Buyers’ guide
Canon › canon.co.uk
Canon is another big industry name with a coterie of imaging ambassadors – including French photographer and filmmaker Teddy Morellec, who singles out the 24.2-megapixel EOS R6 Mark II for his recommendation. Fittingly, given the hybrid nature of his profession, he describes it as not a stills or a video camera, but both. “To switch between photo and video, it’s a simple click,” he remarks. That’s handy, as when shooting in the Alps. It’s just not practical to be laden with too many bits of kit. Highlighting the Mark II’s responsiveness as something he loves, Morellec goes on: “The autofocus works so well, and the high-speed continuous shooting is mind-blowing. If there’s a
shot missing, it’s not the camera – it’s me.” For those not up to speed, this model is capable of shooting up to 40fps with electronic shutter and 12fps mechanically, with a Raw burst affording 30fps capture. Additionally, pre-release capture allows users to freeze moments that have happened up to 0.5sec before the shutter release button is fully depressed. For handheld shooters, there are up to eight stops of IBIS, and benefitting videographers in particular is the ability to film continuously for over 30 minutes, as improved heat efficiency helps the camera stay cool in operation. “The EOS R6 Mark II is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible – it’s changing what I can do,” marvels Morellec.
Vanguard › vanguardworld.co.uk
Analogue Wonderland › analoguewonderland.co.uk
Landscape and outdoor photographer James Abbott is an ambassador for photo accessory specialist Vanguard. His main support of choice is the Vanguard VEO 3+ 263CB 160S carbon-fibre tripod with dual-axis ball head. He describes it as “incredibly versatile and amazing for both low- level shooting and attaching accessories. It’s also lightweight for its size: a fantastic piece of kit!” The set-up boasts a 15kg load capacity and traditional Arca-compatible VEO BH-160S ball head, complete with QS-62 V3 quick-release plate. Its chief innovation is the Multi-Angle Central Column which moves almost 360° in all directions, making it ideal for any style of imaging, as Abbott indicates. The fully extended height is 174cm, it folds to 77cm and weighs 2.2kg. One tripod leg can be converted into a monopod, too. All this comes supplied with a luxury padded tripod bag with shoulder strap and internal zipped pocket. Being one for getting creative in the great outdoors, it’s no surprise Abbott also favours a travel tripod from the same brand, which he explains is “small, lightweight and pretty sturdy, despite its compact size.” This is the VEO 2 235CB 23mm carbon-fibre tripod plus ball head, which has three independent knobs for lock, pan and friction control. It can take a payload of up to 6kg, while it weighs 1.2kg itself. The maximum extended height is 145cm. Once again, this tripod comes supplied with a bag for transportation that can accommodate any standard head size. PN
This enticingly named High Wycombe-based online retailer is so called because, yes, it specialises in the selling and developing of photographic film. Set up five years ago by mother-and-son combo Mary and Paul McKay, its team has grown quickly as photographers are discovering and remembering the tangible joy of the medium. Recently recruited ambassador and TikTok sensation Jack Wrighton – interviewed opposite – began as a customer and tells us that he always found buying film from the outlet a smooth process. He adds: “They’re appealing to the younger generation in terms of how they present themselves on social media, and always seem to be expanding. In quite a short space of time, it’s grown into something much bigger.” That much is proven, with it acquiring Bristol-based film processor Silverpan Film Lab just last month. If you’re in search of a product for shooting monochrome, both Wrighton and Analogue Wonderland highly recommend Ilford’s HP5 Plus black & white film for 35mm and medium format. This film is forgiving enough to allow beginners and pros alike to really experiment while still ending up with great results – even if mistakes have been made with the original exposure. Although black & white and colour both have their individual appeals, medium format colour photography can look particularly incredible – according to Wrighton. For shooting in colour, he specifically recommends Kodak’s daylight-balanced, pro colour-negative Portra film, available in ISO 160, 400 and 800. He has found it provides fantastic performance rendering skin tones.
32 Photography News | Issue 109
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