Samyang announced the new 35mm f/1.4 P FE lens (product page here). They write:

Introducing the AF 35mm F1.4 P FE, the first lens of LK Samyang’s new series, the ‘Prima Series’.
‘Prima’ is a name inspired by a Latin word, meaning ‘first’ and ‘important’.
This lens is the first Prima Series lens and the first third-generation lens,
and was planned with the main concepts of ‘Compact & Lightweight’ and ‘Practicality’.

There is yet no official info about the price nor any review. Will update this post as soon as there is new info.

Three days left to finance the Mambapod project on Kickstarter (Click here). This is a streets photographers tripod that can do 4 things in one:

• Clamp mode
• Desktop mode
• Hook mode
• Handheld mode

This is the official presentation video:

Sony’s E-mount lineup is one of the most comprehensive and versatile camera ecosystems available, catering to both enthusiasts and professionals. However, there are still some gaps and areas for potential innovation that could strengthen the lineup even further. Here’s an analysis of what’s missing:

Cameras

1. High-Resolution APS-C Camera (A6900r)
   While Sony’s full-frame line includes high-resolution options like the A7R series, APS-C users lack a comparable high-resolution model. A 32-36MP APS-C camera could appeal to wildlife and sports photographers who value reach and detail.
2. Affordable Entry-Level Full-Frame Camera (A5)
   The A7C is compact, but its price and features are still a hurdle for some beginners. A truly affordable, stripped-down full-frame camera might attract newcomers to the system.
3. Pro APS-C Camera with Stacked Sensor (A7000)
   An APS-C body with a stacked sensor, offering ultra-fast readout and higher burst rates, could cater to sports and wildlife photographers who prefer lighter gear but need professional performance.
4. Dedicated Monochrome Sensor Camera (Sony A7 Bw)
   A monochrome-only sensor camera, akin to Leica’s offerings, could attract niche photographers seeking higher detail and tonal range in black-and-white imagery.

Lenses

1. Ultra-Wide Tilt-Shift Lenses
   Sony lacks native tilt-shift lenses for architecture and landscape photographers. Options such as a 17mm or 24mm tilt-shift lens would be well-received.
2. Affordable Telephoto Zooms
   While premium telephoto lenses like the 100-400mm and 200-600mm are available, more budget-friendly telephoto zooms (e.g., 70-300mm or 100-500mm at f/5.6-6.3) could appeal to hobbyists.
3. Fast Telephoto Primes
   Sony has fast primes in the standard and portrait ranges, but an ultra-fast telephoto (e.g., 200mm f/2) is missing. This would be a valuable tool for sports and wildlife professionals.
4. Compact Pancake Lenses
   The E-mount lacks truly compact pancake lenses. A 24mm f/2.8 or 35mm f/2.8 in a pancake design would be ideal for travelers and street photographers.
5. Macro Lenses with Higher Magnification
   While Sony offers excellent macro lenses like the 90mm f/2.8 G, a native lens with higher magnification (e.g., 2x or 3x macro) could fill a niche for extreme macro enthusiasts.
6. Prime Lenses for APS-C
   APS-C users have a limited selection of high-quality native primes. Adding fast and compact primes (e.g., 18mm f/1.8, 23mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.8) could enhance the APS-C lineup.
7. Super Telephoto Primes
   Sony offers super-telephoto zooms, but the addition of primes (e.g., 600mm f/4 or 800mm f/5.6) could strengthen the system for professional wildlife and sports photographers.

Other Accessories

• Improved Compact Flash Memory Options: The introduction of higher-capacity, more affordable CFexpress cards could enhance usability for professionals.
• Lens Adapters for Unique Mounts: While Sony already supports a wide range of lens adapters, official adapters for niche vintage or proprietary lenses could broaden the system’s appeal.

What do you think of that list…is there something missing or something you think is really cool?

Angelbird announced the three new CFexpress 4.0 Type A Cards:

• 1TB card for $499 at Amazon, BHphoto, Amazon DE, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.
• 512GB card for $349 at Amazon, BHphoto, Amazon DE, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.
• 256GB card for $199 at Amazon, BHphoto, Amazon DE, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.

Our Facebook member Daniel Ockeloen shared his new project for the new Sony A1II:

Just some progress on the a1ii body extender/baseplate i am working on while we wait for our units. The arca plate, airtag, peak design plug and the cover/door now work. The tape i use is cheap and looks nothing like the special/almost like sony tape but thats $$ so will only use that on real units. Still looks a little weird but getting closer. Weight total 75grams. Height 15mm. Unlike the drawing the airtag is in the arcaplate part.

He also added this note for SAR readers:

Please note that for now this is mostly a personal project to see what we can do with standard parts and 3d printing. I have no idea yet if this will become a product but it might convince a brand to make one. I do feel there is a market for a ‘extender’ that only adds 14mm(ish) a arca plate and a tracker and tries to look the same as the main body.

Preorder links:
Sony A1II at  BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, FotoKoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.
Sony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.

Kitamura has published its bestseller ranking for the month of July.

Top 10 cameras:

1. Nikon Z30 double lens kit
2. Canon R5II
3. Olympus E-M10IV dual lens kit
4. FujiFilm X-S20 with kit lens
5. Sony ZV-E10 dual lens kit
6. Sony A6700 with kit lens
7. Sony A7III
8. Sony A7IV with kit lens
9. Sony A6700 body only
10. Sigma FP with 45mm lens kit

Top 10 lenses:

1. Sigma 56mm f/1.4 for Fuji X
2. Tamron 28-200mm for Sony E
3. Sigma 18-50mm for Fuji X
4. Fujifilm 35mm f/2.0
5. Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM
6. Tamron 18-300mm for Sony E
7. Sigma 30mm f/1.4 for Sony E
8. Tamron 90mm macro for Sony E
9. Sony 70-350mm E
10. Tamron 70-180mm for Sony E

A couple of notes:

• I am surprised to NOT find the new ZV-E10II among the top sellers
• While Sony places 5 camera into the top 10 none is really leading the pack on the very top.
• 6 out of the top 10 lenses are for E-mount but Tamron is really the winner here as there is only one Sony lens in the top 10.