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B&H has a Used Really Right Stuff TFC-34L Versa Series 3 Mk2 Carbon Fiber Tripod (Condition: 9+) available for $879.95 with free shipping. Compare at $1,115.00 new.
 
Product Highlights
 

• Load Capacity: 50 lb
• Max Height: 68.8"
• Min Height: 4"
• Folded Length: 24.4"
• Leg Sections: 4
• Twist Locks with Integrated Wipers
• Rubber Ball Feet
• Variable Angle Stops
• Fixed Apex with Small Diameter

B&H typically offers a 90-day warranty on used items. Please check the product listing above to verify.

Anhui China, Sept 21, 2018 – Venus Optics, the camera lenses manufacturer who had previously launched a number of unique Laowa camera lenses, is proud to unveil 8 new and unique lenses in Photokina.
 

• Laowa OOOM 25-100mm t/2.9 Cine Lightweight Zoom
• Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT
• Laowa 12mm f/1.8 MFT
• Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D (DJI DL)
• Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D MFT
• Laowa 9mm t/2.9 Zero-D Cine
• Laowa 7.5mm t/2.1 Cine
• Laowa 12mm t/2.9 Zero-D Cine
• Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom
• Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
• Laowa 17mm f/4 GFX Zero-D
• Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT

Laowa OOOM 25-100 t/2.9 Cine Lightweight Zoom
 
Laowa OOOM Cine lightweight zoom is the first professional cinema style zoom lens offered by Venus Optics. The lens features a wide 25-100mm zoom range, making it a one-size-fits-all lens for different types of productions.
 
Unlike some cine lens in the market which were re-engineered from a photo zoom lens, Laowa OOOM Cine lens is designed for digital cinematography in the first place. It is truly parfocal, meaning the focus will never shift when you zoom in or zoom back out. It is designed to have nearly zero focus breathing throughout the whole zoom range. The aperture remains fixed at t/2.9 at all focal lengths.
 
It is built with the true cinema level mechanics. It comes with a stepless, t-stop independent aperture ring with an industry standard 0.8 mod /32 pitch gears. The 270° rotation flow provides room or precise focus pulls and the iris is clickless, enabling smooth iris pulls. The lens weighs only 2.16 pounds, which is fairly light for a cinema zoom that holds focus and aperture throughout the focal length range.
 
Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT
 
Laowa 17mm f/1.8 is a new compact, standard prime designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras and it gives a 35mm-equivalent field of view. The lens houses 9 elements in 7 groups and have a 5-blade aperture for the best sunstar rendering. The lens is extremely compact and lightweight, weighs only 160g (0.36lbs) and is 5cm (2”) long. A 46cm filter thread is included and the 15cm minimal focus distance make it a perfect lens for videography.
 
Laowa 12mm f/1.8 MFT
 
Laowa 12mm f/1.8 is a new compact, wide-angle prime for Micro Four Thirds cameras and it gives a 24mm-equivalent field of view. The ultra-fast f/1.8 aperture allows photographers to take astro photos with ease. The lens houses 13 elements in 10 groups and a 5-blade aperture. The lens can focus as close as 14cm (5.5”) and takes 46mm screw-in filters which gives extra convenience to videographers. It weighs only 165g (0.4 lbs) and its 5cm long (2”).
 
Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D (DJI DL)
 
Following the successful launch of the super compact and lightweight 7.5mm f/2 MFT lens for DJI Inspire drones (X5 gimbals) during 2017, Venus Optics is proud to introduce another ultra-wide option, Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D DL, to use on DJI Inspire 2 (X7 gimbals).
 
Featuring an effective 118° angle of view, the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D DJI DL is currently the widest available option for DJI Inspire 2 drones with Zenmuse X7 gimbals. The bigger image circle can cover the size of Super35 sensors and the native DL mount allows an easy lens switching. The lens weighs only 215g and it is super tiny and compact. It comes with a 49mm filter thread and features a close-to-zero optical distortion.
 
Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D MFT
 
Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D (Micro Four Thirds mount) is the 4th variant added to the existing Fuji X, Sony E and EOS-M mounts. The 9mm lens provides a 18mm equivalent angle of view on the Micro Four Thirds sensor. It also has a better vignetting control over the other variants of the same lens. The close-to-zero distortion will remain unchanged.
 
