Coffee on the table, down jacket, and hat. In the room where I’ve just opened my computer, it’s barely 38 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius). The fire behind my back started crackling cozily just a few moments ago. Slowly and reluctantly, the spruce logs are beginning to release the solar energy they have been storing for decades through photosynthesis. Outside the windows, the newly born February has realized what January irresponsibly ignored and has begun to shower my cabin with large flakes of snow. The birds outside the windows are taking away, seed by seed, the sunflowers I have scattered for them. And I, at a pace similar to theirs, letter by letter, add to the first Photography News of the month.
Recent Announcements
- OM System OM-1 Mark II: If you haven’t had a chance to read Jason’s analysis, here’s a very brief summary: Imagine the original OM-1, then inflate its buffer from 96 to 256 frames, increase the (theoretical) optical stabilization performance by 1.5 stops, improve the AF and neutral density filter capabilities, and suddenly the Mark I becomes the Mark II. All for $2400.
- OM System M.Zuiko 150-600 f/5.0-6.3: I’ll be singing a similar song with this new lens. Imagine a Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN Sports lens, give it a slightly different exterior design, add an OM mount, and increase the price from $1500 to $2700. Suddenly you have the longest zoom lens on the Micro Four Thirds system. That said, if you’re looking for uncompromising quality and a larger aperture for a similar price, it’s worth considering the Olympus ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO, which is currently priced at $2,800 (was $3,000).
- Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8: Originally introduced for the Sony E-mount, this lens is now also available for the Nikon Z-mount. Weighing 173g, it’s an ultra-light alternative to the 505g Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S. The filter diameter is the old Nikon standard 52mm, and the price is $158 at Amazon or $145 at Pergear.
- Red Digital Cinema V-Raptor [X] and XL [X] 8K VV Camera: A pair of professional video cameras with a 35.4MP CMOS sensor measuring 40.96 x 21.6 mm. Among the high-end features of both cameras, two stand out: The global shutter (which the Sony a9 III made a splash with in late 2023) and the massive dynamic range of 17+ stops, which can be further extended to 20+ with Extended Highlights. The cameras can be purchased for $29,995 (V-Raptor [X]) respectively $44,995 (V-Raptor XL [X]).
The Rumor Mill
Nikon Z6 III: Rumors Summary
The list of rumored specs on Nikon Rumors is already so long and detailed that it almost seems like the Nikon Z6 III has just been announced. But the opposite is true. After all, Q1 2024, the timeframe in which this event is expected to happen, is also one of the many speculations. So what are the rumors about the Z6 III so far?
- Sensor and processor: 24.5 MP like the previous generation, but a new sensor design nonetheless.
- Frame rate and shutter speed: Similar to the Z8/9. That would be 20 FPS RAW (14bit) and 120 FPS jpeg small. The shutter curtain is expected to be mechanical.
- Autofocus and VR: AF should work with 299 points (26 more than the Mark II). What is likely is that AF will get full subject recognition, the same as Zf or better (birders, get the champagne ready). There should be a significant improvement in IBIS performance, which should be able to do up to 8 stops (as on the Zf, where it works really well). Pixel shift could also be adopted from the Zf.
- Camera design: Just as the Z8 is a small Z9, the Z6 III should be a small version of the Z8 in buttons and handling. However, the classic PSAM dial and more or less the dimensions of the Z6 II should remain.
- Viewfinder and rear display: The resolution of the viewfinder should be 5.76 million dots, which is more than any Nikon camera today. The rear LCD should allow a wider range of angles (probably similar to the Zf).
- Video features: Parameters like 6k60 NRAW, 4k120 (crop), 4k60 ProRes RAW would certainly be very appealing to video makers. In this respect, it would be a big leap forward from its predecessor.
Good Deals and New Sales
A pair of good binoculars is an invaluable aid when looking for wildlife. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive model on the market, but it should be of sufficient quality, weather sealed, and preferably small and lightweight.
I’ve selected a few models that are currently on sale that offer good value for the money. Not sure whether to choose 8x or 10x magnification? For beginners or in the woods, 8x may be more appropriate. For open country with longer views or for more experienced users, 10x magnification is better.
