFs. It’s an essential feature of a parametric editor and critical…
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Amazon Prime Day deals
Amazon Prime Day always offers some good deals on photography gear, particularly on memory cards and accessories. Links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon UK Lexar SanDisk Nextorage ProGrade Sony Samsung PolarPro Filters SmallRig Tilta Olight (LED Torches) IFOOTAGE (Shark Camera Slider) Apurture (LED Lighting) Other UK retailers with deals: WEX Canon Store Amazon US Lexar SanDisk OWC ProGrade Sony Samsung SmallRig Tilta IFOOTAGE (Shark Slider) Apurture (LED Lighting) DJI
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Filter sizes for Leica M lenses
As you might expect, Leica offers its range of UV filters, which are recommended for the protection of the front element in everyday use but also to prevent damage when cleaning. It’s much less worrying to clean a filter than a front element. However, I also recommend B+W (UV or Clear) filters, which, although made by the German brand Schneider-Kreuznach, tend to be slightly cheaper and yet are not considered inferior in any way. The XS-Pro, now replaced by the ‘Master’, features a thin brass frame and a Nano coating to facilitate easier cleaning. More competitively priced offerings include the excellent Breakthrough Photography UV X2 range and the Firecrest series…
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Canon UK store sale with 10% off RF lenses
The Canon UK store currently has a sale on RF lenses, with 10% off most, if not all, current RF models, including the vaunted L-series. For example, the extraordinary Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM lens was £3,160 inc VAT but is now £2,884 inc VAT (£316 off). When buying directly, Canon offers a 2-year guarantee and free shipping (when spending above £30). Furthermore, their generous returns policy gives you a 30-day window in which to send your item back (should you need to) free of charge for a full refund. Make your purchase as normal through the Canon Store to save. Offer ends 30/07/2025. Buy now while stocks last.…
