Sony 105mm f/2.8 GM Macro, Used Nikon Lens Deals

Last week, whereas I used to be placing collectively a listing of pictures suggestions for our Patreon readers—which, as at all times, included a pictures quote—the very first thing that got here to thoughts had been the phrases of Professor Ján Šmok: “The photographer’s best friend is the trash can.” That may need one thing to do with the truth that I lastly began culling my images from Ecuador and the Galápagos.

I’d add yet one more merchandise to that record of the photographer’s finest mates: a pair of scissors, AKA, the cropping instrument. In the Galápagos, I bumped into one main drawback of my 500mm prime lens—its minimal focusing distance. Even whereas taking pictures, I knew that some cropping must be finished. Why? Well, as a result of (and that brings me to a different quote, or fairly a saying) “sometimes less is more.”

Recent Announcements

• Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM: A macro lens of a conventional focal size, however with a much less frequent magnification. Sony achieves as much as 1.4× magnification at a working distance of 8.9 cm (3.5″). The lens is appropriate with teleconverters, reaching as much as 2.8× magnification with the two× TC connected (at 200mm f/5.6). Four excessive dynamic linear motors promise sooner AF efficiency than its predecessor. The optical design options 17 parts in 13 teams (2 XA, 2 ED). Image stabilization has been optimized for close-up macro work. A devoted aperture ring permits for de-clicked (clean) operation. Available from November 2025 for $1,498.
• Unistellar AR ENVISION Smart Binoculars: A binocular that makes use of augmented actuality (AR) to counterpoint your consciousness of what you’re . It can detect and identify over 1,000 sky objects at evening, and through daytime commentary, it acknowledges a couple of million factors of curiosity. Spotted one thing fascinating you need to share? Simply save the placement, and the binoculars can information one other individual to the identical spot. Beyond its AR capabilities (powered by batteries, lasting as much as 5 hours or 1,000 engagements per cost), the system works as an ordinary binocular with 10× magnification and 50mm goal lenses. But endurance is required—you’ll want to attend till October 2026. Pre-orders are already open at $999 (common value might be $1,499).
• 7Artisans 10mm f/2.8 Mark II: An ultra-wide, handbook focus, full-frame fisheye lens for E/L/R/Z mounts. It delivers a dramatic fisheye perspective with a 185° angle of view (up from 178° within the first era). Optical development consists of 11 parts in 8 teams (1 ASPH, 2 ED). The de-clicked aperture ring controls a 10-blade diaphragm, producing 10-pointed starbursts when stopped down. Minimum focus is 0.15m, or about 40mm from the entrance component. Weighing 602g, the lens options an built-in hood and doesn’t settle for filters. Priced at $278.

The Rumor Mill

Possible Canon L-grade superzoom

Looking again at Canon’s DSLR period, you’ll discover an underrated however fascinating lens: the EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM. Canon at present doesn’t supply the same lens for the RF mount. However, if we take a peek underneath the hood of Canon’s improvement middle, it appears like one thing is brewing within the area of ultra-zooms. Based on registered patents, we may see certainly one of these three variants sooner or later: Canon RF 24-300mm F3.5-5.6L, Canon RF 24-400mm F3.5-6.3L, or Canon RF 28-500mm F3.5-7.2L.

Superzooms have by no means had the perfect popularity, however lens design has come a great distance. While they’re unlikely to outperform commonplace zoom lenses or particularly prime, they are perfect for journey or for conditions the place swapping lenses isn’t sensible, reminiscent of in dusty environments. Which of those would you wish to see Canon put into manufacturing?

Via Canon Rumors

Sony’s new sensor hints at future instructions

There are fewer sensor producers than digital camera makers, however some of the essential gamers on this space is Sony. Their sensors energy cameras throughout many manufacturers, together with Nikon. That’s why it’s price watching which method Sony strikes, as a result of it provides us a glimpse into the way forward for the cameras we’ll quickly be utilizing.

One of the most important improvements just lately was the introduction of a world shutter sensor within the full-frame Sony a9 III. A fast refresher: Instead of studying the picture line by line, knowledge on a world shutter is learn all of sudden after publicity. While panorama photographers might not be impressed, international shutter could be a game-changer for sports activities photographers and anybody utilizing flash (particularly outside in shiny gentle).

