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Welcome to a brand new Issue of my Magazine. Another amazing one, enjoy the read :)
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In this Week's Issue
Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM a Fast Prime
Canonâs new RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM lens has joined the lineup of fast, f/1.4 L lenses aimed at hybrid creators. This addition rounds out a trio of lenses, alongside the RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM and RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM, announced earlier this year. Each of these lenses has a similar look and build, with the main differences showing up in the optics and weight (though barely noticeable).
Inside, the RF 50mm f/1.4 has 14 elements in 11 groups, just one element fewer than the 24mm. It features a mix of specialized elements, including one UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) and two aspherical lenses, plus Canonâs own coatings: ASC (Air Sphere Coating), SSC (Super Spectra Coating), SWC (Subwavelength Coating), and a fluorine layer to keep things clear and sharp. Built with hybrid creators in mind, this lens is designed to keep up with both stills and video demands. It delivers smooth, fast autofocus and minimizes focus breathing, thanks to a Nano USM (Ultrasonic Motor) and VCM (Voice Coil Motor), making it ideal for video with natural-looking focus shifts. Its closest focusing distance is 0.4 meters (15.7 inches), which gives a max magnification of 0.15xânice for getting closer to subjects without distortion.
With its wide f/1.4 aperture, the RF 50mm f/1.4 promises beautiful, creamy bokeh and smooth backgrounds, thanks to its 11-bladed diaphragm. The aperture control ring near the mount offers easy adjustment, perfect for both photo and video recording on compatible cameras like Canonâs R1 and R5 II.
All three lenses in this series are built tough with dust and weather resistance. Theyâre identical in sizeâeach 99.3mm (3.9 inches) long, 76.5mm (3 inches) in diameter, and with a filter thread of 67mm. In terms of weight, the RF 24mm is the lightest at 515 grams (1.1 pounds), followed by the 35mm at 555 grams (1.2 pounds), and the 50mm at 580 grams (1.3 pounds).
However, the RF 50mm f/1.4 has some stiff competition from Canonâs own RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM, which is another stellar prime lens, although itâs quite a bit heavier at 950 grams (2.1 pounds) and carries a hefty price tag at $2,099. The trade-off? The RF 50mm f/1.2 gives you that extra light-gathering power, but the RF 50mm f/1.4 aims to balance speed with a friendlier weight and price.
Canon expects to start shipping the RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM in December, with a suggested retail price of $1,399âmaking it $100 less than the RF 24mm and RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM lenses.
Image Credits: Canon
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Meet your own personal AI Agent, for everythingâŚProxy
Imagine if you had a digital clone to do your tasks for you. Well, meet ProxyâŚ
Last week, Convergence, the London based AI start-up revealed Proxy to the world, the first general AI Agent.
Users are asking things like âBook my trip to Paris and find a restaurant suitable for an interviewâ or âOrder a grocery delivery for me with a custom weekly meal planâ.
You can train it how you choose, so all Proxyâs are different, and personalised to how you teach it. The more you teach it, the more it learns about your personal work flows and begins to automate them.
Interview with Pedro Patricio
This weeks Interview with the amazing Pedro Patricio, a Lisbon based Photographer. Who also just recently launched his own photo book (you can get a copy on his website www.pedropatriciophoto.com)
Can you tell us a bit about yourself ?
Iâm Pedro PatrĂcio, I was born in a small town 70 km from Lisbon. Since University, I have lived in Lisbon and itâs the place I call home.
Since very young age, Iâve always been attracted to the artistic, bohemian contra-culture world of literature, cinema, painting, photography, music. Some of my references are Rimbaud, Baudelaire, William S. Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, James Joyce, Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut, Andrei Tarkovsky, Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock, David Lynch, Terrence Malick, Cristopher Nolan, Edward Hopper, Andy WarholâŚ
How did you get into photography?
My serious pursuit of photography began during my university years. I was enrolled in Communication Sciences, a course that provided a broad overview of the arts. In my third year, I had to choose a specialization, and I chose Cinema, Video and Photography. Over the next two years, I excelled in Photography, consistently achieving the highest possible grade. My favorite photographers are William Klein, Vivian Maier, Peter Lindbergh. Nan Goldin, Bruce Davidson, Alex Webb, Todd Hido, among others.
How do you approach storytelling through your photos?
When I decide where to shoot, I try to capture everything the location has to offer, and I do the same with people. Being empathetic helps in creating street photographs and telling compelling stories.
I am intrigued by the process of transforming the rhythm of daily life into a form of living art, just like Andy Warhol, so the themes I choose often revolve around people in public transportation - trains, metros, and ferries - capturing them in their daily routines of commuting to and from work.
What attracts you to street photography compared to other types of photography?
What draws me to street photography compared to other forms of photography is the profound sense of independence it offers. It's just you and your camera, and for me, that's truly magical. Doing editorial portraits on my own, without client input, can be great as well.
