The Phoblographer

These lenses will help you capture the Milky Way and more this Astrophotography season.

Astrophotography season is right around the corner here in the Northern Hemisphere. There’s nothing quite like being able to stand under a starry sky capturing the Milky Way in all its glory. Fortunately, some fantastic fast lenses can make the process easy. All the lenses we have listed after the break offer fast apertures. They all handle coma very well, and they are ridiculously fast. If you want to capture the night sky easily this astrophotography season, these three lenses should be on your shopping list.

Sony 24mm f1.4 G Master

“The Sony 24mm f1.4 G Master is a lens many photographers will want to add to their shopping list, regardless of their photographic specialty. Whether you’re a landscape photographer, an astrophotographer, a street photographer, or even a portrait photographer, there will be situations where the 24mm f1.4 G Master will shine. Paired with the excellent autofocus systems found on the latest Sony camera bodies, the 24mm f1.4 G Master will allow you to reliably create images as you had envisioned them in your mind’s eye.”

Buy now: $1,298

Canon RF 15-35mm f2.8 L IS USM

Brett Day – Gear Editor

“It’s wonderfully constructed, the image output is outstanding, and it’s just so darn fun to shoot with. Wide-angle lenses force you to capture the world in a completely different way than other lenses, and that’s what makes them so great to use. I believe this lens is a must-have for any photographer who owns an RF mount camera.”

Buy now: $2,299

New to Astrophotography? Don’t sweat it. We created an astrophotography guide that will help you understand all you need to know in a short amount of time. Have a read of the guide here, and then go out and practice! You’ll be amazed at what you can capture when you point your camera to the skies.

Rokinon 14mm f2.8

In our review, we said:

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

“Rokinon has created an excellent lens with their 14mm f2.8. It’s sharp, delivers some excellent colors, and is ergonomically pleasing. The only major issues are the lack of a chipped focusing mechanism to work with Canon’s cameras and the fact that I can’t put a filter on the front of the lens unless I hack a matte box onto it.”

Buy now Canon EF Mount: $329

Buy for Fujifilm X Mount: $249

Get yours for Nikon F Mount: $349

Grab one for Pentax K Mount: $299

Need one for Sony E Mount?: $299

We spoke to two experts, and they’ve got some similar feelings on Webcam security.

The safety of your webcam is a big deal. In fact, it’s bigger now more than ever. With lots of us doing zoom calls and all, you’re probably using your dedicated camera. It surely makes you stand out. Believe it or not, this opens it up to possible hacks. And according to experts, we’ve got to be a bit more mindful.

How to Use Your Camera as a Webcam

In the pandemic, camera manufacturers started to find new uses for their cameras. They truly started the path to make them more multi-functional tools. It began with Canon. Sigma, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Sony, Olympus, and Nikon all followed. First, you have to check to make sure your camera can do it. On both PC and Mac, you download some software. After it’s installed, the camera can integrate into browsers and programs. We’ve used them in Google Chrome, Zoom, GoToMeeting, Discord, and a few other options. We’ve never been able to get it to work with Google Hangouts, even though Hangouts supports webcams.

Of course, you’ll need your camera connected to your computer to do this. Some of us tend to keep those cameras around and ready when needed. Every Tuesday and Thursday, I often take calls using my Sony a7r III. We’ve also published a list of some of the best webcams we’ve tested if you’re curious. As one of the hosts of our Pro Camera Reviews show on Youtube, I’ve also sometimes left my camera running only for it to go to sleep.

There are other ways to use a dedicated camera as a webcam. It involves more hackery than the standard Apple device user cares for. But generally speaking, they work well enough.

Can Your Webcam Get Hacked?

“I have no reason to believe that a digital camera acting as a webcam would be any more or less vulnerable to hacking than a built-in, or a third-party add-on webcam,” explains Neil Rubenking, Lead Analyst for Security at PCMag. Neil admits that he’s known of webcams being hacked. But he’s also never used a digital camera as a webcam.

Because the webcam is just something we tend to not care about after use, there’s a chance you might leave it on by accident. And that’s where it has a possibility to be hacked. “If you always leave your webcam turned on then there is *more* of a chance it’ll be hacked than if it’s turned off,” states Neil. “Simple logic. AND YET if you leave it turned off you have to turn it on for every stinkin’ Zoom meeting.”

Neil’s logic is backed by the folks over at WP Engine. WP Engine is a server host that specializes in websites built on WordPress. It’s been estimated that around 40% of the web is built on WordPress. They take security incredibly serious.

