In this video, we’re looking at Nikon’s first ever F/1.4 lens for the Z mount – the 35mm F/1.4. Astonishingly, this is less expensive than the 35mm F/1.8 S, but what does it compromise? Find out as we assess the image quality, focus, sharpness, bokeh and more, in this comprehensive review. Paired with a Z6 III, this makes for an ideal street portrait lens in capable hands.
RED Digital Cinema, a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, has announced the release of the V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount and KOMODO-X Z Mount digital cinema cameras. These cameras integrate the Nikon Z mount, expanding lens compatibility for filmmakers and content creators.
Part of the new Z CINEMA series, co-developed by Nikon and RED, these models aim to provide flexible solutions for cinema and high-end production. The Nikon Z mount’s large diameter and short flange distance allow users to leverage a range of lenses, including NIKKOR Z lenses for sharp rendering and minimal aberration. The cameras also support Nikon F lenses via the Mount Adapter FTZ II.
The V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount features an 8K VV global shutter sensor, offering a wide dynamic range and improved color capture. The camera includes RED’s Global Vision tools, designed to maintain details in highlights and varying lighting conditions.
The KOMODO-X Z Mount, equipped with a 6K Super 35 global shutter sensor, supports 6K recording at up to 80 fps and 4K at up to 120 fps. The camera is compatible with RED’s R3D Redcode RAW format, allowing efficient video data management and grading flexibility.
Both models support power zoom control for the newly-launched NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens and enhanced autofocus. Both these cameras will be available through RED Digital Cinema Inc and authorized RED dealers.
Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. has announced the launch of the NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ, a power zoom lens designed for full-frame Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras. First revealed in October 2024, this lens is tailored to meet the demands of professional videographers, offering seamless zoom control, minimising focus shifts, and can resolve 8K video.
According to Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India, the lens is built for dynamic video production, providing smooth operability and versatility. Its power zoom mechanism allows for precise zoom control across 11 speed settings, while the internal zoom design ensures stability, especially when using a gimbal.
Ideal for documentaries, weddings, and solo shoots, the lens offers a wide focal range with a minimum focus distance of 0.34m at the wide end.
Designed for professional setups, the lens supports matte boxes, follow focus systems, and remote zoom control via Nikon’s NX Tether, SnapBridge, and NX Field. It also features Nikon’s Meso Amorphous Coat to reduce flare and ghosting, a stepping motor (STM) for silent autofocus, and a fluorine coating for dust and water resistance.
With this release, Nikon continues to push the boundaries of imaging technology, empowering filmmakers and content creators with cutting-edge tools for high-quality video production.
Astrophotography has long been a fascinating field, allowing us to capture the beauty and wonder of the night sky. One technique that has gained popularity in recent years is time-lapse astrophotography, which involves taking a series of photographs at regular intervals to create a stunning visual representation of the motion of celestial objects. In this article, we will explore the world of time-lapse astrophotography, its techniques, and the breathtaking results it can produce.
Time-lapse astrophotography is a technique that involves taking a series of photographs of the night sky at regular intervals, usually ranging from a few seconds to several minutes. These images are then combined to create a time-lapse video or animation, showcasing the motion of celestial objects such as stars, planets, and galaxies. This technique allows photographers to capture the dynamic movement of the universe, revealing patterns and phenomena that would be difficult to observe with the naked eye. Time-lapse sequences can display star trails, the rotation of the Milky Way, or the transit of planets in a visually captivating way.
To capture stunning time-lapse astrophotography images, you will need a few essential pieces of equipment:
1. Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera is ideal for time-lapse astrophotography because most of them come with an intervalometer built-in. Look for a camera with good low-light performance and the ability to shoot in RAW format. RAW files preserve maximum detail, which is crucial for post-processing.
2. Tripod: A sturdy tripod is essential for keeping your camera stable and preventing camera shake. Stability is critical, especially for long exposure shots.
3. Intervalometer: An intervalometer is a device that allows you to set a specific interval between shots. You can also use a camera’s built-in interval shooting mode or a smartphone app if your camera supports wireless control.
4. Wide-angle lens: A wide-angle lens (between 10-24mm) is ideal for capturing the vast expanse of the night sky. Lenses with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower) are particularly useful for gathering more light in low-light conditions.
