Scientists have been working for the last few years on enhancing concrete – arguably the most common construction material on the planet – to store energy. That includes researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who found a way to combine cement, water, and carbon black to create a 'supercapacitor' for this purpose back in 2023.
Category: Energy, Technology
Tags: Materials, Concrete, Battery, MIT, Supercapacitor
We've just finished up with a busy month of smartphone news, but we're not quite done with our coverage yet. Recently, the DPReview team sat down to discuss some of the finer points of smartphone photography, including how the phones achieve their digital crops, the sensor sizes currently being used by Apple and others, and the balance of hardware and software in mobile photography.
If you've finished the video and are still looking for more on mobile photograhpy, you can check out our opinion piece below, where we talk about the marketing phone companies do around their center crop modes.
Meike, a Hong Kong-based manufacturer specializing in budget cinema and photography equipment, has removed L-mount lenses from its website. The move, spotted by a DPReview reader, has sparked questions about the company's intentions to continue supporting the mount.
Users have taken to forums to report having issues finding L-mount Meike lenses on the Meike website and through sellers on AliExpress and Amazon. One DPReview member said he purchased an L-mount lens via a seller on AliExpress on September 21, but when he went to check the price out of curiosity on September 22, the L-mount version was no longer available. He couldn't find it through other sellers, either, and a visit to the Meike website revealed that the L-mount section is no longer there.
Indeed, as of September 30, there is no L-mount option under the Camera Lens tab. A look back using the Internet Archive Way Back Machine reveals an L-mount category as of the last recorded snapshot on September 18.
The screenshot of the Meike website on the left, which shows an L-mount category, was taken using the Way Back Machine and its snapshot on September 18. The screenshot on the right was taken on September 30.At the time of writing, Meike has not released a statement about the situation with L-mount lenses. However, some users have reported that Meike responded to them via email, clarifying that L-mount lenses are currently out of stock and that they will be relisted after an upgrade and calibration.
Naturally, there are plenty of rumors and speculation about what the removal of Meike L-mount lenses means. Many wonder if this means that Meike is joining the L-mount alliance and that it removed its existing L-mount lenses to get them up to snuff with the new requirements. Others wonder if this is a quiet recall because of supposed focusing issues with certain models.
Meike responded to our request for comment by simply stating, "Our website is being updated." The reply suggests the L-mount models haven't been entirely discontinued, as it seems likely the company would've mentioned it if they had. Still, Meike hasn't provided any additional context about why they were removed in the first place.
Though iconic British cycling brand Brompton celebrating its 50th anniversary this year is certainly newsworthy, the release of its "metro to mountain" folding Electric G in the US is what's getting us in the party mood.
Tags: ebikes, Pedal-assisted, Foldable bike
Adapt Homes refers to its models as "not-so-tiny homes," and the firm isn't exaggerating: its Kookaburra stretches the definition of a tiny house with an ultra-wide footprint that provides a light-filled, spacious interior suitable for couples or small families.
Category: Tiny Houses, Outdoors
Tags: Building and Construction, Tiny Footprint, Micro-House, House, Home
A protein notorious for its role in Alzheimer’s disease may hold the key to supercharging the aging immune system, according to new research. Scientists have found that a byproduct of amyloid-beta rejuvenates T cells, boosting their tumor-fighting power and dramatically reducing cancer risk.
Category: Illnesses and conditions, Body and Mind
Tags: Alzheimer's disease, Cancer, Amyloid-beta protein, T-cells, Medical University of South Carolina
Australia's Stockman Products got its start in what it calls Pod trailers, small, space-maximizing cargo trailers with tub-like plastic covers. It then expanded into some of the sharpest teardrop campers we've ever seen. It's now growing once again, with its largest trailer yet. The all-new Trekka debuts as a smooth-edged dual-axle trailer with a complete camper interior, two kitchens, and dedicated, secure interior space for ebikes, surfboards or other adventure gear.
Category: Camping Trailers, Adventure Vehicles, Outdoors
Tags: Caravan, Toy haulers, Camping, Trailer, trailers, RV, Outdoors and Camping, Off-road
Convolutional neural networks, or CNNs, are the workhorses behind many of AI's greatest hits, like spotting faces in photos, reading handwriting, or translating languages. They're masters at pattern recognition, scanning raw data with tiny filters (called kernels) to pick out meaningful features, kind of like a digital magnifying glass that highlights what matters.
