Exclusive: First leaked image of the new compact Sigma 35mm f/1.2 II FE lens!

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What you see here on top is the size comparison between the “old” Sigma 35mm f/1.2 and the new version that will be announced soon. As you see the new version is more compact (I would guess around 1cm less longer) and is rumored to have a Filter Size of 72mm compared ot the older 82mm.

Still don’t know what the price will be but it could be a tiny bit more expensive than this first generation lens. Probably also because of the tariffs…and I can’t wait to read the comments about this :)

Sigma is rumored to launch a total of four new Full Frame lenses this year. And I will soon share info about those on SAR and on my youtube channel (subscribe here).

And, what do you think about this lens?

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New European “limited quantity” Amazon Prime deals on E-mount lenses

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Prime Deals:
In EU Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Amazon France, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain, Amazon Netherlands, Amazon Poland.
In North America Amazon US and Amazon Canada.
In Oceania at Amazon Australia.

Big new European deals today!

Today Europeans have new limited time deals on E-mount lenses (Tamron-Sigma and more) at Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Amazon France, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain.

Also new: 20% off on reconditioned gear sold at Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Amazon France, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain.

Amazon Germany direct links to deals:

Amazon UK:

Amazon France:

Amazon Italy:

Amazon Spain:

 

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Petapixel: FX2’s EVF Surprise and Master Lenses Steal the Show: Sony’s Quiet, Yet Strategic, 2025

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The PetaPixel crew+ Gordon Laing analyzed Sony’s “performance” during the first half of this year. This is a summary of their thoughts:

Since the start of 2025, Sony has taken a more measured approach—releasing fewer bodies but doubling down on key cinema features and high-end glass. Here’s how the company has quietly maintained its momentum through mid-year.

Selective Body Updates

FX2 with EVF
Sony’s first cinema-line camera to sport an integrated electronic viewfinder, the FX2 marries stills-style ergonomics with cinema-grade codec options. Built-in cooling, 4K/120 fps oversampling, and a compact form factor make it a compelling “B-cam” for run-and-gun shooters.

No A7S IV… yet
Unlike past years, Sony has held off on a refresh of its low-light flagship. Rumors of an A7S IV or A7 V slanting toward super-high ISO persist, but no official word has emerged. The lull in body launches has left many hybrid shooters eager for a true successor to Sony’s vaunted video-sensors.

Masterpiece Lenses Take Center Stage

50–150 mm F2 G Master
Sony answered a long-standing wish for a “portrait zoom” with a compact, constant-F2 tele. Reviewers praised its sharpness, fast AF, and surprisingly small footprint.

16mm F1.8 G and 400–800mm G Master
The ultra-wide, fast 16 mm prime offers unique perspective for landscapes and astro work.
The 400–800 mm adds internal zoom mechanics and pro-grade optics, putting Sony back in the super-telephoto conversation.

Wireless Grip and Power Zoom
A new three-in-one shooting grip and power-zoom adapter hint at Sony’s commitment to creator-friendly controls.

Cinema-Hybrid Ambitions

FX Line vs. Alpha Line
With the FX2 borrowing heavily from Alpha ergonomics, Sony is blurring the line between its stills and cinema divisions—leveraging its stacked-sensor expertise across both.

E-mount Ecosystem
Sony’s open E-mount continues to attract third-party innovation. Creators now enjoy a vast array of autofocus-capable lenses from Sigma, Tamron, Viltrox, and more—unmatched in the mirrorless world.

Opportunities Ahead

While Sony’s restrained 2025 body rollout earned respect for its focus on quality over quantity, a few areas could propel the next half-year toward standout success:

  • A7S IV or A7 IV Mark II: Delivering the promised ultra-high-ISO, video-forward Alpha body would reignite Sony’s hybrid-shooter fanbase.

  • Entry-level APS-C Refresh: Updating the a6700/a6100 line with newer sensors or C-Log options could energize crop-sensor enthusiasts.

  • Integrated Power Zoom Solutions: Refining the power-zoom grip into a native lens feature would streamline Sony’s run-and-gun offering.

Bottom Line

With the FX2’s EVF debut, a slate of stellar G Master lenses, and a richer third-party lens pool, Sony’s first half of 2025 has been all about strategic depth. As whispers of new Alpha bodies swirl, Sony’s hybrid community watches closely—ready for the next chapter in its mirrorless saga.

 

For comparison…here is how they graded all companies:

Camera Company Grades

Canon (B-/C+)
Focused on vlogging: V1 (fixed-lens compact), R50V (video-centric APS-C).
New lenses: 16-28mm f/2.8, 14-30mm f/4 PZ, 75-300mm (recycled DSLR design).
Criticism: No pro photo bodies, limited third-party lens support.

Nikon (A/A-)
Strong video push with Z5 II, Z8 firmware, and 28-135mm PZ cine lens.
Criticism: Still no full-frame Sigma lenses due to alleged Tamron exclusivity.

Sony (B-/C+)
Quiet first half: FX3 II, 50-150mm f/2.8, 400-800mm f/6.3-8.
Criticism: No major camera releases, stagnant APS-C support.

