This week is simply bursting with photo news to cover, so let’s jump right into it! Sigma announced its streamlined BF Mirrorless Camera and two new lenses. Panasonic released its newest hybrid flagship camera: the Lumix S1R II. Zeiss introduced two new lenses in their highly anticipated mirrorless lens series, the Otus ML. And finally, Sony gave us two FE lenses with vastly different focal lengths: a 400-800mm zoom and a 16mm prime.
Sigma Streamlines and Redesigns
On February 23rd, Sigma presented its new creative direction, complete with a mirrorless camera release and two new lenses. Branded as “radically simple”, the BF Mirrorless Camera is a streamlined imaging device with a sleek form factor. Controls for the camera are relegated to the back panel, featuring a redesigned interface that breaks down your settings across three different menus. A 3.15” touchscreen display helps you frame your shots while a smaller status monitor gives quick at-a-glance information.
Point-and-shoot has a different meaning with the BF’s 24MP BSI CMOS sensor, hybrid autofocus system, and up to 6K video support. Internal storage supports virtually any form of imagery from JPEGs to RAW photos. Don’t forget the built-in microphone for stereo sound capture. The BF has a native L-mount for use with I series optics.
Speaking of, the I series lenses are getting an upgrade. Covering focal lengths from 17 to 90mm and maximum apertures of f/2 to f/4, the I series gives you a myriad of lens options depending on the gaps in your kit. Their redesign boasts a unified look across the series, plus the addition of silver colorways in the L-mount versions for use with the silver BF camera body.
Sigma also brought us the 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports Lens, available in both L-mount and Sony E mount options. Sports and wildlife photographers alike will love the versatility and speed of this super-telephoto prime. Its constant f/4 maximum aperture, quick autofocus, and internal image stabilization keeps your image quality top notch. Conscious choices to the physical design of the lens keep the center of gravity in check and maintain durability.
If you don’t need something so extreme in the focal length department, Sigma has also announced the 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary Lens for APS-C sensors. The lens has an equivalent zoom range of 24-450mm on full frame sensors and provides shooting versatility for most subject matter. It’s available in Sony E, L-mount, FUJIFILM X, and Canon RF mounts.
Panasonic Brings 8K to Lumix
Panasonic has finally revisited its flagship series with the Lumix S1R II Mirrorless Camera, its first S-tier addition in three years. This marks the series’ entry into 8K video, bringing ultra-high-resolution imagery to hybrid creators. A new 44.3MP sensor and a high-performance L² engine help facilitate the camera’s 779-point Phase Hybrid Autofocus for improved subject detection and tracking. Internal five-axis image stabilization ensures handheld shooting is smooth up to eight stops.
The camera’s 8K30 10-bit video support is the real star of the S1R II, but the camera can also record Open gate 6.4K30 and 4K120, as well as internal ProRes RAW. Easily accommodate any lighting scenario with the 14 stops of dynamic range. Film simulations, color grading options, Real Time LUTS, False Color, and a new Cinelike A2 photo style offer creative control over your images. CaptureOne compatibility makes tethered shooting a breeze, allowing you to save directly to an optional SSD drive via USB. Integrate L-mount lenses from Leica and Sigma to achieve high-quality cine looks.
Zeiss Rolls Out New High-End Mirrorless Lenses
The new Otus ML 50mm and 85mm lenses from Zeiss are specifically designed for mirrorless cameras, bringing high quality optics to compact recording. Both focal lengths feature apochromatic and aspherical lens design to enhance image reproduction. Both also feature a maximum f/1.4 for improved performance in low-light environments.
The 50mm lens has an optical design of 14 elements in 11 groups while the 85mm lens has 15 elements in 11 groups. Ten aperture blades create a pleasing bokeh and a ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating ensures high color fidelity and reduces lens flare. Internal focusing mechanisms maintain the center of gravity of the lenses for use with gimbals and stabilizers.
Sony Extends the E Mount Range
Sony has given both vloggers and wildlife photographers something to be excited about with their new E mount lens releases. The FE 16mm f/1.8 G Lens is an ultrawide prime for fast day-to-day shooting and the FE 400-600mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens is the longest E mount lens to date.
The 16mm prime has dual XD linear motors for speedy autofocus while maintaining low focus breathing for video capture. The front lens design accepts 67mm screw-in filters, allowing you to integrate UV, ND, or other cine filters already in your gear loadout. The 400-600mm zoom also features dual linear motors for efficient autofocus, as well as Optical SteadyShot with three different modes to ensure your long-reaching shots maintain clarity. It is compatible with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters to further extend its reach up to 1600mm.
In other news…
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Elinchrom released their first continuous light with the LED 100C RGB LED Monolight. Designed for both photo and video applications, the light features bi-color CCT, full RGB control, and 15 lighting effects.
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Viltrox announced the AF 25mm f/1.7 Air series lenses which feature a portable form factor and wide shooting perspective. Smoother focus transitions are achieved buy the lens’ reliable autofocus which is driven by a leadscrew-type STM motor. Choose between Sony E, FUJIFILM X, and Nikon Z mounts.
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Protofo introduced both the 1 x 3’ Clic strip-shaped softbox and the 3 x 3’ Lantern to better control the shape and intensity of your lighting in the studio.
That’s all for this week! Check back next week for exciting news, releases, and product announcements.
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