Amateur Photographer asked company managers what’s their situation regarding the worldwide chip shortage:
Sony said:
‘For camera products, there is currently a delay in parts procurement partly caused by the global shortage of semiconductors, which is affecting production of certain products.’
Zeiss said:
‘Of course, we at Zeiss are also affected by the shortage of semiconductors and price increases for components in the photo sector. However, we benefit from a manageable amount of semiconductor components in lenses, our long-standing and reliable supplier relationships and our long-term planning.’
Sigma said:
‘Since last year, the supply of not only semiconductors but also materials and components has been tightened due to the shutdown of factories and disruption of logistics caused by the COVID-19 lockdown in cities around the world, which is a problem common to all industries, not just cameras and interchangeable lenses. As for Sigma, despite the problems mentioned above, close cooperation with suppliers and our own efforts have resulted in no major impact on production and we have been operating smoothly so far. However, the outlook for the supply of materials and parts has become increasingly uncertain since the beginning of 2022, and there is a possibility that our production will be affected in the future. Sigma will do its utmost to fulfil its supply responsibilities in order to avoid causing inconvenience to our customers.’
Add the AI-based Real-time Tracking AF, and if the Touch Function is set to Tracking AF, you can use Real-time Tracking to track the subject even during manual focus
Add the Breathing Compensation for consistent angle of view when focusing
The new AF 135mm F1.8 FE is a fast-aperture prime telephoto lens, designed for use with full-frame Sony E Mount cameras, but also compatible with Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras.
Evolution of Samyang Optics’ Best Manual Focus 135mm F2.0 Telephoto Prime Lens
The Samyang MF 135mm F2.0 ED UMC is a telephoto lens that has been loved by many people for its excellent resolution since its launch in 2015. Typically, it was admired as a lens for portrait photography, but over time, the MF 135mm went beyond portraits and also became popular for shooting landscapes and astrophotography. Accordingly, Samyang Optics has decided to release an AF evolution of this lens, adding convenience for every user and genre of photography.
Samyang Corporation, which recently expanded its autofocus F1.8 series line-up, has introduced the AF 135mm F1.8 FE lens, equipped with various additional functions to meet the new demands of many people who have used the existing MF 135mm F2.0 lens.
The new AF 135mm F1.8 FE telephoto lens is optimised for portraits, astrophotography, landscapes and video shooting. It includes popular features, such as Focus Lock Button and Custom Switch but also Samyang’s new Focus Range Limiter switch.
With Samyang’s announcement of the new AF 135mm F1.8 FE, its Auto Focus F1.8 FE series now includes: 24mm, 35mm, 45mm, 75mm and 135mm focal lengths, completing the line-up, from wide-angle to telephoto.
Superb Resolution
Unsparing application of Samyang’s most advanced optical technologies has produced a large-aperture prime telephoto lens that delivers outstanding corner-to-corner resolution. The AF 135mm F1.8 FE delivers an 18.9˚ angle of view for full-frame and 12.5˚ for APS-C. It features a bright maximum aperture of F1.8, as favoured by full-frame camera users. In particular, optimum resolution is achieved through the optical design of 13 elements in 11 groups (1 U-ASP, 2 HR and 3 ED). Combined with Sony’s full-frame image sensor, this lens delivers superior sharpness and contrast in all areas of the image.
Able to deliver extremely narrow depth of field, with beautiful bokeh
The AF 135mm F1.8 FE uses a large-diameter aperture to provide smooth background blur. It effectively allows separation of the subject from the background, by using a shallow depth of field. Also, it is equipped with a UA (Ultra-precision Aspherical) lens, which delivers natural and refined bokeh. Using this smooth bokeh, you can freely create images highlighting your subjects against stunning backgrounds, whether shooting portraits, close-ups or even cityscapes.
Fast and quiet auto focus performance
Tracking the subject accurately and quickly, the AF also operates quietly and smoothly when shooting video. Samyang’s Linear STM (Stepping Motor) satisfies both photographers and videographers with quieter and more accurate control of the focusing lens groups.
Enhanced operability and reliability
Important features include customisable: Focus Hold button, Custom Switch and Focus Range Limiter. Overall, this is a lens that meets and exceeds professional requirement for control and reliability, for both stills and movies.
1) Focus Hold Button
Pressing this button on the lens will keep the lens locked to that focusing distance. You can assign functions such as Eye AF in settings on the camera body.
2) Custom Switch
There is a custom switch, which can be set to allow adjustment of the aperture silently by rotating the focus ring. Using the optional Lens Station, you can set up the mode to suit your own preference*.
(*More functions will be added through firmware updates in the future)
3) Focus Range Limiter switch
The Focus Range Limiter only operates in AF mode, but can be useful to speed up focusing once the distance from an object has been determined:
The Focus Range Limiter is moved forward or backward to select the focus range as follows:
FULL: The AF range is set between infinity and the minimum focus distance of 0.69m.
0.69m – 2m: The AF range is set between 0.69m and 2m, suitable for close-up shooting.
1.5m – ∞: The AF range is set from 1.5m to infinity, which is suitable for normal shooting.
Short minimum focal distance of 0.69m
Although this is a 135mm telephoto, Samyang has managed to effectively control aberration at all focusing distances. It has also achieved a minimum focus distance of just 69cm (2.26ft) and a maximum magnification of 0.243x for close-up photography. Small accessories and other subjects can be captured with remarkable resolution and beautiful, soft background bokeh.
Modern design and weather-sealing
The AF 135mm F1.8 FE has been developed and enhanced, taking into consideration not only the design features but also the user’s shooting environment. It has a micro-patterned rubber focus ring, which feels great to operate and the weather-sealing protects the lens from light rain, snow and dust.
Sony A9 III may be released in the fourth quarter] There are new rumors, the new Sony A9 III is expected to be officially released in the fourth quarter of this year, the new camera still uses a 24 million pixel sensor, with a new menu, equipped with a tiltable angle screen, support4K video shooting at 60 frames per second is expected to cost $4,999, or about RMB 32,000. At the same time, there is very little information about the A7R V, but it is expected that the new machine should be released in the fourth quarter of this year.
As far as I heard the timing of the A7RV release isn’t true which leads me believe that this rumor might be not correct at all, because it will be announce long before the A9III. But I see all other rumor sites posted it without questioning so I figured I have to share my two cents.
