Coming this week is the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 II. And another Sigma lens will be announced soon after ;)

Image by FDtimes

In an interview released by FDtimes the new RED Ceo Oishi he confirmed that in the future we will get Z-mount RED cameras:

We would like to introduce RED cameras with a Z Mount as one of the options in the future. It will be in addition to the RF mount currently offered, but it could take a couple of years.

Interestingly they do not plan to phase out the Canon mount:

We’re not going to take away people’s Canon mounts, because that would be unfair to the customer.

And yes, they are considering making Z-mount lenses too:

Our current Z lens series has been designed for higher resolution and precise image reproduction. In the future, we would like to take these different approaches into consideration for an additional cinema lens lineup if we have a chance. We do understand the market requirements.

Hasselblad announced the new 25mm V lens and it’s already in Stock at BHphoto and Adorama. Full press text and hands-on can be read at Explora.

DxO just released the brand new Nikon collection 7 (Click here to see all new features). You can download a free trial version here.

Nik Collection 7 by DxO, with a New Faster and Smoother Workflow

Paris (France): DxO Labs, the company that is standing at the forefront of photo editing technology, presents the latest edition of Nik Collection, the photo editing suite of seven premium applications which, extend the capabilities of programs such as Photoshop, Lightroom, Affinity Photo, and DxO PhotoLab.

“Nik Collection exists to accelerate visual creativity in any photography workflow. With version 7, not only have we maximised performance, but we’ve introduced new selection tools that deliver a remarkable level of control,” Boris Oliviero, Product Director.

New Options for Nik Color Efex

• Nik Color Efex now features an extended HSL filter for extending colour range selections. complete with a new Vibrancy slider.
• Dynamic Filters enables you to stack and reorder filters and even create local adjustments.
• Access Nik Viveza plugins as filters from within Nik Color Efex introducing a fluid and simplified workflow.

U Point Local Adjustments now have Powerful New Adjustment Tools

Nik Collection’s signature U Point technology gets three new tools to give users outstanding precision when making selections for local adjustments.

• The new Polygonal Tool allows photographers to quickly select irregular shapes.
• Control Points can now be modified into any elliptical form.
• Luminosity Masks can be used for accurate and faster selections by targeting levels of brightness.

Work Faster with Speed Upgrades

• Images now launch up to 30% faster, enabling a more efficient workflow.
• New Switch To, feature enables you to seamlessly move between plugins.
• Quick Export lets you output images without leaving the plugin or app, allowing you to make fast comparisons of image versions.
• New look and functionality for the library with a Quick Search tool and the ability to organise users presets and filters for faster access.

Other Changes

Nik Perspective has been removed from Nik Collection 7. With parallel installation, owners of Nik Collection 6.3 will still be able to continue to use Nik Perspective.

Price and availability

Nik Collection (Windows and macOS) can now be purchased at: www.dxo.com
Nik Collection 7 upgrade £145 €159 $159
Nik Collection 7 full version £79 €89 $89

This time for real! We are finally getting “something”….but what can we hope to get?

Kristian Dowling shortly tested the 2 million dollar Leica Apo-Telyt-R 1600mm f/5.6. He writes:

Testing in-store at ‘the Classic Store’ Leica Camera, Wetzlar Germany. Liam Arning of the store was kind enough to let me take his portrait. While never created as a portrait lens in mind, I decided to see what the compression of the 1600mm focal length would do to his face when taking a portrait – watch the video and see. disclaimer: this was not meant to be a promotional video nor anything serious. Just something fun to try the lens out on the new Leica SL3. It was quite sharp at the closest focusing distance I shot at, however it’s performance was optimised for longer distance shooting, so don’t look too much into the quality – just the compression of the very simple image.

BACKGROUND ON THE LENS:

In 2006, Leica Camera AG unveiled a groundbreaking creation: the Apo-Telyt-R 1600 mm f/5.6 lens, a true marvel of engineering. This extraordinary lens, weighing in at a staggering 60 kg and boasting dimensions of 1.2 meters in length (expanding to 1.55 meters with the lens hood attached) and a barrel diameter of 42 cm, redefined the limits of telephoto capabilities.

The genesis of this colossal telephoto lens traces back to a unique request from Sheikh Saud Bin Mohammed Al-Thani, the former Minister of Culture of Qatar. His vision for an exceptionally large and heavy lens pushed the boundaries of traditional optics, resulting in a piece that stands out not only for its technical prowess but also for its sheer size and weight. While its practicality may seem daunting, its creation marks a testament to Leica’s dedication to innovation and the pursuit of excellence in optical design.

And nope, you cannot buy this lens even if you sell your organs. Leica only made three copies of this lens and is to jealous to sell them!

One more video:

Mapcamera shared the list of the most sold 20 cameras during their fiscal year 2023 (April 1 2023 to March 31 2024):

1. Nikon Z8
2. Nikon Z f
3. Sony α7C II
4. Canon EOS R6 Mark II
5. Sony α7RV
6. Sony α7IV
7. Fujifilm X-T5
8. Ricoh GR IIIx
9. Sony α6700
10. Canon EOS R8
11. OM system OM-1
12. Fujifilm X-H2
13. Fujifilm X-T30 II
14. Ricoh GR III
15. Nikon Z fc
16. Fujifilm X-S10
17. Sony ZV-E10
18. Leica Q3
19. Canon EOS R10
20. Sony ZV-E1

With six camera Sony has the most products that made it into the top 20. Followed by Fujifilm with four and Canon and Nikon with three each. Ricoh has two cameras and Leica and OM one only.