5. Remote shutter release: A remote shutter release or camera timer helps to prevent camera shake and ensures that your shots are taken at precise intervals.
When it comes to techniques, there are a few key considerations:
To take your time-lapse astrophotography to the next level, consider the following tips and tricks:
Time-lapse astrophotography offers endless creative possibilities. Here are some common themes and examples:
Time-lapse astrophotography is not without its challenges, but with preparation, you can overcome these obstacles:
Time-lapse astrophotography is a captivating way to document the beauty and motion of the night sky. With the right equipment, techniques, and planning, you can create stunning sequences that reveal the dynamic nature of our universe. Whether you’re capturing star trails, planetary alignments, or the mesmerising dance of the aurora borealis, time-lapse photography offers endless opportunities for creativity and exploration. So grab your gear, head to a dark-sky location, and let the wonders of the cosmos unfold before your lens.
Cover Photo Credits: NASA JPL
Mastering an awe-inspiring genre like astrophotography is a tough task, one that’s becoming tougher over the years. Navaneeth Unnikrishnan has toiled through it all and is one of the pioneers of the genre today. His pictures don’t only consist of pure astrophotography, they belong to a wide range of genres including landscapes, night landscapes, mobile photography, timelapse and more. Asian Photography spoke to him about gear, passion, time investment, workflows, and more. Excerpts:
How did you get into astrophotography?
I stumbled into astrophotography by chance when I unintentionally captured an image of the Milky Way without realising what it was. My hometown has very minimal light pollution, and one night, while observing the sky from my terrace, I noticed an unusual faint glow. At the time, I had a basic understanding of photography but no understanding of night skies, so I decided to point my camera toward the sky and take a long exposure shot. To my surprise, the image revealed intricate details that were invisible to the naked eye. That moment sparked my fascination with astrophotography, leading me to explore wide-field and deep-sky imaging.
How should one start in astrophotography if they plan to get into it?
With the advancements in camera tech today, one can even begin astrophotography using just a smartphone. Most smartphones, especially flagships, feature a “Pro Mode”, which allows manual control over shutter speed and ISO, along with the ability to capture images in RAW format. This can be a great starting point for beginners. Alternatively, one can invest in a basic mirrorless or DSLR camera equipped with a wide-angle lens (24 mm or below) and a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower), along with a sturdy tripod. The setup is ideal for basic wide-field astrophotography. However, astrophotography goes beyond this, there are specialised forms such as deep-sky imaging, planetary imaging, lunar and solar imaging. These require dedicated equipment. For example, deep-sky imaging requires the use of a telephoto lens or a telescope mounted on an equatorial mount to compensate for Earth’s rotation and prevent star trailing. A practical step beyond wide-field astrophotography is investing in a portable star tracker, which, while limited to tracking wide focal lengths, can significantly step up your wide-field images. However, one of the biggest challenges remains access to pristine dark skies, something that is increasingly tough to find in India due to light pollution.
Does Astrophotography need a lot of patience?
Yes, astrophotography demands a great deal of patience, especially when it involves travelling to remote locations with pristine night skies, and enduring harsh conditions like extreme cold during night time sessions.
There are several forms of astrophotography. Among them, wide-field imaging is one of the most accessible and requires comparatively less patience. However, other forms, such as deep-sky imaging and planetary imaging, require a good deal of dedication. The process involves setting up heavy equipment, troubleshooting technical issues, and dealing with unexpected software errors – sometimes in the middle of imaging sessions! These challenges can test one’s patience, but are ultimately rewarding.
What are the most challenging things about Astrophotography?
Astrophotography can be challenging, and at times, even frustrating, when despite all efforts, you may return without a single usable image. There have been instances where I have travelled for days to reach a remote location, endured extreme cold, and stayed there for weeks, only to be met with consistently overcast skies. This is a reality that anyone involved in astrophotography for a while is bound to face.
Unfortunately, weather forecasting in India is not as reliable making it difficult to plan imaging sessions with certainty. Beyond weather related challenges, deep-sky imaging presents its own set of difficulties, such as tracking inaccuracies, software glitches, light pollution, poor atmospheric conditions, and issues with telescope collimation. Each of these factors can impact the imaging process, making astrophotography a pursuit that demands persistence, adaptability, and a deep passion for the craft.
What are your favourite things to shoot and why?
