Alabama Hills Is Open to Visitors and Campers as of Friday May 22

I was evicted from Alabama Hills back on April 10.

The Alabama Hills area was reopened Friday May 22 in time for Memorial Day Weekend. Campers poured in Friday night like water through a breached dam, but now days are hot and the sand is dry and the flowers are desiccated, and.... lots and lots of campers, with polluted air from campfires along with human noises. The gestalt of the place is totally different than in March. It’s still special, but visit November through March for the best experience.

Not my thing at this point—crowded, dry and not at all like it was in March. But... one good storm could make it all interesting for a day or two. So head out and be prepared for good luck.

The most remote areas still have good photo opportunities; a little extra effort goes a long way. I might mountain bike to a place or two that is relatively empty to make some images if the clouds and weather present opportunities.

I was *so* embarrassingly lucky to enjoy the best year in 50 years (a local’s opinion) through March and early April with about 10% of normal visitation. The whole period was enthralling, and a treat that likely will never happen again. Actually—no—I have never believed in the depressing defeatist “trip of a lifetime” concept. Something even better will come along.

Are such things always luck? Maybe, maybe not—I keep getting lucky because... (my hypothesis) I expect to and keep the door open, so to speak—I travel and do most everything now expecting good things from serendipity, letting things flow as they are wont to. My concussion I would not care to repeat, but on top of red-pilling myself at age 6 through precocious logical analysis and rejection of dogma, the concussion enhanced all that by temporarily removed a processing module in my brain that peeled away a layer of the world.

Alabama Hills Closed — Blockade on Movie Road

f1.8 @ 1/25 sec electronic shutter, ISO 50; 2020-04-04 19:22:51
Sony A7R IV + Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G
ENV: Alabama Hills, altitude 5200 ft / 1585 m, 55°F / 12°C
RAW: LACA corrected, vignetting corrected, pull 1.1 stops, +100 Shadows, +55 Whites, +20 Clarity

[low-res image for bot]

Hasselblad XCD 135m f/2.8 Aperture Series: Lichen-Covered Granite Slab (Hasselblad X1D II 50C)

This aperture series from f/2.8 through f/11 evaluates the far distance performance of the Hasselblad XCD 135mm f/2.8 including sharpness and overall lens correction, lens symmetry, focus shift and field curvature.

It also includes an exposure at f/9 in which focus was placed more to the distance for a superior total result to either f/8 or f/11, a frame instructive for practical field-use shooting.

Hasselblad XCD 135m f/2.8 Aperture Series: Lichen-Covered Granite Slab

Includes images at up to full camera resolution.

CLICK TO VIEW: Hasselblad X Medium Format

Lichen-Covered Granite Slab

f4 @ 0.4 sec lens shutter, ISO 100; 2020-05-21 20:03:09
Hasselblad X1D II 50C + Hasselblad XCD 135mm f/2.8 @ 110.5mm equiv (135mm)
ENV: Horseshoe Meadows Rd, altitude 8800 ft / 2682 m, 58°F / 14°C
RAW: Enhance Details, vignetting corrected, pull 0.75 stops, +40 Whites, Color Luminance {Yellows +20}, Color Saturation {Aquas +40, Oranges +40, Yellows +40}, +10 Contrast, +20 Dehaze, +10 Clarity

[low-res image for bot]

Hasselblad X1D II 50C: Operational and Focusing Bugs

Within the first 15 minutes of usage, I found two serious bugs in the Hasselblad X1D II 50C. I have done everything Hasselblad has suggested including redoing all camera and lens firmware and spending half an hour on the phone—no solutions.

But there are more issue than just the first two.

BUG: Hasselblad X1D II Confirms Focus in Dim Light when Badly Out of Focus

Bug: Hasselblad X1D II Hangs with 20 Second or Longer Exposure

Bug: Hasselblad X1D II Sleeps, Won’t Wake Up

Unstable Lens Focus with Hasselblad XCD 80mm f/1.9

Hasselblad XCD 80mm f/1.9 Aperture Series: Lichen-Covered Granite Slab, View to Owens Lake (Hasselblad X1D II 50C)

This aperture series from f/1.9 through f/11 evaluates the far distance performance of the Hasselblad XCD 65mm f/2.8 including sharpness and overall lens correction, lens symmetry, focus shift and field curvature.

Hasselblad XCD 80mm f/1.9 Aperture Series: Lichen-Covered Granite Slab, View to Owens Lake

Includes images from f/1.9 through f/11 at up to full camera resolution.

Also noted is a serious unstable lens focus issue:

Unstable Lens Focus with Hasselblad XCD 80mm f/1.9

CLICK TO VIEW: Hasselblad X Medium Format

View to Owens Lake from Horseshoe Meadows Rd

f2.8 @ 1/1000 sec lens shutter, ISO 100; 2020-05-20 16:27:08
Hasselblad X1D II 50C + Hasselblad XCD 80mm f/1.9 @ 65.5mm equiv (80mm) + polarizer Breakthrough Photography
ENV: Horseshoe Meadows Rd, altitude 8800 ft / 2682 m, 60°F / 15°C
RAW: Enhance Details, vignetting corrected, pull 1.1 stops, +40 Shadows, +50 Whites, Color Luminance {Blues -10, Yellows +10}, Color Saturation {Blues +20, Oranges +10, Yellows +15}, +10 Dehaze, +20 Clarity

[low-res image for bot]

Hasselblad X1D II 50C: White Balance and Tint in Adobe Camera Raw, Mid-Day High Altitude Sunlight, DataColor SpyderCHECKR

This page assesses the white balance and tint required for raw processing in Adobe Camera Raw in mid-day sunlight with clear blue skies at an elevation of 8400 ft ~= 2560 meters in May. In such conditions, the sun is high overhead and the light is bluish (high color temperature).

Hasselblad X1D II 50C: White Balance and Tint in Adobe Camera Raw, Mid-Day High Altitude Sunlight, DataColor SpyderCHECKR

This page might save you time and effort in getting ideal color balance.

CLICK TO VIEW: Hasselblad X Medium Format

Setting the ACR color balance to “as shot” (camera was set to Daylight) results in color balance that is WAY off, being 4 points too green and 4 points too blue (in Lab mode) in this case. Clearly it is unwise to use “as shot” or “Daylight” with ACR. This is true of many cameras I have tested. Never assume that “as shot” or any fixed white balance setting is accurate for raw conversion; do your own evaluation as my instructions detail.

