برچسب: for

  • Inon Announces ZD Front Mask for Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

    Inon Announces ZD Front Mask for Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro


    If you want to use your action camera with Inon’s latest wet lenses—the UFL-GR140 ZD/UFL-GR140 Pro ZD and UFL-G140 ZD semi-fisheye lenses, and the UCL-G55 ZD, UCL-G100 ZD and UCL-G165II ZD close-up lenses—you’ll need their latest ZD Front Mask, which attaches to your action cam’s waterproof case.

    There’s already an ZD Front Mask for GoPro HERO9–13. Now, Inon has introduced ZD Front Masks for the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. If you prefer a pistol grip, Inon will soon be releasing the 4D Light Grip, which can be used with the ZD Front Masks for GoPro, Insta360, and DJI action cameras.

    The new ZD Front Masks are available now, while the 4D Light Grip is arriving in September. Consult your Inon dealer for pricing.

     



    When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.



    PRESS RELEASE

    INON INC. releases two new ZD Front Mask on August 5, 2025: the ZD Front Mask for Ace Pro 2, designed to fit the official Dive Case for Insta360 Ace Pro 2, and the ZD Front Mask for Osmo Action 5 Pro, made specifically for the official Osmo Action 60m Waterproof Case.

    Attaching the INON ZD Front Mask allows the use of the underwater semi-fisheye conversion lens UFL-GR140 ZD (*1) which can deliver wide and quality view with its  large-aperture optics across more wide-angle FOV settings on Ace Pro 2 and Osmo Action 5 Pro, as well as the compact UFL-G140 ZD.*

    Also, the wide variety of INON close-up lenses (UCL-G165ll ZD, UCL-G100 ZD, UCL-G55 ZD) (*2) now allows Ace Pro 2 and Osmo Action 5 Pro users to enjoy macro imaging that wouldn’t be possible with the camera alone.

    INON also releases the 4D Light Grip in late September, which can be mounted onto the housings of various action cameras. This highly versatile grip allows users to attach both an action camera and a light at the same time.

    (*1) Lens hoods included with UFL-GR140 ZD shipped before Augst 5, 2025 may be visible in footage. Please use the updated “Lens Hood II (for UFL-GR140)” which is available for separate purchase.

    (*2) UCL-G100 and UCL-G55 shipped on or after August 5, 2025 will come with newly designed Focus Stick that helps prevent interference when used with Ace Pro 2 and Osmo Action 5 Pro. For existing UCL-G100/UCL-G55 users, updated Focus Stick II is available for purchase to replace the original Focus Stick.

    ZD Front Mask for Ace Pro 2

    Released date: August 5, 2025

    JAN/EAN: 4570018121203

    ZD Front Mask for Osmo Action 5 Pro

    Released date: August 5, 2025

    JAN/EAN: 4570018121210

     













    Model ZD Front Mask for Ace Pro 2 ZD Front Mask for Osmo Action 5 Pro
    Compatible housing Insta360 Ace Pro Dive Case DJI Osmo Action 60m Waterproof Case
    Mount INON ZD Mount
    Compatible lenses UFL-GR140 ZD/UFL-GR140 Pro ZD

    UFL-G140 ZD

    UCL-G55 ZD

    UCL-G100 ZD

    UCL-G165II ZD
    Size

    (excl. handle)
    82.0 mm/3.2 inch (W) ×

    98.0 mm/3.9 inch (H) ×

    41.0mm/1.6 inch (D)
    82.0 mm/3.2 inch (W) ×

    98.0 mm/3.9 inch (H) ×

    34.0mm/1.3 inch (D)
    Weight

    (incl. handle)
    Air: approx. 60g/2.1oz, underwater approx. 25g/0.9oz
    Material PC, POM, etc.
    Accessory Male Adapter (GP)
    Compatibility* Please see attached PDF  
    Remarks Third party housings are not supported Third party housings are not supported

    Compatibility with Osmo Action 3/4 has not been confirmed*

    *The compatibility information is for reference only as the lens hood or Focus Stick may interfere when the camera moves violently.

