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A clever new set of glasses may offer new hope to people with macular degeneration. By copying the structure of a fly's eyes, the specs are claimed to "fill in" the missing section of the wearer's view of the world.
Category: Medical Devices, Medical Innovations, Body & Mind
We're back with another accessory roundup! This weekend, we're taking a look at some big flashes, new bags, color calibration tools, and more, but first – as always – let's see what's on sale.
Sales of the week Photo: Richard ButlerThe Nikon Z8 – a powerful camera that essentially stuffs the company's sports / action flagship Z9 into a smaller body – is currently on sale for $600 off. At $3,400 it's still an investment, but you'll be getting a ton of camera for your money.
Buy now:
Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H PhotoFor anyone who's focused more on video, Panasonic's GH7 is also on sale, going for $200 off MSRP.
Buy now:
Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo Big flashes Image: WestcottLighting company Westcott has introduced two new flagship-tier flashes: the FJ400 II, which is an update to an existing model, and the FJ800. Both feature OLED touchscreens that display your settings, give you access to a guide, and let you control the flash.
The FJ400II, as its name implies, has 400Ws of power, which it can recycle in 0.01 to 0.9 seconds. The FJ800 puts out 800Ws, and can recycle in 0.01 to 1.8 seconds. Both feature a 30W, bi-color modeling light, include a rechargeable battery, and have a Bowens mount for attaching accessories like softboxes or reflectors.
The FJ400 II costs $599, while the FJ800 is $999.
FJ400 II
Buy at Amazon Buy at B&HFJ800
Buy at Amazon Buy at B&H ThinkTank goes tactical Image: ThinkTankThinkTank has released two new backpacks, the DarkLight 14L and DarkLight 20L. The bags, which come in black or green, feature the standard suite of photography-focused features you'd expect from the company: they come with padded dividers, let you access your camera from the top or back of the bag, and have points for attaching tripods.
If you're into hooking other things onto your bag, though, the DarkLights give you far more options than most of the company's other backpacks. The front panel is covered in MOLLE loops that let you attach standardized pouches and other accessories, and also features a few hook and loop strips for attaching patches. The side of the bag has additional webbing for strapping things down.
The 20L can hold more gear but weighs 600g (1.32lb) more.
Image: ThinkTank
The company says the 14L model, which has a detachable waistbelt made out of webbing, can hold a "standard-sized camera body with lenses attached and 1–3 standard zoom lenses." The 20L model, which has a removable padded waistbelt, can hold a 16" laptop and "two bodies with lenses attached and 2–3 lenses, or one body with lens attached plus 3–5 lenses." They cost $169 and $199, respectively.
DarkLight 14L
Buy at Amazon Buy at B&HDarkLight 20L
Buy at Amazon Buy at B&H Anniversary colors Image: Datacolor25 years ago, Datacolor came out with its first Spyder color calibrator tool, and now it's created a "Spyder Celebration Kit" to commemorate the anniversary. The company says the kit is a celebration of "the essentials of precision color management for photography from capture through editing."
It gathers three of the company's products – the 2024 Spyder calibrator, a Spyder Checkr 24 color chart, and the "Spyder Cube" white balancing tool – and puts them into a metal carrying case. And, as a bonus, the kit's $199 price is around $70 less than you'd pay for the products if you bought them separately.
Buy at Datacolor An inexpensive lens Image: 7ArtisansWe don't generally talk about lenses in the accessory roundup, but if any lens counts as an accessory, it's this one. 7Artisans has released an 18mm F5.6 pancake lens made for full frame cameras with E, L, or Z mounts... and it costs just $89.
Image: 7ArtisansOf course, you'll have to cut some corners to make a sub-$100, 146g full-frame lens – the lens is manual focus only, and the aperture is fixed – but it's hard to complain about those things when the lens doesn't cost that much more than a good SD card. If you've never shot with wide-angle prime before or have always wanted to play around with a low-cost, compact lens, it may be worth picking this one up.
