Lighting News

Metz has unveiled the new Mecablitz 26 AF-1, a compact flash unit with high-end features. The new pocket-sized Mecablitz 26 AF-1 is designed for use with compact point-and-shoot cameras and mirrorless interchangeable lens camera systems (with built-in hot shoes), providing more power than integrated camera flashes.

If you’re looking for European build quality at a reasonable price, Multiblitz’s series of Profilux monolights are a good place to start. Built in Germany, the two Profilux models—250 and 500 watt second versions—are the perfect tool for the serious amateur or established professional and feature fast recycling times, short flash durations, and consistent color temperatures. The Profilux 250 has a five-stop power range that’s adjustable in 1/10-stop increments with a modeling lamp that delivers an expected service life of 2000 hours. The Profilux 500 delivers all of the same features as the 250 but with twice the output power.

Fotodiox has unveiled the Pro Flapjack LED Ring Light kit offering photographers soft, beautiful lighting with minimal setup, a variety of mounting options, and a custom-fitted carrying case with shoulder strap. The versatile unit runs on either AC power or rechargeable batteries, both of which are included in the kit.

Every year manufacturers and distributors unveil new products at trade show events. They see these shows as the best venues to garner the attention of the gathered members of their industries and to show them their latest wares. In the photo industry this has traditionally been the annual Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Show, which we have always covered. This year that event was subsumed into the larger Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Phew, what a busy month it’s been for new photo gear! While the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas has not, traditionally, been a major event to debut high-end photography equipment, CES 2016 was definitely an exception with dozens of interesting imaging releases. (And hopefully this is a trend that continues at future CES events, which, in recent years have been rather ho-hum for photography gear.)

In a short press announcement this morning, Nikon said it's developing a forthcoming full frame (aka FX-format) professional DSLR called the Nikon D5. The D5 would be the follow-up to the 16-megapixel full frame Nikon D4S, which was announced in February 2014.

Wow! That’s all I need to say about the new Nissin Di866 shoe-mount flash. This baby has to be experienced to be believed. I was impressed with the other flash units Nissin first sent me, but this new flash sets new standards in technology and user-friendliness. For starters, the Di866 features wireless TTL that lets me take advantage of the latest camera/flash exposure advances. Second, it...