The Phoblographer

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Ah, the trusty tripod. These photography accessories are not talked about often. Now, thanks to IBIS, tripods have taken a seat even farther in the back. However, there’s still a need for tripods, and there are some great ones on the market. If you like to dabble in landscape, macro, or astrophotography, a tripod is essential. After the break, we’re going to share five tripods we have reviewed and loved. So, if you find yourself needing a three-legged friend, be sure to check out these solid options.

Vanguard VEO2 235CB

In our review, we said:

“What I seriously enjoy about the Vanguard VEO 2 235CB is not only its solid build quality but how simple it is to use. Vanguard gives you a head that just works without any fuss, legs that are quick to deploy, and a tripod slim enough to fit onto the bottom or side of most photo backpacks.”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

Buy now: $185.61

3 Legged Thing Ray Tripod

In our review, we said:

“Overall, I have to say that the 3 Legged Thing Ray tripod and Airhed VU ball head have been a delight to use. I’m a big fan, so much so that I will start carrying a tripod around with me again on my adventures. The 3 Legged Thing Ray is stylish, easy to use, lightweight, and folds down into a beautiful compact unit that is easy to carry around.”

Brett Day – Gear Editor

Buy now: $429.99

Pro Tip: Landscape photography is one of the most rewarding genres, but there is more to it than just pointing and shooting. Learning how to compose your image and understanding why you should include foreground elements is vital. If you’re new to landscape photography and want to create some stunning spring landscapes, check out this affordable tutorial. You’ll be making beautiful images in no time.

Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263CT

In our review, we said:

“Like pretty much every tripod I’ve ever used, the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263CT Tripod simply requires you to spend some time with it. It’s very standard when you consider what a lot of demands are these days. The center column coming out is very nice, and this tripod is bound to be really great for a variety of photographers.”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

Buy now: $307.98

3 Legged Thing Bucky Tripod

In our review, we said:

“The 3 Legged Thing Bucky tripod and the AirHed Vu ball head combo handled every challenge we threw at it without breaking a sweat. It’s been quite some time since we were this impressed with a travel tripod. It’s compact, lightweight, and has a fun design that gives it a bit of character.”

Buy now: $499.99

Fotopro EGL-65 Carbon Eagle Series Tripod

In our review, we said:

“Loosen up the head, and you will be able to pan and track objects with ease. This Fotopro Eagle Series tripod will make a wonderful tool for serious landscape photographers who demand the best in terms of build quality and sturdiness. It will delight wildlife and some sports photographers too.”

Brett Day – Gear Editor

Buy now: $1,099.99

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Every year we get exposed to photography accessories that are meant to revolutionize the game. Sometimes, these accessories come along and make our lives easier. However, most simply fail to live up to the hype surrounding them. You may have heard about a company called KUVRD. They made a product that really was excellent in their universal lens caps. So, when they announced the universal lens hood, we were excited. We’ve spent some time with the new KUVRD Universal Lens Hood, and we’re both amazed and dismayed. Find out why below.

If you haven’t seen the As Seen On TV like sales video for the KUVRD Universal Lens Hood, check it out on their Kickstarter page. The high energy video will get you excited about this product; there’s no doubt about that.

There are two sizes of lens hoods available. A smaller hood for lenses with filter thread between 54-76mm, and a larger one with filter threads from 72-112mm. The sales pitch shows that the lens hood can be used on 99% of lenses. It states that it will improve your workflow and never fall off. You’ll learn that it will help you shoot through glass by cutting out reflections and that it can be used as a frisbee (jokingly). The product’s packaging states it’s a 300% time saver, that it folds away easily, and holds 99% of circular filters on the market. That’s quite the list of claims, so I went about using the product in real-world scenarios to see if KUVRD’s claims hold up.

Note: KUVRD sent us their new Universal Lens Hood to test and keep. This has not swayed our judgment of the product. All of the views expressed in this review are our own. We’re telling you this because we’ve always been ethical and truthful over the last eleven years when it comes to our reviews. We plan on keeping it that way.

The KUVRD Universal Lens Hood Sounds Too Good to Be True

One reservation I had about the product is that the hood wouldn’t retain its shape when panning a camera or tracking moving subjects. The KUVRD universal lens hood is made from flimsy silicone material similar to that used in their universal lens caps. It really doesn’t look like it will stand up to much movement at all. Surprisingly, most of the claims listed above actually hold true.

