credits: Sandmarc Sandmarc has introduced a new 48mm telephoto lens designed specifically for Apple’s latest iPhones, including the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. The company says the lens is built to extend the reach of Apple’s tetraprism camera system, offering an even higher level of magnification. It attaches directly to the iPhone using one of Sandmarc’s dedicated cases or a clip-on mount and supports 43mm filters via an included adapter, which means it can work with Sandmarc’s variable NDs or special effects filters. On the iPhone 17 Pro, the new lens doubles the phone’s built-in 4x optical zoom to 8x, giving an equivalent focal length of about 200mm. The newer iPhone’s tetraprism system uses a larger 48-megapixel sensor than the previous 5x setup, so image quality should be stronger overall even with the slightly shorter native zoom. That extra resolution also allows for detailed 48-megapixel RAW capture, something mobile photographers can take advantage of when paired with this new lens. The 48mm lens can also be used with earlier Pro models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or 16 Pro, where it delivers an even longer 10x optical zoom. Sandmarc says it is meant for users who shoot events, portraits, or distant landscapes and want cleaner results than digital zoom can offer. The lens is available to preorder for $269.99 and is expected to start shipping by the end of November. You can see full details on Sandmarc’s website here

credits: ProGrade ProGrade Digital has released a new Thunderbolt 5 dock for photographers and other creatives who need fast, reliable connections for demanding workflows. The PG25 Pro is built around the new Thunderbolt 5 standard, which supports data transfer speeds up to 80Gbps, enough bandwidth for handling large RAW files, multi-stream 8K footage, or complex tethered setups. While Thunderbolt 5 is still new, it is beginning to appear in high-end computers, and docks like this are helping it become a more practical tool for creative studios. The PG25 Pro includes one Thunderbolt 5 port that can deliver up to 140W of power for charging, plus three additional downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports rated at 15W each. It also features a mix of USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports, a 2.5GbE Ethernet connection for faster network transfers, and a 3.5mm audio jack. In terms of displays, the dock supports two 8K 60Hz monitors or three 4K 144Hz screens, which gives plenty of room for multitasking or colour-accurate video work. ProGrade is also offering matching 4K and 8K HDMI-to-USB-C adapter cables for those using external monitors in higher-resolution workflows. The design follows ProGrade’s usual modular approach, with a magnetic top panel that allows stacking compatible readers, hubs, or SSDs to save desk space. Since it uses an external power supply, it is clearly intended for a fixed studio setup rather than mobile work. The dock works with both macOS and Windows systems and is priced at $299.99.

credits: AstrHori AstrHori is back with a new ultra-wide prime, the 9mm f/2.8, designed for APS-C cameras. The lens delivers a 111.4° angle of view with minimal distortion. It features an aperture range from f/2.8 to f/16, seven aperture blades, and an optical layout of 11 elements in eight groups, including specialised glass to maintain edge-to-edge sharpness. The lens is available for Sony E, Fuji X, Nikon Z, Canon RF, and Micro Four Thirds mounts, and weighs around 307 grams in its E-mount version. Focusing is fully manual, which might limits its appeal for fast-paced or handheld work but gives users full control over precision and depth of field. The minimum focusing distance allows for creative close-up compositions, while the seven-blade aperture helps produce a soft, natural background blur when shooting wide open. AstrHori says the optical design keeps barrel distortion low, making it suitable for architectural, landscape, and interior photography. The metal construction adds durability, though it also makes the lens slightly heavier than some competing autofocus models. This new release lands right around the same time as the Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 Air, and the two will likely appeal to different users. Viltrox’s version offers autofocus and a lighter build, while the AstrHori focuses on precision and control. The AstrHori 9mm f/2.8 is available to preorder for $169. You can see full details on B&H’s website here

Photo by: @patrick.noack Let’s Analyse this Image: Composition & Framing What works well: Composition-wise, this photo is definitely interesting. In my opinion there are three main subjects → the man crossing the street, the sun, and the TV tower and they are all sitting in this sort of triangular balance. Your eye kind of bounces between them, which gives the image a nice flow and a touch of energy. The leading lines of the street are subtle but powerful. They stretch into the distance and pull you right toward the sun (and the distant buildings of course (their shape/look will tell you where this was taken → Berlin)), adding a nice 3D sense of depth. The layering here is also adds to the depth/3D look. You have got the man and the parked cars in the foreground, the midground street, and the faint outlines of the