We love when nerdy things collide here at Pop Photo, and that is precisely what happened with the creation of perhaps the most iconic movie prop of all time. As the video below from DigitalRev In-Focus explains, George Lucas wanted the props in the Star Wars films to look used in order to suggest a sense of history. He didn’t want shiny new objects in his films. They also had a very limited budget when filming those initial movies. The low budget required they get scrappy—literally—in how they created props.

As a result, set decorator Roger Christian would browse antique and junk stores for items to use as props. He was in a tiny camera store in London’s West End and asked if they had anything that he might find interesting. The owner took out a dusty box of antique camera goods, which included a 1940s Graflex camera with a three-cell flash gun. A lightbulb went off for Christian. The flash handle became the base for Luke’s lightsaber.

It took only a few modifications to create the legendary weapon. The actual “blade” portion of the weapon involved painting a tube with blue projector material and adding a light, which made it glow. Luke’s was one of two lightsabers that Christian designed. The entire thing took only $15 to build, though it sold in 2012 for $250,000. That makes it one of the most expensive movie weapon props ever sold. It even beats out Ghostbusters props. And that number is likely even higher now since it was featured so prominently in Episode 7.

Of course, there is a downside to cameras becoming pieces of sci-fi legend. Camera collectors have had difficulty getting their hands on Graflex flash handles since so many were bought by Star Wars prop collectors and cut up to become lightsabers. A genuine original Graflex can cost thousands of dollars at this point. And camera collectors say that valuable antiques are getting destroyed in the process. Whether you agree that history is being destroyed or are all about your genuine lightsaber props, we think this clash of photography and pop culture history is a fun one.

The post The Star Wars Lightsaber was based on a camera flash handle appeared first on Popular Photography.

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We thought the Sony a1 was an impressive camera, but the image-making company has just topped it with its latest release. The main highlight of the newly released a9 III is its global shutter, the world’s first for a full-frame mirrorless camera. The unique shutter design, along with a powerful Bionz XR processor, allows for a host of impressive specs, including 120 fps, 1/80,000 max shutter speed, and flash sync at any shutter speed. Additionally, the company also announced the FE 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS lens, which offers superb reach and performance in a relatively compact body.

Sony a9 III camera at a glance

• 24.6-megapixel sensor with Bionz XR processor
• Global sensor exposes and reads every pixel at the same time
• 120 fps blackout-free burst shooting
• Improved ergonomics
• 1/80,000 maximum shutter speed
• Flash sync at any shutter speed
• 759 AF points with more sizes of focus area spots
• 8-stops of optical in-body image stabilization
• 6K oversampling for 4K 60p movies
• 4K 120p video without cropping
• Weighs 1.4 pounds
• Available in spring 2024 for $5,999

What is a global shutter?

The star of the show for the a9 III is, by far, its global shutter. Global shutter technology isn’t new, with a handful of cinema cameras utilizing it over the past few years. But the Sony a9 III is the first full-frame mirrorless camera to jump on board. So, why does that even matter? What is a global shutter?

Currently, most cameras rely on a rolling shutter. With the rolling shutter design, the camera’s sensor receives and reads information line by line from top to bottom. This means that there is a delay between the first line of data and the last. That delay can cause problems when capturing fast-moving subjects in photos or videos, resulting in warping and distortion. You likely have seen this in helicopter rotor blades. In photos, those blades can appear curved or bent when in reality, they are straight.

The global shutter design solves this problem by exposing and reading every single pixel on the sensor at the exact same time. That means that the Sony a9 III will benefit from zero distortion in stills and video, which is a significant advantage for those shooting action. It also allows for a range of other benefits, including the ability to work with flash at any shutter speed, including the camera’s max shutter speed of 1/80,000 (no, that’s not an extra zero). This unlimited flash sync even works with third-party flashes. Additionally, there will be no banding from artificial lights or displays. To aid in this, Sony has also employed an Anti-Flicker mode that automatically syncs the shutter with the brightest point in the light’s cycle to keep the exposure consistent in photos and videos.

Sony a9 III details

There are plenty of other things to swoon about in the a9 III beyond the global shutter, though many are dependent on that feature. Sony built the new camera around a 24.6-megapixel full-frame stacked CMOS sensor and Bionz XR processor, which results in eight times the processing power as the a9 II. the five-axis optical in-body image stabilization system allows for eight stops of compensation with the camera alone. You’ll get even more stabilization if using a stabilized lens as well.

On top of fancy guts, the a9 III features a redesigned body with better ergonomics. Sony says the grip is improved to make the camera easier to hold in the palm of the hand, even when using a telephoto lens. It says that it also moved the shutter button up slightly to be in a more natural, comfortable position. It features a four-axis multi-angle LCD touchscreen (the same as the a7R V) and 9.44 million-dot Quad XGA OLED electronic viewfinder. And as we’d expect from a pro-level Sony camera, it is dust and moisture-resistant.

