Sigma Black Friday Sales

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Sigma is offering Black Friday deals on all their ART Series lenses. I love the Sigma ART series lenses and these discounts make already excellent values even better!My Sigma Favorites!

Additional Sigma Lenses on Sale:Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM Art $799 (Reg $899)Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art $749 (Reg $849)Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC HSM Art $449 (Reg $499)Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Art $799 (Reg $899)Sigma 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art $1499 (Reg $1,599)Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art $899 (Reg $999)Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art $999 (Reg $1,099)Many of these lenses can be used on Sony with the MC-11 Adapter.

Holiday Gift Guide for the Crafty Photographer

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Holiday Gift Guide for the Crafty Photographer | http://photorec.tvThe holiday gift guide for the crafty photographer is near and dear to my heart because I am a crafty photographer. I own more craft supplies than I care to admit and love experimenting with all different types of creative projects. Instead of researching great holiday deals or talking to everyone I know about what they would buy for the crafty photographer in their life, I'm simply sharing the items I own and use all the time for my creative photography.

50mm f/1.8

I feel like a broken record talking about the 50mm f/1.8 lens. But it really is such a great tool for creative photography and beyond. 50mm is an ideal focal length for portraits, street photography, and much more. I use it far more often than any other lens for my blog photography and creative shooting. The focal length is extremely versatile, and the wide 1.8 aperture lets you play around with shooting in virtually any light level. The possibilities are endless.

Lensbaby

The Lensbaby is actually the only item in this holiday gift guide I don't own myself. Lensbaby produces simple prime lenses that allow you to experiment with bokeh and other fun photography techniques without breaking the bank. They offer prime lenses at varying focal lengths, all for under $500. My friend Natasha has a couple of fantastic examples of images she's created with her Lensbaby as well as inspiration and suggestions for other creative possibilities with Lensbaby images. Check them out here: Seaside Sunset Bokeh Freebie Pack | In-Camera Bokeh Overlay Freebies.

Printed paper and vinyl backdrops

Patterned paper and vinyl backdrops allow you to create staged or styled photography setups quickly and easily. Having a backdrop eliminates distraction and creates a professional, cohesive aesthetic for your images. If you're taking portraits or experimenting with creative techniques that may be messy, such as freezing water drops with a flash, vinyl is a great option because it's simple to clean and reuse. My favorite Etsy shops for vinyl backdrops are InkandElm and MyBackdropShop.I also love to use patterned paper for creative photography because there are so many designs available. As patterned paper is cheaper, I don't worry too much about keeping it in great condition. When you've trashed it, simply throw it out and roll out some new paper. My favorite online source for patterned paper is Pacon's Ella Bella line. I also recommend browsing the large paper rolls as well as smaller scrapbook paper options at Michaels.

Fun dishes, silverware, and other kitchen items

Adding a few carefully selected props to a styled shoot helps tell a story, creating a stronger image. I share some of my best examples of styled food shots in 10 Steps to Improve Your Food Photography. Think about gifting the crafty photographer in your life fun dishes, silverware, or other kitchen gear that they might not purchase for themselves. Hit your favorite thrift or secondhand shop, and keep an eye out for holiday deals from popular kitchen retailers, such as Crate and Barrel.

Seasonal props and other decor items

DIY Heart Shaped Bokeh How to for Valentine's Day is a perfect example of how you can create fun holiday images without breaking the bank. I love to hit the dollar store and the dollar section at Target and other big box stores for seasonal and holiday props and other decor items. I also keep a handful of versatile photography props on hand, such as Scrabble tiles and blue Ball jars, which are easy to mix and match for an extensive range of shots.

Christmas lights and fairy lights

I'm a huge sucker for Christmas lights and have been known to dig through the Christmas decorations, so I can pull out the lights for a photo shoot. I also own a few dedicated solid color light strands I use solely for photography (luckily, they're cheap and don't take up a lot of space). In addition to potential for creative bokeh, Christmas lights make for a great prop or add a fun pop of color to creative shoots. The holidays are a perfect time to splurge on a few strands for a crafty photographer, as you'll find a wide range of colors and styles at every big box and home improvement store. You can also shop for lights online at Amazon all year round.I also love using fairy lights in my photography for a lighter touch. Jessica of How Sweet Eats has some fantastic styled photos with fairy lights in her espresso martinis recipe. Fairy lights are fun for a whimsical photo shoot, too.

Creative photography course

My favorite source for creative classes is Alisa Burke. I'm not sponsored to promote her classes, nor do I receive any compensation if you sign up for or gift one of her classes. I've just been a huge Alisa fan for years now and absolutely love the online classes I've taken with her. Currently, she offers two photography classes: Snapshot Delight and Photo Play. Honestly, I think any of her classes will enhance your creative photography skills, so don't be afraid to think out of the box for gift giving this season.

What camera gear is on your holiday wish list this year?Is there anything else you’d like to see in this holiday gift guide for the crafty photographer?

Feel free to share links in the comments!

Easy Tips for Taking Better Holiday Photos

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Easy Tips for Taking Better Holiday Photos | http://photorec.tvThe holidays are an ideal opportunity to capture images with friends and family. Taking a few extra minutes to snap photos during a holiday gathering will allow you to look back on the event for years to come. Before you gather with your loved ones this year, brush up on key tips for taking better holiday photos.

Tips for Taking Better Holiday Photos | http://photorec.tvFocus on telling a story

It's easy to snap pictures during a holiday family gathering without giving them much thought. While you may capture a few memories, most likely you won't create very strong images. The pictures you do have also won't tell much of a story of the entire event. Even if you're just creating a Facebook album or blog post and aren't putting together a photo book or something more elaborate, it's still nice to have a narrative element to your collection of images. Think about the event as a whole and the images you want to take to convey this larger picture.

Tips for Taking Better Holiday Photos | http://photorec.tvStrive to get a combination of candid and posed shots

When a large group of family gathers, I love getting a couple of posed shots to print and put up on the wall. But nine times out of ten, my favorite images from a gathering end up being the candid shots. Pay attention to the smaller moments during the gathering, and seek out opportunities to capture the details of the event as well, such as the place settings or holiday decor. When you are planning to get a few posed shots, think about bringing a tripod and a remote shutter, so you're able to be in a few of the shots.

