Camera
Sony introduces compact FE 14mm F1.8 GM ultra-wide lens
Sony has introduced the FE 14mm F1.8 lens for its full-frame mirrorless bodies. The lens is surprisingly compact and light: roughly 1/3 the weight of the Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art lens for Sony E mount (460 vs 1170 grams).
The 14mm F1.8 has 14 elements arranged in 11 groups, including one aspherical and two ‘extreme’ aspherical elements, as well as ED (extra-low dispersion) and ‘super’ ED glass to suppress chromatic aberrations. Sony’s ‘Nano AR Coating II’ helps prevent flare and ghosting when shooting into or around bright light sources.
Focus is internal, and the focus group is driven by two ‘extreme dynamic’ linear motors, and based on our experiences, it’s nearly instantaneous. When manually focusing on many Sony camera bodies, response can be set to linear, something videographers will appreciate. The lens has a minimum focus distance of 25cm (9.8″) and a max magnification of 0.1x.
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You’ll find a manual aperture ring on the 14mm F1.8, which can be clicked or ‘de-clicked’ based on preference (generally stills or video shooting, respectively). There’s also an AF/MF switch and a customizable focus hold button, which can be assigned to any custom function. The lens has weather-sealing and a fluorine coating on the front element to repel water and oil. While the bulbous front element prevents the use of screw-on filters, there is a slot for sheet filter cutouts on the mount and Sony provides a template for creating filters of the correct size and shape in the box.
The Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM will be available in May for $1600.
Press release
Sony Electronics Continues to Push Boundaries with the Introduction of the Compact, Ultra-wide Angle, Large Aperture FE 14mm F1.8 G Master™ Prime Lens
Newest Addition to Sony’s E-mount Lens Lineup Offers Extraordinary Resolution, Advanced and Quiet Autofocus Capabilities, Beautiful Bokeh Rendering and More
SAN DIEGO, CA – April 20, 2021 – Sony Electronics Inc. further expands its E-mount lens lineup with the introduction of the groundbreaking FE 14mm F1.8 G Master (model SEL14F18GM) – a compact, large F1.8 aperture, ultra-wide angle lens that allows users to capture the world with new perspectives by delivering sharp resolution from corner to corner with little to no distortion, especially when shooting landscapes, architecture, starry skies and interiors.
“Sony continuously strives to meet the needs of our customers with the most advanced tools possible. We’re excited to share the newest member of our G Master series, the FE 14mm F1.8 G Master,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “This lens sets a new standard for 14mm primes, by delivering extraordinary corner-to-corner resolution and advanced autofocus capabilities in a compact design that has never before been realized in this focal length.”
Extraordinary Resolution in an Incredibly Compact and Lightweight Design
The new FE 14mm F1.8 G Master features a compact design, measuring just 3⅜ in x 4 in (83mm x 99.8mm) and weighing just 16.3 oz (460g), with advanced optical technology that delivers superb resolution and stunning contrast. Two XA (extreme aspherical) elements and one aspherical lens element maintain excellent resolution throughout the entire image area and contribute to its compact and lightweight design. Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one Super ED glass element result in optical refinements that suppress chromatic aberration and deliver excellent contrast and precise rendering at all apertures.
The FE 14mm F1.8 G Master is useful in all types of low-light situations for both still and movie shooting, thanks to the maximum F1.8 aperture. Users can faithfully render point light sources, like stars for astrophotography, without having to use extremely slow shutter speeds. A common problem plaguing wide angle lenses is light entering at extreme angles that could reflect internally. The FE 14mm F1.8 G Master uses Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II technology to maximize clarity and effectively subdue flare and ghosting.
The FE 14mm F1.8 G Master can produce beautiful bokeh at F1.8, even with the ultra-wide 14mm focal length. With a 9.8-inch minimum focus distance, the FE 14mm F1.8 G Master offers expanded possibilities for close-up still and video shooting and creates stunning bokeh known to Sony’s G Master premium series of lenses. In addition, its precise XA elements, a 9-blade circular aperture mechanism and optimally controlled aberration allow the FE 14mm F1.8 G Master to produce exquisite background bokeh without the undesirable “onion-ring” effect.
