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The new super wide angle Distagon T* f/2.8 15mm lens for Canon and Nikon mounts is neither lightweight nor inexpensive (1.6 lb for Nikon, 1.8 lb for Canon mount, $2950) but what you get from this manual focus lens is exceptional image quality and facility that is perhaps unmatched by any other lens in its focal length class. With a 95mm filter thread and integral and fully compatible lens shade, the lens offers an extraordinary 110-degree angle of view that is pleasure to work with on a wide variety of subjects. The fast f/2.8 aperture is matched on the narrow end by a minimum aperture of f/22, which at 15mm means there’s potential for extraordinary depth of field effects using the 10-inch closest focusing range. While decidedly not a portrait lens, the 15mm is ideal for landscape, street photography and creative advertising work, as well as architectural and urban photography, as I discovered in mybrief time working with it.

The diminutive Nikon 1 series of cameras, including the J1 reviewed here and the coming V1, introduces the new CX-format CMOS sensor to the interchangeable lens, mirrorless camera field, which we dub Compact System Cameras. The sensor is smaller than APS-C and Micro Four Thirds sensors, coming in at a 2.7x multiplication factor using standard 35mm focal length designations. The 10.1-megapixel sensor has a native speed of ISO 100, with speeds up to 3200, and 6400 with a 1 EV push.

Unique to PODAS, each participant will be loaned a 60-megapixel IQ160 camera system for the workshop duration. The system comprises a Phase One 645DF camera body and IQ160 back. A full set of Phase One lenses will also be available. Participants will receive a copy of Capture One Pro software, as well as several final 30x40 prints of their work and a camera bag. Ambitious shooting excursions will be complemented by seminars on topics ranging from visualization to composition, capture, workflow and presentation.

The Round PocketBox is 8.5” wide, perfect for providing those round catch lights in the eyes. The Square PocketBox is 6” x 7” making it that perfect box for fill light while still maintaining compact diffusion. The Rectangular PocketBox is 8” x 12”, the largest of the three which is ideal for portrait and couples.

The PocketBox modifiers are built with top-notch components featuring an ultra-reflective silver interior maximizing light output as well as a removable inner diffusion panel. The worry-free elastic strap and soft grip panels help safely secure the PocketBox to the flash. The durable black backing prevents light spill and the heavy-duty, flexible wire framework will allow your PocketBox to withstand much abuse.