I spent the day with the $5,100 Sony RX1R III — what I loved and what feels stuck in the past
It's a fixed-lens full-frame camera, just like the RX1R II before it. Same lens, but now it's paired with a 61-megapixel full-frame sensor from the Sony A7R V and Sony A7CR. It's designed to be a premium compact — something that fits in your jacket pocket, but still delivers pro-level image quality. Think of it as a fun, weekender camera for working photographers or serious enthusiasts who don't want to lug around a full kit. While I think I own one of the best camera combos with the video-first Sony a7S III and the hybrid Sony a7 IV, they're not the most convenient to take on the go, especially when I just want to focus on exploring and not be weighed down by my gear. The smaller and lighter the camera, the more likely I'll bring it with me as an everyday carry (at least that's what I keep telling myself). The thing is, I rarely take photos on my most portable camera, my iPhone 16 Pro, unless I really have to. Small point-and-shoots like the Sony RX1 I previously owned were a step up, but to me, they ultimately lacked that oomph I was after.
I've been chasing that elusive sweet spot: a small, fun camera that still gives me full creative control and doesn't make me compromise on image quality. That's what the Sony RX1R III aims to achieve. I had the opportunity to test this new $5100 camera and after a day of testing it around NYC, here's what I loved — and what still feels stuck in the past.
The Sony RX1R III uses a 10 year old lens, but that's not a bad thing. It's the same 35mm f/2 Zeiss Sonnar T* lens as the previous model — it's sharp, delivers excellent depth of field, and is of course compact. Why change?
The camera is now paired with an upgraded 61-megapixel full-frame sensor (up from 42.4MP of the RX1R II). This gives enough resolution for digital crops. To an effective 50mm focal length with 29MP spare, and 70mm at 15MP — so you get lots of flexibility without ever swapping lenses.
The Sony RX1R III uses a 10 year old lens, but that's not a bad thing.
The 3 effective focal lengths can quickly be toggled between using a programmable Custom Button. I enjoyed nailing my framing in camera, saving me from needing further edits. From capturing a delivery guy chilling on his Vespa in front of a pizzeria with perfectly complementary teal and orange colors, to retro signage I found across during my walk, to authentic moments of New Yorkers just being New Yorkers, the RX1R III offers good focal range to work with for street photography.
That said, there were definitely times where I wished the lens could go wider — something like a 24mm or 20mm — especially when I couldn't physically move backwards to capture more in frame. One missed shot that sticks with me: a yellow cab flying past with a killer backdrop behind it. Wider glass would have told a better story.
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The RX1R III reminded me how great it is to have a very compact high quality stills camera that I can take basically anywhere. It weighs just 1.1 pounds and measures under 3 inches thick. Not exactly pocketable — but it still fits easily in a jacket or sling bag without weighing you down.
On the street, it's stealthy. People don't tense up when you raise it. They don't assume you've got the reach to grab a candid moment across the street — even though you do. And for me, there's another big bonus: most venues will let it through security without hassle.
By contrast, even my smallest Sony Alpha body with a pancake lens sets off the 'pro gear' alarms. I've lost count of the awkward moments explaining to security, 'Actually, according to your policy this lens is small enough and allowed to be brought in.' The RX1R III skips that whole song and dance — it's just a small camera to everyone else, which is exactly what I want it to be.
Sony still reigns champ when it comes to autofocus, especially compared to the likes of Leica Q3 43 and Fujifilm GFX100RF, which may have the edge with image quality, but can't keep up with the RX1R III's speed and AI. The Sony offers 693 Phase detection autofocus points covering around 78% of the image capture's area and can focus up to 20cm close for macro shots. One thing holding it back, though, is that it uses stepper motors, so its tracking may not be as reliable as Sony's newer Alpha cameras.
In my tests, I tracked a group of skaters riding toward me, keeping focus on the guy on the left as he busted a sick kickflip, and the camera just locked on the whole time.
I ended up printing that shot straight out of camera — no edits needed. And that's the beauty of a camera like this. It almost gives me that instant camera vibe, where I can quickly capture a moment and print it right away without worrying about spending hours in Lightroom.
