Serving as a bigger brother to Nordic & Spruce's weekender model, the Overnighter, the Homesteader is a tiny house that's well-suited to full-time living for a couple or small family. Measuring 272 sq ft (25 sq m), it features a spacious and light-filled interior layout that can be configured with lots of options.
Category: Tiny Houses, Outdoors
Tags: Building and Construction, Tiny Footprint, House, Home, Micro-House
Californian e-mobility outfit Viribus has launched a new electric trike family, with tasty specs like a 1,200-W peak motor on offer for pedaling or throttling up inclines, as well as dual shocks, rear differential, and a two-step folding design.
Category: Urban Transport, Transport
When Nikon showed us its two new DX lenses, it also let us try the Grain Effect processing that's about to arrive on the Nikon Zf.
The option should arrive in a forthcoming firmware update for the camera. It allows you to add grain to stills or video, with a choice of grain size and intensity. The grain differs with each photo, and changes frame-to-frame in video mode to give a realistic temporal effect.
Grain Effect gives you a choice of six intensity levels and three sizes of grain. It can be combined with any of the camera's Picture Style color modes but, at least in the camera we used, couldn't be added after the fact using the in-camera Raw converter. This means you can shoot with grain and then re-process if you decide you don't want it, but not the other way 'round.
Nikon was tight-lipped about when the feature will be available, but we'll bring you the news as soon as it is.
In the meantime, here are some examples we shot. They were shot using a camera running non-final firmware, so we've not been allowed to provide full-sized images. However, these samples have been cropped, rather than resized, so that the size, shape and character of the grain isn't changed.
Pre-production Grain Effect images from the Nikon ZfPlease do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter/magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing; we do so in good faith, so please don't abuse it.
Note: All images are out-of-camera JPEGs cropped and re-saved.
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab.While Nikon lens names may not be the most complicated out there (that award probably goes to Tamron), they still aren't short of letters and abbreviations. And while its mirrorless lenses feature more streamlined lens names than its DSLRs, the company still uses plenty of acronyms and proprietary terms in its lens descriptions. Trying to decipher what those mean and what matters can feel like quite the challenge. In this article, we'll be breaking down the most commonly used terminology on Nikon lenses (both in the name and the description) to help you cut through the mess.
Lens type and compatibilitySome of the most important terms to pay attention to relate to lens type and compatibility. After all, you don't want to accidentally buy a lens that doesn't work with your particular camera.
F mount, Z mountFirst and foremost are Nikon's lens mounts. Nikon's F mount is its longest-running mount, used on the company's film SLR cameras, followed by its DSLRs. F mount is used on both full-frame and APS-C digital cameras. No one letter or acronym signifies F mount lenses, so you'll need to know some of the other terminology below, be familiar with the look of Nikon's F mount lineup or look carefully for the lens mount information on a product listing.
Nikon Z mount is the company's mirrorless mount, introduced in 2018. If you see a Z in a lens name, such as Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR, it is part of the mirrorless lens lineup and only compatible with the company's Z mount cameras.
DX The Nikkor Z DX MC 35mm F1.7 is a macro (MC) lens for mirrorless (Z) APS-C cameras (DX).If "DX" is in a Nikon lens name, it is meant for its APS-C (crop sensor) cameras. Nikon uses DX on both its DSLR and mirrorless lenses to signify lenses meant for smaller sensors.
FXThe counterpart to DX, "FX' lenses are designed for Nikon's full-frame cameras, both DSLR and mirrorless. As with most systems, these lenses will work on crop sensor cameras, though the focal lengths may not make as much sense when multiplied by 1.5x.
MCSome Nikon lenses, such as the Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, feature "MC" in the lens name. MC is Nikon's indicator that the lens is a macro offering, meaning it provides a 1:1 reproduction ratio. Nikon's older DSLR lenses may say "Micro" instead of MC, which also signifies it is a macro lens meant for capturing details.
S Image: NikonSome Nikon mirrorless lenses feature an "S" in the name, which refers to the S-Line of Nikon lenses. The company says the lenses in this series are its top-tier ones for mirrorless in terms of build and optical quality. As such, they demand steeper prices than lenses without the badge.