“Anything that’s hooked up has the potential to be hacked,” says Eric Jones, VP Coorperate Marketing at WP Engine to us in an email. “So, if you’re worried, it’s always better to physically obstruct the lens.” Eric echos Neil’s sentiments of making sure you turn the camera off. Further, it’s probably not a bad idea to ensure it’s disconnected after use.

According to Neil, there are webcam monitoring software available. They work by basically verifying access each and every time. It’s similar to how the new Safari works. If the app trying to access the camera is unknown, the software blocks the access until you grant permission.

In the end, make sure you don’t forget about the camera and just go about business as usual. Turn it off. Disconnect it. And be smart.

Documentary photography takes place anywhere, at any time; because of this, you need a camera that can stand up to abuse.

A documentarian’s job can be tough at the best of times. You never know where you might be or what the weather will be doing when you get there. It’s these reasons that make it absolutely necessary to have a camera that can stand up to high levels of abuse. Luckily for us, there are a number of robust cameras on the market today that can stand up to bumps, bangs, and the weather. These cameras boast excellent sensors, fast autofocus systems, and features that will make documentary photography easy. What’s even better is that a lot of these cameras won’t completely destroy the bank. That’s definitely the case for the cameras we have listed after the break.

Nikon Z6 II

Hillary Grigonis – Reviews Editor

“The Z6 II feels sturdy in the hands — it doesn’t have the lighter, cheaper feel of Nikon’s most affordable DSLRs. The frame is built from magnesium alloy. Like with the first generation, there’s little difference between the Z7 II and Z6 II bodies. While more affordable than the Z7, build quality is not what’s missing to reach that lower price point.”

Buy now: $1,999.99

Canon EOS R6

Brett Day – Gear Editor

“The Canon EOS R6 offers precisely what you would expect from a Canon 6D-like camera when it comes to build quality. While it’s not as robust as the R5, the Canon EOS R6 is still sturdy and well-built, and it will be able to survive what the average working photographer throws its way.”

Buy now: $2,499

Pro Tip: Documentary photography will keep any photographer on their toes. You have to change and adapt to new situations and scenarios all the time. One accessory that can help tremendously is a camera bag that allows quick access to the gear you need at a moment’s notice. If you don’t have a camera bag like this, check out our camera bag reviews. There, you’ll be able to find one that will fit your needs.

Panasonic S5

In our review, we said:

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

“We took the Panasonic S5 out into the rain a few times. It stood up to the weather just like we knew it would. Panasonic’s build quality has always impressed me. And even though this doesn’t feel as rugged as the S1 and S1r, it’s still more than able to endure most abuse. Of course, you have to have an equally sealed lens on the camera. But if you’ve got that, then you’re all set.”

Buy now: $1,997.99

You should never do a wedding for free; always make sure that you’re shooting a wedding and getting compensated.

We’re going to get a lot of hate for saying this–we can feel it now. But no one should be doing a wedding for free these days. Wedding photography is a whole lot of work. Unless you shoot in a certain way, there’s a ton of post-production work. Then there’s also the budget. It seems like folks are trying to be cheaper about weddings and spend less money overall. But you’d be amazed at how much money is still involved in a wedding. So why shouldn’t a photographer get a chunk of that change? A good wedding photographer is a lot more than just their camera and a light. There’s a lot of work involved. I used to have to tell this to my aunt, who thought that what I did was simple. I’d retort that I’m instead just very skilled at what I do.

So here’s a significant factor why photographers should get paid for wedding photography work:

In 2009, $27,882 was the average wedding budget in the US. $2,651 on average or 9.5% of the wedding budget is spent on a photographer alone! Brides in Long Island, NY, spent the most on photography at $4,550. And that’s just one wedding. Imagine how many you could do each week!

In 2019, the average went up to $33,900, according to CNBC.

That’s one year ago, I get that. But that doesn’t mean that a Wedding Photographer should be stiffed on money when spending went up! Why should you not charge your $7,000 for all the work and time that you’re about to put in? Why should someone try to talk you down in pricing when you’ve got the work that really stands out? These are big questions that I think that photographers need to have answered.

Now, I’m not saying to not do a favor for a friend. Make sure that they’re an actual friend and not an acquaintance. Tell those folks to take a hike. But even if you’re doing a favor for a friend, shoot JPEGs and hand the images off. Don’t spend a week doing the pictures for them when you potentially could have gotten thousands of dollars.