buildings, tower, and sun in the background. The whole frame is full of detail but somehow doesn’t feel too busy. It is probably because the darker tones naturally quiet down certain areas, so the eye only focuses on what matters most, however if the viewer wishes to explore more they definitely can (for example the very faint ‘‘Technische Universität” (technical university) sign on the big building etc.) What could be better: The man crossing the street is great compositionally, but he is just a bit too underlit. Bringing him out slightly in editing could have helped anchor the foreground more clearly (and help paint a better story, more on that later). The clock/sign on the left (where the parked cars are), is a bit of a distraction. It is bright and sits close to one of the main visual paths, pulling the eye away from the more meaningful parts of the image. The framing overall is strong, though a tiny bit more sky above might have opened the image up more and given the composition a touch more breathing room (but that is only a suggestion). Light & Atmosphere What works well: The light is definitely the star of the show, the huge glowing sun sitting on the horizon is what makes the shot special. It casts this warm, golden glow that fills the city with a cinematic mood. The atmosphere is pretty great, there is that soft haze hanging over the scene (noticeable more towards the back), which helps separate the layers and gives the photo depth. The orange and pink tones in the sky blend nicely into the cooler blues of the city. It is colourful and warm without feeling overdone, the edit is restrained enough that it still feels like something you could have actually seen with your own eyes, which I really like. What could be better: The shadows in the foreground are really dark, especially that bottom section around the man crossing the street. A bit of lifted shadow or local dodge could have helped define him and the surrounding area more clearly without ruining the mood. Again, the clock sign on the left side feels a bit too bright and draws attention unnecessarily. It doesn’t ruin the balance, but your eye keeps catching it before moving back to the sun or tower. Emotion & Story

credits: Sigma Sigma’s full-frame Foveon sensor has been in the works for years, and while progress has been slow, CEO Kazuto Yamaki says the project is still very much alive. In a recent interview with photographer and YouTuber Matt Granger, Yamaki admitted that Sigma is still in the technology development phase, they haven’t even started designing the final sensor yet. “We’re still working on the design of the pixel architecture,” he explained, adding that every time they run a new prototype, they run into fresh technical problems. It has been a challenge partly because Sigma has never designed a sensor completely on its own before. Right now, Sigma’s engineers are testing small-scale prototypes to fine-tune the design before they move to a full-frame version. The new Foveon sensor is expected to use a stacked BSI structure and include on-chip phase detection, both major steps up from earlier designs. It will keep the traditional X3 layered setup, which captures red, green, and blue light at every pixel, promising richer colour and better dynamic range, maybe even reaching 60 megapixels. But the same old challenges are still there, managing heat, reducing power draw, and making sure each pixel performs perfectly. Sigma wants to get all of that right before even thinking about mass production. Even with the delays, Yamaki says Sigma isn’t giving up. The company knows the Foveon will always be niche, but it is a project they believe in, something for photographers who care about image quality above everything else. He described the effort as a kind of “beautiful foolishness,” a passion project that goes against the grain of the wider camera market. It is still a long road ahead, and a full-frame Foveon camera probably won’t appear until 2026 or later, but Yamaki’s update makes clear that Sigma isn’t done chasing this dream just yet. You can see the full interview with Sigma’s CEO on YouTube here

credits: Leica Leica photographers are finally getting proper tethering support in Lightroom Classic. With version 15.0, both the Leica SL3 and Q3 now work natively with Lightroom, no extra plugins or tools needed. Leica and Adobe apparently teamed up to make this happen, and it is the first time Leica cameras have been directly built into Adobe’s workflow like this. The update goes beyond basic tethering as well, you now get real-time live view, autofocus point selection, and full control over exposure, aperture, ISO, and white balance, all from within Lightroom. For photographers, especially in a studio setup, being able to see your shot instantly on a bigger screen makes a huge difference. It is easier to spot tiny issues, adjust lighting or focus, and just generally feel more confident that you are getting the shot. Lightroom’s 15.0 update also arrives just in time for Adobe MAX, where the company is expected to showcase more AI-driven features and workflow upgrades across its Creative Cloud suite, later this week. For Leica users, this integration could signal a deeper partnership between Adobe and Leica, potentially paving the way for future support of additional camera models like the M11 or future S-system bodies.

