CJPOTY round 8: Light – Camera Jabber

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The theme for the eighth round of the 2023/24 Camera Jabber Photographer of the Year (CJPOTY) competition is ‘Light’. Light is an essential part of photography, but the light’s direction, quality or colour is sometimes what makes a photograph.

For this round, we want to see your images that the light makes a bit more special. The light can be natural or artificial, and the photographs can be taken anywhere at any time.

This round of our monthly competition is open for submissions until 23:59 BST (00:59 CET and 15:59 PST) on 31st August 2023.

To submit your entry, follow the link to cjpoty or click on the CJPOTY button at the top of any of our website pages. You can submit up to three entries for £2.00 plus payment processing costs (£0.26). Images should be Jpegs at least 1920 pixels along their longest side but no larger than 2MB.

Camera Jabber Photographer of the Year prizes

At the end of the month, the Camera Jabber team will pick one winning image and nine runners-up from the August entries. The photographer of the winning image will receive a voucher from MPB.com to the value of £500, which can be spent on anything from a huge range of kit from the World’s biggest platform for used photographic gear.

All 10 of the selected images will go into our shortlist for the year.

We’ll do this each month in 2023 so that by the end of the year, there will be 120 shortlisted images. These will then go before our fantastic panel of judges who will decide the 1st, 2nd and 3rd-placed images.

The photographer of the first-placed image overall, as decided by the panel of judges, will receive a voucher to the value of £1000 from MPB.com as well as a trophy and the title ‘Camera Jabber Photographer of the Year 2024‘. The photographers who come second and third will receive vouchers worth £500 and £250, respectively.

You don’t have to enter the competition every month, but you are welcome to do so, and the more shortlisted images you have at the end of the year, the greater the chance of winning the top prize.

CJPOTY VIP Judges

At the end of the year, our illustrious panel of judges has the onerous task of selecting the first, second and third-placed images overall from the shortlist of 120. Our judges are:

Benedict Brain – Photographer, journalist & Sigma ambassador
Sophie Collins – Chief Marketing Office at MPB, Trustee of Royal Photographic Society
Donna Crous – Food photographer, author, Nikon Europe ambassador and Rotolight Master of Light
Ross Hoddinott – Landscape photographer, wildlife photographer, author, tutor, conservationist
Tracy Marshall-Grant – Arts Director, curator and producer
Denise Maxwell – Multi-genre photographer and lecturer
Carolyn Mendelsohn – Artist and portrait photographer
Paul Sanders – fine art photographer
Jemella Ukaegbu – Photographer & founder of UK Black Female Photographers (UKBFTOG)
Christina Vaughan – Founder of Cultura Creative, the home of inclusive stock photography

Follow the link to find out more about the CJPOTY judges.

MPB

About MPB

Founded by Matt Barker in 2011, MPB is the world’s largest platform for used photography and videography kit. MPB has transformed the way people buy, sell and trade equipment, making photography more accessible, affordable and sustainable.

Headquartered in the creative communities of Brighton, Brooklyn and Berlin, the MPB team includes trained camera experts and seasoned photographers and videographers who bring their passion to work every day to deliver outstanding service. Every piece of kit is inspected carefully by product specialists and comes with a six-month warranty to give customers peace of mind that buying used doesn’t mean sacrificing reliability.

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How to take great photos of outdoor scenery and landscapes

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Landscape photography is a captivating art form that captures the beauty and essence of outdoor scenery.

Through careful composition and skilled use of lighting, colours and textures, landscape photographers aim to convey the natural world’s vastness, serenity and emotional impact.

Whether breathtaking majestic mountain ranges, beautiful seascapes, green forests, or cityscapes, these photographers strive to freeze moments in time that evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us.

By emphasising landscapes’ grandeur and unique features, they create images that transport viewers to distant places and inspire a deeper connection with nature.

The bracketing technique capturing multiple exposures at varying values, preserving the highlights and shadows of the diverse colours during sunset at Bali Barat while gazing at Mount Ijen on Java Island.The bracketing technique capturing multiple exposures at varying values, preserving the highlights and shadows of the diverse colours during sunset at Bali Barat while gazing at Mount Ijen on Java Island.

