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In this weekâs Issue:
Thypoch Simmer Lens Review
Get your Photos featured in this magazine for FREE
A Guide to Sport Photography
Photography Tip of the Week
Godoxâs new powerful Light
Did you ever think about making your own Photobook?
Photographer of the Week
A budget Macro Lens?
AI Image generator Grok is unhinged (kinda like it)
Premium Version is now available for Everyone!
Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4 Lens Review
Thypoch recently launched the Simera 28mm f/1.4 lens for Sony E-mount, and itâs quickly gaining attention for its cool vintage look and solid performance. So, is it worth adding to your collection? Letâs find out.
If youâre into manual focus lenses, this one might catch your eye, especially if youâve got something like the Sony a7C R, which has that retro vibe. The Simera 28mm f/1.4 not only matches the style but also adds some character to your gear.
When you first pick up this lens, the build quality stands out immediately. Itâs got a solid, all-metal design that gives it some heft, and with the metal lens hood and caps, itâs definitely not the lightest lens out there. But I have read in many other reviews that you can carry it easily around all day without it feeling awkward or straining your wrist.
Thypoch didnât skimp on the extras either. The lens comes with metal front and rear caps, a metal hood, and even a second lens cap designed to fit with the hood on. That way, you can leave the hood on all the time if you want, and still have the option to cover the lens without any hassle.
One of the coolest design features is the hyperfocal scale. Instead of the usual markings, the lens has small circular windows that light up in red as you change the aperture. At f/1.4, just one window shows red, and as you stop down, more windows turn red. Itâs a unique and fun way to see your settings.
Another nice touch is the aperture de-clicking switch. Unlike the big, bulky switches you see on most lenses, this one is subtly built into the aperture ring. Itâs easy to use but doesnât get in the way, so you wonât accidentally change it while shooting.
Now, letâs talk about the focus ring. Since this is a fully manual lens, the focus ring is pretty important, and Thypoch nailed it here. The ring feels smooth, with just the right amount of resistance. The focus lever is placed well, making it easy to go from close focus to infinity with minimal effort. If you have smaller hands, you might find it a bit tricky to reach infinity in one smooth move, but otherwise, itâs a breeze to use.
As for image quality, if youâre looking for perfect corner-to-corner sharpness at f/1.4, you might be a bit disappointed. The corners are soft when wide open, and thereâs some vignetting too. But stop down to f/2, and things start looking a lot better. By f/5.6, the corners are sharp, and the vignetting is mostly gone. Distortion is minimal and easy to fix in post, so itâs not really a big deal.
People often compare this lens to the Leica 28mm Summilux because of the similar focal length, vintage style, and max aperture. But hereâs the kicker: the Thypoch lens is about 10% of the Leicaâs price. While the Leica is known for its top-notch build and image quality, the Simera 28mm f/1.4 is a seriously good alternative for way less money. Plus, itâs available in both Leica M-mount and Sony E-mount, so more photographers can get in on the action.
In the end, the Thypoch Simera 28mm f/1.4 offers a lot of bang for your buck. Itâs got great build quality, solid performance, and a price thatâs hard to beat. The only downside? The Sony version only comes in black, while the M-mount version has a cool silver option.
A few sample shots:
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How it works: Every Week there will be either a Newsletter to subscribe to or an Advertisement. Everyone who clicks gets a chance to be selected, I will randomly select one or two ââwinnersââ and their photos/Instagram/website/portfolio will be published here in this magazine completely for free.
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A Guide to Sports Photography
I know that the olympics have just finished BUT sports photography is an amazing art form that I think every photographer should try in their career.
Getting Started with Sports Photography
Sports photography is a super cool but often underappreciated type of photography that brings the excitement of live sports right to your fingertips. If you've ever tried to snap a great shot at a game, you know it's no walk in the park. Let's dive in and get you started on your journey to capturing amazing sports photos!
What Is Sports Photography, Anyway?
At its core, sports photography is all about capturing athletes in action. Whether it's a local kids' soccer game or a big-time professional football match, your job as a sports photographer is to freeze those epic moments so that even people who couldnât be there can feel the excitement.
But itâs not just about the action on the field. Sports photography also takes you behind the scenes, showing everything from pre-game rituals to the emotions of the fans. It can be powerful stuff, tooâjust think of iconic sports photos like Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympics or Megan Rapinoe at the 2019 World Cup. Or of course THE Muhammad Ali Picture. These images donât just capture a moment; they tell a story that can reflect bigger social issues.
