The made-in-Japan Fujifilm X100VI camera is now in stock at B&H Photo (both black & white versions) – act fast, they will sell out pretty quickly:

• FUJIFILM X100VI (Silver)
• FUJIFILM X100VI (Black)

Check also the latest X100VI camera accessories, for example, the new Owlkrown soft release buttons “Shutter Toppers“:

 

New: IDSworks foldable thumb grip (thumb rest) for Fujifilm X100VI cameras

Just announced: IDSworks grip for the new Fuji X100VI camera

Freewell launched the “Real Lens Hood” designed for Leica Q3 43, Fujifilm X100VI/GFX100RF, and RicohGRIII/x cameras

New: Fujifilm X100VI “Slim Skin” case by Akaralabs

Screen covers, dial locks, and leatherette accessories for Fujifilm cameras

 

The post Act fast: Fujifilm X100VI camera is now in stock (both black & white versions) appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The new Ricoh GR IV camera is now in stock in Canada at Camera Canada:

They have only a few pieces in stock, so hurry up if you need one. Check also GR IV availability at:

• Amazon
• B&H Photo
• Foto Erhardt
• WEX Photo
• Camera Canada

Previous Ricoh GR IV coverage can be found here.

Ricoh GR IV camera accessories

Via PentaxRumors

The post Act fast: the new Ricoh GR IV camera is now in stock in Canada appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Today, Panasonic announced a new limited edition Lumix S9 camera in titanium gold for the US market, as well as new firmware and app updates (previously reported here). The Panasonic Lumix S9 Titanium Edition camera has been available for months in Japan (see all other available S9 colors):

Panasonic Lumix S9 camera now available also in “Titanium Gold” (in Japan only for now)

Update – new S9 color combinations were also introduced in Europe:

Here are the details on the new Panoiasnic releases:

Panasonic Introduces LUMIX S9 in Titanium Gold Limited Version

New Updates for LUMIX Lab and LUMIX Flow Apps, as well as Firmware Updates for a Range of LUMIX Cameras and S Series Lenses

Newark, N.J. (October 16, 2025) –Panasonic is proud to introduce the new LUMIX S9 in titanium gold. The LUMIX S9, the smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera in the LUMIX S Series, is the perfect companion for content creators on the go and easily elevates social media content.

Designed with the creative smartphone user in mind, the LUMIX S9 also offers users the popular REAL TIME LUT function via a new dedicated button on the camera body. Furthermore, with the new LUMIX Lab app, creators can develop their own unique LUT color files on their smartphone. Through these features, users can effortlessly generate original and shareable stills and videos without the need for post-production editing on a computer, expanding the scope of creative possibilities. The Titanium Gold joins six other colorways in the S9 lineup.

Price and availability

Available exclusively at shop.panasonic.com in limited quantities, the new S9 Titanium Gold comes bundled with a color matching S 18-40mm lens kit for $1899.99. Until 12/27/25, customers will receive an instant rebate of $300 plus a free S 26mm lens and a free Sandisk Creator SD card.

Updates for LUMIX Lab & LUMIX Flow Apps, as well as Firmware Updates

Panasonic is excited to announce a series of updates across its LUMIX ecosystem, including new features for the LUMIX Lab and LUMIX Flow apps, as well as firmware enhancements for selected LUMIX cameras and lenses. These updates enhance the shooting experience and improve functionality, empowering creators with intuitive tools and seamless workflows.

All updates will be available starting October 19th, 2025, at 9:00pm ET via the app stores and LUMIX Global Customer Support website.

LUMIX Lab App Ver. 2.0

• A new feature, Magic LUT (*1)(*2), allows users to experience the freedom of creating their own color. Select an image, and in an instant, AI will transform any photo to match the same colors, tones, and overall mood, creating your very own photo style as LUT.
• Magic LUT supports JPEG, HEIF and MP4 (*3) files taken not only LUMIX cameras, but also cameras and smartphones from other brands.
• Users can fine-tune the colors before saving it as a LUT for editing and shooting, and even adjust the intensity or opacity in camera.

LUMIX Flow App Ver 1.3

• LUMIX Flow is now available on LUMIX S5II, S5IIX, and GH7.
• New features and enhancements for all compatible models:
  • Mirroring feature improvements and support for multiple devices – up to 4 devices can be connected simultaneously
  • Vertical UI support for external monitors
  • Improved cut addition feature, allowing a blank shot to be added as a sub-shot of a selected take or at the very end of the storyboard
• Added Features for LUMIX S5II, S5IIX, GH7*:
• *These enhancements will also be available for LUMIX S1II, S1IIE, and S1RII in future updates.
  • Support for LUT view assist – LUT live view is available in the app and can be toggled ON or OFF
  • Support for multiple frame marker display – the same frame markers shown on the camera appear on the app as Live View
  • Improved AF frame display for various recognition in Automatic Detection

LUMIX S5II Firmware Version 3.4 / S5IIX Version 2.4 Updates

• Support for LUMIX Flow ver.1.3 or above
• Startup time improvements
• Bluetooth connection supported for DJI RS 4 Pro / RS 4 / RS 4 Mini
• Enhanced customization of the Focus Ring – The focus ring can be used as a control ring, enabling for assigning key functions and the focus rotation direction can be selected either clockwise or counterclockwise. (*4)

LUMIX S9 Version 1.6 Updates

• Enhanced customization of the Focus Ring – The focus ring can be used as a control ring, enabling for assigning key functions and the focus rotation direction can be selected either clockwise or counterclockwise. (*4)

LUMIX GH7 Version 1.5 and G9II Firmware Version 2.5 Updates

• Support for LUMIX Flow ver.1.3 or above (*5)
• Startup time improvements
• Bluetooth connection is supported for DJI RS 4 Pro / RS 4 / RS 4 Mini (*5)

LUMIX S 18mm F1.8 ver.2.0 / S 24mm F1.8 ver.2.0 / S 35mm F1.8 ver.2.0 / S 50mm F1.8 ver.2.0 / S 85mm F1.8 ver.2.0 / S 100mm F2.8 MACRO ver.2.0

• The focus ring can be used as a control ring (*6), enabling for assigning key functions, and the focus rotation direction can be selected in MF mode.

Meet the LUMIX Adventure Kits:

For creators who live boldly — climbing higher, traveling farther, and capturing the world in its rawest beauty — the LUMIX Adventure Kits are your ultimate companion. These kits are built around the powerful S1II, S1RII, S5II and S5IIX bodies, paired with the S 24-60mm F2.8 lens, a professional-grade optic that transforms every shot into a story.

Why the Adventure Kit is the Smart Choice:

• Constant F2.8 aperture for superior low-light performance and depth of field control
• Exceptional sharpness and color rendering across the zoom range
• Durable, weather-resistant build for real-world adventures
• Versatility that covers everything from wide landscapes to intimate portraits

This isn’t just a kit — it’s a creative system designed for those who understand that the lens is the gateway to image quality.

The Adventure Kit is for the smart creator — someone who understands that investing in quality gear upfront saves time, money, and frustration later. Whether you’re shooting epic landscapes, destination weddings, documentary films or travel vlogs, this kit gives you the tools you need to create without compromise.