Landscape photography can be done in many locations, from exotic destinations to your backyard.

Seek natural wonders like national parks for breathtaking vistas.

Explore coastal areas for stunning seascapes, or even venture into mountainous regions for dramatic peaks.

This genre can also embrace the charm of the countryside and rural places, where we can feature their uniqueness by showing off the beauty of waterfalls, rivers, or even the houses found there.

One of the best times to capture the landscape is at sunrise. This image was taken at Thale Noi, a protected freshwater wetland in Phatthalung, Thailand.One of the best times to capture the landscape is at sunrise. This image was taken at Thale Noi, a protected freshwater wetland in Phatthalung, Thailand.

Landscape photography encompasses various technical and artistic aspects to create compelling images.

The type of lens used for this genre is important.

Generally, 10–24mm or 15–35mm wide-angle lenses come in handy to capture a wide range of landscapes.

Telephoto lenses, like 70–200mm or 100–400mm, can also help isolate specific elements or compress perspectives, adding a unique touch to compositions.

Photographers can effectively balance the exposure between bright skies and darker landscapes by employing Graduated Neutral Density (GND) filters during sunrise on Natuna Island in the middle of the South China Sea.Photographers can effectively balance the exposure between bright skies and darker landscapes by employing Graduated Neutral Density (GND) filters during sunrise on Natuna Island in the middle of the South China Sea.

Selecting the appropriate aperture is crucial.

For most landscape shots, a narrower aperture (higher f-number) is preferred to achieve a larger field depth, ensuring that foreground and background elements remain focused.

Well-composed pictures, such as this one captured in Tana Toraja, Sulawesi, can transport viewers to distant places and inspire a profound connection with nature.Well-composed pictures, such as this one captured in Tana Toraja, Sulawesi, can transport viewers to distant places and inspire a profound connection with nature.Aperture values like f/8 to f/16 are mainly used.

Use the rule of thirds and leading lines to create focus and appeal to draw viewers into the picture when composing the visual.

Placing key subjects off-centre and aligning them along imaginary lines helps to add a sense of balance and interest to the photos.

One can also consider using trees or archways to frame the main subject. This gives depth and brings the viewer’s attention to the focal point, engaging them in the composition.

The moment and desired effect will determine the shutter speed choice. A faster shutter speed would capture sharper images. For motion blur in scenes like waterfalls or clouds, longer exposures (slower shutter speeds) are needed to create such images.

A sturdy tripod is needed to stabilise the camera during longer exposures.

Keep the ISO low in landscape photography, like ISO 100 or 200. This is to maintain image quality and minimise digital noise in landscape photos.

Weather plays a crucial role in landscape photography, as seen in this image of the sunken Arqam Babu Rahman Mosque at Palu Bay.Weather plays a crucial role in landscape photography, as seen in this image of the sunken Arqam Babu Rahman Mosque at Palu Bay.

Bracketing is another technique used to capture multiple exposures at different exposure values, retaining the highlight and shadow when there is a vast difference between the two exposures, to recreate the scene’s dynamic range in post-processing.

Filters like neutral density (ND) can also control the light or achieve longer exposures for smoother water effects.

Graduated neutral density (GND) filters can also help balance the exposure between bright skies and darker landscapes.

Of course, in adjusting the colours, contrast, and sharpness to make the photos pop, post-processing is another essential part of the techniques for bringing the best out of the images.

While understanding landscape photography techniques is important, cultivating artistic pictures and highlighting the natural world contribute significantly to creating beautiful pictures using the available lights and colours when taking photos.

To find a voice or “trademark” in this genre, one has to experiment and create their own style in composing and capturing the scene in their presentation.



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A road trip in Canada brought this Malaysian closer to nature

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Write to us

We can finally travel again! We would love to hear about your travels and adventures. If you don’t feel like travelling yet, that’s OK, as you can always tell us about your past holidays instead. Your story – experiences, tips, advice – should be 700 to 800 words long in Word or Text format. Please attach some photos (1MB, captioned) in a separate email. There is no payment for submissions, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email [email protected] with the subject “Readers Share”.

My long overdue road trip adventure in Canada with college friends finally became a reality this year. Despite my busy work schedule and the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, I decided to seize the opportunity and embark on this adventure with my friends, Siva and Mathi.

