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Samyang unveils AF 135mm f/1.8 FE This latest lens completes the company’s autofocus f/1.8 FE series of primes
touchscreen-driven, with not even a handful of physical controls. I normally start camera tests without referring to the instructions, to get a feel for the product and dig into details as it progresses. I turned on the ZX1 and, after a slow start-up (20secs!), ended up gawping at its lovely 4.3in screen. No sign of familiar icons like a cog or spanner, so I had no clue how to set it up. After double-tapping, finger- spreading and swiping in every conceivable direction to no avail, I gave up and resorted to the instructions. Ah, swiping was correct, but I was in the wrong place! There is a strip on the screen’s left for this purpose. Once I cracked the set-up, it was plain sailing from there. The instructions also dealt with the slow start-up issue: leave it in standby when shooting. Ultimately, I liked the ZX1 because I felt involved when using it, and had to think about what the camera was doing more than usual. Would I use its built-in Lightroom? Probably not. I don’t find editing – even basic processes – fun on a small screen. But, the option was there. Read my full test, starting on page 44, in this issue. I’ve been promised a Nikon Z 9 next issue, another £5k+ camera. Hopefully, I will make a better fist of finding my way around it. See you next month.
EDITOR’S LETTER WILLCHEUNG
I’ve been doing quite a bit of musing about the future this past month. Specifically, the 25 and 26 June, which I can now confirm are the dates for the Photography News Photo 24 event. PN regulars will know about Photo 24. But if it’s new to you, this is a free, day-long photo experience with walks, workshops and the company of like-minded souls in London. Obviously, it has been off the agenda the past couple of years – but it’s green for go in 2022. There’s more on page 11, but it’s early on, so we’re keeping specifics close to our chests for now. What you need to know are the dates – 25 and 26 June – and the fact that readers everywhere can get involved in the event. We’ll have much more in coming issues and on The PN Podcast. When not gazing in my crystal ball this month, I’ve been testing kit like the Zeiss ZX1. It is different from anything else that’s crossed my PN desk; although I struggled initially, I came around to it. When I say struggled, I don’t mean that in an unkind way. It’s just very
Samyang has announced its full-frame AF 135mm f/1.8 FE prime lens, which boasts superb resolution, smooth bokeh effects, weather resistance and fantastic AF performance. So, with this new optic joining the existing 24, 35, 45 and 75mm, there are now five fast- aperture autofocus options for Sony E-mount users. The AF 135mm f/1.8 FE incorporates Samyang’s linear stepping motor for fast and quiet AF, to offer users a lens that caters to all genres. It can even be used for shooting video. In performance, the lens claims to deliver astonishing corner-to-corner resolution, with a sophisticated optical design of 13 elements in 11 groups. Its large-diameter aperture allows users to capture images with a smooth blur, separating the subject from the background by using a shallow depth-of-field.
Beautiful bokeh can be achieved shooting portraits, close-ups or cityscapes, thanks to the inclusion
of an aspherical lens. And it can focus as close as 69cm – perfect for getting intimate and personal. Additional features include a focus hold button, keeping the lens locked to a set distance; a custom switch, allowing users to adjust the aperture silently with the focus ring; and a focus range limiter switch. The guide price for the lens is £798. holdan.co.uk
“The AF 135mm f/1.8 FE incorporates Samyang’s linear steppingmotor for fast and quiet AF
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What’s inside 03 News Catch up with all that’s hot in the world of imaging this month 07 Vanguard contest and Samsung word search We have the very latest Samsung 256GB Pro Plus microSD card on offer in our prize word search. While, in our regular Vanguard contest, we have a PN Award-winning tripod waiting for one lucky winner 11 Photo 24 2022 This year’s Photo 24 is happening! We won’t reveal any more now, so turn here for the all-important info 12 Club news Two leading exhibitions to enter, and a fascinating photographic record of north-east England to purchase
15 The Photography News 2021 Awards: The winners Our annual awards are a celebration of all that’s great in the photo industry. It’s time to recognise wonderful kit and top-tier service. A huge thank you to all the readers who took the time to
37 Used corner: Fujifilm X-T2 Almost ten years into the life of the X Series, we’ve seen some superb Fujifilm cams. Looking back, the X-T2 is a real favourite 41 Buyers’ guide: The power of printing The very best printing and finishing services 44 Big test: Zeiss ZX1 This is the first full-frame camera with workflow at its heart. With Adobe Lightroom built-in, it’s a unique proposition 50 First tests
register votes – check out the winners right here! 26 Make the Switch: Dave Wilson
Dave was inspired to take up photography when his father passed away and he was left with a couple of DSLRs. But he soon learnt mirrorless was his future – so he switched to a Fujifilm X-S10 32 Buyers’ guide: The Societies gather The Societies of Photographers 2022 Convention takes place from 16 to 19 March 2022, with the Trade Show from 17 to 19 March. We check out the biggest names, who will be there showing off their goods and services
l Vanguard VEO Select 36S GR bag l MindShift Rotation 22L backpack l Rotolight AEOS 2 LED light l Benro Induro Hydra 2 waterproof tripod l Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S standard zoom
Issue 96 | Photography News 3
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