This week, we have three new prime lenses for full frame cameras, as well as various firmware updates.
Panasonic Lumix S 35mm F1.8 and 18mm F1.8
The fourth F1.8 prime lens for full frame L-mount cameras has arrived and costs $700. All four lenses (24mm, 35mm, 50mm and 85mm) share a similar size and ergonomics which is useful if you shoot video with follow focus attached, or with a gimbal. Panasonic also promises minimal focus breathing.
Main characteristics of the Lumix S 35mm F1.8:
- 11 elements in 9 groups
- 3 aspherical and 3 ED elements
- 9-blade circular aperture
- Min. focus: 24cm
- 67mm filter diameter
- 295g
- weather sealed
Panasonic also teased that it is working on a fifth F1.8 prime which will be an 18mm wide angle lens.
Panasonic Firmware Updates
The GH5 II has received the possibility of video streaming via the LAN port, via the USB port of a smartphone, or with multiple cameras using the Lumix Tether PC software. Streaming is available up to 4K 60p (with a wired connection).
The firmware (version 1.1) also adds the Live View Composite function and fixes a few minor issues.
New updates are also available for the 70-200mm F4, 70-200mm F2.8, 70-300mm and 24-105mm full frame lenses that improve stabilisation during video recording. Additionally, the maximum rating of the 24-105mm goes from 6.5 to 7.5 stops of compensation when attached to the S1H, S1 or S1R.
You can download the firmware updates from the Panasonic Support page.
Viltrox 85mm F1.8 for Canon RF mount
Viltrox has made an RF version of its popular 85mm F1.8 full frame lens, its first AF lens for the Canon mirrorless system. It has a very competitive price of $400 and, like all the Viltox AF lenses, it features a USB port on the rear to receive firmware updates.
Main characteristics of the Viltrox 85mm F1.8:
- 10 elements in 7 groups
- 4 short-wavelength and 1 ED elements
- 9-blade aperture diaphragm
- Stepping motor AF
- Min. focus: 80cm
- 72mm filter thread
- 530g
Yongnuo YN 50mm F1.8S DF DSM
Yongnuon is working on a 50mm F1.8 full frame lens for Sony E-mount, with autofocus, and it is an entirely new design in comparison to the APS-C version. It has an AF/MF switch and customisable button on the barrel. It too features a USB port on the rear for firmware updates. The lens’ price should be around $300 according to Sony Addict.
Main characteristics of the Yongnuo 50mm F1.8:
- 11 elements in 8 groups
- 4 high-refractive, 1 low-dispersion and 1 aspherical elements
- 9-blade aperture diaphragm
- Digital stepping motor AF
- Min. focus: 45cm
- 58mm filter thread
- 530g
Nikon Firmware Updates
Nikon has released new firmware updates for the Z7, Z6, Z50 and Z50 that improve the autofocus performance, especially concerning Eye AF.
Version 3.40 on the Z6 and Z7 enhanced eye detection when working with the Auto-area AF or Wide-area AF L modes. The refresh rate in the EVF is also improved when displaying the focus point with face/eye detection and Tracking AF.
For the two cameras, plus the Z5 (version 1.20) and Z50 (version 2.20), the Face and Eye AF have been improved when working with a flash.
The update on the four cameras also brings compatibility with the FTZ II adapter and the Z 24-120mm F4 lens and fixes a few issues.
You can download the new firmwares on the Nikon website.
Fujifilm X-T200 Firmware Update
Finally, we have a small update for the X-T200 that resolves an issue with the EVF (lateral lines appearing when pressing the shutter button). Version 1.15 can be downloaded on the Fujifilm website.