Getting Started: The Basics
Before you jump in, there are a few basics you need to nail down. Whether youâre using top-of-the-line gear or just starting with a basic camera, being prepared is key. Hereâs what you need to think about:
Protect Your Gear (and Yourself): Sports photography often means spending a lot of time outdoors, so weather can be a factor. Even if your camera and lenses are weather-resistant, itâs a good idea to have waterproof covers on hand. And donât forget about yourselfâstaying dry and warm means youâll be able to focus on getting those great shots.
Know the Sport: Donât just show up and start snapping away. Do a little homework on the teams and players. Are there any big stories or controversies? Is there a celebrity fan in the crowd? Knowing the background helps you anticipate those key moments that will make your photos stand out.
Master Your Camera Settings: Thereâs no one-size-fits-all when it comes to camera settings because every sport and venue is different. Youâll need to adjust your settings based on the lighting and the speed of the action. A good rule of thumb is to shoot in manual mode so you can tweak things like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO on the fly.
Diving Deeper: Advanced Techniques and Settings
Now that youâve got the basics down, letâs talk about how to really nail those action shots. Photographing sports isnât just about being in the right place at the right time; itâs also about having the right technique. Hereâs how to make sure your photos are sharp, exciting, and full of life.
Shutter Speed:
A fast shutter speed is your best friend in sports photography. Start with something like 1/1000 of a second to freeze the action. The faster the shutter, the sharper your image will be. But remember, faster shutter speeds mean less light hitting your sensor, so youâll need to adjust your aperture and ISO to compensate.
Aperture:
Opening up your aperture (using a low f-stop number like f/2.8) lets more light in and helps blur the background, making your subject really pop. This is great when youâre shooting in a busy stadium or trying to highlight a specific player.
ISO:
Donât be afraid to crank up the ISO when the lighting isnât ideal, like during night games or in poorly lit arenas. Modern cameras can handle high ISO settings without too much noise, but try to keep it as low as possible for the best quality.
Burst Mode:
Burst mode is like your safety netâit captures a bunch of shots in quick succession, so youâre more likely to catch that perfect moment. Pair it with continuous autofocus to keep your subject sharp, even when theyâre moving fast.
High-Speed Photography:
Want to really impress? Try your hand at high-speed photography. Use a shutter speed of at least 1/500 of a second to freeze fast action like a baseball being hit, a sprinter crossing the finish line or a football player catching the ball mid air. Combine this with a wide aperture to keep the focus on your subject while the background stays nicely blurred.
Creative Motion Blur:
Not all blur is bad! Sometimes a bit of motion blur can add a sense of speed and drama to your shots. Try slowing down your shutter speed and panning with the action to keep your subject sharp while the background streaks by. It takes some practice, but when you get it right, the results can be really cool.
Essential Gear: What Youâll Need
Having the right tools can make all the difference. Hereâs what youâll want to have in your bag:
Telephoto Lenses: A 300mm or 400mm lens is a must for capturing action from a distance. A monopod will also help keep your arms from getting tired and reduce camera shake.
Adjustable Seat: If youâre going to be sitting for a while, an adjustable seat can be a lifesaver. It lets you stay comfortable and get low-angle shots without blocking the view for fans behind you.
GoPro Cameras: For something different, try using a GoPro. These little cameras are great for capturing unique perspectives, especially in extreme sports.
Monopod or Tripod
Long shooting sessions can take a toll on your arms and shoulders. Do you might want to invest in a sturdy monopod or tripod to provide stability and relieve fatigue. This will allow you to maintain steady shots throughout the game.
Capturing Emotion and Working Fast
The best sports photos arenât just about the actionâtheyâre about the emotion. Whether itâs a triumphant goal celebration or the agony of a missed shot, these are the moments that really tell the story of the game.
Stay Focused: When youâre tracking a player, stick with them through the play. The most powerful images often come just after the main action, whether itâs a cheer of victory or a moment of frustration.
Be Quick: In sports photography, things happen fast. Be ready to switch between lenses quickly and keep shootingâbetter to have too many photos to sort through than to miss that perfect shot.
Wrapping Up
Sports photography is a blend of preparation, technique, and a bit of luck. Itâs about more than just snapping picturesâitâs about capturing the spirit of the game and the emotions of those involved. With the right gear, a good understanding of your camera settings, and a keen eye for the action, you can create powerful, memorable images that bring the excitement of sports to life. Whether youâre shooting for fun or looking to go pro, get out there, start shooting, and most importantly, enjoy the game!
