But they’re about to become even less so, at least in the United States.
For those of you that watch the news, there’s a little bit of a trade war going on between the USA and its trading partners. And while tariffs aren’t the buzzword everyone expected for 2025, it’s certainly become a part of the popular zeitgeist.
Issued to achieve some political and economic goal – some say moving product back to the United States or just to get people to the bargaining table – the tariffs are, nonetheless, going to become less of a theoretical thing and more of a real hit to the wallets of citizens in the USA that buy a range of products.
Leica, for example, announced price increases of up to 90% on some products, placing them firmly out of the reach of many. If you were ever sitting on the fence about scooping something up, now would be the time, these reports indicate.
One example cited by PetaPixel to illustrate how much of a price increase we are looking at for some items is the MagSafe Lux Grip from Leica for iPhone, currently priced at $USD 329. After the tariffs, this price is expected to be $USD 625. That’s a lot for a grip already. The price hike makes it even more questionable from the standpoint of value for your money. Certainly there are other capable grips out there but they might be more expensive, too, because of the tariffs. Welcome to the new age of discerning consumers in the United States.
Any thoughts you might have on Leica’s pricing going forward in the United States are welcome in the comments.
We have some other news for you to read at this link.
DJI has been one of the leading manufacturers for high quality drones and they have constantly been innovative and bringing drones into the market that suits every photographer’s needs. Their drones range from beginner’s to professional models and the technologies, hardware used are constantly improved with each new model.
While a lot of drone professionals have been waiting for this new drone that has been rumoured about, DJI released a new teaser on its channels, which is a very short video clip titled “Spin Your World.” It looks like the drone’s gimbal is capable of rotating, which means it will be a great feature for filmmakers and content creators to capture dramatic aerial footage.
The video released by DJI shows how the drone is capable of capturing more dynamic videos using unique perspectives. The footage on DJI’s social media like X and YouTube, also shows a three camera system which is spherical with “Hasselblad” written on top. The spherical system may allow for more flexibility for the cameras to move sideways, up and down and may come with advanced stabilization features.
A lot of rumoured information have been flooding online sites and forums about the new drone and its specifications. Followers on social media and especially drone enthusiasts, seem to be very excited about this new technology and predict this drone could be a Mavic 4 Pro following DJI’s Mavic 3 series.
The new drone seems to have a compact foldable design like its predecessors and may be weighing less than a kilogram. This also means that the drone pilot will need a license to fly the drone in most countries. The product is expected to be launched next week on the 13th of May.
We have more news for you to read if you are interested at this link here.
Welcome to the Light Stalking weekly community wrap-up!
If you’ve been following these words for the last couple of weeks, you might have noticed the strong duality between light and time when attempting to capture the essence of movement. Curiously enough, the upcoming set, which always matches our current contests, spins around another classic of photographic practice; storytelling in a single frame!
But what makes such storytelling differ from the regular one? Personally, I see storytelling as the attempt of transmitting a broad story with the aid of visual and written information. However, when thinking about a single frame —capable of telling a story all by itself— things tricky quite fast.
However, I’ve witnessed a tendency towards thinking that these sorts of images are products of a single serendipitous shot. And to be honest, I blame this a bit on all the hype surrounding the oddly translated title from HCB‘s famous book “The Decisive Moment”. Originally titled in French as Images à la sauvette, which most closely translates to “images on the sly” or “hastily taken images”, this book has sort of aided the false belief that great photographs are those perfectly captured just once on silicon or film.
This way of thinking builds up the idea that if you don’t capture something perfectly on camera, you are doing it wrong. Or at least I thought of great iconic photographs as that, until I had the life-changing opportunity of coming across contact sheets; that’s when I knew we only get to see the decisive shot from the perspective of the editing board, not the author of the frame.
For today’s wrap-up, we’ve picked a fine selection of single storytelling frames shared on this week’s challenge. So, without more horsing around, let’s dive into what our talented community shared with us!
Photo of the Week
And speaking of sly, if you ever feel the need of illustrating how technology blends with photographic skills to capture sharp images on the run, this one can do a great job! Nocturnal street imagery, is both gorgeous and challenging; and of course, is better enjoyed with fast tools like the ones used on this magnificent — and full manual capture at ISO 1250, 1/400s, ƒ3.5:
copyright – davidc
A day in sales!
Congrats David, the light on this shot is just exquisite and the notorious expression of the subject makes it unique; thanks for sharing such a high quality photograph with us!