Laowa 7.5mm t/2.1 Cine / Laowa 9mm t/2.9 Zero-D Cine
 
The new Laowa 7.5mm and 9mm Cine lenses are the cine-mod version of the existing photo version of Venus Optics best-selling models. Both lenses were re-housed with a step-less aperture rings and focus rings with standard 0.8 mod gears which give videographers extra convenience to use with follow-focus systems. Both of the lenses are the widest available in the market in its class and only weigh 180g (0.4lbs) & 250g (0.55lbs) respectively. Closest focusing distance is both 12cm (0.4 feet). The wide perspective and lightweight makes them the perfect companion for gimbal shooting. MFT mount is available for 7.5mm t/2.1 Cine and Sony E mount is available for 9mm t/2.9 Cine.
 
Laowa 12mm t/2.9 Zero-D Cine (PL)
 
The new Laowa 12mm t/2.9 Zero-D Cine in PL mount is the cine-mod version of the existing 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens. The lens was rehoused with a step-less, t-stop aperture rings and focus rings with standard 0.8 mod gears for iris and focus pulls. It successfully covers the 35mm Vista Vision sensor size and offers an ultra-wide 122° angle of view, making it one of the world’s widest and fastest available option for shooting with large sensors. Despite the ultra-wide field of view, it is perfectly rectilinear and features a close-to-zero distortion rate. The focus flow is extended to 270° for cinematographers to also take advantage of the 0.6 feet (18cm) closest focusing distance. The super lightweight (650g, 1.4lbs) is also an added benefit for cinematographers.
 
Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom
 
This lens is currently the widest zoom lens available for Sony full frame E-mount cameras. Designed primarily for travel photography, Venus optics have managed to compress the size to smallest in its class, less than 4 inch (<10cm) and only 1.1 pounds (<500g). The 102? (18mm) to 130? (10mm) angle of view provides flexibility for photographers to compose landscape or architecture photos with ease. The lens houses with 14 elements in 10 groups with 2 aspherical elements & 1 extra-low dispersion element to deliver exceptional performance. It can focus as close as 15cm for some mini-macro shooting. A rear filter slot is included to fit with 37mm filter. A dedicated filter holder is being developed to fit 100mm-wide filters. Click/clickless aperture can be toggled by the switch on the lens barrel. A 5-blade aperture design ensures a pleasing and clean sunstar rendering.
 
Multiple samples will be available for free rental during Photokina period.
 
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO
 
Followed by the success of the Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro, the 100mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro is the 2nd member of Laowa 2:1 macro line-up. This new 100mm lens can cover full frame sensor size and focus from 2:1 magnification to infinity. The wide magnification range allows macro photographers to capture subject at any sizes. This 100mm portrait lens also features an apochromatic (APO) characteristic that no chromatic aberration can be found. The 12 elements in 10 groups optics design delivers a crystal sharpness image in both macro and tele distances. Automatic aperture control feature is available for Canon EF version and Aperture coupling is available for Nikon F mount version.
 
Laowa 17mm f/4 GFX Zero-D
 
This is currently the widest available native lens option for Fujifilm G-mount cameras. The new Laowa 17mm f/4 GFX has a field of view equivalent to 13mm in 35mm format (113?). Featuring a close-to-zero distortion and 86mm filter thread, this lens is ideally suited for landscape, architecture & interior photography. The 21 elements in 14 groups design with 2pcs of aspherical & 3pcs of Extra-low dispersion elements successfully help to control the distortion & chromatic aberrations to the minimal.
 
Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT
 
Featuring a 210? angle of view, this lens delivers unique circular fisheye field of view on Micro four thirds cameras. The ultra-wide angle view allows photographers to create 360? panorama with ease. Despite the unique & ultra-wide perspective, the lens only weighs 0.3 pounds (135g).
 
Free Rental Program
 
Venus Optics have prepared some copies of the Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom and Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe lens (Canon) for free rental during Photokina period. For reservations, please contact Venus Optics via contact@venuslens.net.
 
