Additional Laowa FFII 58mm f/2.8 CA-Dreamer 2x Magnification APO Macro Information

By Louis Ferreira | Published: September 12, 2022


The Laowa FFII 58mm f/2.8 CA-Dreamer 2x Magnification APO Macro hasn’t been officially announced yet, but there is what appears to be a press article on weixin giving us some additional details and images captured by the lens.

You can buy Laowa lenses and accessories directly from Venus Optics, or Amazon / B&H Photo.


  • Full frame standard focal length, mirrorless design
  • APO Apochromatic Technology
  • For Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and Leica L mounts
  • Maximum magnification: 2x
  • Lens design: 13 elements in 11 groups, 3 ED lenses 3, high refractive index lenses
  • Aperture blades: 13
  • Minimum focusing distance: 18.3cm
  • Shortest working distance: 5.8cm
  • Filter diameter: φ67mm
  • Dimensions: 74mm x 117mm
  • Weight: 548g
  • Additional pictures:

via Photorumors

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Samyang V-AF First Look Video

By Louis Ferreira | Published: September 11, 2022

Samyang V-AF lenses were first announced here, and they look like a great option for videographers looking for compact light auto-focus cine lenses. The lenses were at the IBC 2022 Samyang booth. It’s interesting that Samyang is making all the lenses the same size and weight so that you can quickly swap them without having to recalibrate your gimbal.

Release Dates
75mm T1.9 was released 2 days ago
24/35mm Q4 2022
45mm Q2 2023
20mm Q4 2023

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Sony Electronics Announces New VENICE Extension System 2 and VENICE 2 Version 2.00 Firmware Update

By Louis Ferreira | Published: September 10, 2022

 


Sony Rialto Camera Extension System 2 for Sony VENICE/VENICE 2:
B&H Photo

Explora

Sony Electronics Announces New VENICE Extension System 2 and VENICE 2 Version 2.00 Firmware Update with Powerful New Features and Capabilities
BY: SONYCINE TEAM

LOS ANGELES, September 8, 2022 – Sony Electronics Inc. is announcing new updates and developments for the VENICE 2 motion picture camera system, including the release of the VENICE Extension System 21 for expanded flexibility and version 2.00 firmware update.

“The VENICE 2 was born from the voice and feedback of the cinema community,” said Theresa Alesso, President of Imaging Products and Solutions Americas, Sony Electronics Inc. “Thanks to the continued feedback of our customers, we have been able to fuel the ongoing development of this powerful full-frame cinema camera with the mission to enable more creative freedom.”

VENICE Extension System 2
The VENICE Extension System 2 is an updated version of the original VENICE Extension System and will be showcased for the first time at IBC 2022 in Amsterdam from September 9th to 12th in the Sony booth. The Extension System 2 is a tethered extension system that allows the camera body to detach from the actual image sensor block with no degradation in image quality.

The VENICE Extension System 2 adds important enhancements over the original, including compatibility with both the VENICE and the VENICE 22 and can transmit wide bandwidth sensor data over longer distances. In addition, the Extension System 2 offers greater mobility and compatibility with either a 3-meter or a 12-meter cable – without the need for a repeater.

Thanks to its small size and light weight, filmmakers have greater creative freedom with the ability to shoot in tight spaces, go handheld or mount the Extension System 2 on gimbals and cranes.

“The original VENICE Rialto System has been such a great resource to give me added flexibility for feature films. On Top Gun: Maverick, the small form factor of three VENICE Extension System, paired with three cameras, allowed us to place 6 VENICE cameras, in the cockpit of an F-18 fighter jet to capture the excitement of flying in-camera. The extension system has given me the flexibility to be as creative as I want to be,” said Oscar award-winning3 cinematographer Claudio Miranda ASC.

Academy-award-winning cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt4 has been shooting with the VENICE 2 Extension System on an upcoming project. He offered this feedback, “The VENICE 2 Rialto has been a huge asset for me. It frees us to use the sensor we already love in ways we never could without it.”

In addition, the Extension System 2 is nearly the same size of the original system, measuring 158 x 147 x 126 mm, and weighing around 2.1 kg5. For added capabilities, such as when shooting for Visual FX, the Extension System 2 is equipped with a tilt/roll sensor6 on the camera head that detects motion. It records this information in the metadata and outputs the data through the camera’s SDI.

For added functionality, the Extension System 2 also has four assignable buttons7 – making it perfect for handheld configurations. This feature allows buttons to be assigned for functions, such as changing ND filters, REC Start/Stop, etc.


Pricing and Availability
The new VENICE Extension System 2 will be available in early 2023 for approximately $18,999.99 USD and $24,399.99 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

A product video on the new VENICE Extension System 2 can be viewed HERE.

