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Accessory Roundup: magnetic filters, colorful batteries, and Nikon binoculars

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Accessory Roundup: magnetic filters, colorful batteries, and Nikon binoculars



Well, everyone, we did it – another week is in the books, which means it’s time to take a look at the new accessories that came across our radar. We’ve found some fun ones, including a somewhat unexpected Nikon product and some inexpensive but fun third-party batteries. But first, let’s look at what’s on sale this week.

The deals keep going

The Sony A7R V is currently $400 off.

Usually in this series, we like to point out the best camera deals around. This week, though, Amazon held its Prime Day event, and plenty of our favorite gear went on sale. While that event is technically over, most manufacturers seem to be keeping their gear on sale for the week, rather than limiting the savings to just two days. Since that’s the case, I’ll refer you to the Prime Day article my colleague Dale put together so you can get your deals fix.

NiSi’s joining the magnetic filter game

Filter maker NiSi doesn’t want you to spend all your time screwing and unscrewing filters from the front of your lens. The company has introduced its JetMag Pro system, which lets you screw on an adapter ring once, then use a variety of magnetically attaching filters.

The filters have a twist-lock system, which the company says “ensures the filter stays securely in place during use even when stacked with other filters.” In its announcement video, the company even shows someone shaking a poor Nikon around while just holding on to the filter – though we wouldn’t recommend trying that one at home.

The filters are color-coded, so you can tell at a glance whether you’re picking up an ND filter, a UV filter, a mist filter, etc. All the filters are 82mm, but the company is selling magnetic adapter rings, which step down to various filter sizes, as well as different kits with several filters and accessories like magnetic front and back caps and carrying bags.

NiSi is far from the first company to develop a magnetic filter system, but it’s always nice to have more options, especially from well-known brands. The magnetic adapter rings cost $20 each, and the filters range between $80 and $120.

Find your next shot

Image: Nikon

Nikon is obviously famous for its cameras, but it also invests some of its optical expertise into binoculars. Its latest models, which it announced this week, also feature its optical image stabilization tech, giving you a much clearer view of whatever faraway object you’re trying to look at.

If it weren’t for the power button, you could almost confuse these for regular binoculars. They’re much slimmer and more compact than the StabilEyes models the company sold many years ago, though, in fairness, those models did offer more magnification.

Nikon says you’ll get up to 12 hours of runtime out of two AA batteries. You can still keep using the binoculars once the battery runs out, you just won’t have the stabilization – though it can be hard to go back once you’ve experienced seeing the world like Legolas.

The 10×25 zoom model will sell for $640, and the 12×25 zoom model will cost $650. The company says they’ll be available in early November.

Nikon Stabilized 10×25 S

$639 at B&H

$639 at Nikon
Nikon Stabilized 12×25 S

$649 at B&H

$649 at Nikon

New camera, new cage

Image: Tilta

If you recently purchased a Canon R5 II and want to rig it out for video, you now have another option. Tilta has announced a variety of accessories for the camera, including a half cage, a full cage and a cage kit that includes a handle and cable clamp for locking down any attached HDMI or USB-C cords.

The cages are made of aluminum and are relatively utilitarian-looking. Still, if you just want to add a ton of 1/4″ threads on your camera, they’ll provide an inexpensive way to add them.

Full Cage

$49 at Tilta
Cage Kit

$76 at Tilta

More colorful batteries

Image: SmallRig

A while ago, we covered Manfroto’s expansion of its third-party battery lineup, which happen to come in a fun red shell. Now, SmallRig is offering something similar; its camera batteries, which can be charged directly via USB-C, are now available in vibrant safety orange.

SmallRig’s lineup is extensive. It sells equivalents of the:

It’s worth checking compatibility before purchasing; some note that they’re not compatible with certain cameras that could physically fit them, such as the EN-EL15C, which doesn’t currently work with the Nikon Z6III. Pricing on the models varies, but they’re generally a fair bit cheaper than the first-party options.

Image: SmallRig

SmallRig is also now making its VB50 and VB99 mini V-mount batteries available in green and orange, though only in the US. Unlike regular camera batteries, the color will actually work to accessorise your rig, as V-mount batteries are located on the outside of the camera rather than inside. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons that the colorful versions of the VB50 and VB99 cost $13-20 more than their black counterparts.