Weekly Photography Challenge Digest
Thanks again to Diane and Dahlia for pushing our creative boundaries one step forward every week!
copyright – Robert Applecopyright – Michaelcopyright – Wendy Pcopyright – Pat Garrettcopyright – Pat Garrettcopyright – davidccopyright – Timothy S. Allencopyright – Wendy Pcopyright – Patrickcopyright – Patrickcopyright – Patrickcopyright – Frogdailycopyright – Robert Applecopyright – Tershacopyright – Tersha
To contribute, check out the original challenge post!
A Highlight on the Latest Activity at our Community
Rob shared this fantastic non-ai generated image, ergo a stunning photograph!
copyright – Rob Eyers
Patrick shared this simple yet effective example of some basic composition understanding:
copyright – Patrick
Diane shared a familiar phenomena to all of us light stalkers:
copyright – Tersha
Last but not least, Patrick sends us all some nice good vibes
copyright – Patrick
Don’t forget to check the photo contest winners for the Essence of Movement; and remember, this month’s photo contest is now open for entries. The theme revolves on “Storytelling in a Single Frame“. Submit your photos for a chance to win $250, and please don’t forget voting as well. Last but not least, keep an eye out for the Members Picks — the instructions are pretty straightforward:
Members reference what you might consider a five-star photo. Give a call out to the photographer and share their photo even if it lies in the Shark Tank and feel free to give a Critique on why it trips your Trigger. Be sure to mention the photographer and the Thread you saw it in.
And if you want to make out the most of your LightStalking user account, make sure to check the latest posts. Also, don’t forget to swim the Mobile Monday Challenge! Last but not least, Check out the current reading throwdown, it has some nice insights and recommendations!
We’d Love To Hear Your Thoughts
Our Feedback Forum is a fine place for all those people wanting to grow fast as photographers. Here, you’ll get your work reviewed by well-intended photographers, but you’ll also have the chance to comment on the work of others. We believe in the power of feedback, and here are the latest shots shared in the pool:
The Shark Tank is a great place to learn and to discuss, but please read the instructions in order to get a better experience. Share your comments, opinions and doubts on any or all of the images above. We will also be delighted to see some of your own images. Remember, all comments are given to the photographs; not the photographers. Also, don’t forget to participate in our upcoming challenge!
YouTube is pioneering a novel way to search video uploads and it could fundamentally change how we use the platform.
Turned on iMac and Apple Magic Keyboard and mouse on table. Photo by Jakob Owens
And, naturally, it involves everyone’s favorite buzzword these days: AI.
Described by PetaPixel in much the same way that Google provides previews for search engine results, Alphabet’s YouTube is looking into having AI specifically take clips from videos that match your search results in a similar preview format.
In other words, it will help you cut to the chase and find exactly what you’re looking for, where, and when in a YouTube video. No more searching, waiting, and going through multiple advertisements to get what you need.
It sounds like a pretty neat feature and, initially, it’s going to be limited to a few niche subjects such as travel and shopping, the website quotes YouTube brass.
That makes sense because those are both very lucrative areas for companies and content creators and it is also one where very specific, timely information makes the most sense.
If it works out here, we could see it expanding to other search results.
One thing that comes to mind, however, is that often you will find yourself watching ads and various other monetization clips when digging through YouTube videos to find what you need. While that is a pain, it helps the creators of the content make money and, ostensibly, create more useful content. How will that system fare once everything is being quick clipped by AI remains to be seen but, if anything, hopefully it eliminates the overly long content that does nothing but generate clicks.
Any thoughts you might have on this somewhat novel idea are welcome in the comments.
We have some other news for you to read at this link.
I am a hybrid photographer, a photographer that shoots both stills and video. My main camera is the Sony a7RV and it is perfectly suited to my needs. It shoots 61mp stills and up to 8k video in 10 bit 422 colour.
I also have an iPhone 15 Pro. Its video capabilities are excellent, being able to capture 10bit 422 in Prores if using an external SSD. I also have a couple of drones, and a DJI Osmo Action, the original version. I find uses for all these cameras, so why on Earth would I want to add the DJI Pocket 3 to my camera bag? Let me explain.
A Gap In Capability
I shoot a lot of videos with the Sony a7RV. Much of this is shot either from a gimbal or from a locked off a tripod with a video head. Both of these are slow and cumbersome to set up and make shooting stills more difficult. Often when I am shooting video, I suddenly see a stills photo that I want to take.
To do this I need to either remove the Sony from the gimbal or maneuver the tripod and camera to the right location. It’s slow and there is often a good chance that I will miss the shot.
