If you’re searching for an affordable short telephoto prime with impressive autofocus performance, excellent image quality, a fast maximum aperture, and other key attributes, this quick video review is for you. In fact, respected photographer Mark Weimels insists that “the Yongnuo 85mm f/1.8 is the sharpest budget lens ever made.”

According to Weimels, who posts weekly tutorial and gear reviews for budget-conscious photographs, Yongnuo is a company that’s great at making lenses but terrible at marketing them. Thus, you may be unfamiliar with the brand but it’s time you got up to speed.

Weimels notes that his claim isn’t based solely on personal experience, because “this lens has been objectively tested by the respected DXO website that found the Yongnuo  85mm prime to be the second-sharpest lens they ever tested—sitting above a premium lens that costs over $13,000!

In other word, the performance and optical quality you’ll get for well under $400 are simply unmatched. This remarkable lens is available in mounts for Nikon Z, Sony E, and Canon RF although the latter can be difficult to find.

So what are the big compromises you have to make when grabbing this deal? According to Weimels there are none.  After putting the Yongnuo 85mm f/1.8 through its paces in a variety of situations this is Weimels’ conclusion: Everything from the build quality and handling to all the optical testing I’ve done indicates that it performs perfectly, near-perfectly, or well above average,” and the sharpness is superb—despite the remarkably low price.

This is a full-frame lens that works equally well with APS-C cameras. It’s constructed with nine elements in eight groups and uses affordable 58mm filters. The lens is equipped with an AF/MF mode switch, seven circular aperture blades for nice bokeh, and boasts nano-multi-layer coating for increased light transmission and minimal flare/ghosting.

This surprising lens also supports USB-C firmware upgrades so you can download the latest version to keep the 85mm f/1.8 performing at its best. Weimels says he loves this lens for portraiture, but he also sings it’s praises for shooting on the streets as well as product, wedding and event photography. Just look at the examples he provides, and you’ll be very impressed.

There’s much more to see and learn on Weimels’ popular YouTube channel, especially if you’re looking for more amazing bargains.

And speaking of lenses, don’t miss the tutorial we featured recently with an accomplish pro who demonstrates why and how the aperture setting on a lens has a significant impact on the appearance of every photograph you shoot.

If you’re looking for a secret ingredient to boost the impact of outdoor photos, concentrating on textures is a great way to go. That’s the topic of this tutorial from the Viewfinder Mastery YouTube channel, an international community of photographers who exchange proven techniques that deliver superior results.

Today’s instructor, Matt Anderson, is Director and lead instructor of the group and he summarizes the concept like is: “Texture is an amazing creative tool that all photographers should know how to use, and we explore it all. If you put these expert tips to use on your next photoshoot you’ll get awesome results.”

If you think about it, there are interesting examples of eye-catching textures in just about every outdoor scene we confront. The trick is understanding how to artfully compose a photo with this vital component in mind. Textures can be rough like a brick wall, or smooth, gritty, or soft—and each type can evoke a different mood.

Anderson puts it like this: “Texture helps you tell stories with your camera and it can really help the viewer know how your subject or scene feels in a sort of visual, tactile way. It’s what makes you feel that you can reach out and touch the subject through the photograph.”

Choosing the right object to emphasize is the first step in the process, and this simply requires that you careful evaluate a scene to discover a textural component. A walk in the park is a great place to start if natural textures are what you have in mind. Tree bark, leaves, rock formations, wet surfaces, and remnants of animal fur are all worth exploring.

You can also find compelling textures by strolling through the city where you live. Here you’re looking for concrete structures, rough pavement, rusted metal, cobblestone streets, and all sorts of industrial elements that you can include within the frame.

Anderson explains and illustrates how to put all this together with several illustrative photos in which some form of texture is an essential element of the image. You don’t need fancy gear or complex focusing or exposure techniques. This simply involves a new way of viewing your surroundings and incorporating what you see in the photos you shoot.

The Viewfinder Mastery YouTube channel is a great source of instructional videos on a wide variety of topics. So be sure to pay a visit when you have some free time to explore.