Tags: LLM (Large Language Model), Artificial Intelligence, Chips, Electronic
A growing trend in rooftop tents (RTTs) has emerged out of Germany and continues with the new Vickywood Hazel series. This trend sees the tent double as an open-air balcony for al fresco lounging and overnighting. Beyond serving as a 270-degree open-air panorama atop your vehicle, the Hazel tent also offers two separate setup modes for ultra-fast camping exactly how you want it. A slim, lightweight construction and fast, secure setup round out what appears like one of the more versatile, easy-to-use tents on the market.
Tags: roof-top tent, Tent, dusseldorf-caravan-salon-2025, Off-road
Among the many problems with the flu is the fact that you can spread the virus before you even know you've got it. An experimental new "sensor" could one day keep you from doing so, by causing you to taste thyme in your mouth.
Category: Infectious Diseases, Illnesses and conditions, Body and Mind
Tags: American Chemical Society, Influenza, Diagnostic tools
Mobility assistance exoskeletons are great for people who want to make light work of challenging outdoor activities, and for those who won't let motion impediments get in the way of a good hike. Hong Kong-based Ascentiz is entering the fray with a modular approach, allowing you to swap out components to make moving easier, based on your body and your preferred pursuit.
Category: Outdoors
Tags: Exoskeleton, Wearable, Assistive Technologies, Kickstarter
Back in 2021, BenQ launched an odd-looking portable projector with a built-in 2.1-channel sound system. Now the company has updated the recipe for more defined visuals and more powerful audio output. But the funky ceiling-friendly design remains.
Category: Home Entertainment, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: BenQ, Portable, Projectors, Google TV, HD
Many cameras, especially entry-level models, most often come as a kit with a lens. Appropriately referred to as 'kit' lenses, they are typically 'standard zooms' offering a range from fairly wide angle to moderate telephoto (such as 18-55mm on APS-C cameras). The focal length range is versatile and works well for many subjects, which helps you test the waters right away without spending money on additional lenses. They are also affordable, helping keep the cost of your kit down, and are typically compact, making them easier to take with you.
However, there are downsides to the kit lens. If you are interested in growing your skills as a photographer, you will likely reach the point where you've outgrown the kit lens and need to upgrade to something else. Knowing when you've reached that level can be tricky, though.
Signs you've outgrown your kit lensEveryone's experience and situation are different, so there isn't one exact timeframe or answer for when to upgrade. However, below are some common signs that could suggest it might be the right move.
You're struggling in low lightMost kit lenses offer rather small maximum apertures. That means you have to compensate with a slower shutter speed or higher ISO when working in low-light situations, which isn't always ideal. Making matters even worse, most have variable maximum apertures, meaning you lose light as you zoom in.
Upgrading to a higher-end lens will provide you with a wider maximum aperture, making it easier to work in low light. Plus, that maximum aperture will stay constant when you zoom in and out, meaning the lens's low-light performance doesn't degrade when you zoom in to longer focal lengths.
You can't blur the background as much as you'd like The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR II is essentially an upgraded version of a kit lens. The F2.8 aperture makes it easier to blur the background than the similar Fujifilm XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS lens.Another issue with the small maximum aperture is depth of field. Wider apertures allow you to get a shallower depth of field, creating a blurry background that helps keep the focus on your subject. Aperture isn't the only thing that controls depth of field, but due to its smaller aperture, it can be difficult to achieve a small area in focus with a nicely blurred background when using a kit lens.
If you like the look of slim areas in focus with bokeh in the background (or foreground) and are struggling to create that with the kit lens, then upgrading to a lens with a wider maximum aperture will be smart.
You're having difficulty capturing sharp imagesWhile new kit lenses have shown substantial improvements in image quality, most still lag behind higher-end lenses simply because they are built to be budget-friendly. Kit lenses often suffer from a few image quality issues that can be frustrating.
The primary image quality issue with kit lenses is that they may not be very sharp on the edges of the frame or at both ends of the zoom. You may notice that the center is nice and sharp, but the corners look out of focus. Stopping down your aperture can help, but you don't always want to resort to that.
Kit lenses can have other issues that affect apparent image sharpness, such as color fringing – especially on high-contrast edges, where cyan or magenta lines commonly appear. They can also suffer from more pronounced lens flare and ghosting (bright spots, streaks or duplicate shapes), which may take away from overall sharpness and clarity.
