The project debuted on Kickstarter with a goal of just $5,000, but the response has been far stronger. As of writing, the campaign has surpassed $258,000, signaling significant interest from filmmakers and content creators. The Astra series lenses are coming to Sony E, Nikon Z, and L-Mount.

This year, the company has also released a number of prime lenses in the Aurora series, which is geared more towards photography. The current lineup includes the 85mm F/1.4 and the new 35mm F/1.4.

A New Autofocus Anamorphic Lineup

The Sirui Astra series consists of 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm T1.8 autofocus anamorphic cine lenses. Sirui says the lineup is designed for independent filmmakers and professional creators who need high-end image quality with user-friendly operation for run-and-gun setups.

As with most cinema lens series, the three Astra lenses share a uniform physical design. They have consistent dimensions and ergonomics, weigh between 600 and 700 grams, and all use 67mm filter threads with matching gear positions. This uniformity means operators can swap lenses on rigs and gimbals without recalibrating or rebalancing.

Classic Cinematic Look With a 1.33x Squeeze

Each lens features a constant 1.33x squeeze ratio, delivering a proper 2.35:1 widescreen image without cropping or pixel loss. The resulting footage includes oval bokeh, vertical stretch in the background, and the immersive aesthetic that anamorphic shooters expect.

The Astra lenses also support fast and accurate autofocus, enabling solo filmmakers and small crews to shoot cinema-grade footage with greater ease. Focus distance scales are built in, and the lenses are compatible with LiDAR follow-focus systems for consistent and reliable tracking.

With a fast T1.8 aperture, the lenses are capable in low-light environments and night scenes while offering shallow depth of field and smooth, soft bokeh. Buyers can choose between blue flare or neutral flare versions to match the desired anamorphic look. Shooting into bright light sources emphasizes the signature flare characteristics of each model.

Pricing and Availability

The Sirui Astra 1.33x autofocus anamorphic lenses are currently available through Kickstarter for $799 each, or $2,399 for a three-lens set that ships with a hard case. Once the crowdfunding campaign ends, they will retail for $999 per lens, and the full set will be priced at $2,999.

Mount options include Sony E, Nikon Z, and L-Mount.

The post Sirui’s Autofocus Astra Anamorphic Lenses Attract Over $250K on Kickstarter appeared first on Imaging Resource.

Rugged Design with a Signature Look

The Reporter line is known for its distinct dark green finish and utilitarian styling — and the SL3 Reporter continues that tradition. Beyond its aesthetics, the finish offers enhanced durability and protection against the elements compared to the standard SL3.

The camera features a cover made from aramid fiber, a high-strength, heat-resistant synthetic fabric. This family of materials includes Kevlar, best known for its use in bulletproof vests. Combined with the SL3’s IP54 certification, the aramid build provides improved resistance to dust and water, ensuring the camera can withstand more demanding shooting conditions.

A top view of the Leica SL3 Reporter.

Improved Grip and Aging Character

Leica says the new textured aramid exterior not only improves grip — particularly useful in wet or rugged environments — but also develops a unique patina over time, giving each camera a one-of-a-kind look that reflects its use.

“This ensures enhanced stability when taking photographs and filming,” Leica explains. “Over time, the trim develops a unique patina that reflects the traces of its photographic journey and the character of a true reportage camera.”

As with other Reporter models, the SL3 Reporter forgoes the signature red Leica badge in favor of a more discreet appearance, aligning with the line’s professional, field-oriented identity.

Same High-End Performance Inside

Internally, the SL3 Reporter is identical to the standard Leica SL3. It features a 60-megapixel backside-illuminated full-frame sensor, a hybrid autofocus system, and Leica’s Maestro IV processor for fast performance and exceptional image quality.

Other highlights include a 5.76-million-dot electronic viewfinder, a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, and a 1.28-inch top display for essential shooting information. The camera is compatible with L-Mount lenses, giving photographers access to a broad ecosystem from Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma.

Leica notes that the SL3 integrates seamlessly with the Leica FOTOS app, allowing for efficient wireless file transfer and remote control functionality — ideal for professional workflows.

Pricing and Availability

The Leica SL3 Reporter is available for pre-order now through authorized Leica retailers and the Leica Online Store for $7,995. This marks a modest increase over the $7,485 base price of the standard SL3.

The post Leica’s SL3 Reporter Combines Rugged Utility With Signature Reporter Style appeared first on Imaging Resource.

Compact, Bright, and Versatile

The 35mm focal length remains a favorite among photographers thanks to its natural field of view. It’s a reliable choice for street, travel, portrait, and documentary photography, as well as weddings and events. With a bright F/1.8 aperture, this lens is also capable of handling low-light scenes and indoor shoots with ease.