Price and availability

The new Adventure Kits are available with a S 24-60mm F2.8 lens and a Sandisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD Card until 12/27/25. The S1RII A Kit $4099.99; S1II A Kit $3999.99; S5IIX A Kit $2,999.99 and S5II A Kit $2,799.99. The delivery date for the Adventure Kits will be mid-November.

^{*1 Please use images that do not violate license terms, applicable laws and regulations, or legal rights such as copyright and portrait rights.
*2 Magic LUT cannot be used on some iPhone devices as they do not meet the system requirements. Please use it on iPhone 11 or later devices (excluding iPhone SE (2nd generation)), iPhone XS, and iPhone XS MAX
*3 Video files cannot be selected as a reference image.
*4 Compatible lens models as of October 2025: S-E2460, S-X50, S-R24105, S-R2060, S-S18, S-S24. S-S35, S-S50, S-S85, S-E100.
*5 LUMIX GH7 only.
*6 Compatible models as of October 2025: LUMIX S1II, S1RII, S1IIE, S5II, S5IIX, S9. Please update your camera to the latest firmware.}

The post Panasonic announced a new Lumix S9 camera in titanium gold, new firmware and app updates appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Image: Panasonic

Panasonic has announced a slew of updates, including firmware updates for cameras, added app features and a 'Titanium Gold' version of its S9 mirrorless vlogging camera. The firmware will be available from October 19th.

The Titanium Gold variant of the Lumix S9 becomes the seventh color option for the company's 24MP vlogging-focused mirrorless camera. It will be available on December 27th, with a recommended price of $1900, bundled with the company 18-40mm 4.5-6.3 lens.

Updated apps

Meanwhile, the company is updating both its Lumix Lab and Lumix Flow apps. Lumix Lab will gain the ability to generate a LUT from a reference image (not necessarily from a Panasonic camera), to let you mimic a look in your subsequent shooting.

Meanwhile, the Lumix Flow video workflow app gains compatibility with the S5II, S5IIX and GH7 cameras, as well as gaining additional features and capabilities.

Enhanced firmware

Firmware updates for the S5II, S5IIX, GH7 and G9II add Lumix Flow compatibility, improve startup times and promise bluetooth connectivity with DJI's 4th-gen RS-series gimbals.

The S5II siblings, along with the S9, gain the ability to use the focus ring on Panasonic lenses as a custom dial and let you change the direction of focus ring operation. Firmware updates for the 18mm, 24mm 35mm, 50mm and 85mm F1.8s, along with the 100mm F2.8 Macro, enable these features on the lens side.

The company has also announced 'Adventure Kit' bundles for the S1II, S1RII, S5II and S5IIX bodies, pairing them with the 24-60mm F2.8 weather-sealed zoom lens. These kits, ranging from $2799 for the S5II A kit, to $4099 for the S1RII A kit. The pricing adds $800 to the original list prices of each model, compared with a list price of $1049 for the lens alone. However, discounts to some models can mean it's still cheaper to buy them separately. The kits will initially include a Sandisk Portable SSD.

Image: Viltrox

Sony and Nikon mirrorless users now have another fast standard prime lens option thanks to Viltrox. The company has announced the AF 50mm F1.4 Pro lens, promising pro-level quality and features.

Viltrox designed the 50mm AF 50mm F1.4 Pro around 15 elements in 11 groups, including 8 high-refractive index, 3 extra-low dispersion and 1 ultra-precision aspherical lens. It also features Viltrox's "Advanced HD" nano coating. Viltrox says the lens design suppresses aberration, distortion, onion rings and ghosting, and promises flagship-level image quality with edge-to-edge sharpness that can meet the demands of high-resolution cameras.

Image: Viltrox

Viltrox is using linear motors to power the lens's autofocus; it should be able to keep up with high-speed shooting situations, such as sports and action, and it's compatible with face and eye detection. Viltrox says it has minimal focus breathing for better video performance as well. The lens can focus as close as 0.45m (1.48'), making it possible to shoot close-ups to emphasize the subject.

The lens's build quality also punches above its weight. Its metal construction provides better durability and a more premium feel, and Viltrox says it offers "high-grade" weather sealing. There's an aperture ring that can be clicked or de-clicked and an AF/MF switch. It also offers a customizable Fn button.

While it certainly has a lot going for it, the Viltrox 50mm F1.4 Pro is rather hefty for its class. The Nikon Z mount version weighs 830g (1.83 lb) and measures 113mm (4.45") long, which is nearly double the weight of the Nikkor 50mm F1.4. The Sony E mount model is slightly smaller at 800g (1.76 lb) and 111mm (4.37") long, but that's still heavier than the Sony 50mm F1.4 GM lens, which comes in at 516g (1.4 lb).

Viltrox's latest fast standard prime may not win in size, but it does beat out most of the competition in terms of price. The lens is available for $549, which is substantially more affordable than both Sony's 50mm F1.4 GM and Sigma's 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art lens.

The Viltrox AF 50mm F1.4 Pro lens is available for purchase starting today.

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Buy now:

Buy at Amazon

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Viltrox AF 50mm F1.4 Pro specifications:

The previously reported (first mentioned back in June) two new Nikkor DX mirrorless lenses are now officially announced.

Pre-orders are now open at:

• US: B&H Photo | Paul’s Photo | Sevice Photo 
  
• DE: Foto Erhardt
• UK: WEX Photo
• CA: Camera Canada

Additional information on the new lenses can be found here:

Nikon announced two new Nikkor DX mirrorless lenses: 16-50mm f/2.8 & 35mm f/1.7

The post Nikon announced two new APS-C lenses: Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR and Nikkor Z DX 35mm f/1.7 appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm (24-75 equiv.) F2.8 VR, its first APS-C zoom lens with a fast, constant aperture for its mirrorless Z mount. It's an important addition to the company's lineup and will likely be very exciting for those who have cameras like the Z50II, which are very capable but have suffered from a lack of really great zooms.

The lens has 12 elements in 11 groups, with one ED element and two aspherical lenses. It's also Nikon's first APS-C lens for Z mount to have nine aperture blades rather than seven, which should provide slightly rounder bokeh. Wide open, it has a minimum focusing distance of 0.15m (5.9"), which goes up to 0.25m (9.8") at the long end. It uses a stepper motor autofocus system.

The 16-50mm F2.8 lives up to APS-C's promise of smaller, lighter lenses; at 330g (11.6oz) it's around a third lighter than the full-frame Nikkor Z 24-70mm F4 S to which it's most directly comparable. It's also welcome that it includes optical stabilization, as none of Nikon's current APS-C mirrorless cameras have stabilized sensors. The lens is 88mm (3.5") long and accepts 67mm filters.

Image: Nikon

The lens has Nikon's multifunction control ring, which you can program to change settings such as aperture, ISO and more, and comes with a petal-shaped hood.

The release of this lens is a big moment for Nikon's APS-C lineup. Before now, if you wanted a standard zoom for your APS-C Z-mount camera, you were pretty much stuck with the 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR, which was very compact but decidedly slow on the long end. The company hasn't allowed third-party manufacturers like Sigma or Tamron to produce APS-C zooms for its mirrorless systems, so anyone looking up upgrade their kit lens was pretty much forced to go with the larger, heavier and more expensive full-frame options.