    ZD Front Mask for Ace Pro 2 Grip Set

    To be released: September 2025

    JAN/EAN: 4570018121234

    ZD Front Mask for Osmo Action 5 Pro Grip Set

    To be released: September 2025

    JAN/EAN: 4570018121241

    4D Light Grip

    To be released: September 2025

    JAN/EAN: 4570018121258





    Source link

  • Estimate Review Of An Employee Lifestyle Library For Global Beauty Brand – A Photo Editor


    By Andrew Souders, Wonderful Machine

    In addition to helping photographers build price quotes from scratch, Wonderful Machine offers an Estimate Review service on existing quotes that photographers have created themselves. It’s often helpful to have an extra set of eyes and credible insight to polish up your price quote before sending it off to a client.

    Just as with our other Pricing & Negotiating case studies, we redact the names of the photographer and client, which allows us to share valuable and educational information that would otherwise be confidential.

    Concept: Two-day employee portraiture and lifestyle library shoot for social, internal, and recruitment materials
    Licensing: Perpetual worldwide Web Advertising, Publicity, and Collateral use of up to 100 images
    Photographer: West Coast-based lifestyle and portrait photographer
    Client: International beauty and personal care brand

    A West Coast-based photographer was recently approached by a global beauty brand to capture candid and environmental portraits and lifestyle images of employees over two shoot days. The 100 final images would be used across a broad range of platforms — including career websites, social media, digital ads, internal presentations, publicity, and print collateral like career fair flyers.

    While the scope of the project resembled other projects this photographer had worked on in the past with other clients, this project was for a more high-profile client with greater licensing needs and a bigger budget. The photographer asked us to help refine their estimate and determine appropriate creative and licensing fees commensurate with the project’s scale and client expectations.

    Scope & Usage

    The project called for two shoot days. The first would take place at a local retail location before business hours as a shortened half-day, while the second was planned as a full day at the brand’s nearby corporate offices. The client would handle casting, scheduling, styling, and shot list development.

    While the requested usage rights were broad, they were primarily planned for web collateral, internal communications, and printed materials for recruitment efforts such as career fair flyers, with the exception of some digital advertising, which we expected to remain relatively limited and would not include any POS, OOH, or Broadcast use. Given the compressed timeline for shoot days and the volume of final deliverables, there was a clear need to structure the shoot efficiently. At the same time, it was important to balance the project’s production needs with an appropriate creative and licensing fee that reflected both the scope and intended use.

    To help add context to what we reviewed and advised on, I’ll include the photographer’s original estimate format and agreement language below:

    Photographer’s Draft Estimate

    The expense total came to $12,040 and was modeled after past projects for similar clients with similar deliverables, but those projects had more limited usage and smaller client budgets. Recognizing that the licensing in this case was broader and likely held more long-term library value for the client, the photographer also consulted with me for guidance on how to properly structure the creative and licensing fee portion of the estimate alongside the rest of the production costs.

    After reviewing the intended usage and factoring in the compressed timeline for capturing such a high volume of deliverables, we recommended introducing a creative and licensing fee in the range of $20,000 to $30,000. This range felt like a fair balance that accounted for the breadth and duration of usage for a library of images, while still reflecting the relatively straightforward nature of the shoot from a creative standpoint.

    Revisions and Recommendations

    After a detailed review of the scope of the project and the licensing terms, I worked with the photographer to revise the estimate. We incorporated a $22,000 creative and licensing fee that reflected the value of the deliverables and requested usage. We also recommended increasing the retouching budget to $5,000 to account for additional retouching and polishing work that might be required for final selects, such as potential logo removal from employee outfits. The fee for preparing a gallery for client review was adjusted to $1,000 to better represent the time and labor involved for this number of images. We also added scouting fees for both shoot locations – $750 for the photographer and $650 for their assistant.

    The rest of the production expenses, including crew and equipment rentals, remained consistent with the photographer’s original approach, although we reorganized how it was presented to provide more clarity. While we discussed the possibility of bringing on a second assistant to help maintain an efficient pace on set, the photographer chose to keep the crew lean to remain flexible in potentially tight environments.