VENICE 2 Version 2.00 Firmware Update
VENICE 2 Version 2.00 adds new features and capabilities specifically requested by production professionals, including new imager modes, higher recording speeds, and sync functions for working with LED walls and volumes.

Added imager modes and recording speeds, include:

Full Frame88.6K 17:9Up to 48 fps
 8.2K 2.39:1Up to 72 fps
 8.1K 16:9Up to 48 fps
Super 35 Anamorphic95.8K 4:3Up to 60 fps
Super 355.5K 2.39:1Up to 120 fps

Version 2.00 will also allow users to embed LUT (Look Up Table) and CDL (Color Decision Lists) data in clips. It also offers new monitor-out functions such as zoom to fit for anamorphic lenses and the ability to change the position of the recording status indicator and playback status indicator up to eight positions to the center of the screen – a needed function when in zoom to fit anamorphic modes.

Additionally, the VENICE 2 Version 2.00 firmware update comes with added functionality to assist with focus. Version 2.00 allows one of nine positions on the viewfinder to be magnified to assist with focus and shooting. New functions also allow users to output the same image as the viewfinder with settings, such as peaking and zebra10, from monitor-out. Playback functions have also been improved. Playback position in the clip is now displayed and allows frame-by-frame playback. Now, EI metadata is also applied during playback.

New functionality has also been added for virtual production. Version 2.00 firmware update adds sync functions, including phase shifting of Genlock, which enables you to shift on-camera artifacts until they minimized. Additionally, Genlock is now available when shooting at high frame rates.11

VENICE 2 Version 2.00 will be released in early 2023.

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new VENICE Extension System 2 and VENICE 2 as well as Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.sonycine.com a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony Cinema Line.

For more information visit sony.com/VENICE.

1 To use the VENICE Extension System 2, VENICE2 firmware Ver2.00 and VENICE firmware 6.3 are necessary and will be available in early 2023.
2 Compatible with the VENICE 2 6K and the VENICE 2 8K
3 Claudio Miranda won an Academy award in 2013 for Best Cinematography for “Life of Pi”
4 2021 Academy Award for Best Cinematography for “Mank”
5 With a PL mount adapter when used with the VENICE 2 8K sensor block excluding a cable
6 As of Sept 2022, the Tilt/Roll and recording to metadata function only works with the VENICE 2. VENICE doesn’t support tilt/roll sensor or recording to metadata and output through SDI.
7 As of Sept 2022, only assignable button 3 is available for VENICE
8 Full Frame license required
9 Anamorphic license needed
10 Other functions can also be included
11 Genlock is now available when the frame rate (fps) is N-fold* of the Genlock frequency *N must be 2 or above. When N is 1, Genlock is not available.

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MonsterAdapter LA-VE2: Minolta V-Mount to Sony E-Mount AF adapter

By Louis Ferreira | Published: September 9, 2022


MonsterAdapter started a campaign for the updated LA-VE2: Minolta V-Mount to Sony E-Mount AF adapter and the MonsterAdapter Minolta Vectis – Sony E-mount adapter LA-VE2 (autofocus version as attached photo) will be crowdfunded on Indiegogo soon. The retail price will be $249, but the first 50 backers will only spend $179 and the next 150 will pay $199 with the rest paying $219. The campaign will start at 10am on September 10, 2022 (GMT+8) and end on October 10.

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SIRUI Launches Full-Frame 35mm T2.9 And 100mm T2.9 1.6x Lenses, Plus 1.25x Adapter

By Louis Ferreira | Published: September 8, 2022


Anamorphics are go! SIRUI launch full-frame 35mm T2.9 and 100mm T2.9 1.6x lenses, plus 1.25x adapter on Indiegogo with Super Early Bird pricing

08 September 2022

Two new lenses join the existing 1.6x 50mm T2.9 and 75mm T2.9 to create the most affordable high performance full-frame anamorphic lens set on the market

JERSEY CITY, N.J., September 8, 2022 – From today, filmmakers can pre-order the very latest SIRUI 35mm T2.9 and 100mm T2.9 1.6x full-frame anamorphic lenses on Indiegogo at the amazing price of just $1279 US each. These can be transformed further into stunning 2x anamorphics with the new SIRUI 1.25x adapter for just $429 US.


The SIRUI 1.6x 100mm T2.9 full-frame anamorphic lens

The complete set of SIRUI full-frame anamorphics now stands at four lenses, with the 35mm T2.9 and 100mm T2.9 1.6x joining the existing 50mm T2.9 and 75mm T2.9 1.6x lenses to round out the line. With them SIRUI has redefined affordable anamorphic lenses and made them attainable for almost every full-frame camera owner.