The Complete Beginner's Guide to Street Photography in 2025: Capture Real Life Like a Pro Hey folks, imagine strolling down a bustling city sidewalk, your camera slung over your shoulder, and suddenly—click—you freeze a moment that's pure gold. A street vendor haggling with a customer, kids chasing pigeons, or that perfect reflection in a rain puddle. Street photography  is all about those unscripted slices of life, and in 2025, it's easier than ever to jump in. Why Street Photography is Timeless (And Thriving in 2025) Street photography isn't new—think Henri Cartier-Bresson nailing "the decisive moment" back in the day—but it's exploding now. Social media feeds crave authenticity, and with AI-generated fluff everywhere, real human stories stand out. In 2025, tools like compact cameras with eye-detect AF and apps for instant editing make it accessible to anyone. Quick wins for beginners: Start local: Your neighborhood has stories. No permission needed for public spaces (but respect people). Practice daily: 100 shots a week builds instinct. I started with a beat-up point-and-shoot in my hometown. My first keeper? An old man feeding ducks at dawn. It taught me patience and observation. You don't need exotic locations; everyday life is epic. Essential Gear: What You Really Need to Get Started Don't overthink gear—street is about agility, not bulk. Carry light, move fast. Cameras for Street in 2025 Mirrorless rules for silent shutters and flip screens. Full-frame for low light, APS-C for portability. Top picks: Fujifilm X100VI : Fixed 23mm lens, film simulations, pocketable. Around $1,600. Feels like a classic rangefinder. Ricoh GR IIIx : 40mm equivalent, snaps into your jeans. $1,000. Cult favorite for discreet shooting. Sony A7C II : Compact full-frame, killer AF. $2,200. Upgrade path. Canon R8 : Affordable full-frame entry. $1,500. Budget/Smartphone : iPhone 16 Pro or Google Pixel 9—computational photography crushes it for casual streets. Pro tip: Enable silent mode to avoid drawing attention. Battery life? Carry spares. Lenses: Primes Over Zooms 35mm equivalent: "Normal" view, versatile. 50mm: Tight portraits, compression. Avoid big zooms—they scream "tourist." Favorites: Sigma 35mm f/2: Sharp, cheap ($400). Voigtlander 28mm f/2: Manual focus fun. Accessories That Matter Wrist strap over neck strap—quick draw. Extra batteries and SD cards. Small backpack or sling bag. Optional: Zone focusing tape on lens for hyperfocal shots. Start with what you have. I shot my best series on an old smartphone during a commute challenge. Mastering Composition: Rules to Break and Techniques to Nail Composition turns snapshots into art. Observe, anticipate, frame. Core Principles Rule of Thirds : Place subjects off-center for tension. Leading Lines : Streets, sidewalks, shadows guide the eye. Layers and Depth : Foreground, mid, background—think busy markets. Juxtaposition : Contrasts like old vs. new, rich vs. poor. The Decisive Moment : Wait for peak action. Advanced Hacks: Shoot from the hip: Camera at waist, no viewfinder. Reflections: Puddles, windows, mirrors add surrealism. Silhouettes: Backlit subjects against bright backgrounds. Geometry: Repeat patterns in architecture or crowds. Practice exercise: Spend an hour framing without shooting—train your eye. Story time: In New York, I waited 20 minutes for a yellow cab to align with a pedestrian's stride. Boom—iconic shot. Camera Settings: Quick and Discreet for Any Light Street demands speed. Auto modes are fine, but manual unlocks control. Daytime Basics: Aperture Priority (Av/A): f/8 for depth. ISO 100-400. Shutter 1/250s min to freeze motion. Auto ISO with min shutter. Low Light/Night Streets: f/2.8 or wider. ISO 3200-6400. Shutter 1/60s—brace against walls. Zone Focusing for Speed: Set f/8, focus to 3m, everything 2-10m sharp. No AF lag. RAW vs. JPEG:  RAW for editing flexibility, JPEG with film sims for instant vibe. Cheat sheet: Sunny: f/11, 1/400, ISO 100. Shade: f/5.6, 1/250, ISO 800. Golden Hour: f/4, 