Built for full-frame cameras, the AF 35mm F/1.8 features an optical construction of 11 elements in 8 groups, including two aspherical, two high-refractive, and one ED glass element. This combination helps control chromatic aberration and enhances sharpness and contrast.

Autofocus is powered by an STM stepping motor, which 7Artisans claims delivers fast, accurate, and near-silent focusing. The lens supports eye, face, and animal detection, making it ideal for both stills and video work.

Despite its modest price, the AF 35mm F/1.8 boasts a metal construction and includes a customizable FN button. It also offers a stepless linear aperture ring, allowing smooth exposure adjustments during video recording. Focus breathing is minimized, ensuring stable framing while shifting focus.

The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.4m and an aperture range from F/1.8 to F/16. It features a USB-C port for firmware updates, comes with a petal-shaped lens hood, and weighs around 426 grams. The lens measures 94mm in length and uses a 62mm filter size.

Pricing and Availability

The 7Artisans AF 35mm F/1.8 is now available for Sony E, Nikon Z, and Leica L mounts at a retail price of $299. It can be purchased directly from the 7Artisans official website, as well as through Amazon and B&H Photo.

The post 7Artisans Launches Budget-Friendly AF 35mm F/1.8 Lens for Nikon Z and Leica L Mounts appeared first on Imaging Resource.

This lens covers everything from 100mm all the way out to 500mm, and if that’s not enough reach for you, Panasonic has made it compatible with their teleconverters (sold separately), which can extend the reach to a whopping 1000mm equivalent. In other words, if you’ve ever wanted to photograph the moon and still crop in on a crater, you’re covered.

But here’s the real kicker: this lens stays surprisingly compact. At just 196mm long (under 8 inches), it’s way more portable than you’d expect for something that can see that far. Panasonic also built in Dual I.S. 2 image stabilization, which is capable of up to 7 stops of shake reduction, allowing you to handhold the camera and still capture sharp shots – even at the long end.

Autofocus is driven by a Dual-Phase-Linear Motor. This means it’s fast, precise, and quiet—great for both stills and video. Speaking of video, Panasonic clearly had creators in mind with this one. There’s focus breathing suppression and micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure transitions. You also get customizable controls; for example, you can turn the focus ring into a control ring and assign settings like aperture. For those who value ergonomics, the focus button is assignable to any function—hybrid zoom, anyone?

Key Features of the LUMIX S 100-500mm

Massive Reach, Sharp Results

• Panasonic’s first ultra-telephoto zoom for the LUMIX S series – covering 100mm all the way to 500mm.
• Delivers crisp detail and smooth bokeh throughout the zoom range, even wide open.
• Supports teleconverters (sold separately), letting you push out to a staggering 1000mm for serious reach.

Stabilization That Keeps Up

• Dual I.S. 2 image stabilization gives you up to 7 stops of shake reduction – a lifesaver when you’re handholding at 500mm.
• The lens stays surprisingly compact at just 196mm in length, making it packable for travel and field work.
• Dual Phase Linear Motor autofocus is fast, accurate, and quiet – perfect for wildlife and video shooters.

Customizable, Creator-Friendly Controls

• The focus ring can double as a control ring for adjusting aperture or other settings on the fly.
• A dedicated focus button can be mapped to functions like Hybrid Zoom, giving you more control without digging through menus.

Price & Availability

The LUMIX S 100-500mm is available for pre-order starting September 25th for $2,099.99 from Panasonic’s usual retailers. 

Bottom line? This lens is Panasonic’s answer for shooters who want reach, stability, and a packable form factor. If you shoot wildlife, motorsports, or just want the ultimate landscape compression, this one’s worth a look.

I’ve been shooting with Panasonic since the S1 II was announced this spring. I can’t wait to get a demo in and try landscapes and wildlife with it.

The post Panasonic LUMIX S 100-500mm is a Beast appeared first on Imaging Resource.

A Compact, Versatile Wide-Angle

The 24mm focal length makes the lens well-suited for landscapes, architecture, travel, and astrophotography, while the bright f/1.8 maximum aperture provides flexibility in low-light shooting and the ability to create shallow depth-of-field effects.

Reviews of the Sony E-mount version note that the lens delivers strong center sharpness wide open with corners improving when stopped down to f/2.8. One standout feature is the lack of focus breathing, making it an appealing choice for video shooters as well as still photographers.

Optical and Autofocus Design

The optical formula consists of 14 elements in 11 groups, including two aspherical glass elements, two high refractive index elements, and three ED elements. This design is intended to minimize aberrations, control flare, and produce vibrant color rendering.