The hood does hold circular filters really well. It has never fallen off the lenses I have used it with. The material stretches easily, which aids in attaching it to your lens. It even holds its shape when panning. Unless you violently shake your camera, you have nothing to worry about. If you see any vignetting, in most cases, you simply adjust the hood’s length by pushing it back towards your camera. So far, so good.

And It Keeps Getting Better

If you want to shoot through glass, this lens hood is excellent for it. Press the end of the hood against a window, and all reflections are instantly cut out. That’s really quite brilliant. This will come in handy when you’re at the zoo, for instance, and you want to get images of snakes or other critters kept behind glass.

The image above shows the KUVRD Universal Lens Hood holding a UV filter in place. This does indeed work, but you won’t be able to use variable ND filters or circular polarizers as you won’t be able to adjust them once they’re in place. This is a good feature in a pinch. I would obviously recommend using the correct size filter for your lens. Still, if you’re out and need to borrow a filter from a friend that’s the wrong size, you’ll be able to use it. The KUVRD Universal Lens Hood lives up to most of the claims, and it will impress, but then you’ll figure out its flaws.

Trouble In Paradise

Now, here’s the bad stuff. Yes, the lens hood likely fits 99% of lenses, but that doesn’t mean it will work with all of those lenses. If you plan on using the KUVRD Universal Lens Hood with a lens that zooms externally, walk away. I found that the KUVRD Universal Lens Hood work...

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Something about the report of a new, cheaper Leica M film camera coming out in 2021 is intriguing. Maybe it’s the fact that their film cameras are still incredibly desirable. Or the fact that they last forever, basically. But Leica has never been known for making anything at a low price. They’re a company focused on sustainability. But something about this report actually seems plausible.

So could we see an actual affordable Leica film camera? In my eyes, it’s very possible.

Leica could take a light meter, stuff it into a camera similar to an M-A, and just call it a day. Ideally, it would still have a mechanical shutter. So it wouldn’t go beyond 1/1000th. And that’s fine if you’re shooting film.

I also think it could do something exciting for the market. It could make the demand for the original Leica M6 go up even more. So the price on the secondhand market would rise while the price of a brand new camera would stay the same. It’s brilliant. When I heard about this move being made by Rolex, I wondered why the photo industry didn’t do something similar. The Leica M6 is a passion product. It’s used by passionate photographers who care about the ergonomics and the tactile experience of a Leica. Most folks calling themselves professional photographers and earning taxable income from their craft wouldn’t care. But the hobbyists? They’d care. And in between all of those people are folks who are truly passionate about photography. They’d lust pretty hard over this.

Right now, the Leica M6 starts at around $2,100. Why am I referring to the Leica M6 so much? It’s the standard. This and the Leica M4-P are really the pinnacles of Leica M mount film cameras. Just writing this article and a call I had with a buddy just now made me pull my Leica M6 out of the closet.

What would also be cool is a fixed lens Leica point and shoot film camera. The industry has wanted something like this for a while. Ilford recently came out with one. Leica has a few film point and shoots scattered throughout their history. And considering the success of the Leica Q2, I wouldn’t put it past them to make something like this. A simple point and shoot with basic controls and a solid Leica lens attached? That would be the dream for so many.

More importantly, Leica still supports the film community. How many other companies really do that? Canon doesn’t care about the film community. Nikon is questionable about them. Sony, I’ve been told, has laughed in the faces of Artisans who said that they need to bring back the Minolta brand. Pentax doesn’t really care either. But Fujifilm and Leica both still appreciate the film community.

Are we going to see more of a revival of film? Personally speaking, I hope so. Film companies have been working to create something totally unique that digital can’t really replicate. And the two can co-exist. It’s still maligned by people in some circles (they’re called hipsters). But those hipsters don’t care about the harsh words because they’re too busy creating work that makes jaws drop.

All I’m saying is that it’s about time the industry tries something different. As a reviewer, I’m pretty sick of testing the same camera with the same sensor over and over again. The photo industry needs to try harder. And anyone toward trying something different shouldn’t be maligned unless it’s in a dying market. Film isn’t quite on its death bed yet. A new Leica M Film Camera would be very welcome.