Tips for Taking Better Holiday Photos | http://photorec.tvGet on eye level with the kids

Have you heard the photography advice "move to get the shot?" This trued and true tip applies to taking better holiday photos, too. Instead of snapping a quick shot of your nieces and nephews playing a board game from a standing vantage point, move down to their level. You'll create a more engaging action shot. If little ones aren't comfortable having the camera right in their faces, spend some time just sitting with them to put them at ease, or scoot back to create a bit of a buffer safe zone.

Tips for Taking Better Holiday Photos | http://photorec.tvShoot with a prime lens or external flash

A prime lens is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to create beautiful indoor portraits of friends and family during the holidays. It also offers endless possibilities for creative holiday imagery, such as blurred bokeh Christmas lights. Of course, the 50mm is a classic choice. If you're worried that 50mm will be too tight in a smaller space, the 40mm is a great option. Do you already own a 35mm lens? Bring the 35mm instead of the 50mm.When lighting conditions are particularly limited, an external flash is a great asset, particularly for portraits. The above picture is from one of the few events I've attended in the last few years with a flash, and I'm so glad that I did. Make sure to angle your flash away from your subjects to avoid red eye. If you're new to flash photography, the YN-560 IV is just $65 and has an impressive range of features including supporting wireless master and slave functioning and multiple trigger synchronous mode.

Tips for Taking Better Holiday Photos | http://photorec.tvIf the weather allows for it, move outside for a few shots

Indoor photography is often challenging, even under the best of circumstances. Depending on the given weather conditions that day, outdoor shooting may not be an option. But if it is, take it. Most likely the breath of fresh air and a chance for a bit of exercise and fun will be a welcomed change of pace. Experiment with taking pictures right in your backyard or head down the street to the local park, especially if you have kids in your group.

Tips for Taking Better Holiday Photos | http://photorec.tvKeep your camera handy

I can't tell you how many times I've meant to take pictures at an event or gathering and don't end picking up my camera even once. Sometimes it's fun to enjoy gathering with your loved ones without your camera. But it can also be disappointing to miss an anticipated opportunity for photos. Consider wearing your camera for at least part of the gathering, so you always have it with you. If there are multiple people taking pictures, designate a central spot for the camera, keeping it within easy reach throughout the event.Finally, don't forget to put your camera down for a few minutes. Enjoy spending time with the people you love without looking at them through your lens. Personally, I like to spend a bit of time sizing up a new environment and letting everyone get comfortable before I pull out my camera. Then I'm intentional about wrapping up my shooting well before the festivities die down, so I can relax without my camera in hand for a while. Find a routine that works for you and stick with it to make the most of your holidays while still creating beautiful images.

Do you have any additional tips for taking better holiday photos?

Feel free to share them in the comments!

Featured Photos Weekly Challenge - Blackpoint

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Instagram Challenge

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_blackpoint

We’ve gone to black this week with a bit of an editing challenge using the black point. Altering your black point in a photo is a great way to change up the look and feel of a photo and we wanted you to stretch those editing skills. Go check out our top picks (and the other entries as well) and give them some insta love.Next Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_food3Find out more about upcoming challenges and past winners at photorec.tv/prtv.You can follow Photorec.TV on Instagram at @Photorec.tv and the team:

Team FeatureTeam FeatureTeam Feature
Rose’s Features:

Fantastic composition. I love the way the structure fills the entire frame.

I love the lighting and composition. The black and white treatment is perfect for this image.

First time one light strobe light setup #prtv_blackpoint #sonya7ii #strobelightnewbie

A post shared by Eileen K (@ektull21) on

A classic shot done very well. The composition is strong, and the black and white treatment keeps the visuals simple and powerful.

Roy’s Features:

Jane has a nice faded look in this shot by raising up the black point giving it a nice aged and softer feel.

“She reads books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live” - Annie Dillard - - - - Decided to try a matte effect for this week’s photo challenge “Black point” - in the Lightroom Tone Curve panel, I raised the shadows up a bit by pulling the leftmost point on the curve upwards - giving a muted “matte” look to the blacks and a vintage look to the photo - - - - #prtv_blackpoint #prtv #librarylife #publiclibrary #curlupwithagoodbook #bookworm #mattephotography #agoodbook #marinciviccenter #lovetoread #cameramama #clickinmoms #momswithcameras #our_everyday_moments #momtogs #letthembelittle #candidchildhood #childhoodunplugged #letthekids #dearphotographer #livethelittlethings #MagicofChildhood #enchantedchildhood #thesincerestoryteller #celebrate_childhood #mom_hub #honestlyparents #ourcandidlife #kidsforreal #tonecurve

A post shared by Jane Glover (@angry_runner) on

It’s a nice dark shot and by lowering the black point you see a lot of the nice film grain as well.

Something a bit different with this creative edit, pushing it darker really made the colorful bits pop

Carbon Fiber Tripods Review

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suQMbemErVs

BONFOTO Carbon Fiber B671C Tripod

BONFOTO Carbon Fiber B671C Lightweight Portable Camera Travel Tripod

Maximum Height: 55"Folded Height: 15"Load capacity: 17.6 lbsPrice: $107.99(Updated model with better head)

amazon logo

MeFOTO Roadtrip Carbon Fiber Tripod

MeFOTO RoadTrip Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod

Max Height: 61.6"Folded Length: 15.4"Load capacity: 17.6 lbsPrice: $299 (with rebate)

amazon logo

Gitzo GT1545T Series 1 Carbon Fiber Tripod

Gitzo GT1545T Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod

Max Height: 64.4"Folded Length: 16.7"Load Capacity: 22 lbPrice: $959.88

amazon logo

Featured Photos Weekly Challenge - Texture 3

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Instagram Challenge

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_texture3

From scary to small, this week the focus on texture was less on the big picture and more on aspects of a subject. It’s a real change and chance to think out of the box with detail shots, macro, still life, and more. Some great photos this week! Go check them out and show the top picks (and the other entries as well) some insta love.Next Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_blackpointFind out more about upcoming challenges and past winners at photorec.tv/prtv.You can follow Photorec.TV on Instagram at @Photorec.tv and the team:

Team FeatureTeam FeatureTeam Feature
Toby’s Features:

Such a sharp image!

The hands, the ring - the caption all combine to create a compelling story and image

Processed well to really make the texture in the petals stand out.

Roy’s Features:

Macro opens a lot of options and a fingerprint really shows some rigid texture in this week’s challenge.

#fingertip #fingerprint #macro #texture #touch #macro_freaks #prtv #prtv_texture3

A post shared by Luke Ciancio (@lukeciancio23) on

Water drops and soft petals of this succulent make for a neat photo.

