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Fast and wide from Fujifilm
Fujifilm’s X Series continues to grow, so say hello to the XF18mm f/1.4 R LM WR – a fast aperture version of a popular focal length, ideal for street and scenics
Canon’s triple treat Alongside developing the EOS R3, the camera maker also unveiled three new lenses for its growing RF mirrorless system Aberration Control ring. Aimed at portrait workers, it adjusts foreground and background. Most effective at f/2.8, with a subject 1m from the lens, it can be set to zero.
The Fujinon XF18mm f/2 R was one of the original three lenses unveiled with the system in 2012, and it’s still a lovely, compact performer. However, welcome. It brings the benefits of an even faster maximum aperture to this popular focal length, equivalent to 27mm in 35mm format. The latest optical and focusing technologies are also present. The new optical design features 15 elements in nine groups, including three aspherical and one ED element. These give exceptional performance across the frame at every aperture. It’s also compact, weighing just 370g, but it’s no lightweight when it comes to handling the introduction of the Fujinon XF18mm f/1.4 R LM WR is very challenging conditions. There are weather-resistant seals at eight
key locations. Other points of interest include an aperture ring click-stopped in 0.3EV steps, an A position lock, minimum focus of just 20cm and a filter size of 62mm. The Fujifilm XF18mm f/1.4 R LM WR is priced at £879, going on sale in late May. Finally, Fujifilm offers news of updated firmware this month. The GFX100 will receive v4.00, with advantages including an improved AF system and coordinated control of IBIS, as well as lens OIS. Plus, the Nostalgic Neg. film simulation mode has been added. Meanwhile, Pixel Shift Combiner, a free software merging pictures shot using the Pixel Shift Multishot mode on the GFX100/GFX100S, has been updated to v1.2.0. fujifilm.eu/uk
Mechanically, the lens offers optical image stabilisation up to 5EV, while using the EOS R5/R6 boosts this to 8EV. Dual Nano USMAF provides fast, accurate and almost silent AF, while focus breathing is suppressed. The RF100mm f/2.8LMacro IS USM is available fromMay. canon.co.uk
Two of the three new Canon lenses are certainly aimed at professionals. The RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM and RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM are set to retail for £12,449.99 and £13,409, respectively – and are available from June. Both lenses are optically and mechanically similar to their EF counterparts – you can expect exceptional performance. But the RF optics will also benefit from an even faster connection with the camera body and more effective optical image stabilisation, boasting a 5.5EV benefit. They also support what Canon calls a dual power focus drive for faster AF with future bodies. No precise details about this technology are currently available.
Some other notable features of these lenses – aside from fluorite and Super UD glass for exceptional optical quality – include full-time manual focus override, two focus presets for pulling focus, as well as a focus ring that functions as a control ring on some EOS R bodies. At £1479, the third lens is more accessible. The RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM is a macro lens with a difference. First, minimum focus is about 8cm from the front of this internally focusing lens, providing a 1:4.1 magnification. That’s greater than the usual 1:1 – and it’s achieved
without extra accessories. Next, there’s an adjustable Spherical A head for the top
Tamron goes super long The brand’s latest lens is its first ultra telephoto for full-frame mirrorless
The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is equipped for Sony E-mount cameras and blessed with a range of great features. Tamron’s own VC (Vibration Compensation) stabiliser system offers shake-free shooting, while the VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive)
that is flourine-coated and a tripod foot compatible with Arca-Swiss, this lens is appealing. It’s also portable, weighing just 1880g. Available from 10 June, the new lens costs £1379. transcontinenta.co.uk
Aimed at pro wildlife image makers, Gitzo’s new head is rugged, has a strong payload rating and is great to use
Renowned for its camera supports, Gitzo has introduced a new head, the Ball Head Series 4. This is a heavy-duty tripod head, ideal for long telephoto lenses. Even though the head weighs less than 1kg, it has a payload rating of 30kg. Usability rates highly, completing smooth horizontal panning, thanks to a
dedicated thermo-stable pan and fluid cartridge. The hollow sphere enables fluid movement, while rapid friction control facilitates precise adjustment. Gitzo’s Ball Head Series 4 is a perfect partner for Series 4 and 5 tripods. It’s available to pre-order at £459.99. gitzo.com/uk-en
linear motor provides fast, super-quiet autofocusing. Close-up shooting is also possible, with the lens’ 60cm minimum focus at 150mm giving a magnification ratio of 1:3.1. With a moisture-resistant construction, BBAR-G2 coating, a front element
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