Siva, who had many relatives in Canada, had always extended an invitation to us, and this year, we accepted.

In May, we flew from Malaysia to Britain, where I caught up with some other classmates before our flight to Canada. After landing at Calgary International Airport in the Canadian state of Alberta, we encountered a hiccup when my check-in baggage went missing. It was eventually located in the lost and found section.

Siva’s relative, a local, helped us secure a rental car – an SUV. We had to adjust to the left-hand driving, which was unfamiliar to us. With Mathi behind the wheel, Siva as the navigator, and me as the general coordinator, our road trip began.

Our first drive through the Calgary countryside was a bit clumsy, but the scenic views and prehistorical stories of the area mesmerised us. We woke up very early the next morning due to jet lag, and headed to Banff.

The roads were clear, and the sight of wild animals like elk, mountain goats and foxes, as well as horses added to the charm of the place, and made the drive more interesting.

When we arrived in Banff, a resort town in Alberta, we were greeted by the majestic peaks of Mount Rundle and Mount Cascade, which dominated the skyline.

In the evening, we took a walk downtown for dinner, but on the way back to our hotel, we lost track of where we were going because it was dark and the streets all looked pretty similar. Eventually, after an exhausting time trying to search for the right way again, we found our hotel, drained of all energy.

The next day, we drove to Revelstoke in British Columbia, passing through breathtaking landscapes featuring lakes and snow-covered mountains. During our two-day stay there, we visited the wolf dog sanctuary, gaining insight into these unique animals, and marvelled at the beauty of Lake Louise.

We then went to Kelowna, a city surrounded by picturesque views and renowned for its vineyards. After a refreshing dip in a heated outdoor pool, we encountered a problem with our accommodation due to a discrepancy between our online booking and the reception details. Fortunately, Siva’s relative arranged a stay for us at another place called the Sandman Hotel.

However, our exhaustion was further compounded when Siva realised he had misplaced his passport. After a frantic search, we discovered it on my bed, much to our relief.

Our next destination was Vancouver, where we enjoyed the hospitality of Siva’s friend, a chef. Indulging in the finest steaks and dishes prepared by the chef was undoubtedly a highlight of our trip.

We explored Whistler, a famous ski resort town, where we saw people skiing during the summer season.

One of Mathi’s childhood friends joined us as we ventured into Victoria Island by ferry. We explored the town, enjoying the warm weather, drinks, and bites for lunch. On the ferry back, we were fortunate to witness two orcas playing in the water – an incredible sight for us indeed.

Our last destination was Toronto, where we embarked on a two-hour drive to Niagara Falls, which is actually situated on the border of Canada and the United States. Due to heavy traffic on the motorways, we arrived in the late afternoon, just in time to see the awe-inspiring beauty of the falls illuminated by vibrant lights.

With a mix of excitement and sadness, we concluded our epic road trip and made our way back to Malaysia. Reflecting on the unforgettable experiences, the mishaps, and the laughter we shared, we realised that our trip had been more than just a journey – it was a testament to our long, enduring friendship.

As we parted ways at the airport, promising to plan for our next adventure, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the memories we had created together. The road trip had taught us to appreciate the beauty of nature, embrace the unexpected, and cherish the bonds of our friendship that had grown stronger through the years.

The views expressed are entirely the reader’s own.



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Celebrating the Art of Creative Storytelling on World Photography Day, Fujifilm Announces its Create With Us Event in Seattle

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Free, Must-Attend Event Offers Opportunities for Hands-on Interaction with the Latest Camera and Lens Gear and Much More

VALHALLA, N.Y., July 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In recognition of World Photography Day on Saturday, August 19, 2023, FUJIFILM North America Corporation presents Create With Us, an immersive celebration of visual arts at Seattle’s iconic Fremont Studios. A free, must-attend hands-on event for anyone interested in photography, cinematography, or the arts, Create With Us will be a curated, dynamic public event that will showcase the power of image and video making from an emerging generation of image makers and content creators.

