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CONTENTS – ISSUE 80 2023

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Katrin Ruckert

WOMEN IN PHOTOGRAPHY: A WOMAN FOR ALL SEASONS –
THE ANNIE CAHILL INTERVIEW
By Gillian Greenwood
Gillian Greenwood talks to the multi-talented photographer Annie Cahill about her extraordinarily diverse career for Part II of her series on women in photography.

WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND…
By Jim Brandenburg
The award-winning nature photographer, filmmaker and environmentalist pens a deeply personal account of why his image Touch the Sky Eagle Cloud means so much to him.

WESTERN CANADA AT THE THIRD TIME OF ASKING
By John Archer-Thomson
Long-time contributors to Nikon Owner, John Archer Thomson and his wife Sally journeyed to Western Canada and share their adventures with us in Part 1: Grizzlies and Orca.

DECISIVE DECISIONS
By Heather Angel
Heather explains that if a potential pollinator, such as a bee or a butterfly, knows that a nectar supply is good, it will be invariably tempted to return to the flowering shrub that supplies it.

A TRIO OF SIGMAS
By Becky Danese
Becky Danese reviews the very welcome additions to the Sigma range, the Z mount Sigma 16mm f/1.4, 56mm f/1.4 and 30mm f/1.4 DC DN lenses for the Nikon Z 30, Z 50 and Z fc cameras.

ARGENTINA – PATAGONIA’S PERFECT PANORAMA
By Andrew Main Wilson
As part of his goal to travel and photograph the 200 countries of the world, Andrew Main Wilson journeys to Patagonia, one of the world’s last remaining vast unspoilt wildernesses, covering 260,000 square miles.

THE NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S LENS REVIEW
By Simon Stafford
Our technical wizard and award-winning photographer Simon Stafford brings us his review of the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens.

THE MUSICAL BOX OF MICHAEL PUTLAND
By Gray Levett
In 1965 the message ‘Clapton is God‘ was written in graffiti on the wall of a London underground station; this tribute from an unknown admirer signalled his arrival as a brilliant young guitarist. We follow his storied path to world-wide fame and recognition; Michael Putland’s iconic shot was taken in Philadelphia in 1975.

JIM BRANDENBURG
WINS NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Earlier this year Jim Brandenburg won the National Geographic Lifetime Achievement Award, a prestigious honour that has been bestowed to only five others.

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Nikon Owner Magazine Issue 79

Posted on July 14, 2023 by Katrin Ruckert

CONTENTS – ISSUE 79 2023

A LEGEND FROM THE DEEP
By Joe McNally
The internationally acclaimed photographer Joe McNally takes a dive into his past and recalls his love of the Nikonos RS, the world’s first underwater 35mm SLR. He explains that, not unlike the Kingdom of Atlantis, it may indeed be lost forever, but his memory of it lingers.

ENTER STAGE LEFT
By Becky Danese
Our very popular Live Stream Queen Becky Danese reviews the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 for Nikon Z.

THE DSLR – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
By Simon Stafford
Is the DSLR still relevant in today’s mirrorless camera world? What are the pros and cons of the two systems? Simon Stafford brings his considerable knowledge to the table to address these questions.

WOMEN IN PHOTOGRAPHY: PAINTING WITH LIGHT
By Gillian Greenwood
Gillian Greenwood introduces us to her new series Women in Photography.

HEATHER ANGEL: A WOMAN OF VISION
By Gillian Greenwood
Heather Angel has devoted her life to photography; she is the author of sixty extraordinary books and has travelled widely across the world with her Nikon always by her side. Heather is the first female photographer to be interviewed for our new series, Women in Photography.

MYANMAR – THE PADAUNG TRIBES WOMEN OF INLE LAKE
By Andrew Main Wilson
Traveller-extraordinaire Andrew Main Wilson has visited 179 countries in his ongoing quest to photograph all 200 countries of the world. In this issue of Nikon Owner he visits Myanmar (formerly Burma), a country of fascinating tribespeople and enchanting temples.

THE MUSICAL BOX OF MICHAEL PUTLAND
By Gray Levett
The Prince of Darkness Mr. Ozzy Osbourne has enjoyed a stellar career firstly with the celebrated, majestic, metallic Black Sabbath and secondly a hugely successful solo career. Michael Putland catches him in full, early flight.

MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE GIANTS
By Moose Peterson
It bears telling: Nikon Ambassador Moose Peterson, the acclaimed American wildlife, aviation and landscape photographer explains his love affair with Grizzly bears.

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NIKON LAUNCHES THE ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2023 COMPETITION

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Katrin Ruckert

Nikon,​ in partnership with ​CIWEM, ​WaterBear, ​MPB, and​ Arup, is pleased to announce the launch of this year’s, competition. Now in its 16th year, the competition provides an international platform to raise awareness of environmental issues and inspire change.

The judging panel invites both professional and amateur photographers from across the world to submit their most poignant, insightful, and eye-opening ​environmental photography, captured on a device of their choice. Photographers of all ages are encouraged to share imagery that celebrates humanity’s tenacity and activism while showcasing hopeful solutions for our ever-changing planet.

The Environmental Photographer of the Year will receive a £5,000 cash prize, as well as an interview in CIWEM’s Environment Magazine, visibility across WaterBear’s social channels,​ and a dedicated feature on Nikon Europe’s website.

Within the competition, Nikon’s Young Environmental Photographer of the Year Award celebrates the best environmental photography from those aged 21 and under, with the winner receiving a Z Series mirrorless camera and two NIKKOR Z lenses of their choice in recognition of their achievement.

​​Stefan Maier, Senior General Manager Marketing, Nikon Europe commented: “At Nikon, we pride ourselves on our rich history of empowering creators to tell stories that make an impact. Today, there are few stories of greater importance than those of climate change and conservation. We are honoured to support this award, shining a spotlight on the most inspirational environmental photography from across the globe, as well as those photographers who are passionate about fighting for the planet’s – and their own – future.”

The competition is free to enter and will also feature four other award categories, with participants competing for £1,000 cash prizes for each of the following awards:

  1. MPB “Vision of the Future” ​searches​ for inspiring or thought-provoking interpretations of our future environment as told through the photographer’s lens.
  2. The “Recovering Nature” award ​looks​ for ​photos ​that show nature’s ability to recover or​ examples of innovative nature-based solutions and conservation initiatives that ​can​​ ​bring nature back from the brink.
  3. The “Keeping 1.5 Alive” category ​looks​ for action-focused photography that highlights the urgency ​and emergency ​of curbing global warming.
  4. The “Adapting for Tomorrow” award calls attention to ​photos ​that show how communities and nature are finding a way to live with the effects of our changing environment.

To learn more and to enter the competition, please visit www.epoty.org. Submissions close on August 30th.

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NIKON RELEASES TWO AGILE TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENSES

Posted on June 22, 2023 by Katrin Ruckert

THE NIKKOR Z 70-180MM F/2.8 &
THE NIKKOR Z 180-600MM F/5.6-6.3 VR

SSD:

NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 – 13th July 2023

NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR – August 2023

RRP:

NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 – £ 1,299

NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR – £1799

Nikon expands its range of NIKKOR Z telephoto zoom lenses with the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 and the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR. Both these lenses are surprisingly lightweight—putting agility and versatility in the hands of enthusiasts who shoot a wide range of subjects.

The NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is an all-purpose telephoto zoom lens that delivers standout shots near and far. With its fast, constant f/2.8 aperture, it’s great for shooting portraits, lifestyle, sports, nature, landscapes, cityscapes, events, and more—even in low light. Short minimum focusing distances allow sharp shots from closer ranges and users can achieve macro-style images by attaching the Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x, which doubles the reproduction ratio of the lens to an almost life-size 0.96x magnification.

The NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR super-telephoto zoom reaches even further, easily covering the most popular focal lengths for wildlife, birds, and aircraft photography while leaving plenty of flexibility for sports and landscapes too. Powerful in-lens Vibration Reduction keeps shots stable, while the internal zoom contributes to balanced handheld shooting: zoom in or out, then pan or tilt, all without a tripod. Attach the Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x to this lens and it’s possible to achieve a monster reach of 1200 mm while still shooting handheld!

With their lightweight builds and reliable weather sealing, both lenses are as travel friendly as they come for telephoto zooms. The NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 weighs just 795 g (approx.), and at only 151 mm long it’s compact too. The NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 super-telephoto lens weighs 1955 g (approx.).

