Sony 100mm F/2.8 GM OSS Macro Images Found

Sony is expected to announce a new Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 Macro GM OSS lens to replace the current Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS.

via photar, Photorumors

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New Leitz HEKTOR Lenses for Mirrorless Cameras

Introducing Leitz HEKTOR Lenses for Mirrorless Cameras
Wetzlar, Germany – September 10, 2025 – Leitz Cine enters the mirrorless lens market with the Leitz HEKTOR lenses, a brand new set of prime lenses designed specifically for cameras using mirrorless mounts. The lenses come in six focal lengths: 18, 25, 35, 50, 73 and 100mm, all T2.1. The user interchangeable mount options include E, L, RF and Z for maximum flexibility.

The Leitz HEKTOR lenses prioritize two things: image character and build quality. The look of HEKTOR has been curated by examining lenses from the past 100+ years of cinema and photography history. The look is inspired by classic M lenses from the 1930s and 1950s, as well as Petzval lenses, to combine pleasing characteristics like dynamic flare, field curvature and spherical aberration into something that is wholly unique while feeling familiar. By utilizing non-aspherical designs reminiscent of the 1980s/90s, these characteristics come into the lenses naturally. Modern touches include coatings that control veiling glare better than older lenses as well as significantly reduced chromatic aberration.

The Leitz Cine brand has always stood for a high standard of quality, and although these lenses were designed for less expensive camera systems than Leitz’s high-end glass, the same amount of care, consideration and attention to detail exists in the HEKTOR lenses. These lenses were designed in Germany and are manufactured and assembled in Germany by the same hands that build other Leitz lenses like SUMMILUX-C and HUGO. While more expensive than most mirrorless lenses, the Leitz HEKTOR series is built to last, to be easily serviced, and with available parts for a reliable, long-term investment.

The lenses are fully manual and feature an 80mm outer diameter. The 25-100mm lenses have a 77mm screw-in filter thread. Focus and iris ring locations match for quick lens changes with 120° and 49° rotations, respectively, making them easy to work with when operating and pulling focus. A nine-blade iris maintains a round shape through all stops for consistency in the out-of-focus areas.

“We spent a lot of time exploring and testing to get the character of these lenses right, to make them something that would be appealing to modern cinematographers but timeless in their beauty,” said managing director Rainer Hercher. “Too often lenses are designed to be as fast, clear and as inexpensive as possible without giving attention to the attributes that create a great, compelling image. In listening to our customers we heard them asking for something with soul, with emotion, something that could help elevate their work. The Leitz HEKTOR lenses are for them.”

The name HEKTOR is a reference to the original Leica Hektor lenses created in the 1930s by legendary lens designer Max Berek for Leica’s original screw mount 35mm cameras. Though not an adaptation of those lenses, the new HEKTOR series pays homage to the inspiration they provided with a silver anodized finish and the inclusion of a 73mm, an iconic lens in the original line.

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Posted in 3rd Party Lens| 9 Comments

ZEISS Loxia Lens Production Discontinuation Notice


The Zeiss Loxia lineup of lenses is being discontinued, but there are still some discounted Loxia 2.8/21 and Loxia 2.4/85 left at this time. The Loxia 2/35 is also discounted and in stock still, but it hasn’t made the list of discontinued lenses yet.

ZEISS Camera Lens Production Discontinuation Notice (Updated September 2025)

ZEISS Camera Lens Production Ends

Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd.

Dear Customer, We hope you are in good health and well-being. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your continued patronage.
Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd. would like to inform you that production of the following products has been discontinued. Thank you for your patronage. We look forward to your continued support

[E-mount lens]
Loxia 2.8/21
Loxia 2.4/25
Loxia 2/50
Loxia 2.4/85

via Kenko Tokina

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CineD: Sony’s IBC 2025 Updates: FX Cameras, Monitor & Control App, and the Future of Cinema Line Interview

CineD posted an interesting interview with Sony about Sony’s Cinema lineup of cameras. You can find a summary of the interview below, along with timestamps to hear exactly what was said.

Sony’s IBC 2025 Updates: FX Cameras, Monitor & Control App, and the Future of Cinema Line This interview with Nouusan, the leader of the Sony Cinema Line, and Ben, discussing the Monitor & Control App, provides insights into Sony’s latest firmware updates, the evolving camera market, and upcoming tools for filmmakers.

