I just wanted to say THANK YOU for making this community such an incredible place to learn, create, and inspire each other. You're the reason it's so special, and we're grateful for every one of you!

Enjoy celebrating America's 250th birthday today with the people you love, and if you're out photographing the fireworks, parades, or backyard BBQ, don't just capture the moment, share it with us! Post your photos right here in this thread, we'd love to see how you're celebrating through your lens.


Have a fun, safe, and Happy 4th! 🇺🇸
Fred

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
New Stack by Mark Metternich

• Nature & Wildlife:
Great Grey Owls by louie champan

• People Photography:
After by Yada Yada

Congratulations to adventure_photo for winning WA 1236, based on the theme: Tools of the Trade.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1237 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1238 just started with theme: "Wide Angle Everything"
Deadline: July 8th noon - Participate!

Congratulations to Tannhauser for winning MA 265, based on the theme: Digital.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the MA 266 winners.
Cast your vote!

Monthly Assignment 267 just started with theme: "Choice"
Deadline: August 1st noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
North Carolina Mountains by Ross Martin

• Nature & Wildlife:
~~The Encounter~~ by Ted ellis

• People Photography:
Central Park, NYC by Yada Yada

Congratulations to outdoorsben3 for winning WA 1235, based on the theme: Steam Railroads.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1236 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1237 just started with theme: "Visitors"
Deadline: July 1st noon - Participate!

Order the Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 "SPII" lens:

Lens Light Lab Store | Get a 5% discount when you use the FREDMIRANDA code at checkout.

___

Review Quick Links:

1. Initial Impressions
   
2. Infinity Resolution and Contrast compared to MS Optics 73mm f/1.5 Sonnetar (M10-R)
   
3. Field Curvature
   
4. Distortion
   
5. Sunstar Rendering
   
6. Minimal Focus Distance performance and Focus Shift
   
7. Flare Resistance
   
8. Rendering Comparison: Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SP II vs 75mm f/1.5 Z21 and MS Optics 73mm f/1.5
   
9. Rendering Comparison: Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SP II, Light Lens Lab 75mm f/1.5 Z21, and Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.9 ZS6
   
10. Chromatic aberration control: Axial CA, Purple Fringing and Lateral CA
    
11. Optical Vignetting and Specular Highlights shape
    
    
12. Final Thoughts
    
13. Samples 1: Late afternoon, first time with the lens (Low Contrast version)
    
14. Samples 2: A walk near the beach at Late Afternoon Light
    
15. Samples 3: Cars and Coffee
    
16. Samples 4: Cars and Coffee II
    
17. Samples 5: Day at the beach (harsh lighting)
    
18. Samples 6: Portraits (harsh lighting)
    

Pre-order the Light Lens Lab 75mm f/1.5 Z21 lens:

Lens Light Lab Store | Get a 5% discount when you use the FREDMIRANDA code at checkout.

________


Review Quick Links:

1. Initial Impressions
   
2. Infinity Resolution and Contrast compared to Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SPII
   
3. Field Curvature
   
4. Distortion
   
5. Sunstar Rendering
   
6. Minimum Focus Distance: Resolution, Contrast and Focus Shift
   
7. Flare Resistance
   
8. Rendering Comparison: Light Lens Lab 75mm f/1.5 Z21 vs 75mm f/2 SP II and MS Optics 73mm f/1.5
   
9. Rendering Comparison: Light Lens Lab 75mm f/1.5 Z21, Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SP II, and 50mm f/1.9 ZS6
   
10. Chromatic aberration control: Axial CA, Purple Fringing and Lateral CA
    
11. Optical Vignetting and Specular Highlights shape
    
    
12. Final Thoughts
    
13. Samples 1: Late afternoon, first time with the lens
14. Samples 2: Continuing My First Outing with the Lens, Late Afternoon Light
    