While we're very happy to see that this lens is now available, it'll be interesting to see if Nikon continues to release this kind of product for its APS-C cameras. A 70-200 equiv. F2.8 lens, for example, could be a great option for those hoping to shoot portraits or events with a Z50II. It or another lens like it would also be another sign that Nikon was really starting to take its crop sensor lineup seriously, rather than just treating it as the cheap option or a stepping stone to a full-frame system.

Coming back to the present and the 16-50mm F2.8, though, the lens will be available to order starting October 16, and will retail for $899.

Pre-production samples

Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter/magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing; we do so in good faith, so please don't abuse it.

Note: At Nikon's insistence, these samples are re-sized out-of-camera JPEGs, and therefore include corrections and processing that we wouldn't usually include. This is not our standard way of presenting images, so they should be considered as illustrative and not used to assess the lens's performance.

Nikon Z DX 16-50mm F2.8 VR specifications:

Photo: Nikon

Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z DX Micro 35mm F1.7, an APS-C macro lens with a roughly 53mm equiv. focal length and the ability to focus on subjects as close as 0.16m (6.3") away.

The lens's formula uses eight elements in seven groups, with one ED lens. And while in most scenarios it'll have a relatively bright F1.7 aperture, it'll effectively be knocked down to F3.2 in extremely close-focus scenarios. Nikon claims the lens can achieve 0.67x magnification, which it says is "life-size equivalent" in full-frame terms.

It's lightweight at 220g (7.8 oz), and is 72mm (2.8") long, which means you can take pictures of subjects that are 0.09m (3.5") away from the front element. Autofocus is handled by a stepper motor, and the company says it has minimal focus breathing.

The lens's design is minimal; it has a single control ring, which can be customized to adjust focus, ISO, aperture, etc.

The lens is available to order today, and retails for $449.

Pre-production samples

Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter/magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing; we do so in good faith, so please don't abuse it.

Note: At Nikon's insistence, these samples are re-sized out-of-camera JPEGs, and therefore include corrections and processing that we wouldn't usually include. This is not our standard way of presenting images, so they should be considered as illustrative and not used to assess the lens's performance.

Nikon Nikkor Z DX Micro 35mm F1.7 specifications:

The rumors of a new Zeiss lens release, which I reported last week, were for the announcement of the already released and later delayed Zeiss Otus ML 1.4/85 full-frame mirrorless lens for Sony E, Canon RF, and Nikon Z-mount cameras. Check availability and pricing at:

• B&H Photo
• Foto Erhardt
• WEX Photo

From Zeiss:

Additional information on the Zeiss Otus ML 1.4/85 lens:

The release of the new Zeiss Otus ML 1.4/85 lens is delayed until October

The Zeiss Otus ML 85mm f/1.4 lens (E/Z/RF) is now officially released and available for pre-order

Zeiss Otus ML mirrorless lenses for Z/E/RF mount officially announced

The post Now available: Zeiss Otus ML 1.4/85 full-frame mirrorless lens for E/RF/Z mount appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Image: Apple

Apple has announced a new 14-inch MacBook Pro, with the most substantial upgrade coming from the newly unveiled M5 chip. Though it's using a baseline chip, not a Pro or Max model, Apple promises a host of improvements to performance that are likely more than enough for most users. The tech giant also says the new MacBook Pro offers better battery life, faster storage and more.

The latest MacBook Pro is powered by the M5 chip, which has the same mix of 10 CPU cores (four performance, six efficiency) and 10 GPU cores as the M4 found in the previous-generation 14" MacBook Pro. Unsurprisingly, Apple is touting improved AI performance thanks to special "Neural Accelerator" silicon in each GPU core and performance improvements to its CPU, GPU and dedicated Neural Engine AI accelerator.

Image: Apple

It's not all AI, though. Apple says the GPU will provide "30 percent faster performance" than the one on the M4, and 15 percent faster multithreaded performance than the M4. It also sees a boost to 150GB/s memory bandwidth, up from the M4's 120GB/s (though that's still a step down from the memory bandwidth found on the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips). Plus, Apple says the new model's SSD is up to twice as fast, which could help with importing Raw files, exporting large video files or running a local LLM. There's now a 4TB SSD option available, where the M4 model maxed out at 2TB.

Despite the performance upgrades, Apple says the computer will still be capable of 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, like its predecessor.

Design-wise, the M5 MacBook Pro keeps the status quo: it offers three Thunderbolt 4 ports – you have to upgrade to a model with a Pro or Max chip for Thunderbolt 5 – an HDMI port, an SDXC card slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The 14.2-inch display remains the same, with up to 1600 nits peak brightness for HDR content or 1000 nits sustained brightness in SDR. It also supports the full P3 color gamut, making it a worthy option for those requiring precise color.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 is available for pre-order today, starting at $1599. It will be widely available on October 22.

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Pre-order now:

Pre-order at Apple

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The early bird discount for the new 2025 5DayDeal photography bundle will end in 24 hours (the pre-sale window includes a $5 discount on each of the Main, Pro, and Complete packages – totaling $15 off for the Complete Bundle):

As with previous years, with the new 5DayDeal Photography Bundle 2025, you will get a package of different photography tools drastically reduced ($1,000+ worth of pro-level courses, tools, and creative assets for as little as $98):

Several different bundles are available, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to charities. This deal will end on October 21.

Via NikonRumors

The post 24 hours left for the early bird discount for the 5DayDeal Photography Bundle 2025 appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Image: 7Artisans

7Artisans has released the AF 35mm F1.8 lens for full-frame Sony E, Nikon Z and Leica L mount cameras. The popular prime focal length lens comes at a budget price, yet offers features typically found on more premium models.

Budget lenses typically utilize plastic construction with little in the way of on-lens controls. But the 7Artisans AF 35mm F1.8 uses metal construction for greater durability. It also offers a customizable FN button and MF/AF switch. Additionally, it features an aperture ring that is stepless for silent and smooth operation when shooting video.

Image: 7Artisans

7Artisans constructed the lens with 11 elements in 8 groups, with 2 aspherical, 2 high-refractive and 1 ED element. The company promises corner-to-corner sharpness. An STM motor powers the autofocus, which is compatible with eye and face tracking. 7Artisans says there is enhanced focus breathing suppression for better video performance. It can focus as close as 0.4m (1.3').

The metal construction adds weight, so it isn't the lightest 35mm prime available, coming in at 426g (15oz) for the E mount model. It is still relatively compact, though, measuring 94mm (3.7") long. The lens offers a 62mm filter thread and comes with a petal-shaped lens hood. It features a USB-C port for firmware updates and comes with a USB-C cable.

The 7Artisans AF 35mm F1.8 lens is available for purchase now for $300.

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Buy now:

Buy at 7Artisans

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7Artisans AF 35mm F1.8 specifications:

Image: MirageC / Moment via Getty Images

For our latest 'Question of the week,' we wanted to find out what camera stores near you were special hidden gems. Several of you naturally suggested B&H, which was the most common answer, but there were also many more unique and intriguing finds. We even had examples from Japan and Spain! It was exciting to see so many thriving brick-and-mortar camera stores.

