The holidays are just around the corner and this week saw the arrival of several new releases that mirrorless and medium-format shooters might want to add to their wish lists. Viltrox introduced the AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE Lens for Sony mirrorless cameras and Hasselblad released the XCD 75mm f/3.4 P Lens for X mount medium format cameras.
Viltrox Releases a Medium-Length Prime
Viltrox entered the high-end lens space with the AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE Lens, which features a Sony E mount for mirrorless cameras. This lens is the first in their new LAB line and positioned as a competitor to the Sony 135mm f/1.8 G Master Lens. With a medium telephoto focal length portrait photographers love, a bright f/1.8 aperture, aesthetic bokeh effects, and a brand-new autofocus system, the LAB FE lens works in a wide variety of portrait and action applications.
Like its predecessors, the 135mm lens utilizes a Voice-Coil Motor autofocus system for high speed and accuracy that excels in sports and wildlife shooting. The new lens expands upon this technology with a dual-floating magnetic levitation focusing mechanism to rival that of the G Master.
The lens boasts 14 elements in nine groups with four extra-low dispersion elements and two high-reflective elements which control fringing and aberrations. An 11-blade diaphragm ensures a smooth and pleasant bokeh. The lens is designed to endure the elements thanks to the front element’s HD nano multilayer coating which repels water, oil, and debris. Its dust-resistant and moisture-resistant outer metal construction features two customizable function buttons to improve your workflow.
All these design choices create a slightly bulkier lens construction, which means it might not be the best purchase for those hoping to keep their kit compact and light. Regardless, the 135mm focal length proves to offer some versatility to those who would prefer not to lug around a true telephoto to their next shoot.
Hasselblad Brings 75mm to the XCD Series
Medium-format shooters will be happy to know that Hasselblad has added a 75mm option to their XCD series lenses. The XCD 75mm f/3.4 P Lens comes in a Hasselblad X mount and works as a flattering portrait focal length with a compact design. It sits right in that sweet spot capable of delivering group portraits, street photos, and landscapes with a single lens. Like other XCD P-series lenses, the 75mm option excels in portability, with this model actually weighing less than the 65mm version.
This lens has a faster-than-usual f/3.4 maximum aperture for improved depth of field control. When used on full-frame models, it works as a 59mm equivalent, while maintaining a versatile field of view. Both aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements make up the optical design of the lens for sharp and color-correct image quality matching the demands of 100MP sensors.
The autofocus system works using both a stepping motor and a small, lightweight focusing group for fast and responsive performance. This internal design makes manual focus operation smoother and more predictable. The 75mm lens offers a nice, in-between option amongst the XCD focal lengths for street shooters to appreciate.
Nikon Updates the Z50
Nikon released a new version of their Z50 mirrorless camera with an upgraded processor and autofocus system for improved functionality in virtually any environment. The Z50 II features a 20.9MP DX CMOS sensor and the latest Nikon Exped 7 processor for high-quality footage. The camera is designed for compatibility with the comprehensive NIKKOR lens line which boasts a wide variety of focal lengths for your choosing.
Dedicated high-speed options allow you to utilize 15 to 30 fps bursts for fast-paced action. This, paired with the pre-release capture function which anticipates shots one seconds before fully pressing the shutter, make for intuitive sports and wildlife photography.
Additional improvements to the Z50 II include a more intuitive touchscreen interface and streamlined EVF design. Use the 31 built-in color presets and Nikon Imaging Cloud compatibility for efficient content creation workflows to achieve your own personalized "look" with your images. A one-year software subscription is provided with the purchase of the camera to create your own custom presents.
Shoot for longer with the extended battery life and boosted frame rates with internal 10-bit N-Log color capture. The Z50 II is also the first Nikon camera to be UVC and UAC compliant for use as a webcam for streaming. The improvements in the new model ensure that the Z50 II mirrorless camera can excel in both photography and videography applications.
In other news …
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Lowepro made some improvements to its ProTactic line, from Backpacks to Quick Straps, Accessory Cases to Holster Cases, and much more. These new products are constructed with a large percentage of recycled materials for a more eco-friendly choice.
A quieter week for sure, but not without some excitement in the photo department. Come back next week to see what other developments materialize.
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