A person could make this argument into something even more significant. Why not pay photographers at all? That’s a bigger and better question that should be answered. Photographers work to develop and create a unique vision that people obviously love. And so people need to know that the creative vision comes at a cost. They have to pay. They have to ethically ensure that people can eat and pay their bills. They have to take care of you so you can pay for your insurance. And cover your expenses.

Why should a venue get all the money? Or the wedding planner? Or catering? Or the decorations? If you’re paying so much money for all those things, don’t you want gorgeous images of them too? It’s only with photographers do we do things for free.

No one ever plans a wedding just for fun.

No one ever caters or cooks for a wedding just for fun.

No one ever gives a venue away just for fun.

So why does it happen with a Wedding Photographer? We’ve featured a lot that should surely be paid. Because photography is a fun hobby? Should folks not get paid for their hobby that they were able to turn into a job? Are you implying that we have to hate our jobs? Well, that’s just a toxic culture then, isn’t it?

Peak Design is playing into a scene of photographers who aren’t doing their research.

Some of the big news in the photo industry is how Peak Design is trying to rally the world. Specifically, they’re doing this about Amazon. They made a video about how Amazon is ripping off their Every Day Sling camera bag. Is it messed up? Totally. But there’s a lot that’s not being said here. And I’d like to give everyone a different point of view.

Before you read this, you should know that The Phoblographer is by and large the camera bag reviews’ undisputed hub. The manufacturers know it. Camera brands even come to us to research their collaborations. So, please know this article is coming from a very informed place.

Fact: Peak Design Actually Does Have Patents on the Sling, and This Is Messed Up

I wonder how many folks actually looked up the Peak Design patent. Indeed, Peter Dering has it. The Peak Design sling is a popular bag. I liked the variant that’s basically a fanny pack. And what Amazon is doing is wrong. The big thing here is the massive scale that Amazon is vs. other manufacturers. And, yes, this happens often.

Is it possible that Amazon might’ve created this by accident? I doubt it. They probably took it to a factory in China and told them to make the same bag. There’s another retailer that does this too.

Fact: B&H Photo Basically Does the Same Thing

I say this as someone who used to work at B&H Photo. They’ve got a house brands group called Gradus. This group more or less takes other brands’ designs and puts another label on them. The Ruggard brand, for example, is pretty much another brand. It’s common, yet loads of folks support B&H Photo despite this and a ton of lawsuits about discrimination.

Fact: Peak Design Has Run Into Issues with Gura Gear and Others for Patent Infringement

Peak Design has also run into issues with Gura Gear/Tamrac and others before with their patent infringements. So Peak isn’t exactly innocent here. I remember, after reviewing their CaptureLens a while back, they ran into a big patent issue, and the new product became the Lens Flipper. Still, the product is an idea that baffles me. Peak might have created something accidentally without knowing it was patented. But they’re often huge on marketing their patents in their videos.

Fact: Peak Design Isn’t Exactly the Most Ethical Company Either

I’d like to remind folks that Peak Design also tried to screw photographers over. Remember Unsplash? You know that company that convinces photographers to give away their images completely free for commercial use? Peak Design was a supporter of their first awards program. We talked to them about this, and they said they were going to stop supporting Unsplash. Their PR rep even tried emailing us, saying that we need to put it behind us. We asked them to offer an apology to the community and they declined.

Personally speaking, I don’t feel bad for Peak Design. They’ve mustered up an army of bros using the Kickstarter model. Their messenger bag isn’t great for folks who want to wear it on the other shoulder. And their designs are odd. The MagLock is one of the coolest things around, but they’ve created a cult-like mentality. There are other great camera bag brands around like WANDRD, Billingham, Tenba, Gura Gear (who’s gotten it together finally), Think Tank, and others.

A lawyer has told me before that it’s just the cost of doing business. I’ve experienced it myself. I’ve often accused other sites of ripping off or copying our ideas. It’s been such a problem that we majorly pivoted the site’s coverage and style.

Does that make it right? No. But this is a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

We recently finished putting the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max through its paces.

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is a powerful tool for many reasons. One of the big reasons why our EIC uses it is AirDrop, but it’s also an incredible camera and communication device. Apple released ProRAW a while back. And we decided to use it with a few other cool gadgets. We discussed that in our recent episode of Pro Camera Reviews.