In total, over 140 stores were mentioned, with at least 40 distinct ones across multiple countries around the world. Here are a few spotlight stories you shared with us.

Various stores in Vancouver, Canada

DPReview reader Jack Simpson in front of Dunne & Rundle on Granville Street in Vancouver, Canada. Photo: Jack Simpson

Reader Jack Simpson told us about the various camera stores he worked at in Vancouver, Canada:

"All the camera stores I worked at in Vancouver, BC, which were, in chronological order: July 1992 > Broadway Camera (my launch pad), WesPro Camera, Dunne and Rundle Cameras (Foto Source) – where, I think, I started to feel comfortable – Gastown Photo and, lastly, Leo's Camera Supply > mid-March 2020. My favorite was probably Dunne and Rundle because it had a family atmosphere."

The photo above shows Simpson "on my last day at the Granville Street (Dunne & Rundle) location, where they had been since 1929, albeit in three locations."

Wilkinson Camera in Liverpool

Wilkinson Camera in Liverpool on Bold St., seen in the distance as viewed from St Luke's, the Bombed Out Church. Photo: ahaslett

Reader ahaslett gave a vote to Wilkinson Camera in Liverpool:

"My favorite local store is Wilkinson Camera in Liverpool on Bold St. I find Wilkinson's in general a good company, one of several I have bought from here in the UK. They are not the only local store, but they are the best."

"It’s the helpful and knowledgeable staff that stand out for me, not to mention that the store is just across the street from a railway station and on the edge of the city center. There is an excellent coffee shop and bar just up Bold St, where I have been known to buy the Olympus rep a decent cup of coffee as a thank you for a great demo."

B&H Camera in New York

Reader monte12345 bought this camera over the phone from B&H Photo in New York in 1984. Photo: monte12345

Not surprisingly, several readers called out B&H Photo in New York. Reader monte12345 told us:

"I bought this camera [see photo above] in 1984 from B&H by calling the phone number listed in an ad in the back of Modern Photography. Called them up and placed the order, and mailed them the check, and when it arrived, they called me and let me know the camera and lens had been shipped. Three days later, I received the camera. It was a no-mess, no-fuss operation start to finish, and I still have the camera, and it's still functioning perfectly. Actually, that says a lot about the excellence of Copal shutters. When I got it out today, I hadn't fired the shutter since 1997, and it only took about 10 test fires at 1/4 second for it to start timing accurately. BTW, if you fail to exercise a shutter, this will happen."

Reader maoby mapped out the 147-hour walk from his home near Montreal to B&H Photo in New York. Image: maoby

Reader maoby had a slightly more humorous take on B&H:

"Obviously, it's B&H that comes up most often, which is good because I don't live far from there. I'm going to take a short health walk to visit it."

Schiller's Camera in St. Louis

Schiller's Camera in St. Louis, Missouri. Photo: gipper51

Reader gipper51 shared a favorite photo haunt in the Midwest, Schiller's Camera:

"Schiller's Camera, St. Louis, Missouri. Special since they've been in business since the late 1800s (seriously). They offer lots of services beyond gear sales. Print services, including canvas and metal, photo restoration, film developing, audio/video transfers for old media, rental gear, photo classes, and they lead workshops and group outings around the local area. Many of the employees have been there 20+ years, and they know their stuff."

Yodobashi Camera in Tokyo

Dozens of tripods stand on display in the tripod section of Yodobashi Camera in Tokyo. The store can be a bit of sensory overload to newcomers, but once you've spent an hour there, you'll never forget the Yodobashi song that plays constantly near the escalators. Photo: Dale Baskin

Reader Nikonosman gave a shout-out to one of the great photo stores of the world, Yodobashi Camera:

"Yodobashi Camera in Tokyo, Japan. I don't get to New York or Chicago, and Atlanta no longer has what I'm looking for, but I visit Japan annually, and the camera stores there are out of sight!"

"Yodobashi Camera is a chain store, and you can find it in popular Tokyo districts such as Shinjuku and Akihabara, not to mention other cities throughout Japan. You really want to visit their stores. Where else can you see an entire department devoted to tripods, for example, or a huge department with nothing but camera bags?"

If you haven't had a chance to join the somewhat nostalgic discussion, it's not too late. The post is still open, so you can get in there and share a photo and experience at your local camera store.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to answer, and we look forward to hearing your responses next time!

Click here to answer the Question of the week

I already reported that the new Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 Pro full-frame lens will be announced on October 15th (see previous coverage).  The lens is already available for order at:

• Amazon
• B&H Photo
• Viltrox store

Main features:

• 15 Elements in 11 Groups Optical Design
• 3 ED (Extra-Low Dispersion Lens) lenses
• 1 UA (Ultra-Precision Aspherical Lens) lens
• 8 high-refractive index lenses

Additional information and pictures of the new Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 Pro lens:

• Large F1.4 maximum aperture delivers exceptional low-light performance and beautiful background blur for stunning portraits
• 0.45m Minimum Focusing Distance: AF 50mm F1.4 Pro has a minimum focusing distance of just 0.45m, offering excellent macro capabilities. With Pro-level ultra-high resolution, every detail is rendered with precision, preserving more intricate details.
• Quiet and Fast Autofocus HyperVCM: This is especially suitable for real-time subject tracking, even with moving subjects, Whether photographing or filming, this lens ensures sharp focus where it matters most.
• Outstanding Sharpness Even at Full Aperture: AF 50mm F1.4 Pro maintains exceptional sharpness even when the aperture is fully open to F1.4, with consistent sharpness from the center to the edges.
• Excellent video shooting performance: The AF 50mm F1.4 Pro delivers outstanding optical performance, with equally impressive video capabilities. When switching focus, the field of view changes minimally, and the breathing effect is negligible, allowing you to capture inspiration anytime.

In the US, Viltrox lenses are sold at B&H and Amazon. International shipping is available at Pergear and at the official Viltrox website (you can get 8% off at the online store with code NIKONRUMORS):

What’s coming next from Viltrox?

Updated list of latest/upcoming/rumored Chinese lenses

The post The new Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 Pro lens is now in stock appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Image: Laowa

Laowa has officially launched its 200mm F2 AF lens for full-frame cameras. The new telephoto prime for Sony E, Nikon Z and Canon EF mounts promises pro-level quality and features yet comes in at nearly half the price of the recently released Sigma 200mm F2 DG OS Sports, and does so with a more compact build.

Long telephoto lenses tend to be bulky and heavy, including the small selection of 200mm primes on the market. However, Laowa's 200mm F2 AF is relatively compact and lightweight. The Sony E and Nikon Z mount versions weigh 1.71 kg (3.74 lb), while the Canon EF mount version weighs 1.59 kg (3.51 lb). The Nikon Z version is the longest model, coming in at 176.8mm (6.9"), with the Canon EF version the shortest at 148.3mm (5.8"). For comparison, Sigma's new 200mm F2 lens weighs 1.80 kg (3.97 lb) and is 203mm (7.99") long.