Every video a masterpiece

A month ago, we covered Every Frame a Painting’s temporary return to YouTube. This week, the filmmaking essay channel released another video, this time looking at the work of filmmaker Billy Wilder, director of classic films like The Apartment, Some Like It Hot, and Sunset Boulevard. As always, it’s a great watch for anyone who’s interested in movies and the craft behind them.

Click here to see last week’s roundup



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Our year in photos: Dale's most memorable shot of 2024

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Our year in photos: Dale's most memorable shot of 2024


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Pedestrians with umbrellas wander down a rainy alley in Yokohama’s Chinatown.

Panasonic S5IIX + Panasonic S 28-200mm F4-7.1 | F7 | 1/125 sec | ISO 1600
Photo: Dale Baskin

Japan is one of my favorite places to travel. I’m captivated by its culture, cuisine, and the warmth of its people. It’s also a photographer’s paradise, offering endless possibilities, from serene temples and bustling markets to breathtaking landscapes.

My favorite type of photography when traveling in Japan is street photography, especially at night. I never tire of exploring the vibrant cityscapes, from the iconic Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo to the atmospheric alleys of Yokohama’s Chinatown.

However, there’s a twist: I seek out rainy conditions. While most travelers might not embrace a downpour, I find that rain transforms nighttime street photography into something magical. The umbrellas emerge, the city lights reflect off the wet pavement, and colors take on a vibrant intensity.

I was fortunate to visit Japan twice this year, and it rained both times. What some might consider lousy weather, I welcome as luck. Both my camera and I were thoroughly drenched during several nights of shooting, underscoring the value of weather-sealed equipment. (For the record, despite being so wet they were dripping with water, neither camera nor lens ever missed a beat.)

“While most travelers might not embrace a downpour, I find that rain transforms nighttime street photography into something magical.”

Unsurprisingly, some of my most memorable photos of 2024 were captured during these rain-soaked adventures. It’s challenging to select just one favorite because, as many of you will surely understand, how we remember the value of an image is often intertwined with the experience of capturing it.

The photo at the top of this page is one of my favorites from these trips, captured in Yokohama’s Chinatown. Off the main street, the area is full of narrow alleys, many decorated with traditional lanterns, creating small, intimate spaces. I spied these two pedestrians with similar coats and umbrellas turn into one of these alleys and instantly knew there was a potential photo around the corner.

I managed to fire off two shots before the scene lost its magic, but that’s all I needed. I love that you can’t see the main subjects’ faces. They remain anonymous, allowing the viewer to focus on the place rather than the person.



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Godox releases V100, a 100Ws fast rechargeable flash

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Godox releases V100, a 100Ws fast rechargeable flash


Image: Godox

Godox has announced the V100, a 100Ws version of its round-headed V1 on/off camera flashgun. The V100 can deliver up to 100 Watt Seconds of power in manual mode and can shoot over 70 consecutive bursts of light at full power. Recycle times of under 1 sec are possible when used with an external power source (1.7 sec with the internal battery).

Like the existing V1 and V1Pro, the V100 is available in versions compatible with the proprietary TTL flash metering systems of Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm or Olympus/OM System, each of which comes with a small secondary flash that can be used to provide a little ‘fill.’ It also has a 2W LED modeling lamp, to help you understand how its light is going to fall.

Godox says it’s able to sync with the global shutter of Sony’s a9 III, up to shutter speeds of 1/80,000, though the company also says the V100’s minimum flash duration is 1/20,000, so presumably 1/80,000 sec shutter speeds would only experience a fraction of that output.

Godox V100 round head flash branding image with 100Ws in large letters
Image: Godox

The V100 is powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery that can be charged directly using a USB-C cable or in an optional multi-battery charger if you need to prepare multiple batteries before a shoot.

It’s compatible with the company’s 2.4Ghz radio frequency off-camera communication protocol either as a transmitter or receiver.


Buy now:


No details have been given about price or availability but it’s listed as “Coming Soon” on B&H Photo’s website with a price of $349. B&H is also listing a Pentax-compatible version, not listed on Godox’s website.


Godox V100 C/N/S/F/O

Introducing the epic 100Ws TTL Li-ion Round Head Camera Flash V100. The Godox V100 redefines the standards for flagship on-camera flashes, brining an era of 100Ws power to handheld lighting. This groundbreaking flash delivers global shutter sync, a vibrant 2.3-inch color touchscreen, an intuitive menu, and one-tap syn operations. It combine cutting-edge features and professional-grade performance to provide an ultimate solution for professional lighting.

