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.
Sony
Sony started out in digital imaging some years back with a raft of low-cost, compact 'snapshot' cameras and some more advanced models for enthusiasts. After a couple of false starts in the interchangeable lens camera market, it's now found a winning formula – and how – with its full frame Sony A7 series and A9 mirrorless cameras. These have made it a major force in the pro photography and video market.
Sony launches the A7 V, so what’s new and do you need it?
Headline features for the Sony A7 V included a new ‘partially stacked’ sensor design for faster readout speed, improved video features and faster burst shooting. There’s also a new BIONZ XR2 processor which incorporates Sony’s latest AI technology, faster autofocus and AF tracking, improved color science with a claimed 16-stop dynamic range and improved AI-powered white balance control.
What’s the smartest way to get manual control of your camera? Get a ‘dumb’ lens!
Modern cameras aren’t really set up for manual control. You can adjust the shutter speed, lens aperture and focus manually, but you have to do this indirectly via the mode setting, command dials and manual lens focus rings that are designed more as an emergency override than a front-line control. But there is an answer.
The Sony RX1R III is like a stuck record… sorry, Sony
When the original 24MP Sony RX1 came out in 2012 it was amazing – a full frame compact camera with a fixed 35mm Zeiss lens. It was extraordinary, dazzling. The RX1R II arrived in 2015 with almost double the resolution, hybrid phase detect AF and a pop-up EVF – even better! These cameras were expensive but exceptional for the time. And now, at last, in 2025 we have a long awaited Mark III.
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 new Sony FX2 aims to bring Sony’s Cinema line to a broader hybrid audience
It looks impressive! The headline specs for the Sony FX2 include a 33MP full frame sensor, 4K video up to 60p, internal 4:2:2 all-intra 10-bit recording, an internal fan for unlimited recording times and a tilting EVF as well as a flip-out vari-angle rear screen. It has the same body design as the older FX3, but is cheaper. Amazing! Well, maybe.
Sony announces the FE 50-150mm f/2 G Master, taking full frame f/2 zooms into new territory
Canon may have started the f/2 full zoom trend with the monster-sized RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM, but it didn’t take Sony too long to hit back with its own Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 G Master lens, and now it’s gone a whole step further with the amazing FE 50-150mm f/2 G Master.
How does this keep happening – manufacturers launching cameras they can’t supply?
The culprit this time is the Fujifilm X-M5. Launched back in October 2024, the X-M5 looks a solid little vlogging camera at a very affordable price. It doesn’t have an electronic viewfinder or in-body stabilization, but it does offer open gate 6K video and 4K 60p with only a modest 1.18x crop. It’s also a very nicely made little camera. But, in April 2025, SIX MONTHS after its launch, where can you actually buy one?
The Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS fills a gap, but is it enough?
Sony is trying to make a name for itself in the world of professional sports photography, and on the camera front it’s done a great job with the Sony A9, the A9 II and then the A9 III with its astounding full frame global shutter for zero shutter distortion at any shutter speed. But you’ve also got to count in the excellent-but-expensive Sony A1 and A1 II, offering 50MP resolution and incredible burst speeds at the same time. So what’s happening with the lenses?
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.