Simply Succulent My second entry for this week’s photo challenge “texture” - I just love how different the world looks through a macro lens. This was an ugly little neglected succulent that I came across - but with a macro lens only it’s beauty shines through. I didn’t even notice the water drops on the plant until I looked at my LCD screen in review mode - an added bonus! I liked the juxtaposition of the smooth green succulent leaves and the sharp red tips. - - - Canon 70d + canon 100mm 2.8 macro ISO 160, 100mm, f/3.2, 1/160 sec - - - - #PRTV_texture3 #prtv #texture #textures #textureshot #texturephotography #succulents #abstractphotography #abstract #geometricnature #geometrical #symmetryinnature #fractalnature #canon100macro

A post shared by Jane Glover (@angry_runner) on

Hibiscus always have this interesting texture and throwing the photo to black and white really let you play on that for some really defined texture in this shot. 

Holiday Photographer's Gift Guide, $500 or Less

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Holiday Photographer's Gift Guide $500 or Less | http://photorec.tvPut together a wish list of fantastic photography gear for the upcoming holidays that won't break the bank for your family and friends! 

Prime lenses

Prime lenses are a fantastic value for any photographer, regardless of your budget. If you're brand new to shooting with prime lenses, the 50mm f/1.8 (Canon | Nikon) is a terrific place to start. 50mm is a versatile focal length for portraits, street photography, styled shoots, and much more. If you already own the 50mm 1/.8 or are more interested in other focal lengths, the 40mm f/2.8, 60mm f/2.8, and 85mm f/1.8 are also great options for Canon shooters. Nikon has the 35mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/1.8. For Sony shooters, Sigma offers a selection of prime lenses for under $500, including the 19mm f/2.8, 30mm f/1.4, and 60mm f/2.8.

Filters

Many photographers are intimated to purchase filters. High-end filters are expensive, and numerous professionals bash budget filters, discouraging photographers from using them. While you can skip the cheap UV filters, budget CPL and neutral density filters are quality products. Purchasing budget filters also allows you to test the gear at a low price point. You can always upgrade later. Tiffen and Altura are both great budget filter brands for CPL filters. I own the Altura neutral density filter set, which is an ideal starter set for experimenting with different filter numbers.

Speedlites

The holidays are the perfect opportunity to ask for smaller camera gear, such as speedlites, tripods, and straps, to fill out your photography gear without asking for items that are too expensive. When you're in the market for a budget flash, your best place to start is YONGNUO. The YN-560 IV is just $65 and has an impressive range of features including supporting wireless master and slave functioning and multiple trigger synchronous mode.

Tripods

There are a wide range of sturdy tripods that will keep your equipment safe without breaking the bank. When in doubt, choose a well-known tripod manufacturer, such as Dolica, Benro, or Mefoto, and then browse their budget or travel tripods. I use the Dolica TX570B150SL Ultra Compact Tripod, which currently retails for under $70. I purchased it for travel but love the convenient, compact design so much that it's become my standard tripod. When purchasing a tripod, don't skimp on durability just to save a few bucks. The tripod you purchase should be sturdy and well-equipped for your photography needs.PhotoRec tripod reviews: Dolica TRX570 vs Mefoto Travel Tripod, Dolica AX620B100 62-Inch Proline Tripod, and Ball Head, Benro Aero 2 & 4, Feisol CT-3442 Tripod, and Mefoto Globetrotter Air.

Straps

A strap is a must-have for every photographer. Ditch the uncomfortable, awkward strap that comes with your camera, and invest in a better strap. My go-to recommendation for hobbyist and professional photographers alike is the Altura Photo Rapid Fire Camera Neck Strap. I've been using a similar BlackRapid model for several years, and the Altura is just as durable and considerably cheaper. Short of shooting weddings full-time, the Altura is ideal for all of your photography needs.If you're looking for a more stylish strap, check out Envy Scarf Straps, which are extremely versatile and come in a wide range of styles. You can also find a wealth of camera straps on Etsy. Check out ten8e, theBLUEcoopDOOR, and LiVeCameraStraps.

Bags

Personally, I'm a huge fan of ThinkTank camera bags. Most recently, I purchased the SubUrban Disguise 10, which is a great bag for traveling with a lightweight system or taking day trips (full review). I also highly recommend the SubUrban Disguise 20 and the Urban Disguise 40 Classic, both of which are very similar to the now discounted CityWalker 20, which I've been using as my main camera bag for several years. Tenba is another fantastic camera bag company with a wide range of products for $200 or less (full review: Tenba 14L ActionPack Camera Bag).I also cannot say enough good things about the LowePro Fastpack 250 DSLR Camera Backpack. It is one of the first items I ever purchased for my DSLR and has held up beautifully through numerous travel. For less than $100, you'll be hard pressed to find a DSLR backpack that holds as much gear and is versatile enough to serve as a primary carry-on travel bag as well.Are you looking for a stylish camera bag on a budget? Consider Jo Totes or Grafea.

Fun items

I couldn't write a holiday gift guide without including a few purely fun camera items. Camera lens cups are always a popular choice. If you have a lot of social gatherings at home or love to take candid pictures of your family and friends, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is the best polaroid or instant camera on the market right now. Finally, add a couple of nerdy photography shirts to your wish list.

What budget camera gear is on your holiday wish list this year?Is there anything else you'd like to see in this holiday gift guide?

Feel free to share links in the comments!

Save

Sony 24-104 f/4 Hands-on & Sample Images

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Sony has announced a 24-104 f/4 G lens. After a few hours of shooting with it on the new Sony a7R III, I can tell you it is very sharp. Some might be disappointed it is not a G Master lens but Sony has created a lens that is extremely sharp across the range and remains lightweight and travel-friendly.The lens uses a Direct Drive SSM focus motor that Sony claims it has a more direct feel similar to a mechanical focus ring, useful for videographers. It is dust and moisture resistant. Nine circular aperture blades create a smooth bokeh.