The one-day event will offer a variety of opportunities for creators to obtain both educational experience through workshops and demos, and hands-on time with Fujifilm digital camera and lens gear (including local photowalks led by professional photographer members of the FUJIFILM Creators program), and creative, hands-on experience in photo and video bays. The event will feature a full video studio setup that will provide participants with an opportunity to try cameras and lenses from Fujifilm’s X Series and GFX System product lines, as well as the FUJINON series of cinema and broadcast lenses. Tours of an on-site broadcast truck will also be offered. Noted Emmy Award-winning cinematographer, M. David Mullen, ASC, will also be onsite, presenting on his work as Director of Photography for the award-winning show “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”

“Create With Us is an opportunity for creatives to connect, collaborate, learn, and, most importantly, build community,” said Victor Ha, vice president, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions. “Through a variety of experiential activities, Create With Us will totally immerse attendees in creative workflows, from acquisition to output and provide them with a complete picture of the tools they will need on their creative journey. This event will be a great way for creatives of all levels and backgrounds to connect with each other in a meaningful way.”

Free Fujifilm clean and check services will also be available onsite at the event (for Fujifilm branded gear), as well as loaner gear for creators to try out the latest FUJIFILM X Series and GFX System cameras and lenses. A variety of networking events will occur onsite for creators to make new connections and strengthen current ones.

Local photo retailers Glazer’s and Kenmore Camera will be represented onsite at the Create With Us event to answer questions about the latest Fujifilm camera and lens gear. Also onsite will be representatives from a variety of companies that collaborate with Fujifilm on hardware, software, and accessories that enhance the creative process for users. These technology collaborators include:

Anton/Bauer
Atlas Lens Co.
Atomos
Benro
Broncolor
Elinchrom
Frame.io, an Adobe company
Litepanels
Manfrotto
Mylio
Nanlite
OConnor
Sachtler
Saramonic
SmallHD
Teradek
Tilta
Wooden Camera

“Create With Us will be part hands-on creation, part education, and part exhibition — a meeting of the minds for the image-making community, or anyone interested in the art of visual storytelling,” said Ha. “You do not have to be a Fujifilm user to attend – we welcome anyone interested in content creation to come by and Create With Us!”

Create With Us will be open from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. PST on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Fremont Studios, 155 N. 35th St., Seattle. The event is free and open to the public; occupancy limits may apply. Advance registration is strongly recommended to save time at entry. To learn more about the event and to register to attend, visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/cwu-seattle-2023/.

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation, consists of five operating divisions and one subsidiary company. The Imaging Division provides consumer and commercial photographic products and services, including: photographic paper; digital printing equipment, along with service and support; personalized photo products; film; one-time-use cameras; and the popular INSTAX® line of instant cameras and accessories. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras, lenses, and content creation solutions, and the Graphic Communication Division supplies products and services to the graphic printing industry. The Optical Devices Division provides optical lenses for the broadcast, cinematography, closed circuit television, videography, and industrial markets, and also markets binoculars and other optical imaging solutions. The Industrial and Corporate New Business Development Division delivers new products derived from Fujifilm’s technologies. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. sells and markets a range of FUJIFILM products and services in Canada.

For more information, please visit https://www.fujifilm.com/us/en/about/region, go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter, or go to www.facebook.com/FujifilmNorthAmerica to Like Fujifilm on Facebook.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, leverages its depth of knowledge and proprietary core technologies to deliver “Value from Innovation” in our products and services in the business segments of healthcare, materials, business innovation, and imaging. Our relentless pursuit of innovation is focused on providing social value and enhancing the lives of people worldwide. Fujifilm is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information about Fujifilm’s Sustainable Value Plan 2030, click here. For the year ended March 31, 2023, the company had global revenues of approximately 2.9 trillion yen (21 billion USD at an exchange rate of 134 yen/dollar). For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmholdings.com.

FUJIFILM, FUJINON and INSTAX are trademarks of FUJIFILM Corporation and its affiliates.

© 2023 FUJIFILM North America Corporation and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

CONTACT: Daniel Carpenter FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation 9145292417 [email protected]



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Ocular Svbony Zoom 3-8mm – Cielos Boreales

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Durante los últimos días ha llegado a nuestras manos un ocular Svbony Zoom 3-8mm y hemos podido probarlo con nuestros telescopios. En este artículo os hablaremos de los pros y los contras de este ocular pero ya os adelantamos que puede ser una opción interesante para muchos de vosotros siempre y cuando tengáis unas determinadas condiciones de observación.