    We see this a lot, where a photographer has experience working on smaller projects for smaller clients. When a big client comes along with a big project, they’re often not sure what to charge. Once we took the expanded licensing and long-term library use into account, there was a clear opportunity to revise the fee structure to better match the value being delivered. These revisions brought the total estimate to $38,440.

    Below is a revised version of the estimate that reflects my recommendations.

    Treatment

    We also encouraged the photographer to submit a treatment to accompany their estimate. Though not specifically requested by the client, it helped communicate the photographer’s interest, approach, aesthetic, and overall sophistication. The document featured example images, described lighting and post processing, and showed that the photographer understood the brand.

    Outcome

    The photographer submitted the estimate and treatment, and shortly afterward, was awarded the project. Reflecting on the process, the photographer shared that our collaboration helped them feel more confident in how they framed the value of their work, especially for high-profile clients

    While the core production approach remained largely unchanged, the creative/licensing fee, retouching budget, and presentation were strategically refined to better reflect the project’s scope and value.

    This project is a strong example of how a modest investment in estimate refinement can help land a significantly higher fee for the photographer and set a new benchmark for pricing future projects.

    Follow our Consultants @wonderful_at_work.





    Source link

  • 30+ After Effects Video Intro Templates (Downloads for Your Company 2025)

    30+ After Effects Video Intro Templates (Downloads for Your Company 2025)



    * { box-sizing: border-box; } body {margin: 0;}*{box-sizing:border-box;}body{margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}



    Source link

  • Nauticam Announces Housing for Nikon Z5 II

    Nauticam Announces Housing for Nikon Z5 II


    Nauticam has unveiled their NA-Z5II housing for the new Nikon Z5 II, the second iteration of the Japanese company’s entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera. The Z5 II features a 24MP backside-illuminated sensor paired with Nikon’s latest EXPEED 7 processing engine, promising class-leading low-light performance and 11fps continuous shooting with the manual shutter (up from just 4.5fps on the Z5). On the video side, the Z5 II can shoot both 4K/30p and Full HD/120p with no crop.

    Designed to accommodate both Z-mount lenses and F-mount lenses (via the FTZ/FTZ II adapter), Nauticam’s housing features important controls ergonomically positioned next to the integrated handles. As you’d expect, there’s full compatibility with Nauticam’s extensive range of water-contact optics, such as the FCP-1, WWL-C, SMC-3, CMC-2, and MFO-3. Both optical and electrical flash triggering options are available, while the M16 port allows the installation of an HDMI bulkhead for use with monitor/recorders such as the Atomos Ninja V or monitors such as the new Nauticam T7 HD UltraBright.

    The NA-Z5II is priced at $3,800 and can be pre-ordered now from retailers such as Backscatter.

     



    When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.



    PRODUCT INFORMATION

    INTRODUCING NA-Z5II

    The Nikon Z5II Camera

    The Nikon Z5II, a refinement of its predecessor, boasts enhanced processing speed, subject recognition autofocus, and exceptional low-light performance. Equipped with a full-frame FX-format 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor and an EXPEED 7 image processor, the Z5II delivers remarkable image quality.

    The AI-driven autofocus, derived from the Z9 and enhanced by deep learning technology, now employs sophisticated Subject Detection for nine distinct subject types. This ensures precise focus and tracking, even in challenging lighting conditions.

    The EXPEED 7 processor also enables Pre-Release Capture, a feature that captures up to one second prior to shutter release at an impressive 30 frames per second. This allows photographers to capture the precise moment and avoid missed shots.

    In addition to its impressive imaging capabilities, the Z5II has been enhanced to deliver exceptional video recording performance. It supports UHD 4K video recording at up to 60 fps and Full HD recording at up to 120 fps, enabling videographers to capture dynamic and immersive footage.

