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SG-Image’s New AF 85mm f/1.8 STM Lens
credits: SG-Image
SG-Image, a relatively new Chinese lens maker that has mostly been active in Asia so far, just launched a new AF 85mm f/1.8 STM lens for Sony E-mount. There are also signs that a Z-mount version might be on the way. The lens uses an optical design of 11 elements in 9 groups, including three high-refractive index elements and one low-dispersion element to help control colour fringing. It uses an eight-blade aperture, which should give backgrounds a nice rounded bokeh look.
Physically, the lens comes in at 380 grams, measuring 89mm long with a 71mm diameter, and it takes 58mm filters. The minimum focusing distance is 80 centimeters, with a maximum magnification of 1:7.7, which is about average for this kind of lens. Autofocus is handled by a quiet STM motor, making it suitable not just for stills but also for video work. SG-Image has emphasised the low weight and quiet AF drive as selling points, though since the lens is brand new, there aren’t any independent reviews yet. It will also be interesting to see how it performs when it comes to edge sharpness and distortion once proper tests start appearing.
On the outside, the 85mm f/1.8 STM features an aperture ring and a focus mode switch. SG-Image claims it can handle sensors up to 60 megapixels, which, if true, would make it a decent match even for higher-end Sony bodies. The lens is already available in some markets for around €265 (exchange rate) though it hasn’t appeared at major Western retailers just yet.
credits: Fujifilm
Fujifilm is launching a new camera and lens this week and has started teasing the announcement with a short video across its social media channels. The clip doesn’t give too much away, but it does show the outlines of what looks like the X-T30 III along with a new XC 13–33mm f/3.5–6.3 OIS kit lens. Both are expected to be officially unveiled on October 23, though it is not clear yet if Fujifilm plans to hold a livestream for the reveal. The teaser at least confirms one popular rumour, the new model will feature a film simulation dial instead of the standard mode dial, much like the X-T30 II.
In terms of what is inside, it sounds like the camera will stick with the familiar 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS sensor, but this time paired with Fujifilm’s newer fifth-generation processor. That should mean faster autofocus, better image processing, and cleaner results in low light. The X-T30 III could end up filling the gap between the X-M5 and X-T50, and might even serve as a follow-up to the discontinued X-S20. What is still unclear is whether Fujifilm will bring in-body image stabilisation to this model, something a lot of people are hoping for.
As for price, nothing is official yet, but it will likely land somewhere between the $1040/€899 X-M5 and the $1472/€1,269 X-T50. Aside from a few tweaks, most of the specs are expected to stay pretty close to the previous version. We will find out for sure when the full announcement drops on October 23.
You can see Fujifilm’s teaser video on Instagram here
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