How do you capture emotion in your photos?
Capturing emotion in street photography is rewarding, as it captures spontaneous, genuine human moments. Before I start shooting, I take time to observe my surroundings, focusing on people's interactions, expressions, and body language to capture real emotions rather than posed ones. I use elements like architecture, lighting, and weather to enhance the mood of my photos. I also pay attention to subtle expressions and gestures, such as smiles or contemplative looks. I experiment with different angles and perspectives to reveal various emotional depths
You have published a book recently, can you tell us a little about it, and what was your experience with publishing a book?
I was approached by a Portuguese publisher whoreally likedmy work and expressed a desire to publish it. He collaborates with a talented designer and uses a high-quality printing house in Europe. He shared a book he had produced for another client with similar features, and I liked it. The timing was also right for me, so I decided to go ahead
I have seen that you went to University to study Photography, Cinema and Video. How was that like? Can you tell us a bit about your university days?
My university days truly transformed me. I majored in Communication Sciences and Culture with a focus on the arts. After the initial two years, I chose to specialize in Cinema, Video and Photography, where I consistently earned top grades in Photography. I particularly liked the hands-on experience of using film, handling everything from shooting to developing in the darkroom - it felt magical.
What does photography mean to you?
Happiness and freedom. It's what I love to do most right now, free from any obligations. I feel like I'm exactly where I need to be, and I plan to continue pursuing photography as long as this path allows me to. I believe in going with the flow and seeing where it takes me - letting things happen naturally.
Do you think AI is going to replace photographers?
No, I donât think AI is going to replace photographers. Itâs a powerful tool, but itâs created by humans, so it's far from perfect. My experience using AI in tools like Lightroom Classic and Photoshop shows that while it can work perfectly and quickly at times, it can also completely fail in similar tasks on other occasions. AI is still evolving. The creative process, storytelling, and the ability to capture emotions are inherently human. AI serves as a great tool to assist in these processes, but it cannot replace the human touch that is central to photography.
What gear do you use?
I use a Nikon Z8, a Zf, and a Leica Q3 (which is a very recent acquisition). I know I donât need three cameras, but I'm investing in what's most important to me right now concerning work, so it canât be a bad investment!
All my lenses are from the Nikon Z series and S line: 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8, 135mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.8, and 20mm f/1.8.
I also have a Nikon F3 and a Olympus 35 SP for my 35mm film photography.
What does photography mean to you?
Happiness and freedom. It's what I love to do most right now, free from any obligations. I feel like I'm exactly where I need to be, and I plan to continue pursuing photography as long as this path allows me to. I believe in going with the flow and seeing where it takes me - letting things happen naturally.
How important is social media for you/a photographer in general?
The rest, 10 more questions, of this Interview are for Premium subscribers only.
Apple Buys Photo Editing Software Pixelmator
Apple has announced its acquisition of Pixelmator, the popular Mac-based photo editing software. This marks Apple's return to the professional editing arena after it ended Aperture in 2014. The acquisition will include Pixelmatorâs entire suite: Pixelmator Pro, Pixelmator for iOS, and Photomator. Pixelmator's team will also join Apple, pending regulatory approval.
In a blog post, Pixelmator shared its excitement, highlighting a longstanding admiration for Appleâs focus on design, ease of use, and performance. âWeâll now have the chance to reach a wider audience and make an even bigger impact on creatives worldwide,â the team wrote. They also assured users that there wonât be major changes to the apps for now, hinting at âexciting updates to come.â
Pixelmator has grown over the years as a popular alternative to Adobe, especially for Mac users, adding advanced features like AI-powered masking, HDR support, and noise reduction. Its Photomator app, formerly Pixelmator Photo, was rebranded in April 2023, focusing purely on photo editing, while Pixelmator Pro serves as a broader tool for both photo and graphic design.
Image Credits: Pixelmator
Valoi easy120 - Digitize a Film Roll in Two Minutes
Valoi has finally unveiled its easy120, a scanning kit designed for 120-format film after months of teasers. Analog photographers can now see exactly whatâs included, how much it costs, and when they can snag one.
Much like Valoiâs easy35 for 35mm film, the easy120 is designed to be super simple to use. Itâs a plug-and-play setup that uses your existing DSLR or mirrorless camera with a close-focusing lens (ideally a macro). Due to the larger size of 120 film, Valoi recommends a lens with a focal length under 105mm (or equivalent for full-frame).
The easy120 is compact, roughly the size of a keyboard, making it easy to use on any desk or table and simple to fold up and store when youâre done. Plus, itâs quickâValoi claims you can scan a whole roll of medium-format film in a couple of minutes. The kit includes a film holder with a built-in backlight, a light-sealed connector for your lens, and interchangeable holders for different film types, all compatible with most common macro lenses up to 77mm filter threads.