    Key Features

    • 24.5MP Full-frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • EXPEED 7 Image Processor
    • N-RAW (12 bit), H.265/HEVC (8 bit/10 bit), H.264/AVC (8 bit)
    • Full HD 120p for Slow Motion Video
    • Up to 30 fps JPEG Shooting
    • Class-leading autofocus detection down to –10EV
    • Automatic detection of 9 subjects
    • 7.5 stops of built-inimage stabilization
    • 2 SD Memory Card Slots

    THE NA-Z5II HOUSING

    The NA-Z5II underwater housing upholds Nauticam’s dedication to innovation. Essential controls are conveniently accessible via ergonomic handles, facilitating an efficient setup that optimizes time spent in the water and minimizes time spent on rig maintenance. The N120 port system accommodates both Nikon Z Mount and legacy F Mount lenses via the FTZ/FTZ II adapter. Nauticam’s extensive range of ports and in-house corrective optics complement the NA-Z5II’s capabilities. When equipped with an accessory vacuum valve, the integrated vacuum check and leak detection system provides continuous updates on the housing’s watertight integrity. A vacuum system reset switch, located beneath the tray, eliminates the necessity to open the back of the housing during lens or port changes. The optional NA-Z5II LCD window for Full Frame viewfinders enables the utilization of Nauticam Full Frame viewfinders for enhanced viewing. The NA-Z5II is capable of supporting additional mounting with 1/4-20, M10, and M5 holes on the top for monitors and lighting, while the bottom accepts the 25218 Tripod Mounting Ball set. The NA-Z5II is ready for customization to meet your specific shooting requirements.


    Nikon F-Mount & Z-Mount Lens Support

    The Nauticam NA-Z5II is designed to accomodate both Z-Mount and F-Mount lenses. With the new compact design of the NA-Z5II housing, there are newly released zoom and focus gears that will drive off the main zoom/focus knob on the housing. There is also the 22225 N120 FTZ Adapter ER 25 with Knob which will allow you to use previous generation Z-Mount zoom and focus gear along with F-Mount lenses and their corresponding gears. For complete compatibility details, you can view the NA-Z6III/Z5II Port Chart.


    Premium Professional Optics

    Nauticam’s professional water-contact optics deliver the highest underwater image quality. The FCP, WACP, and WWL lines enhance wide-angle, while the MFO and SMC offer exceptional macro and super macro capabilities. The EMWL allows you to shoot macro, wide-angle, or combine the styles for unique images.

    Mission Control

    In true Nauticam fashion, essential controls are placed as close to the handles as possible, making these housings the most intuitive and user-friendly available. Our engineers strategically position controls where they’re needed most, rather than simply near the corresponding buttons on the camera. Dials feature rubberized finger grooves, and levers are designed for smooth operation.


    Integrated Vacuum Check & Leak Detection Electronics

    The Nauticam vacuum check and leak detection system is shipped with NA-Z50II as standard equipment. Combined with an optional accessory vacuum valve (PN 25625), this monitoring system provides constant updates on the water tight and safe-to-dive status of the housing. A simple color coded LED lighting system lets the user know that the vacuum is solid, or that the housing is losing vacuum. Leak detection is built into the same circuit, so if there is water intrusion, an audible and visual indication will occur. The Nauticam system is temperature compensated, eliminating false alarms caused by a change in outside temperature, or from a camera heating up on an action packed dive.


    Flash Triggering

    Flash triggering on the Nikon Z5Il in the NA-Z5II is available via either optical or electrical triggering.

    Optical Triggering

    • 26350 Flash Trigger for Nikon (Compatible with NA-D5/D500/D850)
    • 26352 Manual Flash trigger for Nikon II (for Z6III)
    • 26601 HSS TTL Converter for Nikon (NA-Z8/Z9/Z6III)

    Electrical Triggering

    • 25013 M14 Nikonos 5-Pin bulkhead with hotshoe connection and 26326 M24-M16 Adaptor

    WHAT’S IN THE BOX

    • NA-Z5II Housing
    • N120 Port Cap
    • 2x Optical Bulkhead Caps
    • 2x Handles with mounting balls and 2x handle brackets
    • Pre-installed Leak Detection & Moisture Alarm with CR-2032 Battery
    • Spare Main Houisng O-ring, O-ring remover and Nauticam Lubricant
    • Set of Allen Keys
    • Manual Instruction Card
    • Padded Housing Bag and Shoulder Strap


    RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES

    • 25218 Mounting Ball Set for Tripod (for NA-A9/A7RIII/BMPCC/XT3)
    • 25221 M10 strobe mounting ball for housing
    • 25224 M10 strobe mounting ball for housing (with hole for using lanyard)
    • 25228 M5 strobe mounting ball for housing
    • 25625 M16 Vacuum Valve II (Pushbutton Release)
    • 28130 Hand Strap for 28113
    • 28123 Pair of handles – size S (10mm closer to housing)
    • 25413 27cm lanyard with 2 snap hooks
    • NA-Z5II LCD window for Nauticam Full Frame viewfinder
    • 32212 Nauticam Full Frame Straight Viewfinder 40 / 0.8:1
    • 32214 Nauticam Full Frame Angle Viewfinder 40 / 0.8:1
    • 87213 Reverse Angled Viewfinder for EMWL 40 / 0.8:1
    • 87214 Reverse Straight Viewfinder for EMWL 40 / 0.8:1


    SURFACE USB-PD POWER BANK

    • 26325 USB-C Bulkhead with USB-C Connector
    • 26326 M24-M16 Adaptor for use with 26325


    HDMI OUTPUT

    Required accessories for HDMI 1.4 Cable System

    • 25033 Standard HDMI bulkhead with M16 thread
    • 26326 M24-M16 Adaptor for use with 26325 *instead of existing 25081
    • 25076 HDMI (D-D) Cable in 200mm Length for NA-XT2/XH1/A6400 (for internal connection from HDMI bulkhead to camera)

    Compatible Monitor Options

    • 16612 Nauticam 7” T7  UW ULTRAHD Monitor  (HDMI 1.4 input, excl. cables) 25047 HDMI (D-D) cable in 800mm length (for connection between HDMI bulkheads) *25047 is Required for use with 16612 monitor housing
    • 17927 NA-Shinobi II Housing for Atomos Shinobi II 5.2″ Monitor with HDMI 1.4 input *17927 includes 25033, 25038, 25100
    • 17922 Nauticam Atomos Ninja V Housing for Atomos Ninja 5 4kp60 4:2:2 10-bit recorder/monitor/player (excl. HDMI 2.0 cable)
    • 25082 HDMI 1.4 Cable for Ninja V housing in 0.75m Length (for connection from Ninja V housing to HDMI bulkhead) *25082 is Required for use with 17922 monitor. 


    MONITOR/TRIPOD MOUNTING SYSTEM

    • 17951 Nauticam Atomos Shogun housing mounting system
    • 17952 Nauticam Monitor Housing Mounting Adaptor
    • 17954 Tripod plate for NA-A7S and NA-GH4
    • 17960 Universal Quadra-Pod Plate for Nauticam Housings
    • 17961 Swivel and Tilt Adjustable Monitor Mount System (compatible with 16612/17927/17922 etc.)
    • 25218 Mounting Ball Set for Tripod (for NA-A9/A7RIII/BMPCC/XT3)


    WET LENSES

    Macro

    • 81202 Super Macro Convertor 2 (4x Magnification)
    • 81203 Super Macro Convertor 3 (2.3x Magnification)
    • 81301 Compact Macro Convertor 1 (CMC-1, 4.5x Magnification)
    • 81302 Compact Macro Convertor 2 (CMC-2, 2.8X Magnification)
    • 81501 Mid-range Focus Optimizer 1
    • 81503 Mid-range Focus Optimizer 3

    Wide-angle

    • 83202 Wet Wide Lens 1B (WWL-1B) 130 deg. FOV with compatible 28mm lenses (incl. float collar)
    • 83203 Wet Wide Lens Compact (WWL-C) 130 Deg. FOV with Compatible 24mm Lenses (incl. float collar)
    • 85204 Wide Angle Conversion Port – 2 (WACP-2) 140 Deg. FOV with Compatible 14mm Lenes (incl. float collar)
    • 85205 N100 0.36x Wide Angle Conversion Port Compact (WACP-C)
    • 85206 N120/N100 0.36x Wide Angle Conversion Port with Integrated Float Collar and Interchangeable Port Mounting Ring – (WACP-1B)
    • 85207 N120/N100 Fisheye Conversion Port with Integrated Float Collar (FCP) 170 Deg. FOV with Compatible 28mm Lenses

