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Brand-new GFX lenses and grip
EDITOR’S LETTER
A couple of weeks ago, I was in Stockholm for the launch of the Fujifilm GFX100 II (see cover story). My only other visit to the city was for another launch – for the Nikon F5. In 1996. Consequently, I’d completely forgotten what the place looked like. So when I got a spare morning, I used it to explore with the new camera and see the city with a fresh pair of eyes. The Swedish capital is nothing short of stunning. I spent much of my time in the Old Town, which has a photo opportunity on every corner, but split my photo foray into two parts. Initially, I walked around and took pictures of anything and everything that took my fancy. As I say, there’s plenty to go at. But I then did a second circuit only photographing things that I felt truly summed up the location. The first part is easy, the second much harder, but ultimately more rewarding. It’s an approach I intend to replicate in other previously visited locations. It’s so easy to go somewhere and simply take pictures of stuff you like the look of. But then looking deeper and photographing how the place feels is more of a challenge. I think that’s the difference between taking and making images. To the issue, which is a bumper one. The key reason it’s so chunky is because we’re kicking off our Roger Payne
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The IBIS is a real star performer – offering eight stops of compensation, it allows real versatility. Typically, as megapixel counts climb, so too does camera shake, but here, with the IBIS system at full tilt, capturing handheld images at less than 1/15sec is completely viable. Body design has been improved too – full weather resistance remains, but a new texture has been added to improve grip, and the top-plate is now gently angled from front to back, making it easier to check settings. Three customisable function buttons now sit at the top of the grip to provide rapid access to the features you use more than others. To
more light-efficient at the edge of the sensor to improve image quality and AF accuracy. In practical terms, these changes have also delivered a low sensitivity of ISO 80 and a new Film Simulation mode – Reala Ace – essentially a higher-contrast version of the standard Provia option. The Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function makes use of the camera’s IBIS system to generate a 400-megapixel image. 16 images are created with one press of the shutter release, with each frame shifted by half a pixel. The resulting files are then run through the free Pixel Shift Combiner software to deliver the final image.
GET A GRIP A new battery grip grants better portrait-orientated ergonomics
mimic normal handling when using the camera in portrait orientation, a new battery grip – the VG-GFX II – will also be available, which has the added advantage of taking a further two rechargeable NP-W235 batteries. Alongside the camera, Fujifilm also announced three new lenses, and a further two have been added to the GF lens roadmap. The three lenses are the GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR and two tilt-shift optics – the GF 30mm f/5.6 T/S and GF 110mm f/5.6 T/S Macro. The 55mm is a fine all-round option and is the first GF lens to feature 11 diaphragm blades. The tilt-shift lenses forego weather sealing, but do open the system up to new users who crave straight verticals and front-to-back sharpness. Finally, the two roadmap additions are the GF 500mm f/5.6 and a Cine Power Zoom, although the focal range is to be confirmed. The GFX100 II and new grip will be available from late September for £6999 and £479. The 55mm arrives at the same time for £2249. The 30mm tilt-shift will follow in October for £3899, while the 110mm tilt-shift arrives in November for £3499. fujifilm-x.com
Photography News Awards 2023. As with previous years, we’ve collated a list of what we consider to be the finest photographic products and services. You just need to tell us which ones you like best. (photographynews.co.uk) – head there and get voting! There are lots of categories, and you can choose to either vote in them all, or pick a few. Either way, I’d love it if you could have your say and help us understand what products are the real standouts for you. Right, back to going through my Stockholm images – hopefully all those 102-megapixel Raw files will have copied across by now! See you next time. Voting takes place on the Photography News website
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What’s inside 03 News It’s been a busy few weeks, with massive names launching some big products. We round up the details on the key announcements that matter. 13 Samsung word search 20 words listed, only 19 can be found. Find the missing one and you could win a 256GB Samsung memory card. 17 Prize-winning inspiration Stunning images from the Bird and Astronomy Photographer of the Year competitions. 22 Big test: Sony A6700 Will Cheung takes a look at Sony’s latest and most powerful APS-C camera yet. Is it the camera you’ve been waiting for?
43 Buyers’ guide: turning pro If you’re looking to break into professional photography, these products can help! 51 Making movies: keeping your options open The advanced camera functions you should master to take your videos up a notch. 55 Buyers’ guide: don’t break the bank Make your money go further by hiring kit or buying used. We round up the key players. 60 First tests Tamron’s 150-500mm superzoom and a travel- friendly backpack from Lowepro are put to the test. Get our expert verdicts here.
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31 The Photography News 2023 Awards We’ve put in the hours to pull together a shortlist of the best photo and video products and services around, now it’s over to you to tell us which you think are the best. Head to the Photography News website to get voting.
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Issue 111 | Photography News 3
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