Photography Tip of the Week
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Godoxâs New AD600 Pro II Light
Godox has just rolled out the AD600 Pro II, the latest addition to its lineup of popular wireless outdoor strobe lights. Building on the success of the AD600 and AD600 Pro, this new model is packed with upgrades aimed at making life easier for photographers and videographers alike.
One-Tap Sync and Seamless Integration
One of the coolest new features is the One-Tap Sync function. If you've ever struggled with syncing your lights in the field, this will feel like a game-changer. With the AD600 Pro II and the Godox X3 trigger, you can forget about fiddling with channels and IDs. Just tap the wireless sync on the X3, hit the sync icon on the flash, and boomâyouâre synced up and ready to shoot in seconds.
Powerful Flash Performance
The AD600 Pro II sticks with the same 600Ws power as its predecessors, but itâs got some notable improvements under the hood. The flash durations now range from 1/220s to a lightning-fast 1/11,760s, giving you more control and precision. You can adjust the power output from full power (1/1) down to 1/512, giving you a lot of flexibility for different shooting scenarios. Plus, with High-Speed Sync up to 1/8,000s, and an ultra-fast Freeze Mode that captures action with a flash duration of just 1/20,400s, youâll be able to freeze even the most dynamic movements with crystal clarity.
Smarter Group Management
If youâre working with multiple lights, youâll love the upgraded group management system. The AD600 Pro II supports 16 different groups, and each group is color-coded both on the flash unit and the X3 trigger. This makes it so much easier to keep track of your lights during complex shoots, especially if youâre working over long distances.
Better Usability and Display
Godox has also improved the usability of the AD600 Pro II. The new TFT color screen is brighter and offers better contrast, so itâs easier to read even in bright conditions. The control panel has been streamlined too, with quicker access to the on/off button and a simplified control for the modeling light.
Dual-Purpose Modeling Light
Speaking of the modeling light, the AD600 Pro II comes with a 40W bi-color continuous LED light. This isnât just a handy tool for photographyâitâs bright and color-accurate enough to be used for video work too. Whether you need a supplemental fill light or just want to add a bit of warmth to your scene, this LED light should have you covered.
Versatile and Compatible?
In terms of compatibility, the AD600 Pro II works seamlessly with a wide range of TTL flash and camera systems, including big names like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Leica, and more. It also plays nicely with other Godox triggers, like the XproII and X2T, giving you lots of flexibility no matter what gear youâre using. And if youâre into using accessories, the flash is compatible with Bowens mount gear, so you can attach everything from softboxes to beauty dishes.
Charging and Power Options
You can power the AD600 Pro II in a variety of waysâdetachable battery, USB-C, AC, or DC. Godox has even developed a specific charger, the UC46 USB, which works with this model and others in the 600 series. The charger is smart enough to prevent overcharging, and it has an LCD screen to keep you informed about battery levels.
Price and Availability
The AD600 Pro II is available now for $899. If youâre looking to step up your lighting game, this new strobe is definitely worth checking out. With all these upgrades and features, itâs designed to make your shooting process smoother and more efficient, letting you focus more on your creative vision - however that being said almost a thousand dollars for a light is still a steep price, so definitely check out more in depth reviews before you purchase.
Image credits: Godox
Did you ever want to have your own Photo Book?
WhiteWall, a well-known German photo lab and printer, first launched its custom photography books years ago.
What makes WhiteWallâs books stand out is their use of high-resolution inkjet printing on fine art paper, something not many photo labs offer. WhiteWall claims that this attention to detail "makes all the difference."
When it comes to designing your book, youâve got plenty of options. You can choose from three different hardcover finishes: silk matte, glossy, and a new printed linen option. The printed linen cover is a new addition, three millimeters (0.11 inches) thick, and has the look and feel of a top-quality art book. All three covers are priced the same, but the overall cost depends on the size, format, and number of pages in your book.
There are six different formats to choose from. The Portfolio A3, for example, offers page sizes of 10.6 x 14 inches (portrait) or 15 x 11.4 inches (landscape). If youâre after something more compact, the Exhibition A4 (8.1 x 10.6 inches) and Story Square (8.1 x 8.1 inches) formats might be more your style. Thereâs also a Gallery Square format that measures 11.4 x 11.4 inches. You can pick anywhere from 28 to 200 pages, with the option to add more in four-page increments.
When it comes to paper, WhiteWall gives you six premium options. These include two different types of Fedrigoni Symbol Freelife Gloss (200 gsm), Inapa Galaxi Art silk matte (170 gsm), and three choices from Fuji Crystal ArchiveâGlossy (382 gsm), Luster (368 gsm), and Velvet (370 gsm). The thicker Fuji papers max out at 112 pages.