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So, you want to get your first traditional camera after getting the photography bug from your smartphone. Congrats! This is a huge step in making your photography dreams come true. However, how does one know what camera to buy first? After all, the market is flooded with tons of Mirrorless cameras that cost less than $1,000. Fear not. We’re here to help. Before selecting the Mirrorless cameras in this roundup, we took several factors into consideration. The cameras needed to be under $1,000. The Mirrorless needed to have enough about them so that you can grow with them. They needed to have access to a robust lens lineup that features many affordable lens options. Lastly, they needed to have sensors that will put your smartphone camera to shame. Check out five of our favorite Mirrorless cameras for beginners after the break.

Olympus EM10 IV

In our review, we said:

“The Olympus EM10 IV is perfect to document everyday life. Slip this camera in your pocket or bag and take it everywhere. This camera is also ideal for those stepping up from smartphones. Spend quality time with the camera, learn the system, pair it with small lenses, and you’ll have a blast using it.”

Brett Day – Gear Editor

Buy now: $599

Sony a6100

In our review, we said:

“Sony claims that the Sony a6100 features the fastest autofocus system in the world and that the camera can find focus in just 0.02 seconds. I have to say that they may just be right. While the AF system is nowhere near as advanced as the systems found in the a7 III, a7r IV, or the a9 II, this little camera has seriously impressed me. Having autofocus as good as this in a camera that costs as little as this one does is unheard of.”

Brett Day – Gear Editor

Buy now: $748

Nikon Z50

In our review, we said:

“The Nikon Z50 offers up nice image quality. The 20.9 Megapixel APS-C sensor does a nice job with capturing details; the colors it produces are nice and vibrant too. Straight out-of-camera JPEGS are nice. After testing out RAW performance, I found myself shooting JPEGS only and found them more than good enough to use. Perhaps the one thing the Nikon Z50 excels at is high ISO performance. In fact, it could have the best high ISO performance out of any current APS-C camera.”

Brett Day – Gear Editor

Buy now: $829

Pro Tip: If you’ve just picked up a Mirrorless camera for the first time, we urge you to spend quality time with you. Get comfortable with the controls. Learn the menu system. Set the camera up so that it fits you. This is the best way to learn. However, if you need some extra guidance, check out this awesome guide. It will help you get to grips with your new Mirrorless cameras and will help you with exposure settings, composition, and so much more.

Canon EOS RP

In our review, we said:

“There is a lot to like the Canon EOS RP. It’s a simple and fun camera if you’re more inclined to the world of automation. But even so, with the right settings and a bit of patience, it can be a great camera in the hands of someone who has a creative vision. You’ll just need to take your time with it. The Canon EOS RP is also really, stupidly affordable.”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

Buy now: $999

Fujifilm XS10

In our review, we said:

“The Fujifilm XS10 is the Fujifilm camera for the masses. It’s for those who are thinking about stepping up from their smartphone. 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. The Fujifilm XS10 is an entry-level camera with more bells and whistles, like IBIS than the competition. The XS10 is certainly a compelling option because of the great image quality, fantastic handling, and price.”

Brett Day – Gear Editor

Buy now: $999

I think creating another Pentax mirrorless camera would be pretty easy for them to do.

I’m about to propose an idea that’s positively insane. First off, it involves Pentax. They’re a camera company with an incredibly rich history. If you’re a film shooter, you probably swear by your Pentax 67. And currently, they’re choosing to simply stick to DSLRs. Why? I’m not sure. Gear Editor Brett Day I know still likes his Pentax DSLRs. But I’m visually impaired and have been long over them. Reviews Editor Hillary Grigonis still owns a Nikon DSLR. Overall, there’s a minority of folks who still like them. However, I think that Pentax gave up prematurely on mirrorless cameras. Their last solid entry was the Pentax K-01. It was oddly received at the time with its APS-C sensor inside a K-mount body. We liked it back in the day, according to our review. I believe it’s time for Pentax to bring it back.

In our review, we stated:

“The design of this camera is unique, a great idea which was decently executed. It moved the cozy traditional stuff to the side and dared to be different. The K-01 could have been better though. The great thing is that this is a 01. It leaves room for lots of improvement. From a geeky engineering standpoint the technology is appreciated.”

But unfortunately, we never got a successor. I wanted one.