Svbony sigue sorprendiéndonos con algunos artículos muy interesantes, con una notable relación calidad/precio como ya hemo podido comprobar anteriormente con la cámara SV305, sus barlows o el set de filtros. No estamos ante material «tope gama» pero son productos económicos que cumplen con lo que prometen.

Polivalencia de los oculares zoom

Soy de los que opina que si vas a hacer una observación muy variada (cúmulos, planetas, nebulosas, etc…) el ocular zoom es un gran aliado pero si realmente quieres observar en las mejores condiciones un objeto determinado lo ideal es usar un ocular de focal fija. Cada momento y cada objeto tiene su material ideal.

En el caso de los oculares zoom lo habitual es que encontremos que sus campos aparentes varían dependiendo de la focal y que ofrezcan campos más estrechos en distancias focales más largas que es cuando más valoras disfrutar de un gran campo de observación. Algunos modelos también adolecen de reflejos molestos que no aparecen cuando usamos un ocular de focal fija.

Un ocular zoom para planetaria

Este Svbony Zoom 3-8mm es un un ocular bastante especializado por su alta focal. No es habitual encontrar oculares zoom de focales tan cortas y no serán muchas las veces que podamos usarlo debido al seeing. En el mercado podemos encontrar oculares de similares focales como el Nagler Zoom 3-6mm de TeleVue por alrededor de ¡690€! con un campo aparente de 50º en todo su rango de uso.

El Svbony Zoom 3-8mm (SV215 en su denominación comercial) por su parte ronda los 150€ ¿Estará a la altura con ese precio?

61PrdzmC3hL. AC UF10001000 QL80

Este ocular dispone de 6 puntos de bloqueo (sistema click-lock) entre los 3 y los 8mm y ofrece un campo constante de visión de 56º que he podido comprobar que cumple realmente.

Según Svbony el alivio ocular (eye relief) de esta óptica es de unos 10mm. Esto es, la distancia a la que podemos situar el ojo del ocular y seguir viendo todo el campo. Tenemos que tener en cuenta que al meter más aumentos esta cifra disminuye, es decir, vamos a observar con el ojo muy pegado al ocular y esto no resulta cómodo para muchas personas, especialmente si usan gafas. El ocular cuenta con una goma que puede plegarse para aliviar el eye relief, pero aun así ten en cuenta este dato si usas gafas para observar.

La calidad de las ópticas y los revestimientos es adecuada y ofrece una imagen contrastada y sin reflejos ni imágenes fantasma. No aprecié signos destacados de cromatismo al observar Venus o la Luna y la imagen era nítida incluso cerca del borde del campo.

Al tacto el ocular se muestra sólido y robusto, con carcasa de metal y gomas de buena calidad. La mecánica da sensación de seguridad con un ajuste notable cuando cambiamos de focal gracias a la anilla texturizada que ofrece un tacto correcto. De hecho incluso puede parecer algo «duro» y si el ocular no está bien sujeto al portaocular o a la diagonal corremos el riesgo de hacerlo girar. A medida que vamos girando la anilla y dando más aumentos vemos como el ocular se alarga.

Aunque el ocular es casi totalmente parfocal, es cierto que terminaremos teniendo que hacer unos ligeros ajustes en el enfocador del telescopio cuando cambiamos los aumentos desde sus extremos, al pasar de 3 a 8 mm por ejemplo.

Un detalle a tener en cuenta es que la carcasa del anillo del ocular es muy larga y podría no entrar totalmente en una diagonal, aunque no debería suponer mayor problema.

¿Es este ocular para tí?

Personalmente recomendaría este ocular para observación lunar y planetaria, tal vez también para observación de estrellas dobles pero no se lo recomendaría a todo el mundo.

Creo que es perfecto para telescopios refractores y reflectores pero no tanto para telescopios catadióptricos, debido a su larga focal nativa será frecuente que vayamos «pasados» de aumentos y no le podamos sacar partido a no ser que disfrutemos de un seeing casi perfecto.