My workflow at the moment sees me dedicated myself to shooting either video or stills but not both at any given location. There are many times when I am out on a stills shoot, roaming a location when I yearn to shoot some video. However on a stills shoot I will not take the gimbal with me. That leaves me with the option of handheld video. Whilst Sony’s IBIS is pretty good, I still feel that handheld video is not a great option for stock agencies. It will be rejected more often than not.
I also carry the DJI Osmo Action with me, but there are a lot of limitations. It is electronically stabilized, which often looks awful, has a small sensor and is now quite dated. It is primarily used as my vlogging camera.
The Other Gap In Capability
Since the beginning of the year, I have set myself a target to monetise my YouTube channel. The channel is focused on all things photography, stills, video, drones, editorials and more. There was an issue though.
I like to create my videos on location. Me and my camera in a pretty location talking about the photography subject of the day.
However, given my main camera will often be the subject of the video and the iphone was limited ergonomically, my choices were limited. Often, my script notes are on the phone making it tricky to use and shoot from simultaneously. The Osmo Action is very limited unless used as a fixed static camera. It’s not great for getting b-roll either of the location or the gear. Drones are great at tracking subjects and moving around but you really need a second person to operate them safely. So I needed something else.
Talking to camera in a hot and humid Bangkok
Looking At The Options
What I was looking for was a compact, mechanically stabilized video camera with output quality good enough for stock agencies. It had to be lightweight, easy to set up and decent in low light. I narrowed the choice down to two options. My iPhone on a DJI/Zhiyn gimbal or the DJI Pocket 3.
I have used my iPhone with a gimbal for stock video on many occasions. The quality is decent in good light but drops off very quickly as the light fades. There is another drawback though. The iPhone is a portable computer on the go. I use it to navigate, check emails, post to social media and pay for things. None of these are easily done when it is attached to a gimbal.
I had followed the progress of DJI’s Pocket cameras from the release of the original. The DJI pocket cameras are effectively a small camera attached to a handle through a gimbal. They are small, mechanically stabilized and, at a push, can fit into your pocket.
They were interesting, but did not fit my needs. It seemed to be primarily aimed at vloggers shooting to camera pieces outside and for average quality b-roll footage for those vlogs. The Pocket 2 improved capabilities a little, but was still not really useful as a stock video camera.
Then about six months ago and to much hype, DJI released the Pocket 3. This stood out for a very good reason, the 1” sensor.Now in large camera terms a 1” sensor is not huge but compared to previous Pockets and to smartphones it was huge.
However there was another stand out feature. It also shot Log in 10 Bit colour. This is a big deal for videographers as it gives a lot more leeway when grading the footage in post. This was a pro level feature.
The DJI Pocket 3 shooting a timelapes at Wat Arun in Bangkok. By Jason Row Photography
Was The Hype Realistic?
I rarely buy tech gear at first release. YouTube is full of creators that pump out “super psyched” videos on the launch day of pretty much anything that runs off batteries. The hype on the DJI Pocket 3 was immense, YouTubers extolling the many virtues and finding little wrong with the camera.
Six months later, you start to get videos with titles like “The Downsides Of The Pocket 3” It is these videos that I like to watch in combination with 6 months’ reviews from established and well regarded filmmakers and photographers.
What I learnt from these videos was that much, but not all of the hype was real. The DJI Pocket 3 was a very capable camera, producing a superb video image that belies its size. It was a tool with some excellent features. There were issues, downsides of course, but none that I could see that would affect my use of the camera. So I bought one.
Still image from DJI Pocket 3 video of the Grand Palace Bangkok. By Jason Row Photography
How Is It Working Out
So far, very good. I have had the Pocket 3 for a few months and have shot quite a bit of footage with it as well as a studio based, to camera YT video. The video quality is excellent and the range of features very good. I can shoot 4K up to 120fps, timelapses, ultra slow motion. It will track subjects, detect my face, both very useful for outdoor vlogging. It’s compact, has good battery life, connects easily to my Rode Wireless Go II mic system and provides me with an excellent range of gimbal moves.
It’s early days but so far it is living up to the hype.
Tripods used to be bulkier and heavier once upon a time and photographers had to carry these heavy accessories during their travels and it made the whole process a bit stressful. Travel tripods were made to make this process easier, so they can be carried in a backpack, without spending too much energy. They also do not take up much space since they can be folded into small bags.
Travel tripods are required mostly when you are travelling for landscape and astrophotography. They can also be great accessories when families and friends want to capture group photos and the photographer needs to be in the frame. They are also good for solo travellers who want their self portraits taken in outdoor locations where they travel.