Here’s what I think Pentax should make:

A 36MP full-frame camera with an EVF and an LCD screen

The EVF will be a beautiful, matte screen.

K mount or M42 screw mount. Not Micro Four Thirds, I’m talking about the same mount that the Pentax Spotmatic had.

A weather-resistant body in brass. Though I’m even willing to give up the weather resistance in this rare case.

No autofocus. Instead, give it some of the best focus peaking out there.

Cool, creative fun filters for black and white, bleach bypass, etc.

A body similar to the old Pentax K1000 or the Pentax Spotmatic

No automatic mode. Just manual and aperture priority

A functional touchscreen that works with the menu system too

USB C

Wifi/Bluetooth

Single or Dual SD card slots

All of this, I think, would do incredibly well. If they priced it lower, they could take a whole ton of money. Just think, they wouldn’t even have to make lenses necessarily. There are so many already on the market if they go with screw-mount options. They’d simply make money back on the cameras. And since manufacturers push the sales of cameras more than lenses, then it would be very sustainable.

Best yet, this would be an incredible Pentax camera for someone to learn with. There would be no AI built-in for someone brand new to use. Instead, you’ll need to really work with the camera and think carefully. It would be a true creator’s camera and not something for brainless photography. Combine this with the weather sealing and the patina it will develop to make it a true lust object. I’d totally buy this camera. Most importantly, Pentax would have found a genius way of taking advantage of the second-hand market. They’ll have found a way to effectively support it while telling photographers to buy their camera.

If this special mirrorless Pentax camera is around $1,000 or $1,200, it will sell like crazy. I’m specifically choosing this pricing because Canon did so with the Canon EOS RP. Pentax would be recycling ancient technology, and so it would be a fair price. Around the holidays, the price could drop down even more.

What do you think, though? We’d be thrilled to hear from you in the comments below.

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“I grew up in the 90s being exposed to Japanese anime thanks to Toonami, and this sparked my first creative interest; illustrations,” says photographer Steven Gindler to us in an interview. “My family is full of strict conservative immigrants who are all computer programmers, and I was set to follow suit. All left-brained people, with myself as the black sheep.” Steven’s tale is one that many of us find ourselves in. And though he’s the black sheep, his creativity has flourished. His ideas and the orchestration are ones that we rarely see. Yet, we’re drawn to them and his incredibly deep story.

Photographer Steven Gindler Uses This Camera Gear

Sony a7r II

Mitakon 85mm f1.2

Sigma 35mm f1.2 DG DN Art

Steven says:

Sony A7r II and a Mitakon 85mm f/1.2 on my camera 90% of the time. The other 10% is a Sigma 35mm f/1.2 and an array of garage sale vintage lenses that I adapt to my Sony, part of the reason I switched from Canon to Sony is the short flange distance that allows you to adapt most vintage glass onto the camera.

Talk to us about how you got into photography.

I got into photography 5 years ago. I was filming music videos and short films with my friends, mostly local band kids like myself. I originally purchased a DSLR because they were the cheapest cameras that could produce a “professional” look for video at the time. One day, a band member asked me to take some portraits of him, and I was like, “Oh, that’s right, this camera takes still photos too.” The camera was a Canon t2i. From there, I fell in love with the stories that I could tell with still photography and abandoned my film photography career. I am slowly starting to revisit it from time to time, though.

What made you get into surrealist portraiture?

Growing up in a very poor part of Russia, then transitioning to life in Brooklyn before ultimately ending up in New Jersey, exposes to me a lot of different stories of people and their lifestyles. A lot of the media I grew up consuming definitely played a part as well. I was never interested in photography; I was more into music and gaming. A lot of the aesthetics of the RPGs I grew up playing as well as the angsty pop-punk and metal music, certainly played a role in my love for the strange and surreal. People often ask me what photographers I look up to or am interested in, and I can’t really answer that question. I never studied photography or photographers. I just kind of fell into it.

I was looking through lots of your Reddit posts, and it seems like you do most of it in-camera and with little to no Photoshop. Sometimes there’s Lightroom or your presets. We ADORE that! What makes you want to create this way?

