Amateur Photographer

With its extraordinary AF system, the Alpha 9 has no problem keeping up with fighter jets Sony Alpha 9, FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS, 1/640sec at f/5.6, ISO 100 Without doubt, the most impressive camera I’ve had the privilege of using this year – t

The speed of the D850's autofocus is extremely impressive when it's used in AF-C mode Nikon D850, Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM, 1/4000sec at f/2, ISO 400 After a tough couple of years, everyone knew Nikon needed to release something sensational that wou

I use the Leica 25mm f/1.4 lens; it is a great all-rounder that works well for street photography and portraits. The standard lens for any system is my favourite, and a 25mm is the standard for Micro Four Thirds. The angle of view does not match ever

The NEO 2 is highlA portable continuous light source that delivers up to 2BBB lux at 3ft. Continuous lighting is easA to use because Aou can see exactlA the lighting Aou’re going to get before Aou shoot. The NEO 2 produces a lovelA soft light that do

‘Light changes and goes through a number of different transitions during the evening’ The prime time for shooting cityscapes is when artificial illuminations match the twilight sky after sunset. That balance is key, and endlessly variable. Much of

As camera reviewers, we still always get excited when a manufacturer gets in touch to brief us about a new model. Occasionally it can end up being a bit of a letdown, but more often than not these days, we get to see some clever new technology a coup

Without LED LED lights provide a constant source of light so, unlike flash, you can regulate and preview their effect before you trigger the shutter. They can be useful for creative lighting effects such as backlighting flowers and foliage, or illu

Steam trains are most photogenic when they are working hard, when they are accelerating or going uphill. Winter is the best time to capture the exhaust steam condensing into white clouds that trail behind the engine. To track stream trains use the we

To increase my chances of a sharp result I often prefocus – this involves aiming the lens at an area I know the subject will enter into, rather than chasing movement with the camera. I prefocus, and when I see the subject entering the frame and about

A lot of wedding photographers seem obsessed with using only natural light. For me, this is too rigid. While natural light is wonderful, I am not averse to using a touch of bounce flash combined with a higher ISO to get crisper images. Yes, heavily f

I notice that in recent weeks some letters have been received by AP regarding Wi-Fi functionality for DSLR cameras. These comments usually focus on whether or not the functionality exists to transfer JPEG and/or raw files from the user's camera to a

I enjoy seeing moments of humour in everyday life. This scene was a gift to Ryan, but he photographed it well, creating a lead-in line of stormtroopers that gives the image a surreal quality. Panasonic GH4, 25mm, 1/640sec, f/4, ISO 200 I spend a lot

Nikon's D850's success in 2017 proves there is plenty of mileage left in pro-spec cameras Expect more retailer events as they realise it's a great way to build long-term customer relationships The hit Sony Alpha 9 shows there is robust demand

The colours and mood of this bokeh shot are spot on, but it's a little one-dimensional for a front cover This minimalist shot is wonderfully composed and well executed, but it's more winter than Christmas This was submitted as a landscape for

Nothing says Christmas like a robin in the snow Fujifilm XT-1, 50-230mm XC lens, 1/220sec at f/9, ISO 3200 ‘TO BE voted the winner is a shock – albeit a pleasant one! I am grateful to all of the team for voting for my picture. To be on the front