If you're frustrated by the image quality you're getting because of a lack of sharpness or strong color fringing, then it's probably time to upgrade.
Build quality is a concernWhen producing lenses that are designed to be budget-friendly, manufacturers inevitably have to make some sacrifices to keep the cost down. Build quality is often one of those sacrifices. Kit lenses are typically made of lightweight plastics and lack weather sealing, which can make them more prone to breaking.
Higher-end alternatives generally use sturdier materials and feature weather sealing to protect against dust and water. As a result, they are more durable and better able to withstand adverse conditions. If you know you want to take your camera in wet or dusty environments, or simply want to have a durable lens for daily use, you may want to upgrade.
The autofocus can't keep upFinally, kit lenses may have slower autofocus, which could prevent sharp images when working with fast-moving subjects. The sluggish autofocus means you may end up with more out-of-focus images than you would get with a faster-focusing lens. If you like photographing action of any variety and feel like the lens isn't able to keep up, it's time to upgrade.
What to consider before upgrading For most people, it makes sense to upgrade the standard zoom lens instead of opting for a different focal length range. That way, you get a nice range of versatile focal lengths in one lens and don't need to continue to rely on the lens that's holding you back.If any of the above issues resonate with you, it's probably time to consider a new lens. However, you should think carefully about what that new lens should be, as they can be quite expensive. Having a good understanding of what's prompting the upgrade will make it easier to work out which new lens will actually address your needs, saving you from buying something that isn't quite right.
When considering what you should upgrade to, start with focal length. The kit lens focal length is one you'll likely still use (there's a reason it's the common choice for kits), so for most people, it's smart to upgrade that instead of opting for a completely different focal length. However, if you've noticed that you consistently wish you could zoom in more, or, alternatively, get a wider view, a different zoom range may be best.
Aperture is the other main factor to pay attention to. If your main complaint with your kit lens is poor low-light capabilities or the inability to blur your background, then you may want to spend the extra money to get a wider maximum aperture on your next lens. At the very least, look for a zoom lens with a constant maximum aperture, so that you aren't frustrated when zooming in. Alternatively, while some zoom lenses offer very wide apertures, prime lenses are usually the best way to maximize low-light capabilities and dramatic depth of field.
No matter what you're looking for, it's important to spend time researching to learn what the promised image quality will be. After all, you want to ensure that you actually get an upgraded option, not just something slightly different. Many zoom lenses are good, but some don't strive for much above average clarity and image quality, rather than delivering truly sharp, vibrant or impressive results. Our lens comparison tool can be a useful way to check if what you're considering is truly going to be better optically.
Elevate your photographyFor most, upgrading from the kit lens sooner rather than later is wise. Kit lenses have improved over the years, but they can still hold you back. If you are even a little bit serious about photography, don't wait too long to invest in a lens that will allow you to grow and reach your creative goals.
Desktop smart amps from the likes of Yamaha, Boss and Positive Grid are great for solo practice and group rehearsals. Tone upstart Chaos Audio is challenging the big boys with the Nimbus, a 70-W app-driven "music studio in a box" built on an open platform.
Category: Music, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Kickstarter, Guitar Effects, Amplifiers
A year after the Kindle ebook reader got a color display, Amazon's reimagined its Kindle Scribe note-taking tablet (or should I say notebook? It's confusing) the same way, so you can now jot down ideas, annotate PDFs, and draw in a range of hues.
Category: Consumer Tech, Technology
Scientists have built an artificial neuron that’s so realistic it fires, learns, and responds to chemical signals just like the real thing – a breakthrough that could transform computing, medicine, and the way that tech merges with biology.
Category: Medical Innovations, Body and Mind
Tags: neurons, wearable electronics, Bioelectronics, Dopamine, University of Massachusetts
Sequencing mammoth DNA has already helped scientists map out how these Ice Age giants evolved, migrated, and survived. But there's a hidden layer of history still waiting to be decoded – the microbes that lived inside them.
Tags: Wooly mammoth, Bacteria, DNA, Archeology
Multitools with 10 or so functions are all very well and good, but why stop there if you can go all the way up to 22? That's exactly what XTrailor's P22 offers, including pliers, multiple blades, plus even a whistle and a firestarter.