If you are planning to buy a travel tripod, check a few factors before making the decision.
Weight And Portability: You are purchasing a travel tripod because you wish to carry it around when travelling without much hassle. They also need to fit on a backpack or a camera bag that you will be carrying. So check for ones that are lightweight and foldable or collapsible to smaller sizes, so it is easier to carry along during your travels.
Maximum Load Capacity: Some tripods can be too light and flimsy that they can get knocked over easily or blown over by a small wind. Besides, they may not be able to hold the weight of the camera-lens combination that you carry along. You need to check the specifications to see if the tripod can carry the camera and lens combination that you wish to carry along during your travels.
Height: The tripod needs to help the photographer capture a scene from any angle or perspective they wish to. It could be a high one or a very low one. Each tripod comes with specifications or features that may be slightly or a lot different from the other. Check how tall the tripod can be extended or how low it can be collapsed to get the required shots.
Material: Tripods become heavier or lighter based on the material used to manufacture them. Older tripods used to be made of steel or aluminium and they were quite heavy to carry around. Travel tripods and other bigger traditional tripods are now made with carbon fiber and this makes them quite light and easy to carry around.
Stability: A tripod needs to be stable in any terrain and weather conditions. A lot of the remote locations can be quite windy and nights can especially be windier than the days in certain locations. Research about your tripod and purchase one that has features to keep it stable in all conditions.
Budget: If you have a set amount that you are looking to spend on a tripod, check for tripods that have satisfactory features based on the above suggestions and then look for one that suits your budget.
Additional Features: Since mobile photography has become very popular in the recent years, some tripod manufacturers add some accessories along with their tripods like a mobile holder, etc. Some tripods have the feature to use them as a monopod. If you are someone who would be interested in any of these features, check these before making a purchase.
Pro Tip: Even if you use a tripod for stability, there are times when camera shakes can be induced when releasing the shutter button. It is good practice to use a remote or cable release to eliminate camera shake and capture sharp images.
Photo by Joshua Woroniecki
Some of the most popular brands of tripod, known for their quality and reliability are:
Manfrotto
Gitzo
Benro
MeFoto
Joby (known for flexible and compact tripods)
Sirui
Vanguard
Peak Design (known for innovative tripod designs)
K&F Concept
We have included 10 tripods that include a range based on weight, affordability, load, performance, etc., so there is one for every photographer and photography need. Check out this video by pro photographer David Manning to learn more about some of the most popular travel tripods:
This is a lightweight, and affordable tripod made of carbon fiber. It weighs only 1.14kg, which is perfect for travel photographers to carry around. Here are its main features:
The Ball Head can be rotated to any angle you want and this helps to use your camera without any problem for unique perspective shots.
The tripod can be extended to a height of about 162cm and can be folded to about 41cm. This makes it a very compact and portable tripod for travel photographers.
This tripod is well built and can be used with most cameras in the market. However they may be a bit shaky when extended to the longest end.
This tripod is most commonly used by many photographers who travel a lot because of its neat, compact design and portability. The tripod is very easy to set up and has a maximum height of 59 inches, a minimum height of 16 inches and weighing about 1.6 kg.
Pros:
This tripod is travel friendly and popular for its build, portability and stability and can be carried easily in your backpack.
It is made of high quality materials and is available to choose from a few lock models.
Although the tripod is lightweight, it has a central column that has the facility to hang something heavy to keep it stable in windy conditions.
Cons:
This tripod may not be a good choice if you wish to use a large camera and a telephoto lens.
It is quite expensive compared to similar tripods in the market.
I am just getting into photography and I wanted a light tripod to carry with me, I have used other heavier tripods for stargazing, so I have a little experience with tripods. Although light, this tripod is stable, easy to use, and seems sturdy.
This is a budget-friendly tripod that is very lightweight and portable. This tripod can be converted into a monopod when required.
Photo on Amazon
Pros:
It is a very affordable tripod for any photographer on a budget
Since the tripod has a ball head, it helps to move the camera to to any required angles.
Instead of the traditional clips and other lock mechanisms in tripods, this comes with a twist lock feature that makes it easier to setup when out in location.
This tripod has a unique feature of adjusting leg angles and so is a great choice for anyone interested in taking shots from unusual perspective and angles.
Cons:
You cannot use this tripod for very low angle shots because the central column cannot be inverted for this purpose.
It is not very stable in windy situations.
Some reviews found online suggest that the quick release plate may not be compatible with some camera models or may not securely hold the camera.