- Nikon PROSTAFF P7 8×30 (was $177, now $147)
- Nikon PROSTAFF P7 10×30 (was $187, now $157)
- Nikon 8×42 Monarch M5 (was $287, now $257)
- Nikon 10×42 Monarch M5 (was $297, now $267)
- Nikon 8×30 Monarch M7 (was $477, now $427)
- Nikon 10×30 Monarch M7 (was $487, now $437)
One of the best straps for carrying cameras with long telephoto lenses is this one from BlackRapid, which happens to be on sale today:
- BlackRapid Curve Breathe Bundle (was $130, now $99)
The reason it’s so comfortable is that the strap stays on your shoulder at all times, and even when you raise the camera to your eye, it doesn’t slide around on your body.
Other Pages of Interest
Ingenuity is the first autonomous helicopter to fly on an alien planet. The 1.8 kg helicopter has been on the Martian surface since February 2021. Ingenuity managed to complete 72 flights, covering a total distance of 17km in the thin Martian atmosphere. By the way, did you know that the density of Mars’s atmosphere is only 1% of that of Earth? Anyway, it all comes to an end. After almost three years of service, it was grounded for good due to a broken rotor blade after an unfortunate landing. See the NASA website for more details. Alternatively, you can watch a video about this unique project on CNET’s YouTube channel.
TIME and the American Society of Media Photographers hosted a photo contest called “The Human Element,” which focused on portraiture. See the best images on the TIME website.
Before we take a look at the beautiful images that have come together in recent Photo Challenges, I have one last tip for you. This time it is cinematic, musical and of course photographic. All these three aspects come together in the movie La Panthère des neiges (The Velvet Queen) by the famous French wildlife photographer Vincent Munier. The great music for this movie was composed by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. I won’t say more, it’s a great experience for the eyes, ears and soul.
Photo Theme Challenge, Week #35
Last week’s theme was surprise, and you can see the results in this thread. Thank you to everyone for your submissions! This week’s theme is purple, and you can submit your results in this thread by Saturday, February 10.
Week #34 Results
Let’s check out some of the shots we received for the surprise theme!
rjbfoto gave us this shot:
It’s quite a surprising and interesting optical illusion! I had to look twice to understand the effect. PizzaGuy’s was looking at a sunset…
…when he was approached by a wild horse. Now that’s a surprise! Finally, let’s take a shot of vidmarko:
According to him, this shot was supposed to be focused on the kayaker, but he got this out of focus effect instead. It’s a nice effect!
Thanks everyone for submitting their photos in the challenge, and we hope to see more next week in the transparent theme.
Great info as always. Just wondering if the Z6 III rumours might also apply to the Z7? Is there a Z7 III on the horizon with similar changes? I’m especially interested in the subject recognition for birds. Thanks
I have a question not related to this article. I’d love to get your thoughts on. I have been considering buying the DSLR 600mm f/4. Until now, my most expensive lens has been the 2nd hand (from B&H) 70-200mm f/2.8 for ~$1,400. So, it’ll be a big jump. I don’t have budget constraints but I am still struggling to mentally convince myself to spend $12k on a lens as a hobbyist. So, I was looking at used and found few options on both KEH and B&H. I have bought used gear from both and don’t have any complaints. So here are my 2 questions:
1. If I am buying such an expensive lens, is it wise to buy used instead of biting the bullet with new one?
2. With the future firmly being mirrorless, should I rather buy such lens only after I myself move to mirrorless? I don’t know when that’ll be as I’d prefer to buy a D500 sibling instead of splurging on Z8.
I’d really love to get some guidance or hear what others thoughts are.
I can’t say about your second question – personally I don’t think it’s necessary to wait unless you think you’ll change your mind and pick a different lens later. But that’s up to you.
To your first question, though, I would buy used. I’ve bought most of my lenses used with no issues, including expensive glass – you just need to test to make sure it works right, which isn’t hard to do with a supertelephoto. Make sure it focuses properly and that you’re getting sharp photos with it. So long as those two things are true, there aren’t any hidden issues you’ll need to worry about. As I’m sure you know, B&H and KEH both have good return policies on used equipment.