Si este ocular te ha convencido puedes adquirirlo en la tienda de AliExpress a un precio económico de 150€.

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SIRUI Venus 150mm 1.6x Full-Frame Anamorphic Lens price, specs, release date announced

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SIRUI has just announced the addition of the Venus 150mm 1.6x Full-Frame Anamorphic Lens to it’s range of cinematic lenses. Packed with cutting-edge features and exceptional versatility, this lens promises to take visual storytelling to new heights. What’s more this lens isn’t just for cinematography if you’re a photographer and wanting to capture the filmic look then this lens also makes an ideal choice. Of course, the main interest will be for videographers looking for the unique look that can be captured using an anamorphic lens. This latest addition adds to the range of other SIRUI 1.6x lenses.

Check out the full Sirui Venus 150mm 1.6x Full-Frame Anamorphic Lens review

Unleashing the Power of Anamorphic

The Venus 150mm is designed specifically for full-frame (E/RF/Z/L mount) cameras, offering a supplement to 1.6x lenses and a horizontal equivalent of 94mm. It stands out as the budget-friendly anamorphic lens with the longest focal length in the market. Anamorphic lenses are renowned for their unique characteristics, including the signature blue lens flares, stretched oval bokeh, and the cinematic 2.39:1 or 2.40:1 aspect ratios.

Creativity Unbound: Focus and Field of View

With the Venus 150mm, photographers and videographers can achieve a minimal focus distance of just 0.58m, allowing for captivating close-up scenes with shallow depth of field and stunning subject isolation. This lens excels in capturing emotions and focused key scenes with an intimate perspective. The long-distance view capability makes it ideal for shooting subjects far away, such as wildlife, sports, or distant landscapes.

Picture-Perfect Rendering

The Venus 150mm delivers an anamorphic 2.84:1 de-squeezed format in 16:9 and an anamorphic 2.4:1 de-squeezed format in 3:2, providing filmmakers with the widescreen cinematic look they crave. The lens can be further enhanced by attaching the SIRUI 1.25x adapter, achieving a 2x squeeze for even more dynamic visuals. The result is a natural and stunning image quality with minimal chromatic aberration, ensuring the finest details are faithfully rendered.

A Versatile Tool for Visual Artists

The Venus 150mm is an essential tool for a wide range of creative applications. Its capabilities make it perfect for portrait photography, capturing intricate details, close-up shots, and adding an artistic touch to various subjects. Whether you’re capturing a heartfelt portrait, a close-up of nature’s beauty, or a striking wildlife scene, this lens elevates your imagery to a new level of visual storytelling.

Perfectly Complemented Cameras

Compatible with top-of-the-line cameras from various brands, the Venus 150mm is a versatile partner for visual artists. Among the suitable cameras are Sony’s Fx3, Fx6, Fx9, and A7s3 with E mount, Canon’s C70 and RED’s KOMODO X with RF mount, Panasonic’s S5ii and S5iiX with L mount, and Nikon’s Z8 and Z9 with Z mount. The lens complements the capabilities of these cameras, enhancing their potential to capture breathtaking visuals.

Early Bird Prices and Availability for the SIRUI 150mm T2.9 1.6X Full-Frame Anamorphic Lens

Photography and video enthusiasts can take advantage of the special early bird prices to bring the Venus 150mm lens into their creative arsenal. The Super Early Bird Price offers a tempting 20% off, making it $1,199 for the first 20 purchasers. Following that, the Early Bird Price still provides a generous 15% discount, bringing the lens to $1,274 per unit. Both offers are available until August 31st.

An Essential Addition to Any Creatives Toolkit

The SIRUI Venus 150mm 1.6x Full-Frame Anamorphic Lens is a game-changer in the world of visual storytelling. Its ability to capture emotion, focus, and intricate details, coupled with the signature anamorphic characteristics, makes it an essential addition to any photographer or videographer’s toolkit.

For more information and to pre-order the Venus 150mm lens, visit the official website.