100Ws, Beyond Limits

The V100 sets a new benchmark for on-camera flashes by offering an unprecedented 100Ws power at its maximum output (M mode). With adjustable power steps from 1/1 to 1/256 or from 2.0 to 10, it covers the spectrum from subtle fill light to robust lighting for diverse scenarios, pushing the boundaries of creativity in flash photography.

Intuitive Touchscreen, Effortless Control

Equipped with a 2.3” full-color, high-sensitivity touchscreen, the V100 offers a smooth and responsive interface. Paired with an intuitive menu design and logical control layout, it allows photographers to quickly adjust power levels, activate high-speed sync, switch between TTL/M modes, and pair devices with a single tap, significantly improving workflow efficiency.

Global Shutter Flash Sync

The V100 is seamlessly compatible with cameras featuring global shutter like Sony a9 III. Supporting shutter speeds up to 1/80,000 seconds and offering TTL functionality, it delivers outstanding high-speed continuous shooting with effortless precision. This makes it an ideal choice for sports photography, outdoor bright light, and other fast-paced shooting scenarios.

70 Full-Power Consecutive Flashes

Thanks to its advanced cooling system, the V100 delivers 70 to 100 consecutive flashes at 100Ws without compromising performance. This ensures enhanced shooting efficiency and flexibility, allowing you to handle complex scenarios with ease and capture every brilliant moment of your creative vision.

Zoom range (mm) 28mm 35mm 50mm 70mm 80mm 105mm
Continuous flashes
(100Ws)
75 75 80 90 100 100

Detachable Sub Flash

The V100 continues the highly praised detachable sub flash (SU-1) design from the V1 Pro. This versatile feature enables dual-light setups with a single flash, offering creative lighting solutions for portrait photography.

Wireless Sync, Streamlined Workflow

With the built-in Godox 2.4G Wireless X System, the V100 functions as both a master and receiver unit. Its one-tap pairing capability seamlessly integrates with the X3 trigger or other Godox wireless flash units, streamlining multi-flash setups and boosting productivity.

Powerful Battery, Convenient Charging

Powered by the same high-performance lithium battery as the V1 Pro, the V100 ensures uninterrupted shooting. The Type-C charging port and compatibility with the VC26T Multi-Battery Charger make recharging quick and convenient.

Enhanced Recycling with External Power

The V100 includes a port for the PB960 Lithium-Ion Flash Power Pack, reducing full-power recycling time to as fast as 0.8 seconds. This feature supports demanding, high-intensity shooting scenarios, ensuring peak performance.

Built-In LED Modeling Lamp

A 2W LED modeling lamp with 10 adjustable levels provides flexible options for previewing light effects or serving as a fill light. The lamp supports continuous or interrupt modes, catering to different creative needs.

Comprehensive Accessory Ecosystem

The V100 is compatible with a broad range of Godox accessories, including the AK-R1 Accessory Kit for Round Flash Heads, AK-R21 Projection Attachment, AK-R22 Collapsible Diffusion Dome, and the S2 Speedlite Bracket for Bowens, among others. Whether you’re fine-tuning light, exploring creative effects, or expanding functionality, the V100 is designed to meet every need.



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Fujifilm's updating even more cameras with autofocus improvements

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Fujifilm's updating even more cameras with autofocus improvements


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When Fujifilm announced that it was releasing a firmware update to help improve the X-H2 and GFX 100 II’s autofocus performance in October, the community’s response was near-unanimous: what about the X-T5? The camera’s autofocus performance has been a sore spot in recent months, with some users complaining that their cameras were noticeably less accurate after a previous firmware update.

This week, Fujifilm answered. It’s released firmware updates for its flagship APS-C camera, as well as the GFX 100S II, X-T50, X-S20 and X100VI, promising that its “AF algorithm has been partially revised to improve focusing accuracy and subject tracking performance.” According to the release notes, the updates, which you can download using the links above, are solely dedicated to the autofocus improvements.

This is far from the first X-T5 update that promises to improve its autofocusing capabilities, so we’ll likely have to wait for owners to chime in on whether it brings the performance up to a level that they’re happy with. For now, though, it appears that Fujifilm has at least heard the complaints, and is working on addressing them.



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