Image: Laowa

Laowa promises "flagship-level results" from its latest lens. It features 11 elements in 9 groups, including two extra-low dispersion elements, one anomalous dispersion element and one ultra-high refraction element. Laowa says it offers well-controlled chromatic aberration with "razor-sharp clarity" for sharp images edge-to-edge with accurate colors. It also promises large bokeh.

Photo: Bastian Kratzke / Laowa

Laowa also says the lens provides precise and fast autofocus, making it well-suited for capturing sports and wildlife. It can focus as close as 150 cm (4.92'), slightly closer than the Sigma offering. It is compatible with 105mm front filters, and the Sony E and Nikon Z mount versions feature a built-in 43mm rear filter holder as well.

There are plenty of on-lens controls, including an aperture ring, focus limiter switch, AF/MF switch, FN button and a knob to quickly adjust the position of the lens support when changing orientation. Laowa also designed the lens with weather sealing to protect against dust and moisture.

The Laowa 200mm F2 AF lens is available for pre-order for $1799 for Canon EF and $1999 for Nikon Z and Sony E. It will ship in November 2025.

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Buy now:

Buy at Laowa

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Laowa 200mm F2 specifications:

Nikon Small World 2025 Photomicrography Winners

Nikon has announced the winners of its 2025 Small World photomicrography competition, gathering images from all around the world that show off the microscopic universe around us in shocking detail. The winning images depict a wide range of subjects, including cells from a variety of organs (and even species), insects, fungi and minerals, just to name a few.

There's also a Small World videography competition, for which Nikon announced the winners last month.

There are twenty winners, which you'll see in this slideshow, but there are several other honorable mentions and images of distinction, which Nikon has hosted on its site. The company says it received "thousands of entries from scientists and artists across the globe."

1st place: Zhang You

Subject: Rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) on a grain of rice

Technique: Image Stacking

Objective Lens Magnification: 5X

Location: Kunming, Yunnan, China

About the image: You is a member of the Entomological Society of China and the Entomological Society of Yunnan Province. He told Nikon: “It pays to dive deep into entomology: understanding insects’ behaviors and mastering lighting.” “A standout work blends artistry with scientific rigor, capturing the very essence, energy, and spirit of these creatures.”

The image was created over the course of two weeks out of 100 exposures taken with a medium format camera.

You told Nikon: “I had observed rice weevils in grains before, but never one with its wings spread.” “This one was naturally preserved on a windowsill, perhaps in a final attempt to escape. Its tiny size makes manually preparing spread-wing specimens extremely difficult, so encountering it was both serendipitous and inspiring.”

2nd place: Dr. Jan Rosenboom

Subject: Colonial algae (Volvox) spheres in a drop of water

Technique: Reflected Light

Objective Lens Magnification: 5X

Location: Rostock, Mecklenburg Vorpommern, Germany

3rd place: John-Oliver Dum

Subject: Pollen in a garden spider web

Technique: Image Stacking

Objective Lens Magnification: 20X

Location: Medienbunker Produktion, Bendorf, Rheinland Pfalz, Germany

4th place: Dr. James Hayes

Subject: Heart muscle cells with chromosomes condensed following cell division

Technique: Confocal

Objective Lens Magnification: 100x

Location: Vanderbilt University, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

5th place: Dr. Igor Siwanowicz

Subject: Spores (blue/purple structures) of a small tropical fern (Ceratopteris richardii)

Technique: Confocal

Objective Lens Magnification: 25X

Location: Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, Virginia, USA

6th place: Dr. Francisco Lázaro-Diéguez

Subject: Rat liver cells

Technique: Confocal

Objective Lens Magnification: 63X

Location: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA

7th place: Stella Whittaker

Subject: iPSC-derived sensory neurons labelled to show tubulin and actin

Technique: Confocal, Fluorescence, Image Stacking

Objective Lens Magnification: 10X

Location: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

8th place: Dr. Igor Siwanowicz

Subject: Mallow pollen germinating on stigma while being parasitized by a filamentous fungus

Technique: Confocal

Objective Lens Magnification: 40X

Location: Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, Virginia, USA

9th place: Wim van Egmond

Subject: A fungus (Talaromyces purpureogenus) known for its red, diffused pigment

Technique: Image Stacking

Objective Lens Magnification: 10X

Location: Micropolitan Museum, Berkel en Rodenrijs, Zuid Holland, Netherlands

10th place: Dr. Dylan Burnette & Dr. James Hayes

Subject: Heart muscle cells (iPSC-derived) showing condensed chromosomes in metaphase

Technique: Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM)

Objective Lens Magnification: 60X

Location: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

11th place: Marek Miś

Subject: Sunflower trichomes (hair-like plant outgrowths)

Technique: Polarized Light

Objective Lens Magnification: 10X

Location: Marek Miś Photography, Suwalki, Podlaskie, Poland

12th place: Halli Lindamood & Eric Vitriol

Subject: The actin cytoskeleton (cyan) and endoplasmic reticulum (red) of a mouse brain cancer cell

Technique: Confocal, Deconvolution

Objective Lens Magnification: 100X

Location: Augusta University, Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta, Georgia, USA

13th place: Henri Koskinen

Subject: Slime mold (Arcyria major) releasing spores

Technique: Image Stacking, Reflected Light

Objective Lens Magnification: 10X

Location: Helsinki University, Helsinki, Uudenmaan lääni, Finland

14th place: Manfred Heising

Subject: Quartz with biotic goethite filaments

Technique: Image Stacking

Objective Lens Magnification: 5X

Location: LWL Museum of Natural History Münster, Münster, Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany

15th place: Zhang You

Subject: Geometer moth (Geometridae) laying eggs

Technique: Image Stacking

Objective Lens Magnification: 5X

Location: Kunming, Yunnan, China

16th place: Rogelio Moreno

Subject: Spore sacs (sporangia) of a fern

Technique: Fluorescence, Image Stacking

Objective Lens Magnification: 40X

Location: Panama, Panama

17th place: Hong Guo

Subject: Water fleas (Daphnia) and algae

Technique: Image Stacking

Objective Lens Magnification: 5X

Location: Chengdu, Si Chuan, China

18th place: Marius Mählen, Koen Oost, Prisca Liberali & Laurent Gelman

Subject: Fluorescently marked mouse colon

Technique: Confocal

Objective Lens Magnification: 20X

Location: Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Basel Stadt, Switzerland

19th place: Eduardo Agustin Carrasco

Subject: Parasitic fungus (Cordycipitaceae) on a fly (Calliphoridae)

Technique: Image Stacking

Objective Lens Magnification: 2X

Location: Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador

20th place: Zachary Sanchez

Subject: Marine copepod

Technique: Confocal

Objective Lens Magnification: 60X

Location: Vanderbilt University, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

The previously reported 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens for Z/L mount is now officially announced. Orders are open at:

• Amazon
• B&H Photo
• 7Artisans store (get $15 off with code AF3518)

Additional information:

The post 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 lens (Z/L) officially announced appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 Winners

The Natural History Museum, London, has announced the winners of its 2025 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, a range of images that showcase the variety of life on the planet in 19 different categories. They were chosen out of 60,636 images, with photographers from 113 countries and territories submitting their work.

