Sony's STF Lens Achieves Smooth Bokeh with Graded Glass
Sony's 100mm f/2.8 STF lens incorporates a radially graded neutral density filter, known as an apodization element, to achieve exceptionally smooth out-of-focus blur.
Archive Edition
Monday, August 31, 2026
Adobe Camera RAW (ACR) has quietly introduced a new "Glow" slider, designed to replicate the diffusion effect of vintage film lenses and diffusion filters. This tool spreads light from bright areas, creating effects ranging from subtle haze to cinematic bloom. Elsewhere, The anticipated September 15 release of two retro R8 II camera models is facing scrutiny. Ordinary Filmmaker has expressed doubts about the confirmed launch date. Further details on the uncertainty surrounding these models are expected. Separately, Jack Wang, speaking on Bokeh Therapy, has identified Nikon's latest DSLR as the company's final entry in this camera line. This observation signals a strategic pivot for Nikon, indicating a move away from DSLR development towards other technologies.
Gear
8 stories
Adobe Camera RAW Adds "Glow" Slider for Film-Like Diffusion
Adobe Camera RAW (ACR) has quietly introduced a new "Glow" slider, designed to replicate the diffusion effect of vintage film lenses and diffusion filters.
Spider-Man Cinematographer Details Large-Format Camera and Lens Choices
Director of photography Brett Pawlak aimed for a visual style for Spider-Man: Brand New Day that combined saturated colors with deep blacks, inspired by classic comic art.
News Photos Showcase Power of Composition and Camera Angle
The best news photographs this week emphasize the impact of composition and camera angle as storytelling tools.
Fujifilm APS-C Prime Lens Kit for Wedding Photography
John Branch IV details his Fujifilm X-series prime lens kit used for wedding photography over the past ten...
Photographer Captures Polar Bear Through Arctic Ice Hole
Norwegian photographer Audun Rikardsen achieved an extraordinary shot of a polar bear by positioning a Canon...
Nigel Danson Tests Favorite Daytime Lens
Photographer Nigel Danson details his use of a specific lens during his favorite daytime shooting conditions.
Sony Artisan Tony Gale's Kando Trip 2026 Gear
Sony Artisan Tony Gale details the equipment he utilized during the Kando Trip 2026, an event held in Vermont.
Reviews
24 stories
Essential Photography Tip
Tony and Chelsea Northrup provide an essential photography tip in their latest video.
Teo Crawford's Film Photography in Austrian Alps
This video captures the essence of film photography with Teo Crawford exploring the picturesque Austrian Alps.
You Need 2 Copies! Teleconverters!
Russ & Loz Productions provides a practical guide to teleconverters, explaining their function in extending the focal length of existing lenses.
Hasselblad's Underappreciated Feature Detailed
Photographer James Reader delves into a specific, often overlooked feature found in Hasselblad cameras.
Valoi Easy35 V2 Film Scanner
Matt Day provides his first impressions of the Valoi Easy35 V2, a new device for scanning film.
Sirui 15mm T1.6 Vision Prime 1 Cine lens
Christopher Frost provides a comprehensive review of the Sirui 15mm T1.6 Vision Prime 1 Cine lens.
Steve Sanders on Finding the Shot with Canon
In the third installment of "The Shot," Canon Explorer of Light Steve Sanders discusses his approach to...
Mango Street Reflects on Their Photography Journey
Mango Street has announced the end of their photography journey, signaling a significant shift in their...
Teo Crawford's Simple Habit for Better Photography
A straightforward approach to enhancing photography abilities through a single, consistent habit.
You look at a photo and decide almost instantly whether it works
Photographer Simon Booth proposes a simple method for culling photos: name your immediate reaction to the...
Lessons Learned from a Photographer
This video documents the process of timelapsing a total solar eclipse, offering practical insights from a...
Kofi Yeboah's First Documentary on Sony FX5
His initial foray into documentary filmmaking, specifically highlighting the use of the Sony FX5 camera.
MorningBlues T2 is a large
The MorningBlues T2 is a multifunction device that combines a 30-inch 2K art display with high-end speakers.
Retro R8 II Release Date Questioned
The anticipated September 15 release of two retro R8 II camera models is facing scrutiny.
Julia Fullerton-Batten on Translating Ideas into Photos
In a video featuring photographer Julia Fullerton-Batten, Sean Tucker delves into the process of translating...