By ‘focus properly’ do test subject acquisition and not just focus on a still subject.
I bought a used 200-500 and found that it wouldn’t even focus on a gliding red kite.
Also, having bought a used lens from a certain seller, I was told 18 months later, when re-selling it, that it had fungus in it. So do shine a torch down it.
Otherwise, like Spencer, I’ve bought most of my lenses used.
Thanks Spencer. Mentally, I’ll find it easier to just spending $6k compared to $12k.
Robert – I am leaning towards KEH. Have bought the Tamron 150-600 G2 from them and haven’t had any issues. I hope that’s not your “certain seller”.
No, it wasn’t.
My best used purchase was a 300/f4D, 10 years ago, and still a great lens.
Thanks Spencer. Mentally, I’ll find it easier to just spending $6k compared to $12k.
Hi Jigar, I have a Nikon D500 and a Z9 in my backpack. So I’m straddling between the DSLR and mirrorless worlds. I was in exactly the same situation as you. Until yesterday, when I got a Nikon 500/4 FL for a really irresistible price. If you can get a good piece at a good price, the F-mount versions are still a great option. For future serviceability and better AF functionality on Z cameras, I’d rather go with the latest FL lenses. Of course, they don’t have a built-in TC and you have to use them with the FTZ adapter. But that was a price I was prepared to pay. Plus, if you find that the lens doesn’t work for you for some reason, you’ll probably be able to sell it for a similar price.
I’ve been wondering if we’ll see an APS-C Z80 at some point.
It would be a very nice camera and one I would strongly consider.
Why ? So Nikon can sell you some of their world renown f/3.5-5.6 crappy APS-C zooms ?
They made about 6 or 7 of those during their DSLR era. Z mount is closed so no third party lenses besides Tamron and if you are going to buy their FF lenses there is zero incentive to go with APS-C camera in that case since there is zero or close to zero weight and size advantage.
There are only 2 choices if you like APS-C size sensors (like I do) and that is Fuji and Sony. Fuji is deeply dedicated to APS-C and offers great lenses and great choices, while Sony owners get a lot of third party options thanks to them opening their mount to more or less anyone.
Because it’s a cheaper camera compared to a Z8 with high pixel density? The Z80 wouldn’t be for APS-C/smaller lenses but for wildlife enthusiasts who would prefer not to spend 4K on a camera and instead put the money towards lenses.
Absolutely right.
I’ve got a Z5, D7500, 300/f4D, 1.4 TC and 500/f5.6 for the price of a Z9. (The Z5 is for landscapes with the 24-200).
You can certainly use the full-frame Z-mount lenses on an APS-C camera, especially for wildlife which was what I was thinking. This wasn’t a problem on F-mount.
There are Sigma APS-C lenses available for the “closed” Z-mount today. You can go buy them from your favorite camera place right now.
If all you want is APS-C, maybe Fuji is the brand for you. I’ve looked at it too, but the weight savings aren’t really that significant.
Doubt it.
If they wanted to, they could’ve done it by now.
They are more interested in churning out a ‘cute’ (see Thom Hogan) Zf than a Z80.
Which is rather dumb – the best camera for the 400/f4.5 (and 1.4 TC) would be a Z80.
Something like the Z80, or just a well-built APS-C camera with a sensor resolution over 30MP would be a great backup body. With a bit of exaggeration, it would be the best teleconverter to complement the full frame Z8/9.
Absolutely staggered at the price of the Olympus 300/f4. You can get a very good used D500 and 500f/5.6 for not much more than that. I know which I’d buy. No contest. Makes it hard to see the point of 4/3.
OK: based on the above, where is the smart money going on a comparison between the Sony A7iv and Z6iii?
Yes the price for micro four thirds lenses is somewhat large. 300mm on 20MP micro four thirds gives about the same pixels on target as a 390mm on the D500/Z8/D850. Not very much reach compared to the 500PF.