Category: Knives and Multitools, Gear, Outdoors
Tags: Multitools, Knife, EDC, Kickstarter
The winners of the 2025 Bird Photographer of the Year contest have been announced, showcasing remarkable photographs of the avian species from around the world. This year, more than 33,000 images were submitted, with entries created by seasoned pros and those younger than 11 years old.
The adult competition features eight categories, including Best Portrait, Birds in the Environment, Bird Behaviour, Birds in Flight, Black and White, Urban Birds, Conservation (Single Image) and Creative Perspectives. Additionally, there are youth categories for 15-17 year olds, 12-14 year olds and 11 and under.
This year's grand prize winner was a photograph of a bird flying in front of a solar eclipse, taken by Liron Gertsman of Canada. "I spent well over a year of planning to capture my dream of a bird in front of the total solar eclipse," says Gertsman. "I enlisted the help of
a boat to position myself near some islets off Mazatlán that were frequented by seabirds. As the moon uncovered the sun’s edge at the end of totality, I captured this image during the eclipse phase known as the 'diamond ring' – a moment that lasts mere seconds."
"Exceptional bird photography takes technical excellence, artistic vision, and dedication. When everything comes together, you get a spectacular image like this one," says Will Nicholls, Director of Bird Photographer of the Year. "This photograph is a striking reminder of what human creativity can achieve. In a world increasingly filled with AI imagery, it’s refreshing to celebrate a picture that is both awe-inspiring and rooted in the natural world."
The contest also crowned Tomasz Michalski the Young Bird Photographer of the Year 2025 for his silhouette of a black vulture.
This year, the Bird Photographer of the Year contest donated more than £5,000 to its partner charity, Birds on the Brink, which provides funding to grass-roots bird conservation projects around the world.
You can see more of the winning images and learn more about the contest at birdpoty.com. Additionally, the 2026 contest is now open for entries and invites photographers of all experience levels from anywhere in the world.
Bird Photographer of the YearPhotographer: Liron Gertsman / Bird Photographer of the Year
Awards: Overall Winner and Gold Award for Birds in Flight
Image title: The Frigatebird and the Diamond Ring
Location: Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
Bird: Magnificent Frigatebird, Fregatta magnificens.
Technical details: Canon EOS R5 with Canon RF 100–500mm F4.5–7.1 lens. 400mm | 1/4000 sec| F7.1 | ISO 10,000
Caption: After well over a year of planning and about a week of in-person scouting on the coast of Sinaloa in Mexico, my dream of capturing a bird in front of a total solar eclipse finally came true on April 8, 2024. Totality was due to last almost 4.5 minutes, and I had enlisted the help of a boat to position myself near some islets off Mazatlán that were frequented by seabirds. As the moon uncovered the sun’s edge at the end of totality, I captured this Magnificent Frigatebird in front of the spectacular eclipse phase known as the ‘diamond ring’, a moment that lasts just seconds.
Young Bird Photographer of the YearPhotographer: Tomasz Michalski / Bird Photographer of the Year
Awards: Young Bird Photographer of the Year and Gold Award for 15-17 Years
Image title: Minimalist Wings
Location: Popoyo, Nicaragua
Bird: Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus.
Technical details: Olympus E-M1 Mark II with Leica 100–400mm F4–6.3 lens. 400mm | 1/320 sec | F22| ISO 125
Caption: I took this photo during the biggest trip of my life, which was to Central
America in July 2024, in the first country we visited, Nicaragua. I saw this
big vulture drying its wings on a pole close to our hotel. I was being
watched by the bird but it was very calm so I had a long time to
photograph it. The scenery wasn’t beautiful so I decided to frame it with
only part of the bird being in the photo. I tried various combinations and
this one is my favourite.
Photographer: Steffen Foerster / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: Bloody Petrel
Location: Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Bird: Southern Giant Petrel, Macronectes giganteus
Technical details: Canon EOS R5 with Canon RF 400mm F2.8 lens. 400mm | 1/3200 sec | F2.8 | ISO 1000
Caption: Giant petrels are the scavengers of the Southern Ocean, often seen feeding
on carrion. This individual has its head stained red with blood from a recent meal. Although their feeding habits may seem gruesome, these birds play a vital role in the ecosystem by preventing the spread of disease. Despite their appearance, giant petrels are surprisingly devoted parents, with both males and females taking turns incubating their single egg and guarding their chick for weeks. Once heavily persecuted for their oil, their populations have rebounded thanks to conservation efforts, although they still face threats from fishing practices and climate change.