Firmware Updates for FX Cameras

  • FX3 (version 7) and FX30 (version 6) received significant firmware updates [01:08].
  • Key additions include the “big six menu” for quicker access to settings and 1.5x anamorphic desqueeze [00:54].
  • Sony emphasizes a commitment to adding new features to existing hardware based on customer feedback [01:24].

The Evolution of Cinema Cameras

  • There’s a noticeable shift towards smaller, mirrorless-type cameras with a cinema approach, pioneered by the FX3 and FX30 [02:22].
  • While smaller cameras are experiencing rapid growth, medium-sized cameras like the FX6 and FX9, and high-end cameras like Venice and Burano, continue to be utilized for their unique features and ability to match looks within the Cinema Line ecosystem [02:52].
  • Notable productions like “The Creator” have used smaller cameras like the FX3, often in conjunction with other Cinema Line cameras for a cohesive look [03:50].
  • Sony views competition in this category as a positive trend, inspiring innovation and expanding the camera market, ultimately benefiting the filmmaking community [04:40].

The Future of Filmmaking

  • Sony acknowledges the current transitional period in the cinema industry due to factors like AI and industry changes [05:32].
  • However, Sony sees a bright future, leveraging technologies like generative AI to support filmmakers’ curiosity and creativity [06:27].
  • The focus is on developing an ecosystem of cameras integrated with other devices and cloud services [06:43].

Monitor & Control App Updates

  • The Monitor & Control App has been polished through firmware updates, incorporating advice from creators [07:00].
  • It supports both Android and iOS, allowing connection of up to four cameras with an iPad for free, or up to 20 cameras with a paid subscription [10:08].
  • New features include wired connection capability via LAN adapters and compatibility with MacBook [10:21].
  • The app offers comprehensive control over exposure, focus settings (including manual focus pulls), and various profiles [11:03].
  • Paid subscription features include:
    • Taking snapshots for location scouting or storyboarding [11:23].
    • An advanced framing feature, allowing up to 10 manually set presets with smooth transitions, useful for studios where cameras cannot be physically moved [11:36].
    • Synchronization of settings across multiple cameras [13:00].
    • High-resolution UVC connection to Sony Xperia phones [14:48].
  • Assist tools like waveform, zebras, histograms, and anamorphic desqueeze options are available [12:22].
  • The app supports the entire Cinema Line (excluding Venice, but including Burano, FX series, and some Alpha cameras like the Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 Mark III) [13:48].
  • Pricing: The basic paid plan is approximately $5/month or $50/year. The premium version, which allows control of up to 20 cameras, is over $20/month, with an annual subscription option [14:29].
  • Android currently supports one-to-one communication, while iPad and Mac can connect to multiple cameras with the free version (iPad up to four, Mac one), and up to 20 with the paid version [15:27].

Sony reiterated its commitment to continuous engineering and development, with a focus on delivering revolutionary changes while prioritizing quality over speed [09:16].

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Additional Laowa 200mm f/2 Coverage

The Laowa 200mm f/2 is expected to be a highly sought-after lens when it is released due to its attractive price point and unique design. Below is a summary of the things discussed in the video above.

Key Features:

  • Unique Design [01:12]: The lens features a distinctive blue color, setting it apart from competitors’ typical white or black lenses.
  • Autofocus Performance [01:45]: It boasts fast and accurate autofocus, described as one of the best in its price range for a 200mm f/2 lens.
  • Customizable Buttons [02:07]: The lens includes five customizable buttons (all assigned to the same function) that allow users to assign camera functions directly to the lens, offering convenience and adaptability depending on how the camera is held.
  • Versatile Applications [03:05]:
    • Portrait Photography: Ideal for achieving excellent background separation.
    • Indoor Sports: Suitable for basketball, dancing, and other indoor sporting events.
    • Astrophotography: Can be used in situations where bumping up the ISO is not desired.
    • Events/Weddings: A great choice for capturing events.
  • Rear Filter Adapter [04:00]: In addition to a 105mm front filter, the lens features a 44mm rear filter adapter, allowing for easy use of CPL filters, which can be rotated internally.
  • Mounts and Compatibility [04:41]:
    • Available for Sony E, Nikon Z, and EF mounts.
    • EF mount users can also utilize adapters for RF bodies to maintain autofocus functionality.
    • Currently, there is no L mount option.
  • Full Frame [05:33]: The lens is designed for full-frame cameras.