For lighting, Valoi has added the CS-LITE Camera Scanning Light Source, which offers 95+ CRI for excellent color accuracy and brightness. This extra brightness lets you use faster shutter speeds, reducing camera shake and speeding up the scanning workflow.
The easy120 system will start shipping in December, with preorders priced at $544.
Image credits: Valoi
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Canon USA Offers CPS Membership to Students for Free
Canon U.S.A. is introducing a new, free Canon Professional Services (CPS) membership tier specifically for photography and filmmaking students. Traditionally, CPS has offered paid membership options for working pros, but this new Student CPS tier gives students access to valuable services without the annual fee.
With Student CPS membership, students can enjoy benefits not available in Canon's free Silver tier. Key perks include complimentary Canon Maintenance Service (CMS) on up to two products per year, such as Canon DSLR or mirrorless cameras and EF/RF lenses. Students also get a 10% discount on repairs for up to two products annually. This can be a huge advantage for students who might be using starter gear like a Canon R50 or an older Rebel DSLR.
Unlike regular CPS memberships that require pointsâbased on the number and type of Canon products ownedâStudent CPS membership has no point requirement. All that's needed is a valid student ID.
Beyond the free service, students also receive a welcome gift (previously a neck strap or similar item), free return shipping for service repairs, expedited service, and access to a dedicated member hotline. Theyâre also eligible for exclusive purchase offers on the Canon Online Store, a benefit shared with other CPS members.
Students interested in signing up can apply for the CPS Student Membership directly on the Canon U.S.A. website.
Image credits: CPS
Canon New Lens for 3D and VR Content Creation
The Canonâs new RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual lens is officially available. Aimed at social media creators and enthusiast videographers, this lens is compatible with the Canon EOS R7 APS-C camera and is designed for VR and 3D content creation.
Joining Canonâs VR lineup alongside the RF-S 3.9mm f/3.5 Dual Fisheye, the 7.8mm lens has a more compact design, making it resemble a regular lens rather than the fisheyeâs binocular-like appearance. At just 69.2mm wide and accepting 58mm filters, itâs small and convenient to handle. The lens features an 11.8mm interpupillary distance (the space between the left and right lenses) and offers a 63-degree field of view. When paired with the EOS R7âs crop factor, the 7.8mm lens gives an effective focal length close to 13mm, delivering an ultra-wide angle thatâs perfect for VR.
âThis lens is a powerful new visual tool that helps creators capture immersive content and connect with audiences through VR and 3D tech,â said Hiroto Kato, VP of Imaging Products at Canon U.S.A.
Canonâs new lens also pairs well with devices like the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3. Canonâs EOS VR Utility and its Adobe Premiere Pro plug-in support various image formats, including 3D 180°, 3D Theater, and Spatial Video, allowing creators to produce content for a wide range of headsets, like the Pico G2 4K and Pico 4, in addition to Appleâs and Metaâs.
Available in November, the Canon RF-S 7.8mm f/4 STM Dual lens has a retail price of $449.99. It works exclusively with the Canon EOS R7 and requires Canonâs EOS VR Utility for 3D content creation, delivering immersive video ready for popular VR and spatial devices.
Image credits: Canon
Photography Tip of the Week
The weekly photography tip is only accessible to Premium Subscribers of The Magazine For Photographers.
Photographer of the Week
Photographer of the week goes to: Allan Chen
His Instagram: @a.concept_raw
Congratulations on your luck:)
A photo of his:
Donât forget to check out the advertisement up top âŹď¸
H&Yâs RevoRing Mark II
H&Y has just released the RevoRing Mark II, the latest version of its versatile filter system that combines an adaptive filter thread design with both a circular polarizer (CPL) and variable neutral density (VND) filter. Building on the original RevoRingâs innovative spring-loaded design, which adapts to fit different lens sizes without needing step-up rings, the Mark II takes things further by integrating a dual rotating CPL and VND setup. This makes it especially useful for photographers and filmmakers looking to streamline their gear.
With the RevoRingâs adaptable thread, photographers can quickly attach the filter to a wide range of lens sizes, spending less time managing rings and more time shooting. Now with the RevoRing Mark II, users donât have to choose between a CPL and a VNDâthis version includes both, offering up to 10 stops of light control (ND3-1000) and enabling them to handle reflections and enhance colors with ease. This is especially helpful for filmmakers who need to keep a 180-degree shutter angle in bright conditions or for anyone working with challenging lighting.
Crafted with German Schott B270 glass and Nano-Coating, the RevoRing Mark II is built to be scratch-resistant, anti-reflective, and water-repellent. Itâs rugged enough for outdoor work and compatible with H&Yâs magnetic filter system and the RevoSwift Matte Box for added flexibility. The Mark II comes in four sizesâ46-62mm, 58-77mm, 67-82mm, and 82-95mmâand is available for $239.
Image Credits: H&Y