1/125, ISO 400. Test in your backyard first. Techniques: From Stealth to Bold Approaches Two schools: Fly on the wall or engage. Stealth Mode: Small camera, black clothing. Pre-focus, burst shoot. Use crowds as cover. Engagement Style: Smile, nod—people relax. Ask after shooting: "Mind if I share this?" Portraits in context elevate stories. Series Shooting:  Don't one-and-done. Capture sequences for narratives. Weather Wins:  Rain slicks streets for reflections; fog softens scenes. Pro workflow: Scout location (Google Maps street view). Arrive early, observe flow. Shoot 200+ frames. Cull to 10 keepers. I once blended into a protest—stealth got raw emotion; chatting later added context. Ethics and Legalities: Shoot Respectfully Street is public, but kindness rules. Key Guidelines: Public spaces: Generally legal to shoot (check local laws—e.g., no upskirt in many places). People: No harassment. If confronted, show the photo, delete if asked. Kids: Extra caution; get parent OK if possible. Commercial use: Model releases for ads. 2025 Updates:  GDPR in Europe tighter; AI deepfakes make authenticity key. Build trust: Share prints with subjects. It turns strangers into fans. Top Locations: Urban Hotspots Worldwide in 2025 Cities pulse with energy. USA: New York: Times Square chaos, Brooklyn bridges. San Francisco: Steep hills, trams. Chicago: Architecture, L train. Europe: Paris: Cafes, Seine reflections. Istanbul: Markets, ferries. Berlin: Street art, history. Asia: Tokyo: Shibuya scramble, neon. Bangkok: Floating markets. Seoul: Gangnam vibes. Hidden Gems:  Your local flea market or subway platform. Tips: Off-peak hours for intimacy; festivals for color. Post-Processing: Enhance, Don't Overhaul Editing polishes reality. Lightroom Mobile/Free Workflow: Import RAW. Crop for composition. Exposure: Boost shadows, tame highlights. Contrast/Clarity: +20-30 for punch. Color: Vibrance over saturation. Black & White: High-contrast classics. Noise reduction for high ISO. Export JPEG 80% quality. Presets:  VSCO or custom film emulations. Photoshop for Pros: Dodge/burn for depth. Frequency separation for skin (ethical portraits). Content-aware fill to remove distractions. Before/after mindset: Subtle tweaks keep it real. I edit in batches—10 minutes per keeper. Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them Centered Subjects: Break thirds—recompose. Busy Backgrounds: Change angle or wait. Missed Focus: Practice zone or eye AF. Overediting: Step away, compare originals. Fear of Shooting: Start with landscapes, ease into people. No Story: Ask "What’s happening?" in every frame. Gear Obsession: Master one setup first. Ignoring Light: Golden hour > midday harsh. Not Reviewing: Daily culls improve fast. Quitting After Bad Days: Persistence wins. Fix all with practice. My early shots? Cluttered messes. Now? Portfolio staples. Advanced Tips: Elevate to Pro Level Projects/Themes: "Urban Solitude" series. Film Hybrid: Shoot digital, print analog. Drone Streets: Legal low-altitude overviews. Video Stills: Extract from 4K clips. Printing/Books: Blurb for self-published zines. Monetize: Stock sites, prints, workshops. Challenge: 365-day project—one street shot daily. Inspiration: Legends and Modern Masters Study: Cartier-Bresson: Geometry. Vivian Maier: Mystery. Contemporary: Eric Kim (bold), Valerie Jardin (podcasts). Books: "Street Photography Now," "The Americans" by Frank. 2025 Street Trends and Events AI-assisted culling apps. Sustainable gear (recycled bodies). Events: Miami Street Photo Festival, London Street Fest. Join communities: Reddit r/streetphotography, Instagram challenges. FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered Best lens for beginners?  35mm prime. How to overcome shyness?  Start shooting objects, graduate to people. Legal in my country?  Research "street photography laws [country]." Edit on phone?  Yes—Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile. Black and white or color?  Both; B&W for timeless, color for vibe.