Specifications of the SIRUI 150mm T2.9 1.6X Full-Frame Anamorphic Lens

  • Model: SIRUI 150mm T2.9 1.6X Full-Frame Anamorphic Lens
  • Focal Length: 150mm
  • Maximum Aperture: T2.9
  • Minimum Aperture: T16
  • Lens Structure: 16 Elements in 11 Groups
  • Aperture Blades: 16
  • Frame: Full Frame
  • Shooting Distance: 1.9ft (0.58m) – ∞
  • Focus Method: Manual Focus
  • Maximum Magnification: 1:4.16 (H), 1:2.61 (V)
  • Shooting Area at Minimum Focusing Distance: 150mm (H) * 62.6mm (V)
  • Filter Spec: M82×0.75
  • Rotation Angle of the Focus Ring: 153°
  • Maximum Diameter: 88mm/3.46inch
  • Diameter of the Focus Ring: 88mm/3.46inch
  • Length (Lens Cap Not Included):
  • E Mount: 180mm/7.09inch
  • L Mount: 178mm/7.01inch
  • RF Mount: 178mm/7.01inch
  • Z Mount: 182mm/7.17inch
  • Weight (Lens Cap Not Included):
  • E Mount: 1390g/3.06lbs
  • L Mount: 1385g/3.05lbs
  • RF Mount: 1396g/3.08lbs
  • Z Mount: 1404g/3.09lbs

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N.H. Association of Conservation Commissions Accepting Entries in Nature Photo Contest

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The New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions is granting prizes ranging from $50 to $250 for original nature photographs.

The “Water, Wetlands and Wildlife in the Natural World” contest is open through Sept. 8 for photographs taken anytime this year by age groups of 12 and under, teens 13-18 and adults 19 and up. Winners in each age group receive $250 and honorable mentions receive $50 each.

The Association says it is primarily looking for photographs that inspire the preservation of our natural environment.

Entries may be submitted online at nhacc.org.

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Photo Shoot: Misadventures in bird photography

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Photographing birds is a skill I work on but never perfect.

Last week a pair of birding misadventures made that abundantly clear. The hot weather settled in and a slow news day gave a rare morning to experiment.

There is a hummingbird feeder in our front yard that provides endless entertainment and a literal bird’s eye view from the bedroom. So loaded down with technology I set out to use everything in the photo tool box to get a great image of the fast-moving tiny birds. I uncrated the wonderful but extremely heavy giant old Nikon telephoto lens and set it up on the front stoop, slightly shielded from the feeder’s view. Next, a flash was needed to light up the foreground, which was backlit. The short flash duration I thought would also help stop the bird’s wing in flight. Once the camera position was set, I locked it down on a tripod, rigged a remote trigger to the flash and a second remote to fire the camera via a cellphone. The flash position was moved several times and finally had to be brought under the porch overhang as it kept overheating in the sun.

A ruby throated hummingbird takes the heat in stride as it wings in to a feeder in Barnstable.

A ruby throated hummingbird takes the heat in stride as it wings in to a feeder in Barnstable.

Camera, long lens, wireless camera trigger and flash trigger, and a remote, are all in standby mode waiting for the arrival of a hummingbird in Barnstable.

Camera, long lens, wireless camera trigger and flash trigger, and a remote, are all in standby mode waiting for the arrival of a hummingbird in Barnstable.

Now the best part, I could sit in the air-conditioned bedroom and fire the camera remotely when a bird arrived, and several subjects soon appeared. This was too easy. Going out to check on the first images, there was a bird, but only the feeder was in focus and the 1/500 of a second shutter did not stop its wing motion.

It was time to retool.

First, I bumped up the shutter speed to 1/4000. Next, it was time to abandon the air-conditioned inside. I needed to be on camera and manually focus when the bird came to feed as the depth of focus was only about two inches. The long hot waiting game began. It took about an hour but a couple of images worked, even at such a high shutter speed there is still a bit of wing blur. Noontime approached, the light got bad and it was lunchtime, so it was a wrap.

That evening there was breaking bird news, a mountain plover was drawing big crowds at Long Beach in Centerville to see a bird usually found in the western great plains of the U.S.

Early the next morning the jumbo lens was back in action as I headed out down the beach. Thankfully I met a pair of seasoned birders heading home; they had walked the entire area, three miles their GPS said, and no sign of the newest plover on Cape.