For hybrid shooters like me, the RX1R III also shoots 4K at up to 30fps, which is great for capturing quick video moments on the fly. I'd still use this primarily as a photo-first camera, as the compact size does come with trade-offs. Specifically for video: there's no mic or headphone jack, no stabilization, and there's no record button. Considering the target audience, the video features may rarely get used — but there are a few other quirks photographers won't love either.
Even the 10-year-old RX1R II had a tilt screen
First, the rear screen is fixed — no flip-out, no tilt — which makes framing low or high-angle shots a bit tricky. Sometimes when I'm doing street photography, I like to rely on a flip-out screen to be more inconspicuous about what shot I'm framing. So that was a bummer and definitely made me rethink how I shot. This is even more surprising when you remember that even the 10-year-old RX1R II had a tilt screen!
Something else I quickly missed from my other Sony cameras was a joystick to shift the autofocus point without relying on the touchscreen. Just like its predecessor, your only other option is to use the control wheel to navigate and select focus points. Again — for a camera this expensive — it feels like it misses out on a lot of the conveniences I've grown used to with my nearly 5-year-old Sony bodies.
On paper, battery life is a little underwhelming. It's rated for about 300 shots, which is on the lower end of what cameras in this category offer. The Leica Q3 43 is rated for 350, though you can easily get double that in real-world use.
After an hour-long photo walk — roughly 250 photos and some short videos — I wrapped with about 25% battery left. I'm also someone who rarely turns their camera off between switching scenes so I don't risk missing the shot, so keep that in mind.
Finally, this camera lacks weather resistance. While I don't make a habit of shooting in the rain, many of my favorite shots over the years have been in less-than-ideal weather. Weather resistance isn't necessarily about letting your camera get wet — it's about added peace of mind for your very expensive investment.
The RX1R III will set you back $5,100 before you even think about accessories — and yes, they're pricey too. The matching thumb grip is $300, and the leather body case will run you another $250. That plants it firmly in flagship territory, but it's not out of step with other premium compacts like the Leica Q3 or the Fujifilm GFX100RF.
You're not paying for versatility here — you're paying for a very specific type of camera: discreet, pocketable (ish), and capable of producing full-frame images that can hang with your main workhorse. Whether that's worth the cost depends entirely on how much you value traveling light without sacrificing quality.
If you're a professional photographer who already shoots Sony and wants something compact that still feels familiar in the hand, or a serious hobbyist who values high-resolution stills and fast, reliable autofocus in a discreet package, the RX1R III makes a compelling case.
It's not perfect — the fixed screen, lack of weather sealing, and average battery life will frustrate some. But if you can live with those quirks, this is one of the few cameras that can deliver A7R V-level image quality in a body small enough to disappear into a sling bag.
It's the kind of camera you buy because you know exactly what it's for — and if that's you, it'll earn a permanent spot in your kit.
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Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I spent the day with the $5,100 Sony RX1R III — what I loved and what feels stuck in the past
This is the Sony RX1R III — a camera photographers like me have been waiting over 10 years for. And honestly, we weren't even sure it would ever be released. It's a fixed-lens full-frame camera, just like the RX1R II before it. Same lens, but now it's paired with a 61-megapixel full-frame sensor from the Sony A7R V and Sony A7CR. It's designed to be a premium compact — something that fits in your jacket pocket, but still delivers pro-level image quality. Think of it as a fun, weekender camera for working photographers or serious enthusiasts who don't want to lug around a full kit. While I think I own one of the best camera combos with the video-first Sony a7S III and the hybrid Sony a7 IV, they're not the most convenient to take on the go, especially when I just want to focus on exploring and not be weighed down by my gear. The smaller and lighter the camera, the more likely I'll bring it with me as an everyday carry (at least that's what I keep telling myself). The thing is, I rarely take photos on my most portable camera, my iPhone 16 Pro, unless I really have to. Small point-and-shoots like the Sony RX1 I previously owned were a step up, but to me, they ultimately lacked that oomph I was after. I've been chasing that elusive sweet spot: a small, fun camera