Photographer: Maxime Legare-Vezina / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: Voice of the Ash Forest
Location: Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
Bird: Common Raven, Corvus corax
Equipment: Canon EOS R5 with Canon EF 600mm F4 III lens. 600mm | 1/400 sec | F4 | ISO 1250
Caption: After the devastating wildfires of summer 2024, I visited Jasper to witness the desolation. In the scorched landscape, where ash covered everything, only a few animals had returned. Among them, Common Ravens were some of the first to reclaim the land. This one, perched on a charred tree, was calling out, as if mourning the loss of its kingdom.
Bird Behavior - Gold AwardPhotographer: Francesco Guffanti / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: Angel or Demon
Location: Aosta Valley, Italy
Bird: Golden Eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
Technical details: Nikon Z 6 with Nikon Z 24–70mm F4 lens. 35mm | 1/250 sec | F5 | ISO 4000
Caption: A Red Deer killed by a car in the pine forest near to where I live provided a fantastic opportunity to document the activity of carnivores and scavengers visiting the carcass. With the help of a friend I positioned and camouflaged a motion sensor and two mirrorless cameras nearby. To avoid any disturbance I avoided the use of flashes or any other type of artificial light. After foxes, crows and some small birds had paid a visit, most unexpectedly, and despite the thick blanket of branches, a Golden Eagle appeared and descended to feed on the carcass. It was an unforgettable experience.
Bird Behavior - Silver AwardPhotographer: Mateusz Piesiak / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: King of the Forest
Location: Jura, Switzerland
Bird: Western Capercaillie, Tetrao urogallus
Technical details: Canon EOS R5 with Canon EF 400mm F2.8 II lens. 400mm | 1/1600 sec | F2.8 | ISO 800
Caption: This male capercaillie, illuminated by the first rays of the rising sun, had perched in the ideal spot. The emotions I felt are hard to put into words. Overwhelmed by the scene, I forgot to adjust my camera settings, resulting in most of the photos being blurry. Thankfully, though, a few turned out sharp!
Birds in Flight - Silver AwardPhotographer: Baiju Patil / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: Through the Marigolds
Location: Hiware Bazar, Maharashtra, India
Bird: Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica
Technical details: Nikon D4 with Nikon 14–24mm F2.8 lens. 14mm | 1/250 sec | F10 | ISO 200
Caption: The fields of marigolds around the village of Hiware Bazar are a sight to behold, and seeing the flocks of swallows skimming over them gave me the idea for this photo. I noticed that some of the birds kept feeding over the same area and set up my camera so that I could fire it with a remote. This is one of the many thousands of photos I took and is the one I am most pleased with.
Birds in the Environment - Gold AwardPhotographer: Franco Banfi / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: Feasting at Sunset
Location: Espíritu Santos, Mexico
Bird: Brandt’s Cormorant, Phalacrocorax penicillatus
Technical details: Sony A7R III with Sony 18–15mm F4 lens. 15mm | 1/200 sec | F8 | ISO 400
Caption: I was in the Sea of Cortez, near Los Islotes, a fistful of rocks that is part of the Espíritu Santo archipelago, to document the unbelievable recovery of this marine protected area. Los Islotes is the southernmost breeding site of the Californian Sea Lion in the Northern Hemisphere, but it is a wonderfully wild place for many other reasons. I was fascinated by the extraordinary skills and elegance of Brandt’s Cormorants as they fed on an almost endless school of small pilchards. Most of the hunting activities took place at sunset, when the low natural light conditions were challenging. But on one occasion the conditions were favourable and I was able to take this particular image that gives a three- dimensional perspective.
Birds in the Environment - Silver AwardPhotographer: Levi Fitze / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: Structures
Location: Alpstein, Switzerland
Bird: Rock Ptarmigan, Lagopus muta
Technical details: Sony a7 IV with Sony 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 lens. 512mm | 1/2000 sec | F6.3 | ISO 800
Caption: I spotted this Rock Ptarmigan walking slowly up a snowy hillside in the Swiss mountains on a frozen winter’s day. Ptarmigans are masters of camouflage, their white winter plumage blending in so well with the snow. I noticed that the footprints this bird was leaving in the snow, emphasised by the low, flat light, were perhaps more noticeable than the bird itself. I framed the image so that the bird was part of the picture to highlight its expansive environment and show the wonderful textures in the snow.