Spot-on neutral white balance and tint

f6.3 @ 1/640 sec lens shutter, ISO 100; 2020-05-20 13:04:21
Hasselblad X1D II 50C + Hasselblad XCD 80mm f/1.9 @ 65.5mm equiv (80mm)
ENV: Horseshoe Meadows Rd, altitude 8400 ft / 2560 m, 55°F / 12°C
RAW: vignetting corrected, +40 Whites, +10 Clarity
clear blue skies no clouds

[low-res image for bot]

Hasselblad XCD 65mm f/2.8 Aperture Series: Lichen-Covered Granite Slab, View to Owens Lake (Hasselblad X1D II 50C)

This aperture series from f/2.8 through f/11 evaluates the far distance performance of the Hasselblad XCD 65mm f/2.8 including sharpness and overall lens correction, lens symmetry, focus shift and field curvature.

Hasselblad XCD 65mm f/2.8 Aperture Series: Lichen-Covered Granite Slab, View to Owens Lake

Includes images from f/2.8 through f/11 at up to full camera resolution.

CLICK TO VIEW: Hasselblad X Medium Format

View to Owens Lake from Horseshoe Meadows Rd

f2.8 @ 1/640 sec lens shutter, ISO 100; 2020-05-20 16:51:54
Hasselblad X1D II 50C + Hasselblad XCD 65mm f/2.8 @ 53.2mm equiv (65mm) + polarizer Zeiss
ENV: Horseshoe Meadows Rd, altitude 8800 ft / 2682 m, 60°F / 15°C
RAW: Enhance Details, vignetting corrected, pull 1.25 stops, +100 Shadows, +50 Whites, Color Luminance {Blues -5, Yellows +10}, Color Saturation {Blues +20, Oranges +10, Yellows +15}, +20 Dehaze, +20 Clarity

[low-res image for bot]

Testing Started: Hasselblad X1D II 50C with Hasselblad XCD 65mm f/2.8, Hasselblad XCD 80mm f/1.9, Hasselblad XCD 135mm f/2.8

I’ve just started testing the Hasselblad X1D II 50C with Hasselblad XCD 65mm f/2.8, Hasselblad XCD 80mm f/1.9, Hasselblad XCD 135mm f/2.8. I am working directly with Hasselblad to get the Hasselblad XCD 45mm f/4 P on loan, but the whole COVID-19 situation is backing up shipping on gear.

I have to do a major resupply today and tomorrow (water, fuel, food, champagne and wine of course), but there should be a ton of coverage in coming ten days.

See my reviews of the Hasselblad XCD system in diglloyd Medium Format.

These Hasselblad XCD lenses are insanely sharp even wide open. Best in the business for medium format, on both sharpness and quality control (so far I see no lens skew issues). I do wish they had aperture rings though and I do wish Hasselblad would deliver a 100MP sensor camera body.

CLICK TO VIEW: Hasselblad X Medium Format

View to Owens Lake from Horseshoe Meadows Rd

f8 @ 1/125 sec lens shutter, ISO 100; 2020-05-20 16:28:04
Hasselblad X1D II 50C + Hasselblad XCD 80mm f/1.9 @ 65.5mm equiv (80mm) + polarizer Breakthrough Photography
ENV: Horseshoe Meadows Rd, altitude 8600 ft / 2621 m, 55°F / 12°C
RAW: vignetting corrected, pull 0.9 stops, +80 Shadows, +50 Whites, +20 Clarity

[low-res image for bot]

Sigma FE 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Aperture Series: View Over Alabama Hills to Wind Driven Snow on Whitney Range (Sony A7R IV)

I’ve added a 322-megapixel version of this image, upsampled using Gigapixel AI.

It shows some limits of the camera, but 60MP to 322MP is a big enlargement. And I am sure I could (with some time) arrive at better upsampling parameters.

Were it printed at 220 dpi, it could go to 100 inches ~= 2.5 meters wide.

Sigma FE 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Aperture Series: View Over Alabama Hills to Wind Driven Snow on Whitney Range

Includes images up to full camera resolution.

Important: due to the contrast, click to view this image in its own window. Viewing with an iMac 5K or similar is recommended.

View Over Alabama Hills to Wind Driven Snow on Whitney Range

f4 @ 1/1000 sec EFC shutter, ISO 50; 2020-03-24 17:20:54
Sony A7R IV + Sigma FE 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
ENV: Alabama Hills, altitude 5100 ft / 1554 m, 55°F / 12°C
RAW: LACA corrected, vignetting corrected, push 0.17 stops, +100 Shadows, -100 Highlights, +50 Whites, +88 Blacks, Color Luminance {Blues -76, Purples +100}, +40 Dehaze, +30 Clarity, Chroma NR {40,20,50}, USM {20,50,0}
ACR BW07

[low-res image for bot]

First Look: OWC ThunderBay 8

The OWC Thunderbay 8 is available in configurations up to 128TB (8 X 16TB).

I’ve started reviewing the OWC ThunderBay 8—awesome unit!

Overview of OWC ThunderBay 8

OWC ThunderBay 8: RAID-0 vs RAID5 vs RAID10 Performance

OWC ThunderBay 8: Examples of Various Configurations using SoftRAID

OWC Thunderbay 8: RAID-0 vs RAID-5 vs RAID-1+0

Slightly Delayed Testing: Hasselblad X1D II 50C with Hasselblad XCD 65mm f/2.8, Hasselblad XCD 80mm f/1.9, Hasselblad XCD 135mm f/2.8, maybe Hasselblad XCD 45mm f/4 P

UPDATE: I’ve published the overview page, vignetting, distortion and MTF pages for each of these lenses.

See my reviews of the Hasselblad XCD system in diglloyd Medium Format.

Due to a shipping glitch, I will have this gear on Monday or Tuesday, about 6 days later than planned, around May 18 or 19.

I am working directly with Hasselblad to get the Hasselblad XCD 45mm f/4 P on loan—it might or might not work out.

The Hasselblad XCD 35-75mm f/3.5-4.5 is so far unobtanium. It’s a bummer that the 35-75mm zoom is not available yet since it would be ideal to compare it directly to the 45/4P and 65/2.8.

Hasselblad X Medium Format

Hasselblad wish list • Deals on Hasselblad

$5750 Hasselblad X1D II 50C Medium Format Camera in Cameras: Medium Format

$1099 Hasselblad 45mm f/4 XCD P in Lenses: Medium Format

$2750 Hasselblad 65mm f/2.8 XCD in Lenses: Medium Format

$4845 Hasselblad 80mm f/1.9 XCD in Lenses: Medium Format

$4845 Hasselblad 135mm f/2.8 XCD Lens with X Converter 1.7x in Lenses: Medium Format

Fujinon 7 X 50 Binoculars (on sale)

Buyer’s guide pages at B&H: Work-from-home overview page | Live streaming from home | Gaming | Home Life
Buyer’s guide pages at OWC: Work from home essentials and NAB Specials at bhphoto.com.

I just received my Fujinon 7 X 50 binoculars from home, my wife having shipped them to me; I’ve owned them for years. Dang, they are incredible to look through!

