
The holidays are approaching fast! Maybe you have yet to finalize your list, or maybe your photographer family member has given you no guidance. Do not fear—this week’s roundup will provide some inspiration. Thypoch announced a new focal length in their Simera-C line, Profoto released the Pro-B3 monolight, Venus Optics introduced the Laowa Sword Macro lens series, and SanDisk came out with the new Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSDs.
Thypoch Expands the Simera-C Lineup
A new addition has been made to the Thypoch Simera-C cine lens line. With a compact size and a wide field of view, the Simera-C 21mm T1.5 Cine Lens does not compromise versatility. The Sony E mount lens features a 79.5° horizontal field of view to ensure your subject matter of choice remains in frame. Like other lenses in the series, the 21mm has a 16-blade diaphragm and T1.5 maximum aperture for improved low-light performance. This maintains consistency across the series for easy swaps between focal lengths.
Two aspherical elements, three low-dispersion elements, and three high-refractive-index elements minimize common issues like flaring and distortion throughout the focal plane. A multilayer coating also works to minimize ghosting for improved contrast. Overall, the 21mm lens boasts a lightweight design for easy transport and maneuverability.
With the release of a new focal length, you can now purchase a five-lens cine kit, which gives you a wide variety of lenses ranging from 21mm to 75mm. Street photographers will appreciate the level of versatility the 21mm lens will offer. Easier, more forgiving snaps can be achieved with this wide-angle, ultra-portable lens. Its Sony E mount makes it compatible with mirrorless Sony cameras like the a7 series. It can even be secured to the DJI Ronin 4D thanks to its compact size.
Profoto Introduces the Ultra-Portable Pro-B3
Optimized for location shooters, Profoto’s Pro-B3 750Ws Monolight is the compact answer for D3 lovers looking to downsize. The B3 has a lot of the same features photographers appreciated from the D3, like Profoto’s ever-popular Eco, Boost, and Freeze modes. Whether you need increased light output, must extend your battery life, or want to create motion blur, the Pro-B3 can accommodate virtually any commercial shoot.
The Pro-B3 currently has the shortest flash duration Profoto has to offer and a 0.01-2.0 second recycling time capable of syncing with shutter speeds up to 1/75,000 second to capture lightning-fast motion. From portrait shoots to live events, the Pro-B3 helps you capture it all with precise, even lighting.
Built-in AirX technology makes for seamless syncing with your camera of choice. Connect via TTL-HSS to select Canon, FUJIFILM, Nikon, and Sony transmitters. Setup is simple and intuitive, so you spend less time getting ready and more time shooting content. The moonlight features a rugged construction and slim form factor for the ultimate mixture of portability and durability. It is compatible with Profoto’s extensive range of modifiers and diffusers for integration with your preexisting gear. The Pro-B3 is available as a single flash or in a dual-flash kit with two lighting units to build-out your studio space.
Venus Optics Introduces the Laowa Sword Macro Series
Venus Optics is expanding their macro cine lens options with their newest lens line: the Laowa Sword series. Featuring a wide array of focal lengths ranging from 15mm to 180mm, the Laowa Sword Macro Cine lenses are designed for full-frame cameras with ARRI PL mounts. All the lenses prioritize ultra-sharp macro footage with minimal chromatic aberration.
The 25mm, 35mm, 60mm, and 100mm lenses in the series share a T2.9 to T22 aperture range. In contrast, the 15mm lens has a T4.1 to T32 aperture range and the 180mm lens has a T4.6 to T32 aperture range. Varying magnification ratios throughout the series, from 1x to 1.5x to 2x, and close minimum focusing distances make capturing detailed close-ups intuitive. Cine-standard 0.8 MOD gearing is shared across the focal lengths for compatibility with most camera accessories. While you can buy each focal length separately, four-lens and six-lens sets are also available to outfit your kit.
If you aren’t shooting on a PL mount camera, don’t worry, Venus Optics has included interchangeable mount adapters in this launch. Purchase Canon EF, Sony E, Leica L, Nikon Z, and Canon RF bayonets for most lenses in the series. The 15mm and 35mm focal lengths have specific bayonets designed to suit their specifications.
SanDisk Unlocks USB4
A trusted name in storage solutions, SanDisk is continuing its legacy by making the move to USB4 with its newest portable SSDs. The Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSDs come in 2TB and 4TB storage options and maintain the high performance and portability we have come to expect from SanDisk.
Thanks to its compact design, the SSDs are ideal for freelancers, documentarians, and other on-the-go professionals needing to offload their footage. They are compatible with Windows 10 or later and maxOS14 or later, as well as gaming devices like the Xbox Series X|S or PS5. Its USB-C connector supports Thunderbolt 4 protocols and is backwards compatible with older USB standards. File transfers are lightning fast thanks to their 3800 MB/s read speeds and 3700 MB/s write speeds.
Like other SanDisk SSDs, the new Extreme PRO USB4 units have an IP65-rated design with a rugged silicone shell and an aluminum chassis. These SSDs can survive drops up to 6.6’, which means you can remain worry-free when throwing it into your carry-on bag.
In Other News …
Explora has been decked out for the holidays! A slew of holiday buying guides have been written by our experts to further advise your shopping. Better yet, check out the manufacturer-specific 2024 Year in Review articles for brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Sigma, and FUJIFILM to reminisce about the year that was.
That’s all for now! We’ll be back with more product releases and holiday gift ideas next week
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