Replacing my old cheaper Dolica, these are so much more sturdy and stable! They are also as versatile as described. I’m using it to hold up a heavy pastel painting pochade – much more difficult for tripods to handle full pochades for painting than even heavy lens cameras, BTW. If it holds up as I think it will, I’ll consider it a great purchase. However, even with carbon fiber legs I wouldn’t call it light weight, which is probably due to the extra sturdy metal fittings. Still it does fold up small, folds up well, and does the job. UPDATE: It is very sturdy and works like a charm! I wasn’t sure a ball socket would work as well as a pan tilt head, but it works even better.
This tripod is known for its compact nature and design to suit photographers who travel a lot.
Pros:
It can be folded to a very small size, making it highly portable. It can fit easily into a ackpack or a travel bag.
This tripod can hold some amount of heavy gear like DSLRs and telephoto lenses.
Since the legs have multiple columns, the size can be adjusted to the desired value based on the angle, perspective and type of shot.
The center column is can be inverted to capture some low angle shots or to capture subjects at ground level.
Cons:
This brand is quite expensive compared to similar tripods, but the features make it worth the price.
The leg locks in this model seem to be a bit difficult to use compared to traditional flip locks or the twist locks.
The tripod comes with a ball head, which is common in most recent tripods. As a result, there is no panning base which can be a bit difficult for photographers who capture a lot of video footage and panoramas.
The tripod is very lightweight and can be a bt shaky in windy conditions.
5.0 out of 5 starsWell designed Reviewed in the United States on April 2024
Great portable tripod…very well designed with adjustable leg tension makes it solid in spite of it’s size. Watch the video for tips on setting it up fast. Has some extra features that most don’t.
This brand of tripod is quite affordable for anyone who has some hesitation to invest in an expensive tripod. It also can be converted into a monopod whenever necessary and this makes it a very portable accessory for hikers and travellers.
Pros:
Since this tripod is affordable, it is a great choice for anyone who travels a lot for landscape and other photography that require a tripod.
It comes with attachments that allow the user to customise the tripod and use various mounts for devices other than a camera.
These tripods have capacity to hold moderately heavy camera and lens combinations.
Cons:
The tripod is quite basic and is not easily available in the market all the time.
I am using for both taking photos with my iPhone and using my telescope viewer. It has two base attachment so I can swap quickly. One thing to be aware of: I was adjusting it in the dark while taking aurora photos (or attempting to) and it came apart. I tried to put together on the dark but one piece was not able to go back on. Strangely enough, the post had come off during the initial breakdown which I had not noticed in the dark. I had to remove the top, remove the attaching post and put the collar on, then replace the post before screwing the top piece back on. (This will make sense if you are fighting with this problem) Now I am using it with pleasure, easy adjustments, smooth turning.
This is a Carbon Fiber Tripod with a sturdy build and design. They are designed to carry heavy camera and lens and are very portable, even if they cannot be folded to a very small size.
Pros:
The tripod legs allow to adjust the angles to get shots from unique angles and levels.
The flip lock mechanism on the tripod legs allow the users to set and fold the tripod easily when in the field.
The center column comes with a hook to hang something heavy for stability during windy situations.
Cons:
This tripod is slightly more expensive compared to other tripods.
It is heavier compared to similar tripods.
It is not too compact once folded and is not recommended for longer travels.
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat travel tripod Reviewed in the United States on August 2022
I was hiking in Yellowstone and saw several people carrying this tripod. I had to get one once I handled one. It is light, has various positions and very stable. Good price!
This Carbon Fiber Tripod is one of the best in terms of portability and the feature that it can be converted to a monopod. The bubble level helps to keep the horizons straight in the frame and there are additional threads if you wish to mount more accessories besides a camera.
Pros:
The tripod is made of carbon fiber material which makes it lightweight.
The legs are sturdy even in windy conditions.
The heights, angles and perspectives can be adjusted to get interesting shots.
The ball head helps to mount the camera in various angles and orientations.
Cons:
Slightly expensive compared to other lightweight tripods.
The twist lock design may not be practical for some photographers who prefer flip lock mechanism.
5.0 out of 5 starsTop quality Reviewed in the United States on January 2024
One of the best tripods I’ve came across . It’s durable light food up compact and over all fit and finish is impressive !
The JOBY GorillaPod is a popular mini tripod and is known for its flexible legs and compact design. The legs can be twisted and wound around things like poles, tree branches, etc. The gorillapod is not recommended for DSLRs, however a mirrorless camera with a lens that has a combined weight of up to 3 kg is supported. Here are some of its key features:
Pros:
The legs are flexible and can be wrapped around objects and bent into various shapes. This allows the gorillapod to be used anywhere even if the surfaces are not quite right or if you need to put the camera high up or very low on the ground. Otherwise it can be used as a traditional tripod.