In This Episode:

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Long Term Review

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Long Term Review: We’ve spent a lot of time with the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max. It’s a fantastic tool for a working professional that can justify the price. And if you’re a journalist or a photographer, it’s also a great addition to your kit. With three cameras on the back, a whole lot is possible. Plus, the addition of Apple ProRAW is a welcome feature. But how good is it? More importantly, is Apple really that good? Will it replace your dedicated camera? And is mobile photography really “there” yet? We’re going to talk about this and so much more in this Pro Camera Reviews segment.

On the Next Episode

Funleader 18mm f8 Lens Review: The cool thing about the current lens renaissance is that there’s a ton of variety. While some brands make a lot of clinical glass, some brands like Funleader go the opposite direction. The Funleader 18mm f8 is a pancake lens designed for street photography. It’s got a whole lot of character. While it’s not for everyone and every situation, it exhibits a lot of fun effects. The version we have is for Sony FE cameras. When you’re playing with a lens like this, you need to throw out all the seriousness of modern photography. Instead, just have fun. Think about shooting for the JPEG and not the raw. In this episode, we’re going to break down the cool things about this lens.

So How is the Leica 35mm f2 APO Summicron ASPH?: In our announcement post, we found the new Leica 35mm f2 APO Summicron ASPH to be pretty innovative. It’s only around an inch and a half long. Plus it has 11 aperture blades, and can focus under a foot away. That’s incredible for a rangefinder lens! Of course, all this comes with a high price tag. At a little over $8,000 we’re very curious to see if it’s really all it’s being hyped up to be. There are some very cool things going on here for sure. Gear Editor Brett Day is testing this out, and it’s his first Leica experience. Tune in to see what we think!

About Pro Camera Reviews

Pro Camera Reviews happens every Sunday. Sign up to join us! Please Register here.

Pro Camera Reviews is a web show by the Reviews Team of The Phoblographer. Join them as they candidly discuss the products they’re actively reviewing and the gear they’ve just reviewed. Open Q and A from the audience towards the end of the show. Every Sunday at 7pm EST.

Please register here.

If you’re looking for a fun time while staying safe, we strongly recommend that you tune in for Pro Camera Reviews. It’s a weekly show where the staff tackles a couple of issues in the Photo World. They mostly pertain to cameras and lenses, but sometimes things get a bit more serious. This is partly because we still feel that we need to be educators and leaders in this space. Additionally, we also need to be responsible. Episodes are done on Zoom and are recorded. They’re Live Streamed to our Facebook Page, then shared on Flipboard TV and YouTube. We recommend that you subscribe to us on Youtube to keep up.

Clickasnap is on the right path but needs a 2021 upgrade.

The Phoblographer has written a lot about photo sharing sites that screw over the photographer. Unsplash is one of the biggest culprits, for example. They take a photographer’s work, strip them of all their image rights, and don’t pay them a single penny. Payment, in their eyes, is exposure. So it’s no surprise we don’t like them. But, in steps Clickasnap. It’s a company that wants photographers to get paid, but there are some flaws in its execution.

How Does Clickasnap Work?

Before I get into my issues with Clickasnap, let me first explain how it works for those that don’t know.

It’s simple. Photographers upload their images, and depending on what subscription they’re on, they can earn money from their photographs. There are a couple of ways to earn money. The first way is through views. That’s right, Clicksnap will pay you 0.25¢ for each view you get. You can also sell your images as digital downloads, and in some cases, as physical products (such as prints). Photographers can only withdraw funds once they have earned $15.

The Issues with Clickasnap

“Clickasnap is the world’s first, free to use, paid per view still image hosting site,” says CEO Tom Oswald. Nothing in that statement is factually incorrect. However, it is misleading.

Photographers using a free account don’t get paid. They can upload photos, but they’ll need to subscribe to a paid account if they want to earn money. So my problem with the above quote is the lack of full transparency. I get that companies need to do fluffy, persuasive PR, but have more respect for the photographer. Don’t imply they can earn money without investing some of their own.

The Landing Page

When arriving at the website, you’ll see a range of images uploaded by photographers. Sadly, there’s a lot of photography that my blind grandmother could make – and she’s dead!

What’s the problem with this? Well, if a company is looking for stock photographs, the first impression is important. If I arrive on the first page of a stock photo website and the first thing I see is amateur work, why would I spend time searching and hoping to find quality photographs? Clickasnap needs to implement some form of quality control for its home page, and fast!

This issue may seem small, but it really could drive companies to go back to using the rights grab websites to get images for free. While we don’t like the likes of Unspalsh, they offer a clean website with quality photographs on the home page, making it more attractive to users. If you want to knock them out of the market, sites like Clickasnap need to offer something attractive to those who pay for stock photography.

