The launch of the new Nikon Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S II made me think. At $3,197/£2,999 at the time of launch, this is a seriously expensive lens that is surely out of reach for anyone other than a full-time pro who can treat this lens as a logical business decision.
Nikon
Nikon is one of the best-know brands in photography. Its Coolpix compact cameras are still going but in a declining market, while its DSLRs have been largely superseded by Nikon's latest Nikon Z mirrorless cameras. For a while some thought Nikon's continued prosperity was in some doubt, but the success of the Z series and in particular the flagship Z9 say otherwise.
Which are the best cameras for manual exposure?
While all mirrorless cameras and DSLRs offer manual exposure controls, and some higher-end compact cameras too, they don’t all make it easy. So this guide is designed to highlight some of the camera features and designs you should look for if you want to reconnect with manual exposure techniques.
What’s the single most important innovation in the new Nikon ZR?
The Nikon ZR is interesting for all sorts of reasons. For a start, it’s the first time Nikon and RED tech has been combined in a camera after Nikon acquired the RED cinema camera brand in 2024. That’s significant in many ways, not least because the ZR now incorporates RED’s own colour science and raw codecs. But that’s not it.
What is an internal zoom lens, and do you need one?
When Nikon launched its new Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II professional standard zoom for its Z-mount mirrorless cameras, it made a great play on its internal zoom mechanism. So what is this, and why is it so important now?
The three best beginner DSLRs you can still buy new
DSLRs still have a lot to offer compared to mirrorless cameras, especially for someone who is more interested in photography than video. Starter DSLRs are cheap to buy, easy to handle and easier to understand than most hybrid mirrorless cameras. The battery life is longer and there are large numbers of good-value DSLR lenses to choose from, both new and on the used market.
New Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 completes Tamron’s trio of f/2.8 full frame zooms
The new Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 slightly extends the focal range of the old 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD at both ends of the scale while maintaining the constant f/2.8 maximum aperture. It features Tamron’s fast and precise VXD linear AF motor and a 16-element optical design which includes XLD, LD and GM elements. It’s also moisture-resistant.
The classy Nikon Zf gets a version 2 firmware update with some intriguing new options
The Nikon Zf is the company’s second retro-inspired mirrorless camera. The APS-C format Nikon Z fc was the first, but the Zf is a full frame camera with noticeably better build quality and finish. It was clearly a class act from the start, but Nikon’s version 2 firmware update, just announced, adds new features that could really strike a chord with this camera’s audience.
The Nikon Z5II is here, and I have to say I’m impressed
The original Nikon Z5 hung around for a while as a decent but basic entry-level camera in Nikon’s full frame mirrorless line-up. Now, after much anticipation, the Nikon Z5II is here – and the new model is a substantial upgrade in terms of autofocus, video and even ergonomics. Well done Nikon!
Mirrorless cameras give lens makers an easy ride because they bring digital corrections into the mix
The fact remains that mirrorless cameras do give lens makers an easy ride. Why? Because a digital viewfinder always gives a digitally corrected image, where a DSLR’s optical viewfinder shows what the lens actually sees.
Are used digital cameras any good for photography today?
I don’t just shoot with older cameras. I also use a Fujifilm X-T5 for travel and a Canon EOS R8 for video and product photography. I also review many of the latest cameras, so I have plenty of context for comparing the performance of older used models. For regular everyday stills photography, I think so little has changed or advanced over the past ten years that most beginners and enthusiasts, even many professionals, will be perfectly happy with most of the mid-high-end cameras from the past decade.