I feel that a good photo needs to start in-camera. Seldom can you fix a poor composition or poor lighting in post-production, even if you are the most talented digital artist in the world. I attribute my attitude to this kind of photography from when my Sony camera broke and needed to be sent away for repairs for a month. A happy accident, looking back on it. I was stuck only with a 35mm film camera and the same itch to keep shooting. The first few rolls and how much it cost in terms of time and money taught me a lot about patience. I seldom rapid-fire my Photoshoots anymore, and stick to manual focus and waiting for the right light. So although I shoot mostly digital photography, I shoot it with a film-like style. I fiddle with photoshop only when I need to remove a little leaf or person in the background that Lightroom’s healing brush just can’t handle.

Your ideas seem like they come from a mix of fairy tales and video games. Where do you typically find inspiration? What’s been inspiring you during the pandemic?

I grew up in the 90s being exposed to Japanese anime thanks to Toonami, and this sparked my first creative interest; illustrations. My family is full of strict conservative i...

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Flickr has seen a bit of a resurgence in 2020. The photo-sharing platform has turned into a buzzing community again. I have been using Flickr to personally catalog my images and to interact with other photographers. So far, it has been great. After going through my account and getting things set up, I decided to dive into the website’s metrics to see what the most popular traditional digital cameras per Flickr’s camera finder are. Aside from smartphones (which take the top spots), you might be surprised to learn that DSLRs are still king. Mirrorless cameras are very much the flavor of the month, but there are so many DSLRs still out there. Still, Mirrorless cameras aren’t far behind. After the break, we’ll show you the ten most popular cameras in 2020 based on figures from Flickr.

What do we mean by traditional digital cameras? We mean Interchangeable lens (ILC) cameras and fixed lens cameras. So, how did we end up with our list of most popular traditional digital cameras? Simple, we took a look at the analytics page on Flickr. We have put into order the cameras that have produced the most uploads to the platform after removing smartphones. Yes, the iPhone 7, iPhone XR, and iPhone X dominate the top spots. Mixed in with the traditional digital cameras, you’ll also find the Samsung Galaxy 7, 8, and s6 (in that order). Google’s Pixel 3, 2, and 3a also make appearances. Once you remove them, the top ten traditional digital cameras listed below are the most popular cameras and have produced the most uploads during 2020.

Canon 5D Mk IV

In our review, we said:

“I’m amazed at how clean the files from the Canon 5D Mk IV are. Granted, I really shouldn’t be. They’re surely cleaner than most of what Nikon can deliver though it’s debatable if it can outperform the 24MP sensor that some of those cameras use. Of any full-frame camera out there though, the 5D Mk IV probably does the best job sans the Sony a7s II.”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

Buy now: $2,499

Nikon D750

In our review, we said:

“The Nikon D750 has a nice high-resolution 24.3MP sensor, though it still has an anti-aliasing filter. Though the D750 boasts a very similar sensor to the D610, Nikon claims it is a newly developed sensor with a slightly expanded ISO range of 100 to 12,800 (expandable to 51,200). In actual practice, this camera creates very clean images up to ISO 6400. Combine this broad usable ISO range with a high-resolution sensor and this camera is a very capable workhorse for wedding photographers and studio work.

Buy now: $1,496.95

Nikon D850

In our review, we said:

“At one point during the Nikon press trip, the Nikon D850 took quite a splash from the whitewater river. But it survived with no issues; my shirt on the other hand... In addition to that, I took the Nikon D850 and the 28mm f1.4 out into a small rainstorm here in NYC. They both survived with no problems. I’m very confident that the Nikon D850 will survive most of what you throw at it as long as it has all the ports closed shut.”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

Buy now: $2,949

Pro Tip: DSLR or Mirrorless. Look, it really doesn’t matter what kind of camera you use. Both types of cameras are great. The most important element of any camera is the person who holds it. What is essential, however, is cleaning your camera. If you want your camera to last for many years, you must take care of it. A simple camera cleaning kit is all you need. This one has everything you need, and it’s under $15.

Sony a7 III

In our review, we said:

“During my testing with the Sony A7 III, I found the autofocus to be positively fantastic. The Sony A7 III, along with the Sony 55mm f1.8, were able to focus in near darkness. This is great for photographers who want to capture moments with no autofocus assist lamp coming on because the Sony A7 III did just that.”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

B...