This brings us to the next issue.

The Website

I have no clue what the company’s budget is, but it’s not difficult to create a clean website in 2021. Honestly, the website looks better placed in the early 2000s. That doesn’t mean it’s hip and retro, it means it’s visually unpleasing.

On several pages, there are typos in the copy. It makes the site look unprofessional and may put people off. Some of the links at the bottom of the home page don’t work. And some of the links feel like they take you to a different website, even though it’s the same one.

Essentially, branding and image are all over the place. It’s really not a user-friendly experience.

Do Photographers Justice

I like the concept. I like that Clickasnap wants the photographer to get paid. But, the company must ensure it offers a platform that helps the photographer. Any serious company wanting to pay for stock photography will be put off by the above issues.

Think of it like this. Let’s say I go to a physical photography gallery to buy some prints. As soon as I walk through the door, the first thing I see is awful work. I decide to keep going, but when I ask the staff a question, they don’t give me a transparent answer. The copy underneath the prints are full of spelling errors. The layout of the gallery is confusing, and ...

These hybrid cameras can capture gorgeous images, brilliant video, and won’t break the bank.

The world of content creation has gone through a massive change over the last few years. The cameras we use are now capable of helping creators make stunning images and wonderful videos. Not long ago, a camera that could help do both of these things would cost a small fortune. However, times have changed. For around $1,000, you can now get hybrid cameras with incredible sensors that can pump out 4K video and detail-rich images So, if you’re a photographer who also wants to break into videography, or vice-versa, this roundup is for you. After the break, we will share a few hybrid cameras that won’t anger your wallet or leave you wishing for more.

Sony a6400

“To take advantage of the newly introduced real-time tracking feature, set the A6400’s AF mode to AF-C and the AF area to Tracking. Sony will be releasing a firmware update later this summer that will allow real-time Eye AF to work on animal subjects. While it’s certainly not as fast as the flagship Sony A9, the A6400 definitely comes pretty damn close, and at a 1/5 of the price.

Buy now: $898

Fujifilm XS10

Brett Day – Gear Editor

“It’s for enthusiasts who want a camera that’s easy to use. This camera is for photographers who were put off with Fujifilm’s usual vintage-style controls and dials. It’s for creators who want an affordable camera that can produce 4K video. The Fujifilm XS10 is an entry-level camera with more bells and whistles than the competition. The XS10 is certainly a compelling option because of the great image quality, fantastic handling, and price.

Pro Tip: These hybrid cameras will go a long way when helping you create content. Still, there’s a lot to learn about content creation. You need to learn about composition for video and stills, then lighting, audio, marketing, and more. One of the best ways to learn is with a guide. This one is under $10, and it will teach you all you need to know about creating meaningful content.

Olympus OMD EM5 Mark III

In our review, we said:

“In terms of autofocus speed, it isn’t at the level of the Sony a9, but it can hold its own with the Sony a7 series, Canon EOS R, and the Fujifilm X-T3. Where we were particularly impressed is with autofocus tracking vs. these other systems. Sony is still king of the hill, but photographers who need AF tracking shouldn’t sleep on Olympus’ offerings.

Buy now: $999

These photography books will help you take your images to the next level.

Do you know when the best time is to learn new things? The answer is NOW. The great thing about learning is that you can do it from the comfort of your home. Learn all about posing with Lindsay Adler for only $23.99. Scott Kelby will teach you all about landscape photography for $27.03. Do you want to learn about bird photography? You can for just $22. Maybe the world of Infrared photography interests you. You can learn about it for only $32.48! If you’d like to learn about the history and culture of photography. You can do that too! The World History of Photography 5th Edition is just $60! Photography Changes Everything can be yours for only $26.99. There are photography books here for everyone. See all the deals after the break.