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager, Nikon Europe, says: “We’re delighted to bring two new telephoto zoom lenses into the NIKKOR Z line-up. Both are testament to the way the line-up is growing to cover a greater range of needs and budgets. If you want to expand your creative potential without stretching to cover the cost of a pro lens, these long lenses will bring you closer to your subject—and closer to the perfect shot.”

Summary of key features: NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8

All-purpose telephoto zoom lens: 70-180 mm zoom range. Perfect for a wide variety of subjects.

Compact and lightweight: weighs just 795 g (approx.), and is only 151 mm long.

Fast f/2.8 fixed aperture: for consistent exposure across the zoom range. Capture clean, sharp shots in low light at lower ISOs, use faster shutter speeds to freeze movement, and accentuate portraits with soft bokeh.

Sharp close-ups: minimum focus is just 0.27 m at the short (70 mm) end of the zoom range and 0.85 m at 180 mm.

Z teleconverters: the Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x offers a maximum reach of 360 mm and doubles the reproduction ratio of the lens to almost life-size magnification.

Cinematic video shots: quiet focusing and suppressed focus breathing. Comfortably film at a distance or get creative with close-ups and unconventional framing.

Protected: reliable sealing helps prevent dust and water droplets from entering the lens.1

Affordable trinity lens: can form part of a lightweight f/2.8 lens kit with the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom lens, plus the NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 and the NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8.

Summary of key features: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

Versatile super-telephoto zoom lens: broad 180-600 mm focal-length range for shooting wildlife, birds, aircraft, sports, and more.

Excellent agility: weighs just 1955 g (approx.). A light turn of the zoom ring is all it takes to move from the 180 mm end of the range to 600 mm, and the internal zoom keeps the centre of gravity balanced.

Sharp close focusing: minimum focus distance of 2.4 m at 600 mm and 1.3 m at 180 mm.

Spot-on autofocus: optimised for shooting fast-moving subjects and super quiet.

5.5-stop2 Vibration Reduction: in-lens optical VR compensates for vibrations from handheld shooting. SPORT Mode stabilises the viewfinder image.

Long-distance video: quiet focusing and suppressed focus breathing. Easily shoot video footage with beautifully compressed backgrounds.

Protected: reliable sealing helps protect from dust and water droplets,1 and the barrel doesn’t move when zooming so there are fewer places for dust to accumulate. Nikon’s fluorine coat is applied to the front element.

Z teleconverters: reach as far as 1200 mm with the Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x, or 840 mm with the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x.

FOOTNOTES

1 The lens is not guaranteed to be dust- and drip-resistant in all situations and under all conditions.

2 Based on CIPA Standard. In NORMAL mode, this value is achieved when attached to a mirrorless camera equipped with a 35mm-film-size image sensor.

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NIKON ANNOUCES FIRMWARE VERSION 4.00 FOR THE NIKON Z 9 FULL-FRAME MIRRORLESS CAMERA

Posted on June 13, 2023 by Katrin Ruckert

 

Z 9

Today Nikon announced the release of its latest firmware version 4.00 for its flagship, full-frame mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z 9.

The update introduces several new features for both still and video shooting, as well as improved operability and display features that respond to user needs.

The new Auto Capture function enables automatic shooting for both still images and video by pre-configuring auto capture criteria, including motion, distance, and subject detection. This will allow users to shoot remotely as well as shoot from a variety of angles without the need to attend the camera directly. The new feature will also be available to use with the Pre-Release Capture function for a more reliable capture of decisive moments.

The firmware upgrade further improves the video functions of the Z 9 by expanding the minimum ISO sensitivity to Low 2 in N-Log, allowing for clear expression of shadow tones. There will also be an increase in the number of options available for Hi-Res Zoom speed, offering photographers more precise control.

The Z 9’s still image shooting functions have also been updated to include superior subject acquisition performance when using 3D-tracking, enabling users to capture images of small and fast-moving subjects with greater precision. The firmware also sees the addition of an exposure delay mode to the Custom Settings menu, helping to reduce blur caused by camera shake when using a tripod or similar.

Improvements to the Z 9’s operability and display features will also be introduced, including an increase in the number of functions that can be assigned to custom controls, the addition of an approximate distance display on the focus distance indicator, and a selection of shutter release sounds that can be adjusted in volume to the specific needs.

 

 

 

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