On sale now at $100 off are the Mil-Spec Fujinon 7x50 FMTR-SX Polaris Binocular.

• Fujinon's Brightest Mil-Spec 7x50
• Water & Fogproof
• Porro Prism
• 7.5° Angle of View

See my past reviews and blog posts on binoculars including the Fujinon 7 X 50, which to this day I find is the finest binocular I have ever used.

The MOST critical thing in a binocular for working comfort is eye relief, especially for use with eyeglasses and/or sunglasses.

With 23mm eye relief, nothing beats the Fujinons—most binoculars have a miserably difficult-to-use 15mm to 19mm eye relief—very uncomfortable very quickly with constant blackout if the pupils are not kept rigidly in position—not so with the Fujinons. I consider 19mm eye relief an absolute minimum for comfortable use and that is a real compromise.

Large and heavy, these Fujinons are not for everyone and not for casual hiking/carrying, but the porro prisms kick the crap out of roof prisms, based on all the binoculars I have experienced including far deeper real depth of field viewing, which saves the endless hassle of adjusting focus as with roof prism designs.

The size and weight are no fun to carry but when using them the ergonomics/haptics are far superior to other designs. I can perfectly adjust for each eye individually, and the grip on them lets me pin my arms to my side for extended viewing comfort.

The 7X magnification and 50mm front elements make dim light viewing a jaw dropping experience—it feels like having night vision.

When I tested them, the viewing quality was hugely superior to any Leica or Zeiss offering when I tried them all some years ago.

Sony Pro Support Extends by 6 Months

Buyer’s guide pages at B&H: Work-from-home overview page | Live streaming from home | Gaming | Home Life
Buyer’s guide pages at OWC: Work from home essentials and NAB Specials at bhphoto.com.

Kudos to Sony for a nice gesture. Sony Pro Support has been worth the money every year.

Sony Imaging PRO SUPPORT

You're getting six additional months.

Dear Lloyd,

As a PRO Support member, you are among our most loyal customers, and we want you to know how much we value your being part of Sony's Imaging family.

With the current global situation, we are taking steps to ensure we are supporting all of our customers during these difficult times. For all Pro Support members like yourself, we are automatically extending membership for an additional six months, free of charge.

...you will see your membership extended by 6 months to 5/10/2021.

As a refresher, your Pro Support membership includes:
• Dedicated U.S. phone support experts
• Expedited repair turnaround time
• Repair loaners
• Evaluation loaner
• Camera maintenance
• Terms and conditions for the program applies to U.S. members

Huge Discounts on Samsung Q9F QLED 4K TVs

Buyer’s guide pages at B&H: Work-from-home overview page | Live streaming from home | Gaming | Home Life
Buyer’s guide pages at OWC: Work from home essentials

NAB Specials at bhphoto.com.

Hey, if you’re going to binge-watch while being locked down for COVID-19, why not do it in style with a big screen TV at a huge discount?

Huge Discounts on Big TVs

Macs wish list • Deals on Apple

$2999 SAVE $7000 = 70.0% Samsung Q9F 75" Class HDR UHD Smart QLED TV in Electronics: Televisions

B&H Photo NAB Specials

Buyer’s guide pages at B&H: Work-from-home overview page | Live streaming from home | Gaming | Home Life
Buyer’s guide pages at OWC: Work from home essentials

OK, so it's a big mess below, but these are all the deals for NAB 2020, this year a virtual conference online only, due to COVID-19.

NAB Specials at bhphoto.com.

