agenda | Bulletin
New indie cine glass Six incredible optics from independent brands all bring something new
f you want to get some truly unique lenses, then it’s the smaller independent brands that are coming through. By focusing on ultra fast primes, superwide zooms and even macro lenses, there is a huge and
growing choice. Here’s some of the latest classy glass.
Laowa powers perfect parfocals
Laowa’s new Axon series features the world’s first parfocal zoom super macro lenses. The 45mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro 1-5x APO and 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO are a mechanical breakthrough by maintaining a fixed working distance across the entire zoom range. This eliminates the need to physically reposition the camera when shifting magnification. By maintaining a constant gap between the lens and the subject, filmmakers can now zoom right through the range without the risk of casting shadows on subjects. Prices not yet released. venuslens.net
One L of a wide zoom
Samyang continues to build momentum in the L-Mount Alliance with the launch of its AF 14-24mm f/2.8 FE, developed in collaboration with Schneider-Kreuznach. Despite its fast constant f/2.8 aperture, the £1050 lens is just 89mm/3.5in long and 445g/0.98lb. An 18cm/7.1in minimum focusing distance allows for dramatic close-ups, while a standout feature is the 77mm front filter thread – rare on ultra wide zooms. lksamyang.com
Viltrox EVO-lution
Viltrox has expanded its EVO lens line with two full-frame primes, the AF 35mm f/1.8 and AF 55mm f/1.8 for Sony FE and Nikon Z mounts, designed with video-friendly handling. Both lenses use advanced 13-element optical designs featuring ED, HR and aspherical elements, but the headline feature is their new APO (apochromatic) correction. Traditionally reserved for premium optics, APO design dramatically reduces chromatic aberration and colour fringing for cleaner edges, more natural focus fall-off and sharper contrast. Both lenses feature autofocus stepping motors for quiet focusing, de-clickable aperture rings for video, weather sealing, USB-C firmware updates and a unified 58mm filter thread. The 35mm is £385/$395 and it’s £359/$370 for the 55mm. viltrox.com
Cash off the speediest prime
If you must own the fastest lens in the world, there’s good news, as the Experimental Optics 50mm f/0.75 is now at 20% off to celebrate ten years since its release. The lens now costs £2000, is available in M39 and Leica M-Mount and is best suited for use on mirrorless cameras with a helicoid adapter. The brand also makes an ultra thin 35mm f/2.7 full-frame pancake lens in the same mounts. The price has not been revealed. facebook.com/experimentaloptics
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July/August 2026
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