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The Most Chaotic Camera of 2025
The latest from the Phoblographer for November 5th, 2025.
Chris Gampat
November 05, 2025
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Here’s the latest:
Viltrox Just Made the Best Affordable 85mm Lens for Nikon Z Mount
By Chris Gampat
November 5, 2025
Last month, we reviewed the Viltrox 85mm f2 for Sony E mount. And we found this lens to be something of an identity crisis. By all means, it's a good lens -- but it's clearly designed for the deal-seeking crowd and it's nothing like their 85mm f1.4 that we're in love with. The Viltrox 85mm f2 EVO has an aperture ring, decent focusing, and pretty darn good image quality. And now, it's coming to Nikon Z mount.
Love the Sony 85mm f1.8? Be Inspired by These Great Photographers
By Chris Gampat
November 5, 2025
The Sony 85mm f1.8 is a very affordable, lightweight, fast-autofocusing, and useful lens. It's arguably Sony's best 85mm lens in many different ways. For years, photographers have chosen not to go for the higher-end 85mm f1.4 G Master but instead opt for the more affordable and smaller option. But in addition to that, they all produce really incredible work with this lens. So I dove into the site's archives to find three photographers who absolutely love this lens. If you're into portraiture, these folks will hopefully inspire you.
The Most Important Part of a Photograph Influencers Don’t Tell You About
By Chris Gampat
November 5, 2025
I remember a while ago watching a special from what I believe was the BBC on photographers and how they shoot in the wild. And it still sticks out to me how a few of the photographers really just spoke about the technicalities more than anything else. Very few really talked about how important the moment is. Too few do.
I Didn’t Want a Grip for my Nikon Zf. Then I Found This
By Chris Gampat
November 5, 2025
Last year, I convinced my friend Jackie to get a Nikon Zf with some savings she had. Part of it was because of my review, and she also loved how retro it looked and felt. But it was only this year that I saw her camera -- oddly with a grip attached to it. This puzzled me in so many different ways. I typically never shoot with a grip on cameras and this comes from my background a Leica M shooter. But after holding her camera, I was shocked at how nice it felt and how extra retro the grip made hers look. She bought the NEEWER CA063 L-Shape Handle for Nikon Z f. And that was enough to make me want to buy it too.
Camp Snap Lets You Put Your Initials on the No-Screen Camera
By Nilofer Khan
November 4, 2025
Are you someone who likes to personalise their devices? By that, I mean adding your initials, getting cool wallpapers, and adding a keychain to your device. While many people dislike it, there are many young photographers who enjoy the process, making their cameras feel more at home. If you are someone like this, then you should take a look at Camp Snap's new offering, which is sure to make your day.
Buy a Membership, Get Capture One at a Discount!
By Chris Gampat
November 4, 2025
In 2025, we’re trying to get to a minimum of 2,000 subscribers as part of our membership program! Capture One is discounted for members! The New Phoblographer membership is now based on our website. Yes, we moved away from the app. It was a bittersweet move — but what we’re offering you now is even …
Godox V480 N Speedlight – Small But Consistent
By Feroz Khan
November 4, 2025
Most flashes shout specs and power, but the Godox V480 just gets out of your way and lets you shoot. It’s small, confident, and trustworthy, especially when you’re working indoors or chasing clean light on short notice. This one doesn’t try to overtly impress you; it quietly earns your respect. The Big Picture: Godox V480 …
The Paper Shoot Camera is Most Chaotic Camera of 2025
By Chris Gampat
November 4, 2025
This title is odd; yes, I know. The feeling you have in you right now is probably the same feeling that I have writing this review and the same I had while testing the Paper Shoot. This review is a story of intimidation, fear, overcoming said fear, relaxation, fun, disappointment, adoration, and the conclusion -- which is to be continued at another point. I say this because I genuinely feel like I need to come back to this camera at another time when I can truly gather up my feelings about it. If you're not familiar with what the Paper Shoot camera is, then you're probably not riding the wave of nostalgia that Gen Z and Gen Alpha have been at the head of. But it's mostly us millennials that are fueling it qith a desire to get back to something organic and real. And trust me: the Paper Shoot camera feels like it's from the not too distant past because just like every other millennial, I beleive the 80s were only 20 years ago. And that's correct, right?
Viltrox 135mm f1.8 Nikon Z Mount Lens: A Magnificent Beast
By Feroz Khan
November 4, 2025
Every once in a while, a lens comes into your hands that truly catches everyone’s attention. The Viltrox 135mm f1.8 for Nikon Z is just that. I’ve had models who usually couldn't give two hoots about what lens I used, tilting their heads and asking in awe, “What is that thing?” It looks as impressive as it performs. It's so chunky that I had a bit of a tough time getting it into my camera bag. But it gives you simply stunning results all the time no matter what the scenario.