Availability
 
All 12 new lenses will make its Europe debut in Venus Optics’ booth (Hall 2.1, D-040) in Photokina, Cologne during 26th-29th Sept. Pricing and ship date are to be confirmed.

The Tokina opera 50mm f/1.4 FF Lens is now available for preorder at B&H and Adorama.
 
Product Highlights
 

• Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
• Ring-Shaped Ultrasonic AF Motor
• Electric Diaphragm Mechanism
• Weather-Sealed Construction

B&H and Adorama will be closed during the Succos holiday. If you need/want gear sooner rather than later, order now to avoid more than a week-long delay.
 

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B&H Succos Holiday Closing Schedule
 
SuperStore & Offices
 
B&H will be closed starting at 1pm ET Sun Sep 23 through Tue Oct 2. We will reopen at 9am Wed Oct 3.
 
Online Orders
 
Checkout will only be available during the following periods:
 

• 8:15pm ET Tue Sep 25 until 6:30pm Fri Sep 28
• 8pm Sat Sep 29 until 6:30pm Sun Sep 30

Regular checkout will resume starting at 8pm Tue Oct 2.
 
Shipping
 
Any orders placed after 6:30pm ET Fri Sep 21 will be processed when we reopen on Wed Oct 3.
 
Store Pickup
 
Store Pickup orders placed up to 1 hour before store closing time will be available for same-day pickup until store closing time. Store Pickup orders placed less than 1 hour from store closing, or while the store is closed, will be ready for pickup 30 minutes after the store reopens.
 

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Adorama Succos Holiday Closing Schedule
 
Orders submitted to us during the Sukkos Holiday (Sunday Sept. 23rd after 12:30PM thru Tuesday, Oct. 2nd) will be shipped Wednesday, Oct. 3rd.

Through this weekend, B&H has Benro lens supports and select Benro camera L-brackets drastically reduced. See below for details.
 

Item	Orig Price	Sale Price
Benro LH280 Telephoto Lens Support for H8 and H10 Video Heads	$224.95	$49.95
Benro LH400 Telephoto Lens Support for H8 and H10 Video Heads	$249.95	$59.95
Benro LB300 Arca-Type Lens Bracket	$249.95	$59.95
Benro LPC5DIII Quick Release L-Plate for Canon 5D Mark III	$139.95	$49.95
Benro LPC6D Quick Release L-Plate for Canon 6D	$139.95	$49.95

B&H has the Glidecam VistaHead HD II Motorized Pan & Tilt Head available for $799.00 with free expedited shipping. Regularly $1,299.00.
 
Product Highlights
 

• Supports camera weighing up to 10 lb
• Made with integral black anodized aluminum
• Mounts to the camera crane or jib arms using a 1/4-20 knob bolt
• Control box features two-axis proportional joystick speed controllers
• Made in USA

From Vitec Imaging Group:
 
JOBY TelePod series now is complete to support cameras and mobile devices, delivering versatility and stability to today’s content creators.
 
Upper Saddle River, NJ – September 20, 2018 – JOBY, creator of award-winning mounts, stands and grips designed to elevate the potential of the latest mobile and imaging devices, announces the launch of their full line of TelePod products. The TelePod Mobile, TelePod 325 and TelePod PRO Kit telescoping tripods join the already well-known GripTight PRO TelePod in empowering the next generation of storytellers to elevate their creativity.
 
Designed for the needs of today’s vloggers, photographers and videographers, the TelePod series delivers maximum versatility with the ability to function as a handgrip, monopod, elevated stand or tripod. With dedicated solutions for both mobile and camera, the TelePod provides users the ability to capture content from new perspectives, taking creativity to the next level.
 
All Models Feature:
 
Ability to work in four modes:
 

• Hand Grip: Close legs and hold to get a grip on your content
• Extended Grip: Close legs and extend mount to create selfie stick for overhead or 360 shots
• Elevated Tripod: Extend mount and legs for elevated camera/360 stand
• Tabletop Tripod: Expand legs and retract mount for a compact tripod stand

Compatible with a variety of JOBY mounts.
 
Built with lightweight, high strength glass-filled composite, ABS plastic, anodized aluminum, stainless steel and TPE.
 