The winning photographs are not only portraits of animals and other critters in their natural habitats, but are also often examples of worlds colliding: a hyena in an abandoned mining town, a juvenile giant anteater being nursed back to health in a rehabilitation center. They're reminders that we're just a part of a much larger world.

If you want to see more stunning wildlife photography, be sure to check out our slideshow of the 16 highly commended images released from the competition earlier this year as a sneak peek.

Ghost Town Visitor - Wim van den Heever

Winner, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 / Urban Wildlife

Wim van den Heever (South Africa) photographs this haunting scene of a brown hyena among the skeletal remains of a long-abandoned diamond mining town.

With sea fog rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean, Wim chose this spot for his camera trap after noticing hyena tracks nearby. ‘It took me 10 years to finally get this one single image of a brown hyena, in the most perfect frame imaginable.’

The rarest hyena species in the world, brown hyenas are nocturnal and mostly solitary. They are known to pass through Kolmanskop on their way to hunt Cape fur seal pups or scavenge for carrion washed ashore along the Namib Desert coast.

Location: Kolmanskop, near Lüderitz, Namibia

Equipment: Nikon D810 + 17–35mm f2.8 lens at 17mm; 15 at f2.8; ISO 3200; 2x Nikon SB-800 Speedlight flashes; Camtraptions motion sensor

After the Destruction - Andrea Dominizi

Winner, Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 / 15 – 17 Years

Andrea Dominizi (Italy) finds a longhorn beetle – a forest sentinel observing an intruder.

Andrea noticed this longhorn beetle while walking in the Lepini Mountains of central Italy, in an area once logged for old beech trees. Using a wide-angle lens and off-camera flash, he framed the beetle against abandoned machinery.

Andrea’s photograph tells a poignant story of habitat loss. As longhorn beetles tunnel into dead wood, fungi make their way inside, helping to break it down and recycle nutrients. If the beetles’ habitat is disturbed or destroyed, the effects ripple across the entire ecosystem.

Location: Lepini Mountains, Lazio, Italy

Equipment: Nikon D7100 + Tokina 10–17mm f3.5–4.5 fisheye lens at 17mm; 1/80 at f8; ISO 400; Godox TT350 off-camera flash and diffuser

Orphan of the Road - Fernando Faciole

Winner, Impact Award, 2025 / Highly Commended, Photojournalism

Fernando Faciole (Brazil) watches an orphaned giant anteater pup follow its caregiver after an evening feed at a rehabilitation centre.

Fernando wanted to highlight the consequences of road collisions, a leading cause of the decline in giant anteater numbers in Brazil. This pup’s mother was killed by a vehicle, and the hope is that it will be released back into the wild after being encouraged to develop crucial survival skills by its caregiver.

Alongside rehabilitation centres, the Anteaters and Highways project of the Wild Animal Conservation Institute is developing strategies to reduce anteater deaths on Brazil’s roads. These include erecting fences and building underground tunnels to allow the anteaters to cross safely.

Location: Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres (CETAS), Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Equipment: Nikon D850 + 24–70mm f2.8 lens at 28mm; 0.8 at f22; ISO 31; Nikon Speedlight flash with Greica CT-16 transmitter/receiver

Like an Eel out of Water - Shane Gross

Winner, Animals in their Environment

Shane Gross (Canada) witnesses a peppered moray eel very much in its element hunting for carrion at low tide.

It took Shane numerous attempts over several weeks to document this rarely photographed behaviour. At first the eels were elusive, but once Shane realised that they were scavenging for dead fish, he waited. His patience was soon rewarded when these three eels appeared.

Peppered moray eels are well adapted to the intertidal zone. They can hunt both above and below the water’s surface using their keen senses of smell and sight, sometimes staying out of water for more than 30 seconds.

Location: D’Arros Island, Amirante, Seychelles

Equipment: Nikon Z6 + 24–70mm lens at 24mm; 1/250 at f5.6; ISO 2500; Godox AD400 Pro flash with 24-inch diffuser; light stand

Cat Amongst the Flamingos - Dennis Stogsdill

Winner, Behaviour: Mammals

Dennis Stogsdill (USA) witnesses a caracal hunting a lesser flamingo in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

Dennis had been keeping an eye out for wild cats such as servals for several days when a call came over the radio: one had been seen at Ndutu Lake. But it wasn’t a serval. It was a caracal, successfully hunting wading lesser flamingos.

Caracals have a varied diet, from insects to antelope, and are renowned for the acrobatic leaps they make to snatch birds from the air. But there are few, if any, records of them hunting flamingos.

Location: Ndutu Lake, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Equipment: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II + 600mm f4 lens; 1/1600 at f5.6; ISO 2500

Shadow Hunter - Philipp Egger

Winner, Animal Portraits

Philipp Egger’s (Italy) patience is rewarded with the orange glint of an eagle owl’s eyes and the evening light falling on its feathers.

Philipp first saw this nest while climbing and spent four years observing it from a distance. He planned this image meticulously, right down to the slight camera wobble to blur the few elements present, using a telephoto lens.

About twice the weight of a buzzard and with a wingspan approaching 180 centimetres (6 feet), these formidable nocturnal predators are among the largest owls. They nest on sheltered cliff ledges or in crevices, often returning to the same site for years.

Location: Naturns, South Tyrol, Italy

Equipment: Nikon Z9 + 180–600mm f5.6–6.3 lens; 1/10 at f29; ISO 320

Frolicking Frogs - Quentin Martinez, France

Winner, Behaviour: Amphibians and Reptiles

Quentin Martinez (France) discovers a gathering of lesser tree frogs in a breeding event.

In persistent rain, Quentin followed a flooded path to a temporary pool in a forest clearing. He framed this scene with a wide-angle lens and used a diffused flash, which didn’t disturb the frogs, to highlight their metallic sheen.

To attract mates, lesser tree frogs produce short, shrill calls. Huge numbers gather, and the spectacular breeding event – triggered by heavy rains – lasts for just a few hours.

Location: Kaw Mountain, French Guiana

Equipment: Canon EOS 7D Mark II + 17–40mm f4 lens at 24mm; 1/200 at f16; ISO 500; 4x Meike MK320 flashes; homemade softbox

Synchronised Fishing - Qingrong Yang

Winner, Behaviour: Birds

Qingrong Yang (China) perfects photographic timing to show a ladyfish snatching its prey from right under this little egret’s beak.

Qingrong was at Yundang Lake near his home, a place he visits regularly to photograph the feeding frenzies: little egrets patrol the surface, ready to pounce on fish leaping to escape underwater predators.

Once a natural marine harbour, Yundang Lake was sealed off from the sea during 1970s development. Isolated from the tides and currents, it became polluted and stagnant. An engineering project later reconnected it to the sea via a system of gates that regulate water flow.

Location: Yundang Lake, Fujian Province, China

Equipment: Nikon Z9 + 400mm f2.8 lens; 1/2500 at f5; ISO 110

Mad Hatterpillar - Georgina Steytler

Winner, Behaviour: Invertebrates

Georgina Steytler (Australia) showcases the strange headgear of a gum-leaf skeletoniser caterpillar.