Talking with a beachgoer in the parking she spoke the words we dread, “You should have been here yesterday.” She told me how the plover had spent a lot of time wandering around in front of her beach towel. Well, maybe next time, but enough birding for one week.

Steve Heaslip is a Times staff photographer. Contact him at [email protected].

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Photo Shoot: Misadventures in bird photography

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Arts center to host juried photography show

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LITTLE FALLS — Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts, 403 Canal Place, will celebrate the skills and achievements of local photographers with its first Regional Photography Exhibition in August, with an opening ceremony from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5.

The exhibition juror will be Gary Larsen, an award-winning photographer with more than 30 years of experience.

Since 1982, the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts has been a strong advocate for the arts in upstate New York, nurturing and supporting regional artists by promoting, displaying and selling their work, along with developing art appreciation and educational programs, the program announcement said, adding the MVCA has recognized the importance of providing an opportunity for photography to be recognized and appreciated as its own place in art.

The Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts is open from noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Call 315-823-0808 for information or to make an appointment.

For additional information on the photography show, email [email protected].



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‘Landscapes and Lager:’ Exploring Jacksonville’s nature through the lens of Tom Schifanella

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The Timucuan Parks Foundation cordially invites the community to embark on a unique journey into the heart of Jacksonville’s wilderness parks with an event called “Landscapes and Lager,” celebrating photographer Tom Schifanella’s work.

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Join them on Wednesday, July 26, at Ink Factory Brewing, located at 602 Shetter Ave. in Jacksonville Beach, for an evening filled with breathtaking drone photography and the introduction of the new Timucuan Trails lager, specially brewed to support the nonprofit’s noble cause.

Starting at 5:30 p.m., this event aims to engage park enthusiasts, especially young professionals, with the beauty of the region’s natural wonders.

Acclaimed photographer Tom Schifanella will captivate patrons with his awe-inspiring drone photography, sharing the inspiration and techniques he employs to capture the splendor of Northeast Florida’s landscapes.

Schifanella, renowned for his creative prowess in the advertising industry, skillfully merges still photography with mesmerizing drone footage, resulting in powerful images that have graced prestigious exhibitions and publications, including Southern Living, Arbus, and even ‘National Geographic’s Planet or Plastic?’ photography exhibition, dedicated to raising awareness about global plastic waste.

The Timucuan Trails lager is a delightful collaboration between the Timucuan Parks Foundation and Ink Factory Brewing. This special brew serves a dual purpose – not only does it raise awareness and support for TPF’s programming, promotion, and stewardship efforts in Jacksonville’s national, state, and city preservation parks, but it also acts as an outreach for TPF’s burgeoning young professional’s group.

For every batch of this dry-hopped lager made with American pilsner malt and infused with mosaic, mosaic incognito, and mosaic cryo, the nonprofit will receive 10% of the proceeds.

By savoring this lager, attendees will contribute directly to supporting TPF’s mission of preserving, promoting, and enhancing Jacksonville’s natural areas through community engagement, education, and enjoyment.

The venue hosting the event is Ink Factory Brewing, which offers much more than just a microbrewery. It’s a lively hub that includes a taproom, an espresso bar, and a co-working space. Situated within a historic magazine publishing warehouse in Jacksonville Beach, Ink Factory Brewing has been a successful establishment since 2021.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the wonders of Jacksonville’s wilderness parks. Landscapes and Lager promises an evening filled with inspiration, community spirit, and the joy of supporting a noble cause.

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About Timucuan Parks Foundation:

Timucuan Parks Foundation, a nonprofit organization, has been dedicated to preserving, promoting, and enhancing Jacksonville’s natural areas since its inception in 1999 as the Preservation Project Jacksonville, Inc.

The foundation’s mission led to the identification and acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands in Duval County, creating the largest urban park system in the United States.

Collaborating with park partners, including the National Park Service, Florida State Parks, and the City of Jacksonville, as well as various community organizations, TPF actively promotes environmental stewardship, emphasizes the health benefits of parks and preserves, and fosters an enduring appreciation for Jacksonville’s extraordinary outdoor spaces.

For further information, visit timucuanparks.org or follow @timucuanparks.

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