that still gives me full creative control and doesn't make me compromise on image quality. That's what the Sony RX1R III aims to achieve. I had the opportunity to test this new $5100 camera and after a day of testing it around NYC, here's what I loved — and what still feels stuck in the past. The Sony RX1R III uses a 10 year old lens, but that's not a bad thing. It's the same 35mm f/2 Zeiss Sonnar T* lens as the previous model — it's sharp, delivers excellent depth of field, and is of course compact. Why change? The camera is now paired with an upgraded 61-megapixel full-frame sensor (up from 42.4MP of the RX1R II). This gives enough resolution for digital crops. To an effective 50mm focal length with 29MP spare, and 70mm at 15MP — so you get lots of flexibility without ever swapping lenses. The Sony RX1R III uses a 10 year old lens, but that's not a bad thing. The 3 effective focal lengths can quickly be toggled between using a programmable Custom Button. I enjoyed nailing my framing in camera, saving me from needing further edits. From capturing a delivery guy chilling on his Vespa in front of a pizzeria with perfectly complementary teal and orange colors, to retro signage I found across during my walk, to authentic moments of New Yorkers just being New Yorkers, the RX1R III offers good focal range to work with for street photography. That said, there were definitely times where I wished the lens could go wider — something like a 24mm or 20mm — especially when I couldn't physically move backwards to capture more in frame. One missed shot that sticks with me: a yellow cab flying past with a killer backdrop behind it. Wider glass would have told a better story. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The RX1R III reminded me how great it is to have a very compact high quality stills camera that I can take basically anywhere. It weighs just 1.1 pounds and measures under 3 inches thick. Not exactly pocketable — but it still fits easily in a jacket or sling bag without weighing you down. On the street, it's stealthy. People don't tense up when you raise it. They don't assume you've got the reach to grab a candid moment across the street — even though you do. And for me, there's another big bonus: most venues will let it through security without hassle. By contrast, even my smallest Sony Alpha body with a pancake lens sets off the 'pro gear' alarms. I've lost count of the awkward moments explaining to security, 'Actually, according to your policy this lens is small enough and allowed to be brought in.' The RX1R III skips that whole song and dance — it's just a small camera to everyone else, which is exactly what I want it to be. Sony still reigns champ when it comes to autofocus, especially compared to the likes of Leica Q3 43 and Fujifilm GFX100RF, which may have the edge with image quality, but can't keep up with the RX1R III's speed and AI. The Sony offers 693 Phase detection autofocus points covering around 78% of the image capture's area and can focus up to 20cm close for macro shots. One thing holding it back, though, is that it uses stepper motors, so its tracking may not be as reliable as Sony's newer Alpha cameras. In my tests, I tracked a group of skaters riding toward me, keeping focus on the guy on the left as he busted a sick kickflip, and the camera just locked on the whole time. I ended up printing that shot straight out of camera — no edits needed. And that's the beauty of a camera like this. It almost gives me that instant camera vibe, where I can quickly capture a moment and print it right away without worrying about spending hours in Lightroom. For hybrid shooters like me, the RX1R III also shoots 4K at up to 30fps, which is great for capturing quick video moments on the fly. I'd still use this primarily as a photo-first camera, as the compact size does come with trade-offs. Specifically for video: there's no mic or headphone jack, no stabilization, and there's no record button. Considering the target audience, the video features may rarely get used — but there are a few other quirks photographers won't love either. Even the 10-year-old RX1R II had a tilt screen First, the rear screen is fixed — no flip-out, no tilt — which makes framing low or high-angle shots a bit tricky. Sometimes when I'm doing street photography, I like to rely on a flip-out screen to be more inconspicuous about what shot I'm framing. So that was a bummer and definitely made me rethink how I shot. This is even more surprising when you remember that even the 10-year-old RX1R II had a tilt screen! Something else I quickly missed from my other Sony cameras was a joystick to shift the autofocus point without relying on the touchscreen. Just like its predecessor, your only other option is to use the control wheel to navigate and select focus points. Again — for a camera this expensive — it feels like it misses out on a lot of the conveniences I've grown used to with my nearly 5-year-old