  • Image stab: Yes
  • Focus Hold/Customizable Button: Yes
  • Max aperture: F4
  • Min aperture: F22
  • Filter size: 77mm (Recommended CPL filter: Hoya CPL | ND Filter: B+W 6 stop)
  • Min focus: 0.38 m (14.96″)
  • Max magnification: 0.31×
  • Weight: 663 g (1.46 lb)
  • Length: 113 mm (4.45″)
The only bummer - it's a good bit more expensive than other 24-105 lenses, almost $1,300 but it is also far sharper and lighter. Although an expensive combination the Sony 24-105 G and the A7R III with a total cost $4,496 is arguably one of the highest quality combos while remaining travel-friendly (size and weight).Price: $1,298.00 - Preorder from B&H Photo | Preorder from Amazon  Ships Nov 30th.Sample Photos

Featured Photos Weekly Challenge - Halloween 2

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Instagram Challenge

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_halloween2

Ready for some spooky shots? This week’s challenge was Halloween and you guys delivered :). Free internet points for Gareth being extra evil.Next Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_texture3Find out more about upcoming challenges and past winners at photorec.tv/prtv.You can follow Photorec.TV on Instagram at @Photorec.tv and the team:

Team FeatureTeam FeatureTeam Feature
Roy’s Features:

This is a great themed shot and the edit really sells this photo with the muted color.

I love that you went over the top with this awesome shot of your daughter. By itself it’d be a bit spooky but with the texture and graphics its extra neat.

Sweet Revenge. . . . This week’s photo challenge is, of course, “Halloween” and Halloween is always a little over the top in our house so I couldn’t wait to click away. This is my daughter, a cute little human pincushion, looking super psychotic as requested. Funny how good she is at looking psycho? Something tells me she’s had lots of practice lol. Anyway, this was taken in my home office/playroom, with a black muslin backdrop, soft box to camera right, reflector on left. Edited in LR and PS where I added a gradient map and linear gradients to add blue tones, a texture background overlay to roughen it up a bit, and some creepy voodoo font text. Costume and both voodoo dolls were made by....ME! . . . . Canon 5d3 + sigma art 35mm ISO 200, 35mm, f/5.6, 1/80 sec #PRTV_halloween2 #prtv #cameramama #clickinmoms #momswithcameras #our_everyday_moments #candidchildhood #childhoodunplugged #letthekids #littleandbrave #enchantedchildhood #thesincerestoryteller #adventuresofchildren #ourcandidlife #momentinthesun #pixel_kids #magicofchildhood #heaventhrumylens #simplychildren #theartofchildhood #let_there_be_delight #runwildmychild #dadsofinstagram #darlingmovement #voodoodoll #halloween2017 #MoC_060 #pk_costumes2 #littleandbravecostume

A post shared by Jane Glover (@angry_runner) on

Evil clowns! This is a neat shot and the really dark black point really sells the photo.

#prtv #prtv_halloween2 #halloween #killerclowns

A post shared by bob grzembski (@bobbiog_) on

Rose’s Features:

The lighting and composition are fantastic, and the addition of texture and graphics is perfect for Halloween.

Sweet Revenge. . . . This week’s photo challenge is, of course, “Halloween” and Halloween is always a little over the top in our house so I couldn’t wait to click away. This is my daughter, a cute little human pincushion, looking super psychotic as requested. Funny how good she is at looking psycho? Something tells me she’s had lots of practice lol. Anyway, this was taken in my home office/playroom, with a black muslin backdrop, soft box to camera right, reflector on left. Edited in LR and PS where I added a gradient map and linear gradients to add blue tones, a texture background overlay to roughen it up a bit, and some creepy voodoo font text. Costume and both voodoo dolls were made by....ME! . . . . Canon 5d3 + sigma art 35mm ISO 200, 35mm, f/5.6, 1/80 sec #PRTV_halloween2 #prtv #cameramama #clickinmoms #momswithcameras #our_everyday_moments #candidchildhood #childhoodunplugged #letthekids #littleandbrave #enchantedchildhood #thesincerestoryteller #adventuresofchildren #ourcandidlife #momentinthesun #pixel_kids #magicofchildhood #heaventhrumylens #simplychildren #theartofchildhood #let_there_be_delight #runwildmychild #dadsofinstagram #darlingmovement #voodoodoll #halloween2017 #MoC_060 #pk_costumes2 #littleandbravecostume

A post shared by Jane Glover (@angry_runner) on

I love this perspective. The pumpkins on the left contrasting with the creepy writing in the bus is great.

Such a sweet image. I’m always a sucker for the backs to the camera shot.

B&H Photo - Best Savings on Macbooks this year

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B&H Photo Video is clearing out their inventory of Apple 15.4″ MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. discounts range between $500 and $700 from regular price. Although these are 2016 models the upgrades in 2017 were minor and this makes it an excellent deal for a near top-of-the line Mac model. Four options are available along with a 15% discount on AppleCare15.4″ MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (Silver, 2.7 GHz i7, 512 GB) for $2099.00 at B&H15.4″ MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (Silver, 2.6 GHz i7, 256 GB) for $1899.00 at B&H15.4″ MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (Space Gray, 2.7 GHz i7, 512 GB) for $2099.00 at B&H15.4″ MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (Space Gray, 2.6 GHz i7, 256 GB) for $1899.00 at B&H

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Review

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Peak Design Everyday BackpackI've had the 30L Peak Design Everyday Backpack for a while now going on photo hikes and using it for everyday work. It's a very dynamic bag for sure but is it the one for you? From a Kickstarter that raised millions to a standout brand, you can tell this gear is made by photographers for photographers. It takes a bit to get used to this open side design compared to other bags but it can be a great setup for the photographer on the go.

Nice for Hiking

  • Extra compression straps for carrying more gear, including a tripod or sleeping bag
  • Can fit a DJI Phantom or Mavic easily
  • Raised pads for the back to reduce pressure on the back and increase airflow 
  • Sternum and belly straps 
  • Waterproof design
  • Good to use with the Peak Design Capture Clip
  • Top and side handles for grab and go shooting
  • More room for other gear, a coat, or food

Great for Everyday

  • Sideload design makes it easy for quickly switching lenses.
  • Carry-on compliant for air travel
  • Luggage pass through to stack on top of a rolling suitcase
  • Separate back pocket for a 15” laptop with extra storage for paper.
  • Easy access anchor snap for keys or something else
  • Theft prevention snaps that cinch down the zippers
  • A safe pocket at the top to keep business cards, cash, or other important things safe.