Mango Street Reflects on Creative Mid-Life Crisis
In this piece, Mango Street delves into the concept of a "mid-life crisis" within their creative careers.
Midday Photography in Norway
Guido Van De Water challenges the notion that midday photography is impossible, using Norway as a practical...
Leica-Powered Gimbal Camera Delivers Exceptional Image Quality
The reviewer was impressed with the image quality of a new gimbal camera, which features Leica technology.
Sony FX5 and DZOfilm Arcana 45mm Cinematic Footage
This piece presents cinematic footage shot using the Sony FX5 camera.
Kofi Yeboah Showcases Best Work on Sony FX5
A collection of their top-tier work created with the Sony FX5 camera.
Sony FX5 Cinematography Challenges and Solutions
Personal experiences and difficulties faced during cinematography projects with the Sony FX5.
Kevin Deal Shares Tips for Finding Photography Models
Kevin Deal Photography provides a guide for photographers seeking models.
Michael Sladek Photography
The third part of their 'Exploring Exposure' series, focusing specifically on aperture.
DJI Osmo Pocket 4P vs. Insta360 Luna Ultra
The DJI Osmo Pocket 4P and Insta360 Luna Ultra represent the latest in pocket gimbal camera technology,...
Tutorials
1 stories
Chris Burkard's Streamlined Sony Gear for Outdoor Photography
Adventure photographer Chris Burkard, a Sony Artisan of Imagery, details his preferred gear for a streamlined outdoor photography setup in a Sony Alpha YouTube series.
Field Notes
2 stories
Faizal Westcott's Day of Street Photography on Film
Faizal Westcott documents a day spent engaged in street photography and videography, utilizing film as his medium.
Travel Photography Mistakes Avoided Over 8 Years
This video details common errors made over an eight-year period in travel photography, aiming to guide viewers away from similar pitfalls.
Opinion
11 stories
AI Filmmaking Awards Spark Debate on Creativity and Copyright
The second edition of the AI Movie Awards (AIMA) is set to take place in London, celebrating films created using artificial intelligence.
Repetition Over Novelty for Skill Development
The common advice to 'shoot more' is best applied by repeating subjects or problems rather than seeking constant novelty.
DJI Pocket 4p vs. Insta360 Luna Ultra
The creator expresses a preference for the Insta360 Luna Ultra when compared to the DJI Pocket 4p.
Nikon's Final DSLR Model Discussed
Jack Wang, speaking on Bokeh Therapy, has identified Nikon's latest DSLR as the company's final entry in this camera line.
Photographer's Guide to Thriving Between Shoots
Justin Mott, with nearly 30 years of experience, outlines ten essential habits for photographers to cultivate...
Compact and APS-C Cameras Lead Market Growth Amidst Slowdown
The camera market is facing a general slowdown, according to industry data from CIPA.
Luminar vs. Lightroom
This video by Dylan Blackburn explores the potential of Luminar Neo to serve as a complete replacement for...
Photography Skill Beyond Gear
Tatiana Hopper's video discusses the indispensable skill in photography that cannot be acquired through...
Sometimes The Best Photo Isn't The One You Think
This piece delves into the subjective nature of photography, challenging the notion that the 'best' photo is...
Jerred Z Explores JPEG vs. RAW Image Quality
Jerred Z delves into the long-standing debate of whether JPEG files can ever be superior to RAW files in...
Sasha Velichko Combines Photography and AI to Expose Belarusian Repression
Belarusian political exile Sasha Velichko employs staged photography and AI-generated visuals in her project...
News
3 stories
Royal Navy Photographers Assert AI Cannot Replicate Human Storytelling
A new Royal Navy short film, 'Life Through The Lens,' showcases the work of its official photographers, documenting challenging moments from combat to funerals.
Dariusz G Named Fstoppers Photographer of the Month
Dariusz G has been named Fstoppers Photographer of the Month for August 2026.
Crommelin & Davidson Proved Einstein Right
In 1919, Andrew Crommelin and Charles Davidson of the Royal Greenwich Observatory captured the crucial photographs during a solar eclipse in Brazil.
Industry
2 stories
Used Camera Gear Ranks Second in eBay Japan Exports
A recent eBay report reveals that camera equipment is the second most popular secondhand category exported by sellers in Japan, trailing only clothing and fashion.
Camera Industry Faces Significant Decline
The camera industry is undergoing a severe contraction, marked by a sharp decline in sales and market share.