New SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex Hydraulic Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 29, 2024

SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex Hydraulic Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

SmallRig just released a new tripod for photographers, videographers, and vloggers that they claim is the fastest tripod to setup ever and if you watch the video below you will better understand why. This is a really unique tripod for those who need to setup a tripod to get the shot fast.

SmallRig x Potato Jet Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit Overview
With a 13.2 lb load capacity at a weight of only 8.2 lb, the x Potato Jet Tribex Hydraulic Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit from SmallRig is a durable, lightweight, and portable support option for professional photographers, videographers, and vloggers. Its compact design is great for travel and fits in standard luggage.

·Patented X-CLUTCH Hydraulic Technology: The TRIBEX tripod’s innovative hydraulic design sets it apart from conventional tripods. Enjoy faster, smoother setups so you can focus on capturing stunning visuals. The ergonomically shaped X-Clutch offers effortless control and easy one-handed operation.
·Carbon Fiber Construction: Striking a balance between lightweight portability and robust durability, the TRIBEX tripod’s carbon fiber build ensures stability without compromising on convenience. Whether you’re shooting on location or embarking on diverse expeditions, this tripod is tailored to match your adventurous spirit.
·Versatile Fluid Head: With fluid panning and tilting capabilities, the TRIBEX tripod delivers cinematic, silky-smooth shots every time. Adjustable drag settings provide control over a variety of shooting styles.
·Smooth Movement Experience: The 4-step dynamic counterbalance ensures stable, fluid movement even with payloads up to 6kg (13.2 lbs), perfect for capturing precise camera motions with heavier setups
·Detachable Center Column for Ultra-Low Shooting: 27cm to 168cm / 10.6in to 66.14in Working Height. Allowing you to explore ultra-low angles for unique perspectives. Adapt to any shooting scenario with ease and capture creative compositions effortlessly.

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OL: Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Review – An Outstanding Lens

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 28, 2024


Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM: Moment / B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Optical Limits published its full Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM review which you can read in full here or check out the excerpt below:

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM may not be cheap, but it IS an outstanding lens by most standards. It’s extremely sharp in the image center at f/1.2 already and the outer image field is pretty good here. Stopped down a little, and the results are almost mindblowingly sharp up into the corners. RAW images show some heavy vignetting at f/1.2 but auto-correction can help here, of course. Distortions and lateral CAs are low to start with anyway. Maybe more important than the image sharpness is the silky smooth bokeh. After all, you are probably interested in this lens for its shallow depth-of-field capabilities. There is some bokeh fringing (LoCA) going on but this applies to the vast majority of fast lenses. The build quality and AF speed is up to professional standards. Videographers will also like the de-clickable aperture ring as well as the compatibility with Sony’s breathing compensation (depending on the camera body).

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PT: Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Review – A New Benchmark for Ultra-Wide-Angle Lenses

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 27, 2024


Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF: Venus Optics / B&H Photo

Phototrend published a very positive review of the Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF calling it the “The New Benchmark for Ultra-Wide-Angle Lenses”, which is high praise. The review is in French and can be read in full here, but I have reproduced some translated excerpts below:

“a major step for the Chinese manufacturer”

“the Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF has no shortage of assets”

“solid value for money , it will easily appeal to specialists in architectural and landscape photography”

“one of our favorites for summer 2024”

Pros

  • Ultra-wide focal length and very controlled distortions
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Metal barrel and neat finishes
  • Good sharpness in the center from f/3.5
  • Autofocus quite effective
  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Autofocus only in E and Z mount
  • AF sometimes hesitant in low light
  • Perfectible homogeneity
  • Only one seal (at the bayonet)
  • Pronounced vignetting
  • Some chromatic aberration at f/2.8 at the edges of the image

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Possible November Announcements: Sony A1 II, Sony a7V, Sony RX1RIII, and Sony 24-70mm f/2

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 26, 2024


We could see a new Sony a1 Mark II camera next month on November 19/20th overseas or even a Sony a7V according to many websites and weibo. There is also the possibility that the long-rumored Sony 24-70mm f/2 GM lens could be announced or even a Sony RX1RII successor. Personally, I would love a new Sony RX1 camera, because they are a lot of fun to shoot and they can probably miniaturize the camera more.

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Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 Announced

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 25, 2024

 

The first details about the Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 were shared yesterday and the lens was announced today as expected. This looks like an interesting option for photographers looking for an affordable well built 85mm f/1.4 lens.

Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4: Amazon / B&H Photo

  • Unparalleled Image Quality – SIRUI AURORA 85mm F1.4 offers outstanding sharpness throughout the frame right up to F1.4, maintaining a superior high resolution when scaled 2x or larger. Aspherical lens, ED glass, and HRI glass are added for suppressed chromatic aberration and authentic color rendering.
  • Ultra Fast Aperture – This f/1.4 fast aperture lens is equipped with fifteen-blade diaphragms, ensuring sufficient light to enter into cameras even in low-light conditions. The blurred background decorated with magnificent bokeh also provides a dreamy look to your creative shots.
  • Fast, Smooth & Precise AF – This auto-focus lens features a step motor, supporting eye AF and object tracking for enhanced accuracy and smoothness autofocus performance, suitable for snapshots or capturing fast-moving subjects.
  • King of Portrait – As a classic focal length for portrait shots, 85mm is perfect for natural facial shots. The moderate distance between photographer and subject makes it ideal for portrait, close-up, long-distance shooting, long focal length compression, creamy bokeh creation.
  • Super Lightweight – Aurora Series 85mm AF lens with optimized lens structure decreases its weight to only 540g/1.2lbs, around 17% lower than similar lenses in the market. The lightweight and compact design allows for a long-time hand-held or gimbal work.
  • Professional Lens Control – An AF/MF focus mode switch, AFL button, and aperture ring with switchable click stops provide flexible controls of the lens to meet individual needs.

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OL: Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Review – Clear Improvement Over Its Predecessor

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 25, 2024


Optical Limits published its full Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II  which you can read in full here or check out the excerpt below:

The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II does many things right – if you’ve got a good copy, at least. It’s plenty sharp at the wide end and well into the middle range. At 35mm, there’s a drop in quality…the GM has good native distortion control… Lateral CAs are well-controlled, and vignetting…The sun star rendering is decent…build quality is excellent … wished that Sony had managed to implement an internal zoom mechanism. The reduced weight and slightly more compact dimensions are always welcomed. The AF is fast and silent. Videographers will appreciate the de-clickable aperture ring… low focus breathing and breathing compensation support…impressive close-focus capabilities…a clear improvement over its predecessor – and it’s (mostly) worth the high price tag.

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama

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