Black and White - Gold AwardPhotographer: Jannik Jansons / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: The Giant
Location: Hornøya, Varanger, Norway
Birds: European Shag and Common Guillemot, Gulosus aristotelis and Uria aalge
Technical details: Canon EOS R5 with Canon EF 16–35mm F2.8 III lens. 34mm | 1/640 sec | F22 | ISO 800
Caption: Using a wide-angle lens, I photographed a shag taking off on the Norwegian island of Hornøya. In the image it looks like a gigantic bird flying over all the others, but in reality the bird is flying very close to the lens and therefore appears much larger. Because of the very small aperture, the sun is captured as a star through the blades of the lens. The conversion to black and white reinforces the confusing perspective, as the details are hard to see and it is more difficult to determine the birds’ relative size.
Black and White - Silver AwardPhotographer: Raoul Slater / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: Black and White Swan
Location: Gympie, Queensland, Australia
Bird: Black Swan, Cygnus atratus
Technical details: Canon EOS R5 with Canon EF 100–400mm F4.5–5.6 II lens. 263mm | 1/8000 sec | F5 | ISO 800
Caption: At thirteen, I switched my Canon AE-1 from programme mode to aperture priority – and I’ve worked that way ever since. I prefer controlling depth of field first, shutter speed second. It usually works – except in moments like this, when photographing in low, pre-dawn light when the sun suddenly rises. I forget to adjust, the shutter speed maxes out, and the image blows out. This photo, taken on a misty morning, appeared three stops brighter than I’d visualised – and it took my breath away. Sometimes, a divine accident redeems a thousand mistakes.
Creative Perspectives - Gold AwardPhotographer: Philipp Egger / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: Photo Art
Location: Alps, Italy
Bird: Common Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis
Technical details: Nikon Z 7 II with Nikon Z 24–70mm F4 lens. 36mm | 1/200 sec |
F11 | ISO 125
Caption: My idea behind this photograph was to capture a kingfisher flying over a piece of artwork so that the two became merged. To achieve this, I mounted my camera on a dead fallen tree across a small stream and pointed it vertically downwards at the artwork positioned just above the water’s surface. I then waited for days in my camouflaged tent not far away triggering the camera with a radio remote release when the bird flew over the picture.
Creative Perspectives - Silver AwardPhotographer: Andreas Hemb / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: Landing in a Sea of Swans
Location: Tysslingen, Örebro, Sweden
Bird: Whooper Swan, Cygnus cygnus
Technical details: Sony a1 with Sony 400mm F2.8 lens. 400mm | 1/4 sec | F5.6 | ISO 500
Caption: Nothing heralds the arrival of spring more evocatively than the sight and sound of migrant birds in Sweden, with the appearance of Whooper Swans being a particular highlight. I took this image at dusk as the swans were gathering in a field next to a lake. Using a slow shutter speed to emphasise motion, I tracked one of the swans as it came in to land, aiming to capture its grace against an abstract sea of swans on the ground.
Urban Birds - Gold AwardPhotographer: Alex Pansier / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: Feathered on Panels
Location: Near a highway, Netherlands
Bird: Carrion Crow, Corvus corone
Technical details: Sony a1 with Sony 100–400mm F4.5-5.6 lens. 348mm | 1/500 sec | F13 | ISO 6400
Caption: A lone bird rests on a vast field of solar panels alongside a highway in the Netherlands – a striking symbol of the tension between green energy and nature. As we transition to sustainable power, the infrastructure often claims scarce space that could have been left for wildlife. This spontaneous moment captures that paradox: progress requires space, but at what cost to nature? No bait was used – just a fleeting encounter between a bird and a modern-day monoculture.
Urban Birds - Silver AwardPhotographer: Tomáš Grim / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: Urban Incubator
Location: Brno, Czech Republic
Bird: Eurasian Jay, Garrulus glandarius
Technical details: Nikon Z 8 with Nikon Z 180–600mm F5.6–6.3 lens. 250mm| 1/20 sec | F7.1 | ISO 1000
Caption: Eurasian Jays are not generally thought of as urban birds but can sometimes be found in parks and gardens. They almost always build their nests in trees, avoiding artificial structures – so when a friend reported finding a jay’s nest inside (!) a streetlamp I considered it a joke; the Eurasian Jay is not a hole nester. Yet I could not resist checking it out and to my amazement the nest was real. I waited for the ‘blue hour’ to combine the warm light from the lamp with the cold colours of this unique nest’s surroundings before taking this photo.