To pair with the pro-level features of the a9 III, Sony is also releasing a new vertical grip—the VG-C5— that offers the same ergonomic design as the new camera. That includes the same shutter button placement and a new custom button (C5) in the same position so that it feels the exact same when switching between horizontal and vertical shooting. The new battery also pulls parallel power instead of drawing from one source and then switching to the other. Sony says that this allows for 15 percent more battery life.

Burst shooting

One of the main selling points of the a9 III is its absurd burst shooting capabilities. This alone will earn it a top spot as one of the best Sony cameras. It is able to shoot 120 fps blackout-free with real-time recognition AF and auto exposure. The fast burst shooting even works with 14-bit raw. Shooting fast bursts is only one piece of the puzzle when documenting action, though. You also have to get the timing right in the first place. To help ensure you get the shot, Sony has added a Pre-Capture function. This new setting allows the camera to continuously record (also up to 120 fps) for up to one second before the shutter is released.

Even when shooting action, you don’t always want your fastest fps setting. Sony has found a clever way to get around that with the Speed Boost function and a newly added a new custom button (C5) on the front of the camera. The new button allows you to instantly switch to a faster, preset speed at any time and then go back to a more reasonable fps just as quickly.

Image selection of 120 fps with Pre-Capture can be massively overwhelming. Sony even considered this when developing the a9 III. It has added a new playback image filter that allows you to select a large number of images at once, along with a function menu that can be used during image playback. The camera also plays back bursts as a video, so you can mark the shots you want without individually pressing through images.

Autofocus

As with other recent Sony releases, the a9 III features a dedicated AI processing unit to support its advanced phase detection autofocus system. It offers Real-time Recognition AF and Real-time Tracking and can detect a wide range of subjects, including humans, cats, dogs, planes, and more. The system can even detect an eye even when the subject is wearing goggles or helmets, is small in the frame, or moving fast. Sony also expanded the sizes of its focus areas to include XS and XL for more control over your focus points.

Sony a9 III video specs & features

Sony emphasized still photography during its announcement with a tagline of “the power of one frame.” But the company certainly didn’t leave video out of the mix in its new camera. The global shutter definitely benefits video shooters since rolling shutter has been a pain point. The a9 III is capable of 4K 60p video oversampled from 6K. It can also shoot 4K 120p without cropping, which is a first for an Alpha series camera. It offers the S-Cinetone profile, S-Log3, 10-bit 4:2:2 capture, and 16-bit raw video over HDMI.

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Sony a9 III pricing & availability

Of course, with such an advanced, pro-level camera, we should expect a pro-level price. And indeed, the Sony a9 III is priced at $5,999. It is available for pre-order now and will begin shipping in the spring of 2024.

FE 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS lens details

In case the groundbreaking camera wasn’t enough, Sony has also announced a new lens. Like the camera, the FE 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS lens is also a pro-level piece of equipment geared towards serious sports and wildlife photographers, as is evident in its matching $5,999 price.

As a G Master lens, the new 300mm offering will provide superb resolution and edge-to-edge sharpness. The optical design includes three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one ED glass element to reduce chromatic aberration and improve contrast across the frame. The 11-blade circular aperture results in beautiful smooth bokeh. And two XD linear motors drive focus that is fast, precise, and silent. It’s also able to keep up with the fast burst shooting of the a9 III.

Beyond image quality, the best feature of the 300mm f/2.8 GM is its size. The lens weighs just 3.2 pounds, which makes it the lightest lens of its class. For context, it is 40 percent lighter than the 400mm f/2.8 GM and roughly the same weight as the original 70-200mm GM. Sony was also very intentional about how the lens balances, designing it with optimum balance for smooth panning and easier handheld shooting.

The new 300mm telephoto prime lens is compatible with Sony’s 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters. It offers a function ring to instantly engage the APS-C crop, providing a 420mm view. It is dust and moisture-resistant with magnesium alloy inside and out for a durable, rugged build.

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Sony FE 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS pricing & availability

Like the new camera, the FE 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS lens is available for pre-order now for $5,999. It will begin shipping in the spring of 2024.

The post New gear: The Sony a9 III is the first full-frame camera with a global shutter appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Sony makes some of the best camera gear around right now, with cameras and lenses suitable for high-level pros and complete beginners. Right now, you can take advantage of these Sony early Black Friday deals on a selection of equipment covering that spectrum. Whether you are picking up something for yourself or shopping for a generous gift for someone you know, these deals will give you up to $200 in savings.

Sony 24-70mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T FE OSS Full-Frame Lens $698.00 (was $899.99)

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A 24-70mm is a must-have tool for just about every photographer. This standard zoom offers a bit of every focal length in one, meaning you don’t have to swap lenses as often. The Sony 24-70mm f/4 Vario-Tessar is a budget-friendly 24-70mm that still offers plenty of quality. It’s also very compact and lightweight, making it easier to travel with and hold during long shoots. This lens is a great beginner lens, so if you are shopping for a newer photographer, it would be a great bet.