credits: Sony According to several leaks, Sony has some interesting glass in the works. hree new lenses are reportedly being tested, including an ultra-wide zoom with a constant f/2 aperture. The list includes a Sony 100-400mm f/4 GM, a lighter 100-400mm G version with a variable aperture, and that mysterious wide-angle f/2 zoom. These lenses are apparently still in the testing phase, so they are not expected to be announced just yet. However, SonyAlphaRumors reports that the trio could arrive sometime between November 2025 and April 2026 if everything goes according to plan. There is also a chance Sony could announce one or two of them alongside the rumoured A7 V, which is expected to be revealed later this year, either in late November or early December. The most eye-catching of the bunch is the ultra-wide f/2 zoom, which is said to be a world first. While it is not entirely surprising given Sony’s recent f/2 zoom lineup (including the 28-70mm f/2 and 50-150mm f/2) this lens would complete what many are calling Sony’s “f/2 trinity.” Early rumours suggest it could cover something like 16-25mm or 16-28mm, rather than the more typical 16-35mm range, due to the faster aperture. The rumoured 100-400mm f/4 GM would also make waves, as the current 100-400mm GM tops out at f/4.5-5.6. A constant f/4 aperture across that range would make it a strong option for sports and wildlife photographers, though likely at a premium price. For those wanting something more compact and affordable, the variable-aperture 100-400mm G might be the more practical choice. For now, though, these lenses remain behind Sony’s closed doors, we will just have to wait and see when (and if) they make it out into the wild.

credits: Nikon Nikon has released firmware version 3.00 for the Zf, adding a handful of new features and refinements to the camera. The biggest change is an in-camera Film Grain effect that gives photos and videos a textured, analog-style look. Users can adjust the grain across three different sizes and six intensity levels, making it easy to fine-tune how strong or subtle the effect appears. The feature can also be paired with Nikon’s Image Recipes, downloadable profiles that apply specific colour and tone adjustments, allowing for more customised image processing directly in-camera. The update also brings some nice improvements for manual focus users. A new “only during zoom” option for focus peaking lets peaking highlights show up only when zooming in to confirm focus, keeping the viewfinder cleaner when composing shots. Nikon also added a maximum aperture level indicator to help find the point of sharpest focus when using manual lenses. For framing, there are new grid overlays, a 4:3 grid for stills and a 9:16 grid for video, which make it easier to compose shots for different formats, including social media. Other small but useful changes in version 3.00 include an automatic monitor display switch, an option to change the electronic shutter sound, and new settings for video orientation recording. The update was first previewed last month alongside the silver edition Zf, which ties in nicely with the new film grain mode and Nikon’s film-era design cues. Firmware version 3.00 is available now as a free download through the Nikon Imaging Cloud app. You can see full details on Nikon’s website here

The Ultimate Guide to Astrophotography in 2025: Capture the Milky Way and Deep Sky Like a Pro Hey there, night owls and star chasers. Picture this: you're out in the middle of nowhere, the air's crisp, and bam—that swirling river of stars, the Milky Way, stretches across the sky like something out of a sci-fi flick. Your camera clicks away, and hours later, you've got a print-worthy shot that'll make your buddies jealous. Sound like a dream? It's not. Astrophotography in 2025  is more accessible than ever, thanks to killer new gear, apps that plan your shoots, and editing tools that turn raw files into cosmic masterpieces. I've been chasing night skies for