Every week, we ask newsletter subscribers a question about gear, creativity or life. We recently asked readers: If you could only pick one lens for the rest of your life (yes only one), what would it be and why?
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We got some insightful, unusual and snarky responses to the prompt. The idea of having a single lens for everything you'd ever want to do is challenging, but that's also what makes it a fun debate.
Here are three of our favorite responses:
1. Nikon 16-80mm F2.8
A reader wrote: "Nikon 16-80mm F2.8 for everyday shooting: people, scenery, nature, sports. It sits on my Nikon D500. It’s fast, sharp and adaptable ... in my opinion, an underrated Nikon lens and is not expensive to purchase."
2. Fujifilm 150-600 F8
A reader wrote: "I have been a keen photographer for over 50 years and after a lifetime of using Nikon, Canon and Hasselblad cameras, I have now settled on Fuji cameras ... My favorite lens is currently the Fujifilm 150-600 F8. (It is) both light and optically excellent, enabling me to carry the lens further and use it hand-held in most situations."
3. Kit lenses for the win?
A reader wrote: "My favorite lens is actually two kit lenses that came with my Nikon Z30. The Z DX 16-50mm 3.5 and the Z DX 50-250mm 4.5 are all I could ask for right now ... Both lenses, paired with my Z30, produce photos that astound me every day. I hope to get a 2X extender for wildlife close-ups."
What's your take? Let us know in the comments.
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In addition to the already reported 85mm f/1.8 (Sony E) and 27mm f/2.8 (Nikon Z), 7Artisans will also soon announce a new line of HOPE cinema prime lenses (a total of 6 new lenses - 10/16/25/35/50/85mm T2.1):
The camera combines cutting-edge technology with durability and reliability to exceed the high expectations of professionals in sports, news reporting, and video production. It uses a newly developed DIGIC Accelerator image processor in addition to DIGIC X and, at the heart of it, Canon's newest CMOS sensor. The EOS R1 is capable of high-speed processing and delivers never-before-seen Auto Focus (AF) capability with high-speed and high-accuracy subject recognition. The new image processing system further boosts image quality by using deep learning technology.
Dual Image Processors - DIGIC Accelerator and DIGIC X
Newly Canon Developed CMOS Sensor
Deep Learning Technology & AF Action Priority
Powerful Image Processing System
The EOS R1 is powered by two advanced image processors, DIGIC X and the latest DIGIC Accelerator. Combined with Canon's newly self-developed and produced CMOS sensor, the EOS R1 can process large volumes of data at high speed and deliver never-been-seen advancements in Auto Focus (AF) performance.
Deep Learning Technology
Get exceptional image quality through deep learning technology and the new image processing system. The noise reduction feature, originally developed and improved as part of computer software, is now integrated into the camera. This further improves image quality and allows more creative expression.
High-Speed & High-Accuracy
Experience high-speed and high-accuracy subject recognition made possible with the new image processing system and deep learning technology. Subject tracking will be a breeze with the new AF Action Priority function that recognises subject movement by rapidly analysing the subject's status to help you capture decisive moments.
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The Fujinon XF16-50mm F2.8-4.8 R LM WR is Fujifilm's second-generation premium kit zoom, swapping a bit of reach for a wider range at the opposite end. It loses image stabilization but shifts to a lighter, weather-resistant internal zoom design. And, while it loses about half a stop of brightness at the long end, it gains faster focus and the promise of better performance in front of the the 40MP sensor that's now in wide use across the X series.
We got a chance to take a preproduction sample of the lens when Jeff Carlson visited Stockholm, Sweden. Take a look at the performance, shot across a variety of subjects and lighting conditions.
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 (in conjunction with this review); we do so in good faith, so please don't abuse it.
A reader sent me this picture of what appears to be a new Panasonic camera (Lumix S9?) - the only problem with the image is the label "DUMMY" present on several spots - maybe this is not the final version or perhaps this is just a prototype:
See also this very similar compact Panasonic full-frame mirrorless camera with L-mount mockup found on Weibo:
In the last two articles in this series, I wrote about my visits to Andasibe National Park, where I photographed lemurs and chameleons, and Tsingy Rouge National Park, where I saw beautiful erosion-formed formations. This time, I'd like to write about my visit to Kirindy Forest.
A Verreaux's Sifaka, my favorite lemur species in Kirindy, feeding in a tree. The eyes on some of these lemur species are incredible.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 150mm, 1/1000 sec, F6.3, ISO 800
Kirindy Forest (or Kirindy Private Reserve) is a private nature reserve located in the west of Madagascar. The forest is home to a wide variety of animals, from many species of lemurs to fossas (a very weird-looking predator) to geckos and chameleons. Numerous species of plants and trees are also found in the region, the most famous and iconic of which is the baobab tree.
Baobab trees under post-sunset glow. The gaps between the trees made it easier to compose without creating overlap.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon 70-300mm F4-5.6 83mm, 13 sec, F11, ISO 200
From a photographic point of view, Kirindy is nothing less than a paradise and was one of my favorite locations on my month-long Madagascar trip. The wildlife is surprisingly easy to find and photograph (with many highly skilled and cheerful guides available on the premises), the baobabs are easy to get to, and there are comfortable accommodation options close by. The only bad thing is the Wi-Fi connection.