Consistent look with beautiful anamorphic stretched bokeh
The lenses work together beautifully with each exhibiting the same fast T2.9 speed, distinctive elongated oval bokeh and blue streaking lens flares that creators love, while at the same time maintaining a high resolution. They are perfect for all kinds of drama, commercial and documentary work and the results rival some other far more expensive lenses.


Blue flares are seen on all the SIRUI 1.6x anamorphic lenses

35mm T2.9 for landscapes. portraits and close ups
The 35mm is a unique focal length that’s wide enough to capture establishing scenes and include background elements in shots, but can also be used at close range to shoot intimate shots. As such it is extremely versatile and ideal for a variety of situations.


The 35mm T2.9 can capture beautiful vistas

100mm T2.9 to make your subjects stand out
The 100mm is a short telephoto lens that is great for bringing distant scenes and subjects closer. The focal length is also highly effective at making the subject stand out from the background with shallow depth of focus and beautiful anamorphic stretched bokeh. Tele-compression changes the relative size of the subject to the background and compresses them together.

1.25x anamorphic adapter – use with 1.6x or spherical lenses
The new 1.25x anamorphic adapter fits both the 35mm T2.9 and 100mm T2.9, transforming them into 2x lenses. It does this by attaching to the front of the lenses and increasing the squeeze factor from 1.6x to a 2x. Focussing is then done on the adapter after setting the main 1.6x lens behind it to infinity focus.


The SIRUI 1.25x Anamorphic adapter attachment

Set up this way they are perfect for cameras with dedicated anamorphic modes such as the Panasonic S1H, Z Cam E2 F6 and Fujifilm X-H2S. With a length of only 46.5mm and a weight of 650g the adapter is relatively small and lightweight. The minimum focus distance is a useful 0.8m – much less than most traditional anamorphic lens solutions.


The SIRUI 1.25x adapter adapter turns a 1.6x lens into a 2x

The adapter can also be attached to many spherical lenses transforming them into 1.25x anamorphic lenses, making it an extremely versatile and creative option even if you don’t own another anamorphic lens. SIRUI also offers three step-down rings (67mm, 72mm, 77mm) and one step-up ring (92mm) to match the 1.25x adapter with many popular lenses.


Options and availabilty
Both the 35mm T2.9 and 100mm T2.9 lenses will be available to order in Canon RF, Leica L, Sony E, or Nikon Z mounts.

The Indiegogo campaign goes live on 9 am EST, 8th September 2022. Head to the platform to buy the lenses at the special price and stay informed of campaign news.

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New Samyang V-AF Lenses

By Louis Ferreira | Published: September 8, 2022

Samyang Unveils TheWorld’s First Cine Autofocus Lens Series, “V-AF”

Samyang V-AF
*20mm T1.9│24mm T1.9│35mm T1.9│45mm T1.9│75mm T1.9
– Ultra-light & high-performance Auto Focus Cine prime lenses
– Optimized for gimbals and drones with its unified form factors

Samyang unveils the world’s first cine AF lens series, “V-AF”.
Samyang identifies the needs of customers and announces a new lineup of lenses optimized for video content creators according to their needs. The new V-AF lineup is the world’s first lens for video creators designed to make video content creation more convenient. The first lens from this new V-AF lineup is the V-AF 75mm T1.9 and Samyang will release four more lenses by end of 2023. Meet the new V-AF lineup custom-designed for videography.

Samyang V-AF Roadmap

Key Features
Unified Form Factor – Compact & Light 

The V-AF increases compatibility with gimbals and drones by applying the unified form factors with its 5 different focal lengths (Ultra-Wide to Medium-tele). By providing a compact size of 73 X 70mm and a light-weight of less than 300g, there is no need to re-set the equipment when changing the lenses.

Tally Lamp – Excellent usability

The lamp located on the front and mount index helps the user to check whether a video is recorded or not while shooting. It supports video content creation more conveniently even in a small space without a lot of equipment.

Support 8K and the same color tone
The new V-AF series supports resolutions up to 8K in a small and lightweight form, which is well suited for use with handheld gimbals and drones, as well as for studios and location productions. All lenses within the new V-AF series are color-matched to avoid shifts when swapping lenses, and the 9 aperture blades allow for a natural-looking bokeh.

Custom Switch & Button
Features the ‘Focus save’ function usually in professional cine equipment and custom mode that adds function by firmware, which provides video-specific functions for students and amateur users who dream of cinematographers

Product Images


The new V-AF 75mm T1.9 and its full series will be unveiled to the world for the first time at theIBC 2022(Amsterdam, NetherlandsSept 9-12). Detailedinformation on the new V-AF seriescan be found on the Samyang Optics officialwebsite and social mediachannels below.

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