The present Sony a9 III sensor has “only” 24.6 MP. This week, Sony unveiled a brand new stacked CMOS sensor with international shutter and 105 MP decision, able to as much as 100 FPS (10-bit output). Its diagonal measures 39.7mm—barely smaller than full-frame (43.3mm), however bigger than APS-C (26.8mm). These uncommon dimensions recommend an industrial digital camera software for now. Nevertheless, it’s affordable to count on this know-how to grow to be accessible in shopper cameras sooner or later. A high-resolution, full-frame Sony digital camera with a world shutter doesn’t appear far off.

Via Sony Alpha Rumors

Nikon Zf to obtain new firmware

Not way back, we printed an article specializing in the firmware options that Nikon has included into its totally different cameras. Looking at what the Z6 III or Z8 can already do, it’s not onerous to guess the path of some future firmware updates for the Zf and Z9. One distinctive characteristic has already been confirmed, although: a Film Grain mode for the Zf that provides grain to images and movies. Of course, when you shoot in RAW, your images would be the similar as earlier than. To see the impact, you’ll must both course of your RAWs in Nikon NX Studio, movie a video, or shoot JPEG.

Via Nikon Rumors

Good Deals and New Sales

This week, I’ve centered on Nikon lenses, a number of of that are at present accessible at enticing reductions:

• Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S (was $5,197, now $4,197)
• Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S (was $16,197, now $15,197)
• Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S (was $3,497, now $3,047)
• Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S (was $2,947, now $2,747)
• Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR (was $2,197, now $1,997)
• Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S (was $2,547, now $2,347)
• Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S (was $2,697, now $2,397)
• Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 (was $1,297, now $1,097)
• Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S (was $1,397, now $1,247)

Want to avoid wasting much more? Check out the used gear part. B&H Photo presents a 90-day elements and labor guarantee on used gadgets which needs to be loads of time to be sure to didn’t purchase a lemon. Here are some highlights that caught my eye:

• Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S (new $15,197, used $13,525)
• Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S (new $4,197, used $3,819)
• Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR (new $1,997, used $1,797)
• Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S (new $2,747, used $2,417)
• Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II (new $2,797, used $2,545)
• Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S (new $2,347, used $2,018)
• Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S (new $2,897, used $2,490)
• Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S (new $2,397, used $2,109)
• Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S (new $1,247, used $1,072)

Other Pages of Interest

This week has a robust analog taste. Kodak launched two new 35mm movies: Kodacolor 100 and Kodacolor 200 (each $9 per 36-exposure roll). The marketplace for new movie cameras additionally brightened a bit. In addition to the Pentax 17 ($497), you’ll quickly be capable to decide up the Analogue aF-1 point-and-shoot AF digital camera (€450 / $566) this winter. Prefer to remain digital however need that basic analog look? Check out DxO FilmPack 8, which “emulates the true look and feel” of many black-and-white and shade movies. And when you’d like a dose of analog inspiration, check out this yr’s profitable entries within the Analog Sparks Awards 2025.

This week, the winners of the most important fowl pictures competitors — Bird Photographer of the Year 2025 — had been introduced. I’m very joyful to see the names of a number of of my mates among the many awardees, photographers you in all probability already know from our interviews and Online Workshops (available to our Patreon Gold Members). Specifically, Petr Bambousek was extremely counseled within the Bird Behaviour class, Tibor Litauszki took bronze in Birds in Flight, and eventually, Tomáš Grim earned a implausible silver in Urban Birds. Congratulations to all!

On October 1, 2025, on the age of 91, the world misplaced a exceptional primatologist, conservationist, and human being: Jane Goodall. Since the early Sixties, Dr. Goodall devoted her life to learning chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, uncovering the complexity of their social lives. But her work went far past science—she grew to become a tireless advocate for the surroundings and continued spreading consciousness and schooling actually till her last days. You can now watch the documentary Jane Goodall: The Hope on National Geographic’s YouTube channel and mirror on the legacy she leaves behind.

Photo Theme Challenge, Week #123

Last week’s theme was forest, and you may see the outcomes on this thread. Thank you to everybody in your submissions! This week’s theme is fall colours, and you may submit your outcomes on this thread by Saturday, October 11, 2025!

Week #122 Results

Let’s take a look at a number of the pictures we obtained for the “forest” theme, beginning with

AndrewGusew’s picture:

This drone perspective reveals an fascinating sample of the totally different tree communities.

Crow’s picture:

I like how the upper perspective emphasizes the smallness of the trail.

And lastly, Danny’s picture:

We finish with a perspective wanting up, exhibiting the peaceable efforts of the bushes to achieve the sky.

Thanks everybody for submitting their images within the problem, and we hope to see extra subsequent week within the fall colours theme.