“That’s a new one for you folks,” is what I said when being briefed on the new 40MP sensor at the heart of the Leica M10 Monochrom. Indeed, it’s not just the Leica M10’s sensor with the Bayer array removed. But instead, this is something completely new. The 40MP sensor is optimized for detail and dynamic range. One could argue that it’s mid-way between the Leica Q2 and the Leica M10–but the truth is that it leans more towards the Leica Q2 when it comes to resolution. If you’ve never held a Leica M10 or even know how to use a rangefinder, this camera is the one that will probably make you fall in love with using them. When they’re in your hand and you’re in-tune with how a rangefinder works, you’ll become a totally different photographer. The pictures you take become more about your passion and the moment than anything else.
Canon has been doing some magical things in the world of lenses for a while now, in fact, their EF mount L series glass is still some of the best that you can lay your hands on. Fortunately for us photographers, they have been continuing their lens wizardry with their new RF mount lenses too, and we have already been blessed with some genuinely great Mirrorless lenses for the EOS R, RP, and Ra. Now, if recent reports are to be believed, we may be blessed with an RF 70-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens later on this year. Let’s talk about this after the break.
There are still many lens options available today if you want to go wide with your vintage cameras. But if it’s something rare and unique that you’d rather have and use, our latest vintage find fits the bill rather nicely. Say hello to the Zeiss Ikon Hologon, one of the most interesting among the many Zeiss Ikon models and certainly one of the most expensive point and shoot cameras in history.
Photographers using the Sony FE line of cameras are being treated with access to a new lens: the Tokina 85mm f1.8 FE ATX-M. But this lens is offering not only a fast f1.8 aperture but a bit of moisture resistance at the front at a super affordable price point. Unlike their previous 100mm Macro FiRIN lens, they’re claiming that the motor won’t blow your eardrums. Even better, this is probably the most affordable autofocus 85mm f1.8 lens available for the Sony FE lineup of cameras. All of the juiciest details of the press release are after the jump.
There are some great lens deals in this edition of Cheap Photo. If you’re Micro Four Thirds user, you’re in for a treat. You can grab the outstanding Olympus 45mm f1.8 for just $209.14! That’s crazy! The Olympus 40-150mm f2.8 Pro can be yours for $1,034.74, and the Olympus 17mm f1.8 is only $352.25! Canon shooters you can grab the superb 85mm f1.8 for just $299, the 35mm f2 for only $549, and the Sigma 35mm f1.4 for $637.41. There are also lens deals for Nikon and Sony shooters too. If you want accessories, you’re also in luck. The brilliant Tenba 15 DNA messenger bag is down to only $139.99, and you can own the Joby Gorilla 5K tripod and Ball Head that can hold 11lbs of gear for only $84.62. Come and check out all of the lens deals and deep discounts on accessories after the break.
Tripod head designs have been more or less the same with only some minor improvements here and there. But, a new contraption gears up to change the way we see and work with tripods. Meet the Platyball, the latest from the company that brought us the Platypod flat tripod base. If you’re looking into a tripod head upgrade, this could be right up your alley.
When it comes to visual themes and concepts like silence and tranquility, minimalist scenes are often the most effective. This makes winter wonderlands among the perfect places to shoot. In the latest installment of her Silence series, Rotterdam-based photographer and designer Claire Droppert takes us to Hemavan-Tarnaby in Sweden where she captured dramatic snowy scenes as visual representations of piercing silence. If you’re thinking of doing more landscape shoots this winter, we’re sure you’ll find this an inspiring collection.
Been enjoying the walk down memory lane through the vintage camera ads we’ve been sharing? Today’s featured ad and commercial are the next to surprise and delight you. If you’ve been shooting with Kodak films or are simply interested in the company’s history, we think you’ll be especially curious about the Kodak Motormatic 35 shown here!
Admit it: if you’re reading this then you probably don’t know a whole lot about lighting. That’s okay. We can supplement the fact that you suck at lighting with a strobe’s constant light, right? This light is called the modeling light and it’s designed to give a preview of what your flash’s output will look like. Lots of photographers want to know if it’s really worth it. The truth is that it’s a very complicated answer. There are lots of times when it’s just easier to use an LED constant light. But more often than not, that’s because photographers don’t know how to light. I have to admit, considering what I know about using a strobe, it was actually harder for me to use a constant light than it was a strobe. So here’s what happened.
Previously, we shared some tips for photographing birds at the zoo and birds in flight. Now, it’s time for us to share more tips to further improve your bird photography skills with a photography cheat sheet for groups of birds. It’s one of the most popular subjects for both pro and beginner photographers, so we’re sure you’ll find something useful here to get better, more creative shots.