B&H NAB 2020 Specials

Macs wish list • Deals on Apple

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$600 Zoom F6 6-Input / 14-Track Multitrack Field Recorder in All Other Categories	$1000 Zoom F8n 8-Input / 10-Track Multitrack Field Recorder in All Other Categories	$120 Zoom H1n 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Handy Recorder with Onboard… in All Other Categories	$350 Zoom H3-VR Handy Audio Recorder with Built-In Ambisonics Mic Arr… in All Other Categories	$280 Zoom H5 4-Input / 4-Track Portable Handy Recorder with Interchan… in All Other Categories	$300 SAVE $100 = 25.0% Zoom H6 6-Input / 6-Track Portable Handy Recorder with Interchan… in All Other Categories	$950 CalDigit T4 16TB Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array in Computers: Drives and Storage	$1150 CalDigit T4 24TB Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array in Computers: Drives and Storage
$1450 CalDigit T4 32TB Thunderbolt 3 RAID Array in Computers: Drives and Storage	$140 SAVE $40 = 22.0% G-Technology 1TB G-DRIVE mobile External Hard Drive (Thunderbolt… in Computers: Drives and Storage	$200 SAVE $130 = 39.0% G-Technology 1TB G-DRIVE slim USB 3.1 Type-C External SSD (Space… in Computers: Drives and Storage	$700 G-Technology 14TB G-DRIVE External Hard Drive (Thunderbolt 3 & U… in Computers: Drives and Storage	$105 SAVE $75 = 41.0% G-Technology 500GB G-DRIVE slim USB 3.1 Type-C External SSD (Spa… in Computers: Drives and Storage	$700 Glyph Technologies 2TB Atom Pro NVMe Solid-State Drive in Computers: Drives and Storage	$400 Glyph Technologies 2TB Atom USB 3.1 Type-C External SSD in Computers: Drives and Storage	$400 Glyph Technologies 2TB Atom USB 3.1 Type-C External SSD (Silver) in Computers: Drives and Storage
$450 Glyph Technologies Atom RAID 2TB USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C External S… in Computers: Drives and Storage	$450 Glyph Technologies Atom RAID 2TB USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C External S… in Computers: Drives and Storage	$170 Glyph Technologies 4TB Blackbox Plus 5400 rpm USB 3.1 Type-C Ext… in Computers: Drives and Storage	$880 $69 FREE ITEMS Glyph Technologies Atom RAID 4TB USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C External S… in Computers: Drives and Storage	$880 $69 FREE ITEMS Glyph Technologies Atom RAID 4TB USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C External S… in Computers: Drives and Storage	$500 Glyph Technologies 10TB Blackbox Pro 7200 rpm USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type… in Computers: Drives and Storage	$400 Glyph Technologies 12TB Blackbox Pro 7200 rpm USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type… in Computers: Drives and Storage	$600 Glyph Technologies 14TB Blackbox Pro Enterprise Class 7200 rpm U… in Computers: Drives and Storage
$900 Glyph Technologies StudioRAID 20TB 2-Bay Thunderbolt 2 RAID Arra… in Computers: Drives and Storage	$1200 $213 FREE ITEMS Glyph Technologies StudioRAID Thunderbolt 2 Enterprise Class 28T… in Computers: Drives and Storage	$179 Intel 1TB 660P NVMe M.2 Internal SSD in Computers: Drives and Storage	$269 Intel 2TB 660P NVMe M.2 Internal SSD in Computers: Drives and Storage	$300 LaCie 500GB Rugged Thunderbolt External SSD with USB Type-C Port in Computers: Drives and Storage	$2934 SAVE $200 = 6.0% $169 FREE ITEMS Promise Technology Pegasus32 R4 40TB 4-Bay Thunderbolt 3 / USB 3… in Computers: Drives and Storage	$4829 SAVE $300 = 5.0% $169 FREE ITEMS Promise Technology Pegasus32 R8 64TB 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 / USB 3… in Computers: Drives and Storage	$4749 SAVE $250 = 5.0% $169 FREE ITEMS Promise Technology Pegasus32 R6 72TB 6-Bay Thunderbolt 3 / USB 3… in Computers: Drives and Storage
$7979 SAVE $420 = 5.0% $169 FREE ITEMS Promise Technology Pegasus32 R8 112TB 8-Bay Thunderbolt 3 / USB… in Computers: Drives and Storage	$230 SAVE $20 = 8.0% Samsung 1TB 970 EVO Plus NVMe M.2 Internal SSD in Computers: Drives and Storage	$180 SAVE $20 = 10.0% Samsung 1TB T5 Portable Solid-State Drive in Computers: Drives and Storage	$180 SAVE $20 = 10.0% Samsung 1TB T5 Portable Solid-State Drive (Gold) in Computers: Drives and Storage	$180 SAVE $20 = 10.0% Samsung 1TB T5 Portable Solid-State Drive (Red) in Computers: Drives and Storage	$450 SAVE $50 = 10.0% Samsung 2TB 970 EVO Plus NVMe M.2 Internal SSD in Computers: Drives and Storage	$320 SAVE $80 = 20.0% Samsung 2TB T5 Portable Solid-State Drive in Computers: Drives and Storage	$360 SAVE $40 = 10.0% Samsung 2TB T7 Touch Portable SSD (Silver) in Computers: Drives and Storage
$90 SAVE $20 = 18.0% Samsung 500GB T5 Portable Solid-State Drive (Blue) in Computers: Drives and Storage	$90 SAVE $20 = 18.0% Samsung 500GB T5 Portable Solid-State Drive (Gold) in Computers: Drives and Storage	$90 SAVE $20 = 18.0% Samsung 500GB T5 Portable Solid-State Drive (Red) in Computers: Drives and Storage	$200 SAVE $119 = 37.0% SanDisk 1TB Extreme Pro Portable SSD in Computers: Drives and Storage	$230 SAVE $59 = 20.0% SanDisk 2TB 3D SATA III 2.5" Internal SSD in Computers: Drives and Storage	$300 SAVE $20 = 6.0% SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable USB 3.1 Type-C External SSD in Computers: Drives and Storage	$82 SAVE $39 = 32.0% SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable USB 3.1 Type-C External SSD in Computers: Drives and Storage	$509 SecureData SecureDrive BT 1TB Encrypted SSD with Bluetooth Authe… in Computers: Drives and Storage
$279 Wise Advanced 1TB Portable & Cinema USB 3.1 Gen 2 SSD in Computers: Drives and Storage	$169 Wise Advanced 512GB Portable & Cinema USB 3.1 Gen 2 SSD in Computers: Drives and Storage	$2999 mLogic mTape LTO-6 Thunderbolt 3 Archiving Drive in Computers: Drives and Storage	$4499 mLogic mTape LTO-7 Thunderbolt 3 Archiving Solution in Computers: Drives and Storage	$4999 mLogic mTape LTO-8 Thunderbolt 3 Archiving Drive in Computers: Drives and Storage	$1480 Buffalo TeraStation 24TB 5410DN 4-Bay NAS Server (4 x 6TB) in Computers: Networking	$5000 Buffalo TeraStation 48TB 51210RH 12-Bay NAS Server (12 x 4TB) in Computers: Networking	$3050 Buffalo TeraStation 64TB 5810DN 8-Bay NAS Server (8 x 8TB) in Computers: Networking
$46 SAVE $11 = 19.0% PNY Technologies 256GB Elite USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C Flash Drive in Computers: USB Flash Drives	$50 SAVE $10 = 16.0% PNY Technologies 256GB PRO Elite USB 3.0 Flash Drive in Computers: USB Flash Drives	$90 SAVE $30 = 25.0% PNY Technologies 512GB PRO Elite USB 3.0 Flash Drive in Computers: USB Flash Drives	$80 SAVE $20 = 20.0% Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Circumaural Closed-Back Monitor Headphones in Electronics: Audio	$29 SAVE $10 = 25.0% Porta Brace Filter Pouch Set for up to 3 Circular Filters up to… in Filters	$179 SAVE $40 = 18.0% Porta Brace MB-1B Matte Box Case in Lens Accessories	$6000 SAVE $3000 = 33.0% Teradek CTRL.3 Motor Wireless Lens Control Deluxe 1-Motor Kit in Lens Accessories	$2750 SAVE $2750 = 50.0% Teradek RT Single-Axis Super-Speed Wireless Lens Control Kit (Im… in Lens Accessories
$139 SAVE $100 = 41.0% Porta Brace Cordura Carrying Run Bag for Grip Essentials in Lighting: Cases	$199 SAVE $90 = 31.0% Porta Brace Large Wheeled Case for Grip Equipment in Lighting: Cases	$79 SAVE $30 = 27.0% Porta Brace RT-LED1X1 Lite Panel Rain Cover in Lighting: Cases	$2995 Fiilex K301PP P360 Pro Plus 3-Light LED Interview Travel Kit in Lighting: LED	$490 SAVE $204 = 29.0% Genaray Full Moon 18" Bi-Color LED Light in Lighting: LED	$199 SAVE $46 = 18.0% $79 FREE ITEMS Genaray PortaBright Daylight LED Battery Powered Monolight in Lighting: LED	$449 SAVE $601 = 57.0% Genaray Radiance Daylight LED Monolight in Lighting: LED	$299 SAVE $50 = 14.0% Genaray Torpedo LED Bi-Color Focusing Flood Light in Lighting: LED
$1999 Intellytech MEGA-LiteCloth 3 x 4.5 Foldable LED Mat Kit in Lighting: LED	$149 SAVE $46 = 23.0% Intellytech Pocket Cannon Mini (Daylight) in Lighting: LED	$967 SAVE $128 = 11.0% Kinotehnik Practilite 602 LED Fresnel in Lighting: LED	$1134 Ledgo 120W LED Fresnel with DMX & Wi-Fi in Lighting: LED	$1922 $509 FREE ITEMS Ledgo LG-G160 LED RGB Studio Light in Lighting: LED	$1699 SAVE $299 = 14.0% Luxli Taiko 2x1 RGBAW LED Light in Lighting: LED	$749 SAVE $250 = 25.0% Nanlite Forza 300 LED Monolight in Lighting: LED	$2699 SAVE $900 = 25.0% Nanlite Forza 500 LED 2-Monolight Kit in Lighting: LED
$1387 SAVE $462 = 25.0% Nanlite Forza 500 LED Monolight in Lighting: LED	$217 SAVE $72 = 25.0% Nanlite Forza 60 LED Monolight in Lighting: LED	$525 SAVE $175 = 25.0% Quasar Science Q-Lion 3x1 Lithium-Ion Battery LED Kit in Lighting: LED	$1500 SAVE $500 = 25.0% Quasar Science Q-Lion 3x3 Lithium-Ion Battery LED Kit in Lighting: LED	$2400 SAVE $800 = 25.0% Quasar Science Rainbow Q50R Quad Kit in Lighting: LED	$361 SAVE $19 = 5.0% Westcott Ice Light 2 LED Light in Lighting: LED