    Macro to wide-angle

    • 87302 EMWL Set #2 (incl. focusing unit #2, 150mm relay lens and 3 objective lenses)
    • 87202 EMWL Focusing Unit #2 (for Canon FF 100mm & APS-C 60mm)
    • 87211 EMWL 150mm Relay Lens
    • 87212 EMWL Angled Relay Lens
    • 87221 EMWL 60° Objective Lens
    • 87222 EMWL 100° Objective Lens
    • 87223 EMWL 130° Objective Lens
    • 87226 EMWL 160° Objective Lens


    WET LENS ACCESSORIES

    • 25101 M67 flip diopter holder for M67 macro ports
    • 25108 M67 Double Flip Holder for M67 Macro Ports
    • 83250 M67 to Bayonet Converter II
    • 83214 Bayonet Mount Adaptor for SMC/CMC
    • 87501 Flip Holder for EMWL
    • 87512 Shade for 130° Objective Lens
    • 87513 Shade for 100° Objective Lens
    • 87519 Shade for 160° Objective Lens
    • 87518 Strobe Mounting Brackets for EMWL Relay Lens





    Source link

  • Extremophiles Discovered at Depths Beyond 30,000 Feet for the First Time

    Extremophiles Discovered at Depths Beyond 30,000 Feet for the First Time


    By Ian Bongso-Seldrup, July 31, 2025 @ 10:30 PM (EST)
    Source: BBC

    Macellicephaloides grandicirra, a species of polychaete worm known for its white, spiky appearance

     

    A Chinese-led research team has captured images of life at depths of more than 30,000 feet—over 9.5 kilometers—for the first time. During an expedition to the Kuril–Kamchatka Trench and the western Aleutian Trench in the bathyscaphe Fendouzhe, the scientists discovered fields of tube worms, beds of mollusks, and mats of bacteria. Previously, the deepest marine vertebrate life captured on film was a snailfish swimming in a trench at 27,350 feet (8,336 meters) off the Japanese coast in 2023.

    “It’s exciting—especially for a deep-sea scientist—to go to a place that human beings have not explored,” one of the lead researchers, Dr Xiaotong Peng, told BBC News. “It’s a great opportunity to discover new things. And what we saw was quite amazing.” The expedition explored trenches at depths of between 19,000 feet (5,800 meters) and 31,276 feet (9,533 meters), covering a distance of around 1,500 miles. Their work has just been published in the journal Nature.

    In the absence of sunlight, the “chemosynthetic” organisms surviving at such depths get their energy from hydrogen sulfide and methane seeping out of cracks in the Earth’s crust. The researchers are aiming to understand how these animals convert these chemicals into energy—and also how they adapt to life under such extreme pressure.

     

    Beds of mollusks feeding off the chemicals seeping from the seabed

     

    Dense colonies of tube worms up to a foot long

     

    Composite image of the Fendouzhe submersible in a deep ocean trench created by the scientific team

     

    The bathyscaphe Fendouzhe, or Striver, pictured being transported (upside down) aboard its mother ship. The deep-submergence vehicle is designed to reach depths of more than 10,000 meters





    Source link

  • 20 Best Overlay Photo Effects in Photoshop for Creatives

    20 Best Overlay Photo Effects in Photoshop for Creatives



    * { box-sizing: border-box; } body {margin: 0;}*{box-sizing:border-box;}body{margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}



    Source link

  • The Right Tool for the Job: Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary

    The Right Tool for the Job: Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary


    For every photographic project that we undertake, there is going to be a best “tool for the job”. If you are heading to northern Canada to photograph the aurora borealis, then a fast, wide prime lens like Sigma’s 15mm F1.4 DG DN Diagonal Fisheye | Art would be a great choice. Heading to Yellowstone for wildlife? Then a super-telephoto zoom like the 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports lens would be ideal. For my latest adventure, the perfect piece of gear was Sigma’s 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary lens for crop sensor cameras.


    Why was this lens the best choice?