15. Samples 3: A walk near the beach at Late Afternoon Light
    
16. Samples 4: Cars and Coffee
    
17. Samples 5: Cars and Coffee II
    
18. Samples 6: Environmental Portraits in Color and Black & White
    
19. Samples 7: Various Subjects
    
20. Samples 8: Portraits (Harsh Lighting)
    

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
The chase continues... by Jeffrey

• Nature & Wildlife:
Black Bears and Cubs 2026 by johnohio

• People Photography:
Maya, Available Light Portrait by jowul

Order the Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.9 "Rigid-ZS6" lens:

Lens Light Lab Store | Get a 5% discount when you use the FREDMIRANDA code at checkout.

___

Review Quick Links:

1. Initial Impressions
   
2. Resolution and Contrast compared to Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron "Rigid" (M11)
   
3. Resolution and Contrast compared to Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 SP II (M11)
   
4. Field Curvature
   
5. Distortion
   
6. Minimal Focus Distance performance and Focus Shift
   
7. Sunstar Rendering
   
8. Flare Resistance
   
9. Rendering Comparison: ZS6 Standard vs Low Contrast, alongside 50mm f/1.5 Z21 and 50mm f/2 SP II
   
10. Rendering Comparison: Light Lens Lab Rigid-ZS6 vs Leica 50mm f/2 Rigid vs LLL 50mm f/2 SP II
    
11. Comparison: Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.9 Ridid-ZS6 Standard vs Low Contrast
    
12. Rendering Comparison: Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.9 ZS6 LC, 75mm f/1.5 Z21 and 75mm f/2 SP II
    
13. Chromatic aberration control: Axial CA, Lateral CA and Purple Fringing
    
14. Optical Vignetting and Specular Highlights shape
    
    
15. Final Thoughts
    
16. Samples 1: Late afternoon, first time with the lens (Low Contrast version)
    
17. Samples 2: Harsh Lighting, Low Contrast version
    
18. Samples 3: A walk near the beach at Late Afternoon Light
    
19. Samples 4: Cars and Coffee

Congratulations to J. Pow for winning WA 1234, based on the theme: Self.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1235 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1236 just started with theme: "Tools of the Trade"
Deadline: June 24th noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Cinque Terre & Tuscany 2024: a 4x5" Portfolio and a story by vieri

• Nature & Wildlife:
Courting Pair of Grizzly Bears by G.E. Smith

• People Photography:
RIP Rylee our sweet girl. (dog) by RobAmy

Congratulations to adventure_photo for winning WA 1233, based on the theme: Nighttime.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1234 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1235 just started with theme: "Steam Railroads"
Deadline: June 17th noon - Participate!

Order the Thypoch Eureka 28mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens:

Thypoch Store (Use promo code: FREDMIRANDA for a 5% discount at checkout)

B&H Photo

_______________


Review Quick Links:

1. Initial Impressions
   
2. Resolution and Contrast at infinity: Leica M10-R vs Sony A7R II
   
3. Resolution and Contrast compared to Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar
   
4. Sunstar Rendering
   
5. Field Curvature
   
6. Distortion
   
7. Minimal Focus Distance performance
   
8. Chromatic Aberration (CA)
   
   
9. Final Thoughts
   
10. Samples 1: Mini Vacation, Various Distances and Lighting
    
11. Samples 2: Mini Vacation, Continued
    
12. Samples 3: Mini Vacation, Final Set

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
A Tribute to New Zealand’s Piers by DistantPlaces

• Nature & Wildlife:
Those colorful Warblers of Magee Marsh Ohio ....... a dozen by Karl Witt

• People Photography:
Cookie by LarryBeemer

Congratulations to rjenson for winning WA 1232, based on the theme: Hands.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1233 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1234 just started with theme: "Self"
Deadline: June 10th noon - Participate!

Congratulations to J. Pow for winning MA 264, based on the theme: Wheels.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the MA 265 winners.
Cast your vote!