Sony bodies. On paper, battery life is a little underwhelming. It's rated for about 300 shots, which is on the lower end of what cameras in this category offer. The Leica Q3 43 is rated for 350, though you can easily get double that in real-world use. After an hour-long photo walk — roughly 250 photos and some short videos — I wrapped with about 25% battery left. I'm also someone who rarely turns their camera off between switching scenes so I don't risk missing the shot, so keep that in mind. Finally, this camera lacks weather resistance. While I don't make a habit of shooting in the rain, many of my favorite shots over the years have been in less-than-ideal weather. Weather resistance isn't necessarily about letting your camera get wet — it's about added peace of mind for your very expensive investment. The RX1R III will set you back $5,100 before you even think about accessories — and yes, they're pricey too. The matching thumb grip is $300, and the leather body case will run you another $250. That plants it firmly in flagship territory, but it's not out of step with other premium compacts like the Leica Q3 or the Fujifilm GFX100RF. You're not paying for versatility here — you're paying for a very specific type of camera: discreet, pocketable (ish), and capable of producing full-frame images that can hang with your main workhorse. Whether that's worth the cost depends entirely on how much you value traveling light without sacrificing quality. If you're a professional photographer who already shoots Sony and wants something compact that still feels familiar in the hand, or a serious hobbyist who values high-resolution stills and fast, reliable autofocus in a discreet package, the RX1R III makes a compelling case. It's not perfect — the fixed screen, lack of weather sealing, and average battery life will frustrate some. But if you can live with those quirks, this is one of the few cameras that can deliver A7R V-level image quality in a body small enough to disappear into a sling bag. It's the kind of camera you buy because you know exactly what it's for — and if that's you, it'll earn a permanent spot in your kit. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
CNN
4 days ago
- CNN
Our favorite product releases this week: Hulken, Lego, Sony and more
It's Friday, and that means that we get to end the week by looking back at our editors' favorite product launches from the last seven days. Whether you're just hoping to keep up to date with the latest and greatest releases or are looking to shop them, we've highlighted nine of the most notable drops from around the web. To close out the week, our deals team of Rikka Altland, Jacqueline Saquin and Elena Matarazzo scoured the web to find the best new product drops. This week brings the launch of a fresh rolling carry-on tote from Hulken, a Lego recreation of an Italian Riviera and an all-new, sleek Sony mirrorless camera. Leica may have some competition Sony's newest camera hit store shelves this week, and our senior editor, Rikka Altland, recently had a chance to try it out for herself. In true Sony fashion, the new RX1 R III is a mouthful of a name for a camera that's as elegant as they come in the mirrorless world. It features a lightweight body that includes a fixed Zeiss 35mm f/2 prime lens that is versatile enough to simulate the experience of other lenses. The camera's massive 61-megapixel full-frame sensor helps the cause, with more than enough pixels to crop in and adjust pictures as needed. Altland spent an evening with the new camera earlier in the week, immediately noticing another one of the Sony RX1R III's new tricks: an updated autofocus system. It's one of the snappiest autofocuses she has tried in this kind of camera, meaning blurry photos of your kids will be a thing of the past. Where it starts to give cameras in this class (think of Leica) a run for their money is with the introduction of 12 film presets, which include settings for a classic filmic FL look, a nostalgic FL2 film mode and more. There's just one problem with the Sony RX1 R III — its price tag. You'll have to shell out a whopping $5,098 to bring this shiny new piece to your photography setup. An all-denim collab between two fashionable powerhouses The latest limited-edition collaboration between Gap and Béis is a game-changer for anyone who's ever felt the burden of packing for both style and function. Each piece in this exclusive collection seamlessly blends Gap's iconic essentials with Béis's trendy travel-centric designs. Whether you're jet-setting to a tropical destination or heading out on a weekend adventure, the collection ensures you won't have to compromise on comfort or aesthetics while you're on the move. What sets this collaboration apart is its dedication to the needs of the modern traveler. Take the Convertible Cargo Barrel Pants, for example — two looks in one, designed to adapt to any situation with minimal effort. The pants