Advanced and Quiet Autofocus
Using two XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors, focus can be accurately acquired and maintained even when shooting with narrow depth of field at F1.8 giving professional shooters the reliability they need to get the job done in challenging conditions. Moreover, the FE 14mm F1.8 G Master enables quiet AF with minimal vibration for smooth focus transitions, perfect for video content creation.
Professional Level Control and Reliability
The new lens also features several advanced and versatile control options including a focus hold button, a focus mode switch and a focus ring to ensure smooth, efficient operation in a wide range of shooting environments. For added customization, a number of functions can be assigned to the focus hold button from the camera body interface. The FE 14mm F1.8 G Master also features Linear Response MF for direct and precise manual focusing. An aperture ring that allows intuitive aperture control and is also included, with click stops that can be switched ‘on’ for still photography or switched ‘off’ for smooth and quiet iris transition when capturing video. For added creative freedom, the FE 14mm F1.8 G Master includes a rear filter holder that accepts standard sheet-type filters for ND, color correction, soft filter and more.
A dust and moisture resistant design[1] provides the reliability needed for challenging conditions. The front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants. The rear element is also fluorine coated to keep that surface clean when changing the rear filter. The lens also has a built-in petal hood that effectively blocks extraneous light that can cause flare and ghosting.
Pricing and Availability
The new FE 14mm F1.8 G Master will be available in May for approximately $1,600 USD and $2,100 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.
Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new lens and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony α – Alpha brand.
[1] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.
Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM specifications
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Prime lens |
| Max Format size | 35mm FF |
| Focal length | 14 mm |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Lens mount | Sony FE |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | F16 |
| Aperture ring | Yes |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 14 |
| Groups | 11 |
| Special elements / coatings | 1 Super ED + 1 aspherical + 2 XA + 2 ED, Nano AR coating II |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.25 m (9.84″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.1× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Linear Motor |
| Full time manual | Yes |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 460 g (1.01 lb) |
| Diameter | 83 mm (3.27″) |
| Length | 100 mm (3.94″) |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Filter notes | Rear sheet filter cut-outs |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
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Canon EOS 20D and 17-40mm F4 L lens | ISO 100 | 3.2 sec | F4
Photo: Dale Baskin |
The theme for our December Editors’ photo challenge is ‘Happy Holidays’.
Show us what the holiday season looks like through your lens. Whether it’s colorful lights, dazzling decorations, festive gatherings, or just a cozy moment, we want to see your best holiday-inspired photos.
For this challenge, submit one or more photos that embody this month’s theme. Each person can enter up to two photos.
How it works
DPReview editors will review every photo you submit to an Editors’ Challenge. We’ll publish our favorites in a gallery on the DPReview homepage at the end of the month.
Submissions will open on Sunday, December 1st, and you have until Saturday, December 7 (GMT) to submit entries. User voting will begin once submissions close and will help inform DPReview Editors’ picks, but will not select them. They are one factor in our evaluation. Visit the December Editors’ Challenge page to see the full details.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out some of the other open and upcoming challenges hosted by members of the DPReview community. Or, see some of the great photos from recently completed photo challenges.
Open challenges:
- Close-up/Macro – Bugs (New Shots Only) (closes Dec. 28)
Upcoming challenges:
- Fortnight 39: My Best Non-bird Photo Shot after 2024-11-11 (opens Nov. 25)
- The Triumph (opens Nov. 28)
- Close-up/Macro – Bugs (2024 Shots Only) (opens Nov. 29)
Click here to see the December challenge details
| Images: Angelbird, 3 Legged Thing, Peak Design |
Happy weekend, everyone! It’s been a busy week here at DPReview, covering the launch of the Sony a1 II, but we’ve still found some accessories worth taking a look at. But first, as always, let’s check out the deals.
