Coming soon: Meike’s new AF 85mm F1.4 II

Weibo Image

Meike’s new AF85mm F1.4 II second-generation full-frame autofocus lens is set to be released in 2026, featuring Sony E, Nikon Z, and L mounts. It will be showcased during CP+ at the end of February. The lens boasts a new design, significantly reducing weight compared to the first generation, with a body size similar to the Sigma 85mm F1.4 lens. The image quality has been enhanced, eliminating color tint and yellowing issues. The company’s internal goal is to position it as the best 85mm F1.4 lens made in China.

Source: Weibo

You can now preorder the world’s first 1.5x Anamorphic AF FE lens: The BLAZAR Talon 50mm T2.1

The new BLAZAR Talon 50mm T2.1 1.5x lens is now available for preorder at BHphoto (Click here). This is the world’s first 1.5x Full Frame Autofocus anamorphic lens!

E-mount camera and lens deals:

What lens do you regret selling the most?

On the Sony Alpha Reddit forum people are discussing what lens they regret selling the most. Here is the list of lenses mentioned. Feel free to add your input in the comment system!

Sony E-Mount Lenses (Native)

Lenses from Other Systems (Fuji, Canon, Pentax, etc.)

Third-Party Lenses for Sony

Ugreen’s 2026 AI NAS Lineup is Here—Secure Your Unit and Save Up to $1,040 Today

You can now preorder the new Ugreen 2026 NAS models (Click here).

New features of the Ugreen DXP4800 Pro compared to the previous DXP4800 Plus model:

  • 1. Major Hardware Upgrades (The CPU)
    The most significant change is the move to a more modern processor, which drives several other performance improvements:

    • Processor: Upgraded to a 13th Generation Intel i3 (6-core, 8-thread).
      • Comparison: The previous “Plus” model used an Intel Pentium 8505 (5-core, 6-thread).
    • Improved Graphics: The i3 provides increased integrated graphics capability (Intel Quick Sync), allowing for smoother 4K and 8K hardware transcoding.
    • Higher Clock Speeds: The new CPU offers a marginal increase in clock speed and better overall power efficiency during tasks.
  • 2. Memory (RAM) Improvements
    • Capacity Increase: The system now supports up to 96GB of DDR5 SODIMM memory.
      • Comparison: The previous model was capped at 64GB.
    • Transfer Speeds: Supports marginally larger and faster memory transfer speeds due to the 13th Gen architecture.
    • Base Configuration: Arrives with 8GB of DDR5 RAM out of the box.
  • 3. Storage & Internals
    • The “Hidden” OS Drive: The unit actually contains three M.2 slots. One is a 128GB Gen 3×4 drive dedicated strictly to the OS.
      • Benefit: Users can install alternative operating systems (like TrueNAS or Unraid) on this drive without invalidating the hardware warranty or taking up the two main user-accessible NVMe slots.
    • User NVMe Bays: Two M.2 NVMe bays (Gen 4×4) located on the bottom. Performance tests hit 5.5 to 6 GB/s in synthetic tests.
    • Cooling: Includes very thick thermal pads in the accessory kit designed to bridge the gap between the NVMe drives and the metal base panel for better heat dissipation.
    • Build Material: The reviewer notes the metal chassis feels like a “different material” than the Plus—not necessarily better or worse, but a refreshed texture/finish.
  • 4. Connectivity & Ports
    • Networking: Features a 10GbE port alongside a 2.5GbE port on the rear.
    • USB: Multiple 10Gbps USB Type-A and Type-C ports.
    • SD Slot: A built-in SD card slot remains on the front for easy media ingest.
  • 5. Software Features (UGOS 2026)
    • Virtualization: Now includes a native Virtual Machine application, allowing users to take advantage of the i3’s extra cores.
    • Jellyfin Integration: One-click installation via the App Center. Tests showed that hardware transcoding an 8K file only utilized about 8–12% of the GPU.
    • Snapshots: Full support for BTRFS snapshots with a dedicated scheduling and retention policy interface.
    • Enhanced AI: Improved Edge AI for photo recognition (faces and objects) and the ability to create “customized individual learning tools” by adding your own images to the database.
    • iSCSI Support: Native support for iSCSI targets and LUNs for professional photo/video editing workflows.
  • 6. Power & Performance Specs
    • Power Consumption: Due to the more powerful CPU, power draw is higher.
      • Idle: ~28W.
      • Peak (Full Load): ~83–84W.
    • Noise Levels: Generally quiet (32–34 dBA at idle), but the fans can ramp up to 46–49 dBA under heavy cooling loads.
  • Summary of Price
    Launch Price: Approximately $699 (roughly $100 more than the “Plus” model).

Big Sony A7s III firmware update 5.0 released

Sony just launched another discount on the Sony As7III at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, Calumet, Clifton, WexUK. And if you own (or plan to buy the camera) today we have good news for you. The new 5.0 firmware update brings a ton of new useful features:

Benefits and Improvements

  • Adapts the display layout of shooting information for both horizontal and vertical viewing
  • Adds Spot: XL under Spot in the Focus Area menu
  • Adds Custom 1, Custom 2, and Custom 3 under Custom in the Focus Area menu
  • Adds Tracking: Spot XL, Tracking: Custom 1, Tracking: Custom 2, and Tracking: Custom 3 under Tracking in the Focus Area menu
  • Adds the option to enlarge the menu screen display
  • Allows the remaining capacity of both storage devices to be displayed during movie recording when using Simult. or Auto Switch Media (Relay Recording)
  • Adds support for USB streaming
    • When connecting to a device with a USB Type-C® port, please use a commercially available USB cable or a conversion adapter.
  • Supports the Write Digital Signature function for movies as part of Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution
    • The timing for the provision of licenses (paid) to customers other than certain media outlets is yet to be determined.
    • Services may not be available in some countries or regions. For more information, please visit the Authenticity Catalog Page.
  • Supports Scan and Tag, Photo Cropping, and Volume Photography Commands under the Volume Photography License
    • Installation of a paid license is required for use.
    • Services may not be available in some countries or regions.
  • Fixes an issue where audio may still be recorded even when Audio Recording is set to Off
  • Improves the operational stability of the camera