Apple Safari Web Browser Mangles Large Image on the Latest macOS 10.14.6 Mojave

Just today I discovered that Apple Safari on macOS 10.14.6 (latest security update) destroys fine details in large images. I did not install this latest update until yesterday, so this is why I had not seen it before.

There were some new GPU problems introduced in the latest updates, looks like the richest company in the world once again skipped quality control testing. More Apple Core Rot from the jackasses at Apple.

Even on a Retina display, the problem is obvious, which means it is a MAJOR loss of detail—resolution is at least cut in half, if not more.

It looks like images are being downsampled to a much lower resolution and then drawn to the screen—apparently some jackass at Apple put in some iOS code, which has long mangled images above a certain resolution. I just cannot understand this level of engineering gross stupidity.

The modest good news (better than nothing, but little consolation) is that if the image is saved from Safari and then opened in Photoshop, it is intact and the same quality as published on my site. So clearly it is a drawing issue as the correct image is retained in memory.

I have no idea what to do about it nor do I yet know at what size images are affected or if it is a general bug that could degrade images under other circumstances.

Google Chrome is useless; it cannot display very large images at all (just draws a red screen). Firefox works OK.

Click for actual pixels and toggle to compare.

Cropped image — compare original finely details image to mangled Apple Safari garbage

Sigma FE 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Examples: Mixed Lighting over Western Alabama Hills (Sony A7R IV)

This 304-megapixel 9-frame panorama shot with the Sigma FE 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art is spectacularly detailed.

Added to my review of the Sigma FE 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art:

Sigma FE 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Examples: Alabama Hills

Includes images up to full camera resolution.

NOTE: just today I discovered that Apple Safari on macOS 10.14.6 (latest) destroys fine details in large images.

Mixed Lighting over Western Alabama Hills

f8 @ 1/50 sec electronic shutter panorama 9 frames cylindrical, ISO 100; 2020-03-23 09:26:05
Sony A7R IV + Sigma FE 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
ENV: Alabama Hills, altitude 5350 ft / 1631 m, 55°F / 12°C
RAW: LACA corrected, vignetting corrected, USM {8,50,0}, SmartSharpen{30,0.8,20,0}

[low-res image for bot]

Kids Need Computers for Sure, What with School Attendance Uncertain

Buyer’s guide pages at B&H: Work-from-home overview page | Live streaming from home | Gaming | Home Life
Buyer’s guide pages at OWC: Work from home essentials

Most kids are not attending school due to COVID-19 and that might be the case this fall since far too many people have been infected to stop this thing.

They’ll need a computer. But you do NOT have to spend big bucks on a high-end one or even a new one. Kids will almost certainly prefer a laptop, but an iMac 4K or iMac 5K make a lot of sense for some.

Please support our site sponsors Other World Computing and B&H Photo as priority vendors using these ads/links. For other stuff, please use this Amazon link.

Big savings on refurbished Mac at OWC

Under financial pressure as most of us are? Don’t break the bank—refurbished Mac are smart move!

OWC has a wide range of refurbished Mac Some direct from Apple with full Apple factory warranty!

Refurbished Macs from OWC

External SSD wish list • Deals on OWC

$1138 SAVE $861 = 43.0% Apple 13" MacBook Pro Retina Touch Bar (2018) 2.3GHz Quad Core i… in New and used Macs: null

$879 SAVE $620 = 41.0% Apple 13" MacBook Pro Retina (2017) 2.3GHz Dual Core i5, Space G… in New and used Macs: MacBook Pro

$1549 SAVE $850 = 35.0% Apple 15" MacBook Pro Retina Touch Bar (2018) 2.2GHz 6-Core i7,… in New and used Macs: MacBook Pro

$719 SAVE $530 = 42.0% Apple 13" MacBook Air (2015) 2.2GHz Dual Core i7 - Used, Good co… in New and used Macs: MacBook Air

$3599 SAVE $1400 = 28.0% Apple 27" iMac Pro Retina 5K (Current Model) 3.2GHz 8-core Xeon… in New and used Macs: iMac

$55 SAVE $15 = 21.0% OWC USB-C Travel Dock - Space Gray in All Other Categories

Top deals on new Macs at B&H Photo

See my Top Deals page for laptops — updated daily, so bookmark it and check each day!

Refurbished Mac from OWC

Macs wish list • Deals on Apple

$1199 SAVE $300 = 20.0% Apple 13.3" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (Mid 2019, Silver) in Computers: Apple Macs

$1900 Apple 13.3" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (Mid 2019, Space Gray) in Computers: Apple Macs

$2199 SAVE $200 = 8.0% Apple 16" MacBook Pro (Late 2019, Silver) in Computers: Apple Macs

$3899 Apple 16" MacBook Pro (Late 2019, Space Gray) in Computers: Apple Macs

$929 SAVE $170 = 15.0% Apple 13.3" MacBook Air with Retina Display (Mid 2019, Silver) in Computers: Apple Macs

Work from Home: Apple MacBook Pro, and What to Get With It

Buyer’s guide pages at B&H: Work-from-home overview page | Live streaming from home | Gaming | Home Life
Buyer’s guide pages at OWC: Work from home essentials

Working from home during COVID 19 for now and maybe a lot longer? Want a portable yet powerful machine that can also plug into things and operate just like a desktop computer?

Please support our site sponsors Other World Computing and B&H Photo as priority vendors using these ads/links. For other stuff, please use this Amazon link.

OWC: What you Need (and Need to Know) to Work From Home Successfully
B&H: Work from home, learn from home, etc

Apple MacBook Pro: Portability and expansion with gorgeous display

See also my Mac wishlist. To avoid throwing away money needlessly on stuff that won’t help you, consult with Lloyd if building a more expensive complex system.

