Caye Technology announced a new 200mm F3.5 lens. Key specs:

• Full Frame
• fixed F3.5 large aperture
• manual focus
• uses a set of two optical structures
• minimum focusing distance of 1.8 meters
• The lens body is about 32cm long
• 14cm in diameter
• weighs about 550g
• Sony E, Canon RF, Canon EF, Canon EF-M, Nikon Z, Nikon F, Fuji X and M43 mounts

Something must have gone lost in translation because the pricing has been said to be 159 Yuan  which is $21 only! Probably there is a missing “0” and price might be 1590 Yuan and $210.

Source: Weibo

Kitamura has published its bestseller ranking for the month of July.

Top 10 cameras:

1. Nikon Z30 double lens kit
2. Canon R5II
3. Olympus E-M10IV dual lens kit
4. FujiFilm X-S20 with kit lens
5. Sony ZV-E10 dual lens kit
6. Sony A6700 with kit lens
7. Sony A7III
8. Sony A7IV with kit lens
9. Sony A6700 body only
10. Sigma FP with 45mm lens kit

Top 10 lenses:

1. Sigma 56mm f/1.4 for Fuji X
2. Tamron 28-200mm for Sony E
3. Sigma 18-50mm for Fuji X
4. Fujifilm 35mm f/2.0
5. Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM
6. Tamron 18-300mm for Sony E
7. Sigma 30mm f/1.4 for Sony E
8. Tamron 90mm macro for Sony E
9. Sony 70-350mm E
10. Tamron 70-180mm for Sony E

A couple of notes:

• OM System is alive in Japan :)
• I am surprised to NOT find the new ZV-E10II among the top sellers
• While Sony places 5 camera into the top 10 none is really leading the pack on the very top.
• 6 out of the top 10 lenses are for E-mount but Tamron is really the winner here as there is only one Sony lens in the top 10.
• Sigma is selling a good amount of X-mount lenses!

Sony A1II at  BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, FotoKoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.
Sony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.

The Sony A1II has been announced and the full presentation page can be seen on that BHphoto page (Click here).

The first reaction from Sony Alpha shooters is that this isn’t a great update. Obviously there are some cool minor changes like the new body and new AI chip. But they were expecting to get “MORE” new features. Well, there is a good news fro them: The Sony A1II forced a $1,000 price drop on the original A1 at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, WexUK. This now makes it a very attractive option!

Sigma released four APS-C RF mount lenses (here at BHphoto). I wonder if Sigma will be allowed by Canon to also release some of their big Full Frame lenses!

FUJIFILM is currently in the process of developing its first-ever filmmaking camera, the GFX ETERNA, with plans for a release in 2025.

The GFX ETERNA will feature a large format sensor, GFX 102MP CMOS II HS, which is approximately 1.7 times larger than a 35mm sensor, and the high-speed image processing engine X-Processor 5, enabling filmmakers to capture rich, true to life visuals and have enhanced flexibility in post-production.

Both the GFX 102MP CMOS II HS sensor and X-Processor 5 are the latest technologies featured in the FUJIFILM’s mirrorless digital camera GFX100 II, which delivers extraordinarily high image quality with its 102 million pixels.

The Sony A1II introduces key advancements over its predecessor, the Sony A1, especially for professional photographers and videographers seeking refined features and performance.

1. **Enhanced In-Body Stabilization**: With up to 8 stops of in-body image stabilization, the A1II offers superior steadiness, allowing handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds and reducing reliance on tripods or gimbals.
2. **AI-Driven Autofocus**: Borrowing from the A9III, the A1II incorporates an advanced AI-based autofocus system that improves subject tracking, particularly for challenging action and wildlife shots.
3. **Pre-Capture Mode**: This feature offers significant advantages for capturing fast-moving subjects, buffering frames just before the shutter press, helping photographers capture fleeting moments they might have missed otherwise.
4. **Faster CFexpress Type A Support**: The addition of faster CFexpress Type A card support reduces data transfer times and allows users to work with high-resolution files more efficiently, making it ideal for professionals handling large volumes of high-bitrate video and images.
5. **Potential Price Adjustment**: If the original A1 sees a price reduction with the A1II’s release, professionals on a budget might find the A1 more accessible, while those investing in the A1II gain the most current technology.

While the core specs like 30fps burst and 8K at 30p video remain the same, these targeted upgrades make the Sony A1II a strong candidate for professionals looking to improve image stabilization, autofocus precision, and workflow efficiency.