One of the most over-engineered bags out there, as the bag is essentially hollow, the key for the Peak Design Everyday Backpack is the special Flexfold Dividers that Velcro in to form cells to hold your gear. Compared to some bags as the zippers fully cover the bag you can get full access to all your gear simply swinging it around your shoulder. Albeit starting out you'll be trying to remember if a lens is on the left side or right when grabbing a lens. The Everyday Backpack is a well designed and thought out backpack that you'll notice a nice touch or feature days after owning the bag.Peak Design Everyday BackpackPeak Design Flexfold DividersBeing an everyday bag it's a nice dynamic design for shelving when needed for just enough gear and leaving the rest as an open backpack. Each Flexfold divider acts as a shelf in the bag with a folding design to move out of the way for larger lenses or subdivide for smaller ones. Because they do not fully hit the sides like a traditional celled design at times that does mean small items such as a lens cap may float to the bottom. I do wish the 30L came with another divider, both the 20L and 30L come with 3 oddly despite it being bigger. After getting the backpack you can do their survey for $10 and pick one up for $5 with free shipping. All-in-all the Flexfold dividers are quite innovative, find out more in the tips & features video here.30L Everyday BagAs a plus, lots of pockets! I'm usually one to push the Cocoon Grid-it as I can't find enough space in bags for the little things either shooting or working. Peak Design included side flaps with many small pockets, a small pouch on the top, and a safe pocket with a magnet for important items (great for business cards). If you need to store something larger though like a polarizer filter and keep it protected I'd suggest a field pouch or similar bag to help store the things that just don't quite fit. Larger items can be stored in the side areas while not in pockets as they stretch but without more padding, I wouldn't recommend this for fragile items like glasses but it's good for a something like a laptop charger.Thanks to the expanding design the 30L is large enough to load a DJI Phantom internally with extra space for a remote. As you fill the bag with something this large it expands to fit the need. Due to this design, the 20L is actually 12L, and the 30L a 18L bag initially. For those that pack light or have gone mirrorless, the 20L is a great fit. For those with multiple bodies or large lenses would be better off with the 30L. To get that extra space, as you raise the Maglatch top flap up brackets in the bag you gain another 8L at the cost of waterproofing at max size being more open. When hiking I managed to easily fit my duck coat in the top half of the bag this way. If you do somehow manage to max this out compression straps are hidden in the bottom and side pockets to hold a tripod or whatever gear you can't manage to stuff inside.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X9x3Tehhiw[/embed]As an everyday bag, the laptop slot is nice as I can carry a notebook and slim laptop but the area collapses when not in use to not take up space. If you are using a full size 15" laptop it will be a snug fit, especially if the main compartment is full as it expands into that area. If you have to carry a lot of paper for work I wouldn't suggest this bag as it's too tight of a fit for much with the laptop included unless you want to sacrifice a divider space or two in the main area. As the dividers collapse down easily for every day I went with one section with a DSLR, zoom, and a 50mm STM lens with plenty of room for what I need to work on that day.[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="16633,16621,16620,16608,16612,16613,16614,16615,16617,16618,16622,16627,16628,16629,16630,16632"]As a note, it's something simple but if you want plain black it's actually coming soon. I've got their charcoal design to review here but if that's not your style, just recently Peak Design has started to come out with new black designs. As of this article, it hasn't gotten to the 30L yet but can be found in their 20L Everyday Backpack, Field Pouch, and a new 5L sling pouch announced today.Overall when compared to some of the more traditional designs of other bag companies the Everyday backpack certainly catches the eye in looks but is it a good camera bag? That depends a bit on you as there is never a perfect bag ( Toby has tons). The Everyday Backpack is good for quick access but it loses out to efficiency a bit. It is expensive though compared to competition such as Toby's favorite MindShift Gear bag for $40 less which may be more convenient for those that really have to pack a ton of gear. Overall it's quite comfortable and the swing design of the arm straps can angle to size the person while the ribbed back design keeps you cool. If you are looking for something different with a great design and everyday use this might be a great bag for you.Also, check out Peak Design’s new Give a Shot program aimed at connecting photographers with non-profit’s - giveashot.org

Buy the 30L

Buy the 20L

Specs

  • Materials
    • Ultralight waxed Kodra synthetic canvas with DWR coating for weatherproofness, poly-spun mixed twill interior, compression-molded high-density EVA foam dividers and protective panels, die-cast and stamped anodized aluminum hardware with sandblasted finish and protective clear coat. Charcoal bags have Hypalon touchpoints, Ash bags have natural leather touchpoints.
  •  Lifetime Warranty
30L Everyday Bag

30L Everyday Backpack

20L Everyday Bag

20L Everyday Backpack

Volume
Min 18L - Max 30L
Min 12L - Max 20L
ExampleGear
Size
13" x 20" (up to 23") x 8"33cm x 51cm (up to 59cm) x 20cm
12" x 18" (up to 21") x 7"30cm x 46cm (up to 54cm) x 17cm
Weight
3.4lbs (1542g)
2.9lbs (1315g)
Flexfold Dividers
3
3
Tripod Carry
Side Pocket + Compression Strap
Side Pocket + Compression Strap
Color
Charcoal, Ash
Charcoal, Ash, Tan, Black

Sony a7R III - Early Review vs a7R II

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B&H Photo is including a free FAST SD Card with preorder! 

I was part of a small pool of press who received an a7R III for an afternoon and evening of shooting. What follows are my thoughts - an early review of the a7R III and the Sony 24-105 f/4 OSS G Lens.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12WqGcLm_QE

The Sony a7R II was a warning shot to Canon and Nikon to stop underestimating mirrorless. The a7R II took the lessons learned with the original a7R and provided a high megapixel camera (42.4MP) with enough autofocusing power to easily work with many Canon lenses while offering the best dynamic range in its class, a stabilized sensor, and beautiful 4k video (not cropped)! The result is that over the last two years we have seen Canon and Nikon sales stagnate while Sony has moved into 2nd place, past Nikon. Though the a7R II sold well (and

continues to sell well

) and did entice a noticeable portion of photographers away from their DSLRs, the A7R II was not perfect. It had several drawbacks - poor battery life, a single SD card slot, just 5fps paired with a small buffer that, when full, greatly reduces camera functionality and, with the sacrifices made for the smaller body, a less desirable in-hand feel which lacked a dedicated focus point selector. The menu was a mess too. And, a few more issues that caused pro photographers concern, not directly related to the camera, too many Sony repair center horror stories and a lack of native Sony glass. I can't offer a critique of the repair department at this time except to say that Sony has recently added

Pro level repair centers in New York and LA

and clearly sees this as a priority. And, during the two years since the A7R II was released, Sony has released over a dozen lenses and now offers high-quality glass from wide to telephoto. Though, they are still missing some longer telephoto options and don't have much 3rd party support there either.