Panasonic (A-)
Launched S1R II (high-res), S1 II (video), and 24-60mm f/2.8 lens.
Praise: Open-gate video, firmware updates, cropless stabilization.
Criticism: Uninspiring lens designs.

Fujifilm (A/B+)
Diverse releases: X100VI, XE5, GFX100 RF, Instax Wide Evo, X half (film-sim compact).
Praise: Unique designs catering to different users.
Criticism: Autofocus still lags behind competitors.

OM System (C+)
Minor updates: OM-5 II, OM-3 (retro-styled), 100-400mm II.
Criticism: Lack of innovation, rehashing old designs.

Leica (D/L)
Only released the SL3-S (low-res cine variant).
Celebrated 100 years of M-mount with no new M camera.

Sigma (A+)
Strong lens releases: 300-600mm f/4.0, Cine line lenses. Sigma BF

Tamron (C+)
Quiet first half: 16-30mm f/2.8 G2, firmware updates for existing lenses.
Promised more lenses in late 2025/2026.

Final Thoughts

Best Performers: Fujifilm, Sigma, Nikon.
Needs Improvement: Leica, OM System, Tamron.
Upcoming Expectations: Sony A7S IV, Fujifilm X-Pro 4, Canon R7 II.

Final Grade Summary:

A/A+: Fujifilm, Sigma, Nikon.
B/B-: Panasonic, Sony, Canon.
C/C+: OM System, Tamron.
D/L: Leica.

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New Sony A7V registered in Asia: New sensor tech and price is around $3,000

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Good news is on the horizon for Sony Alpha shooters, as reliable leaks suggest that two of the next three Sony cameras, slated for release between July and October, are now almost certain. According to trusted sources, Sony will announce:

What TRUSTED sources told us about the new Sony A7V
The A7V is shaping up to be a meaningful upgrade over the A7IV. Sources indicate Sony does not plan to deliver just a minor refresh but instead a camera “worth the wait.” 

  • Release timeframe: late 2025
  • Price: Around €3,500 in Europe, and about $3,000 in the U.S.

What follow here is just a speculative list of Sony A7V specs:

  • Sensor: I am speculating it could be a new 33MP stacked sensor, or possibly a “regular” 44MP sensor, offering higher speed and better readout than the current A7IV.
  • Performance: 20 fps burst shooting, improved heat management, and enhanced video capabilities.
  • EVF: Resolution boost to ~5MP, improving on the current 3.8MP unit.
  • Other features: AI processing chip, same body and screen as the A1II.

The price increase may disappoint some, but if the rumored sensor and performance upgrades materialize, it could justify the higher cost.

The Third Camera Remains a Mystery

While the two cameras above are almost confirmed, the third remains under wraps. There is speculation it could be this cameras successor, with a possible announcement at the September IBC show in Amsterdam. Other possible candidates include updates to models like the A7SIII, A7R series, or even a new fixed-lens compact.

A Busy Year Ahead
After a quiet first half of 2025 — where competitors like Fujifilm, Nikon, and Canon made more noise — Sony appears ready to catch up with these significant releases. The A7V in particular is expected to be competitive for at least 3–4 years, so Sony can’t afford to hold back on innovation. More details about the A7V sensor and full specs are expected to leak soon, and fans are already speculating whether the upgrades will be enough to justify the price hike.

Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available — and let us know in the comments: will you be upgrading to the A7V if these specs and prices hold true?

Reminder: The Prime deals are now live on those pages at Amazon US and Amazon Canada. In Europe at Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Amazon France, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain, Amazon Netherlands, Amazon Poland. And at Amazon Australia.

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Today’s new Amazon USA Prime Deals: Reconditioned Sony 85mm f/1.8 for $318 only

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The Prime deals are now live on those pages at Amazon US and Amazon Canada (and alternative Summer Deals at BHphoto and Adorama .
In Europe at Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Amazon France, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain, Amazon Netherlands, Amazon Poland. And at Amazon Australia.

Deals not to miss:

New deals not mentioned yesterday:

Amazon US primary deals:

Detailed Storage deals:

Tamron lenses with lowest price ever

Samyang lenses with lowest price ever:

Sony NON Alpha deals with lowest price ever:

Micro Four Thirds:

L-mount:

Photography Gear Deals:

Reconditioned deals (30% applied at checkout):

 

There is a new $600 rebate running at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama.

Nextorage’s launched a new Summer Promotion at BHphoto and Amazon. Deals end on July 12:

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Amazon USA Prime Deals are now live! Save big on a ton of storage and third party E-mount lenses!

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The Prime deals are now live on those pages at Amazon US and Amazon Canada. In Europe at Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Amazon France, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain, Amazon Netherlands, Amazon Poland. And at Amazon Australia.

Amazon US primary deals:

Detailed Storage deals:

Tamron lenses with lowest price ever

Samyang lenses with lowest price ever:

Sony NON Alpha deals with lowest price ever:

Micro Four Thirds:

L-mount:

Photography Gear Deals:

Reconditioned deals (30% applied at checkout):

There is a new $600 rebate running at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama.

Nextorage’s launched a new Summer Promotion at BHphoto and Amazon. Deals end on July 12:

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