can be transformed from shorts to pants with a zip. Add in the denim-like knits that offer the appearance of your favorite pair of jeans, but with all the softness and stretch of a knit. It also decks out bestselling Béis travel gear, like the already sold-out Weekender Bag and the Carry-On, in Gap's signature denim. The collections are available at both Béis and Gap. While both brands are typically priced accessibly alone, the collab does carry a slightly higher premium. Prices range from $40 to $378, with the higher-end pieces reflecting the exclusivity of this limited-edition partnership. For those who start celebrating spooky season a few months early Christmas in July was a couple of weeks back, and Lush is here to continue the spirit of celebration with its limited-edition Halloween collection. In about a month, or when Labor Day weekend rolls around, many of us will be slipping into chunky knits and sipping on PSLs, so why not start a bit early? Indulge in self-care nights and fight off those spooky Sunday scaries with an adorable Ghostie Bath Bomb or Dracula Bubble Bar, and coat your lips in a Blood Orange Lip Scrub while taking a soak. If baths aren't your or their thing, this spicy vanilla shower gel will look great in a boo basket alongside a creepy alien shower jelly. And if you haven't heard, Lush's body sprays are all the rage and give off a subtle scent that lasts all day. Mist yourself or even your space with the decadent Pumpkin Spice and earthy Lord Of Misrule. Build your own Ligurian fishing village, no passport required CNN Underscored's Lego expert, Altland, may have just checked out her favorite sets from the new summer wave that just launched, but there's another new kit on the block worth taking a closer look at. Now available for purchase for those with a Lego account and officially going up for sale this weekend, the new Ideas Italian Riviera assembles an incredibly detailed replica of a coastal fishing village with 3,251 pieces. Aside from gorgeous facades and intricate details on the outside, the three buildings have interior furnishing that can be revealed by lifting the building's different modules. Popping off the roofs and upper stories of the gelato store, diving equipment shop and fish market reveal plenty of scenes fit for a typical Ligurian village. To really sell those vibes, you're getting 10 minifigures who are right at home in the Italian Riviera. Selling for $300, this set is one of the more expensive models in recent months, but that isn't stopping Altland from eyeing this build for her own Lego collection. Another favorite way to schelp Hulken, a lifestyle brand synonymous with the hustle of modern life, has expanded its offerings into the world of travel with two exciting new releases that cater perfectly to the needs of people who are always on the go. The Hulken Carry-On ($150) is a lightweight, fold-flat, top-opening luggage solution that redefines the traditional carry-on bag, making it an essential for anyone who values both convenience and style during their travels. Deals editor Jacqueline Saguin has been a faithful user of the brand's original Hulken Bag, relying on it for picking up heavy packages and lugging large loads of laundry. Following in its footsteps, the Carry-On packs that OG design down into an airplane-ready footprint. Unlike typical carry-ons that open from the side or front, the top-opening feature allows for quick, easy access to your belongings, especially in tight overhead compartments or when you're trying to grab something mid-flight. It differs from the OG with additional carrying straps and an additional outer laptop compartment. Its lightweight construction means you won't have to worry about lugging a heavy bag through crowded airports or navigating a busy city with your gear. And, of course, the signature Hulken foldability makes it a breeze to stow away when not in use, freeing up precious storage space for those who prefer to travel light. At $150, it's a bit steeper than its Rolling Tote counterparts. For those looking to maximize value, bundle the Carry-On and its companion Schlep Stack together for $200 and free shipping, which means $45 in savings. Back-to-school pieces that the whole family can enjoy Calling all Crayola fanatics! Crayola just released its collaboration with the iconic reusable water bottle brand, Swell, and with it, 12 limited-edition pieces in retired colors. Violet Blue, Orange Red, Magic Mint and Dandelion are back and were missed by folks old enough to remember that they even existed in the first place. We're loving the retro-inspired prints and vintage twist on this back-to-school collection. It feels nostalgic, and although none of us are school-aged, we feel like we're going back this fall after seeing these pieces. Shop by your preferred color or mix and match between your favorites. The durable and easy-to-clean Salad Bowl Kits are blended with two colors and are