Georgina had been looking out for this caterpillar for years when she noticed eucalyptus trees bearing skeletonised leaves, telltale signs that the animal had been grazing. She took this image backlit by the setting sun, using a fill-in flash to illuminate the living head at the base of the stack.

This caterpillar’s unusual headgear is made up of old head capsules, each retained with every moult. The resulting tower is believed to help deflect attacks by predators.

Location: Torndirrup National Park, Western Australia, Australia

Equipment: Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III + 90mm f3.5 lens; 1/250 at f22; ISO 500; Godox flash

The Feast - Audun Rikardsen

Winner, Oceans: The Bigger Picture

Audun Rikardsen (Norway) witnesses feeding time around an Atlantic fishing vessel during a polar night in northern Norway.

Audun managed to photograph this chaotic scene of gulls attempting to catch fish trapped by nets. The gulls have learnt to follow the sound of the boats to find a herring feast. Through his work, Audun aims to draw attention to the ongoing conflict between seabirds and the fishing industry.

Unfortunately, many birds drown in or around these purse seine nets each year. Various fisheries and researchers are trialling solutions, including sinking the nets more quickly to make them less accessible to the birds.

Location: Kvænangen Fjord, Skjervøy, Norway

Equipment: Canon EOS R5 + 15–35mm f2.8 lens at 15mm; 1/200 at f4.5; ISO 10000; Canon Speedlite 600EX II flash; LED torch

The Weaver’s Lair - Jamie Smart

Winner, 10 Years and Under

Jamie Smart (UK) spots an orb weaver spider inside its silken retreat on a cold September morning.

Jamie first noticed the dew-laden web before realising its maker was sitting in a nest. With the patience and steadiness needed to manually focus her camera, she kept the spider perfectly lit and symmetrically framed.

This spider’s web is constructed from a scaffold of radial threads, overlaid with a spiral of sticky silk to hold ensnared insects. A strong signal thread transmits vibrations to the spider’s hiding place, triggering it to emerge and collect its prey.

Location: Mid-Wales, UK

Equipment: Nikon Z9 + 105mm f2.8 lens; 1/200 at f10; ISO 80; Nikon SB-910 Speedlight flash; Cygnustech diffuser

Alpine Dawn - Lubin Godin

Winner, 11–14 Years

Lubin Godin (France) finds himself in mist-shrouded mountains with silhouetted ibex.

Lubin spotted the Alpine ibex resting above a sea of clouds during an early morning ascent. As the mist rose and the sun broke over the crags, he retraced his steps to capture this ethereal moment before fog thickened and the light faded.

Native to Europe, the species was hunted close to extinction in the early 1800s. Thanks to protection and reintroduction efforts, ibex now roam large areas of the Alps. However, a rapidly changing climate causing shifts in food availability during breeding seasons may hinder their survival.

Location: Col de la Colombière, Haute-Savoie, France

Equipment: Canon EOS R7 + 100–400mm f4.5–5.6 lens at 140mm + 1.4x teleconverter; 1/640 at f8; ISO 100

Survival Purse - Ralph Pace

Winner, Underwater

Ralph Pace (USA) beautifully illuminates the egg case of a swell shark, tethered to the base of a giant kelp.

Faced with strong currents pushing him from side to side, Ralph struggled to keep steady to photograph this egg case, or ‘mermaid’s purse’. He lit the case from behind to reveal the swell shark embryo within, its gill slits and yolk sac clearly visible among the dark kelp forest.

Researchers estimate that kelp forests in Monterey Bay have declined by more than 95 per cent over the past 34 years. Swell sharks depend on kelp to lay their leathery eggs, making them especially vulnerable to such losses.

Location: Monterey Bay, California, USA

Equipment: Nikon D850 + 28–70mm f3.5–4.5 lens; 1/125 at f14; ISO 640; Nauticam housing; 2x Sea & Sea strobes

Caught in the Headlights - Simone Baumeister

Winner, Natural Artistry

Simone Baumeister (Germany) shows an orb weaver spider on its web on a pedestrian bridge, silhouetted by lights from the cars below.

To achieve this kaleidoscopic effect, Simone reversed one of the six glass elements in an analogue lens. This distorted the image at the edges while leaving the centre sharply focused. She then cropped the picture to move the spider slightly off-centre.

In urban environments, orb weaver spiders often spin webs near artificial lights that attract insects at night. The web acts as an extension of their sense organ, gathering sound and transmitting vibrations, including those of prey, to their legs.

Location: Ibbenbüren, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Equipment: Canon EOS R5 + Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f1.8 lens + 16mm extension tube; 1/250 at f2.8 (-1.33 e/v); ISO 1250

Deadly Allure - Chien Lee

Winner, Plants and Fungi

Chien Lee (Malaysia) uses a UV torch to reveal the fluorescent world of an insect-attracting pitcher plant.

Insects can see ultraviolet (UV) light, but humans can’t, so Chien used a long exposure and a UV torch. Waiting until after sunset, he had just a five-minute window before the ambient light illuminating the backdrop disappeared completely.

Some carnivorous pitcher plants reflect UV light on certain areas as part of their ‘display’. They use colour, scent and nectar to lure their prey into pools of digestive juices at the bottom of their leaves.

Location: Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia

Equipment: Nikon Z9 + Laowa 15mm f4 macro lens; 30 at f16; ISO 100; Convoy C8 ultraviolet torch

Vanishing Pond - Sebastian Frölich

Winner, Wetlands: The Bigger Picture

Sebastian Frölich (Germany) finds a springtail among a galaxy of neon green gas bubbles in Austrian moorlands.

Sebastian visited this fragile wetland ecosystem to highlight its importance as a vast store of carbon dioxide and as a habitat for diverse wildlife. A tiny springtail ran across escaping gas bubbles rising through the algae, giving this image a sense of scale.

Austria has lost 90 per cent of its peat bogs, and only 10 per cent of those that remain are in good condition. Platzertal is one of the last intact high moorlands in the Austrian Alps, and an area renowned for its carbon-storing peat bogs.

Location: Platzertal, Tyrol, Austria

Equipment: Nikon Z7 + 105mm f2.8 lens; 1/800 at f9 (-1.67 e/v); ISO 400

How to Save a Species - Jon A Juárez

Winner, Photojournalism

Jon A Juárez (Spain) documents the groundbreaking science to save the northern white rhino from extinction through in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Jon spent years documenting the work of the BioRescue Project, and says that witnessing a milestone in saving a species 'was something I will never forget'.

This southern white rhino foetus, which did not survive due to an infection, was the result of the first successful rhino embryo transfer into a surrogate mother through IVF. This breakthrough paves the way for saving the rare northern white rhino from extinction, as scientists can take the next crucial steps towards transferring the first northern white rhino embryo into a southern white rhino surrogate.

Location: Ol Pejeta, Nanyuki, Laikipia County, Kenya

Equipment: Nikon Z9 + 24–120mm f4 lens at 24mm; 1/400 at f7.1; ISO 1600; LED light panel

Seething Pit - Javier Aznar González de Rueda

Winner, Photojournalist Story Award

Visitors gaze at hundreds of western diamondback rattlesnakes at the annual rattlesnake round-up in Sweetwater, Texas. Many of these snakes will be killed and sold for their skin and meat. Round-ups can harm other animals too: snakes are often driven from their rock shelters using petrol fumes, which also affect any creatures sheltering alongside them.