More Sony early Black Friday deals

Deals on Sony cameras

• Sony a7 IV with 28-70mm lens $2,498.00 (was $2,699.99)
• Sony a7R III Mirrorless Camera Body $1,998.00 (was $2,198.00)
• Sony Alpha A6600 Mirrorless Camera with 18-135mm Zoom Lens $1,398.00 (was $1,599.99)
• Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera for Content Creators $648.00 (was $749.99)

Deals on Sony zoom lenses

• Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Wide-Angle Zoom Lens $1,898.00 (was $2,199.99)
• Sony FE 24-70 mm F2.8 G Master Full-Frame Lens $1,598.00 (was $1,699.99)
• Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Lens $1,198.00 (was $1,299.99)
• Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens $1,173.00 (was $1,243.41)
• Sony 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS Super-Telephoto APS-C Lens $898.00 (was $999.99)
• Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom Lens $1,898.00 (was $1,999.99)

Deals on Sony prime lenses

• Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Full-Frame G Lens $798.00 (was $899.99)
• Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM Full Frame Wide-angle Prime Lens $1,298.00 (was $1,399.99)
• Sony – FE 50mm F1.8 Standard Lens $198.00 (was $249.99)
• Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens $1,698.00 (was $1,798.00)
• Sony FE 85mm F/1.8 $548.00 (was $599.99)
• Sony FE 90mm f/2.8-22 Macro G OSS Standard-Prime Lens $998.00 (was $1,099.99)

The post Save on Sony gear with these early Black Friday deals appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Canon is offering up some holiday treats as we head into winter. The company has announced two new full-frame RF lenses, one APS-C RF lens, a Power Zoom Adapter, and firmware updates for the EOS C70 and EOS R5 C cameras. The three new lenses cover everything from wide-angle to ultra-telephoto, offering a bit of something for everyone. They include the RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM, the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z, and the RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM. There’s lots to unpack here, so let’s get into it.

Canon RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z

We are especially excited to see the RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z. This lens is the world’s first 24-105mm focal length lens with a consistent f/2.8 maximum aperture. Canon designed the RF24-105mm as a hybrid lens, tailoring it to high-level video content creators and video production individuals or firms. It did specify that this is not a cinema lens but does approach that category with new features.

Though it offers many video-centric features, it should also be a superb still photography lens. The 24-70mm has long been the workhorse lens for many photographers, but we could see this extended range becoming the new go-to for many. The fast and constant f/2.8 aperture will offer excellent low-light performance, adding to its versatility. It will be ideal for a vast number of applications, including portraits, weddings and events, fashion, photojournalism, sports, wildlife, and more.

RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z build & design features

Canon’s RF24-105mm offers a constant overall length when zooming and focusing, which is a big advantage for videographers. It also offers a stepless manual aperture ring for video use. Canon optimized the optical design for high-end video, with excellent focus breathing performance and superb image quality. The image stabilization results in 5.5 stops of optical IS or eight stops of coordinated IS.

The lens can focus as close as 1.5 feet at all focal lengths and offers a maximum magnification of 0.29x at 105mm. Two Nano USM focus motors drive the autofocus system, resulting in fast and accurate focusing abilities. Its 11 aperture blades provide beautifully smooth bokeh.

The RF24-105mm weighs 2.9 pounds and is 7.8 inches long. It offers an 82mm filter thread.

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Power Zoom Adapters

For videographers, one of the most exciting aspects of this new lens is the option to use a newly developed Power Zoom Adapter. This new optional accessory will connect to the side of the RF24-105mm without any tools required. It enables super-smooth zoom control when recording video. Zooming will look more natural, and it will make control easier for solo creators.

Canon is making two different versions of the Power Zoom Adapter. You can opt for a standard version (PZ-E2) with only a USB port or a 20-pin port version (PZ-E2B) to support zoom and focus demands. It’s important to note that, as of now, the Power Zoom Adapter is only compatible with the RF24-105mm.

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Pricing & availability

The Canon RF24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z will be available in December, though is available for pre-order now for $2,999.00.

Both versions of the Power Zoom Adapter won’t be available until the spring of 2024, but you can already pre-order both. The standard version (PZ-E2) is priced at $999.00, while the 20-pin port version (PZ-E2B) is $1,299.00.

Canon RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM

For those who need ultimate telephoto reach, the RF200-800 F6.3-9 IS USM should fit the bill. This lens is impressive for many reasons, most notably the range it offers. There are not many zoom lenses that offer a maximum focal length of 800mm, with most topping out at 600mm. And at $1,899, it’s very reasonably priced for what it provides. For context, Nikon’s new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens is $1,696.95, so you’ll get 200mm more reach for roughly $200 more.

Its long reach makes it perfect for photojournalism, wildlife, outdoor sports, and dramatic landscapes. Should you need even more zoom power, it’s compatible with the Canon RF 1.4x and 2x tele extenders, which will get you up to a whopping 1600mm.

The maximum aperture varies from f/6.3 at the wide end to f/9 when zoomed in, so its low-light capabilities are slightly limited. But as we would expect on such a lens, it offers image stabilization to assist with obtaining sharp images even when handholding the lens. You’ll get 5.5 stops of correction at 800mm, and 7.5 stops at 200mm. It also offers automatic panning detection.

RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM design & features

The RF200-800mm uses an extending lens design, meaning it gets longer when you zoom in. Even though this lens isn’t in Canon’s pro-level L-series, it did apply weather sealing, meaning it is still durable and protected against the elements despite the extending design. The lens is surprisingly lightweight for what it is, weighing just 4.5 pounds. It should be feasible to shoot handheld for at least short durations. A rotating tripod mount on the lens makes it easy to attach to a tripod as well.

Canon pointed out that even though the lens RF200-800m is white, it is not the IR reflective surface found on the latest L-series lenses. A single, compact Nano USM motor drives the autofocus system, which is fast and quiet. It is a varifocal lens, meaning it won’t stay in focus as you zoom in. But Canon promised superb image quality thanks to an optimized optical design.

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Pricing & availability

The Canon RF200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM will be available in December, but you can pre-order it now for $1,899.00.

Canon RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM

The third lens of the new trio is a beginner-friendly APS-C lens. And at just $329, it is extremely budget-friendly as well. The RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens offers a full-frame equivalent view of 16-29mm. Canon designed this lens for video and vlog creators as well as amateur photographers. The wide-angle perspective is ideal for selfie videos, travel videos, and landscape, travel, or architectural photography. For many, this could be the only lens they use on their camera because of its versatility and size. It would pair well with cameras like the R100, R50, or R7.

RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM design & features

Canon created an entirely new optical design lens for the RF-S10-18mm, one that isn’t based on any current Canon lenses. It is absolutely tiny, weighing only 5.3 ounces. It utilizes a collapsible design to maximize its compact size for travel, meaning you’ll need to extend it out in order to start shooting. But when collapsed down, it is a measly 1.8 inches.

Surprisingly, Canon included image stabilization on the RF-S10-18mm. You’ll get four stops of optical IS and six stops of coordinated IS with your camera’s in-body image stabilization. For video users, this can also be combined with Movie Digital IS for added stability, but that will result in a crop. Canon also mentioned that the focus breathing is very well handled with this lens. There is some present, but it is minimal, and some cameras offer focus breathing correction in-camera to improve it even more.

A stepping motor drives the autofocus, and it offers close focusing abilities of 5.5 inches with autofocus at all focal lengths or 3.4 inches at 10mm with manual focus. Unsurprisingly for such a compact, budget-friendly lens, there is no focus switch on the lens, so you’ll need to change between manual focus and autofocus in your camera’s menus.

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Pricing & availability

As with the other two lenses, the Canon RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens will be available in December (just in time for you to pick it up as a Christmas gift for a photographer in your life) and is available for pre-order now for $329.00.

The post Canon adds three new lenses and a Power Zoom accessory to its RF lineup appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Camera cleaning tools may not be very glamorous, but they are necessary. Keeping your equipment clean not only prevents you from having to spend time editing out water spots or smudges that were on your lens, but it can also keep your camera and lenses working better for longer. The LensPen is one of the most versatile and popular lens-cleaning tools around. And while it isn’t expensive when full-priced, it is currently 50 percent off, which is its lowest price ever on Amazon. It’s a great time to pick one (or some) up for yourself, or maybe as stocking stuffers for photographers you know.

LensPen NLP-1 $6.50 (was $12.95)

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The LensPen is a very simple tool that could really come in handy on or even in-between shoots. It utilizes a patented carbon cleaning compound on one end, which cleans your lens without any fluids required. The other end features a soft, retractable brush for when you just have some dust that needs to be swept away. It lasts a long time, but at this price, it wouldn’t hurt to pick up a few to keep in different camera bags so that you are never without.

More early Black Friday deals on cleaning tools

• MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 6 Pack $9.45 (was $11.99)
• Altura Photo Professional Cleaning Kit $14.99 (was $19.99)
• Altura Photo Professional Full Frame Sensor Cleaning Kit $34.99 (was $39.99)
• Nikon 7072 Lens Pen Cleaning System $8.95 (was $11.95)
• Koala Lens Cleaning Cloth | Japanese Microfiber $9.99 (was $11.99)
• ZEISS Pre-Moistened Lens Cleaning Wipes $4.62 (was $9.99)
• 500 Pieces Lens Cleaning Paper Tissue and 2 Double Sided Cleaning Cloth-Lens $7.99 (was $8.99)

Early Black Friday deals on organization & storage solutions

For most of us (including myself), more than just our camera gear needs to be cleaned. Here are some deals to help you out if cleaning up and organizing your office or equipment storage area is on your list this fall and winter.