It comes with a quick release plate that allows to quickly attach and detach your camera.
The gorillapod material is made of rubber rings and grips which help the gorillapod to be attached to surfaces securely without slipping.
The gorillapod’s legs cannot be extended, but can be bent to achieve different heights.
The gorillapod can easily fit into a camera bag, making it very portable. It is also very lightweight.
Cons:
The weight a gorillapod can hold is quite limited and it is most suitable for smaller cameras with a small lens.
You cannot extend the legs to achieve heights, but the gorillapod can be kept on walls or wrapped around branches and other structures securely if possible to get the desired heights.
It is not very sturdy in windy situations.
Adjusting the legs to get to certain angles may take time and requires some patience.
Limited Load Capacity For Accessories: While the tripod may have attachment points for accessories, the weight limit for these attachments can be relatively low, limiting your options for adding gear.
For years I’ve avoided these tripods because I think they look gangly and stupid, but I finally tried one and wow, I absolutely love it. It holds a lot of weight, in fact, I screwed off the top and discovered the screw set is the same size as a monitor bracket, and I use the tripod as a stand for my Rodecaster Pro podcast board. This tripod is so versatile I ordered a second. My primary use for the second is for a small video projector.
This is an affordable tripod designed with both photography and videography in mind. The tripod legs can be adjusted to different angles in each level and hence can be used efficiently in rugged terrains and sloped surfaces. Since it also can be collapsed to a smaller size, it is perfect for photographers who travel a lot.
Pros:
The tripod can be extended to a maximum height of 77 inches and is a great choice to capture high angle and perspective shots.
The center column can be adjusted or reversed to use the tripod at really low perspectives.
The angles for each section can be adjusted and this makes the tripod a very versatile on to use in tough terrains.
The tripod has one detachable leg that can be used as a monopod.
The price is quite affordable, making it a good choice for photographers on a budget.
Cons:
The weight is slightly more compared to similar lightweight tripods.
The size of the tripod is not too compact when folded completely.
The tripod may be slightly shaky is very windy conditions.
5.0 out of 5 starsLove this!! Reviewed in the United States on May 2024
Works great for filming with your phone Really easy to adjust! I love how tall it goes, short and medium length Come with a case to hold it in
This is a lightweight and compact tripod made of magnesium alloy. This design is quite versatile and makes it a good choice for photographers who travel a lot.
Pros:
The build of the tripod body is good and is made of durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear due to the environmental elements.
It can support all types of cameras including DSLRs with a standard lens.
The tripod legs are detachable and can be converted to a monopod.
Legs can be adjusted to various heights and angles. This helps the photographer to shoot from unique angles and perspectives.
The ball head allows the camera to be used at various angles and perspectives.
Cons:
The maximum height is not good compared to similar tripods and may not be a sufficient height for some photographers who love to photograph from a higher angle.
It can be a struggle to use the tripod in very windy conditions.
Update Feb 17, 2024: Excellent customer support from Neil & the company 3-Legged Thing in England. They are replacing the failed column lock and compression washer no charge plus provided great operational support guides for future. Very impressed how they stand by their product- Thank you! I have updated my rating to 5 stars.
Conclusion
We hope the above list and deciding factors will help you to choose a tripod that suits your photography and style. Look for the weight, load capacity and other features that will make your photography simpler with the tripod.
What tripod do you use when traveling or what would you recommend and why? Let us know in the comments section below.
Sony has announced a telephoto lens with a unique focal range, the FE 50 – 150mm f/2 GM lens which is the world’s first lens to have a maximum focal length of 150mm and f/2 aperture. The lens is lighter, weighing at about 1340g. This the company’s second f/2 zoom lens in the GM series.
The zoom range of this lens, 50-150mm and the f/2 fixed aperture along the entire zoom range, makes it a great lens for wedding, portrait and event photographers where the subject can be isolated with a shallow depth of field. Unfortunately the lens does not have internal image stabilization.
Image via Sony
Similar to Sony’s range of G Master series of other lenses, the FE 50-150mm f2 GM lens produces stunning images of very high resolution and beautifully smooth bokeh. This will make this lens a great choice for professional photographers who already work with the Sony Alpha camera system. This lens will also be a great choice for professional video makers because of its stunning cinematic results and great clarity.