It’s almost time
Next week, the US is celebrating Thanksgiving, which is shortly followed by the traditional shopping days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Many brands have already started their sales, so there’s plenty of discounts to be had. Next week we’ll be putting out an article rounding up some of the best prices on our favorite gear, so stay tuned for that.
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| Photo: Richard Butler |
In the meantime, Nikon’s at it with the sales again. The company’s latest full-frame camera, the Z6III, can be had for $200 off. When we reviewed it earlier this year, we were impressed by its versatility and capability for shooting both stills and videos.
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| Photo: Dan Bracaglia |
What’s that? You’re not impressed by a mere $200 off? Fair enough. You can still get the Nikon Z8 for $500 off list, but the real jaw-dropper is the Nikon Z7 II, which is available for a full $1,000 off MSRP. It’s a decidedly last-gen camera at this point and doesn’t feature the company’s latest autofocus tech that impressed us so much in the Z8 and Z6III, but if you’re looking for a high-res full-frame camera to shoot landscapes with, it’s hard to imagine that you’ll find something better for $2,000.
Get outdoors
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| Image: Peak Design |
A few months ago, Peak Design announced a new lineup of outdoor-focused camera bags, made of durable, weather-resistant materials and designed to be comfortable to wear on long excursions through varied terrain while carrying the gear you need to get the perfect landscape shot.
Previously, the bags – two backpacks and two slings – were available to preorder on Kickstarter, but they’re now available to buy via normal retail channels. If you want to learn more about the bags, be sure to check out our full article on them here.
Beautiful card readers
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Red is CFexpress type A, blue is SD, and yellow is CFexpress type B.
Image: Angelbird |
Angelbird, a company best known for its SSDs and memory cards, has released a new lineup of card readers called the PKT series. As the “pocket” name implies, they’re meant to be carried around; the USB-C port on them is recessed to reduce wear and tear, the card slot has a cover to prevent dust or lint from building up in them and they have a write protection switch that can help prevent accidental data deletion or formating.
There are three models: one for SD cards, which can transfer data at 5 Gbps, and CFexpress type A and B models, which both run at 20Gbps through a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 connection.
The PKT readers certainly aren’t cheap – each one costs around $100 – but they sure do look nice. They’re made out of aluminum, which you can get engraved with custom text for no extra cost, and each one features a distinctive splash of color so you can tell which reader you’re grabbing at a glance. They also include a three-year warranty and a 32 cm (12.6″) USB 4 cable.
| SD reader |
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| CFexpress type A reader |
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| CFexpress type B reader |
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Rig out your iPhone 16
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PolarPro’s iPhone case lets you add accessories without having to use an entire cage
Image: PolarPro |
Filter and camera accessory company PolarPro has updated its ‘LiteChaser’ iPhone case lineup to support Apple’s latest phones and add even more attachment options, including a set of effects lenses that can be used with your phone’s main camera.
There are a few case options; the base one lets you attach filters and lenses and comes with a removable grip with two 1/4-20 threads and a cover that can flip down to protect your phone’s cameras, while the ‘ProCase’ includes all that plus a cold-shoe mount that you can use to add even more mounting points to your phone. For those who like using their phone without a case, there’s an easily removable ‘EXO’ backplate that attaches via MagSafe and gives you a slot to add filters and lenses.
The company sells a variety of specially made filters for the system, including a 2-5 variable ND, a black mist filter, and a circular polarizer, as well as an adapter that lets you use standard 67mm screw-on filters. The filters it made for the iPhone 15 version of the case are also forward-compatible, so you can still use them if you’ve upgraded your phone.
3 Legged Microphone
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| Image: 3 Legged Thing |
3 Legged Thing’s latest product isn’t a tripod or other apparatus to mount a camera; instead, it’s a set of clip-on lavalier microphones that you can use to record – you guessed it – three people at once. The company pitches the system, called the ‘Str3amcase’ towards content creators and videographers doing interviews, livestreams, or vlogs.
