Unveiling the Leica SL3-S: Plus, Don’t Miss Nikon’s January Discounts!

Some traditional photography “principles” are challenging to abandon. This became clear to me yesterday afternoon when I ventured out for cross-country skiing (somewhat naively lugging a full camera bag, my Z9, and my tripod). What was the principle in question? Avoiding shooting directly into the sun! While capturing the image below, a lady approached me, inquiring about what I could possibly be photographing. She wasn’t a photographer, yet she certainly recalled the age-old guideline about never shooting directly into the sun. However, with contemporary lens coatings, I have discovered that shooting into the sun can produce beautiful silhouettes and atmospheric photos. Thus, to commence this week’s photography news, I present you with the photo below.

Latest Announcements

• Leica SL3-S: Initially, the most noticeable difference compared to its predecessor SL3 is its cost, which is $1,700 lower! But what are the other changes? The primary technical enhancement is the BSI CMOS sensor boasting a resolution of 24.6MP (compared to 60.3MP in the SL3). This allows for double the maximum ISO sensitivity (up to 200,000) and double the continuous shooting speed (30 FPS). Sadly, this speed is only achievable using the electronic shutter – note that the sensor is not stacked – and 12-bit RAW format. If you desire 14-bit RAW, you must settle for a lackluster 5 FPS, which is somewhat disappointing for the current market pricing. The SL3-S is capable of recording video internally at up to 4K/30fps in 10-bit RAW across the full width of the sensor. Design-wise, the SL3-S features a more subdued appearance compared to the original SL3; the prominent white LEICA logo has been replaced with a more understated black version. Its journalistic nature is further underscored by the capacity for C2PA content authentication. The retail price is $5,295.
• DJI Flip: Another DJI drone weighing under 250g. This weight limitation is crucial for anyone wishing to sidestep the complications and regulations linked to heavier categories. Even with its lightweight structure, this drone boasts a robust camera mounted on a three-axis gimbal and featuring a 48MP 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor. It can record videos up to 4K at 100 FPS. For still images, it supports both JPG and DNG (RAW) formats. Video enthusiasts will value the 10-bit D-Log M color mode. Its innovative propeller protection (useful when operating near people) keeps the drone airborne for up to 31 minutes. Pricing-wise, the Flip positions itself between the entry-level Neo and the sub-250g flagship, the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Depending on accessories, the price fluctuates from $439 to $779.
• TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8: A 210g APS-C lens (equivalent to 35mm full-frame) constructed for cameras with Fuji X, Sony E, and Nikon Z mounts. Its fully metallic body houses 11 elements arranged in 9 groups (1 high-index, 2 extra-low dispersion). Autofocus is facilitated by an STM motor with a minimum focusing distance of 0.3m. Firmware updates can be processed via a USB-C port integrated into the rear lens cap. The cost is $127.
• 7Artisans 18mm f/5.6: This entirely manual, 146g lens is an ultra-wide choice that fits full-frame. It is compatible with cameras using Leica L, Sony E, or Nikon Z mounts. The lens is only 25mm long (excluding the mount). Its all-metal construction has a 49mm filter thread, and the optical architecture comprises 7 elements in 5 groups (2 aspherical, 1 low dispersion). The fixed aperture design has a single f/5.6 setting – an unusual limitation that keeps the price modest at $89.
• Voigtlander NOKTON 28mm f/1.5 Aspherical: This speedy, full-frame lens is not exactly a newcomer. Its Leica M-mount version launched in December 2023, followed by the Sony E-mount variant a year later. The latest addition now offers compatibility with Nikon Z-mount cameras. Though manual focus, the lens connects with the camera, allowing for EXIF data transfer, IBIS support, and focusing assists like focus peaking. In comparison to the M-mount version, the minimum focusing distance has greatly decreased (from 0.5m to 0.28m), the filter thread size has grown (from 43mm to 52mm), and the weight has marginally increased (from 330g to 360g). However, the key optical configuration of 10 elements in 8 groups remains consistent. The anticipated price is around $750.

The Rumor Mill

Laowa Probe zoom anticipated: A 2x macro lens featuring a long design and extensive range

Over time, Laowa has reinforced its position as a manufacturer of distinctive and innovative macro lenses. For instance, the15mm f/4 ultra wide angle macro objective, or the 24mm T8 2x Probe macro objective, which has a front that can be submerged in water. It appears that Laowa is gearing up to unveil a hybrid of both objectives – with additional features – around April to June 2025.

The lens is predicted to provide three shooting angle options: direct, periscope, and 35 degree incline. (It remains uncertain whether a single lens will accommodate these angles or if it’ll be achieved through a trio, similar to the current iteration.) Speculation indicates that the waterproof front of the lens, along with its 2x macro ability, will be taken from the already available Probe lens. However, the most captivating aspect of the forthcoming lens could be its adaptable focal length, anticipated to span from 15mm to 35mm.

