> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://news.ewenbell.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Monochrome Melbourne - URL: https://news.ewenbell.com/monochrome-melbourne/ - Published: 2026-07-17T09:37:12.000Z - Updated: 2026-07-17T09:37:12.000Z - Description: Winter light in Melbourne is a bit special. This month I've been reviewing new cameras, new lenses and old laneways. Melbourne shines in the winter. - Author: Ewen Bell - Tags: News ## July Photo Zine Should come as no surprise that the July photo zine is a monochrome affair. It's just my mood this winter. Most cities look better in B+W, and Melbourne comes up a treat. All that winter light making long shadows. [![](https://news.ewenbell.com/content/images/2026/07/2026July_CameraNotIncluded_EwenBell_Thumb.jpg)](https://ewenbell.com/zine?ref=news.ewenbell.com) [Camera Not IncludedThe Photography Zine by Ewen Bell. Monthly editions exploring my photographic journeys and inspiration. Available to print or view online.![](https://news.ewenbell.com/content/images/icon/favicon-f133e0aa-3e98-459e-8d46-8bba107918e9.ico)Photography by Ewen BellEwen Bell![](https://news.ewenbell.com/content/images/thumbnail/Phobjikha_Valley_PPS93664-82623c83-d516-46ef-a197-3dd7d63c34ca.jpg)](https://ewenbell.com/zine?ref=news.ewenbell.com) ## 50mm Prime for under $100 I love a bargain, and this 50mm F1.8 Neo by TT Artisan is that and more. It's not perfect, but it's totally worth the US$89 price tag if you have a mirrorless Sony, Nikon or L-mount camera. TT Artisan set out to make a super cheap 50mm prime, and stripped out not only the aperture ring, but the focus ring too. It's not fancy, but does deliver some really lovely photos full of contrast and sharpness. If you've never had a chance to try a very fast prime lens, and were reluctant to spend the money, then this lens is worth a closer look. Very affordable, and very fun. [AF 50mm F1.8 Neo from TT ArtisanTT Artisan have made an amazingly affordable lens for mirrorless full frame cameras that opens the door to experimenting with fast primes on a budget. This lens is available for Sony, Nikon and Leica mounts.![](https://news.ewenbell.com/content/images/icon/favicon-2d4e8118-3897-402d-80ea-bedac270a8f4.ico)Photography by Ewen BellEwen Bell![](https://news.ewenbell.com/content/images/thumbnail/crop-PPS92799-be1829c2-6e19-43bd-ba51-0275505c97ac.jpg)](https://ewenbell.com/blog/AF%5F50mm%5FF1.8%5FNeo%5Ffrom%5FTT%5FArtisan?ref=news.ewenbell.com) ## **Upcoming Tours** Bookings are open for Bhutan in December 2027\. Seems like a long long way away but time goes fast these days. We do have places for Nepal later this year as well, subject to availability with our accommodation in the mountains. Drop me a line if you think you might like to know more about one of the tours or workshops, or we can arrange a quick video chat. [Photography ToursYou won’t find a better photography experience: Unmatched knowledge of the locations and local support, hand crafted adventures that run only once every one or two years, our experience teaching the art of photography and a commitment to smaller group sizes. Over a decade of commitment and dedication has led to this short list of bespoke and wonderful photographic tours and workshops.![](https://news.ewenbell.com/content/images/icon/favicon.ico)Photography by Ewen BellEwen Bell![](https://news.ewenbell.com/content/images/thumbnail/DSCF8635.jpg)](https://ewenbell.com/tours?ref=news.ewenbell.com) ![](https://news.ewenbell.com/content/images/2026/07/Bhutan2025-PhotoTour-Bumthang.pdf.jpg) ## Nikon ZR Custom Setup This camera might have been built for cinema, but it's packed with credentials for stills photography as well. On my recent blog post I walk through my custom setup for stills on the Nikon ZR here, plus a link to download and apply to your ZR too. I've also made a YouTube this month about the ZR and why I think it's a great camera for stills... not just cinema! [Nikon ZR Custom Setup for Stills PhotographyThis camera might have been built for cinema, but it’s packed with credentials for stills photography as well. I walk through my custom setup for stills on the Nikon ZR here, plus a link to download and apply to your ZR too.![](https://news.ewenbell.com/content/images/icon/favicon-78cd56ed-bf97-4ffb-8d9e-f9608d4a0e7f.ico)Photography by Ewen BellEwen Bell![](https://news.ewenbell.com/content/images/thumbnail/ZRPPS92750-28ecab34-01b4-404a-b836-b399791ab7d4.jpg)](https://ewenbell.com/blog/Nikon%5FZR%5FCustom%5FSetup%5Ffor%5FStills%5FPhotography?ref=news.ewenbell.com) ## Tamron 12-20mm F2.8 for Sony + Nikon Tamron just released this new lens and it's a winner. I love this lens. Full frame and fully wide, this lens is sharp and straight and bright and just a wonderful bit of design. Tamron are doing really good things in the zoom space these days. I hope to test this lens in the Arctic next winter, and chase auroras. Until then, I have been chasing shadows on the streets of Melbourne, as seen in the July zine. [Tamron 12-20mm F2.8 for Sony and NikonI love this lens. Full frame and fully wide, this lens is sharp and straight and bright and just a wonderful bit of design. Tamron are doing really good things in the zoom space these days.![](https://news.ewenbell.com/content/images/icon/favicon-6eae2484-e6e6-422d-b5a6-aa063870c35a.ico)Photography by Ewen BellEwen Bell![](https://news.ewenbell.com/content/images/thumbnail/12-20_ORANGE_PEB91131-f55651b9-b657-4037-a4a7-22347eb77d8b.jpg)](https://ewenbell.com/blog/Tamron%5F12-20mm%5FF2.8%5Ffor%5FSony%5Fand%5FNikon?ref=news.ewenbell.com) ![](https://news.ewenbell.com/content/images/2026/07/DSC_0432_DxO.jpg)