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You may have heard the term fine art photography before, but what is it that makes this genre stand out? Fine art photography allows us as photographers to create a series of images with artistic impressions. The end goal is to express an idea, emotions, or to convey a message. It doesn’t sound too difficult. However, Sharon Tenenbaum’s $39 ‘How To Create Award-Winning Fine Art Photography‘ video series shows that this photography genre is as much a mental process as it is a creative one. I have to say that taking a deep dive into Sharon’s mind and how it works was eye-opening. If you’re interested in fine art photography, read on.

Fine art photography is something that has interested me for a while. While I understood what fine art photography is and what purpose it serves, I’ve never embarked on my own journey with it. Now, after watching the two hours of video in Sharon Tenenbaum’s course, I might give it a go.

Sharon’s course is a fairly easy one to follow. There are just four videos. Each of them runs for roughly thirty minutes. However, the video quality is not great. This video series is seven years old now, and it looks like a bad method of compression was used on the files. It’s watchable, and details still stand out. Still, don’t expect to be treated to videos filled with eye candy. Once you get past the jarring resolution of the videos, you’ll find that the messages contained within them are great.

The Steps of Creating Fine Art Photography

You’ll find that coming up with an idea, letting it grow, and gaining more insight into your idea can take months, even years before everything comes to fruition. Creating fine art photography is not the same as just running out with a camera and capturing images. During this tutorial from Sharon Tenenbaum, you’ll discover that this is a journey that will have great meaning to you. It’s a journey that will help you express yourself, and will implore you to get in touch with your creative side.

The first video is where you’ll learn the most about Sharon’s mental journey, or ‘mind flow’ as Sharon calls it, with fine art photography. The six steps which Sharon describes are:

Preparation

Problem

Incubation

Insight

Evaluation

Elaboration

Follow the Process

Sharon does a good job explaining what each of these steps means. In regards to preparation, she talks about how this means knowing your gear and preparing your equipment. Sharon also talks about how to prepare yourself for your vision by taking relevant courses. Sharon wanted to capture and tell a story about the Sundial Bridge in California, so she took courses on photographing architecture and so on. The problem stage is about overcoming any obstacles that might be in your way. Identify them, come up with solutions for them, and move on.

The incubation phase is an interesting one. Usually, when we have an idea, we run out and execute it, but Sharon took a different approach. She explains why she lets her ideas sit. She lets them grow naturally. In fact, she waited for a few years before doing the Sundial Bridge shoot. The insight stage covers the actual shoot. How and when do you want to shoot? Do you want to use a tripod and be locked down or shoot freestyle? It’s about the ‘aha’ moments. We all know how important those moments can be.

The evaluation stage is perhaps one that we can all learn from. Sometimes we are too blind to see that our images perhaps aren’t very good. This stage teaches you how to detach yourself from the images and look at them objectively. I know I struggle with this at times, and this segment drove it home. For me, the first video contains the real meat and potatoes of this course. In 30 minutes, I understood and got a grip on another photographer’s work and mind flow. I know that will help me immensely. It will help you too.

The Final Product

The three other videos in thi...

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Let’s face it; after a good few years of Sony innovating in the camera space, things have suddenly come to a screeching halt. In the last two years, there have not been any real major improvements to modern Mirrorless cameras. Sure, sensors pack more megapixels, autofocus systems are a bit faster, and EVF technology and video technology have improved too. However, the updates to these systems have all been incremental. None of them really stand out as being innovative. Now, though, news has emerged about curved sensors going into mass production. What could this mean for the camera industry, and will we see them anytime soon? Let’s talk about this.

A recent post over on Mirrorless Rumors talks about some new and rather exciting curved sensors. The curved sensors, which are being made by a company called Curve-One, have some rather unique benefits over traditional flat sensors. Curve-One claims that their sensors will help reduce distortion and vignetting when shooting at wide angles. Edge sharpness in images is 5x greater when compared to regular sensors. Aberrations and chromatism are also supposedly improved. Lens construction can be simpler too. Curved-One also states that cameras and lenses will work faster all the way down to f1. Curved sensors can even gather more light. This all sounds pretty impressive.

