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The Latest News:

A Brighting Star Limited Edition Lens

Brightin Star just dropped a limited-edition version of their 28mm f/2.8 lens. Finished in an eye-catching olive green and made entirely of brass, this ultra-slim lens doubles as a bit of a collector’s piece (there are only 100 units available worldwide too). Brightin Star leans into old-school craftsmanship, with each lens polished using a technique inspired by traditional gold lacquerware, a method that dates all the way back to the Tang Dynasty.

What’s impressive in general about this lens is just how much they’ve packed into the body. It’s only 9.9mm thick, yet it includes a focus ring, aperture ring, and full rangefinder coupling support. That means you get real functionality in something that barely adds any bulk to your camera. Each unit is manually tuned for precise focusing, and while that makes the production more labor-intensive, the trade-off is a mechanical feel that’s rare in modern lenses. It’s designed for M-mount cameras, but it comes with a free adapter for other mounts like Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fujifilm X, L-mount, and even GFX.

Optically, the lens uses six elements, with high-refractive and ultra-low dispersion glass in key spots to keep images sharp and clean across the frame. You even get a matching ultra-thin UV filter (1mm thick) that replaces the lens cap and blends nicely with the lens’s style. Pricing for this limited edition lens sits at $348.

You can see full details and sample shots on Brighting Star’s website here

Pixelmator Pro Gets First Big Update

Pixelmator Pro got its first major update since Apple bought the app to compete with Photoshop, and while version 3.7 doesn’t come with a long list of flashy new features, it lays the foundation of a more AI-powered future. The biggest change is the addition of Apple Intelligence which now plugs directly into the app. This means you can use Apple’s Image Playground to create custom images from prompts, photos, or even people from your library. There's also a new “Add to Playground” option, which lets you rework existing layers with AI-generated tweaks.

Another new addition is the Writing Tools, powered by the same AI system. These let you proofread, rewrite, summarize, or otherwise clean up any text you’re working with in your designs. It’s easy to use too: just right-click any text, and the options pop up. These tools have already been showing up in macOS, but now they’re baked right into Pixelmator Pro, which should be handy for anyone juggling visuals and copy in the same project.

For photographers, there's one extra treat: Pixelmator now fully supports RAW files from the OM System OM-1 Mark II, including the High Res Shot mode. It’s a small addition, but a welcome one for anyone using that Micro Four Thirds camera. Pixelmator Pro still sells as a one-time $49.99 purchase.

You can see full details on Pixelmator’s blog here

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Weekly Photo Technique Exploration

Welcome to a new section of the magazine where every week we will explore a new photography technique from across various photography genres.

This week’s technique: Focus Stacking

What Is Focus Stacking?

Focus stacking involves taking multiple photos at different focus points and blending them together in post-processing to create an image where everything is in focus, from the closest details to the farthest background.

Most cameras have a limit to how much they can keep in focus at once (especially at close distances), but by merging multiple focused shots, you can overcome depth-of-field limitations.

When Should You Use It?

• When shooting macro (super shallow depth of field)

• For landscapes where you want crisp details from the rocks in front of you to the mountains far away

• When shooting products or food where sharpness across every surface matters

• Any time depth of field is too shallow, and stopping down the aperture still doesn’t give you the sharpness you want

How to Shoot for Focus Stacking

1. Use a Tripod

• Even slight movements between shots can mess up the stacking process. A tripod keeps everything perfectly aligned.

• If you’re shooting handheld, you’ll need software alignment later, but it won’t be as precise.

2. Switch to Manual Focus

• Autofocus might shift unpredictably between shots.

• Instead, focus manually and adjust the focus in small increments from front to back.

3. Use a Narrow Aperture (But Not Too Narrow)

• f/8 to f/11 is usually ideal for sharpness.

• Avoid f/22 or smaller, because diffraction can make the image soft.

4. Take a Series of Shots at Different Focus Points

• Start by focusing on the closest part of your subject.

• Take a shot, then slightly adjust focus deeper into the scene.

• Repeat until you’ve covered everything you want sharp.

• Some cameras (like certain Nikons, Canons, and Sonys) even have automated focus stacking modes!

5. Keep Exposure & Settings Consistent

• Use manual mode so exposure doesn’t shift between shots.

• Keep ISO low to avoid noise.

• Maybe use a remote shutter or timer to avoid camera shake.

How to Merge Your Stacked Images

Option 1: Photoshop

1. Load all images as layers in Photoshop.

2. Select all layers, go to Edit > Auto-Align Layers (to correct any small shifts).

3. Then, go to Edit > Auto-Blend Layers and choose Stack Images.

4. Photoshop will mask the sharpest areas from each shot and blend them into a final image.

Option 2: Dedicated Software (More Precision)

• Helicon Focus and Zerene Stacker are pro-level tools specifically designed for focus stacking.

• These offer finer control, better blending, and more advanced algorithms.

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