Monthly Assignment 266 just started with theme: "Rustic"
Deadline: July 1st noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Zion Canyon Autumn From a Bicycle by Ross Martin

• Nature & Wildlife:
Cooper's hawk and bobcat by jeffryscott

• People Photography:
Elizabeth by Dneufarth

Congratulations to Tom Harpstead for winning WA 1231, based on the theme: Gates.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1232 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1233 just started with theme: "Nighttime"
Deadline: June 3rd noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Oregon Coast by rji2goleez

• Nature & Wildlife:
From my local pond and park by jaylee73

• People Photography:
Taking it all in by sum1sgrampa

Congratulations to birdied for winning WA 1230, based on the theme: Flowers.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1231 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1232 just started with theme: "Hands"
Deadline: May 27th noon - Participate!

Now in stock!

CameraQuest: Black | Silver

B&H Photo: Black and Silver


Review Quick Links:

1. About the lens
   
2. Infinity Resolution and Contrast on Leica M10-R (41MP)
   
3. Infinity Resolution and Contrast adapted to Sony A7R II (42MP)
   
4. Field Curvature
   
5. Distortion
   
6. Minimal Focus Distance: Resolution and Contrast
   
7. Sunstar rendering, Flare resistance and Vignetting
   
8. Rendering compared to MS Optics 73mm f/1.5 Sonnetar at f/2.8
   
9. Chromatic aberration control: Purple Fringing, Axial and Lateral CA
   
10. Flare Resistance
    
    
11. Final Thoughts
    
12. Samples 1: At various distances and lighting
    
13. Samples 2: A few portraits at various distances
    
14. Samples 3: Various lighting and subjects
    
15. Samples 3: Various lighting and subjects II

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Northern Spain: a 4x5" Portfolio and a story by vieri

• Nature & Wildlife:
A little Stilt love story ...... by Karl Witt

• People Photography:
Apu by Danpbphoto

Pre-order

Here is the B&H Photo link: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1970580-REG/sony_ilce7rm6b_a7r_vi_mirrorless_camera.html

______


Key Features

⦿ 66.8MP FF Stacked Exmor RS BSI Sensor
⦿ 30 fps Shooting with AF/AE & Pre-Capture
⦿ AI-Based Real-time Recognition AF+
⦿ 8K 30/4K 120 10-Bit Video + Dual Gain
⦿ 16-Stop Dynamic Range + AI-Based AWB
⦿ 8.5-Stop IBIS + Composite Raw Shooting
⦿ 9.44m-Dot EVF with 120 fps Refresh Rate
⦿ 3.2" 2.1m-Dot 4-Axis Touchscreen LCD
⦿ Illuminated Buttons + New Battery & Grip
⦿ Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots

Sony also released the new Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM OSS Lens today!

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1969774-REG/sony_fe_100_400mm_f_4_5_gm.html

Congratulations to Pieter575 for winning WA 1229, based on the theme: Columns.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1230 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1231 just started with theme: "Gates"
Deadline: May 20th noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Blue Ridge spring by Ross Martin

• Nature & Wildlife:
Pot-O-Ducks by Danpbphoto

• People Photography:
Armando - Contax Planar 100/2 by GiovanniAprea

Congratulations to guywithgas for winning WA 1228, based on the theme: Celebration.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1229 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1230 just started with theme: "Flowers"
Deadline: May 13th noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Spring in the Harz mountains by hasenbein

• Nature & Wildlife:
Roseate Spoonbills by johnohio

• People Photography:
Andrea by GiovanniAprea

Congratulations to guywithgas for winning MA 263, based on the theme: Sea Shells.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the MA 264 winners.
Cast your vote!

Monthly Assignment 265 just started with theme: "Digital"
Deadline: June 1st noon - Participate!

Congratulations to learle for winning WA 1227, based on the theme: Bare Feet.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1228 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1229 just started with theme: "Columns"
Deadline: May 6th noon - Participate!