years, from backyard deep-sky nebulae to epic Milky Way landscapes in the desert. Whether you're a total newbie with your phone or upgrading to a star tracker rig, this complete astrophotography guide  has you covered. Let's dive in—clear skies ahead! Quick Navigation: Essential Gear for Astrophotography Planning Your Shoot Like a Boss Perfect Camera Settings for Milky Way & More Shooting Techniques: Widefield to Tracked Top Dark Sky Locations in 2025 Post-Processing Mastery: Lightroom & Photoshop Common Mistakes (And Fixes) Advanced Deep-Sky Tips 2025 Astro Events Calendar 1. Why Astrophotography Rules in 2025 (And Why You Should Start Now) Astrophotography isn't just snapping stars—it's blending landscape, portrait, and science into jaw-dropping art. Milky Way photography  is the gateway drug: wide-angle lenses, tripods, and boom, Instagram gold. But go deeper with star trackers  for pinpoint stars or telescopes for nebulae, and you're in pro territory. 2025 perks? New cameras crush low light : Nikon Z8's stacked sensor reads out blazing fast, killing star trails. Affordable trackers : Benro Polaris under $400 tracks like a $2k mount. Apps evolve : PhotoPills now predicts Milky Way position to the minute. Events galore : Eclipses, meteor showers— 2025 Astronomical Events Guide is stacked. Cost to start? $500 (tripod + wide lens). Pro rig? $5k. Results? Priceless. I remember my first Milky Way shot—blurry mess. Now? Wall art. You got this. 2. Essential Gear: Build Your Astrophotography Kit Gear matters, but don't blow the bank early. Start simple, upgrade smart. Cameras: Best for Astrophotography 2025 Full-frame mirrorless dominate. Low read-out noise + big sensors = sharp stars . Camera Why It Rocks Price Best For Nikon Z8 45MP stacked BSI, astro modes, insane dynamic range $4k All-around king Sony A7S III 12MP video beast, god-tier low light $3.5k Milky Way video Canon R6 II Great AF, astro-in-body $2.5k Budget pro Fujifilm X-T5 Fun colors, compact $1.7k Travel Budget: Nikon Z5 24MP, cheap entry $1k Beginners Pro tip : Get modified cameras  (H-alpha filter removed) for nebulae—$300 service. Lenses: Fast & Wide 14-24mm f/2.8 : Samyang/Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 ($300 steal). Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 ($1.2k)—sharp corners. For trackers : 50mm f/1.4 primes. Rule : f/2.8 or wider, rectilinear (no fisheye distortion). Tripod & Head Peak Design Travel Tripod ($350)—light, tall. Ball head : Arca-Swiss style. Star Trackers: Game-Changer for Sharp Stars 500 Rule?  Max shutter = 500 / focal length. Trackers let you go 5-10x longer. Top Picks 2025 : Tracker Payload Price Ease Benro Polaris 10lbs $399 App-guided polar align Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro 11lbs $450 Classic iOptron SkyGuider Pro 11lbs $600 Pro Setup time : 10 mins. Battery: 8+ hrs. 3. Planning: Apps, Maps, & Milky Way Season Light pollution kills dreams . Use Bortle Scale  (1=pristine, 9= city glow). Must-Have Apps : Light Pollution Map (free)—Bortle + SQM readings. PhotoPills ($10)—Milky Way planner, AR overlays. Stellarium Mobile —Star finder. Clear Outside —Cloud forecasts. Milky Way Season 2025 : Northern Hemisphere : Feb-Oct (core high May-Jul). Chart: Use Capture the Atlas planner. New Moon = Best : No moon glow. Pro Workflow : Week out: Pick date. Day of: Check weather. Site scout: Google Earth. 4. Camera Settings: Cheat Sheet for Milky Way, Trails, Deep Sky Milky Way (No Tracker) : ISO 3200-6400 f/2.8 15-25s (500 Rule) RAW + Intervalometer (200+ shots for stack) Tracked Milky Way : 2-5 mins/exposure, ISO 800. Star Trails : 30s, f/4, ISO 100, hours of shots. Deep Sky (Tracked) : ISO 400, 3-min, hours total . Focus Trick : Bright star, live view zoom, manual to infinity. 5. Shooting Techniques: From Single Shot to Stacking Widefield Milky Way : Foreground twilight shot (f/8, 2s). Sky stack. Blend in PS. Tracked : Polar align (app). Sequator/DeepSkyStacker free stackers. Deep Sky : Telescope + guide camera. 