If you’re planning to enter our Urban Life round, which launches next week, take these tips from four of last year’s top ten photographers

Andy Westlake assesses a unique telephoto lens for extreme close-up photography

Agonising over astrophotography shots? Traumatised by your next tripod choice? Send your technique and camera questions to digitalcamera@futurenet.com

As well as working on a weekly magazine, running a website and our social media platforms, we’re often out taking photos, whether for gear reviews or just for pure enjoyment outside of work. Here’s a selection of our favourite photos taken in 2025

AP’s Deputy Editor finds his perfect lens for birding, enjoys a quirky compact camera, and sings the praises of a bargain 35mm film SLR

This hybrid prime rounds out a series that includes 20mm, 24mm, 35mm and 50mm optics. Angela Nicholson investigates if it’s the perfect portrait lens