Sony News
Great deal: the Seagate 28TB Expansion Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is on sale for only $329.99 at B&H.
I was due in Las Vegas late Saturday morning. That meant a Friday arrival to avoid a crazy-early AM flight time. Friday flight costs were unfriendly, but Wednesday and Thursday flights were more favorably priced. Valley of Fire State Park, not too far from Las Vegas, was on my to-photograph list, and two extra days would enable that add-on. The Wednesday flight was selected.
The Fire Wave was my priority target, and two morning and evening shoots were dedicated to killing that location. While there may be opportunities remaining there, and changing sky conditions always provide differentiation, I have so many liked images that selecting one to share became a dilemma.
The Fire Wave is awesome, but it does not immediately offer all of its best perspectives, and time spent exploring the possibilities was rewarded. Patience is also required, as many people flow through this feature (despite it being a 3/4-mile hike from the parking lot). The strategy that worked best was to set up for a shot, wait until there were no people in it, and then work fast.
What is the best lens to take to the Fire Wave in Valley of Fire State Park? The Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens on an EOS R5 Mark II was my easy first choice, and I also used the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens on a second R5 II at times.
This composition extended slightly out of the reach of the f/11 depth of field, but focus stacking enabled a completely tack-sharp image.
A larger version of this image is available here.
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Sony Alpha 7R IV firmware update version 1.11 is available for download.
Sony Alpha a7C firmware update version 2.01 is available for download.
Sony Alpha a7 III firmware update version 4.02 is available for download.
Sony ZV-E10 firmware update version 2.02 is available for download.
These firmware updates incorporate the following fixes and enhancements:
- Allows the camera to display a notification when new software is available
- WPA and WEP functionalities are no longer supported. You will no longer be able to select WPA or WEP when connecting to Wi-Fi. Please use the more secure WPA2 moving forward
- Improves the operational stability of the camera
Sony Alpha 1 II firmware update version 2.01 is available for download.
Firmware Version 2.01 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
- Fixes an issue where setting Recording Media to Sort Recording may cause a restart during still image capture
- Fixes an issue where the effectiveness of the Soft Skin Effect when recording movies in S-Log3 was not properly adjusted
Get the Sony Alpha 1 II at B&H.
Sony Alpha 1 firmware update version 3.01 is available for download.
Firmware Version 3.01 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
- Fixes an issue where setting Recording Media to Sort Recording may cause a restart during still image capture
- Fixes an issue where the button registered with Recall Custom Hold may not be accepted
Get the Sony Alpha 1 at B&H.
Sony Alpha 9 III firmware update version 3.01 is available for download.
Firmware Version 3.01 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
- Fixes an issue where setting Recording Media to Sort Recording may cause a restart during still image capture
- Fixes an issue where the effectiveness of the Soft Skin Effect when recording movies in S-Log3 was not properly adjusted
Get the Sony Alpha 9 III at B&H.
Image quality, vignetting, and distortion test results are now available on the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary Lens page.
This lens is all about convenience.
Compared to the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens
Support this site by ordering the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.
Image quality, vignetting, and distortion test results are now available on the Sigma 300-600mm F4 DG OS Sports Lens page.
Especially because of its low price, I was anxious to see the performance of this lens.
Compared to the Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS Lens
Compared to the Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens
Compared to the Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens
Compared to the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS Lens
Compared to the Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS Lens
There are many slower-than-f/4 zoom lenses to compare with.
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Sigma 300-600mm F4 DG OS Sports Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Sigma 300-600mm F4 DG OS Sports Lens from Lensrentals.
A Sony Alpha 1 II is in the B&H Used Department. Be the first to check out when B&H reopens on Mon Apr 14, at 9:01 PM ET to score this deal.
Just posted: Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS Lens Review.
Expect this lens to become super popular among birders and other wildlife photographers.
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Sony | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS Lens from Lensrentals.
Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:
- Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 150 AW Backpack (Black, 18.5L) – only $49.88 after $100.00 instant savings
- Benro A474T Aluminum Video Tripod (100mm Bowl) – only $159.95 after $170.00 instant savings
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Extended through today, Thursday, 4/10 at 11:59 PM EST: use promo code OS25 to save 10% on overstock gear at KEH.
"We added more gear."
This is your last chance to take advantage of the NAB Show Specials at B&H.
Note that some deals may require coupon code BHNAB25.
Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:
- SmallHD ULTRA 7 UHD 4K On-Camera Touchscreen Monitor – only $1,999.00 after $1,000.00 instant savings
- Sony SRG-X40UH 4K/HDMI/USB Optical 20x PTZ Camera with PoE+ – only $1,299.00 after $700.00 instant savings
- Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod – only $449.95 after $150.00 instant savings
- COLBOR 220W Bi-Color COB LED Video Light – only $199.00 after $130.00 instant savings
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The Canon PowerShot V1 is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon | Camera Canada
My son-in-law just launched a startup, Muddy Dog Snacks, featuring top 9 allergen-free, gluten-free, and artificial ingredient-free human treats, protein energy bars, to be more specific. Great taste is included (my grandson loves them).
Usually, online buyers want to see photos of the product they are purchasing, and I was handed the technical responsibility for that job (I know, shocking, but my price was unbeatable). Sam wanted complicated collages included in the mix, and lighting a complicated set can be challenging. Fortunately, the shooting day featured significant cloud cover that created a soft light in the sunroom, which is conveniently located near the kitchen where subject prep was happening.
To help contain the mess and provide a white background with a bit of reflected fill, a 20x20" cyclorama was placed on the floor. The 85mm focal length was optimum for the overhead shot because it provided a great perspective without the need for a ladder, and the relatively high camera position meant the tripod legs were wide at the floor level, which practically eliminated their shadow impact.
With the focal length selected, the lens choice was easy. The Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens is the best available. It provided EOS R5 Mark II image quality good enough for the first billboard.
The Muddy Dog Sir CA Shepherd Cinnamon Apple Energy Bar collage is shown above, and the other 3 optoins are shown below:
A larger version of this image is available here.
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Through Wednesday, 4/9 at 11:59 PM EST, use promo code OS25 to save 10% on overstock gear at KEH.
Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:
- Canon EOS C500 Mark II 5.9K Full-Frame Camera Body (EF Mount, No CFexpress Card) – only $4,999.00 after $6,000.00 instant savings
- Canon EOS C300 Mark III Digital Cinema Camera Body (EF Mount) – only $5,999.00 after $3,000.00 instant savings
- SmallRig x Potato Jet TRIBEX Hydraulic Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit – only $599.99 after $200.00 instant savings
- Nanuk 960 Wheeled Hard Camera Case – Up to $295.00 instant savings
- Lexar 1TB Professional DIAMOND CFexpress 4.0 Type B Memory Card – only $599.99 after $400.00 instant savings
- GVM 1000D RGB LED Light Panel (2-Light Kit with Softboxes) – only $269.99 after $70.00 instant savings
- Shure SLXD15/85 Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Cardioid Lavalier Mic System – only $399.00 after $300.00 instant savings
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Just posted: Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G Lens Review.
Great performance in a tiny package with a low price.
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Sony | Adorama | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G Lens from Lensrentals.
He's talking to you.
This bull provided a great evening performance, resulting in numerous keepers. However, the engaging eye contact made this image stand out from the others.
"DT" wants to know if you will be joining me for the Elk Rut in Rocky Mountain National Park Photo Tour this September. He wants to show you what his 2-year-older rack looks like.
Images such as this one are a realistic goal. Even if you've never photographed wildlife, I'd love to have you join me this September (2025). There is just one spot open.
Learn more: Elk Rut in Rocky Mountain National Park Photo Tour
Contact me for more information or to sign up.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 3200
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