Lens design and coatingsPerhaps Nikon's biggest category of special terminology is its lens design and coatings. Nikon has an extensive list of terms for special lens elements and coatings used to improve image quality, which often cause the most confusion when trying to assess its lenses. These elements and coatings can be used together, so you may see multiple terms mentioned below on a single lens.
EDNikon included ED in its DSLR lens names, though it dropped the abbreviation in its mirrorless lineup. However, you'll still see ED mentioned in the lens's description (and on other brands' lenses, too), as it's still something commonly used in optical design. ED stands for Extra-low Dispersion glass, a type of lens element. ED glass helps minimize chromatic aberration, resulting in clearer images with more accurate colors.
PF lensThe AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR lens features a Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element and ED element.
Image: Nikon
A small number of Nikon lenses utilize a Phase Fresnel (PF) lens. This lens element allows Nikon to dramatically reduce the size and weight of a long telephoto lens by using fewer lens elements, while still managing chromatic aberration to maintain image quality. As with ED, Nikon used to include PF in DSLR lens names, but does not do so in its mirrorless lineup. Instead, you'll need to look into the lens description or specs to see if that element is present.
Meso Amorphous CoatNikon says the Meso Amorphous Coat is its newest and most advanced anti-reflective coating, meant to deliver high levels of ghosting and flare suppression. The company says it's an improvement on its previous Nano Crystal Coat and ARNEO Coat technologies, seen below. The coating suppresses incident light from any direction, including diagonally and vertically. At the time of writing, the coating is only used on Nikon's highest-end mirrorless lenses.
ARNEO CoatThe ARNEO Coat is also an anti-reflective coating. It's designed to suppress reflections from light entering a lens vertically and is ideal for producing clear, high-contrast images even in backlit environments.
Nano Crystal Coat The gold "N" on the right side of the AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm F2.8E ED VR means it uses Nikon's Nano Crystal Coat. Nikon no longer puts such badges on its mirrorless lenses, though.The Nano Crystal Coat is yet another anti-reflective coating developed by Nikon to reduce ghosting and flare. It minimizes reflections even from light entering the lens diagonally. The Nano Crystal Coat is older than the ARNEO and Meso Amorphous Coats, but still works to produce clearer, higher-contrast images in the company's professional-grade lenses.
Nikon Super Integrated CoatingFinally, we have Nikon's Super Integrated Coating (SIC), the oldest of the ones mentioned here. It was designed during the transition to digital photography and is meant to minimize ghosting and flare, especially in backlit conditions. SIC is used on nearly all Nikkor lenses.
Stabilization, focusing system and apertureLast but not least, Nikon uses various acronyms to refer to stabilization, focusing systems and aperture features. As with lens design, you may see overlaps with multiple terms mentioned for the same lens.
E The AF-S NIKKOR 28mm F1.4E ED has E in the name, which means it uses an electronic aperture diaphragm.Lenses with an E in the name, or with "E-type" mentioned in the specs, use an electronic aperture diaphragm. That means the lens aperture is controlled by electronic signals from the camera, rather than a mechanical lever as in older F mount lenses. The E-type aperture allows for precise and silent aperture changes, which is ideal for high-speed photography or video recording. All of Nikon's mirrorless lenses use the E-type mechanism, as do a selection of DSLR lenses.
VRVR in Nikon lens names refers to the company's optical stabilization, which it calls Vibration Reduction. As with other optical stabilization systems, it aims to reduce blur from camera vibrations when using longer shutter speeds.
G The AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm F1.8G lens has G at the end of the name, which means it lacks an aperture ring.Some Nikon F mount lenses feature a "G" in the name, which means that they lack aperture rings. In such cases, the aperture must be selected from the camera body, so the lens needs to be used on a camera that offers such control.
AF-S, AF-PLenses in Nikon's DSLR lineup may feature AF-S or AF-P in the lens name. AF-S stands for Autofocus with Silent Wave Motor (SWM), which means that the lens uses Nikon's ultrasonic motor. AF-S lenses will work on all Nikon DSLRs, though there are no mirrorless Nikon lenses that use a SWM.