Equipment: Sony α7R III + 24–70mm f2.8 lens at 44mm; 1/30 at f10; ISO 4000

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Javier Aznar González de Rueda (Spain) explores the complex relationship between humans and rattlesnakes across the United States.

For centuries, rattlesnakes have been viewed in vastly different ways across the American continent – from reverence and respect to fear and suspicion. Annual rattlesnake round-ups, where hunters compete to collect the highest weight of snakes, began in the 1930s. Today, these competitions are losing their appeal, but in some states, anti-rattlesnake sentiment remains strong.

In this portfolio, Javier calls for respect and protection for these creatures before they disappear from the American landscape.

Sole Survivor - Luca Lorenz, Germany

Winner, Rising Star Award

Luca had been watching a tree hole where this Eurasian pygmy owl and its mate were nesting. When one disappeared, the other continued feeding the chicks. On this day, the remaining bird returned clutching the chicks’ breakfast in its claws, and called for its mate, but there was no reply.

Equipment: Nikon Z8 + 180–600mm f5.6–6.3 lens at 600mm; 1/125 at f6.3; ISO 2500

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Luca Lorenz (Germany) explores his passion for the natural world by viewing it through an artistic lens.

Luca’s childhood ambition was to learn everything he could about birds. He spent long hours in the parks around his home on the outskirts of Berlin, observing them. He bought his first camera when he was 13, and photography became a passion.

Through photography, Luca is able to spend time in nature and highlight its beauty. His portfolio aims to show people his personal view of nature and inspire others to protect it.

Taiga Tapestry - Alexey Kharitonov

Winner, Portfolio Award for Visions of the North

A kaleidoscope of colours carpets Mukhinskoye Swamp under a grey sky. Blue lakes and channels fringed with white ice contrast with green and yellow grasses and widespread sphagnum mosses, which turn vibrant orange and red during the brief autumn.

Equipment: DJI Mavic 2 Pro + Hasselblad L1D-20c 28mm f2.8 lens; 1/30 at f2.8 (-0.3 e/v); ISO 100

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Alexey Kharitonov (Israel/Russia) finds art in unexpected perspectives across Russia’s northern swamps.

Alexey is a self-taught photographer with a passion for landscape photography. His artistic exploration of remote regions in the Russian North, Siberia and Asia highlights taiga and Arctic tundra scenes as summer rapidly turns to winter.

Using drones, he picks out details in these vast terrains, showcasing their wild beauty through striking compositions. Yet beyond this visual feast lie human-made threats – not least a pressing vulnerability to climate change.

For the past couple of weeks, many of you have noticed a banner at the top of the page that says, "Add as a preferred source on Google." Let me tell you what that is and why it's there.

There was a time when you could search Google for whatever you were looking for and get a clear list of links to authoritative sources. But changes to Google search in recent months have dramatically impacted how news, reviews and expert sources like DPReview appear in search results, making it much more difficult to find the expert information you're looking for. As a result, DPReview, along with industry-leading sites like Wired and The Verge, is asking our readers to proactively add us as a "preferred source" on Google.

I'll explain why we're making this request, how it works, and why these changes in search matter to those who value online journalism and expert sources of information.

The shifting landscape of Google search

For years, DPReview and other websites have depended on Google search to connect them with readers. In return, Google got the search traffic it desired. This relationship fueled the creation of high-quality web content, allowing readers to search for expert information and find it in search results.

This year, however, Google has rolled out some particularly radical changes. AI-generated summaries and overviews now dominate the top of many search results. This is especially frustrating when those summaries are taken word-for-word from a DPReview article or camera review. But here we are.

While it's not the case here, we've seen Google's AI summaries provide answers that are word-for-word the same as one of our articles, and that first photo of the Nikon Zf in the top row is from our review. Unfortunately, Google rarely sends traffic to us when it uses our content this way.

For readers who make it past the (hopefully correct) AI summaries, it's often necessary to wade through row after row of sponsored posts, links to retail sites, and image grids of "popular products" and where to buy them. Meanwhile, content from platforms like Reddit and YouTube is prioritized over publishers who provide much of the data Google uses to feed its AI summaries.

The net result is that many reputable and information-rich websites have experienced double-digit drops in referral traffic. If you're willing to delve far enough down the page, you'll find them, but the fact is that many people don't.

Enter Google's "Preferred Sources"

In 2025, Google announced a new feature called Preferred Sources, and it's one of those rare tech industry products whose name actually describes what it does: it allows you to tell Google what sources of information you like or trust, so that you see results from those sources more often. At the time of writing, Preferred Sources is available to users in the US or India. Hopefully, Google will expand that to other geographies.

If you add DPReview to your preferred sources, it will appear more prominently on search results pages, and you'll see more DPReview content in your feed on Google Discover.

To make DPReview one of your preferred sources on Google, click this link or the Google icon at the top of the page. In the window that appears, simply click the box to the right of DPReview. That's it!

While you're there, take a moment to search for other trusted websites you rely on and add them to your preferred sources, too.

DPReview (and other publishers) need your help

Adding DPReview and other sites you trust to your preferred sources on Google is more than a nice gesture. It helps ensure that our reviews and other expert insights remain visible in a crowded and increasingly AI and sponsor-driven landscape of search results. This matters to all of us; when publishers like DPReview lose traffic, it limits our ability to invest in and publish product reviews, technical explainers and other important content the camera community relies on.

Ask yourself this: Would you rather read a great technical explainer by Richard Butler, or a Google AI interpretation of it? I know which one I would choose, and your help is vital to ensure we can keep publishing that type of content.

Venus Optics officially released the previously reported Venus Optics Laowa AF 200mm f/2 AF FF lens for Z/E/EF mount (adapters available).

Orders are now open on he official website with international shipping available.

Additional information:

• Ultra-large f/2 aperture
• Beautiful bokeh rendering
• Lighter than others in its class
• Precise autofocus
• Outstanding image quality
• 43mm rear filter holder
• Functional features: FN buttons / Full–5m–∞ focus range / built-in lens support with Arca-Swiss mount
• Weather-sealed
• Mount options: Canon EF | Sony E | Nikon Z
• Sample photos
• Price: $1,999

Product	200mm f/2 AF FF
Format	Full Frame
Focal Length	200mm
Aperture Range	f/2-f/22
Angle of View	12°
Lens Structure	11 elements in 9 groups
Aperture Blades	9 blades
Min. Focusing Distance	1.5m
Max. Magnification	0.15x
Focus Type	AF
Filter	Front: ⌀105mm Rear: ⌀43mm
Front Diameter	⌀118mm
Dimensions	Canon EF: ⌀118*148.3mm Sony E: ⌀118mm*174.8mm Nikon Z: ⌀118mm*176.8mm
Weight	approximately 1588g
Mount Option	Sony E/ Nikon Z/ Canon EF

Via NikonRumors

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