And don’t miss the tutorial we featured recently from a professional photojournalist who demonstrates how he captures spectacular Golden-Hour photographs with a unique look.

Most of us have the skills to capture beautiful photos of family members, be they our spouse, kids, grandkids, or other members of the clan. And because you’re a photographer it’s a good bet that your friends may ask you to do that for them too—even if portraiture isn’t your thing.

Before you throw up you hands and say, “but I don’t have any lighting equipment,” watch today’s tutorial that describes how to get the job done indoors with natural light. All you really need is a white wall near a large window, the camera you already own, a wide-angle lens if group shots are part of the plan, and the straightforward pro tips below.

Instructor Taylor Jackson is an accomplished Canadian wedding photographer who occasionally accepts stand-alone family sessions when his busy schedule permits—and he’s got the art down to a simple science. In barely four minutes he covers everything from exposure, posing, and composition, to the difference in techniques between making individual portraits and capturing family members in groups.

Jackson keeps thing simple in this behind-the-scenes episode, armed with the Sony A9II and a Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM lens. He explains why he prefers mirrorless cameras and fast lenses for these types of shoots. The overall strategy goes this: “I like to create an opportunity for candid photos while also getting the standard posed photos that will end up in frames and on fridges.”

You’ll see why it’s important to work fast to keep subjects engaged when dealing with inexperienced “models,” especially when it comes to little kids who may want to be doing something else. In fact, Jackson often begins a session with candid photographs of the kids unless they’re particularly shy. A few toys or props is usually all it takes to loosen them up and keep them involved.

Jackson also demonstrates his methods for positioning everyone in a group, and why technical matters like focusing and aperture settings are like to differ from those he employs for individual portraits. He usually takes the largest group first, and then moves on to smaller, less complicated pairings.

Another important task is capturing as many variations of each setup as possible, while experimenting with different poses and camera angles, so that there’s a large selection of photos from which to choose.

You can find more details on this topic and others by paying a visit to Jackson’s instructional YouTube channel. And when you do, be sure to subscribe so you’ll receive his free audiobook that’s packed with helpful tips.

We also suggest watching an earlier tutorial we featured from another accomplished expert who demonstrates how to shoot magical indoor portrait photographs illuminated by nothing more than candles and a couple mirrors.

Leica Camera AG has released Leica LUX, an iOS app that enables smartphone shooters to experience prominent aspects of Leica photography. Dubbed LUX, the new app is available in both free and subscription versions with features divided accordingly. No additional accessories are required, and it’s available from the Apple store now.

Promising to bring the “iconic Leica Look to the iPhone,” Leica LUX is a result of collaboration with Fjorden Electra AS which Leica acquired as of December 1, 2023.

Using the subscription version of the app in Aperture Priority mode, iPhone photographers can capture images that emulate shots taken with certain classic Leica lenses including the Leica Summilux-M 28mm f/1.4 ASPH and the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. Lens options are limited  to the 28mm f/1.4 for users of the free version of the app.

Additionally, Leica LUX provides a selection of “Leica Looks” which currently includes  Leica Classic, Leica Contemporary, Leica Black and White, and several others. The Leica Standard Look displays colors and contrast differently than the onboard iPhone camera app.

Leica LUX features an Automatic Photo mode, Aperture Priority mode, and a Manual mode that allows users to adjust exposure compensation and shutter speeds. Leica stated that they plan regular updates with new lens profiles, Leica Looks and functions.

The free version of Leica LUX includes Automatic Photo mode and Aperture Priority mode, emulation of the Leica Summilux-M 28 mm f/1.4 ASPH, and five Leica Looks.

Leica LUX Pro is available as a subscription with prices starting at $6.99 monthly. Leica LUX Pro adds the ability to manually control exposure, focus and white balance, plus 11 Leica Looks and five Leica lens emulations.

The app is available now and supports the iPhone SE (iOS 17) or newer. Later iPhone models offer better performance. Check Leica’s website for up-to-date system requirements, updated features and other information. Leica made no mention of Android plans.

—Jon Sienkiewicz