“Our design process always begins with listening closely to what today’s image makers are saying; this inspired our redefinition of the traditional selfie stick” explains Tim Grimmer, Senior Director of Product for JOBY. “The TelePod series provides solutions for creators working with a mix of photos and videos, providing an extreme amount of versatility for capturing selfies, overhead shots and much more. Content creators love them and that’s what we love to see.”
 
TelePod Solutions for Mobile Designed for the next generation of mobile storytellers, the already launched GripTight PRO TelePod and the TelePod Mobile securely grip up to plus-size smartphones with endless attachment options. Both models include Bluetooth Impulse remote shutter device.
 

• TelePod Mobile – This all-in-one selfie stick tripod is designed for mobile and is perfect for vlogging, selfies and more. Securely holds smartphones using the included GripTight ONE mount or small 360 cameras. Locking ball head provides precise composition control for unique angles. Works with multiple JOBY mounts including GripTight mount series, GoPro mount, Flash mount or any ¼”-20 device under 325g.
• GripTight PRO TelePod –The most recent addition to JOBY’s line-up of pro-content creation tools, easily adjusts to landscape or portrait mode for live streaming, vlogging, SnapChat and Instagram stories. Perfect for smartphones, mirrorless, 360 and action cameras or video light. Includes GripTight Pro 2, Cold Shoe Pro, Pin Joint mount and long thumbscrew for versatile setup options.

TelePod Solutions for Camera Created to support point-and-shoot, 360, action cameras, mirrorless and more, the TelePod 325 and TelePod PRO Kit are great for vlogging, overhead shots and stability on uneven surfaces.
 

• TelePod 325v – The TelePod 325 is designed to meet the needs of creative photographers. A more compact version of our TelePod PRO, this entry-level handheld tripod/vlogging stick is perfect for compact point-and-shoots, 360 and action cameras (additional pin joint mount required) and great for mounting a lightweight microphone or small LED light. Locking ball head provides precise composition control for unique angles. Works with multiple JOBY mounts like GripTight mount series, GoPro Mount, Flash mount or any ¼”-20 device under 325g.
• TelePod PRO Kit – We’ve customized our original GripTight PRO TelePod for photographers. The TelePod PRO kit has maximum versatility due to the inclusion of the JOBY BallHead 1K that offers 360 degree panning and 90 tilt for unlimited angles. The 1kg (2.2 lb) weight capacity is perfect for mirrorless, point-and-shoot, 360, action cams or video light. Expand your attachment options via ¼”-20 mount plus included Pin Joint.

All products will be available early October at select JOBY authorized dealers.
 
B&H has the JOBY TelePod products available for preorder.

From GoPro:
 
Today, GoPro didn't just announce one new camera, we're debuting THREE all-new HERO7 cameras. Yes, HERO7 Black is amazing, but what if you don't need all the bells and whistles? Well, say hello to HERO7 Silver and HERO7 White.
 
These are the simpilest GoPro cameras ever, at the best value ever, all while maintaining everything that makes GoPro, GoPro. Both rugged, pocket-size cameras capture high-quality photo and video, are waterproof without a housing, voice commend-enabled, and have WiFi connectivity for seamless pairing to your mobile device The $299 HERO7 Silver and $199 HERO7 White both shoot in three modes: photo, video and time lapse. They also have built-in electronic image stabilization to smooth out playback of experiences that are inherently bumpy/shaky, whether you’re skiing, snorkeling or chasing your kids around the yard.
 
But what's arguably most impressive is the entirely redesigned user interface. This new UI resembles the feel of a smartphone and delivers epic content with a few taps of your finger. Plus, new tools, such as vertical capture, the pre-set Short Clips video feature and selfie/group-friendly Photo Timer, take the guess work out of video and photo capture.
 
GoPro HERO7 Preorders: B&H | Adorama
 

 
If you ever find yourself switching out tripod heads (or otherwise using the same head on multiple tripods), then adding a quick release system is definitely worthwhile. I've been using this technique for a while now (example), and it has worked really well for me. [Sean]
 
Products Featured in Video
 

• Really Right Stuff B2-LR-II Lever-Release Clamp (60mm)
• Really Right Stuff TH-DVTL-40 Round Dovetail Plate

From Nikon:
 
COOLPIX W300 Firmware v.1.3
 
Fixed the following issue:
 

• Depending on the state of the subject, the camera would sometimes gradually go out of focus during time-lapse photography, despite the fact that focus would normally be expected to lock with the first shot.