My favourite subject to photograph is the Milky Way. Despite capturing it countless times, I am still captivated by its beauty, the intricate dust lanes, the vibrant Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex, and the subtle H-alpha emissions that weave through the galactic core.
However, for me, photographing the Milky Way goes beyond just capturing an image. It carries a deeper, almost philosophical significance. It is a reminder that we are part of something vast, our home galaxy, stretching across the cosmos. It evokes thoughts about our place in the universe, the immensity of space, and the connection to the past, as the light we capture has travelled for thousands of years. It also sparks existential questions about time, history, and the fleeting nature of human existence in the grand cosmic timeline. Astrophotography, to me, is not just about the technical process, it’s a bridge between science, art, and introspection.
What equipment and lenses do you use for Astro, and how are they different from regular gear?
My astrophotography setup is a combination of standard photography gear and specialised astro equipment. Each piece serves a distinct purpose, from wide-field landscapes to deep-space imaging and solar observation.
My go-to gears for wide field and aurora images are Sony A1, Sony A7s Astro-Modded, along with a couple lenses like Sony 14mm F/1.8, Sony 20mm f/1.8, Sony 16-35mm F/2.8, Sony 50mm f/1.2. I love the noise performance and sharpness of the lens offered by these gears and has never failed me in extreme conditions.
For deep-space objects like nebulae, galaxies, and planetary imaging, I use dedicated cameras like ZWO ASI294MM Pro (a monochrome camera optimised for astrophotography) with Narrowband filters from Optolong to capture specific wavelengths of light, this includes Red, Green, Blue, Luminance, H-Alpha, Oxygen III, Sulfur II, a Celestron EdgeHD 8″ Telescope giving me 2032 mm focal length. I use these for distant nebulas, galaxies, planets and lunar imaging. I also use a Redcat 51 Telescope for wide field images.
For observing and photographing the Sun, I use a dedicated solar telescope designed specifically for hydrogen-alpha (Hα) light. Unlike regular telescopes, this instrument isolates a narrow wavelength of red light emitted by hydrogen atoms, revealing solar prominences, filaments, flares, and dynamic surface activity, features that would be invisible in standard white-light observations.
This is coupled with a ZWO AM5 Tracking mount. These setups allow for long-exposure imaging and tracking celestial objects with precision.
Specialised equipment significantly improves image quality, detail, and the ability to capture astronomical phenomena beyond what the naked eye can see.
What is the most underrated aspect of Astro, be it equipment, or a ritualistic practice, or a software workflow?
The Art of Astrophotography is something I would consider underrated. While technical expertise is crucial, astrophotography is equally an art form. Composition, framing, and creative processing play a vital role in shaping the final image, transforming a technically accurate capture into something truly mesmerising and unique.
In your opinion, is there a perfect astro image?
No, in my view there is no single, universally “perfect” astro image. Perfection in astrophotography is subjective and multifaceted, much like art itself. What one person considers ideal, another might see differently.
Subjective – The perception of beauty varies from person to person. Some may be drawn to vibrant colours and intricate details, while others prefer a minimalist and evocative approach. There is no absolute standard for what makes an astro photo “beautiful”; it is deeply personal and open to interpretation.
Technical vs Artistic Perfection – An image may be technically flawless, sharp focus, minimal noise, and excellent dynamic range, yet lack artistic impact. On the other hand, an image with minor technical imperfections can still be compelling due to its composition, emotional resonance, or unique perspective.
Astrophotography is constantly advancing. What was considered a “perfect” image ten years ago has now been surpassed by newer techniques and improved equipment. As camera technology and imaging gears progresses, so does our perception of what constitutes the best possible image.
Each astrophotographer approaches the craft with different priorities. Some focus on scientific accuracy, capturing celestial objects with precision, while others emphasise artistic interpretation. The idea of a “perfect” image is ultimately shaped by an individual’s goals, vision, and personal style.
What does “Astro Modding” a camera mean, and could you tell us about the process?
Astro Modding is basically modifying your camera by removing a certain filter to enhance its sensitivity to specific wavelengths of light which is Hydrogen-Alpha emission, this wavelength of light is found in nebulae. Normal DSLR and mirrorless cameras have a filter that blocks some light. This filter is good for regular pictures, but it makes it hard to see the beautiful red and pink colours of nebulae. Doing this helps with capturing more detail in emission nebulae and other Hα-rich objects. Allowing better signal collection (as the filter removed does cut some light). The downside of modding your camera is it voids your camera warranty. So I prefer doing it on an old, used camera.