Choose the Apple MacBook Pro when you want a compact expandable machine good for 3+ years. Its expandability is less than a Mac Pro but it few users will ever need more expansion than an iMac 5K provides. And it has a gorgeous display.

The Apple 16" MacBook Pro is my preferred choice, but the 13" models are much easier to carry around. Big CAVEATS: buy the CPU and GPU and memory and internal storage you need/want upfront, because NOTHING internally is upgradeable internally.

You might want an external display and keyboard so that the MBP can be hooked up and function like a desktop (ergonomics of a laptop are awful).

You'll will probably want some additional ports for standard USB-A devices. Get a 1TB internal SSD at a minimum for most users, but 2TB or 4TB is preferred over the long term—way better than having to carry along extra devices externally. But you can always add more externally, as shown below. A range of options is shown here from basic yet excellent, to pro grade.

Robust Computing with MacBook Pro

Macs wish list • Deals on Apple

$1199 SAVE $300 = 20.0% Apple 13.3" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (Mid 2019, Silver) in Computers: Apple Macs

$2199 SAVE $200 = 8.0% Apple 16" MacBook Pro (Late 2019, Silver) in Computers: Apple Macs

$6099 Apple 16" MacBook Pro (Late 2019, Space Gray) in Computers: Apple Macs

$3899 Apple 16" MacBook Pro (Late 2019, Space Gray) in Computers: Apple Macs

$929 SAVE $170 = 15.0% Apple 13.3" MacBook Air with Retina Display (Mid 2019, Silver) in Computers: Apple Macs

$1300 LG UltraFine 27MD5KLB-B 27" 16:9 5K IPS Monitor in Computers: Displays

$94 Apple Magic Keyboard in Computers: Peripherals

$74 Apple Magic Mouse 2 (Silver) in Computers: Peripherals

Refurbished Macs from OWC

External SSD wish list • Deals on OWC

$1138 SAVE $861 = 43.0% Apple 13" MacBook Pro Retina Touch Bar (2018) 2.3GHz Quad Core i… in New and used Macs: null

$879 SAVE $620 = 41.0% Apple 13" MacBook Pro Retina (2017) 2.3GHz Dual Core i5, Space G… in New and used Macs: MacBook Pro

$1549 SAVE $850 = 35.0% Apple 15" MacBook Pro Retina Touch Bar (2018) 2.2GHz 6-Core i7,… in New and used Macs: MacBook Pro

$719 SAVE $530 = 42.0% Apple 13" MacBook Air (2015) 2.2GHz Dual Core i7 - Used, Good co… in New and used Macs: MacBook Air

$3599 SAVE $1400 = 28.0% Apple 27" iMac Pro Retina 5K (Current Model) 3.2GHz 8-core Xeon… in New and used Macs: iMac

Connecting a non-Thunderbolt display means you’ll want either the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock or the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dual DisplayPort Adapter (for the Mini DisplayPort). You might also want more USB-A ports.

Expansion for any modern Mac

Port Expansion wish list • Deals on OWC

$30 Tripp Lite USB 3.1 Gen 1 USB Type-C (USB-C) Multi-Drive Smart-Ca… in All Other Categories

$55 SAVE $15 = 21.0% OWC USB-C Travel Dock - Space Gray in All Other Categories

$50 SAVE $10 = 17.0% OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dual DisplayPort Display Adapter in All Other Categories

$295 OWC 14-Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock with Cable - Space Gray in All Other Categories

Additional storage might be needed for large image files, video, etc. At least three backup drives should be used: one always connected for daily or twice-daily backups, and two for off-site storage, safely away from the computer.

Storage, backup, for any modern Mac

External SSD wish list • Deals on OWC

$2299 OWC 8.0TB OWC ThunderBlade Ultra High-Performance Gen 2 Thunderb… in Storage: SSD	$1379 OWC 4.0TB OWC ThunderBlade Ultra High-Performance Gen 2 Thunderb… in Storage: SSD	$1100 OWC 4.0TB OWC Envoy Pro EX USB-C NVMe M.2 SSD Solution in Storage: SSD	$530 OWC 2.0TB OWC Envoy Pro EX with Thunderbolt 3 - Rugged High-Perf… in Storage: SSD	$479 OWC 2.0TB OWC Envoy Pro EX USB-C NVMe M.2 SSD Solution in Storage: SSD
$249 OWC 1.0TB OWC Envoy Pro EX USB-C NVMe M.2 SSD Solution in Storage: SSD	$2730 SAVE $100 = 3.0% OWC 64TB OWC ThunderBay 4 RAID Ready 4-Drive HDD Storage Solutio… in Storage: ThunderBay	$3570 SAVE $110 = 2.0% OWC 96TB OWC ThunderBay 8 Thunderbolt 3 RAID Storage Solution in Storage: ThunderBay	$780 SAVE $50 = 6.0% OWC 16.0TB OWC Mercury Elite Pro Dock - Thunderbolt 3 Dock and D… in All Other Categories

Work from Home: Apple iMac 5K, and What to Get With It

Buyer’s guide pages at B&H: Work-from-home overview page | Live streaming from home | Gaming | Home Life
Buyer’s guide pages at OWC: Work from home essentials

Working from home during COVID 19 for now and maybe a lot longer? Want a compact yet expandable machine with a gorgeous display?

Please support our site sponsors Other World Computing and B&H Photo as priority vendors using these ads/links. For other stuff, please use this Amazon link.

OWC: What you Need (and Need to Know) to Work From Home Successfully
B&H: Work from home, learn from home, etc

Apple iMac 5K: all-in-one with gorgeous display

See also my Mac wishlist. To avoid throwing away money needlessly on stuff that won’t help you, consult with Lloyd if building a more expensive complex system.

Choose the Apple iMac 5K when you want a compact expandable machine good for 3+ years. Its expandability is less than a Mac Pro, but it few users will ever need more expansion than an iMac 5K provides. And it has a gorgeous display that comes with a free computer running macOS.

The Apple iMac 4K is suitable for when things have to be more compact and the smaller screen is OK—personally I want a 27" display as minimum size but it’s hard to beat the compact elegance of the 4K model.

Buy the iMac 5K with 8GB memory then add OWC memory to go to 32GB or 64GB or 128GB. You'll will probably want some additional ports, but not everyone does. Get a 1TB internal SSD, but 2TB is preferred over the long term—but you can always add more internally or externally, as shown below. Do NOT upgrade the GPU unless you have very demanding needs; upgrading it is largely a waste of money for most users. I’ve listed the next model up with 12 CPU cores for more demanding users, but that is overkill for many users.

