This is a nice story told by Evan. It has a sad end (as he didn’t get published) but there is a lesson in this for all of us. Keep up doing your great job Evan!

This is a guest post from Per Kylberg

Best tools for the post process of digital photos – an overview
Per Kylberg

Heavily debated and a frustration to many – here is a walk-through of the best alternatives. My background is graphic design, gradually evolving into an IT position afor “virtual systems”. From 1982 I have been evaluting, using, developing systems in theese areas.
The starting point is always the output, end product, usage of result. In my case the ambition is a large, beautiful pring that can hang on the wall for years and still be interesting! Systems should also support a process and/or enable a better process.
Photo creation can be separated into two sub processes: image capture and post processing/digital darkroom. “Capture” will take you through about 60% of the total process. Post processing is 40% of the final result. (In terms of creative effort). My post processing experience stems from 1966 – my first wet darkroom. Digital systems will never be as magicly creative as the darkroom experience, but takes a lot less time to learn and to execute.

Matt Granger can surely not be suspected to be a Sony fanboy. He is a long time Nikon shooter and tried years ago to switch over to Sony but did regret this step because of multiple reasons (poor Sony service was the main reason). Well times are changing and after testing the A7rIII in Perù he concluded that this is the camera of the year.

I know Matt is heavily invested in Nikon and the A7rIII is still not enough to force him to switch. But let’s hope future Sony improvements will make him go back to Sony again :)

And Engadget also says the A7rIII is the best camera you can get:

More A7rIII tests:
Shooting sport with the Sony A7R III (CameraJabber).
SONY A7RIII REVIEW – The Best Mirrorless So Far (Kinotika).
Sony a7R III – The Best Camera on the Market in 2017 – Period (Part I of II) by Ronmartblog.

Sony A7rIII at Amazon, Bhphoto, Adorama, BuyDig, FocusCamera, Calumet DE, Wex UK. Photo Porst Neuwied. Sony Netherland. Sony Australia. Sony Japan.

Join the A7rIII facebook group to discuss the camera features and tests.

the fully extended 24-105mm lens (image via SLRclub)

Ken Rockwell writes:

This Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS is the world’s best midrange zoom. It offers spectacular optical performance as well as first-rate mechanical construction at half the price of similar lenses, and it’s smaller, lighter and has better ergonomics than the more expensive lenses. It is a superb lens at a reasonable price, a weather-resistant baby version of the huge 24-70mm f/2.8 GM.
This is a professional lens at a consumer price!

Amateur Photographer writes:

For existing users who shoot with the FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA it’s an upgrade well worth considering, especially if you often find yourself coming up against the limits of the zoom range. It’s not as affordable or petite, but its extra telephoto range is oh-so-useful, while the addition of an AF hold button along with focus and IS mode switches are great for usability. Overall it’s just a really versatile lens that gives consistently excellent results.

Sony 24-105mm at Amazon, Bhphoto, Adorama, BuyDig, FocusCamera, Amazon DE, Calumet DE, Wex UK.

We got plenty of new A7rIII video reviews:

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Sony A7rIII at Amazon, Bhphoto, Adorama, BuyDig, FocusCamera, Calumet DE, Wex UK. Photo Porst Neuwied. Sony Netherland. Sony Australia. Sony Japan.
Sony 24-105mm at Amazon, Bhphoto, Adorama, BuyDig, FocusCamera, Amazon DE, Calumet DE, Wex UK.

Join the A7rIII facebook group to discuss the camera features and tests.

Max Yuryev (video on top) tested the video features the Sony A7rIII. And below you can see TheDigitalRev’s take on the camera.

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Sony A7rIII at Amazon, Bhphoto, Adorama, BuyDig, FocusCamera, Calumet DE, Wex UK. Photo Porst Neuwied. Sony Netherland. Sony Australia. Sony Japan.
Sony 24-105mm at Amazon, Bhphoto, Adorama, BuyDig, FocusCamera, Amazon DE, Calumet DE, Wex UK.

Join the A7rIII facebook group to discuss the camera features and tests.

Opticallimits (former Photozone) tested the Sony 85mm f/1.8 FE lens:

Moderately fast (as opposed to insanely fast) 85mm or 100mm lenses are generally an easy choice unless something went terribly wrong during the design phase. Still, honours where honours are deserved – the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is an epic lens. It combines outstanding sharpness with a buttery bokeh which is a quite rare combination actually. Lenses that are pushing sharpness are usually not quite as smooth when it comes to the quality of the bokeh. Lateral CAs, as well as image distortions, are low. In terms of weaknesses, we’d list the bokeh fringing – albeit it isn’t any worse than the competitors, a fairly high RAW vignetting at f/1.8 and a reduced quality at very close focusing distances (if that matters in this lens class).

The build quality of the lens is surprisingly high considering the fact that the lens is primarily targeting the consumer market. It’s a tightly assembled, all-metal construction and it’s weather-sealed, too. Manual focusing (by wire) works nicely and the auto-focusing speed is above average.

And to complete the nice story, all that is available at a very affordable price. Therefore, unless you really need that extra speed of a 85mm f/1.4 (and most don’t really), we finish with … highly recommended!

Sony 85mm at [shopcountry 65241].

And Opticallimits also tested the Zeiss Batis 85mm:

The Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 is one of the best lenses that we have reviewed so far. It isn’t just a sharp lens. It is excessively sharp even at fully open aperture. Low CAs add to the goodness. That being said – it is not a perfect lens. Image distortions and vignetting are weak spots making it almost necessary to take advantage of Sony’s image auto-correction. The quality of the bokeh is very good but there are a few lenses out there that are better still. That also applies to bokeh fringing which is on the high side.
The build quality is up to professional standards – a metal body, no wobbly parts, weather sealing – that’s all excellent. However, we are still no big fans of the slippery surface coating, the dust catching focus ring and the dismal quality of the lens cap. The AF speed is good albeit not extremely fast. The OLED display on the lens is a looker for sure … whether it’s really useful may be a different question.

Even when taking its downsides into account – the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 is an awesome lens. Therefore … highly recommended!

Batis 85mm at [shopcountry 54737].