The 2023 TIPA Awards have been announced, and Sony did quite well.
BEST FULL FRAME PROFESSIONAL CAMERA Sony Alpha 7R V
TIPA editors were unanimous in their choice of the Alpha 7R V as a highly impressive, responsive, and flexible camera that raises the bar on features and functions for working pro photographers. It offers a 61MP full frame sensor, 8K video recording, and an 8-stop image stabilization system, plus it offers unprecedented accuracy and speed in tracking and predicting a host of subject’s movement with its advanced AI-powered autofocus system. Thanks to its Exmor R BSI and BIONZ XR Processor, the Alpha 7R V features a remarkable 15-stop dynamic range and expanded low-light capability. When the action is fast and split moment shots are crucial, photographers can make good use of the ability to capture 10 fps at full resolution for up to 583 consecutive compressed RAW frames – with full-time AE/AF – and, in JPEG capture, an incredible 1000 consecutive frames in a single burst.
BEST PROFESSIONAL CONTENT CREATOR CAMERA Sony ZV-E1
Designed for demanding content creators who want to record both on the go and fixed setup content without the need of a crew or post processing, the compact and full-frame ZV-E1 offers new Al functions for tracking moving subjects, can handle multiple subject interactions, and can be set up for visual effects and moods via numerous cinematic vlog settings. Control options are easily accessed via the on-camera touchscreen and remotely via smartphones. Its Dynamic Active Mode provides increased stabilization for newfound freedom when shooting handheld while the AI chip intelligently crop in the image in order to keep your subject always at the centre of attention. Numerous connectivity options include livestreaming via a USB connection. An onboard 3-capsule mic covers directionality shifts and can be set or manually or on auto detection. A bonus is access to the Sony Creators’ Cloud ecosystem that allows for cloud-based editing and media sharing.
BEST WIDE-ANGLE PRIME LENS SIGMA 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art
Poll serious photographers about their favorite street, architecture, and even landscape prime lens and the 24mm focal length is sure to be a top choice. This fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, 11-bladed diaphragm lens also delivers ideal specs for nighttime and low-light capture, including astrophotography, featuring 2 FLD and 1 SLD glass elements and 4 aspherical elements that eliminate distortion and significantly suppress coma flare. The facility of the lens is enhanced by 2 filter holders, a front 72mm filter thread for ND and polarizer filters plus a rear filter holder that accommodates sheet-type filters, used by night sky photographers for special effects. The lens delivers both edge-to-edge sharpness and advanced optical and mechanical design, critical in this focal length class.
BEST STANDARD PRIME LENS Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Offering a super-fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, this prime lens is ideal for low light and candid shooting. With an 11-blade diaphragm and 40.6cm close focusing capability, this G Master lens is ideal as a general purpose lens that can deliver startlingly smooth backgrounds and rich bokeh. TIPA editors were impressed by the incorporation of new design and control features that make it as ideal for video as it is for still photography, including two focus hold buttons and a Linear Response manual focus ring for fine focus control. Dust and moisture-resistant construction pays special attention to seams, buttons and switches while a fluorine front element coating further protects it from challenging conditions. Like all Sony G Master lenses, special elements minimise aberrations and distortion while providing outstanding resolution, sharpness and enhanced clarity and colour accuracy.
BEST MACRO LENS AstrHori 28mm F13 2X Macro Probe
From ultra-wide to super telephoto to fisheyes, special-purpose lenses allow for unique exploration of the world around us. This “probe” optic with a maximum magnification ratio of 2:1 offers an aperture range of f/13 through to f/40 with a working distance from the front element of just 0.3 inches (8mm). Both the focusing and aperture rings use M.O.D. gears for connecting to follow focus systems. An integrated LED array on the front lens, with 10 intensity levels, draws power from a separate USB-C port. The light and probe can also be submerged up to 9.8 inches (25cm) for underwater macro capture. Available in numerous camera mounts, it’s one of the most unique lenses TIPA members have seen.
BEST STANDARD ZOOM LENS Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G
Modern lenses must meet the needs of video, including vlogging, as well as those of still photographers. The Sony FE 20-70mm hits both marks plus serves as an excellent wide to normal lens that extends the universal 24-70mm zoom to a very useful 20mm at the short end. For videographers, when zoomed wide it offers an extensive field of view for selfies, landscape and event photography with excellent edge to edge sharpness, while the “portrait” 70mm length is perfect for POV, interview, and detail work, with a 9-bladed diaphragm for soft bokeh effects. Two XD motors provide smooth and silent AF performance, while an updated design eliminates focus breathing, focus shift, and axial shift, with active mode image stabilization adding even quality to its video capabilities.
BEST TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS TAMRON 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
The Tamron 50-400mm lens is an ideal choice for a wide range of photographic applications, thanks to its close focusing distance of 25cm (9.9 inches) at the 50mm setting. Whether you’re shooting sports events, wildlife, or landscapes, this lens is compact and easy to transport, with an overall length of only 183.4mm (7.2 inches). To ensure sharp and stable shots, the lens features a VXD linear focusing mechanism and a vibration compensation system (VC) that helps reduce camera shake in low light or when shooting at slower shutter speeds. This allows you to take advantage of a wider range of shooting opportunities, even in challenging lighting conditions. In addition to its still photography capabilities, the Tamron 50-400mm lens can also be used for movie shooting when combined with the Tamron Lens Utility.
BEST SUPERZOOM LENS SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports
This 10X zoom lens is designed as an essential tool for aerial, sports and wildlife photographers. From a close-focusing range of 45cm (17.8in.) at the wide end to its super-tele range, pinpoint focusing is assured via its newly designed HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motor that delivers high focus-following performance. In use, its dual action zoom is a great aid in the field by allowing both rotary and straight zooming. Its zoom lock control at all marked focal distances, and three easy access AFL buttons also contribute to an excellent usability. To assure steady shots even in challenging conditions the lens incorporates SIGMA’s new OS2 optical stabilizer algorithm that delivers a startling 7 stops at the wide end and 6 stops at the telephoto end.
BEST CONTENT CREATOR LENS TAMRON 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD
The Tamron 20mm F/2.8 lens is a compact and versatile option for mirrorless camera systems, with an ergonomic design that works well with gimbals or camera rigs. It’s a great choice for vloggers and content creators, particularly when used with the Tamron Lens Utility software. The lens’s wide field of view is ideal for selfies, while the 40mm focal length is well-suited for close-ups and scene-setting. The lens is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for on-the-go photography, including landscapes, travel, street, and family events. It’s designed for use with Sony E-mount cameras and features a VXD linear motor focusing mechanism that provides accurate autofocus. It also supports Sony’s Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF functions on select cameras.
via TIPA