Robust Computing with Mac Pro

Macs wish list • Deals on Apple

$1229 SAVE $70 = 5.0% Apple 21.5" iMac with Retina 4K Display (Early 2019) in Computers: Apple Macs

$3849 Apple 27" iMac with Retina 5K Display (Early 2019) in Computers: Apple Macs

$2399 Apple 27" iMac with Retina 5K Display (Early 2019) in Computers: Apple Macs

$3199 Apple 27" iMac with Retina 5K Display (Early 2019) in Computers: Apple Macs

$187 OWC 32GB DDR4 2666 MHz SO-DIMM Memory Upgrade (2 x 16GB) in All Other Categories

$339 OWC 64GB DDR4 2666 MHz SO-DIMM Memory Upgrade (2 x 32GB) in All Other Categories

$650 OWC 128GB DDR4 2666 MHz SO-DIMM Memory Upgrade (4 x 32GB) in All Other Categories

Connecting a non-Thunderbolt display means you’ll want either the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock or the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dual DisplayPort Adapter (for the Mini DisplayPort). You might also want more USB-A ports.

Port Expansion for any modern Mac

Port Expansion wish list • Deals on OWC

$30 Tripp Lite USB 3.1 Gen 1 USB Type-C (USB-C) Multi-Drive Smart-Ca… in All Other Categories

$55 SAVE $15 = 21.0% OWC USB-C Travel Dock - Space Gray in All Other Categories

$50 SAVE $10 = 17.0% OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dual DisplayPort Display Adapter in All Other Categories

$295 OWC 14-Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock with Cable - Space Gray in All Other Categories

$50 SAVE $129 = 72.0% Tripp Lite USB 3.0 Charging Hub 7+1 Port Hub with Dedicated Char… in All Other Categories

Additional storage might be needed for large image files, video, etc. At least three backup drives should be used: one always connected for daily or twice-daily backups, and two for off-site storage, safely away from the computer.

Storage, backup, for any modern Mac

External SSD wish list • Deals on OWC

$2299 OWC 8.0TB OWC ThunderBlade Ultra High-Performance Gen 2 Thunderb… in Storage: SSD	$1379 OWC 4.0TB OWC ThunderBlade Ultra High-Performance Gen 2 Thunderb… in Storage: SSD	$1100 OWC 4.0TB OWC Envoy Pro EX USB-C NVMe M.2 SSD Solution in Storage: SSD	$530 OWC 2.0TB OWC Envoy Pro EX with Thunderbolt 3 - Rugged High-Perf… in Storage: SSD	$479 OWC 2.0TB OWC Envoy Pro EX USB-C NVMe M.2 SSD Solution in Storage: SSD
$249 OWC 1.0TB OWC Envoy Pro EX USB-C NVMe M.2 SSD Solution in Storage: SSD	$2730 SAVE $100 = 3.0% OWC 64TB OWC ThunderBay 4 RAID Ready 4-Drive HDD Storage Solutio… in Storage: ThunderBay	$3570 SAVE $110 = 2.0% OWC 96TB OWC ThunderBay 8 Thunderbolt 3 RAID Storage Solution in Storage: ThunderBay	$780 SAVE $50 = 6.0% OWC 16.0TB OWC Mercury Elite Pro Dock - Thunderbolt 3 Dock and D… in All Other Categories

Work from Home: Mac Pro deal, and what to get with it

Buyer’s guide pages at B&H: Work-from-home overview page | Live streaming from home | Gaming | Home Life
Buyer’s guide pages at OWC: Work from home essentials

Working from home during COVID 19 for now and maybe a lot longer? Want a robust exapandable machine that is whisper quiet, highly expandable (but not portable)?

Please support our site sponsors Other World Computing and B&H Photo as priority vendors using these ads/links. For other stuff, please use this Amazon link.

OWC: What you Need (and Need to Know) to Work From Home Successfully
B&H: Work from home, learn from home, etc

Apple Mac Pro: ultimate robust workstation

See also my Mac wishlist. To avoid throwing away money needlessly on stuff that won’t help you, consult with Lloyd if building a more expensive complex system.

Choose the Mac Pro when you want a robust, quiet, expandable machine that will serve you well for 5+ years. This thing sits on my desk and I hardly notice it, even under load. It’s the ultimate Mac for years to come in terms of memory, storage both internal and external, upgradeable GPU, etc.

The 8-core is the entry level Mac Pro, which is expandable as the other models (well, unless you need 1.5 terabytes of memory!). You'll need a display and will probably want some additional ports and memory. Start with 32GB, and if more is needed, get the memory from OWC as shown below. Get a 1TB SSD, but 2TB or 4TB is desirable over the long term—but you can always add more internally or externally, as shown below. Do NOT upgrade the GPU unless you have very demanding needs; upgrading it is largely a wast of money for most users. I’ve listed the next model up with 12 CPU cores for more demanding users, but that is overkill for many users.

Robust Computing with Mac Pro

Macs wish list • Deals on Apple

$6399 Apple Mac Pro in Computers: Apple Macs

$7399 Apple Mac Pro in Computers: Apple Macs

$1300 LG UltraFine 27MD5KLB-B 27" 16:9 5K IPS Monitor in Computers: Displays

$649 OWC 96GB DDR4 2933 MHz R-DIMM Memory Upgrade Kit (6 x 16GB) in All Other Categories

$1390 OWC 192GB DDR4 2933 MHz R-DIMM Memory Upgrade Kit (6 x 32GB) in All Other Categories

Connecting a non-Thunderbolt display means you’ll want either the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock or the OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dual DisplayPort Adapter (for the Mini DisplayPort).

Port Expansion for any modern Mac

Port Expansion wish list • Deals on OWC

$30 Tripp Lite USB 3.1 Gen 1 USB Type-C (USB-C) Multi-Drive Smart-Ca… in All Other Categories

$55 SAVE $15 = 21.0% OWC USB-C Travel Dock - Space Gray in All Other Categories

$50 SAVE $10 = 17.0% OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dual DisplayPort Display Adapter in All Other Categories

$295 OWC 14-Port Thunderbolt 3 Dock with Cable - Space Gray in All Other Categories

$50 SAVE $129 = 72.0% Tripp Lite USB 3.0 Charging Hub 7+1 Port Hub with Dedicated Char… in All Other Categories

Additional storage might be needed for large image files, video, etc. At least three backup drives should be used: one always connected for daily or twice-daily backups, and two for off-site storage, safely away from the computer.