Storage bins

• Rubbermaid Cleverstore Clear Plastic Storage Bins with Lid, 95 Qt-4 Pack $101.06 (was $124.00)
• Fab totes Storage Bins [3-Pack], Foldable Storage Baskets $16.99 (was $32.99)
• Household Essentials Foldable Fabric Storage Bins | Set of 6 $18.28 (was $38.00)
• Sywhitta 3-Tier Plastic Rolling Utility Cart with Handle $19.97 (was $35.99)
• Closet Organizers and Storage – Trunk Car Organizer with Lids and Doors $109.99 (was $129.99)

Shelving systems

• Bezuny Garage Shelving,78″ $103.49 ($149.99)
• SORCEDAS Shelf 5 Wier Metal Storage Rack $30.99 (was $32.99)
• Honey-Can-Do, 5-Tier Chrome Heavy-Duty Adjustable Shelving Unit $56.99 (was $84.99)
• Atlantic Elite Media Storage Cabinet $101.14 (was $149.99)
• FURINNO JAYA Simply Home 5-Shelf Bookcase $54.33 (was $99.99)
• Rolanstar Bookshelf 5-Tier, 71.8’’H Industrial Book Shelf $149.99 (was $179.99)
• NUMENN 5 Tier Bookshelf $71.99 (was $119.99)

Desk organization

• Supeasy 5 Tier Desk Organizer with Handle $14.99 (was $29.99)
• Cable Management Cable Clips $8.99 (was $11.99)
• Meekakee Desk Organizer for Laptop $24.00 (was $48.00)
• WOWBOX 25 PCS Clear Plastic Drawer Organizer Set $12.79 (was $35.99)
• Under Desk Power Strip, Adhesive Wall Mount with USB $21.67 (was $29.99)
• Anker Outlet Extender and USB Wall Charger, 6 Outlets and 2 USB Ports $15.99 (was $24.99)
• Phomemo D30 Label Maker Machine with Tape $23.99 (was $52.99)

The post Save 50 percent on the LensPen with this early Black Friday deal appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Peak Design’s Camera Cubes, launched in 2017, have been incredibly popular products for photographers looking for module protection for their gear. They provide protection for your equipment in any bag, not just dedicated camera bags, making it easier to bring your gear anywhere. And now, the camera equipment company has announced an updated version of these protective bags with many important upgrades. That includes better weatherproofing, better dividers, and more handles. Also, two new sizes—X-Small and Smedium (that’s not a typo)—join the original Small, Medium, and Large options.

Peak Design was kind enough to send me two sizes (X-small and Large) of the new bags to test out ahead of the launch, so I was able to get some hands-on experience to share. Here’s what’s new about the Camera Cubes V2 and what you can expect from the bags.

What are the Peak Design Camera Cubes?

Peak Design manufactured the Camera Cubes to nest perfectly in its Travel and Outdoor bags, but you can toss them in just about anything since they offer padding on all sides. When you are using the Peak Design Camera Cubes with Peak Design bags, the included C-Clips allow you to securely attach the Camera Cube so that it doesn’t slide around.

Using camera cubes also allows your camera backpack to do double duty when you don’t need camera gear, meaning you don’t need to buy as many packs. You could even get away with not buying a photo-focused bag at all, which would save you lots of money. And Peak Design’s Camera Cube can even be used as stand-alone bags (especially the X-Small). They feature cord hook connection points, so you can toss on a camera strap to carry the bag.

Finally, these Peak Design bags are 100 percent carbon neutral and are the only camera cubes on the market that are Fair Trade Certified, just like all of Peak Design’s bags.

What’s new in the Peak Design Camera Cube V2?

Peak Design is always very thoughtful with how it designs its products, and that is very evident in the changes it made to the already excellent Camera Cubes.

New sizes

First, the two new sizes join the lineup of Small, Medium, and Large. The X-Small exterior measures 9 x 4.7 x 5.9 inches and offers an internal volume of 3.5 liters. It comes with two extra small dividers. This size is ideal for small and minimal mirrorless setups or would also work well for a drone or drone accessories. I was able to fit my Sony a7 III with the Sony 24-70mm f/4 attached, along with the small Kodak H35 film camera. It was snug around my mirrorless camera but did fit.

The Smedium (no, that’s not a typo; it is really named Smedium) Camera Cube V2, as you might guess, sits between the Small and Medium. Its exterior measures 12.2 x 9.25 x 5.9 inches, and the internal volume is 10 liters. The Smedium comes with two medium dividers, one small shelf divider, one small divider, two extra small dividers, and one detachable pocket.

The existing three sizes maintain the same sizes as the original versions but get all of the same upgrades.

Build quality upgrades

Peak Design kept the weatherproof 160D 100% recycled nylon canvas shell of the first version of the Camera Cubes. But, in order to make them even more weatherproof, they switched to new zippers called Ultra Zips. There is also weatherproof taping on all external seams to keep all water out. The exterior also gets even more grab handles—one on each side—making them easier to carry and grab out of your bag when necessary.

In the Camera Cubes V2, Peak Design expanded the main opening to provide better access to gear, including items on the sides and in the corners. The top flap folds entirely out of the way, so you won’t have to fumble with holding it open while trying to get something out. One really smart feature is the removable padding in the lid. If you use a Peak Design bag with padding on all sides (such as the Travel Backpack) and want one-zip access to your gear, you can take out that padding and tuck the top panel away for quicker, easier access. The Medium and Large sizes also feature a zippered opening on two sides, which enables quick entry when using bags with side openings.