Download: Nikon COOLPIX W300 Firmware v.1.3

Through midnight tonight Eastern Time, B&H has the ikan D12 11.6" 3G-SDI Full HD Monitor with IPS Panel available for $499.99 with free shipping. Regularly $999.99.
 
Product Highlights
 

• 11.6" LCD Panel, 1920 x 1080 Resolution
• Table Top or Stand Mounted
• NTSC/PAL/SECAM, HD & 3G
• Loopthrough SDI & HDMI Inputs/Outputs
• Built-In Display Tools
• On-Screen Tally Indication
• 7 to 12 VDC Power Input
• Mini 4-Pin XLR & Threaded COAX DC Input
• VESA Mounting Pattern

See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals for excellent savings opportunities.

From Lowepro:
 
Lowepro’s worldwide #1 selling professional camera bag series, ProTactic, has been enhanced for better organization, access and protection with expanded modular system and accessories.
 
Upper Saddle River, NJ – September 19, 2018 – Lowepro, a company with a 50-year reputation in creating protective gear-carrying solutions for image makers, today announced the second generation of their worldwide #1 selling ProTactic Collection. The high-performance, tactical-inspired collection has been redesigned for better organization, access and protection, while staying true to the ProTactic promise of rugged versatility and armored protection. The new line offers the BP 350 AW II and BP 450 AW II enhanced backpacks plus an expanded modular system and accessories.
 
Featured ProTactic Technology
 

• 4-Point Access: Molded, turret-loading top, quick-grab from both sides, and full, back entry for set-up and security.
• FormShell: Lightweight yet sturdy, composite-shell construction delivers superior impact protection.
• SlipLock: System of compatible loops and tabs make it easy to add pouches and cases to larger bags so you can easily bring along water bottles, memory cards and more.
• CradleFit Laptop Storage: Cleverly constructed compartment suspends and safeguards laptop in backpacks.
• ActivZone: Delivers targeted support at shoulder blades, lumbar and waist for comfort on the move. Structured back panel allows for ventilation with integrated trolley strap.
• All Weather AW Cover: a raincoat for your gear, our patented cover fits snugly over a bag and can be folded away when not needed. An innovative way to protect against rain, snow, dust and sand.

“In designing carrying solutions, we always listen closely to what our image makers are telling us,” explains Tim Grimmer, Senior Director of Product for Lowepro. “They are seeking increased versatility, organization, and accessibility with the performance and protection ProTactic is known for. We’re excited to offer this enhanced line-up featuring more adaptive interiors, always-ready access and a great collection of exterior attachments and accessories.”
 
The updated ProTactic collection includes:
 
Backpacks: The exceptionally adaptive second generation of our high-performance ProTactic backpacks, the BP 350 AW II and BP 450 AW II offer a more adaptive interior, multiple access points, modular exterior attachment capabilities and convertible utility belts. Both models include utility pouch, water bottle holder, tripod cup and two Quick Straps.
 

• ProTactic BP 350 AW II – Fits 1-2 standard DSLRs, one with 24-70mm f/2.8 lens attached, up to 8 lenses/speed lights, small drone such as a DJI Mavic, gimbals like DJI Osmo, 360 camera, 13” laptop and small accessories
• ProTactic BP 450 AW II – Fits 1-2 Pro DSLRs, one with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached, up to 8 lenses/speedlights, small drone such as a DJI Mavic, gimbals like DJI Osmo, 360 camera, 15” laptop and small accessories.

Lens Cases: Purpose-built lens cases allow you to change out a lens with one hand. Dual-compartment design expands to temporarily hold 2 lenses during exchange. Cases feature SlipLock compatible attachment tabs, all Weather AW Cover, easy-grip main handle, neoprene side pocket for lens or body caps and removable/adjustable shoulder strap.
 