The kit comes with two transmission modules and one receiver module, which can also pull double-duty as a microphone, though given the lack of onboard recording you’ll have to find a way to discretely run a cable off it. If you don’t need to record a third person, you can clip it to a camera’s shoe mount instead of a collar and use its 3.5mm jack to output audio. You can also connect it to a phone via USB-C.
The transmission modules have their own clips, but can also be magnetically attached to things as well. If you’d rather not use the built-in microphones, you can also attach a lavalier to them via a 3.5mm jack.
The two transmitter modules and receiver module nestle into a charging case that’s powered via USB-C.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year winners
The 11th annual International Landscape Photographer of the Year competition has announced the winners of its 2024 awards, showcasing stunning imagery from around the world. Photographers competed in various categories, including the coveted Landscape Photographer of the Year, requiring a portfolio of at least four images, and Landscape Photograph of the Year, recognizing the power of a single captivating shot.
This year’s competition saw Canadian photographer Andrew Mielzynski, an amateur with a deep connection to the natural environment, claim the top prize for his portfolio of stark images with simple color palettes. Ryohei Irie from Japan captured the Landscape Photograph of the Year award with a mesmerizing image of fireflies illuminating a forest.
Beyond the overall winners, the competition presented awards in specific categories, including Black and White, Aerial, Snow and Ice, and Forest, along with at-large winners. In addition to the overall and category winners, we’ve included several of our favorite photos from the 202 photographs recognized this year. You can visit the competition’s website to see all the winning images or to download its 2024 eBook.
Landscape Photographer of the Year: 1st place
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Photographer: Andrew Mielzynski, Canada
Subject and location: Cono de Arita in the Salar de Arizaro, Atacama Desert in Argentina
Description: The Cono is a perfectly cone-shaped volcano at 3,690 meters above sea level. It’s very graphic due to the contrast between the dark, perfectly formed cone and the bed of white salt that is found at its base.
Copyright Andrew Mielzynski / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Landscape Photographer of the Year: 1st place
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Photographer: Andrew Mielzynski, Canada
Subject and location: Winter Cottonwoods, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Description: During the pandemic, I went out for a walk at a local park during a fierce winter storm. I ran across this scene. It seemed very chaotic, with many layers of trees. I loved how the snow, driven by high winds, was embedded into the bark of the trunks. The snow on the bark created a textural contrast that adds detail and interest to the trees. I took a few frames, trying to simplify the scene in front of me and settled on this one, loving the tones, the depth, the order and the minimalism. Even in a chaotic scene, there seems to be a sense of balance that feels orderly and pleasing.
Copyright Andrew Mielzynski / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Landscape Photographer of the Year: 1st place
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Photographer: Andrew Mielzynski, Canada
Subject and location: Found in a roadside ditch near Heathcote, Ontario, Canada
Description: After a melt, we had a flash freeze with extremely cold temperatures and a clear blue sky. I was driving by a ditch on the side of a road that had been filled with water and had to stop and look (as we photographers do, can’t pass a ditch without investigating). This is what I found. Great textures and patterns, tones and flow, with lovely graphic lines creating a dynamic, abstract designs. I love this type of work – it’s so much fun, yet challenging to find just the right composition.
