Jonathon Isola, Chandler, Arizona, USA

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

Here are the top ten images uploaded to Photocrowd from Round Seven, Animal Kingdom, with comments by the AP team and our guest judge

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

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

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