Buy at Amazon Buy at B&H Buy at Pergear Find your next shot Photo: FujifilmFujifilm has been adding stabilization to its cameras' sensors, but it hasn't stopped there; this week, the company announced two new pairs of stabilized binoculars, the Fujinon Techno-Stabi TS-L1640 and TS-L2040. Their respective 16 and 20x magnifications give you a lot of reach when you're surveying the landscape, whether you're doing so for fun or you're looking for an interesting subject for your next shot.
Despite packing the electronics and motors used to stabilize the optics while you're looking through them – powered by two AAA batteries – the binoculars are still relatively compact and lightweight. The company says they're IPX7 certified, so you won't have to worry about them if you suddenly get caught in a rainstorm.
The technology and optics don't come cheap, though. The TS-L1640 comes in at $1,199, and the TS-L2040 costs an extra $100. But if you're serious about your binoculars and are willing to pay the price, they'll be available starting January 31st.
Air Traffic Control Image: DJIDJI may sell its own first-person view, or FPV, drones, but that hasn't prevented it from making tools for the enthusiasts who want to build their own. It recently announced the O4 Air and O4 Air Pro, kits that let you attach a DJI camera and transmission system to a DIY drone. The company says the regular model is the "smallest and lightest 4K digital video transmission solution available" and says the Pro model is aimed towards people who want to capture high-quality video without the need for a separate camera like the GoPro Bones.
Both units can transmit 1080p 100fps footage back to the pilot and support the DJI Goggles 2, Goggles 3, Goggles N3, and Goggles Integra, as well as the second and third-gen DJI FPV Remote Controllers.
The regular O4 air costs $109 and can record 4K 60 fps video from its Type 1/2 (6.4 x 5.8mm) sensor. It has a range of 10 km (6.2 mi) and can transmit video with as little as 20ms of latency. The Pro, meanwhile, can record 4K footage at 120fps from its Type 1/1.3 (9.6 x 7.2mm) sensor, supports DJI's 10-bit D-Log color mode and can be fitted with the ND filters DJI makes for its Avata 2 drone. It has a range of 15 km (9.3 mi), a minimum latency of 15ms, and costs $229.
DJI O4 Air
Buy at B&H Buy at AmazonDJI O4 Air Pro
Buy at B&H Buy at AmazonIf you suffer from any leg pain – be it temporary or chronic – you'll know how difficult it can be to treat, outside of frequent sessions on the physiotherapist's table. Now, US company Ublives wants you to have the same results, all in the comfort of your own home.
Category: Wearables, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Massage, Compression, Airbags, Personal Assistant, Personalized Medicine, Chronic pain, Pain, Reviews
2024 has been a year in space that has seen successes, failures, a clutch of firsts, and some goodbyes – not to mention a long-distance probe rescue, spacesuits on the catwalk, and a couple of cosmic oddities. Let's have a look back.
Tags: Moon, Voyager, Space Suit, SpaceX, Ingenuity, Mars, best-of-2024
Heart attacks are dangerous not just because of the initial event, but the long-term damage afterwards. Now scientists have discovered a dormant gene that could be reactivated to regenerate heart tissue, preventing the progression to heart failure.
Category: Heart Disease, Illnesses and conditions, Body & Mind
Tags: Heart, Heart Failure, Heart attack, Protein, Regenerative, Regenerative Medicine, Regeneration, zebrafish, Mouse
Your action movie is coming together nicely, but it needs something thrilling, like an explosive car chase – and you're nearly out of budget. We’ve all been there, right? Right?
Category: Technology
Tags: Filmmaking, CES 2025, Special Effects, Cinematography
The incredibly sleek, space-optimized Wingamm Oasi plus-sized camper van has officially arrived in the United States. The new "micro class RV" combines Italian exterior flair with high-end European furnishings to instantly become a state-of-the-art camper van alternative for American buyers. The previously forbidden fruit isn't quite as affordable in the States as it is on the Old Continent but still offers compelling bang for the buck.