Hands-on with the Sony a7R III

https://youtu.be/FXejdcGKNIYThe AF improvements are huge! The a7R II AF does well but it wasn't something I would want to use to photograph any action or sports. Now, with the speed improvements in the a7R III, Sony states the AF is twice as fast as the previous model. This coupled with a greatly improved eye-AF system results in an incredibly capable camera that makes nailing focus easy. Again and again, I watched it accurately track erratically moving dancers and the eye-af worked great for nailing portraits of still or moving subjects - as long as an eye was somewhat visible.  No, it wasn't perfect - I saw AF confusion a few times but overall the AF hit rate was much higher than a comparably priced DSLRs AND the eye-AF made it easy- I don't even need to move the focus point near the eye - the camera just finds it and locks on. The Sony A7R III is now a camera capable of handling real action.

Walking portraits - with eye-af focus was idiot proof and easily locked onto and tracked the eye closest to you.

Improved Ergonomics and Usability

Sony A7RII Focus Point Selector

Sony A7RII Focus Point Selector

Custom buttons on the a7R III

Custom buttons on the a7R III

Sony a7R III Dual Card Slots

Sony a7R III Dual Card Slots

Sony a7R III Battery - Doubles Battery Life

Sony a7R III Battery - Doubles Battery Life

The dedicated joystick (focus point selector) for selecting AF point and a touch to AF LCD screen make this camera MUCH more user-friendly. Along with a dedicated AF-on button as well as an AEL button (that I recommend you assign Eye-AF) greatly increase the usability of this camera.  Overall, the ergonomics of this camera are improved, including the location of the record button. However, if you don't like the small grip size or feel that the space between grip and lens is tight on the a7R II or a9, you will still be disappointed as the a7R III is virtually identical to the a9 and feels the same in my hands. One item I noticed - the customizability of many buttons has been further improved with a huge list of assignable functions.Dual Card Slots! SD, not XQD. One is UHS-II, and I recommend Sony 64GB SF-G Series UHS-II SDXC. You can set the cards up to record RAW to one and JPEG to the other or stills to one and video to the other or simultaneous write (backup) or relay - as one card fills, it switches seamlessly to the other.Battery life has more than doubled from the Sony a7R II. The Sony a7R III uses the new A9 battery, the Sony NP-FZ100, which more than doubles battery life.I shot 1845 photos with the a7R III and 20 minutes of video - that used less than 50% of the battery! And, almost this entire time when I wasn't taking photos, I was playing with the menu and connecting to wifi. We should also see a serious improvement in cold weather performance (I will be testing the A7R III in Alaska in early December). Sony has also added a USB-C 3.1 port and the standard micro USB which means additional charging options while shooting, tethering or connected to a remote trigger or intervalometer. You can also use the a9 battery grip with the a7R III.The 10 FPS makes this a much more versatile camera making it capable of handling sports and action. Having the same speed silently with the electronic shutter is also impressive, though limited, as I do see some rolling shutter issues with moving subjects - this sensor cannot be read-off as fast as the a9 (which exhibits no rolling shutter in silent mode). The buffer and write speed to the card has been improved. In general, this is a much more responsive camera than the a7R II but, when you do fill that buffer up with uncompressed RAWS and shooting simultaneously to two cards, you will be waiting some time. I have only tested with two SD cards so will be reporting on this in more detail in my detailed review. 

10fps of a spinning dancer

Upgraded a7R III Menu - now color coded

Upgraded a7R III Menu - now color coded

Photow_-_Google_Photos-650x522.png

 The viewfinder upgrade, now like the a9, is larger with a higher resolution screen and is bright and beautiful. It is a welcomed improvement.Image and video quality do not look drastically different from the already excellent a7R II. I will be testing more with side by side comparisons against the a7R II, Canon 5D Mark IV and Nikon D850 in the near future.The menu is still a bit of a mess, but borrowing from the a6500 and a9 systems it is now color-coded, with more helpful icons and a "my menu" section where you can place your frequently used items.No access to the play memories store - so timelapse fans will need to buy an intervalometer. BUT with the additional USB-C port you can charge the camera while running longer time-lapses. All other apps you may have used on the Sony a7R II or other models is not available in the a7R II. I do not know why they have made this choice.

Should You Buy the Sony a7R III?

I have spent only one day with the camera, but based on my experience, if you have been waiting for a Sony camera that can truly replace your DSLR or you are an a7r or a7ii shooter, this is a camera I can happily recommend. Should a7R II users consider upgrading? I have decided to upgrade based on the increased AF and usability of this camera. I love the a7R II image quality and for landscape or general travel it has been a fantastic camera but anytime I found myself shooting portraits or action (wildlife in Tanzania last year) I was frustrated with the usability of the camera - slow to move focus point, slow to respond after shooting a burst. The upgrades the camera provides in this area are enough for me to make the move. Pair the new Sony a7R III with the new 24-105 f/4 G OSS lens and you have a fantastically versatile camera.Videographers should you buy the Sony a7R III? - No, you should wait and see what the A7S III will bring - hopefully 4k at 60fps.Should you buy the a7R II or the a7R III - With only a slight difference in image quality it comes down to speed and useablity. Do you need the increased speed of AF and do you want a camera that is the more DSLR like in its control and operation? The existing Sony a7R II is still a fantastic camera and an excellent value.I love answering your questions and will be back with more hands-on and answers to your questions in the next couple of weeks. Be sure to watch the linked video and leave your question in the comments.

Preorder the a7R III from B&H Photo 

A FEW RAW FILES FROM THE SONY A7R IIISAMPLE IMAGES

Nikon D850 Hands-on Review | Sample Images

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The Nikon D850 is easily the best DSLR on the markethttps://youtu.be/foxvRAw3fI0Highlights of the Nikon D850

  • This camera feels wonderful in the hand and offers a control layout that just works really well - except auto ISO dial, it's a little awkward to switch that on and off- but bracketing, focus modes, the excellent and dedicated focus nub all make for an extremely pleasing operation.

  • Lighted buttons, something they started with the D500 and standing under the stars a few nights ago in Acadia NP - all the other photographers on the trip were quite jealous of my softly illuminated buttons that make low light and night photography a dream

  • Beautiful big bright viewfinder AND a vibrant and gorgeous screen that is fully touch-enabled the menus work, touch to focus works even with heavy ND filters on AND it is articulated - though like Sony only tilting.