Creating your Coffee Table Book is easy. You can use WhiteWallâs new online editor or upload your own finished PDF. They even offer ICC soft-proofing profiles to make sure your photos look their best on any of the papers.
WhiteWall sees these coffee table books as more than just a way to showcase your photos. ââTheyâre stylish design pieces that add character to any coffee table or shelf and serve as inspiration for anyone who loves photography.ââ
Prices start at $69.95 for the smallest Story Square book with 28 pages of Fedrigoni Symbol Freelife Gloss paper. If you want to add more pages, itâs an extra $5.50 for every four pages. The largest book size starts at $139, with each additional set of four pages costing $11.90. Honestly this pricing is not bad, but as always before any purchase please make sure to look at more reviews and opinions across the internet ;)
Image credits: WhiteWall
Photographer of the Week
Photographer of the week goes to: Rico J. Needham
Congratulations on your luck:)
You can find him on Instagram as @ricojpeg
A few photos of his:
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An Affordable Full-Frame 120mm f/2.8 2x Macro Lens?
AstrHori has just launched its new 120mm f/2.8 Macro lens, offering a blend of premium features and affordability. Priced at just $369, this lens delivers impressive 2x magnification (2:1) and joins AstrHoriâs lineup of budget-friendly yet high-quality specialty lenses, which also includes other macro lenses, tilt-shifts, a fisheye, and a 28mm probe lens. The 120mm f/2.8 is available for a variety of mounts, including Sony E, Canon EF and RF, Leica/Panasonic L, and Nikon Z.
This manual-focus lens is designed for precision, featuring a large focusing ring with a 120-degree focus throw. It also includes a 72mm front filter thread, depth of field markers, a dedicated aperture ring, and unique accessory screw holes integrated into the barrel. The lensâs standout feature is its 13-blade aperture, which opens up to f/2.8, providing a balance of sharpness and attractive bokehâcritical for macro photography, especially at this focal length. The lensâs optical design consists of 14 elements in nine groups, allowing for stunning 2x macro magnification at this price point. While it measures 165 millimeters (6.5 inches) long when mounted on a mirrorless body, it's still more compact than a typical 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens. However, at 930 grams (2.1 pounds), and given the slower pace of manual focus macro shooting, a tripod might be essential for longer sessions.
AstrHori suggests a variety of use-cases for this lens, including portraits, garage kits, jewelry, and insect photography, highlighting its versatility.
For budget-conscious photographers interested in product, nature, or wildlife photography, the AstrHori 120mm f/2.8 Macro could be a fantastic option, especially when compared to more expensive f/2.8 telephoto lenses from first-party manufacturers.
Sample images from their website:
The 120mm f/2.8 Macro is available for $369 plus shipping on the AstrHori website and through authorized retailers like Pergear, AVShutter. Notably, the lens is currently on sale for $290 (L-Mount) and $330 (for all other mounts) from Pergear and AVShutter.
Image credits: AstrHori
Elon Muskâs AI Image Generator Grok, is crazy.
With AI misuse becoming a big concern, most companies are putting safeguards in place to prevent the worst abuses. But thatâs not the case with Elon Musk's X. This week, X rolled out an updated version of its AI model, Grok, now featuring new image generation capabilities powered by FLUX.1.
It didnât take long for users to realize that Grokâs AI image generator has almost no restrictions. Some users quickly started creating wild and controversial images, like a pregnant Kamala Harris with Donald Trump or Mickey Mouse on a violent spree. Usually, AI image generators, like OpenAIâs DALL-E, block people from making images involving real-life individuals, trademarked characters, or illegal activities. But X seems to be taking a much looser approach.
Itâs likely that FLUX.1 was trained on a massive number of copyrighted images scraped from the internet, which raises some serious questions. Grok is currently only available to X Premium subscribers, who pay $8 a month for access. The Verge, which got access to Grok, managed to generate some pretty controversial images, like âDonald Trump wearing a Nazi uniform,â âAntifa curbstomping a police officer,â and âBill Gates using cocaine on a table with a Microsoft logo.â
It seems Grok wonât generate full nudity, but it still allows for some pretty crazy content.
Itâs anyoneâs guess how long Muskâs no-holds-barred approach to AI image generation will last. X is already being investigated by the European Commission for potential violations of the Digital Safety Act, and U.S. lawmakers are starting to look for ways to regulate deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation. The future of Grok and its controversial capabilities is up in the air.