• ProTactic Lens Exchange 100 AW – Fits a standard and ultra-wide zoom lens.
• ProTactic Lens Exchange 200 AW – Fits up to a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens.

Utility Bags: All-purpose bags designed to provide versatile storage space for photo and video gear. Featuring padded removable interior divider, SlipLock compatible tab and All Weather AW Cover.
 

• ProTactic Utility Bag 100 AW - Fits full frame body with portrait grip, binoculars, batteries, flash units or small drone such as DJI Mavic Air with controller.
• ProTactic Utility Bag 200 AW – Fits gimbals such as DJI Osmo, speedlights or shotgun microphone.

Additional ProTactic Accessories:
 

• ProTactic Bottle Pouch – Securely holds up to 1L water bottles and canteens while keeping liquids insulated. Features stretchable padded insulated construction, drawstring toggle and closure and SlipLock compatible tab.
• ProTactic Phone Pouch – Keep your communications handy with this simple and secure zip pouch. Mounts on ProTactic backpack harness, waist belt or on pack body for easy access. Features SlipLock compatible tab. Fits up to Plus size Apple or Android phone.
• ProTactic Utility Belt – Designed to operate during a variety of missions, this belt is constructed for sturdy utility carry. Reinforced “duty” belt distributes weight evenly and keeps gear close at hand. Adjusts to fit 29” – 40” waists. Holds up to 16 SlipLock compatible accessories when adjusted to 40”.
• ProTactic Quick Straps – Quick attach, quick release adjustable straps securely clip into any SlipLock attachment point. Includes two 1-inch webbing strap assemblies. Adjusts from 5 to 13.5 inches.

The Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II Backpack and BP 450 AW II are available now at select Authorized Lowepro dealers. Lowepro ProTactic Lens Exchange, Utility Bags, and other accessories will be available early October.
 
B&H has the Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II Backpack and BP 450 AW II in stock with free shipping. The other announced ProTactic items are also available for preorder and accessible via the links above.

by Sean Setters
 
My wife has two night-blooming cereus plants which were cut from her mother's decades old plant. In fact, the origin of this night-blooming cereus goes back four generations with mothers passing down cuttings to their daughters. If you're unfamiliar with this type of plant, an apt description can be found on Wikipedia:

Night-blooming cereus is the common name referring to a large number of flowering ceroid cacti that bloom at night. The flowers are short lived, and some of these species, such as Selenicereus grandiflorus, bloom only once a year, for a single night. Other names for one or more cacti with this habit are princess of the night, Honolulu queen (for Hylocereus undatus), Christ in the manger, dama de noche and queen of the night (which is also used for an unrelated plant species).

The night-blooming cereuses we have typically bloom once or twice a year, with the flowers appearing well after the sun goes down and wilting sometime around sunrise. Once you see the white petals just poking out of the ends of the nearly enclosed buds, you know the flowers will be blooming later that night.
 
Having noticed the imminent blooms, I photographed one of the buds earlier in the day. The leaf the bud was attached to was sticking out well beyond the railing of our back porch, giving me plenty of working room and few obstacles to shoot around if shooting from the side. To photograph the bud, I set up a tripod-mounted Canon EOS 5D Mark III and EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro and pointed the camera alongside the railing to get a nice side view. However, the background (a line of trees bordering our backyard) proved too distracting because a) the relatively narrow aperture I wanted to use did not diffuse it sufficiently for good separation and b) the colors of the background were too similar to the bud to create color separation.
 
To remedy the situation, I clamped a black foam core board behind the bud to eliminate the background. Here's what the setup looked like:
 

At this time of the day (approx. 12:30pm Eastern Time), sunlight was filtering through the trees, giving it a soft quality, but the bud was still relatively well lit. Therefore, I used the sunlight as my main light and simply held a white foam core board angled slightly below the bud to fill in the shadows caused by the high sun. Of course, the sunlight was also illuminating the background, making my very dark grey foam core board less dark, but... I liked the effect. Here's what the bud shot looked like after processing:
 

EXIF: f/10, 1/160 sec, ISO 200
 
Later that evening, the real show began. Around 10:00pm ET, we noticed that the flowers were starting to open up. I quickly grabbed the same tripod-mounted camera and lens and got to work. This time, I used a shoe-mount flash diffused by a 24" collapsible softbox with grid positioned behind the flowing plant (rather high) to create a diffused backlit glow and rim light. I used the same white foam core board that I had used for the bud shot positioned below the flower for fill. EXIF for the end result seen atop this post: f/8, 160 sec, ISO 400.
 