Copyright Andrew Mielzynski / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Landscape Photographer of the Year: 2nd place
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Photographer: Ignacio Palacios, Australia
Subject and location: Pumice Field, La Puna, Argentina
Copyright Ignacio Palacios / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Landscape Photographer of the Year: 2nd place
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Photographer: Ignacio Palacios, Australia
Subject and location: Seven Colors Mountain, Siloli Desert, Bolivian Altiplano
Copyright Ignacio Palacios / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Landscape Photographer of the Year: 2nd place
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Photographer: Ignacio Palacios, Australia
Subject and location: Arita Cone, La Puna, Argentina
Copyright Ignacio Palacios / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Landscape Photographer of the Year: 3rd place
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Photographer: Gheorghe Popa, Romania
Subject and location: Early Autumn, Vânători Neamț Natural Park, Romania
Copyright Gheorghe Popa / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Landscape Photographer of the Year: 3rd place
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Photographer: Gheorghe Popa, Romania
Subject and location: Poisoned Beauty, Geamăna, Apuseni Mountains, Romania
Copyright Gheorghe Popa / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Landscape Photographer of the Year: 3rd place
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Photographer: Gheorghe Popa, Romania
Subject and location: Whispers of the Sunken Trees Cuejdel Lake, Romania
Copyright Gheorghe Popa / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Landscape Photograph of the Year: 1st place
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Photographer: Ryohei Irie, Japan
Subject and location: Traces of Light, Ichinomata, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
Description: The Landscape Photograph of the Year Award went to Ryohei Irie of Japan. He likes the mysterious atmosphere created by the standing dead trees and firefly light. “I have been visiting this Subject and location for several years during the firefly season, and it is an interesting place because the intensity and length of the firefly light and the Subject and location where the fireflies fly vary greatly, depending on the year and time of day, resulting in completely different works, even when photographed in the same way.”
Copyright Ryohei Irie / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Landscape Photograph of the Year: 2nd place
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Photographer: Justinus Sukotjo, Indonesia
Subject and location: Mother Care Framing, Walakiri Beach, Sumba Island, Indonesia
Copyright Justinus Sukotjo / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Landscape Photograph of the Year: 3rd place
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Photographer: Himadri Bhuyan, India
Subject and location: The Flow, Sohra, Meghalaya, India
Copyright Himadri Bhuyan / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
The Black and White Award
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Photographer: J. Fritz Rumpf, United States
Award: The Black and White Award 2024
Subject and location: White Tie Affair. Death Valley National Park, California, USA
Copyright J. Fritz Rumpf / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
The Aerial Award
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Photographer: Benjamin Barakat, Switzerland
Award: The Aerial Award 2024
Subject and location: The Final Dune, Namibia
Copyright Benjamin Barakat / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
The Snow and Ice Award
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Photographer: Jeroen van Nieuwenhove, Iceland
Award: The Snow and Ice Award 2024
Subject and location: Isþyrlu – Ice Swirl, Scoresbysund, Greenland
Copyright Jeroen van Nieuwenhove / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
The Forest Award
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Photographer: Shirley Wung, Taiwan
Award: The Forest Award 2024
Subject and location: Fireflies flying in the Misty Mountains, Wufeng Township, Hsinchu, Taiwan
Copyright Shirley Wung / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
The Exciting Sky Award
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Photographer: Federico Delucchi, Italy
Award: The Exciting Sky Award 2024
Subject and location: Aurora, meteor shower and other cool stuff, Rocca la Meja, Italy
Copyright Federico Delucchi / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Other top entries
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Photographer: Laura Bennet, United States
Subject and location: Sumba Island, Indonesia
Copyright Laura Bennet / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Other top entries
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Photographer: William Preite, Italy
Subject and location: Pale di San Martino, Falcade, Dolomites, Italy
Copyright William Preite / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Other top entries
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Photographer: Siegfried Makedanz, Germany
Subject and location: Sandfellsjökull Glacier Lagoon, Southern Iceland
Copyright Siegfried Makedanz / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Other top entries
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Photographer: Sabine Weise, Germany
Subject and location: Moonscape Overlook, Utah Badlands, USA
Copyright Sabine Weise / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Other top entries
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Photographer: Yuriy Vantowski, United States
Subject and location: Mount Bromo, East Java, Indonesia
Copyright Yuriy Vantowski / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Other top entries
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Photographer: Tanay Das, India
Subject and location: Kistwa, Himalaya, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Copyright Tanay Das / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
Other top entries
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Photographer: Rajesh Jyothiswaran, United States
Subject and location: Texas, United States
Copyright Rajesh Jyothiswaran / The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
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