Via Photo Rumors

Panasonic Lumix S1R II: The budget alternative to Leica SL3?

As per L-Rumors, it seems that the successor to the five-year-old Lumix S1R might be revealed before the CP+ exhibition (before February 27th). Currently, almost no details are available regarding the camera – though it’s anticipated to feature the same 60.3MP sensor as the Leica SL3. Interestingly, Panasonic has officially logged three new camera models in Asia. Given that Panasonic cameras frequently debut in pairs, we might also see a lower-resolution counterpart, the Lumix S1H II, possibly as soon as the early months of 2025.

Via L-Rumors

Great Offers and New Promotions

Nikon has discounted many of their cameras and objectives for January (mainly, but not exclusively, mirrorless equipment). Below are the cameras and objectives currently obtainable at B&H at more advantageous prices.

Camera and lens bundles

Cameras

• Nikon Z9 previously $5,497, now $4,997
• Nikon Z8 previously $3,997, now $3,397
• Nikon Z7 II previously $2,997, now $1,997
• Nikon Z6 II previously $1,997, now $1,497
• Nikon Z6 III previously $2,497, now $2,197
• Nikon Z5 previously $1,397, now $997
• Nikon Zf previously $1,997, now $1,797

Objectives

• Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S previously $6,497, now $5,497
• Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4E FL ED VR previously $12,297, now $8,697
• Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S previously $15,497, now $13,997
• Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S previously $4,797, now $3,797
• Nikon AF-S 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR previously $3,597, now $3,297
• Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S previously $13,997, now $12,997
• Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S previously $3,247, now $2,797
• Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S previously $2,697, now $2,297
• Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro previously $1,047, now $847
• Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED previously $2,097, now $1,897
• Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S previously $2,697, now $2,197
• Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8 previously $1,247, now $1,047
• Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR previously $1,297, now $997
• Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S was priced at $2,397, now available for $1,997
• Nikon Z 28-75mm f/2.8 was $1,197, currently $897
• Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S was $847, now priced at $697
• Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S was $2,497, now available for $1,997
• Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S was $1,347, currently carried at $1,147
• Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 was $1,197, now $997

Additional Pages of Interest

The cones within our eyes are evolved to discern the environment around them in wavelengths of light ranging from 380 nm to 760 nm. On the other hand, the light-sensing cells in camera sensors are not bound by such constraints – with alterations, they can be engineered to capture visuals in the infrared or UV light spectrum. What might such images or videos resemble? Allow yourself to be inspired by the champions of the Kolari competition – Life in another light.

The Andromeda Galaxy is located approximately 2.5 million light-years from our planet. In astronomical terms, that’s akin to the distance from your residence to the closest supermarket. Thus, it is not surprising that its angular size in the night sky is six times that of the full Moon (albeit much fainter). The Hubble Telescope has been employed to photograph the Andromeda Galaxy through a compilation of over 600 images. NASA spent a decade capturing and assembling this remarkable mosaic, which contains in excess of 200 million stars. Now you can witness it yourself, and, if you wish, download it in resolutions reaching 42,208 x 9,870 pixels. On my sluggish Internet connection, downloading this 203MB picture took almost as long as the actual capture – but every second was worthwhile.

Perhaps the converse of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is the Nikon 14.3mm f/4 Fisheye. This unique, exceptionally specialized lens is crafted for larger IMAX 360-degree 70mm film cameras, although it can be modified for 35mm SLRs. However, prepare yourself – behind the expansive front element, which resembles the eye of a deep-sea squid, your camera (and likely your head) will not be very visible. You can view the lens in person at the Leica Store in Lisse, Netherlands, or explore further details on their website. Yet, if you intend to purchase it, you will need a spare $250,000.

Photo Theme Challenge, Week #85

Last week’s theme was close to home, and you can review the results in this thread. Thank you to all for your contributions! This week’s theme is macro, and you can submit your results in this thread by Saturday, January 25, 2024!

Week #84 Results

Let’s take a look at some of the photographs we received for the “close to home” theme, starting with Tom Pazol’s image:

A very atmospheric and foreboding picture taken from the roof of his dwelling!

Next, we have DL84’s photograph of a stunning nearby forest:

Excellent work, and a location I would certainly love to inhabit!

Next is a detailed photo from Andrew Gusew illustrating that macro and close-up landscape pictures can be taken almost anywhere:

Finally, we have a fantastic photo of a Black Redstart by PRG Lagarde. It may challenge some of the traditional “guidelines” of bird photography but is still effective due to the intriguing narrative being portrayed in the image!

Thanks everyone for sharing their photos in the challenge, and we look forward to seeing more next week in the macro theme.