The flexible dividers also get an upgrade in the V2 version. They offer a cleaner aesthetic and come in even more sizes so that you can fully customize your setup. The entire interior is also softer in the V2 bags.

Finally, the bags are all about 10 to 15 percent lighter than their predecessors. That’s not a ton, but when you’re lugging around a camera backpack when hiking or traveling, every bit of weight matters.

Peak Design Camera Cube V2 in use

Admittedly, I was not a Camera Cube person originally. I’ve always stuck to dedicated camera bags with built-in protection. But that has been extremely limiting in certain situations, meaning I either don’t bring my camera somewhere or deal with a bag that’s less than ideal for a given situation. The Camera Cubes V2 have changed my ways.

I recently went out for a brief SUP adventure and wanted to have my camera on hand, but don’t have a camera bag that I would trust if it happened to fall overboard for some reason. I have an EXPED waterproof bag, which is not a dedicated camera bag. But, with the X-Small Camera Cube, I was able to safely bring my camera along by tossing it in the waterproof bag. Likewise, for bigger trips, I could easily through the Large in a bigger duffel to take my entire kit but still keep a relatively small camera backpack on me with select pieces of gear as needed.

As with all other Peak Design gear I’ve used, the Camera Cubes V2 are made of extremely quality and durable materials. I haven’t been using them for terribly long, but they feel like they will last forever. The water that got on the bag when I was SUPing beaded up and slid away, with no water soaking into the material at all. The interior is nice and soft. The flexible dividers are just sturdy enough and feature strong velcro to keep them in place even with lots of movement. And the wide opening is awesome to have. It makes it easier to pack in my gear and allows me to easily see what I have when I’m looking for something.

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Pricing & availability

All sizes of the Peak Design Camera Cube V2 are available for purchase now. The X-Small is $49.95, Small is $59.95, Smedium is $69.95, Medium is $89.95, and Large is $109.95.

If you don’t mind missing out on the upgrades, Peak Design is selling the V1 versions for 20 percent off as long as supplies last.

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If you’re someone who likes to get their holiday shopping done early but doesn’t like paying full price, you’re in luck. You don’t have to wait until Black Friday in order to take advantage of excellent savings on camera equipment right now. There are some great Canon early Black Friday deals on Canon’s cameras, lenses, and binoculars, from beginner-friendly items to pro-level gear. Whether you are shopping for a loved one or picking up new tools for yourself, you’ll want to take advantage of these discounts. And if you’re not a Canon person, there are also some early Black Friday deals on Nikon cameras and lenses as well.

Canon EOS R3 camera body $4,999.00 (was $5,999.00)

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You must really like someone if you’re thinking of picking up the Canon EOS R3 for them. Or, maybe you don’t want to miss $1,000 off and are considering it for yourself. Either way, this is a true beast of a camera. It’s capable of 30 frames per second burst shooting of full-res raw files with the electronic shutter, making it our top pick for cameras for sports photography. The autofocus is impressively fast and responsive, even when working with fast-moving subjects. And the rugged DSLR-like body is comfortable to hold for long shoots. This is the lowest price we’ve seen on the R3, so if you’ve been thinking about upgrading (or know someone who has), now is the time to hit that buy button.

Canon EOS R5 C camera body $3,799.00 (was $4,299.00)

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The Canon R5 C is a workhorse of a video camera and our pick for the company’s best camera for video applications. It is capable of full-frame video up to 8K 60p, or 4K 120p. It offers HDMI raw output, Canon Log 3 HLG/PQ support, Dual Pixel CMOS AF with eye detection, and unlimited recording time. Canon even included a built-in fan to prevent overheating. The R5 C is no slouch for photos, either, thanks to the 45-megapixel sensor and DIGIC X image processor.

Even more Canon early Black Friday deals

Canon cameras

• Canon EOS R100 + RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 is STM Lens Kit $499.00 (was $599.00)
• Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera + RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 is STM Lens $749.00 (was $799.99)
• Canon EOS RP Full-Frame Camera + RF24-105mm Lens F4-7.1 is STM Lens Kit $1,199.00 (was $1,299.00)
• Canon EOS R7 + RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit $1,799.00 (was $1,899.00)
• Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera + RF 24-105mm F4 L is USM Lens Kit $4,499.00 (was $4,999.00)

Canon prime lenses

• Canon RF 5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye Lens $1,799.00 (was $1,999.00)
• Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens $249.00 (was $299.99)
• Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro is STM Lens $479.99 (was $599.99)
• Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens $169.00 (was $179.00)
• Canon RF 50mm F 1.2L USM Lens $2,099.00 (was $2,199.00)
• Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro is STM Lens $499.00 (was $599.99)
• Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens $2,499.00 (was $2,799.00)
• Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro is USM Lens $999.00 (was $1,399.00)