It’s a lengthy process and would require good technical knowledge. Hence, I would advise you to modify it from reputable “modders”. Once the basic modification is done, it would not work well under normal daylight conditions unless you add a white-balance fix or correct it using IR/UV cut filters.
Astrophotography, the art of capturing the beauty of the night sky, has become increasingly popular in recent years. With the advancement of technology and the availability of high-quality cameras, it’s now possible for amateur astronomers to take stunning images of celestial objects. However, one of the biggest challenges in astrophotography is noise reduction. Noise, also known as grain or digital noise, can ruin an otherwise perfect image. In this article, we’ll explore the technique of stacking images for noise reduction in astrophotography, and provide a complete guide on how to do it.
Noise in astrophotography refers to the random fluctuations in pixel values that can occur due to various factors such as thermal noise, readout noise, and photon noise. These fluctuations can result in a grainy or speckled appearance in the image, which can be distracting and reduce the overall quality of the photo. Noise is more pronounced in low-light conditions, which is often the case in astrophotography.
Image stacking, also known as image integration or co-addition, is a technique used to reduce noise in astrophotography. The basic idea is to take multiple images of the same object, and then combine them into a single image. By doing so, the noise in each individual image is averaged out, resulting in a smoother and more detailed final image.
When you take multiple images of the same object, the noise in each image is random and uncorrelated. By combining these images, the noise is averaged out, and the signal (the actual image data) is reinforced. This is because the noise in each image is likely to be in a different location, so when you add the images together, the noise cancels out, leaving a smoother and more detailed image.
Image stacking has several benefits in astrophotography:
There are several software programs available for image stacking in astrophotography. Some popular options include:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to image stacking in astrophotography:
Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when image stacking in astrophotography:
In conclusion, image stacking is a powerful technique that allows astrophotographers to significantly reduce noise and enhance the quality of their celestial images. By combining multiple exposures, photographers can achieve smoother details, improved dynamic range, and more accurate colours, ultimately bringing out the true beauty of the night sky. With the availability of user-friendly stacking software and the right approach, even amateur astronomers can capture breathtaking images of the cosmos. Whether you’re photographing distant galaxies or the Milky Way, mastering image stacking can take your astrophotography to the next level.
Featured Image by: Kevin Francis
Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. announces the launch of the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S, a high-performance wide-angle prime lens designed for professional photographers and videographers. With its fast f/1.2 aperture, this lens delivers exceptional detail, depth, and beautifully soft bokeh, making it ideal for portrait, street, and wedding photography, as well as cinematic video production.
As part of Nikon’s S-Line series, the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S ensures outstanding optical performance with three ED glass elements and one aspherical ED glass element, minimising aberrations and maximising sharpness. Advanced Meso Amorphous, Nano Crystal, and ARNEO coatings significantly reduce ghosting and flares for superior clarity. The lens’ multi-focussing system, powered by stepping motors (STMs), provides fast and precise autofocus for both stills and video.
Optimized for videographers, the lens ensures smooth exposure transitions, suppresses focus breathing, and features a click-less control ring for silent operation. With dust and drip resistance, it is built for reliability in challenging shooting conditions.
Sajjan Kumar, Managing Director of Nikon India, stated that the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S exemplifies Nikon’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of optical excellence, offering professionals a powerful tool to elevate their creative expression.
The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S will be available soon at authorized Nikon dealers and online stores.
FUJIFILM India has launched the highly anticipated FUJIFILM X-M5, the latest addition to its renowned X Series of mirrorless digital cameras. Known for its compact design, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional image quality, the X-M5 sets a new standard for photography and videography enthusiasts.
Weighing just 355g, the X-M5 is the lightest camera in the X Series and features a 26.1-megapixel back-illuminated X-Trans™ 4 CMOS sensor and the advanced X-Processor 5 engine, delivering professional-grade performance in a lightweight body. Its innovative subject-detection autofocus, powered by AI, can track animals, vehicles, and more, ensuring precision in diverse shooting scenarios.