  • Additional features - like intervalometer that makes possible an 8k time lapse - you can drop to 4k and have the video created in camera. The 8k just produces stills that you need to use software to turn into a video. Focus peaking through frustratingly it doesn’t work when shooting 4k, only at 1080p, focus shift for stacking and creating images with huge depth of field which can be useful in some situations.

  • Awesome image quality- excellent image quality with lots of room to brighten the shadows before you see noise and great higher ISO performance AND a 45mp sensor. Zooming on these images is lovely - so much detail, so much room to crop.

  • 4k video, that isn't cropped AND this is all packaged in a capable and versatile camera.

  • Impressive AF system,

  • Access to all of Nikon lenses

  • Greatly improved live view experience vs past Nikon cameras

Negatives of the Nikon D850

  • Focus during video is terrible, extremely distracting slow, hunting- you can use an AF-P lens and it gets a little smoother but still nothing like the dual pixel AF of Canon or Sony’s smooth AF system.

  • Shooting video without a viewfinder is difficult in brighter conditions and the focus peaking that Nikon nicely added doesn’t work during 4k filming

  • DSLR focusing systems often need AF adjustments to work their best and while Nikon provides an in-camera system for adjusting focus - it is limiting and I have images that are out of focus due to alignment or shutter shock or mirror slap.

  • Disappointing battery life if you find yourself using the screen often

  • Customizable buttons are limited in what you can assign

  • It’s a BIG camera. Sure for some of you that’s a check mark in the pro column but after using a variety of mirrorless cameras over the last year I appreciate a smaller, lighter camera and yes, if using a full frame Sony as you start to add lenses the weight savings start to disappear but you at least have the option of traveling much lighter at times with lightweight lenses.

Nikon D850 vs D500

The D500 is a little lighter (155g lighter) a little faster (10 fps vs 7fps, though you can bump that up with the battery grip for the Nikon D850) and you get more reach with the D500 crop sensor and can use lighter, smaller crop lenses BUT the D850 has a crop mode that will give you that same extra reach and provides excellent edge to edge AF coverage. The D850 also does much better in low light with that full frame sensor.Buy the D500 if you are dedicated wildlife or sports/action photographer and spend the savings on a nice telephoto lens.Everyone else should buy the D850 for it's excellent all-around image quality and low light performance.Should you upgrade from the Nikon D750. Honestly, the D750 is still one of the best values in DSLRs on the market and continues to perform well. Only upgrade if you have been frustrated with low light performance or AF system.

D850

D850

amazon logo

amazon logo

Sigma 24-105

Sigma 24-105

amazon logo

amazon logo

D500

D500

amazon logo

amazon logo

Sample Nikon D850 Photos

All in all, I would be very happy to use this camera for landscapes where I can use the screen and know that focus is really dialed in. Throw the very sharp sigma 24-105 f/4 on and you have a killer combination. But these days I do appreciate a lighter camera and will often choose a Sony over the Nikon. Especially the new Sony a7R III Use the link squarespace.com/photorectv to save 10% off your purchase of a site or domain name and find the link below for a more helpful guide.

Featured Photos Weekly Challenge - Double Exposure

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Instagram Challenge

This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_doublexposure

A challenging topic for the new set of challenges! Not too many entries but we can't make it a cakewalk on every challenge or it wouldn't be a challenge. So thank you that entered and we’ll see you next week for a spooky set of shots, your photos rocked! Next Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_halloween2Find out more about upcoming challenges and past winners at photorec.tv/prtv.You can follow Photorec.TV on Instagram at @Photorec.tv and the team:

Team FeatureTeam FeatureTeam Feature
Toby’s Features:

Love the tones and mix of city and wildlife

Despite the flipped plane this is an interesting story with a double exposure

My entry for the #prtv_doublexposure challenge. After spending hours trying to find the right photos to create a workable double exposure photo I eventually scrapped them all because they just didn't work. Then I found a photo of an RAF pilot that I took at the Photography Show and used it along with a photo of a modern single prop plane. I kind of had this idea of old and new if you know what I mean. I wonder what the World War II pilots would think of todays modern aircraft? Anyway, this is about the best concept I could come up with. Also, see if you can spot the mistake! Make of it what you will 😁 #prtv #prtv_doublexposure #memories #timeless #RAF #pilot #RAFpilot #plane #clouds #sky #photocrowd #viewbug #yesteryear #lightaircraft #aviation

A post shared by Roger Hunt (@rmhphotographic) on

I love this high contrast double exposure - so well done!

Roy’s Features:

Like you said the grass makes for a neat beard, managing to incorporate the two images in a way that seamlessly connects them makes for a great shot this week.

It’s a nice creative shot that reminds me of a ship in a bottle. It was a good idea using a high key shot as the base to keep the shot nice and light.

It’s a nice flowery shot to go with the girl and I like that you gave the flowers more contrast where it intersected.

Hands-on with the Sony a7R III & Sample Images

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Sony announced the Sony a7R III early yesterday morning and it’s quite the camera. The Sony a7R II has been my personal choice for photography for the past two years and the a7R III improves on an already solid camera.  You can watch my preview video below for a detailed look- since recording that video I have spent hands-on time with the camera and can tell you -
  • The AF improvements are huge - from having a dedicated joystick for selecting the focus point to touch AF on the LCD to a noticeably faster and more capable AF tracking and a mind-blowing Eye-AF system(the camera locks onto your subject's eye).
  • Battery life has more than doubled from the Sony a7R II. The Sony a7R III uses the new A9 battery the Sony NP-FZ100 which truly more than doubles battery life. I shot 1845 photos with the a7R III and 20 minutes of video - that used less than 50% of the battery!
  • 10 FPS with mechanical shutter or electronic (Rolling shutter does make an appearance with moving objects in electronic mode)

via GIPHY

  • Sony listens - the AF improvements, battery life, fps and now DUAL CARD slots along with a host of additional features means Sony truly listens to the photography community and has provided a camera that nicely takes this mirrorless camera to a level that can replace your DSLR.
  • The ergonomics and usability of this camera is much improved over the A7RII - it feels better in the hand and the placement of AF-on, the focus selector and the record button are all excellent
  • The viewfinder is so bright and beautiful.

Bummers - No access to the play memories store - so timelapse fans will need to buy an intervalometer BUT with the additional USB-C port you can charge the camera while running longer time-lapses.