Conservation (Single Image) - Gold AwardPhotographer: Sarthak Agrawal / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: Radiographing
Location: Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
Bird: Common Hawk-Cuckoo, Hierococcyx varius
Technical details: Nikon D5600 with Nikon 18–55mm F3.5-5.6 lens. 18mm | 1/60 sec | F5.6 | ISO 320
Caption: This pictured is of an injured juvenile Common Hawk-Cuckoo that had been rescued after being hit by a vehicle in the city. The bird had taken shelter under a parked car before being rescued by the ManwithIndies Foundation and sent for treatment under the forest department’s guidance. To assess the damage to its wings, a radiograph was
obtained after anesthetising the bird. Common Hawk-Cuckoos are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of smaller urban birds like sunbirds, prinias, and tailorbirds. While these smaller birds have adapted well to urban environments, the much larger hawk-cuckoo struggles to navigate and survive. Every year, several cuckoo chicks are found under similar circumstances, and foundations like ManwithIndies rescue many of them.
Photographer: Charlotte Keast / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: Trapped
Location: Entebbe, Uganda
Bird: Shoebill, Baleniceps rex
Technical details: Canon EOS R5 with Canon RF 14-35mm F4 lens. 14mm | 1/2500 | F4 | ISO 160
Caption: In heartbreaking contrast to its wild peers, this Shoebill stork is confined in a small dirty cage in a zoo in Entebbe, Uganda. Known for their solitary and elusive nature, Shoebills thrive in vast wetlands, hunting in silence and flying gracefully over open landscapes. Here, trapped behind glass for the entire day and on full display to the public, this majestic bird is deprived of space to fly, hunt or retreat from the constant gaze of visitors. Just a few miles away its wild counterparts enjoy the freedom of Uganda’s marshes – a stark reminder of the unnatural conditions that captivity imposes on such extraordinary creatures.
12-14 Years - Gold AwardPhotographer: Harry Sedin / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: Jewel of the Forest
Location: Haleakalā National Park, Hawai'i, United States
Bird: ‘I‘iwi, Drepanis coccinea
Technical details: Canon EOS R7 with Canon EF 100–400mm F5.6–8 lens. 400mm | 1/320 sec | F8 | ISO 1000
Caption: Haleakalā National Park is infamous for altitude sickness, but visiting it led me to an unforgettable moment. Feeling lightheaded at nine thousand feet, we turned back and stopped at Hosmer Grove Campground. The moment I stepped out, flashes of red flickered through the trees, three to four ‘I‘iwi landing on a sunlit bush. With harsh light and no clouds above us, I underexposed the shot, creating a black background that made the
bird’s scarlet feathers glow. The altitude may have made me miss out on a Short-eared Owl, but it gave me the perfect opportunity to capture Hawaii’s iconic honeycreeper in stunning contrast.
Photographer: Sasha Jumanca / Bird Photographer of the Year
Image title: Graceful Flight Over Wild Bloom
Location: Mahmudia, Romania
Bird: European Bee-eater, Merops apiaster
Technical details: Nikon Z 9 with Nikon Z 600mm F4 lens. 600mm | 1/4000 sec | F4 | ISO 1250
Caption: While exploring the Danube Delta in Romania this summer, I discovered a European Bee-eater colony in a nesting cliff where the birds were tirelessly chasing prey for their chicks nestled in the burrows. The birds were flying over a field of wildflowers, whose colours beautifully mirrored the bee-eaters’ plumage. I was captivated by their agility as they swiftly changed speed and direction, tracking insects through the air. After many attempts, I finally captured this bird in flight, its wings fully spread, showing the beautiful colours of its feathers in great harmony with the flowers.
While I enjoy stargazing as much as the next person, I also love to know how things work – to get under the hood. French smart telescope pioneer Vaonis helps quench my thirst with a special edition of its flagship that puts the inner workings on view.
Category: Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Telescope, Astrophotography, Amateur astronomy, Astronomy
