Buyers’ guide
Vanguard
› vanguardworld.co.uk
Reviewed by us back in the summer, our recommendation here is the compact Vanguard VEO City Technical Pouch, a modern multi-function bag designed for the content creator who wants to stash their kit in as compact a form factor as possible. As well as looking stylish, this water-resistant pouch-come-pack feels good with it. There’s a robust frame beneath its tear- and abrasion-resistant nylon material to ensure it maintains its rigid shape. The softness and elasticity of the internal compartments provides flexibility when it comes to storage, as well as reassuring us that screens aren’t going to get scratched or bodywork chipped when storing items together. The exterior can withstand the odd knock, while when empty its weight is a manageable 700g. Without overloading it, there’s space for spare memory cards, batteries, power packs and cables, as well as stashing up to an 8.3-inch tablet alongside our phone, for the TP28 example we had to play with. That’s the middle of three options, which includes a smaller TP23 and larger TP33 pack that can stash a 13-inch tablet or laptop.
Fujifilm/Swains
› swains.co.uk
The Fujifilm Instax range of instant print cameras, available to retailers via distributor Swains, is constantly expanding, but we’ve singled out the affordable Instax Mini 12 as a top gifting recommendation for kids both big and small. Notable for its inflated bubble-like design, it’s available in a choice of five pastel colours for around £79.99. This particular model features a handful of new elements including control over the automatic flash, close-up mode and a parallax correction feature, aligning the camera’s viewfinder with the lens for more distinctive results. Subtle design tweaks over previous models include that bubble-like shape, plus a choice of five colourways. Providing a digital element alongside the otherwise analogue is an Instax Up! smartphone app, which allows photographers to digitally scan, store and share their photos all in one place.
Sigma › sigmauk.com
From its affordable alternatives to the major manufacturers’ own lenses, we’re choosing the new Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens, available for the L-Mount, Sony E-mount and Fujifilm X Mount. A large-aperture, ultra wide-angle zoom, the fact that it’s small and lightweight suggests suitability for landscapes, travel, video and, yes, content creators. In fact, it’s the world’s smallest and lightest ultra wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C sensor mirrorless cameras at the time of writing, covering an effective focal range of 15-27mm in 35mm terms. The ultra-wide angle of view is essential for vlogging. Weighing 260g and measuring 62mm in length with a maximum diameter of 72.2mm, expansive backgrounds and pleasant bokeh effects are achievable, with the 10-18mm delivering an 11.6cm minimum focusing distance when shooting at 10mm. With a fast performance thanks to its AF stepping motor and minimal focus breathing, one suggestion is to mount this lens onto a motorised gimbal to create an ultra-portable video set-up.
CEWE
› cewe.co.uk
Just imagine the smile on a loved one’s face when you share a CEWE Photobook. Featuring layflat binding so images display seamlessly across a double-page spread, seven paper types are selectable. The first option is using photographic paper for a thicker, firmer and more stable material than standard digital printing paper. Our choice here is classic, gloss and matte photographic paper from Fujifilm. Or alternatively, there are four digital printing papers. Classic paper comes with a semi-matte finish to provide balanced contrasts and natural colours. High-gloss paper features vibrant colours, strong contrast and exceptional detail. True matte paper gifts us a matte finish and unique, shine-free texture with soft colours and muted contrasts. Lastly, 100% recycled paper has a silky matte finish and otherwise produces a similar result to classic paper. Another advantage with digital printing paper is that it’s lighter, making it an ideal choice for Photobooks requiring many pages.
Laowa/UK Digital
› ukdigital.co.uk
Whitewall › whitewall.com
UK Digital is responsible for distributing Laowa manual focus lenses. Our recommendation is the Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF, which is available in four different mount options; specifically the popular Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E and L-Mount. With the lens itself described as a modern take on a classic focal length, it’s designed to work well as an everyday lens, while being as suitable for video as it is photography. With a 62mm filter thread provided, the Laowa lens weighs 562g and measures 68.5x106mm in size. Suggested uses for this travel-friendly lens again include street, documentary, landscape, portrait and astrophotography.
Print expert Whitewall’s personalised photo calendars are an obvious inclusion in any festive buyers’ guide, having recognisable appeal as gifts at this time of year. Inkjet-printed on premium photo paper to ensure a professional look and feel, we can all get creating via simple-to-use calendar templates, adding personalised text if desired. Eight calendar formats are available: A4 portrait, A4 landscape, A3 portrait, A3 landscape, A2 portrait, A2 landscape, 30x30cm and 45x45cm. A robust cardboard backing provides durability, while you also get a choice of six premium papers to print on. There’s a 250gsm inkjet glossy option, using UPM Digi Finesse Gloss paper, for vibrant colours as well as brilliant gloss. Or, if you’d prefer, select the same thickness inkjet matte paper, with the offering here being Sappi Magno Matt paper for a subtler aesthetic.
Issue 112 | Photography News 29
photographynews.co.uk
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