Lemurs are one family of primates Kirindy has no shortage of. There are no less than eight lemur species here, from the tiny Madame Berthe’s Mouse Lemur (the smallest primate in the world, weighing 30 grams) to red-fronted lemurs, sportive lemurs and sifakas. I photographed all of Kirindy's diurnal species in three days, which shows how easy they are to find with a good guide. As to being easy to photograph, that's a different story.
Red-fronted lemur
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 347mm, 1/125 sec, F5.6, ISO 400
The easiest species to find in Kirindy is the red-fronted lemur. They are small and relatively common, so one could say they're also the least exciting of the local lemur species, but I found them to be very cute and expressive subjects.
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Unfortunately due to massive deforestation and climate change, Madagascar's lemurs are losing their ability to migrate and access water. Authorities are trying to help them by giving them water. The red-fronted lemurs are, therefore, much less averse to getting close to humans. I really hope this doesn't hurt them in the long run.
A red-fronted lemur is feeding in a tree. Its interaction with its environment is what makes this image. These animals are cathemeral, meaning that they are active during the day and at night, especially during the full moon.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 403mm, 1/250 sec, F6.3, ISO 800
The interestingly named sportive lemurs appear not to be sportive at all. Most of the time, they rest in the trees to digest the plants they have eaten. But during the mating season, male sportive lemurs have been observed to box with each other, which gave them their unusual name.
This sportive lemur looked like it had one too many drinks the previous night!
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 516 mm, 1/500 sec, F6.3, ISO 1600
The crown jewel of Kirindy's wildlife selection (in my opinion) is the Verreaux's sifaka, a beautiful, medium-sized lemur. Its thick and silky fur is mostly white, other than dark brown patches on the top of the head, face and arms. Like all sifakas, it has a long tail that it uses as a balance when leaping from tree to tree, where they are capable of making remarkable leaps. Distances of 9–10m (30ft) are not uncommon.
A Verreaux's sifaka lemur, beautifully framed between tree branches. Those eyes are to die for!
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, , Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 531mm, 1/320 sec, F6.3, ISO 800
As a rule, the better composed the jumping shots I got, the worse the sharpness was on them. These guys are notoriously hard to catch when jumping. Here's an effort, with the sifaka showing its trademark Superman-style jump.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 150mm, 1/2500 sec, F5.6, ISO 800
Unfortunately, sifakas are very hard to photograph. They tend to stay very high up in the trees, which keeps them both far away and at awkward angles. This forces the photographer to use longer lenses, which becomes surprisingly tiresome when hand-holding the camera. I wanted to shoot at eye level but ended up shooting upward the vast majority of the time. They also just love hopping from tree to tree exactly when a photographer has finally found a good composition.
This sifaka looked like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Note the shooting angle is less than optimal here, due to the height of the tree it was sitting on.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 302mm, 1/800 sec, F5.6, ISO 400
As beautiful as they are shy. A lucky eye-level shot.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 421mm, 1/1000 sec, F6.3, ISO 800
My visit to Madagascar was during baby season for lemurs, which was wonderful. I ended up seeing many species carrying very young and impossibly cute baby lemurs, and the sifakas were no different.
Again, the challenge was the distance and their tendency to move around all the time, probably even more so when carrying babies. Unfortunately, about 30% of infants are lost to predators like the fossa, a cat-like mammal, and a smaller number to raptors such as the Madagascar harrier-hawk.
For the first 6-8 weeks, the infant clings to the mother's stomach, but for the following 19 weeks, it clings to her back. During my trip, I saw infants up to 8 weeks old. I guess the signature eyes are there from birth!
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 600mm, 1/500 sec, F6.3, ISO 800
A lucky closer-range, eye-level shot of a baby sifaka in its mother's fur.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 600mm, 1/125 sec, F6.3, ISO 800
I'm not much of a bird photographer, but several beautiful owl species are in Kirindy, and they were relatively easy to find.
Madagascar scops owl
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 516mm, 1/250 sec, F6.3, ISO 400
White-browed owl
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 283mm, 1/160 sec, F5.6, ISO 400
Finally, the Kirindy area was once home to a huge forest of baobabs. Not many remain, but those that are still there are huge and impressive. It was fun photographing a group of baobabs in the late afternoon and early evening, under direct light and during post-sunset glow.
The more baobabs close together in one location, the harder they are to compose, but if you manage to combine multiple elements into one shot in a satisfying way, then perhaps you've achieved something.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon 11-24mm 19mm, 1/100 sec, F14, ISO 100
Here, I used the gaps between the foreground trees to frame the background trees.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon 70-300mm F4-5.6 84mm, 0.8 sec, F14, ISO 100
I highly recommend visiting Kirindy Forest if you're interested in Madagascar's wildlife. The concentration of fascinating species and relaxed atmosphere are unmatched.