Photography Books – Tutorials

National Geographic Photo Basics: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Great Photography $16.69 (Save $3.30)

The Photography Storytelling Workshop: A five-step guide to creating unforgettable photographs $17,69 (Save $4.31)

The Secrets to Amazing Photo Composition: 83 Composition Tools from the Masters $17.93 (Save $1.06)

Digital Photography Complete Course: Learn Everything You Need to Know in 20 Weeks $20.81 (Save $9.19)

Night Sky Photography: From First Principles to Professional Results $21.26 (Save $8.73)

Photography Birds: Field Techniques and the Art of the Image $22 (Save $2.95)

One Face 50 Ways: The Portrait Photography Idea Book $22.63

Lindsay Adler’s The Photographer’s Guide to Posing: Techniques to Flatter Everyone $23.99 (Save $20.96)

Understanding Portrait Photography: How to Shoot Great Pictures of People Anywhere $26.99

Scott Kelby’s The Digital Photography Book: The step-by-step secrets for how to make your photos look like the pros’! $27.03 (Save $2.92)

Infrared Photography: Digital Techniques for Brilliant Images $32.48 (Save $17.47)

Books on Culture

Photographers on Photography: How the Masters’ See, Think, and Shoot (History of Photography, Pocket Guide, Art History) $18.46

Photography Changes Everything $26.99 (Save $12.96)

Street Photography: A History in 100 Iconic Images $34.95

Global Photography: A Critical History $37.95

The Art of Photography: A Personal Approach to Artistic Expression $40.75

Life Magazine and the Power of Photography $46.99

The Essence of Photography, 2nd Edition: Seeing and Creativity $49.95

A World History of Photography: 5th Edition $60

Recently, we finished up our use of the Sony Xperia 1 II; and we’re really liking the phone.

It’s rare to experience a smartphone camera interface that gets who we are as photographers. But thankfully, Sony understands us the best. Borrowing ideas from their Alpha division, the Sony Xperia 1 II mimics a camera. Plus it shoots raw. And the lenses make more sense to us as photographers. We discussed that in our recent episode of Pro Camera Reviews.

In This Episode:

The Sony Xperia 1 II Long Term Review

The Sony Xperia 1 II Long Term Review: Smartphone photography is more popular than ever right now, and rightfully so. Smartphones are capable of producing stunning images across multiple genres. The fact that they are always in your pocket is a huge bonus. We’ve had the Sony Xperia 1 II in our hands for a short while now, and we have been putting it through its paces. Its ties to the Sony Alpha line of cameras make this option stand out from other smartphone cameras on the market. But, what’s it like to use in the real world? During this segment of Pro Camera Reviews, we’ll share our first impressions and sample images from this mobile camera.

Editors Note: During the review, we were asked about some of the phone’s features. We want to clarify that the Sony Xperia 1 II has an IP rating of 65/68. This means it’s water-resistant and dustproof. The 24mm and 70mm cameras both have OIS. The dedicated shutter button can be programmed to open the Photo Pro application. Video modes also feature both optical and electronic stabilization.

On the Next Episode

Funleader 18mm f8 Lens Review: The cool thing about the current lens renaissance is that there’s a ton of variety. While some brands make a lot of clinical glass, some brands like Funleader go the opposite direction. The Funleader 18mm f8 is a pancake lens designed for street photography. It’s got a whole lot of character. It’s not for everyone and ever situation, but it exhibits a lot of fun effects. The version we’ve got is for Sony FE cameras. When you’re playing with a lens like this, you need to throw out all the seriousness of modern photography. Instead, just have fun. Think about shooting for the JPEG and not the raw. In this episode, we’re going to break down the cool things about this lens.

So How Is the Leica 35mm f2 APO Summicron ASPH?: In our announcement post, we found the new Leica 35mm f2 APO Summicron ASPH to be pretty innovative. It’s only around an inch and a half long, and has 11 aperture blades. It can focus under a foot away: that’s incredible for a rangefinder lens! Of course, all this comes with a high price tag. At a little over $8,000 we’re very curious to see if the lens is really all it’s being hyped up to be. There’s some very cool things going on here for sure. Gear Editor Brett Day is testing this out, and it’s his first Leica experience. Tune in to see what we think!

About Pro Camera Reviews

Pro Camera Reviews happens every Sunday. Sign up to join us! Please Register here.

Pro Camera Reviews is a web show by the Reviews Team of The Phoblographer. Join them as they candidly discuss the products they’re actively reviewing and the gear they’ve just reviewed. Open Q and A from the audience towards the end of the show. Every Sunday at 7pm EST.

Please register here.

If you’re looking for a fun time while staying safe, we strongly recommend that you tune in for Pro Camera Reviews. It’s a weekly show where the staff tackles a couple of issues in the Photo World. They mostly pertain to cameras and lenses, but sometimes things get a bit more serious. This is partly because we still feel that we need to be educators and leaders in this space. Additionally, we also need to be responsible. Episodes are done on Zoom and are recorded. They’re Live Streamed to our Facebook Page, then shared on Flipboard TV and YouTube. We recommend that you subscribe to us on Youtube to keep up.