This week we have the first lens released under the OM System brand (ex-Olympus), a few lens updates from Samyang and new firmware updates from Panasonic.
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 20mm F1.4 PRO
After announcing the new brand, the company that took over the Olympus’ Imaging Division has released its first ever product under the new name ‘OM System’. But don’t be confused, this is 100% a lens designed by the legacy Olympus team (and it seems that many of the former employees are working for the new company now). So despite the different name on the lens’ barrel, it’s business as usual (sort of).
The 20mm F1.4 is part of the Pro series, which means weather-sealing and a premium build quality. It is compact and lightweight (247g), and offers a 40mm equivalent field of view. The price is $800.
Other characteristics of the M.Zuiko 20mm F1.4:
- 11 elements in 10 groups
- 3 ED, 1 Super ED, 2 super HR and 2 aspherical elements
- ZERO coating to reduce flare and ghosting
- Stepped motor AF
- 9-blades aperture diaphragm
- Min. focus: 25cm (0.22x magnification)
- Filter thread: 58mm
- Focus ring without mechanical clutch
Samyang 50mm F1.4 AF II and 12mm F2 AF
Samyang has released a new version of the 50mm F1.4 for Sony E-mount full frame cameras. It features a new design with weather-sealing, and a texturised focus ring that can also be used to change the aperture via the Custom switch on the side of the lens. There is also a Focus Hold button. The original lens had no switches or buttons, just the focus ring, and was not weather-sealed.
Other characteristics of the Samyang 50mm F1.4 AF II:
- 11 elements in 8 groups
- 3 HR, 2 ‘ultra-precision’ aspherical and 1 ED elements
- 9-blade aperture diaphragm
- Linear Stepping Motor
- Min. focusing distance: 40cm
- 72mm filter thread
- 80 x 90mm, 420g
- $750
Then we have the 12mm F2 AF APS-C lens that was already released for Sony a few months ago, but is now available for Fujifilm X users as well.
Other characteristics of the Samyang 1200 F2 AF:
- 12 elements in 10 groups
- 1 aspherical, 1 hybrid aspherical and 3 ED elements
- Ultra Multi Coating
- 7-blade aperture diaphragm
- Linear Stepping Motor
- Min. focusing distance: 19cm
- 72mm filter thread
- weather sealing
- 70 x 59.2mm, 213g
- $500
Panasonic Firmware Update
Panasonic has released a new firmware update for the GH5S, G9 and BGH1.
For the GH5S BGH1, the release allows you to output 4K 12-bit RAW via the HDMI port to the Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR.
For the three cameras, the new version expands the compatibility with the DJI Gimbal RS 2 and RSC 2.
You can download the new firmware updates from the Panasonic website.
