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The Latest News:
Meike’s 85mm F1.4 And 56mm F1.7 Lenses Are Here
credits: Meike
Meike has officially released two new autofocus portrait lenses, covering both full-frame and APS-C with the new AF 85mm F1.4 II MIX and AF 56mm F1.7 Air, both of which were first teased during NAB Show 2026. The 85mm F1.4 II MIX uses an 11-element, 8-group optical design, paired with an 11-blade diaphragm, 0.81m minimum focusing distance, and relatively compact dimensions at 648g and 85 × 110mm. Autofocus is handled through an STM stepping motor, while the lens also includes a de-clickable aperture ring, custom function button, USB-C port for firmware updates, and weather sealing around the mount.
The smaller 56mm F1.7 Air takes almost the opposite approach. It is designed as a compact APS-C portrait lens with an 85mm full-frame equivalent field of view, and uses an 11-element, 7-group optical design, 9-blade aperture, STM autofocus motor, and weighs 190g. Minimum focusing distance comes in at 0.55m, while physical controls stay fairly simple with a dedicated AF/MF switch built into the barrel.
The lens also uses small 52mm filters and measures 66.5 × 59.2mm. Meike says the 56mm F1.7 Air is the first of three planned Air-series lenses, with 25mm F1.7 and 35mm F1.7 models expected later. The 85mm F1.4 II MIX is priced at $498 in Sony E, Nikon Z, and L-mount, while the 56mm F1.7 Air costs $159 and is available for Sony E, Nikon Z, and Fujifilm X mount systems.
New Leica SL3-P Rumours
credits: Leica
Leica’s rumoured SL3-P is apparently not arriving quite as quickly as originally expected. New reports now suggest the possible launch window has changed from earlier May expectations to somewhere between May and June 2026. Since we are already approaching the end of May without an announcement, it is difficult to know whether Leica actually pushed things back or whether the earlier timeline was simply optimistic rumour speculation. What does seem fairly clear, though, is that Leica is working on another SL body, with certification filings from earlier this year already pointing toward a completely new camera being in development.
Pricing rumours are also becoming a bit clearer. For the first time, reports are pointing toward a price somewhere around $6,700, which would place the camera above the Panasonic Lumix S1R II, that many believe serves as its technical foundation. Current leaks continue suggesting the SL3-P will use the same 44.3-megapixel full-frame sensor and position itself between the 60MP SL3 and 24MP SL2-S within Leica’s lineup. The camera could also feature around 800 autofocus points, improved autofocus compared to the SL3-S, and a body design and menu system that move closer to Panasonic’s newer generation of cameras.
Video specifications are still less clear. Several rumours continue suggesting Leica may intentionally reduce video capabilities compared to other SL models, possibly to create more separation within the lineup. There is also growing speculation around a new SL 100mm APO Macro lens, although nobody knows yet whether it will launch alongside the camera. While the SL3-P rumours continue changing around, Leica has still been active elsewhere recently, introducing a new Metallic Grey finish across several products including the M11-P, Q3, D-Lux 8, and APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2.
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Something You Have To Check Out
Blu Dot surpasses 2,000% ROAS with self-serve CTV ads
Blu Dot used Roku Ads Manager to drive incredible results for its furniture sales event. Its strategy hinged on custom audiences and retargeting, where intent was strongest.
“Roku has been a top performer,” said Blu Dot’s Claire Folkestad. “We have seen…CPMs lower than any other CTV partner we've worked with.”
Photographer Spotlight
Discover amazing photographers
This time in the Spotlight: Neil Browne
You can find him on Instagram as: @neilbrowne.ca
A few photos of his:
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