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The Latest News:
Hasselblad’s X2D II Specifications Leaked
credits: Hasselblad (old X2D 100C)
Hasselblad’s upcoming X2D II just leaked, and it looks like a serious evolution of the original X2D 100C. At the heart of the camera is a 100-megapixel CMOS sensor that shoots in 16-bit RAW with up to 15 stops of dynamic range. One of the most notable additions is LiDAR-based autofocus, which should bring faster and more reliable focus performance, especially in low light or when using adapted manual lenses.
Face detection is also onboard now, making handheld portraits much easier. Speaking of handheld work, the camera features 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) rated for up to 8 stops, which puts it ahead of many competitors in the medium format space and allows for sharper results without a tripod. For storage, the X2D II includes a built-in 1TB SSD, but also features a CFexpress Type B slot for those who want fast external capture or additional space.
Hasselblad’s signature Natural Colour Solution (HNCS) remains, delivering accurate colour straight out of camera, especially in skin tones and subtle gradients. And naturally, the X2D II will support Hasselblad’s growing ecosystem of lenses, including XCD autofocus glass as well as legacy HC/HCD, V System, and even XPan lenses with the right adapters. An official release date has yet to be announced.
SmallRig’s New Tribex SE Tripod
credits: SmallRig
SmallRig launched a more compact, budget-friendly version of its popular tripod made in collaboration with filmmaker Potato Jet, called the Tribex SE. Like the original, the big selling point here is the one-handle hydraulic design that lets you adjust all three legs at once, meaning you can set it up or adjust it with one hand, even on uneven ground.
The SE is still built mainly from carbon fibre, but it’s a bit lighter than the original, about 3.7kg including the head. It has a height range from 25cm all the way up to 168cm (so just under 10 inches to about 5.5 feet), and it actually folds down smaller than the first version, which makes it a lot easier to pack in a backpack or suitcase. SmallRig says it’ll fit into 28-inch luggage, no problem.
The head is a bit more compact too, but it still gives you full 360° panning, tilts from -65° to +90°, and can handle camera setups up to 6kg (about 13 pounds). You can also quickly swap between Manfrotto and DJI RS plates with a switch. Now, there is a trade-off: the max weight the tripod can handle overall is down from 25kg to 15kg (so from 55 to 33 pounds). Pricing is $400, about half of the original Tribex.
You can see full details on SmallRig’s website here
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Weekly Photo Technique Exploration
Welcome to a new section of the magazine where every week we will explore a new photography technique from across various photography genres.
This week’s technique: Soft Focus Photography
credits: Skylum
What is Soft Focus exactly?
Soft focus is when you intentionally reduce sharpness just a little to get a gentle, glowing image. It smooths out textures (especially skin), reduces contrast, and gives your photo a kind of ethereal quality. It’s often used in:
Portraits, dreamy landscapes, artistic/fine art work, vintage-style shots or even editorial fashion photography
How to Get the Soft Focus Look (In-Camera)
Use a diffusion filter
This is probably the easiest way to get soft focus without messing with your lens. Some good ones are:
Tiffen Black Pro-Mist
Moment CineBloom
Soft FX or diffusion filters
These reduce contrast and bloom highlights just enough to get the desired soft focus look.
Shoot wide open
Use a fast lens (like f/1.8 or f/2.0) and shoot with a shallow depth of field. That slight softness around the edges can mimic the feel of a soft focus photo.
Use manual focus slightly off
If you’re feeling bold, you can slightly back off the sharpest point when using manual focus. Just keep in mind to be subtle about it.
Soft light
Make use of natural diffused light or big softboxes. Harsh light brings out detail and contrast, which works against the soft look. Overcast days, window light through sheer curtains, or golden hour light work beautifully.
Old lenses = instant softness
Vintage lenses often have a naturally soft rendering, especially wide open. Mount an old 50mm on a mirrorless body and you'll be halfway there.
DIY Trick: Vaseline on a Clear Filter
Take a cheap, clear UV filter and lightly smear a little Vaseline around the edges. This diffuses the light coming in and gives you a soft glow, while keeping the center relatively sharp. Just be careful, don’t apply Vaseline directly to your lens, only to a separate filter. And use it sparingly, a little goes a long way. It’s cheap, it’s fun, and it gives you full creative control over how soft and dreamy your soft look gets.
Doing It in Post-Processing
You can totally fake the soft focus effect in editing, and honestly, it gives you even more control.
In Lightroom or Photoshop:
Drop clarity and reduce contrast
Add a slight glow (try the Orton effect or soft light overlays)
Blur a duplicate layer just slightly, then reduce opacity or blend it with a soft light mode
Play with the texture slider to smooth out surfaces without losing shape
Use radial filters or masks to apply softness just to certain parts of the image
You can also add bloom effects to highlights using tools like Luminar or Photoshop’s glow filters.
Some Bonus Tips
Soft focus works great in black & white, especially for moody portraits.
It pairs beautifully with film simulations or vintage colour grading.
Combine it with motion blur, shallow depth of field, or pastel colors for even more atmosphere.
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