Lenses with AF-P in the name, on the other hand, use a stepping motor to power the autofocus. They are faster, quieter and smoother than SWM autofocus systems. As a result, they are better for video use or situations that demand responsive autofocus. AF-P lenses may not be compatible with older DSLRs, but they can be used on Z mount cameras with the FTZ adapter.
SSVCMWhile Nikon did away with autofocus mentions in the lens name, it hasn't stopped developing new systems. Some higher-end Nikon lenses use its Silky Swift VCM (Voice Coil Motor), Nikon's most advanced autofocus drive technology at the time of writing. Nikon says it offers higher-speed, higher-accuracy and quieter AF operation with less vibration during operation.
A hopeful and imaginative approach to social housing that focuses on comfort, community and socialization has earned Appleby Blue Almshouse the UK's top architecture award. The Royal Institute of Architects (RIBA) praised its radical reimagining of the traditional almshouse, turning the senior housing project into something special.
Category: Architecture, Technology
Tags: RIBA, Competition, Architects, Building and Construction, Housing
Thanks to the development of new, lightweight rotors, engineers in Germany have created a small wind turbine that excels at efficiency, even when breezes aren't blowing strongly. The development is a big step toward efficient green home power generation.
Category: Energy, Technology
Tags: Wind, Wind Power, Wind Power Innovations, Wind turbine, Fraunhofer, Green+Energy
Even in death, cells leave a trace. Scientists have discovered a microscopic “Footprint of Death” that not only helps the immune system clean up but can also give viruses a new way to spread infection.
Tags: Cells, Virus, Infections, The Immune System, La Trobe University, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute
A new oral drug stands to become the first prescription pill specifically designed to regrow hair in both women and men. If approved following current Phase 3 trials, it would be the first new treatment for pattern hair loss in nearly 30 years – and the first oral therapy for women approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Category: Wellness and Healthy Living, Body and Mind
Tags: minoxidil, Hair, Baldness, clinical trials, Pharmaceuticals
A one-time gene therapy using a patient’s own stem cells has effectively cured a deadly immune disorder in 95% of treated children, offering a lasting, donor-free solution to ADA-SCID, known as the “bubble boy” disease.
Category: Illnesses and conditions, Body and Mind
Tags: gene therapy, Genetics, The Immune System, clinical trials, UCLA, University College London
In a groundbreaking study, scientists have discovered more than 100 new human viruses in 252 different gut microbes, providing a remarkable look at our bacteria and forming the very first living model of the "gut virome," which until now has been just DNA fragments and markers. And it has real-world implications for treating some of the most puzzling chronic human health conditions.
Tags: Monash University, Gut Bacteria, Gut health, Microbiome, Chronic illness
When it comes to multipurpose camping tools and gear, there are often a lot of extraneous "functions" thrown in that could easily be left behind. But a pair of functions that definitely falls toward top of every "essentials" list is keeping your core warm and your calorie intake up. Fire Maple packs both capabilities into its sleek, powerful Sunflower X. After cooking dinner, this particularly portable, wind-resistant stove can quickly tilt up to fire its radiant heat directly at you, providing critical warmth through fast-dropping nighttime temperatures.
Category: Outdoor Cooking, Gear, Outdoors
Tags: Stoves, Camping, Multitools, Backpacking, Outdoors and Camping, Off-grid, Cooking
When an ulcer creates an actual perforation in the digestive tract, surgery is currently the only treatment. In the not-too-distant future, however, such holes may be easily plugged with the equivalent of a tiny remote-control swallowable pen.
Category: Medical Devices, Medical Innovations, Body and Mind
Tags: EPFL, Ulcerative colitis
Back in January, JMGO revealed what was then claimed to be the world's smallest Laser TV. The O2S Ultra has just launched globally, meaning that full details and pricing are now available.
Category: Home Entertainment, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Projectors, 4K UHD, Laser TV, Compact, Google TV
Panasonic has announced a slew of updates, including firmware updates for cameras, added app features and a 'Titanium Gold' version of its S9 mirrorless vlogging camera.
The Titanium Gold variant of the Lumix S9 becomes the seventh color option for the company's 24MP vlogging-focused mirrorless camera. It will be available on December 27th, with a recommended price of $1900, bundled with the company 18-40mm 4.5-6.3 lens.
