News
Zeiss reveals new Otus ML 1,4/35 in RF, E and Z mounts
Zeiss has announced the latest addition to the made-for-mirrorless, manual-focus Otus ML range: the Otus ML 1,4/35. This is the first Otus model in the popular 35mm focal length, having been omitted in favour of 1,4/28 in the original series. That said, Zeiss updated the optical design of the manual-focus Classic 1,4/35 model with the Milvus 1,4/35, both of which were probably the best 35mm F1.4 lenses for DSLRs at the time of their introduction. Time doesn’t stand still, of course, and there have been several notable additions over the intervening years, such as the Sigma Art DG 35mm F1.4 HSM, Canon EF 35mm F1.4L USM II and more recently…
Sigma announces update to the hugely popular 35mm F1.4 Art series lens
Sigma has announced the highly-anticipated update to the acclaimed 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art series (made for mirrorless) lens. The new Mark II model promises faster focusing and improved image quality thanks to the adoption of new glass types, including two Super Low Dispersion (SLD) elements and a total of four “high-precision” aspherical elements. Sigma says, “the lens thoroughly suppresses aberrations, particularly axial (longitudinal) chromatic aberration,” which is typically difficult to control with high-speed lenses such as this. The new lens also features a new Advanced Amorphous Coating (AAC) to reduce ghosting and flare, and is both 14% shorter and 20% lighter than the previous model. Available in Sony E…
Canon announces the RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM lens
Canon announced the Canon RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L Fisheye STM lens on the same day as the RF 14mm F1.4L VCM, see the previous post. This new Fisheye lens replaces the highly regarded EF model and is a welcome addition to the range, but it is likely to appeal to a smaller market. I reviewed the EF 8-15mm F4L Fisheye USM lens and the later Nikon equivalent and found them very useful for their unique field of view. What’s more, I’ve sold photographs made with both lenses, so while niche and appealing mainly to the editorial market, the unusual perspectives do get noticed. The new lens costs £1,719 inc VAT ($1,899)…
Canon announces astro-oriented RF 14mm F1.4L VCM lens
Canon’s new RF 14mm F1.4L VCM is targeting astrophotographers, as the lens designers say in an interview published on the Canon Japan site; however, an ultrawide like this is likely to appeal to a much wider audience. The new lens costs £2,399 inc VAT ($2,599) and will be available from 20th February. A second lens was also announced: the Canon RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM lens. Key features and user benefits • Rectilinear ultra-wide hybrid-type prime for lower distortion (supplemented with digital (profile) correction) • Fast F1.4 maximum aperture for added versatility in low light (faster shutter speeds possible for night-time and astro photography, reducing movement blur and noise) •…
Leica Noctilux-M 35mm F1.2 ASPH announced
Leica has officially announced the Leica Noctilux-M 35mm F1.2 ASPH for Leica M cameras. The new lens has a high-speed maximum aperture of F1.2 and is the first in the Noctilux series to feature the 35mm focal length. It consists of 10 elements in five groups (which includes 3 aspherical elements and floating elements). It also features an appealing minimum focus distance of just 0.5m, yet retains the common 49 mm filter thread size, measures 50 mm (2 in) in length, and weighs 416 g (14.6 oz). The new lens will be available immediately for £7,700 inc VAT /$9,650. Summary: Maximum aperture: F1.2 Elements: 10 elements in 5 groups (including…
Black Friday deals
My Black Friday sale is currently open. Save 25% off any of my Capture One Styles with the discount code 6AXYHX9Z. Ends on 28 November. This site’s subscription is also 25% off currently, at $37.30, for 12 months (regular price $49.99). Does not renew, so you’re not locked in. There’s no need for a code, as the price reflects the discount. Also ends on 28 November. Amazon has been running Black Friday deals for a few days already, giving me some time to browse through the more interesting photography-related products. Surprisingly, though, there aren’t that many this year. Lightroom Classic users can pick up a 12-month subscription for just £61.99…
Leica reveals the B&W Q3 Monochrom
Leica has introduced the Leica Q3 Monochrom, the B&W sensor version of the popular Leica Q3 compact, featuring a 60 MP full-frame CMOS sensor and a 28mm F1.7 Summilux fixed focal length lens. In addition, the Leica Q3 Monochrom features a new intuitive user interface with a well-defined separation between the photo stills and video functions. Leica say the new UI will be rolled out with a firmware update for the existing Leica Q3 and Leica Q3 43 models. The new Leica Q3 M model is also the first in the series to utilise Content Credentials technology. The hardware chip in the Leica Q3 M embeds a digital signature in…
ProGrade Digital CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card Iridium Series 400 GB £157.99 (Was £184.99)
Amazon UK have big savings on ProGrade Digital CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card Iridium Series cards currently. The Iridium series is the highest performing CFexpress 4.0 Type B card in the maker’s range. CFexpress 4.0 Type B Iridium Delivers: Fully compliant with CompactFlash™ Association 4.0 specification and backwards compatible with 2.0 specification NVMe host interface with PCIe Gen4 X2 interconnect Low standby power through NVMe PS0 – PS4 support, enabling extended battery life Metal enclosure for improved durability and heat dissipation Thermal throttling protects the card from overheating Laser etched unique serial numbering for the tracking of key components and manufacturing data for the highest quality control Temperature ranges: operating…
Leica SL3 Reporter announced
High-end camera maker Leica has announced the Leica SL3 Reporter mirrorless camera. The new model is based on the existing Leica SL3 and has the same technical specs; however, it features a hard-wearing, scratch-resistant, dark green finish and attractive yet functional aramid body covering, which is said to improve grip. I don’t usually like special editions, but the Reporter versions are highly attractive and hugely popular. What’s more, they maintain high residuals should the time come to upgrade. The tough dark-green finish was used on earlier Reporter models (such as the M10, SL2-S and Q2 series). The same type of durable finish was also used on the original black Leica…
Important Update: New Paywall for Reviews and Features
We want to thank you for your continued support and engagement with our content. We’re always striving to provide high-quality reviews and features, and to maintain and enhance the quality of our offerings, we have decided to implement a paywall. As usage rights, licensing, and even appropriation are increasingly being undermined for photographers and journalists in the media and the wider internet (including in the photographic press, somewhat disingenuously), leading to requests for low fees or even free content, we trust that you will understand our shift to a subscription and affiliate-funded model as a commitment to protecting these essential rights. Certain content, including news and commentary, will still be…