The lens comes with Nano anti-reflection coating, that will help to reduce flare and ghosting significantly even in backlit situations. The lens also comes with four extreme dynamic linear motors for faster and accurate focusing.
Some of the most important features of this lens are:
Focal length – 50 to 150mm, E mount lens
Maximum aperture – f/2
Aperture blades – 11, rounded aperture
Lens elements – 19 elements in 17 groups
Filter size – 95mm
Image stabilization – No
Internal focusing and zooming – Yes
Aperture, focus and zoom rings
Weather and dust sealed
Weight – 1340g
The lens seems to be quite expensive, priced at $3,899.99 and is available to pre-order now. The estimated shipping date is towards the end of May, 2025. More details about this lens can be found here.
We have more news for you to read if you are interested at this link here.
Well over a decade ago, I wrote an article predicting the death of the DSLR. I got quite a lot of criticism for such an idiotic prediction, and yet, here we are today, with only one company, Pentax, still making DSLRs and even then to a fairly niche market. My article was about the fact that companies would stop making them, not that DSLRs would suddenly disappear, and that has proved to be true.
The rise of mirrorless cameras was a juggernaut that, like the rise of digital, was unstoppable and inevitable. However, just because a technology is redundant doesn’t mean that it becomes irrelevant.
The technology in DSLRs may not be as feature-packed as current mirrorless cameras, but the sensors were, in many cases, as good. In fact, some modern mirrorless cameras still share the same sensors as their older DSLR equivalents.
Today, I want to examine why buying or owning a DSLR in the mirrorless era still makes sense.
Mirrorless cameras far outnumber DSLR sales these days. By FOX ^.ᆽ.^= ∫
The Cost of DSLRs is Attractive
Does it seem to you that the price of cameras has increased exponentially? I think that whilst the price of high-end professional cameras has not increased much from the DSLR days, there seems to be a dearth of cheaper, budget-friendly mirrorless cameras.
Back in the DSLR days, there were excellent cameras such as the Nikon D5000 that could be bought for well under $1000, with a lens. There is very little in that price range today.
However, if you are looking to get into photography or you are on a tight budget, there is now an incredible range of used DSLRs on the market. Not only that, many camera companies have had to update their lens mounts to enable newer technologies, and so the used lens market is equally as buoyant.
For newer photographers looking to start learning without spending a king’s ransom, there are some amazing deals to be had. For $200-$300, you can get an 18-24mp pixel, well-specced DSLR body, and a little more will get you a decent lens to go with it.
High end DSLRs can be had for less than the price of a budget mirrorless. By AS Photography
For more advanced photographers who want something a bit higher grade, a few hundred dollars will get you into the Nikon D4 or Canon EOS 5D IV, both incredibly robust and capable cameras.
There has never been a better time to invest in a DSLR, especially if money is a little tight.
About Optical Viewfinders…
I will be honest with you, I love the electronic viewfinder on my Sony a7Rv. However, even today, it is exceptional, with a very high MP count and low lag. There are many that lament the demise of the reflex optical viewfinder for good reason.
They certainly had some major advantages, they were generally much brighter than EVs, did not suffer from lag, and some will say, gave you a connection to your subject – although personally I don’t subscribe to that. However, one of their biggest advantages is that they require little to no power, with the exception of the fairly limited exposure information.
There is still a lot to be said for an optical viewfinder. By Victor Ralda
There are some disadvantages that we should mention. Whilst bright, it could be a struggle in low light to nail focus. Modern electronic viewfinders can boost the gain and allow you to see in much lower light, however, this is at the cost of extra lag. It’s also worth noting that not all DSLRs had great viewfinders. On more budget cameras, particularly APS-C, the viewfinder was often smaller, with less coverage and less brightness.
With that said, there is still a lot to be said for a reflex viewfinder, especially given the cost of used DSLRs.
Durability and Handling is Superior!
As mentioned above, it is possible to buy a professional-level DSLR for a few hundred dollars these days. Whilst that might not be a good choice for a beginner, for experienced photographers who are using their cameras day in and day out, in all weather, it can make perfect sense.
The reason for this is simple durability. All professional DSLR cameras are built like tanks, sturdy, metal bodies, often made from lightweight magnesium alloys and high-level weather sealing.
A modern professional mirrorless camera will, of course, have all of this, but it will set you back $4000 plus for the body alone. As mentioned earlier a pro-level DSLR, even a late model, can cost less than $1000 and could easily last another 10 years if looked after. Even the mid-level DSLRs, such as the Nikon D800, were incredibly well built and came in even cheaper than the pro models.