perfect for the kids at heart who want to make their in-office desk salad a bit more cheerful. Little ones can enjoy the itty bitty, 9-ounce flip straw bottle, which comes with a carrying handle and a set of old school sticker print-adorned food canisters for all their school snacks. If you're in the market for a new reusable water bottle that's a bit larger than the mini kid's one, the brand made a Crayola version of its classic screw top silhouette that holds 17 ounces of liquid. Mustard's lineup of lively lockers is one of our editors' favorite storage solutions. The company is now expanding its collection with a new wall-mounted organizer named The Storyboard. Available in 12 different colors ranging from light pink hues and dark blues to chalkboard-inspired looks, it is made from the same powder-coated steel as the brand's lockers. Each one measures 33.5 inches wide and 20.9 inches tall — or vice versa, depending on whether you're hanging it in portrait or landscape position. In either case, The Storyboard can be used to hang up important documents, serve as a mood board and more when paired with Mustard's new magnetic Buttons that come in the same array of styles. Altland has been eyeing a new way to organize all the printed keepsakes she gets from the restaurants she visits. This seems like the perfect solution for hanging up ornate Omakase menus, postcards from hole-in-the-wall sandwich spots and all the other prints she has collected from her time eating her way around New York City. Mustard's new The Storyboard retails for $129 and is now available for purchase alongside The Buttons, which go for $28 when you buy a 6-pack. Science meets beauty with this heat protectant Launched August 1, K18's new Heat Bounce is a science-led approach to how you can help shield hair from heat styling damage. This lightweight cream-to-mist formula is powered by the brand's ResiliCore technology, a molecule that aims to penetrate the hair's cortex to defend against heat up to 450°F and UV rays, per the brand. Priced at $38, it offers a fresh approach to heat protection without the usual heaviness or greasiness you'd associate with traditional heat protectants. Heat Bounce completes K18's signature hair repair routine of leave-in masks and volumizers, ideal for those who prioritize maintaining healthy hair while styling with heat. Designed for all hair types and textures, it's designed to protect hair while leaving soft, shiny hair in its wake, without feeling weighed down. The brand also took notes from leading industry hair experts like Devante Turnbull, stylist to celebrities like Sza, to tweak its formulation. Leave hair frizz-free and smelling fresh with this summer inspired hair spray Since June, our associate editor, Elena Matarazzo, has used R+Co's Sun Catcher Leave-In Conditioner from its Ashley Streicher Collection. Instead of blow-drying her hair before a night or day out on the town, she's been using three or so pumps of the leave-in serum and letting her hair dry naturally. Surprisingly, her thick and bluntly cut bob has dried frizz-free with summery waves throughout. Before learning about the leave-in conditioner and this most recent launch from Streicher and R+Co, Matarazzo had been following the talented hairstylist for years and adored the way she cut and created relaxed yet chic, textured styles with her clients' hair. So, once she got her hands on the first product from the Sun Catcher line, she was hooked. The Sun Catcher Power C Nourish + Refresh Styling Spray is the newest addition to the block and is here to prep your hair for pre-blowout or air-drying. It lightly coats your hair and doubles as a heat protectant (up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit) and is packed with vitamin C to keep harmful UV rays out and pollution. Like the other products from Streicher, this one smells amazing. It reminds Matarazzo of a summer in California and smells of citrus, palo santo and cedar. Columbia Women's Amaze Puff Hooded Jacket When temperatures dip, the stylish Amaze puffer lives up to its name thanks to 650-fill-power down and a weather-repellent design that keeps you cozy and dry. Its internal backpack straps are a clever detail, too. If you want more coverage, check out the mid-length and long versions. As deals editors at CNN Underscored, we are some of the first people to hear about the latest product news from reader-favorite brands. Our deals team — comprised of senior editor Rikka Altland, editor Jacqueline Saguin and associate editor Elena Matarazzo — is passionate about product launches that we would be tempted to shop, and we enjoy finding a coveted new item (especially one from a brand with top marks from our experts) because it means we're helping our readers make savvy buying decisions.
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Business Insider
NYC tech workers feel 'politically homeless.' They think abundance ideology is the answer.
