Nikon 35mm f/1.2 S Hands-On First Impressions: Optical Excellence

A camera lens with a hood is standing upright on a wooden surface outdoors. The background is blurry, showing hints of water. The lens has various markings and logos. The bottom right corner displays "PetaPixel Hands-On" in a white and blue banner.

Nikon has created a compelling lineup of prime lenses that feature fast apertures and premium optics. The 135mm f/1.8 Plena anchors the telephoto end and the 85mm and 50mm f/1.2 lenses bring incredibly bright apertures to the normal ranges. It makes sense that the logical foray into the wide-angle is going to start with the new Nikkor 35mm f/1.2 S.

Left: Two people sitting in a studio setting being filmed, surrounded by cameras and equipment. Right: A person wearing a blue shirt operates a video camera outdoors, standing in a grassy field.

Are Camcorders About to Make a Big Comeback?

2025 has so far proved to be the year of comebacks. Point-and-shoot compacts are flying off shelves faster than camera stores can restock them. But there could be another resurgence set to occur, and this one has flown well under the radar: camcorders.

Our Favorite Weird Zoom Lenses That Buck Conformity

A person with a beard smiles while holding two camera lenses against a colorful, swirling background. The text "WEIRD ZOOMS" is displayed in bold, multicolored letters.

The photographic world tends to flow into a state of normality, order, and conformity. Certain lenses just work for most situations, and the popular choices of the professionals quickly become the traditional tools of the masses. It seems everyone starts with a general-purpose lens that covers a rough full-frame range of 28mm to 70mm or so, and then eventually, you end up with something wider and something longer.

A variety of tech accessories arranged on a dark surface, including a smartwatch, earphones in a charging case, a smartphone, cables, a laptop, and a compact gray device at the center.

CalDigit Thunderbolt 5 Element Hub Has the Most Ports of any TB5 Hub

With more and more Thunderbolt 5-equipped computers hitting the market, including Apple's latest MacBook Pro and Mac mini models, companies are racing to bring as many Thunderbolt 5 accessories as possible to market, including versatile hubs. CalDigit is the latest, launching the Element 5 Hub, the company's fastest and most powerful hub ever.

Left: Cluster of pink and white amaryllis flowers with green leaves. Right: Close-up of a bright yellow flower stamen with orange filaments.

Grow Your Love of Flower Photography

Photographing flowers is easy and very rewarding. You can create beautiful images with any equipment, most any day or evening, indoors and out. Spring is nirvana for flower photography but I find good opportunities all year.