My mother-in-law questioned why I didn't shoot the flower from the front to show off its interesting structure, and many of you may be wondering the same thing. Truth is, I captured many shots of the blooming flower from the front but didn't like them nearly as much. Here were the challenges that made photographing the flowers from the front less ideal:
 

1. The position of the bloom (sticking through the railing) limited where I could place off-camera flashes and modifiers (no rim/back lighting possible), leading to a rather dull image.
2. Night-blooming cereus flowers are very deep. Front lighting the flower from anywhere except the camera's axis results in dark shadows in the deepest part of the blooms.
3. Getting the entire flower in focus from the front of the petals to the back (within the depth-of-field) is very challenging. As I was photographing the flower while still attached to the plant, small movements made focus stacking an impractical solution.

Sometimes you just have to accept the limitations of a given situation and figure out a solution that works best.

From Loupedeck:
 
New integration with Adobe Premiere Pro CC makes video editing faster, intuitive and more affordable; decision made based on community feedback
 
HELSINKI, Finland – September 19, 2018 –Loupedeck, the custom photo editing console built with an intuitive design that makes editing faster and more creative, has announced its first foray into video editing, beginning with its integration with Adobe Premiere Pro CC.
 
Following a year of success and innovation, the decision to include video editing functionalities is exclusively based on feedback from Loupedeck’s invested community. The Loupedeck+ will make the video editing process faster, more intuitive and more affordable than the industry norm, offering a native integration with Adobe Premiere Pro CC, with all Premiere Pro functions available on the device.
 
New video editing functionalities of the Loupedeck+ include:
 

• Faster and more intuitive video editing and color correction. All basic tools for color grading are simply labeled on the console
• Total flexibility with Premiere Pro CC, allowing editors to make their own configurations to fit their workflow
• Ability to export/import a editors’ personal Loupedeck configuration setups and easily transfer them to another computer
• Lumetri Color workspace compatibility for color grading
• Ability to toggle between your favorite LUTs, serving as a significant time saver
• Flexible timeline navigation, content trimming and clip adjustment
• Option to customize console buttons to preferred Adobe Premiere shortcut demands or use preinstalled functions

“Our mission is to keep on improving the editing workflow, so it’s only fitting our next step is in the video editing space,” said Mikko Kesti, Founder and CEO of Loupedeck. “Just like we developed the Loupedeck+ exclusively from community feedback, we felt it was imperative to listen to what our users had to say and make the device’s functionality even more well-rounded, providing all the same editing functions that photographers have at their fingertips to videographers. Users can now count on Loupedeck+’s intuitive design and user-friendly approach to enhance their video editing quality and increase their output. Our ongoing partnership with Adobe made introducing these new capabilities with its Premiere Pro CC suite an easy decision.”
 
Additional video software integrations will be announced later this year. On the photo editing side, the Loupedeck+ will include future integrations with Skylum’s other products, including Skylum Luminar. It is also currently in beta with Capture One, with full integration on the way, as well as additional photography software integrations to follow later this year.
 
The device is available for purchase at B&H Photo and Amazon.com for $229.00.

Wes Brewer, CEO ProGrade Digital has published a comparison between two emerging memory standards: SD Express and CFexpress.

Recently, the SD Association (governing body for SD card development and standardization) announced finalization of revision 7.0 for the card SD specification. This revision now includes a section 8.0, which adds an NVMe compliant, PCIe interface option. Like the announcement of CFexpress 1.0 made by the CompactFlash Association in August of 2016, the PCIe interface with NVMe provides a scalable path for improved performance in flash-based storage devices, and conforms to industry standards in use for devices such as SSDs.
 
This white paper provides an objective look at variances between the two standards SD Express and CFexpress.

See the ProGrade Digital SD Express vs. CFexpress White Paper for more information.
 
B&H carries ProGrade Digital memory products.