Canon zoom lenses

• Canon RF14-35mm F4 L is USM Lens $1,199.00 (was $1,699.00)
• Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L is USM Lens $2,099.00 (was $2,399.00)
• Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Lens $2,739.95 (was $3,099.00)
• Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L is USM Lens $1,399.00 (was $1,499.00)
• Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L is USM Telephoto Zoom Lens $2,499.00 (was $2,799.00)
• Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 is USM Lens $599.00 (was $649.99)
• Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM Super-Telephoto Lens $2,599.00 (was $2,899.00)

Binoculars

• Canon Cameras US 10X32 is Image Stabilizing Binocular $899.00 (was $1,169.95)
• Canon Binoculars 8 x 20 is $449.00 (was $499.00)

The post Save up to $1,000 on Canon gear with these early Black Friday deals appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Truly high-end lenses don’t come cheap, so we’re always interested in a discount. Nikon’s 85mm f/1.2 S lens falls in the pro-level category, offering stunning image quality across the board. However, right now, you can take advantage of some early Black Friday deals at Amazon to save on Nikon cameras and lenses, including the lowest price we’ve ever seen on its impressive 85mm lens.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S $2,524.95 (was $2,799.95)

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The NIKKOR 85mm f/1.2 S is a truly spectacular prime lens. Many have described it as perfect and even Nikon’s best-ever lens. It’s also our favorite Nikon lens for portraiture. This telephoto prime offers superb resolution across the entire image for sharp, highly detailed images. It also produces beautifully smooth bokeh, balancing out the sharpness. It’s heavy—in part due to that bright f/1.2 aperture—but handles really well for the size. This lens rarely goes on sale, especially for $275 off. While it may not seem like much, this is an early Black Friday deal you won’t want to miss if you want a top-of-the-line prime portrait lens.

More Nikon early Black Friday deals

Nikon cameras

• Nikon Z 30 $606.95 (was $709.95)
• Nikon Z 50 $756.95 (was $859.95)
• Nikon Z 50 with Two Lenses $1,146.95 (was $1,346.95)
• Nikon Z fc $856.95 (was $956.95)
• Nikon Z 5 $1,096.95 (was $1,399.95)
• Nikon Z 6 II $1,696.95 (was $1,996.95)
• Nikon Z 7 II $2,496.95 (was $2,996.95)

Nikon prime lenses

• Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S $946.95 (was $1,049.95)
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S $896.95 (was $996.95)
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 $276.95 (was $296.95)
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S $696.95 (was $849.95)
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 $276.95 (was $296.95)
• Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 $596.95 (was $646.95)
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S $526.95 (was $626.95)
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S $1,896.95 (was $2,096.95)
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S $696.95 (was $799.95)
• Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S $946.95 (was $1,046.95)

Nikon zoom lenses

• Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S $1,146.95 (was $1,346.95)
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S $2,296.95 (was $2,496.95)
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 $996.95 (was $1,199.95)
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S $2,096.95 (was $2,396.95)
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 $896.95 (was $1,199.95)
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S $2,396.95 (was $3,499.95)
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm VR S $2,496.95 (was $2,,699.95)

The post Get the Nikon 85mm f/1.2 S prime lens for its lowest price ever at Amazon appeared first on Popular Photography.

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The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD was initially released in 2021 for Sony, followed by a Fujifilm X mount version in 2022. Now, the budget lens maker is expanding even more with a Nikon Z mount version of this impressive super-telephoto zoom lens. The lens keeps the same compact form factor of the Sony and Fujifilm versions, weighing 3.79 pounds and measuring only 8.4 inches when zoomed out. It also comes at the same budget-friendly $1,199.00 price. The existing versions of this lens punch way above the price, and we fully expect the Nikon Z mount version to do the same.

Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD at a glance

• 3.79 pounds
• 8.4 inches long at 150mm, 11.3 inches long at 500mm
• 25 elements in 16 groups
• VXD autofocus motor for fast, precise, and quiet autofocus
• Three image stabilization modes (standard, panning, and framing priority)
• Arca-type tripod mount with strap attachment loops
• Moisture-resistant
• Rounded 7-blade diaghragm
• 82mm filter thread

Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD build

One of the best features of Tamron’s 150-500mm f/5-6.7 lens is how incredibly compact it is for the lens class. At just 8.4 inches long when zoomed out (11.3 inches at 500mm) and 3.79 pounds, the lens is much easier to shoot with handheld and to keep in your bag than the alternatives. The closest comparison is Nikon’s Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens, which is 12.4 inches long and weighs 4.3 pounds.

On top of the compact size, the Tamron 150-500mm is also highly durable. It features moisture-resistant construction and a fluorine coating to keep the front element clean and clear of debris. Additionally, Tamron built the removable lens hood with a flexible, shock-absorbing front rim to protect against cracks and damage should you drop the lens.

In terms of lens controls, you’ll have access to an AF on/off switch and a focus limiter switch. A linear/non-linear AF switch allows you to change whether rotation speed or rotation angle changes the amount of focus movement. This switch lets you fine-tune your focus when focusing manually. There is also a Flex Zoom Lock mechanism to hold the lens at a certain focal length. The Arca-type tripod mount rotates so that you can shoot in any position, and it features strap attachment loops as well.