In the next article in this series, I will write about my journey from Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park to Isalo.
Erez Marom is a professional nature photographer, photography guide and traveler based in Israel. You can follow Erez's work on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to his mailing list for updates and to his YouTube channel.
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In the early days of digital, cameras were big, bulky, expensive and mostly out of reach for people unwilling to shell out professional-level MSRPs. Then came the Canon EOS D30, a landmark camera that introduced a slew of film photographers to digital, inspiring photojournalists to give up high-end film cameras and a new generation of wedding photographers, portraits and landscape artists to dip into the DSLR pool.
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At $3000, it was not cheap, but it was within reach of a new category of camera buyer, the 'prosumer.'
During our 25th anniversary year, we're looking back at some of the milestones in camera history. On this day in history, on May 17, way back in the year 2000, the D30 was announced as Canon's first built-from-the-ground-up in-house DSLR. Up to this point, Canon's DSLRs (the EOS D2000 and EOS D6000) were joint ventures with Kodak. These cameras married Kodak internals with Canon bodies.
With the new camera, Canon was doing it all themselves, including designing a new body, its own sensors and processors and the introduction of its own RAW and JPEG engines. It would also become the first DSLR with an APS-C format CMOS sensor, a blistering 3.25MP beast capable of 3 Raw image bursts (or 9 Fine JPEG) and a full day of shooting on a single charge. It was pretty cutting-edge for the time.
The camera would arrive on store shelves in time for the holidays. In our review, dated Oct 10, 2000, we noted the monumental task that Canon had taken on. They had not only taken on building a camera on their own and decided to use a relatively new high-resolution CMOS sensor at a time when CMOS struggled with high megapixel builds, but they also had to know consumers would be comparing their camera to the previously announced, although not yet released, Nikon D1.
But Canon had pulled it off, and we were impressed, writing: "Canon's engineers, designers and developers haven't let them down, the D30 WILL go down in history books as a very important camera, breaking a price barrier and opening up the digital SLR market (more so than Fujifilm's S1 Pro) to a new wave of users, both new and old. From the minute you pick up the D30 ... you get a feeling of quality you weren't expecting."
"Sales will start from April 12th (Friday). RICOH GR III HDF/ RICOH GR IIIx HDF will be sold only at the official online store. However, access was concentrated on the day of delivery, making it difficult to connect, causing inconvenience to customers. Based on this, we regret to inform you that we will be selling items by lottery starting from the sale of items that arrive after Friday, May 17, 2024."
A simple notice of a delay because of high demand is no longer good enough to show how superior a product is - now, we need a lottery system. Somebody in the marketing department got a promotion and a bonus for sure!
Check the Ricoh GR III HDF & GR IIIx HDF cameras availability at:
Panasonic has a new patent for a box-style camera with a grip similar to the existing LUMIX BGH1 (MFT mount) and LUMIX BS1H (full frame) models (JP2024-065694):
Problem: To provide an imaging device that can easily realize two shooting styles.
Solution: The imaging device includes a camera body having a housing, an imaging sensor placed inside the housing that converts light into an electrical signal, a grip part that is detachable from the housing, and a camera body that converts light into an electrical signal based on the electrical signal. An output unit that outputs the captured image. An image sensor is arranged at the center of the housing in the direction in which the grip section is attached and detached.
After Nikon, Leica, and Sony, Fujifilm also joined the Content Authenticity Initiative:
Membership in C2PA and CAI and efforts to develop a system to provide context and history for digital media
In recent years, it has become an important global objective to work to rebuild trust online by proving the authenticity of photographs, videos and other online content. To further this effort and enable creative and business activities to continue to flourish, Fujifilm has joined two organizations, the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) and the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). Fujifilm is collaborating with these organizations in their efforts to ensure that the originator of digital content can be verified online through Content Credentials.[9] Through its association with C2PA and CAI, Fujifilm will assist efforts to develop a system to provide context and history of digital content by providing valuable information, such as the origin and record of content, to the digital file. Fujifilm is committed to ultimately applying this verification solution to its GFX and X series line-up.
High optical performance across the entire image and zoom range
Incorporating 5 aspherical lenses
Excellent close-up capability
Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
Minimal focus breathing
Highly portable lens body
Excellent build quality
Equipped with an aperture ring
Equipped with two AFL buttons
Incorporating a linear motor HLA (High-response Linear Actuator)
Dust and splash resistant structure and water and oil repellent coating
Equipped with a zoom lock switch at the wide end
Includes a petal-type hood with lock
Compatible with AF assist (for Sony E only)
The SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art is SIGMA's flagship lens that has evolved significantly from the previous model by incorporating the most advanced technologies available to SIGMA from design to production. Compared to the previous SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art, the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art has improved resolving power throughout the entire zoom range, and also benefits from functional enhancements such as the addition of an aperture ring and high-speed AF with a redesigned AF motor, HLA (High-response Linear Actuator). The lens is also approximately 7% smaller and 10% lighter. This 24-70mm F2.8 Art zoom is a versatile and high-performance tool that will help photographers and filmmakers unlock their creative potential.
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