Updated appsMeanwhile, the company is updating both its Lumix Lab and Lumix Flow apps. Lumix Lab will gain the ability to generate a LUT from a reference image (not necessarily from a Panasonic camera), to let you mimic a look in your subsequent shooting.
Meanwhile, the Lumix Flow video workflow app gains compatibility with the S5II, S5IIX and GH7 cameras, as well as gaining additional features and capabilities.
Enhanced firmwareFirmware updates for the S5II, S5IIX, GH7 and G9II add Lumix Flow compatibility, improve startup times and promise bluetooth connectivity with DJI's 4th-gen RS-series gimbals.
The S5II siblings, along with the S9, gain the ability to use the focus ring on Panasonic lenses as a custom dial and let you change the direction of focus ring operation. Firmware updates for the 18mm, 24mm 35mm, 50mm and 85mm F1.8s, along with the 100mm F2.8 Macro, enable these features on the lens side.
The company has also announced 'Adventure Kit' bundles for the S1II, S1RII, S5II and S5IIX bodies, pairing them with the 24-60mm F2.8 weather-sealed zoom lens. These kits, ranging from $2799 for the S5II A kit, to $4099 for the S1RII A kit. The pricing adds $800 to the original list prices of each model, compared with a list price of $1049 for the lens alone. However, discounts to some models can mean it's still cheaper to buy them separately. The kits will initially include a Sandisk Portable SSD.
PressRelease:
Panasonic Introduces LUMIX S9 in Titanium Gold Limited VersionNew Updates for LUMIX Lab and LUMIX Flow Apps, as well as Firmware Updates for a Range of LUMIX Cameras and S Series Lenses
New Adventure Kit
Newark, N.J. (October 16, 2025) –Panasonic is proud to introduce the new LUMIX S9 in titanium gold. The LUMIX S9, the smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera in the LUMIX S Series, is the perfect companion for content creators on the go and easily elevates social media content.
Designed with the creative smartphone user in mind, the LUMIX S9 also offers users the popular REAL TIME LUT function via a new dedicated button on the camera body. Furthermore, with the new LUMIX Lab app, creators can develop their own unique LUT color files on their smartphone. Through these features, users can effortlessly generate original and shareable stills and videos without the need for post-production editing on a computer, expanding the scope of creative possibilities. The Titanium Gold joins six other colorways in the S9 lineup.
Price and availabilityAvailable exclusively at shop.panasonic.com in limited quantities, the new S9 Titanium Gold comes bundled with a color matching S 18-40mm lens kit for $1899.99. Until 12/27/25, customers will receive an instant rebate of $300 plus a free S 26mm lens and a free Sandisk™ Creator SD card.
Updates for LUMIX Lab & LUMIX Flow Apps, as well as Firmware UpdatesPanasonic is excited to announce a series of updates across its LUMIX ecosystem, including new features for the LUMIX Lab and LUMIX Flow apps, as well as firmware enhancements for selected LUMIX cameras and lenses. These updates enhance the shooting experience and improve functionality, empowering creators with intuitive tools and seamless workflows.
All updates will be available starting October 19th, 2025, at 9:00pm ET via the app stores and LUMIX Global Customer Support website.
LUMIX Lab App Ver. 2.0For creators who live boldly — climbing higher, traveling farther, and capturing the world in its rawest beauty — the LUMIX Adventure Kits are your ultimate companion. These kits are built around the powerful S1II, S1RII, S5II and S5IIX bodies, paired with the S 24-60mm F2.8 lens, a professional-grade optic that transforms every shot into a story.
Why the Adventure Kit is the Smart Choice:
This isn’t just a kit — it’s a creative system designed for those who understand that the lens is the gateway to image quality.
The Adventure Kit is for the smart creator — someone who understands that investing in quality gear upfront saves time, money, and frustration later. Whether you're shooting epic landscapes, destination weddings, documentary films or travel vlogs, this kit gives you the tools you need to create without compromise.
Price and availabilityThe new Adventure Kits are available with a S 24-60mm F2.8 lens and a Sandisk™ Extreme PRO Portable SSD until 12/27/25. The S1RII A Kit $4099.99; S1II A Kit $3999.99; S5IIX A Kit $2,999.99 and S5II A Kit $2,799.99. The delivery date for the Adventure Kits will be mid-November.