6. Epic Locations: Dark Skies Worldwide 2025 USA : Death Valley NP (Bortle 1) Cherry Springs, PA International : Atacama Desert, Chile NamibRand, Namibia Road Trip Tips : BLM land, Hipcamp dark sites. 7. Post-Processing: Turn Meh into Wow Lightroom Workflow  (Single Shot): Lens corrections White balance: 3500-4500K Exposure +1, Highlights -100 Dehaze +20, Clarity +30 Graduated filter: Sky Stacking : StarStaX free. Photoshop Advanced : Star removal (layers). Luminance masks . 8. Common Mistakes & Fixes Blurry stars : Wrong focus—use Bahtinov mask. Noisy images : Over ISO—stack! Gradients : Light pollution—filter or darks. 9. Advanced: Deep Sky Nebulae Rig : RedCat 51 ($800) + ZWO camera. Target: Orion Nebula —winter gem. 10. 2025 Astro Events Date Event Mar 14 Total Lunar Eclipse Aug Perseids Peak

credits: Canon The launch of the Canon EOS R6 Mark III is getting closer, and more details are starting to surface. According to the latest information, Canon is still on track to officially announce the new camera on November 6, 2025, with availability expected around November 20, 2025. Several key specs have now been confirmed multiple times, including a 32-megapixel sensor (likely borrowed from the EOS C50), 6.5-stop in-body stabilisation, open-gate 7K RAW video (3:2), and 40 fps burst shooting. Other details include Canon Log-2 and Log-3, 24-bit audio, a pre-capture mode, and a full-size HDMI output. The “S&F” mode dial is also expected to let users easily double or halve the continuous shooting speed. However, a few points remain unclear. There is still some debate about whether the camera will use Canon’s new DIGIC Accelerator chip or a more standard processor. The electronic viewfinder is rumoured to get a major upgrade to 5.76 million dots with 0.76x magnification, up from the R6 Mark II’s 3.69 million, though that hasn’t been confirmed yet. The rear LCD might stick with the same fully articulating design as its predecessor, but the exact mechanism isn’t finalised. As for storage, the latest reports suggest one CFexpress Type B slot and one UHS-II SD card slot, although earlier leaks mentioned dual SDs. Canon’s proven Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system will return, reportedly capable of recognising and storing up to 100 faces for autofocus tracking. The LP-E6P battery is also expected to carry over. Price-wise, the EOS R6 Mark III is rumoured to cost around €2,899, roughly the same as the R6 Mark II at launch. Canon is also said to be preparing a new RF 45mm f/1.2 STM lens to debut alongside the camera.

credits: TTArtisan TTArtisan has released a new limited-edition version of its compact autofocus prime, the AF 27mm f/2.8 “Polar White”, available for Sony E and Fujifilm X mounts. Limited to 2,000 units worldwide, the lens features a smooth white lacquer finish that gives it a clean, minimalist look. It is built from 5052 aviation-grade aluminium, weighing 80-100 grams (depending on mount) and includes a clicked aperture ring, a metal lens hood, and a USB-C port for firmware updates built into the rear lens cap. The lens uses an optical design of six elements in five groups, with a seven-blade diaphragm and a closest focusing distance of 0.35 meters. The f/2.8 maximum aperture allows for decent subject separation and smooth background blur while keeping the lens relatively small and lightweight. TTArtisan says the STM stepping motor ensures quick and quiet autofocus, while the lens also supports eye, face, and animal detection AF. It is compatible with in-camera image stabilisation for more stable handheld shooting. The AF 27mm f/2.8 Polar White has a 39mm filter thread and a 56° angle of view, giving you a natural, versatile perspective roughly equivalent to 40mm on full-frame. The aperture can be adjusted via the physical ring or, when set to “A,” through the camera body. The limited-edition Polar White version is priced at $168. You can see full details and sample shots on TTArtisan’s website here