Category: Automotive, Transport
Tags: wingamm, Campervan, RV, Motorhome, Motorhomes, Camping, Outdoors and Camping
General Motors – once a trusted symbol of American innovation – was outed last year for secretly collecting and selling drivers' detailed driving information without their consent, with its OnStar Smart Driver technology. Now the FTC has smacked GM with a settlement that we can live with.
Category: Automotive, Transport
Tags: GM, Privacy, Data Protection, Cars, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia
Yamaha is set to follow Kawasaki into the hybrid segment, with the FZ-S Hybrid. Spotted at Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 in India, it's part of a sea change at Yamaha, the ripples of which will surely be felt throughout the motorcycle industry.
Category: Motorcycles, Transport
Tags: Yamaha, Kawasaki, Hybrid, Alternative Energy, urban transport, India
Pine cones are pretty smart for things with no brains, enough so that scientists have copied them to create a unique window shading system. The setup blocks sunlight in the summer and lets it through in the winter, without using any electricity.
Category: Good Thinking, Lifestyle
Tags: University of Stuttgart, University of Freiburg, Biomimicry, Sunlight
The Nikon Z-mount version of the Voigtländer Nokton 28mm F1.5.
Image: Cosina
In December last year, Cosina announced the Voigtländer Nokton manual focus 28mm F1.5 prime for Sony E-mount. It released an update last week that the lens will be available beginning January 23. Now, the lens maker has announced a Nikon Z-mount version of the same lens, which is expected to be available sometime in February. Cosina currently lists the suggested retail price of both versions at ¥130,000, or around $833 at the time of writing.
The two lenses are mostly identical, though there are some noteworthy differences. Naturally, the lens Cosina had to adjust each model to account for the different mounts, resulting in slightly different sizes. The Z-mount weighs 360g (12.7oz) and measures 67.6mm (2.7") in diameter and 57mm (2.2") long, while the E-mount weighs 320g (11.3oz) and measures 62.6mm (2.5") in diameter and 55mm (2.2") in length. Naturally, there is a difference in filter size as well. The Nikon Z-mount model features a 52mm filter thread, while the Sony E-mount uses a 49mm filter. The knurling texture is also slightly different between the E-mount and Z-mount versions.
While both versions feature an aperture control ring, which photographers will need to use to manually control the aperture, it does appear that one is more tailored to video than the other. Interestingly, the page for the Sony version specifies that the aperture ring can be de-clicked to operate silently while recording video, while the Nikon version does not mention this.
The Sony E-mount version of the Voigtländer Nokton 28mm F1.5.
Image: Cosina
The 28mm F1.5 is designed for full-frame cameras (though they can be used on APS-C models) and offers an aperture range of F1.5 to F16 with a 12-blade diaphragm to help produce round bokeh. It features ten optical elements in eight groups.
The lens is manual focus only, as we would expect from a Voigtländer lens. It is, however, equipped with electronic contacts, which provide Exif data and support in-body image stabilization when paired with a camera that offers it. Additionally, the contacts communicate focus distance, which allows for focus assistance features, which vary depending on what camera you're using them with.
Voigtländer Nokton 28mm F1.5 for Nikon Z-mount manufacturer sample images Photo: Jima for Cosina Photo: Jima for Cosina Photo: Jima for Cosina Photo: Jima for Cosina Voigtländer 28mm F1.5 Aspherical specifications Principal specificationsLens typePrime lensMax Format size35mm FFFocal length28 mmLens mountNikon Z, Sony E, Sony FEApertureMaximum apertureF1.5Minimum apertureF16Aperture ringYesNumber of diaphragm blades12OpticsElements10Groups8FocusMinimum focus0.28 m (11.02″)AutofocusNoDistance scaleYesDoF scaleYesPhysicalWeight320 g (0.71 lb)Diameter63 mm (2.46″)Length55 mm (2.17″)SealingNoColourBlackFilter thread49 mmHood suppliedYesTripod collarNoUnlike cats, our vision is pretty rubbish in very low light conditions. Fortunately, technology can help us reveal the hidden secrets of the night. The Nightra night vision monocular is just such as gadget, and promises to reveal "every detail in vivid, full color."