We’ve Been Down the Curved Sensor Route Before

Not many know that Sony was playing around with curved sensors a few years ago. There was a lot of speculation about a possible Sony RX2 sporting a curved sensor and a 35mm f1.8 lens. There was also talk of a Ricoh, or Pentax branded GR-E. It would have sported a Full Frame 36MP curved sensor with a 28mm f2.4 lens. Still, as we know, neither of these cameras came to fruition. You might have noted that both of these cameras would have been fixed lens cameras and not ILC (Interchangeable Lens Cameras). The high price of these radically different cameras is honestly what doomed them. That, and the fact that curved sensors require specially designed lenses. With Sony and Ricoh/Pentax both heavily invested in their current lens strategies at the time, designing new lenses for a niche product was probably not viable.

Will We See Curved Sensors in Our Mirrorless Cameras Soon?

The new Curve-One curved sensor will work with one specific fisheye lens. The Curve-One website reveals that this combo will be better suited to drones, autonomous vehicles, scientific instruments, and VR applications. Still, they do list and show camera production. However, this development in sensor tech is still exciting. Curve One has obviously cracked the curved sensor code, and we’re sure that other sensor manufacturers are probably looking into this technology.

However, we wouldn’t suggest getting your hopes up too high for this tech to hit Mirroelsss cameras any time soon. For curved sensors to take off, the likes of Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, and others will need to develop new lens mounts and a whole library of new lenses. Flat focal plane lenses like the ones we use now simply would not work. Developing lenses for these sensors would be easier as they would not have the more complicated optical designs current lenses have. Still, the amount of money it would take to switch over to producing these lenses initially would be staggering.

What Does the Future Hold?

The camera market isn’t the most stable right now, so chucking a huge amount of cash at curved sensor tech and new lenses makes no sense. Not to mention that there would be public outcry about moving to new lens mounts. Might we see a one-off fixed lens camera in the next couple of years that uses a curved sensor? Maybe. Camera manufacturers would need to test the water with new tech, and a fixed lens camera would be a good way to do it. Don’t worry about having to buy a new camera and lens collection just yet, though. Just s...

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We’re always looking for lenses that can perform magic. If you want to shoot in extremely low light situations or completely obliterate the background in your images, you need a lens (or two) that can do these with ease. This is where fast primes come in to play. Prime lenses can be magnitudes faster (when it comes to their aperture) compared to zoom lenses thanks to their simplistic designs. This is one reason why fast primes are adored by photographers everywhere. Fast primes, of course, come in a variety of flavors. We covered some very affordable fast primes in this roundup here. Now, we’re going to take a look at some lenses that redefine what fast is. If you need a ridiculously sharp lens, one that will let you see in the dark, or that will give you simply magical bokeh, read on.

Tamron SP 35mm f1.4 Di USD

In our review, we said:

“It boasts gorgeous image quality, creamy bokeh, loads of sharpness, and low enough distortion to be a great choice for portraiture.”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

Buy now Canon EF: $699

Buy now Nikon F: $699

Fujifilm 50mm f1 R WR

In our review, we said:

“Wide-open at f1, you’re going to get some of the best bokeh you’ll ever see on the APS-C platform. It’s a must-have for portrait photographers.”

Brett Day – Gear Editor

Buy now: $1,499.95

Canon RF 50mm f1.2 L USM

In our review, we said:

“This lens exhibits beautiful bokeh, sharp images, micro-contrast, a medium format look, weather sealing, fast focusing, etc. In many ways, this is perhaps Canon’s most perfect prime lens within a standard workable focal length that they’ve put out in years.”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

Buy now: $2,299

These fast prime lenses are flawless. However, if you want to get the most out of them across a wide range of genres, you may want to brush up on your photography skills. We highly recommend these awesome guides. Want to be a better street photographer? There’s a guide for that. Do you want to improve your landscapes? Guess what? There’s a guide for that too. Hit the link above and broaden your skill sets.

Rokinon 85mm f1.4 AF FE

In our review, we said:

“The Rokinon 85mm f1.4 AF FE really excels in terms of image quality. Where Sony has very saturated looks to their lenses, the Rokinon 85mm f1.4 AF FE somehow or another is muted but still gorgeous. It’s an odd one for Rokinon to me; their lenses have always provided what I’d describe as crunchy and saturated images. But this time around, the images are nice and muted. Combine this with the versatility of the Sony RAW files and you’ve got yourself a winner.”

Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief

Buy now Sony E: $549

Olympus 45mm f1.2 PRO

In our review, we said:

“the image quality is outstanding, the performance is what you would expect from a professional lens of this price point and the images that you can create with it will be gorgeous”

Buy now: $1,149