Another advantage, to some, of the DSLR is the handling. Many mirrorless cameras can feel quite small in the hand, whilst even mid-range DSLRs feel chunky and often have very nice, deep grips on them. If you have larger hands, you may well find a DSLR more suitable.
Remember that I said that the viewfinder did not require power? Will it’s a little more complex than that.
Because the viewfinder is optical, the camera’s sensor does not need to stay on all the time the viewfinder is being used. This is one of the primary reasons that battery life is much better on DSLR cameras.
Battery life on mirrorless cameras has improved and will continue to do so, but it is still a long way off matching an older DSLR.
Like lenses, there are also plenty of used camera batteries on the market, as well as third party vendors, meaning you can power your camera for a lot cheaper as well as a lot longer.
In a similar vein to cost, there will be many photographers that are still shooting with their DSLRs. Social media and, to a certain extent, peer pressure can tempt people to part with cash they don’t necessarily have despite having a decent DSLR system already.
If your camera is giving you great results and is well-maintained, why feel that pressure to get on the GAS treadmill? There are arguments that as DSLRs become less and less common, it will be harder to buy accessories for them, however, that time is a long, long way off. Look at the number of film cameras and lenses still available on the used market. Even if something fails on your DSLR, there is a good chance there will be plenty of spares and repair models available, and there are always plenty of camera technicians to repair them for you. Even in the worst case scenario, you will only need to replace like for like, all your lenses will still continue to be valid.
The demise of the DSLR as a new camera has happened, and it is unlikely that there will be any renaissance. However, we had a good 20 years of the DSLR and there are literally millions of them available as used bargains. If you are looking to get into photography or perhaps get into more professional-level gear, yet are on a budget, a used DSLR system makes very sound financial and practical sense.
You might recall Sony spinning off its camera unit some time back.
Black Sony camera on black background. Photo by Alwin Thomas
In a move intended to streamline the company’s operations, few could deny it was savvy from a strategy standpoint.
Increasingly focused on its PlayStation and entertainment divisions, Sony has a myriad of high-tech divisions that are more than capable of standing on their own.
Plus, the company stands to benefit from the value that would be unlocked in what some would speculate would be a $ USD 49 billion standalone firm.
But that’s not happening according to a Sony spokesperson who has put the kibosh on the idea in the media.
Naturally, we recognize the company for its camera sensors but it also provides a lot of the sensors found in smartphones, for example.
As PetaPixel writes, the move is speculated to be not only intended to unlock value but also to boost the division’s competitive capability in the marketplace. As you can imagine, semiconductors are a cutthroat segment and, while it was once wildly profitable, the Sony division has faced the same pressures that many of its competitors have in the industry – namely, shrinking margins and a crowded competitive landscape.
The thinking goes that, on its own, Sony’s semiconductor division would be able to harness its resources more effectively which could manifest in everything from trimming operations to honing in on relevant research and development. Essentially, this line of thought goes, the company might thrive better on its own because it is able to address its specific needs without worrying about larger Sony Group goals and aspirations, particularly as might be related to businesses outside of semiconductors.
Any thoughts you might have on Sony spinning off its sensor business are welcome in the comments.
Gray microsoft surface laptop computer on white table. Photo by Windows
In a sign of the times, Microsoft published a blog describing the process behind one of their latest ads which relied upon AI-generated imagery and content to work.
Ostensibly conceived to demonstrate the company’s prowess in AI, the ads show off Microsoft’s latest iteration of the Surface along with what is can do for businesses using CoPilot.
How did this come to be?
Hint: If you’ve ever used ChatGPT or anything like it before, then you probably have some idea.
“We probably went through thousands of different prompts, chiseling away at the output little by little until we got what we wanted. There’s never really a one-and-done prompt,” Creative Director Cisco McCarthy told Microsoft.
“Like carving a masterpiece from a block of marble, each prompt was a careful stroke of the sculptor’s tool that gradually revealed the form within. Through relentless experimentation and countless revisions alongside generative AI, the team eventually conjured a library of stunning art for characters and sets, translating their ideas into captivating visualizations for the ad,” the company writes.
That’s an interesting way to describe it. The results speak for themselves, naturally, and you can watch them over on YouTube at this link.
From our perspective, we’re seeing it as yet another sign of the times and as further evidence of one of the biggest trends to shake up our industry since we started writing this news blog. How we got here and where we are going are always interesting to ponder but they might make us miss the fact that the future is very much here and now already.
Any thoughts that you might have on AI-generated advertising are welcome in the comments.
We have some other news you might like to read at this link.