The X-M5 boasts impressive video capabilities, including 6.2K/30P 4:2:2 10-bit recording, 4K/60P, and 1080/240P, complemented by a powerful digital image stabilizer for smooth footage even during handheld shooting. The camera also introduces a Vlog Mode with intuitive touchscreen controls and a 9:16 vertical shooting feature tailored for social media content.
With a high-quality design, compact size, and versatile features, the FUJIFILM X-M5 is perfect for professionals and enthusiasts, empowering them to explore new creative horizons. Available soon across India, the X-M5 is poised to redefine visual storytelling.
Sony is unveiling the upcoming BURANO Version 2.0 firmware update, scheduled for release in March 2025. Based on feedback from the filmmaking community, the update introduces significant new features, improved usability, and enhanced performance.
Key highlights include expanded recording formats, such as a new 3.8K Full Frame crop mode capable of 120 fps and a 1.9K mode supporting up to 240 fps, enabling filmmakers to prioritize speed and flexibility. Anamorphic shooters can utilize the new Super 35 4.3K mode at 60 fps. Additional updates include 24.00 fps support in X-OCN 16:9 modes, a 1.8x de-squeeze setting, and expanded high-frame-rate options up to 110 fps.
Monitoring and operational improvements include standardized SDI video output across formats, breathing compensation, image stabilization metadata, and on-screen display enhancements. A redesigned interface places status information outside the image and adds View Finder Gamma Display Assist for S-Log3 monitoring. The update also supports PL Mount lens control for Focus, Iris, and Zoom using the optional GP-VR100 handgrip.
BURANO Version 2.0 enhances image output with improved S-Log3 and 3D LUT presets, better Auto Focus performance at key frame rates, and advanced exposure tools derived from Sony’s flagship VENICE system. White balance memory has been expanded from three to eight presets, and Active/High Image Stabilization is now available in Full Frame 6K and Super 35 modes.
The update further adds live event functionality, including variable ND control via RCPs, enhanced Camera Remote SDK compatibility, and tally control over LAN. Users will also benefit from ease-of-use features like media formatting from the status screen and settings for CAM ID and Reel Number.
Available in March 2025, BURANO Version 2.0 will be free to download for Indian users directly to their cameras via Mac or PC.
Western Digital recently introduced its first and the world’s fastest microSD UHS-I Card in 2TB capacity from its SanDisk brand. “We aim to inspire people to create more and are committed to helping content creators transform ideas into stories without worrying about storage limitations. We are happy to introduce the world’s fastest 2TB microSD card; so, people around the world have more time to focus on capturing the moment, wherever their adventure takes them.” says, Khalid Wani, Senior Director Sales, India, Western Digital.
With up to 2TB of capacity, the new SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-I Card is designed for modern creators offering massive capacity to capture for longer and store more. Whether you’re recording high-quality 4K UHD point-of-view video, capturing pristine high-resolution stills, or wanting to expand storage for your Android devices, laptops, or handheld gaming consoles, this microSD card delivers unparalleled performance. Now one can save precious moments with blazing fast read and write speeds up to 250MB/s and 150MB/s respectively when used with SanDisk QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader (sold separately). Further this card load apps quickly and enables smooth performance. The SanDisk Extreme PRO microSD UHS-I card withstands extreme conditions and rough handling, despite const ant use. Further, RescuePRO Deluxe data recovery software effectively restore photos, videos, documents, and other types of files in a wide range of formats that have been accidentally deleted, corrupted, or lost due to formatting. With a lifetime limited warranty, this card is built to last and provide exceptional performance for years to come.
Key features include: Ideal for action cams, drones, Android devices, and handheld gaming devices. When used with an SD adapter: cameras, including Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) and Mirrorless (MIL), camcorders, laptops, portable audio recorders; Read speeds up to 250MB/s and write speeds up to 150MB/s when used with SanDisk QuickFlow microSD UHS-I Card USB-A Reader (sold separately); Capture for longer and store more with up to 2TB of storage that can hold up to 2,808 minutes of 4K UHD video recorded at 30 fps (641MB/minute); Recover and restore files with the RescuePRO Deluxe data recovery software, free, for two full years; Backed by a lifetime limited warranty, SanDisk branded cards perform over the long haul.
The range starts with the SanDisk Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Card the 2TB capacity is available at ₹16,997 MSRP, on Amazon.in.
