Amateur Photographer

Amateur Photographer is the world’s oldest weekly photographic magazine, established in 1884. It is the respected authority for news and reviews, with detailed tests and investigations on the latest equipment. The weekly contents include interviews and columns from many of the world’s leading photographers and practical technique to inspire and enthuse the devoted readership, to whom taking photos is far more than just a hobby. Essential reading for those interested in buying photographic equipment or wanting advice about improving their picture taking. Amateur Photographer is published 51 times a year. Subscribe now and save money on the retail price.

Welcome

THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTORS

RPS reveals award winners for 2025

New Voigtländer 28mm lens for Sony, Nikon

Park life and much more…

Ultimate Leica charity case

New Kodak film compact

Brassaï: Paris by Night by Brassaï, foreword by Paul Morand • A landmark of nocturnal photography, reborn in luminous detail, says Peter Dench

Books & exhibitions • The latest and best books and exhibitions from the world of photography

Vinyl NYC: 33 1/3 of the Best Record Stores Across All Five Boroughs by James T. and Karla L. Murray, words by Hattie Lindert

Field Trips: Travels in Britain 1976-1993 by Berris Conolly

Four seconds of perfection • The latest winners of Bird Photographer of the Year were as stunning as ever. Jade Burrell writes about the contest and the overall winner as we showcase our favourites

APOY Inspiration • If you’re planning to enter our Urban Life round, which launches next week, take these tips from four of last year’s top ten photographers

Irys: a new photo app made by photographers • When Instagram introduced video, many photographers felt sidelined. So street pro Alan Schaller decided to build his own app and created Irys, that puts photographers and still images back in the limelight. He talks to Benedict Brain about building a new photographers’ place online

My other half – why Fujifilm’s X Half is such creative fun • Deputy Editor Geoff Harris shares the pleasures – and quirky charms – of the unique Fujifilm X Half camera

SECOND-HAND CLASSIC Nikon D850 • Well-tailored for many subjects and situations, the Nikon D850 is one of the finest DSLRs ever made

Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art • Smaller, cheaper, lighter – Sigma’s updated 35mm f/1.2 lens brings better quality and usability to this moderately wide offering, says Damien Demolder

Laowa 180mm f/4.5 1.5x Ultra-Macro APO • Andy Westlake assesses a unique telephoto lens for extreme close-up photography

OTEX XT-850 Premium Gloves • Andy Westlake tries out some fully featured gloves for winter photography

Amateur Photographer

Inbox • Write to the Editor at ap.ed@kelsey.co.uk and include your full postal address. Please don’t send letters in the post as there is no one in the office to receive them. Replies are from the Editor unless otherwise stated

It's good to share • Our favourite photos posted by readers on our social media channels this week

Reader Portfolio • Spotlight on readers’ excellent images and how they captured them

Buying Guide • Our comprehensive listing of key specifications for DSLR lenses

Final Analysis • Damien Demolder considers... Först ST6P HD 6in Petrol Wood Chipper by Tim Wallace/Ambient Life