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Introducing the Panasonic Lumix S 24mm f/1.8 Panasonic has announced the third addition to its series of f/1.8 large-aperture lenses
trying to get pictures of insects – specifically butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies. I’ve shot thousands of pictures and got just as many failures, with poor focus, inadequate depth- of-field and subject movement the main faults. Despite getting sunburnt, stung several times and kneeling on nettles, I have had a real blast and learnt loads. My skills are very far from being honed, and I still have no real idea how photographers get pin-sharp pictures of dragonflies in flight. That is a subject I need much more practice with. My favourite session was with a couple of damselflies one evening. They stayed put for about 15 minutes, while I experimented with focus, exposure, shooting with and without flash, and even different lenses. In the end, I was trying some front-on portraits with the macro lens literally at minimum focus. It wasn’t easy, since there’s so little depth-of-field, even at f/11. Honestly, it was like working with a couple of models. I even thanked them when I left. I’m already looking forward to next summer. Meanwhile, it’ll soon be time to get the thermals out.
EDITOR’S LETTER WILLCHEUNG
THE HOLIDAY SEASON is over, and before you know it we will be trick-or-treating, lighting the sky with fireworks and gearing up for Santa. Well, that’s being optimistic, of course. I am making the huge assumption that the pandemic is under control, but only time will tell. As I write this, I have yet to decide which day I’m heading to Birmingham for The Photography Show. In previous years it was an easy call because the magazine had a stand there and we gave away thousands of copies. This year, there is no PN stand as such, but there will still be free copies as usual. So, I’ll be going to TPS for fun, which will be treat. It means I get to wander around the show properly. I’m looking forward to it, my credit card less so, and (should you be reading this in time) if you see me walking the aisles, please say hello. Summer is not my favourite photo season. The high sun, unsociable times if you want good light and general busyness put me off. This year has been different, though – suddenly my view has totally changed. I have been out many times in local nature reserves with my macro lens,
PANASONIC’S L-MOUNT 24mm f/1.8 complements the existing 50mm and 85mm optics – and a 35mm version is also due soon. Consistency is key to the Lumix S series. All the lenses are a similar size and have identical controls, facilitating easy transition between them. And they have a common centre of gravity, so can be easily interchanged with minimal balance adjustment when operating the camera on a gimbal. Furthermore, the same set of filters fit all lenses in the series, as they have a common diameter of 67mm. Panasonic claims that the Lumix S 24mm f/1.8 offers high-definition results, and can achieve beautiful bokeh, thanks to its nine-blade circular aperture diaphragm. Lens build includes 12 elements – including three aspherical, three ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) and one UED (Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion). The ED and UED lenses play an important role in minimising chromatic
aberration and ensuring excellent optical performance. The Lumix S 24mm f/1.8 is capable of recording extremely high-quality video. It has a smooth, silent AF system, and a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing.
This, combined with its micro-step aperture control feature – which guarantees smooth exposure change – makes it an excellent choice for professional video recording. Weighing in at 310g, it also features a dust/splash-resistant design to protect the lens from harsh conditions and sub-zero temperatures. The Lumix S 24mm f/1.8 will retail at £799.99 and is available from the end of September. panasonic.com/uk
“It offers high-definition results, and can achieve beautiful bokeh”
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What’s inside 03 News It has been a busy month for Fujifilm. But, not to be left out, Panasonic and Tamron have also revealed new kit 10 Word search Find the missing word and you could win a Samsung 256GB microSD card – and you could also be welcoming a superb Vanguard VEO 3GO 265HCB carbon-fibre travel tripod 15 Club news
18 Bird POTY 2021 results Birds are popular, challenging subjects, but the winning images show it can be done. Be prepared to be inspired 21 The Photography Show special The imaging world is set to descend on the NEC from 18 to 21 September – and it’s the hottest ticket in the industy. If you fancy a great photo, then Birmingham is the place to be. I will be there, of course 40 Make the Switch: Peter Degnan Keen street photographer Peter Degnan ditched his DSLR in favour of a Fujifilm camera – and he hasn’t looked back
42 Big test: Nikon Z fc On the outside, the Z fc is a throwback to the eighties, but inside it’s thoroughly modern. We check over this retro-looking camera for its picture-making skills 48 First tests
l Rode VideoMic NTG l Elinchrom ONE flash
l Vanguard VEO 3GO 265HCB tripod l Tokina SZX 400mm f/8 Reflex MF l Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8 macro lens l Gitzo GH4383LR ball head l Epson EcoTank ET-8550 printer
The new season is upon us, and camera and photography clubs are back in session. Many are meeting in person, but some will start off with virtual gatherings for now
Issue 92 | Photography News 3
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