*1 Please use images that do not violate license terms, applicable laws and regulations, or legal rights such as copyright and portrait rights.
*2 Magic LUT cannot be used on some iPhone devices as they do not meet the system requirements. Please use it on iPhone 11 or later devices (excluding iPhone SE (2nd generation)), iPhone XS, and iPhone XS MAX
*3 Video files cannot be selected as a reference image.
*4 Compatible lens models as of October 2025: S-E2460, S-X50, S-R24105, S-R2060, S-S18, S-S24. S-S35, S-S50, S-S85, S-E100.
*5 LUMIX GH7 only.
*6 Compatible models as of October 2025: LUMIX S1II, S1RII, S1IIE, S5II, S5IIX, S9. Please update your camera to the latest firmware.
Honor is hyping up a phone concept that looks too bonkers to be true – and for the moment, it is. The 'Robot Phone' has an articulating gimbal arm with a camera at one end, and the whole thing is hidden behind a sliding glass panel on the back of the phone.
Category: Mobile Technology, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: smartphones, Honor, Gimbals, Camera Phone
Sony and Nikon mirrorless users now have another fast standard prime lens option thanks to Viltrox. The company has announced the AF 50mm F1.4 Pro lens, promising pro-level quality and features.
Viltrox designed the 50mm AF 50mm F1.4 Pro around 15 elements in 11 groups, including 8 high-refractive index, 3 extra-low dispersion and 1 ultra-precision aspherical lens. It also features Viltrox's "Advanced HD" nano coating. Viltrox says the lens design suppresses aberration, distortion, onion rings and ghosting, and promises flagship-level image quality with edge-to-edge sharpness that can meet the demands of high-resolution cameras.
Image: ViltroxViltrox is using linear motors to power the lens's autofocus; it should be able to keep up with high-speed shooting situations, such as sports and action, and it's compatible with face and eye detection. Viltrox says it has minimal focus breathing for better video performance as well. The lens can focus as close as 0.45m (1.48'), making it possible to shoot close-ups to emphasize the subject.
The lens's build quality also punches above its weight. Its metal construction provides better durability and a more premium feel, and Viltrox says it offers "high-grade" weather sealing. There's an aperture ring that can be clicked or de-clicked and an AF/MF switch. It also offers a customizable Fn button.
Image samples provided by ViltroxWhile it certainly has a lot going for it, the Viltrox 50mm F1.4 Pro is rather hefty for its class. The Nikon Z mount version weighs 830g (1.83 lb) and measures 113mm (4.45") long, which is nearly double the weight of the Nikkor 50mm F1.4. The Sony E mount model is slightly smaller at 800g (1.76 lb) and 111mm (4.37") long, but that's still heavier than the Sony 50mm F1.4 GM lens, which comes in at 516g (1.4 lb).
Viltrox's latest fast standard prime may not win in size, but it does beat out most of the competition in terms of price. The lens is available for $549, which is substantially more affordable than both Sony's 50mm F1.4 GM and Sigma's 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art lens.
The Viltrox AF 50mm F1.4 Pro lens is available for purchase starting today.
Visordown's Simon Hancocks got the lowdown on what's happening with the electric Royal Enfield Himalayan that's been in the works a while, straight from the horse's mouth. Turns out it's not going into production in the near future.
Category: Motorcycles, Transport
In a review of more than 200 clinical trials, scientists have identified which exercise offers the most benefits in relieving the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis in both the short and long term. It's the most comprehensive look at physical activity in treating the condition yet.
Category: Aging Well, Wellness and Healthy Living, Body and Mind
Tags: Zhejiang University, Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Knee, Joints, Chronic pain, Age-Related, Aging, Exercise, Walk, Cycling, Swimming
A new study offers hope for brain cancer patients facing memory loss from radiotherapy. By blocking a single immune receptor, scientists preserved cognition in mice without dulling the cancer-killing power of radiation.
Category: Medical Innovations, Body and Mind
Tags: Brain, Brain cancer, Inflammation, The Immune System, UC Irvine, University of Queensland