Image quality doesn't look drastically different from the already excellent a7R II but if you have been waiting for a Sony camera that can truly replace your DSLR or you are an a7r or a7ii shooter - this is an upgrade I can happily recommend.  I love answering your questions and will be back with more hands-on and answers to your questions in the next couple of weeks. Be sure to watch the linked video and leave your question in the comments.

Preorder the a7R III from B&H Photo 

SAMPLE IMAGES

a7R III Now Available for Preorder

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https://youtu.be/RCiOGD1_IPEThe Sony a7Riii and FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens are available to pre-order now. Find out more about the a7R III here, and the 24-105 here. With Toby at an NYC conference covering these products make sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram for new info.

A New Lightweight 24-105mm f/4 Lens From Sony

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FE 24-105mm F4 G OSSAlong with the Sony a7R III, more on that here, we've also got a new 24-105mm lens this week from Sony. The Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens is a nice addition to the current lineup in sharpness, focus, and weight. We'll have more on this lens and the Sony A7R III as Toby is on location with it in New York so keep an eye out for more info.The lightest among the 24-105 lenses out, it's a great wide to mid-telephoto range for photography and perfect for travel, weighing 23.4oz (663 g). Compared to Canon and Nikon it's MTF chart shows a large improvement vs the competition with great corner to corner sharpness. Multiple extra-low dispersion and aspherical glass elements, with a Nano AR coating as well cut down on distortion and reducing flaring while boosting sharpness.Silent and fast featuring DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM), benfits photographers AND videographers. It can handle slow speeds fine with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to create crisp photos at low speeds. Dust and moisture-resistant design.Preorders start today on the Sony 24-105mm lens for $1,298.00 and the a7R III. If you have been thinking of switching to Sony now is the time. Great performance with a small size should be good on the go for traveling or just as a convenient zoom lens.

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens

FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS

Sample Photos

[gallery ids="16364,16365,16366,16367,16368,16369"]

Specifications

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens

  • Mount: Sony E-mount
  • Format: 35 mm full frame
  • Focal Length: 24-105mm
  • 35mm EquivFocal focal Length (APS-C): 36-157.5
  • Lens Groups / Elements: 14-17
  • Angle of View on APS-C: 61°-15°2
  • Angle of View on Full Frame 84°-23°
  • Aperture Range: F/4 - 22
  • Aperture Blades: 9
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.25ft (0.38 m)
  • Filter Size: 77mm
  • Image Stabilization: Optical SteadyShot
  • Size: 3-3/8 x 4-1/2 in (83.4 x 113.3 mm)
  • Weight: 23.4 oz (663 g)

Press Release

Sony Expands Full-Frame Lens Lineup with New Compact, Lightweight FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Covering Wide-angle to Mid-telephoto rangeNew E-mount FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Delivers Serious Still and Video Performance with Compact Design  NEW YORK, Oct. 25, 2017 – Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has today introduced the latest addition to their expanding full-frame E-mount lens lineup, the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom (model SEL24105G).The new full-frame lens covers the commonly used 24 to 105mm focal length range, delivering outstanding G Lens™ imaging performance with the most lightweight design in its class1, maximizing its versatility and usability.  Therefore, the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS can be used for versatile shooting such as landscape, portrait, wedding and so on.  This lens also features fast, precise and quiet autofocus capabilities in both still and video shooting, making it an ideal complement for Sony’s extensive lineup of E-mount cameras.High Optical Performance and Outstanding Resolution             Sony’s new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens delivers excellent corner-to-corner sharpness throughout the entirety of its zoom range, while also producing beautifully rendered ‘bokeh’ or background defocus at all focal lengths.This high image quality is made possible thanks to its advanced optical design featuring four aspherical lens elements, two of which are high precision AA (advanced aspherical) lenses.  There are also three strategically located ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that work in combination with the aforementioned aspherical lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration and ensure the ultimate resolution is captured.The lens also has Sony’s original Nano AR coating to minimize flare and ghosting, and utilizes a circular aperture to ensure it delivers high quality bokeh that is consistent for all Sony’s G series.Compact, Lightweight Design and Shooting Flexibility            The new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens weighs in at approximately 663 grams (23.4 oz), making it the lightest lens in its class1.  When combined with one of Sony’s compact E-mount bodies, it gives photographers and videographers a far more mobile, manageable camera system that greatly increases their shooting flexibility.In addition to the compact design and versatile 24-105mm focal length, the new lens has a minimum focus distance of 1.25ft, allowing for impressive close up detail.  It also includes built-in optical image stabilization to make it easier to produce sharp, blur-free images when shooting handheld.Highly Advanced and Accurate AutoFocusIn order to keep up with fast-moving subjects, the new standard zoom lens features a DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) system that is capable of rapid positioning of the lens’ focus groups with high accuracy and very minimal noise.  This advanced system combined with a constant F4 aperture at all focal lengths makes the SEL24105G an excellent choice for both still and video shooting.Further adding to its versatility, the new standard zoom lens also features a customizable focus hold button, a dust and moisture resistant design2 and a fluorine coating on the front element to help minimize dust, water, oil and other contaminants.Pricing and AvailabilityThe new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Lens will ship this November for about $1,300 US and $1,700 CA.1. Compared to currently available full-frame 24-105mm F4 standard zoom lenses (October 25th, 2017, Sony research)2. Compared to currently available full-frame 24-105mm F4 standard zoom lenses (October 25th, 2017, Sony research)2. Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof

Sigma Announces the 16mm f/1.4 DN - Better Lenses for Sony a6300/a6500

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Mixing a comfortable wide-angle design with an ultra-fast maximum aperture, this 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens from Sigma is a 24mm-equivalent prime for APS-C-format Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras like the a6300 and a6500. With a bright f/1.4 maximum aperture, this lens is well suited for low-light conditions and also affords increased control over depth of field. With a 9-bladed aperture design for smooth background blur. This lens also sports a stepping AF motor for quick, quiet, and smooth focusing performance that suits both still photography as well as video applications. Additionally, a weather-sealed, durable construction enables this 16mm f/1.4 to excel in inclement weather conditions.Suitable for the stars or landscape work as well as an excellent focal length for general walk around photography. Available in Sony and Micro 4/3 mounts.[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="16358,16359,16310"]

  • E-Mount Lens/APS-C Format
  • 24mm (35mm Equivalent)
  • Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
  • 3 FLD, 2 SLD, and 2 Aspherical Elements
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Stepping AF Motor
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • Weather-Sealed TSC Construction

Preorder Links at B&H Photo