    Well, I suppose I should start by telling you what I was getting myself into. After almost thirty years exploring the mountains around my hometown of Breckenridge, Colorado, I was looking for a backpacking trip that would sum up the entire area into one big, unifying hike. Going over my maps, I found the perfect route and it would begin and end at my front door. It would be almost forty miles in length and include about 10,500 vertical feet up, and over 11,000 down. I would hike over four mountain passes on the east and south side of town, and then link four remote drainages on the west side of town. Most of my hiking would be done off-trail and require significant effort and route finding skills, and would take me four nights and five days to complete.

    Of course, there’s no way I’m doing an adventure like this without a camera in hand. There would be opportunity for both landscape and wildlife photography during my time in the field. Clearly the best tool for the job would be something lightweight yet powerful. Wide enough for epic landscapes but also with plenty of telephoto power to bring in distant wildlife. Luckily, Sigma had just released a lens that fit the bill perfectly – the 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary, available for Sony E-mount, L-Mount, Fujifilm X Mount, and Canon RF Mount. I paired it with the relatively small Canon EOS R7 for an easy-to-carry combo.

    The Canon mount version of this lens weighs just 22 ounces (625g) a with a nice, compact size that fit perfectly in my Think Tank front mount pack. This was great because much of the photography would be a bit more documentary in style and I wanted instant access during the entirety of the hike. The lens also features Sigma’s updated OS2 (optical stabilization) system which meant I could easily handhold many of my shots. The very close focusing distance (minimum is 6.7 inches at the wide end) was awesome for getting close-up images of the many wildflowers that were absolutely peaking on my hike.

    It was great to have the extensive range of the 16-300mm. On a Canon APS-C camera, this is the equivalent of a 26-480mm lens on a full-frame camera. With that kind of range, I was able to capture everything from epic mountain vistas to simple snapshots documenting my journey.

    The image quality of the Sigma 16-300mm was even better than I had expected. It’s been a long time since I last used a crop sensor super zoom lens. I had decent results back then and was kind of expecting the same, but I was pleasantly surprised to find the results approaching that of the high-end Art and Sport line lenses. Images were nice and sharp, and chromatic aberration was held in check even when shooting in extreme lighting situations, which I often like to shoot. Autofocus was fast and accurate, and seemed to work very well with the Canon AF system.

    One other welcome feature on an excursion like this is the dust and splash-resistant construction – it’s actually the first Sigma Contemporary lens to have weather sealing throughout the entire lens body. There was plenty of adverse weather to deal with including rain, hail and sleet daily, and the 16-300mm handled it all nicely.


    Consider the Sigma 16-300mm

    A backpacking adventure like this calls for a lens that can handle everything thrown at it, from gorgeous wide vistas to distant wildlife and colorful wildflowers. If you have an upcoming trip where keeping size and weight to a minimum are paramount, take a good look at the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary. It’s sharp, fast, light and portable, making it the perfect one-lens solution for many of your photographic endeavors. Pick one up today, and hope to see you out there!



    Source link

  • Isotta Announces First Housing for Smartphones

    Isotta Announces First Housing for Smartphones


    Isotta has unveiled its new anodized aluminum housing for smartphones—a first for the Italian company. Isotta tells us that the single image on their website shows the prototype, but given the finish, it looks to be very close to the final product. We can expect full product shots in the coming weeks. According to the new phone’s spec sheet, the housing is “compatible with any phone model currently on the market” and can be fitted with “an adjustable mount for additional lenses.”

    Like many smartphone housings, connection to your phone is via Bluetooth, so you won’t need a special app to make use of the housing’s hardware controls for basic operation. The picture of the prototype doesn’t reveal much about those hardware controls, but the spec sheet intriguingly states that there’s a “joystick for cursor control.” What is clearly visible is Isotta’s signature single-handed open/close knob, but the spec sheet notes that the back of the housing is “completely detachable” from the front.

    Also of note is that the housing features a compartment for a rechargeable 21700 battery—which presumably explains the housing’s prominent bulge—and there’s a USB-C socket for charging. The battery is designed to keep your phone juiced for longer and it may well also power the built-in “moisture sensor with LED indicator.” The housing is also ready to receive a vacuum system, but this is an optional extra.

