Another packed week of announcements means we have a lot of exciting news to recap. Venus Optics announced new Laowa Proteus Anamorphic Zooms. Apple released updates for the iPad Air. Sirui introduced us to a new Prime lens series and rolled out a 20mm autofocus anamorphic. Atomos released the Shinobi GO. And Shure upgraded to the MoveMic 88+. Let’s get into it!
Venus Optics Announces Anamorphic Zooms
Adding to their prolific Laowa Proteus series, Venus Optics rolled out the Laowa Proteus 26-45mm and 45-85mm 2x Anamorphic Zoom lenses for versatile image capture in a 2x squeeze ratio. The lenses cover Super 35 image sensors on ARRI PL and Canon EF camera bodies with the included mounts and are available in amber, blue, and silver flaring.
Despite their large focal length range, the lenses maintain a compact design, with the 25-45mm lens measuring just 7.46” in length and the 45-85mm lens measuring just 7.6”. Both lenses feature a 31.9mm image circle for filming with S35 sensors like the ARRI ALEXA 35 Open Gate and RED V-RAPTOR 7K 6:5 format. If you want to use the anamorphic zoom with your full-frame camera, a separately available 1.4x expander will cover a full-frame sensor without noticeable effects to your image resolution.
A parfocal design maintains focus throughout the zoom range. Minimal breathing and distortion, as well as optimal corner sharpness, evoke the look of the Proteus prime series but in a cinematic perspective with an oval-shaped bokeh. A constant T2.9 aperture and relatively short focus distance—19” and 35”, respectively—create a shallow depth of field. If you want to take advantage of the full available zoom ranges, 2-lens kits are available with both focal lengths in your desired flare color.
Apple Updates the iPad Air
In their newest round of updates, Apple has given us the iPad Air with an M3 chip designed for Apple Intelligence. This new chip promises a twice-as-fast operating time over the M1 chip for faster multitasking, enhanced graphics, and overall improved experience. The Air is available in 11” and 13” models and various colorways. A new Magic Keyboard is also available with this release, boasting a larger trackpad and 14-key function row. The standard iPad also received a facelift with the A16 processor and iPadOS 18.
Sirui Introduces New Prime and Anamorphic Lenses
Sirui has given us some new lens additions to be excited about this week with the release of the VP-1 Vision Prime lens series and a new focal length of their autofocus anamorphic series in 20mm. The Vision Primes are available in 24, 35, and 50mm focal lengths as well as a 3-lens set, boasting fast apertures and short minimum focusing distances. They have interchangeable lens mounts for easy swapping between Canon RF, Nikon Z, and Leica L camera bodies—making bulky adapters a thing of the past. The 20mm T1.8 1.33x anamorphic, like the 40mm predecessor, provides you with subject-tracking autofocus in that highly desired widescreen perspective. Its internal STM-style stepping motor provides precise and fast autofocus capabilities.
Atomos Releases the Shinobi GO
Atomos is looking out for the budget filmmaker with its newest on-camera monitor: the Shinobi GO. The GO takes the well-loved interface of the Shinobi II and simplifies the features. It features the same 5.2” 1920 x 1080 display with 1500 cd/m² maximum brightness for use in daylight conditions, UHD 4K support, and HDR HLG/HLG PQ monitoring modes. While it does not have camera control, DCI 4K, and other advanced features characteristic of the Shinobi II, the GO still provides an intuitive, streamlined experience for those looking to save.
Shure Upgrades the MoveMic
As a follow-up to the MoveMic wireless system, Shure is giving us the MoveMic 88+ with variable polar pattern selection and the ability to record to your compatible devices without requiring a receiver unit. Record from up to 100’ away in stereo, mono cardioid, mono bidirectional, and raw mid-side polar patterns. Additional preset modes and an advanced digital signal processing (DSP) software allow for full customization over the mic’s performance depending on the needs of your shoot. The MoveMic 88+ is available as both a standalone wireless microphone/transmitter unit or in a microphone and receiver configuration for recording cameras, computers, or third-party mobile apps.
That’s all for this week! Check back next week for exciting news, releases, and product announcements.
0 Comments