Storage, backup, for any modern Mac

External SSD wish list • Deals on OWC

$2299 OWC 8.0TB OWC ThunderBlade Ultra High-Performance Gen 2 Thunderb… in Storage: SSD	$1379 OWC 4.0TB OWC ThunderBlade Ultra High-Performance Gen 2 Thunderb… in Storage: SSD	$1100 OWC 4.0TB OWC Envoy Pro EX USB-C NVMe M.2 SSD Solution in Storage: SSD	$530 OWC 2.0TB OWC Envoy Pro EX with Thunderbolt 3 - Rugged High-Perf… in Storage: SSD	$479 OWC 2.0TB OWC Envoy Pro EX USB-C NVMe M.2 SSD Solution in Storage: SSD
$249 OWC 1.0TB OWC Envoy Pro EX USB-C NVMe M.2 SSD Solution in Storage: SSD	$2730 SAVE $100 = 3.0% OWC 64TB OWC ThunderBay 4 RAID Ready 4-Drive HDD Storage Solutio… in Storage: ThunderBay	$3570 SAVE $110 = 2.0% OWC 96TB OWC ThunderBay 8 Thunderbolt 3 RAID Storage Solution in Storage: ThunderBay	$780 SAVE $50 = 6.0% OWC 16.0TB OWC Mercury Elite Pro Dock - Thunderbolt 3 Dock and D… in All Other Categories

On the Way for Testing: Hasselblad X1D II 50C Hasselblad XCD 45mm f/4P, Hasselblad XCD 80mm f/1.9, Hasselblad XCD 65mm f/2.8, Hasselblad XCD 135mm f/2.8

See my reviews of the Hasselblad XCD system in diglloyd Medium Format.

On the way for testing, arriving later this week. UPDATE: shipping was delayed and I won’t have the gear until the week of May 18.

I was hoping for the Hasselblad XCD 45mm f/4 P and Hasselblad XCD 35-75mm f/3.5-4.5 also, but they are not yet available. Perhaps if they show up soon (before I have to return the loaner camera), then I can also cover them in this time frame.

Hasselblad X Medium Format

Hasselblad wish list • Deals on Hasselblad

$5750 Hasselblad X1D II 50C Medium Format Camera in Cameras: Medium Format

$2750 Hasselblad 65mm f/2.8 XCD in Lenses: Medium Format

$4845 Hasselblad 80mm f/1.9 XCD in Lenses: Medium Format

$4845 Hasselblad 135mm f/2.8 XCD Lens with X Converter 1.7x in Lenses: Medium Format

Fujifilm GFX-50R for $3500 or only $4000 *with* the superlative Fujifilm GF 50mm f/3.5

$3500 for FUJIFILM GFX 50R or...

$4000 with the fantastic Fujifilm GF 50mm f/3.5 (my favorite lens for Fujifilm medium format!) at half price.

Limited time offer.

Click through to see the discounted prices. IMPORTANT: you must click through separately for each item to see the discounts for each (the pre-built camera + lens bundle at B&H does not reflect both discounts).

See also Fujifilm medium format wishlist.

Fujifilm GFX system

Fujifilm Medium Format wish list • Deals on Fujifilm

$3500 SAVE $1000 = 22.0% FUJIFILM GFX 50R Medium Format Camera in Cameras: Medium Format

$500 SAVE $500 = 50.0% FUJIFILM 50mm f/3.5 GF R LM WR in Lenses: Medium Format

More deals

Macs wish list • Deals on Apple

$1199 SAVE $500 = 29.0% Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Mirrorless (Black, Body Only) in Cameras: Mirrorless	$449 SAVE $200 = 30.0% Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Mirrorless in Cameras: Mirrorless	$998 SAVE $500 = 33.0% Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 Mirrorless in Cameras: Mirrorless	$3498 SAVE $500 = 12.0% Sony a9 Mirrorless in Cameras: Mirrorless	$50 Gift Trenz Woodsum Pinhole Camera in Cameras: Film Cameras	$1899 Nikon F6 SLR Camera (Refurbished by Nikon USA) in Cameras: Film Cameras	$1149 SAVE $150 = 11.0% Apple 13.3" MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (Mid 2019, Space Gray) in Computers: Apple Macs	$2199 SAVE $200 = 8.0% Apple 16" MacBook Pro (Late 2019, Space Gray) in Computers: Apple Macs
$175 SAVE $194 = 52.0% $7 FREE ITEMS Dell U2412M 24" UltraSharp LED Monitor in Computers: Displays	$80 SAVE $70 = 46.0% Manfrotto Street Camera and Laptop Backpack for DSLR/CSC (Green… in Accessories: Bags and Cases	$700 Nikon 10x42 Monarch HG Binocular (Refurbished by Nikon USA) in All Other Categories	$699 SAVE $200 = 22.0% Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art in All Other Categories	$259 SAVE $49 = 16.0% $16 FREE ITEMS Steiner 10x42 Safari Binocular in All Other Categories	$949 SAVE $50 = 5.0% Voigtlander 65mm f/2 MACRO APO-LANTHAR Aspherical in All Other Categories	$999 SAVE $100 = 9.0% Voigtlander 110mm f/2.5 MACRO APO-LANTHAR in All Other Categories	$320 SAVE $80 = 20.0% Samsung 2TB T5 Portable Solid-State Drive in Computers: Drives and Storage
$170 SAVE $30 = 15.0% Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case (2nd Generation) in Electronics: Audio	$300 Beats by Dr. Dre Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones (Gloss B… in Electronics: Audio	$99 SAVE $100 = 50.0% Klipsch T5 True Wireless In-Ear Earphones (Black/Silver) in Electronics: Audio	$300 SAVE $100 = 25.0% GoPro HERO8 Black in Video: Camcorders

Sigma FE 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Aperture Series: View Over Alabama Hills to Wind Driven Snow on Whitney Range (Sony A7R IV)

This series from f/1.4 to f/11 evaluates the Sigma FE 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art at far distance from f/1.4 through f/5.6. A custom black and white conversion was done utilizing aggressive contrast control and other adjustments to achieve the desired effects seen here.

Only a lens that has superb color correction and aberration correction could deliver results this high grade—tremendously impressive. It makes the Sigma FE 105/1.4 an outstanding choice for those looking to do black and white conversions.

Sigma FE 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Aperture Series: View Over Alabama Hills to Wind Driven Snow on Whitney Range

Includes images up to full camera resolution.

Important: due to the contrast, click to view this image in its own window. Viewing with an iMac 5K or similar is recommended.

View Over Alabama Hills to Wind Driven Snow on Whitney Range

f4 @ 1/1000 sec EFC shutter, ISO 50; 2020-03-24 17:20:54
Sony A7R IV + Sigma FE 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
ENV: Alabama Hills, altitude 5100 ft / 1554 m, 55°F / 12°C
RAW: LACA corrected, vignetting corrected, push 0.17 stops, +100 Shadows, -100 Highlights, +50 Whites, +88 Blacks, Color Luminance {Blues -76, Purples +100}, +40 Dehaze, +30 Clarity, Chroma NR {40,20,50}, USM {20,50,0}
ACR BW07

[low-res image for bot]