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

Has DaVinci painted Lightroom into a corner?

Miller (and Beaton) Time

New full-frame F2.8 fisheye lens

Irys photography talks

Taking the Michael

Viewpoint Joshua Waller • Our online editor wishes that digital compacts could just be fun, without trying to imitate film cameras

Harry Gruyaert New York • A master of New York street photography shows us all how it’s done, says Amy Davies

Taking shape • From microscopic structures to sweeping aerials, Jon McCormack’s new book Patterns reveals the hidden visual language of the natural world and the patience required to see it, finds Peter Dench…

Big hitters • With nearly half a million entries, the judges must have had a tough job choosing the winners of this year’s Sony World Photography Awards. Here, Amy Davies selects some highlights from the Class of 2026© MICHAEL BLANN, UNITED KINGDOM, FINALIST, PROFESSIONAL COMPETITION, LANDSCAPE, SONY WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS 2026

Flashback ONE35 V2 • Missing the 1980s, and the fun we all had with single-use cameras? Hanker no more, says Damien Demolder. Now we have the digital version, complete with an (optional) 24-hour wait for the pictures to be developed

Viltrox TCL-X100VI • This 1.4x teleconverter brings useful extra reach to your X100 at a palatable price, says Andy Westlake

Neewer Z3R flash • Neewer’s latest round-head on-camera flash unit offers 100W of output, a 100m wireless range and can pop 100 times in sequence. Damien Demolder gets to grips with its touchscreen interface

PGYTech CreateMate High-Speed Mini Card Reader Case • Andy Westlake tries out a neat SD / micro-SD reader that doubles up as a card case

Bilora Radix • John Wade examines a camera with a different approach to 35mm

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

THIS WEEK WE ASKED... • What separates a good photographer from a great one? You said...

Excire – the fastest, smartest way to sort out your photos • If your photo and video collections are out of control, you need Excire Foto 2025 and Excire Search 2026 – powerful photo and video management apps which bring order to chaos

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

Join the Club • This friendly, inclusive club offers workshops and ‘show and tell’ evenings, for all skill levels

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

Final Analysis • Tracy Marshall-Grant considers… New Brighton, England, 1983-85, by Martin Parr, from the series The Last Resort