Specifications:

  • Focal Length: 200mm
  • Aperture: f/2.0
  • Weight: Approximately 1.7 kg for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts; 1.5 kg for EF mount [00:37].
  • Price:
    • Canon EF: $1799 [05:15]
    • Mirrorless (Sony E and Nikon Z): $1999 [05:26]
  • Availability [05:43]: Laowa plans to launch the lens in October, with the exact date still to be announced.

Laowa lenses can be found directly from Venus Optics and B&H Photo.

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New Godox X3Pro S Announced


Godox X3Pro S: B&H Photo

Godox announced a new trigger, the Godox X3Pro S, which is an update over the Godox X3 S. The details are below.

Precise Fingertip Control
Enjoy TTL-enabled wireless flash lighting by picking up the refined X3Pro S Touchscreen TTL Wireless Flash Trigger from Godox. The upgraded Pro model of the popular X3 was carefully designed with a larger 2.4″ color touchscreen to provide precise fingertip control. You will gain not only more room to comfortably slide or tap your finger, but other factors add up in the Pro version—intuitive, responsive, and cost-effective. The Sony-compatible X3Pro S claims optimized attributes in a still lightweight and compact body. A variety of features have been added here, including up to four multi-group displays, remote shutter control, and AF function. Additionally, there is Bluetooth app connectivity for full creative control. For convenience, Godox includes a pouch to simply store the portable unit. Despite its larger design, the X3Pro S can effortlessly travel with you to all your on-the-go shootings.

Sony’s ADI / P-TTL Compatibility
Part of the Godox X wireless radio system, the X3Pro S’s 2.4 GHz frequency allows you to effectively and reliably trigger compatible flashes. This version is compatible with Sony’s ADI / P-TTL system for automatic exposure and metering, which makes it a great option for shooters who need to work fast. Designed for both hybrid creators and professional photographers, the X3Pro S pairs quickly with enabled cameras to work as a straightforward, versatile, and lightweight 3.6 oz triggering solution in the studio or on location.

Reliable Wireless Performance
Get steady wireless connectivity with enhanced performance in high-interference scenarios. The X3Pro S enables triggering across the Godox lighting lineup, integrating the brand’s 2.4 GHz X wireless system with a wide transmission range up to 328′. For ensuring maximum reliability and control, users can set up 16 groups on one of 32 channels and can then access 99 wireless ID settings for limiting interference from other nearby systems.

Pro Shooting Modes

  • One-shoot mode: ideal for single-shooter setups by sending only the trigger signal.
  • All-shoot mode: a great option for group sessions or multi-photographer teams by delivering both settings and trigger signals.
  • L-858 mode: syncs flashes for meter-based control—working seamlessly with optional Sekonic L-858 light meters.

Even More Convenient

  • The X3Pro S debuts a large, responsive 2.4″ LCD touchscreen, while keeping an intuitive menu that facilitates quick local adjustments. It has the ability to function as either a classic trigger or it can connect to Godox’s Flash app over Bluetooth for seamless remote control of settings. Use the app to control power and group settings or remotely trigger flash units. When not using a smartphone or tablet, the functions can be controlled by its high-quality color touchscreen.
  • Control each lighting group and find independent adjustment of TCM, zoom value, and modeling lamp. Users can also save and instantly recall settings to significantly improve their workflow. Monitor up to four groups simultaneously on the main interface of the X3Pro S to independently adjust power, zoom, and modeling light. Besides that, TCM capability transforms your TTL shooting value into the output value in the M mode.

Internal Rechargeable Battery
With the Pro version, Godox maintains the user-favorite internal battery design. The trigger operates using a built-in lithium battery that conveniently recharges using the included USB-C charging cable. Numbers are 2 hours (full charging) and 1 month (standby time).

Optional Receivers
Other highlights are a remote shutter release functionality, timed shooting, and time-lapse options. Unlock wireless shutter control and universal flash triggering by adding an optional Godox receiver. Effortlessly set exposure duration, intervals, and count for single-shot, long-exposure, and time-lapse photography. Trigger via the sync port or using optional Godox receivers to effectively minimize vibration.

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