Leica goes long with a tele-zoom and teleconverter, RED releases the 8K S35 sensor, Sonos reimagines its wireless speakers, and more new releases from DZOFilm and Hollyland.
Week of March 05, 2023
It's a new week and new round of releases at B&H. This time it's another multi-category week of launches, with something for the photographer, cinematographer, and home entertainment enthusiasts out there. Plus, we still have some deals from WPPI, which happened this week in Las Vegas, as well as a special episode of the B&H Photography Podcast celebrating International Women’s Day.
Leica adds some reach to its SL system
Hot on the heels of the Summicron-SL 35mm and 50mm f/2 launch, Leica is releasing the first super-telephoto lens for its L-mount SL system with the Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3. Like the two Summicron primes, this Vario-Elmar zoom is a lens built for usability and portability, rather than pure performance. It’s a compact, lightweight lens, relative to its huge focal length range, and the versatile range is great for wildlife and nature shooting.
Some of the highlights of this lens include integrated optical image stabilization, a detachable Arca-style compatible tripod foot, and a weather-sealed housing with an AquaDura coating on the glass element.
Announced alongside the 100-400mm, in case you’re craving even more reach, is the Extender L 1.4x teleconverter. This matching extender is currently only compatible with the new 100-400mm lens, where it extends the effective focal length to 140-560mm and maintains full AF and AE performance, as well as the weather-sealed lens barrel.
Check out our announcement for more information.
RED Announces the 8K S35 versions of the V-RAPTOR and V-RAPTOR XL
RED DIGITAL CINEMA added a new 8K S35 sensor version to its two DSMC3 cameras, the V-RAPTOR and V-RAPTOR XL. This sensor debuted in the gray-colored RHINO version of the camera, but now it is also available in both RAPTOR cameras and in the more streamlined black finish.
Compared to the larger multi-format VV sensor of the previous models, this 8K S35 sensor is, obviously, intended solely for use with Super 35 lens systems and this sensor is rated to provide 16.5+ stops of dynamic range. The smaller sensor and narrower field of view make this camera a solid option for a variety of production environments; however, RED deems it to be the go-to choice for wildlife and live events shooting. Also, the S35 sensor opens up compatibility to a wider selection of lenses.
For a deeper dive into the new cameras, and coverage of the different camera configurations, check out our announcement here.
Sonos Era 100 and Era 300 Wireless Speakers
On the home entertainment front, the big news this week is the launch of the Sonos Era 100 and Era 300 wireless speakers. The Era 100 is a follow-up to the hugely popular Sonos One and features much improved audio performance, thanks to the inclusion of two tweeters for stereo sound and an enlarged woofer for better bass response.
The other release, and arguably the more interesting of the two, is the all-new Era 300, which is Sonos’s first take on spatial audio. This small speaker produces immersive, room-filling audio and supports Dolby Atmos Music streaming over Wi-Fi or other audio formats via Bluetooth. The speaker can also be paired with a second version to create a surround experience with an even wider sound stage.
Hollyland’s upgraded Solidcom C1 Pro Intercom System
For something unique here on the weekly roundup, Hollyland has just launched an upgraded version of its wireless communication system: the Solidcom C1 Pro Intercom System. This headset-based DECT intercom uses dual-mic Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) for improved use in loud environments, like in sports, live event, and concert production scenarios. For example, it’s a reliable means for communicating with camera operators or other production techs in the middle of an event and it supports a wireless range of up to 1,100'.
Check out more details on the Solidcom C1 Pro in our announcement.
In other news…
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DJI announced the Ronin 4D Flex, a flexible extension for the Zenmuse X9 gimbal camera of the Ronin 4D, and a new DL PZ 17-28mm T3.0 ASPH wide-angle zoom lens.
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There’s a new macro lens from DZOFilm: the 24mm T2.8 Gnosis Macro Prime Lens. This is a 1.25:1 macro option with a wide-angle field of view, full-frame and VV coverage, and joins the Gnosis 32mm, 65mm, and 90mm as a complete set of close-focusing primes. It’s also available in a 3-lens kit with the 32mm and 65mm.
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WPPI took place this week—the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International conference—and we still have a host of WPPI Specials available throughout the weekend.
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Finally, we’d like to highlight the “A World History of Women Photographers” episode of the B&H Photography Podcast, which premiered this past Wednesday, March 8, on International Women’s Day.
That’s everything for this week, we’ll be back again in seven days with the latest releases and news.
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