Optical design

Tamron designed its 150-500mm lens with 25 elements in 16 groups. That includes plenty of special lens elements, such as one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), five LD (Low Dispersion), one GM (Glass-Molded Aspherical) element, and two Hybrid Aspherical lens elements. All of these elements work to control aberrations, resulting in excellent image quality from edge to edge. Tamron coated the lens elements with a BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coating to reduce internal reflections, flare, and ghosting, resulting in improved clarity and color accuracy.

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD autofocus & image stabilization

A VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism powers focus in the Tamron 150-500mm lens. The result is extremely fast and accurate autofocus, able to keep up with the Eye AF of Nikon cameras. It can focus as close as 23.6 inches at 150mm. That distance adds to its versatility as a portrait lens, as you won’t have to stay too far away from your subject. And it allows for close-up images as well, with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.1. When you zoom in, the minimum object distance expands to 70.9 inches.

As we would expect of a super-telephoto lens, it features image stabilization to help obtain sharp images when handholding the camera. Tamron calls its stabilization VC (Vibration Compensation), and although it doesn’t specify how many stops of stabilization it provides, the system is effective at reducing camera shake.

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Pricing & availability

The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is available for pre-order now for $1,199.00. It will begin shipping on October 31 as a perfect little treat for your Halloween.

The post Tamron announces the 150-500mm F/5-6.7 telephoto zoom lens for Nikon Z mount appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Nikon has been busy churning out new cameras and lenses this year. Just a few weeks ago, it announced the fancy 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens and a little shy of a month ago, it released a full-frame version of its retro mirrorless camera, the Z f. The company is keeping the ball rolling with its latest announcement, the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S lens. Nikon explains that it built the super-telephoto prime lens for wildlife, aviation, and motorsport photographers. At $4,796.95, it falls firmly in the pro-level category, and it looks like it offers features to match. Most notable is the relatively diminutive size of just three pounds, plus plenty of on-lens controls and built-in stabilization.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S at a glance

• 11 inches long
• Weighs 3 pounds
• 5.5 stops of stabilization or 6 stops when paired with a compatible body
• Sport VR mode stabilizes the viewfinder during continuous shooting
• Includes a memory recall function to instantly recall focus position stored in advance
• Designed with video applications in mind
• Dust- and drip-resistant
• Compatible with teleconverters
• 95mm filter thread
• $4,799.95
• Available in late October

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Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S build & optical design

One of the biggest selling points of the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 is how small it is for a super-telephoto lens. In fact, it is the lightest lens in its class. It weighs just three pounds and is only 10.9 inches long. For comparison, though it offers a faster aperture, the 600mm f/6.3 is roughly half the size of the Nikon 600m f/4. It’s also roughly half the size of the Canon RF 600mm f/4, which weighs 6.8 pounds and measures 18.6 inches long.

Nikon achieved this small size in part by utilizing a Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element. It also features two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and a short-wave refractive element to reduce chromatic aberrations and prevent light dispersion. And the Nano Crystal Coating reduces flare to improve clarity. All this should result in truly stunning image quality across the board, making it possible to create outstanding wildlife and motorsport images.

The lightweight size of Nikon’s 600mm f/6.3 makes it much more feasible to handhold, which is ideal for shooting moving subjects requiring fast reaction time in changing conditions. Nikon also specified that it designed the lens so that the center of gravity is positioned at the body side of the lens. It should result in excellent balance when attached to your camera and make it easier to control when panning for automotive racing shots or birds in flight.

As part of Nikon’s S-line of lenses, it is dust- and drip-resistant and uses a fluorine coating on the front element for better protection when working in less-than-ideal environments. It also features a Kensington Security Slot, which allows you to use pro-grade cable locks to keep your lens safe from theft.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S handling & autofocus

Even though the Z 600mm f/6.3 is comparatively lightweight, it can still be tricky to handhold super-telephoto lenses and achieve sharp images. Luckily, Nikon built the lens with its Vibration Reduction (VR), its version of in-lens image stabilization. In Normal VR mode, you’ll be able to get 5.5 stops of stabilization. If you turn on Sport VR mode, the viewfinder is also stabilized, which makes it easier to track fast subjects. You can also pair the lens VR with in-body stabilization (IBIS) to achieve six stops of stabilization.

Nikon designed the lens with four Fn2 buttons and one Fn button, which can each be customized with a wide variety of functions. It is also equipped with a Memory Set button, which allows you to save and then instantly recall a focus position. Additionally, Nikon included a focus limiter switch and manual/auto focus switch.

For autofocus, the lens relies on the Nikon Stepping Motor, which is fast and nearly silent. Nikon designed it to keep up with speedy, erratic subjects like birds and motorsports. The minimal noise level, limited focus breathing, and precise electromagnetic diaphragm make the Z 600mm f/6.3 a fantastic lens for video applications as well.

Pricing & availability

The NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6,3 VR S is available for pre-order now for $4,796.95. It will begin shipping on October 26.

The post New gear: NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S super-telephoto prime lens appeared first on Popular Photography.

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