Tags: Night Vision, Cameras, 4k, Color, Kickstarter
A couple of University of Nebraska professors have launched a startup company with the goal of bringing to market an innovative method for delivering drugs and other therapeutics to targeted locations in the human body. The key ingredient? Milk.
Category: Medical Innovations, Body & Mind
Tags: Drug delivery, Exosomes, Milk, peptide, University of Nebraska
Astronomy photographers, your time to shine is here. The 2025 Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest is now open for entries, giving you the opportunity to submit your favorite images of the night sky. The contest is hosted by the Royal Observatory, Greenwich and seeks to highlight epic space photography. Participants have the chance to win cash prizes, the chance to have their image displayed in an exhibition at the National Maritime Museum and a year's subscription to BBC Sky at Night Magazine. Entries are open until March 3, 2025, at noon GMT.
The contest includes eight categories for adults (anyone 16 and older). While some categories require powerful magnification, others focus on the night sky more broadly, so you don't need a powerful telescope to participate. A separate Young Competition is open to those 15 and younger. The Young Competition is completely open and has no individual categories.
The Astronomy Photographer of the Year website defines the adult categories as the following:
The overall winner across all adult categories will win a prize of £10,000 (roughly $12,231 at the time of writing) and the title of Astronomy Photographer of the Year. The judges will also select a winner, runner-up and one highly commended entry from each category for the adult categories, plus a winner, runner-up and three highly commended images in the Young Competition. Prizes are £1,500 ($1,835), £500 ($611) and £250 ($305), respectively.
Additionally, there are two special prizes available. The Sir Patrick Moore Prize for Best Newcomer is for new astronomy photographers who have only been practicing in the genre since January 2024, are 16 or older, and haven't entered the competition before. The Annie Maunder Open Category is for rewarding innovative approaches to astronomy art. Both offer a prize of £750 ($917).
In what they're calling the "highest density of mechanical bonds ever achieved," researchers created a super-strong flexible material that works very much like chainmail. The breakthrough has already demonstrated its ability to improve body armor.
Tags: Polymer, Armor, Chemistry, Northwestern University, Duke University
Nintendo has finally taken the wraps off its upcoming Switch 2 portable gaming console, and from what we can see in its playful trailer, its, um... awfully similar to the original that launched 8 years ago.
Category: Games, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Gaming, Portable Gaming, Nintendo, Nintendo Switch
A 13-year study of tiny penguins in Australia has dispelled the long-held myth that these seabirds mate for life, with the 'divorce rate' nearly 10 times that of the current statistics for US adults. And, not surprisingly, it all comes down to kids.
Tags: Monash University, Penguins, Animals, Animal science, Conservation, Environment
Renault Group/Geely venture Horse was spun off in 2023 to pursue next-generation powertrain technologies. Unlike so many other startups, Horse's brief wasn't simply to churn out new electric motors and battery packs for pure-electric vehicles but to create a comprehensive lineup of efficient combustion engines, transmissions and electric components for the next generation of hybrids and low-emissions ICE vehicles. Its latest motor has hit production, giving automakers a small, efficient unit that delivers seamless power and torque for hybrid cars.
Category: Automotive, Transport
Tags: Motor, Plug-in Hybrid, Hybrid, Renault, Geely
Another major contender has entered the launch business as Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket roared into orbit today. At 2:03 am EST, the heavy launcher lifted off from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
Tags: New Glenn, Blue Origin, Launch, Rocket
It was 50% success today as SpaceX's Starship 7 mission lifted off from Boca Chica, Texas at 4:36 pm CST and ended with the second capture landing of the giant Super Heavy first stage and the unexplained loss of the Starship second stage.