New York City is in crisis. A pocket of the city's tech community thinks it has the solution. They're looking to abundance, a fast-rising ideology that says the way out of urban decay is to build: more housing, more transit, more clean energy, and more tech. It's a Yes-In-My-Backyard worldview aimed squarely at a city drowning in sky-high living costs and rising waters. The city is screaming with an unfocused angst, said Andrew Staniforth, the cofounder and CEO of construction tech startup Assembly OSM, during a "Tech for Abundance" panel Wednesday night in Midtown Manhattan. "I think that's creating a bit of a weird identity crisis for New York, and especially for tech — is this the right place to be building?" Staniforth said. The abundance movement is carving out its own political identity for people who no longer feel represented by Democratic or Republican policies. New York is a de facto one-party city, Slow Ventures principal Yoni Rechtman told Business Insider. Abundance, on the other hand, is a philosophy that tech workers across political lines can get behind. Some 100 people across New York's tech scene, founders, Big Tech workers, and venture capital investors, joined Wednesday's Tech for Abundance event, hosted by Lux Capital and Company Ventures alongside the nonprofit Abundance New York. Lux Capital research partner Laurence Pevsner said the firm and its co-sponsors had envisioned maybe a few dozen people would want to attend. Instead, over 700 people requested admittance. Abundance advocates are pushing for policies like congestion pricing for New York City traffic, rolled out in January, and changes to the city charter to make it easier to build more housing, a vote that could appear on New Yorkers' ballots this November. Its proponents also have loftier hopes, like ridding Manhattan's streets of their unsightly scaffolding, an effort without an end in sight but plenty of passion behind it, if the hearty applause from the Tech for Abundance audience is any indication. "Clearly, so many people in tech feel politically homeless, and so many New Yorkers believe their city can be better. But going from that vision to action is hard," Pevsner told the audience. The emerging movement is "giving political power and a voice to all of us who want to build a city of abundance in the place we love and call home." Shaina Horowitz, the director of program innovation and acceleration at The New York Climate Exchange and a Tech for Abundance panelist, said New York benefits by evading a San-Francisco-style tech bubble, which helps its entrepreneurs bring more diverse ideas to the table. But it also means New York needs to mobilize its tech community to continue to compete with the Bay Area — and to secure the city's future. "This city can't afford not to move with urgency, whether we're talking about the talented people moving out of the city or the infrastructure crumbling before our eyes," she said. The politics of plenty Abundance liberalism, as the philosophy is often called, has been steadily gaining traction over the past five years. Vaughan, who cofounded Abundance New York last year, said she saw a huge uptick in interest in March when Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson released their book Abundance, which describes the movement as a "call to renew the politics of plenty." "It feels like an antidote to some of the partisan insanity at the federal level, to be more positive and solutions-oriented around a finite and important set of issues," Rechtman said. The Tech for Abundance panelists discussed their respective approaches to some of New York City's most critical constraints, including a lack of affordable housing, government bureaucracy, and an inadequate climate change response. Assembly OSM uses tech for modular construction of high-rise buildings, though the company has run into multiple roadblocks with local government policies, Staniforth said. Lux Capital-backed Conductor AI, cofounded by panelist Zachary Long, is working to automate government approval processes to break down some of that bureaucracy. And The New York Climate Exchange, as Horowitz explained, is building a physical campus on Governors Island to power more climate research, education, and jobs. Abundance agendas typically center on increasing housing supply, a different stance on the same concern that's been a cornerstone of Zohran Mamdani 's platform as New York City's leading mayoral candidate. Mamdani has drawn national criticism, as well as support, for promising to freeze rents on some apartments in response to the city's housing crisis. Vaughan said that while rent freezes don't fit with abundance ideology, when she and other Abundance New York members had dinner with Mamdani in February, she felt he was open-minded about considering other policy solutions to affordable housing, like easing the construction of new homes. "We're really pragmatic about building relationships with different candidates and elected officials. They could be super far leftist, but if they agree with us on key parts, we'll work with them on it," she said. Abundance New York hasn't tried to wrap its arms around every hot-button issue, however. When New York-based serial investor and founder Esther Dyson asked the panel about disparities in healthcare, childcare, and education, its participants didn't take a side. When Long admitted he didn't have a solution, Dyson replied, "Well, Tech for Abundance needs one." Vaughan told BI that the abundance movement has historically stayed away from planting flags in healthcare, education, and policing, in part because people can find clear policy stances on those issues in the Democratic and Republican parties. But she also worries that engaging with such controversial issues, at least at this stage in Abundance New York's life, "would split this coalition we're trying to build." That coalition is growing. About 4,000 people have signed up for Abundance New York's newsletter, and roughly half of those people are considered "members" by engaging further, like by volunteering or donating, Vaughan told BI. Abundance New York joins multiple other organizations similarly pushing for the "more is more" mindset, including Abundant New York, a super PAC affiliated with the nonprofit Open New York, which advocates for increasing housing supply. Rechtman sees the movement's goals as critical for the survival of New York's startup ecosystem. "Cost of living and quality of life issues make it harder to build a company in New York," he said. "If New York wants to continue to be an important startup market, we have to be able to attract people here and to retain them. You can't do that if it's not an affordable place to live."
