You save up to $150 on all Viltrox E-mount lenses sold by BHphoto (Click here).

Here are a few images of the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 APS-C lens that will be announced in June 17.

Sigma lens preorders (open on June 17)
17-40mm f/1.8 at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotoerhardt, WexUK.
12mm f/1.4 at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotoerhardt, WexUK.

Global shipments of cameras by Japanese manufacturers increased by 23% in April. A surprising spike that accelerated after the good sales in Q1. Don’t really know what is driving this. There are reports about the Nikon Z5II selling hot in Japan but this can’t be the only reason. Let’s see if this trend continues in the coming months. But I would definitely say that all manufacturers can look forward to a brighter future.

Sony A1 Mark ii: 3 features CHANGED MY MIND!

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
Illuminate Wedding Photographs with Versatile Outdoor Lighting (Explora)
Best Storage Solution for Creators: Cloud Storage vs SSD vs HDD (42West)
Yongnuo 45mm F1.8 DA Art review by SonyAlphaBlog
Improve your street photography composition in 10 minutes (George Holden).
All About Photography with Jean Cazals (Red35).
The Sony FX2 Has Arrived, A Cinematographer’s Companion (42West)
The Hidden Power of a Compact Camera (Explora)

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We have our own Facebook camera groups you can join to discuss the upcoming new cameras in detail:
Sony Alpha group. Sony A1 group. Sony A9 series group. Sony A7r series group. Sony A7s series group. Sony A7 series group

Today Wandrd launched their new PRVKE V4 camera bag on Kickstarter (Click here). And within the first hours it already had 1,000 backers! This bag is the result of over 10 years of constant development. Check out what’s new in this video:

This is the press text for the new Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 APS-C E-mount lens that will be announced on June 17:

Sigma lens preorders (open on June 17)
17-40mm f/1.8 at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotoerhardt, WexUK.
12mm f/1.4 at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotoerhardt, WexUK.

Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art

Overview
A standard zoom lens with a large F1.8 aperture and exceptional image quality comparable to prime lenses across the entire zoom range.
Designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras, this lens pushes the boundaries of still and video photography expression.
The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art builds on the innovations of the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art, which was the world’s first zoom lens with an F1.8 aperture.

Major Improvements

• Wider zoom range: 17–40mm vs. 18–35mm
• More than 30% lighter
• Improved optical and physical design for better portability

Key Features

Prime-like Optical Power

• Constant F1.8 aperture throughout the zoom range
• Ideal for low-light conditions and soft background blur

Outstanding Optical Performance

• High resolution even wide open at F1.8
• Uses precision aspherical elements
• Reduces chromatic aberration and sagittal coma flare

Flexible Framing
Zoom range: 17–40mm (equivalent to 25.5–60mm in full-frame). Covers wide-angle to portrait scenarios without changing lenses.

Reduced Flare & Ghosting
Multi-layer coating and advanced simulations reduce flare, delivering rich and high-contrast results.

Portability & Versatility

Internal Zoom

• Lens length remains fixed during zoom and focus
• Stable for handheld, tripod, and gimbal use

Lightweight Design

• Over 30% lighter than the previous 18–35mm
• Uses a smaller 67mm filter
• Compact enough for daily use and travel

Dust & Splash Resistance

• Front element coated to repel water and oil
• Not waterproof – caution advised in wet environments

Controls & Video Support

Dual AFL Buttons
Two programmable AFL buttons, accessible in both horizontal and vertical shooting positions (depends on camera compatibility).

High-Speed Autofocus
Uses HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) for fast, quiet, and precise focusing – suitable for both photo and video.

Minimal Focus Breathing
Reduces angle-of-view shifts when focusing – enables smooth and natural focus pulls in video.

Aperture Ring with Configurable Functions

• Manual aperture control ring with click ON/OFF
• Lock switch prevents accidental changes
• Canon RF version has a control ring instead, no aperture ring or click/lock switches

Technical Specifications

• Lens Construction: 17 elements in 11 groups (4 SLD, 4 aspherical)
• Angle of View: 79.7°–39.1°
• Aperture Blades: 11 (rounded)
• Minimum Aperture: F16
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 28 cm
• Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:4.8 @ 40mm
• Filter Size: 67mm
• Dimensions: φ72.9mm × 115.9mm
• Weight: 535g

Supplied Accessories

• Lens Hood LH728-02
• Front Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Cap

Optional Accessories

• USB Dock UD-11 (L-Mount)
• Ceramic WR Protection Filter (67mm)
• WR Protection Filter (67mm)
• UV WR Filter (67mm)
• Circular PL WR Filter (67mm)