DXO: Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II – Sony Raises The Bar Again


Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

DXO published its full Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II review here, and it is quite a positive one. Sony has improved its standard zoom in almost every way, including its size and weight.

High-speed F2.8 zooms like this have been used to showcase the best in technology since the type was introduced, but rarely do we see such a considered and thorough overhaul between versions. With this update, Sony has revamped just about everything they could. With all of the enhancements, many would have been satisfied with it equaling its predecessor in optical performance; however, the result is not only the smallest and lightest of its type, but Sony has also raised the bar optically. Given the similar price range (at launch) and the overall improvements, the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is a solid choice over the original and highly attractive option for Sony users or indeed anyone considering the Sony system.

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Posted in Sony lenses| Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

CIPA September 2022 Production And Shipment Numbers Indicate Camera Market Recovery Still Happening

Digicamera-info posted the latest CIPA results with the title “Interchangeable lens camera shipments in September 2022 will grow significantly by 134.5% year-on-year (167.8% on a value basis)” which is a positive headline considering the contraction of the camera market we experienced during COVID. I hope we continue to see the market rebound, but I think the new 48MP sensor in the iPhone might make some users think twice about going to an interchangeable lens camera.

Total shipments of digital cameras in September 2022 will be 109.6% compared to the same month of the previous year (159.9% on a value basis), surpassing the same month of the previous year on a unit basis as well as last month, and significantly exceeding the previous year on a value basis. It seems that digital camera shipments have been doing well since June this year.

Of the camera shipments, lens-integrated cameras decreased by 70.5% (114.5% on a value basis) compared to the same month of the previous year, but on a value basis, they exceeded 100% for the second consecutive month. Interchangeable lenses were 134.5% compared to the same month of the previous year (167.8% on a monetary basis), a significant increase from the previous year and continue to perform well.

Of the interchangeable lenses, the number of single-lens reflex cameras shipped was 172,974 units, and the number of mirrorless cameras was 405,194 units. It seems that quite a few units have been shipped. On a price basis, mirrorless cameras are about six times higher than single-lens reflex cameras, and the unit price seems to be much higher for mirrorless cameras.

via digicame-info

Posted in Press releases| 5 Comments

New Yongnuo FE 85mm f/1.8S DF

The new Yongnuo FE 85mm f/1.8S DF is now available at B&H Photo. You can tell the difference between the new and old version based on the red ring being removed from the new version of the lens.

  • New lens design (straight barrel, no more red circle, more minimalist design)
  • All-metal material construction (aluminum alloy)
  • The mount is equipped with a rubber ring with enhanced water resistance
  • Same optical formula
  • Optimized coating
  • Improved backlight performance
  • Weight is reduced (385g)
  • Dimensions: 67 x 87mm
  • Price: 1999 yuan ($295)
  • Differences between both versions:

New Yongnuo FE 85mm f/1.8 DF DSM 2st Gen:
B&H Photo / Amazon
Yongnuo FE 85mm f/1.8 DF DSM 1st Gen:
B&H Photo / Amazon
Yongnuo YN 50mm F1.8S DF DSM:
B&H Photo / Amazon
Yongnuo YN35mm f/2 DF DSM:
B&H Photo / Amazon
Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8S DA DSM:
B&H Photo / Amazon

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via Photorumors

Posted in 3rd Party Lens| Tagged , | 1 Comment

Sony FY2022 Q2 Earnings Announcement


Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S)
Sales are expected to be higher than the July forecast due to the impact of foreign exchange rates as well as an expected increase in sales of digital cameras resulting from an increase in unit sales, partially offset by an expected decrease in sales of televisions and smartphones resulting from a decrease in unit sales. The forecast for operating income remains unchanged from the July forecast due to a decrease in operating expenses as well as the impact of higher unit sales of digital cameras, substantially offset by the impact of lower unit sales of televisions and smartphones.

Imaging & Sensing Solutions (I&SS)
Sales are expected to remain unchanged from the July forecast due to the impact of foreign exchange rates, substantially offset by an expected decrease in unit sales of image sensors for mobile products as well as image sensors for industrial equipment and security cameras. Operating income is expected to be higher than the July forecast due to the positive impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by the impact of the above-mentioned expected decrease in sales of image sensors.

Posted in Financial results| 5 Comments

PB: Sony FX30 Review and Rant With An Interesting Perspective

Sony FX30: B&H Photo / Amazon

Philip Bloom posted an FX30 review with an interesting rant at the end about features and firmware updates. I have to agree that Sony needs to act more like Fujifilm by budgeting to add features to its flagship cameras post-launch so that entry-level cameras do not outperform or out-feature them.

The price of flagship hardware is only going up, and manufacturers need to keep flagship hardware current via firmware updates whenever possible. It’s not acceptable to release cameras for under $1,000 that have features or outperform cameras that cost $3,000+ in any area. What do you think?

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Posted in Video| Tagged | 3 Comments

Astrori 28mm f/13 Announced

Astrori 28mm f/13: Amazon

Founded in 2018, AstrHori focuses on the R&D, production and sales of interchangeable lenses, creating incredible optical products with superior optical design, high-quality materials and Shenzhen’s excellent manufacturing base.

The AstrHori full-frame 28mmF13 professional macro lens has an aperture range of F13-F40, an optical structure of 21 elements in 16 groups, a length of about 452mm, and a maximum width of about 23mm at the bayonet. The front of the lens has a built-in LED fill light with ten-level brightness adjustment. The lighting power interface is a Type-c interface. The front glass of the lens is made of sapphire material, which is wear-resistant, anti-collision and high-strength, which can effectively increase the service life. The waterproof and dustproof length of the front of the lens is about 25cm. The lens is divided into two parts, which are detachable, easy to carry, and can play a protective role. The first half can be imaged independently, but the picture quality is not very good. The aperture ring and focus ring use a movie focusing gear, which is convenient for the follow focus. Focusing range: 0.481m~∞ 2x zoom macro mount: Sony E mount, Fuji XF mount, Nikon Z mount, Leica/Panasonic/Sigma L mount, Canon RF mount, Nikon F mount (DSLR) , Canon EF mount (DSLR), Cine PL mount

Product selling point: [Small space shooting]: Due to the special structure of the front section, it can solve the purpose of shooting in a small space. Wide-angle macro with large depth of field, including more subjects. The slender structure of the mirror body can be used for shooting in small spaces such as macro model building, food scenery, animal caves, etc. It can also maintain a certain working distance from the subject, creating a more shocking picture without affecting the subject.

【2x magnification macro】: 2x magnification allows photographers to show more details in content shooting. It provides a greater depth of field than other macro lenses, making it easier for photographers to bring out macro details and backgrounds with a wide-angle view.
【Excellent Portability】: The lens can be separated into 2 parts and stored separately. Portability for photographers on the go.

[Front-end waterproof design] The front 25cm of the lens is waterproofed, and the sapphire glass is brittle and scratch-resistant, so that the lens can go deep into the water (250mm) for shooting to meet the needs of some special environments.
[There is a high-power fill light in front of the camera] Enter animal caves, pipes, narrow and long gaps, outdoor dark light, small internal objects, and product details. In order to meet the daily shooting, the lamp uses 5v voltage, 1 amp current. Power is 5w
[Waterproof protective lens is made of sapphire material] The waterproof protective lens in front of the lens is made of sapphire material, (the main component of the sapphire lens is aluminum oxide, and impurities such as iron oxide and titanium oxide are removed.) High hardness, wear-resistant, not easy to scratch. Increase the service life of the product and the application scenarios during use.

Posted in 3rd Party Lens| Tagged , | 1 Comment