    Shipping in mid-September, Isotta’s smartphone housing can be pre-ordered from Backscatter now. Final surprise: The housing isn’t only available in “Isotta red”—there’s a black version, too.

     



    When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.



    PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

    SMARTPHONE HOUSING

    PRE-ORDER NOW!*

    *Delivery expected in mid-September 2025.

    TECHNICAL DATA

    • Red and Black colored anodized aluminum body;
    • Designed to attach up to 3 spheres;
    • Bluetooth connection;
    • Compatible with any phone model currently on the market;
    • Ergonomic for horizontal or vertical use; perfect for Instagram shots;
    • Prepared to attach an adjustable mount for additional lenses;
    • Joystick for cursor control;
    • Dedicated button for shooting, ok and back;
    • No app needs for basic function;
    • 1 USB-C socket for charging the housing’s battery (charger not included);
    • 1 USB-C socket to use the housing’s battery as powerbank for the phone (cable not included);
    • 1 rechargeable 21700 battery (not included);
    • Double O-Ring seals on the removable parts;
    • Back housing completely detachable from the front housing;
    • Single-hand closing knob;
    • Prepared for ISOTTA vacuum system (not included);
    • Moisture sensor with LED indicator;
    • Working depth: 100 meters;
    • Sizes (LxHxP): 113/176 mm x 80 mm x 235 mm;
    • Air weight: about 1 Kg without the phone;
    • Water weight: about 300 gr without the phone;


    WHAT IS INCLUDED

    • Housing;
    • Humidity sensor;
    • Replacement O-ring kit;
    • Silicone lubricant 15gr / 0,5 oz;
    • Warranty: 2 years manufacturer’s (excluding batteries);


    Sales price without tax 850,00 €

    Sales price, 22% VAT included*1037,00 €

    *Price inclusive of VAT rate at 22%, valid for Italy and the member countries of the European Community.





    Source link

  • 17 Creative Photos of Sharks for Shark Week 2025!

    17 Creative Photos of Sharks for Shark Week 2025!


    For those brave enough to photograph sharks in their natural environment, the visual rewards can often be quite stunning. Some photographers even make their entire reputation about underwater photography and their creative approaches. As part of the Shark Week 2025 movement we thought we’d show some of our favourite photographs of sharks for a little bit of inspiration. We certainly are not saying you should go out and shoot these yourselves without a lot of experience, but sharks are a huge part of our natural diversity and deserve this spot in the photography pantheon.

    a black and white photo of a shark in the snow
    Michael Worden
    black fish at water
    Ishan @seefromthesky
    A black and white photo of a shark
    Kinø
    a large white shark swimming in the ocean
    Amanda Bear
    a shark swims under the water in the ocean
    Elizabeth Villalta

    The common thread that units all of these wonderful photographs of sharks is that these particular ones all have exceptional composition. With very clearly defined centres of interest and lots of negative space to draw your eye to that centre of interest it’s a skill that makes for a very compelling photograph. If you would like to get some tips on your own compel compositions then don’t forget to check out our composition drills here.

    a shark that is swimming in the water
    Gerald Schömbs
    a couple of people are diving in the water
    Michael Worden
    white and black shark in water
    Gabriel Dizzi
    A shark swimming in the ocean with a light shining on it
    Jonathan Lackey
    white shark under the sea
    Owen Harding
    a great white shark swimming in the ocean
    Chase Baker
    white and black shark tail
    Ali Maah
    gray shark surrounded with fishes
    Kris-Mikael Krister
    a shark swimming in the ocean with its mouth open
    Gerald Schömbs
    a great white shark swimming in the ocean
    Oleksandr Sushko
    person sun bathing on white inflatable buoy under sunny skies
    Jared Rice
    closeup photo of hammerhead shark
    Jonas Allert

    It’s wonderful that the Discovery Channel has started this annual tradition of celebrating sharks and given us an opportunity to take a look at some of the inspirational images photographers can take with this wonderful subject. Hopefully this collection has given you a few things to think about.

    Share:  





    Source link