7Artisans highlights its Advanced Autofocus Technology, which supports subject detection and Eye AF, providing accurate and reliable performance for portraits and group shots. The lens also includes a stepless aperture ring for smooth exposure adjustments in video work and a USB-C port for firmware updates.

Built with a durable all-metal barrel, the AF 24mm f/1.8 balances affordability with solid construction, offering features typically found in higher-priced primes.

Pricing and Availability

The 7Artisans AF 24mm f/1.8 for Nikon Z and Leica L-mount is now available for pre-order at a retail price of $329.

The post 7Artisans Launches Affordable AF 24mm f/1.8 Lens for Nikon Z and Leica L Mount appeared first on Imaging Resource.

Covering an impressive range from ultra-wide 20mm to telephoto 200mm, the lens is built for photographers and content creators who want a single-lens solution without compromising flexibility. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, close-ups, or street scenes, the 20-200mm aims to handle it all without the need to swap lenses on the go.

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A First for Sigma: 10x Zoom Starting at 20mm

The 20-200mm is Sigma’s first 10x zoom lens to start at 20mm, giving it a broader field of view than most travel zooms. Inside, the lens features an optical design of 18 elements in 14 groups, including one FLD element, three SLD elements, and four aspherical elements. Sigma says the design delivers sharpness and image quality across the zoom range, despite the high ratio.

By using high refractive index glass, Sigma has managed to keep the lens lightweight and compact, requiring less movement within the zoom mechanism while maintaining optical performance.

Fast Autofocus, Close-Up Versatility

Like Sigma’s recent releases, the 20-200mm uses the company’s High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) for autofocus, promising fast and precise AF performance. The lens also features impressive close-up capabilities, achieving a 1:2 magnification ratio when shooting between 28mm and 85mm, while maintaining a 1:3.3 ratio at the 200mm end — adding flexibility for both macro-style shots and tight telephoto framing.

Built for Travel and Everyday Use

Sigma has equipped the lens with a dust- and moisture-resistant structure, sealing key points to protect against challenging shooting environments. The front element features a water- and oil-repellent coating for easier cleaning, making it better suited for outdoor adventures.

There’s also a zoom lock switch to prevent lens creep when carrying the lens over your shoulder or in a bag. Conveniently, the lock automatically disengages when you rotate the zoom ring.

Pricing and Availability

The Sigma 20-200mm F/3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is priced at $999 and is now available for pre-order from B&H Photo. Shipping begins September 25, 2025.

The post Sigma Announces 20-200mm F/3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary All-In-One Travel Zoom Lens appeared first on Imaging Resource.

Designed for Sony E and Leica L mounts, the new cine zoom combines the optical performance of Sigma’s stills glass with cinema-ready controls, aiming to deliver a professional, high-performance solution for filmmakers. The lens is priced at $3,399 and is now available for pre-order.

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A Cinema Lens With Autofocus

The AF Cine 28-45mm T2 FF is based on the optical formula of Sigma’s 28-45mm F/1.8 DG DN Art lens but features redesigned electrical and mechanical components to integrate focus and aperture control for cinema applications. The design also reflects a premium cinema build, with dust and splash resistance for use in demanding environments.

Driving the autofocus system is Sigma’s High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) motor, which promises fast, precise, and near-silent operation – a key factor for professional video work. The lens also includes a manual focus ring with distance scale, a fixed rotation range, and compatibility with Direct Manual Focus and AF Assist on Sony E-mount, as well as AF+MF on Leica L-mount.

Optical Quality and Build

Sigma claims the new cine lens delivers exceptional resolution, smooth bokeh, and minimal flare and ghosting, resulting in clean, high-contrast images.

The lens itself is substantial, weighing 1.2kg with a length of 151.3mm. It features a 95mm front diameter and accepts 82mm filters. Other cinema-friendly features include:

• Limited-rotation focus ring for precise pulls
• Industry-standard 0.8M pitch gears for follow-focus setups
• Clickless aperture ring for smooth exposure transitions
• Support for optional accessories, including a USB Dock, Clamp-on Ring, and a range of front filters

Pricing and Availability

The Sigma AF Cine 28-45mm T2 FF is priced at $3,399 and is available for pre-order now through B&H Photo. Shipping is expected to begin November 6, 2025.
 

The post Sigma Launches the new AF Cine 28-45mm T2 FF, Its First Autofocus Cinema Lens appeared first on Imaging Resource.

With its 135mm focal length and ultra-wide F/1.4 aperture, Sigma is calling this its most advanced portrait lens to date. It’s also the first autofocus lens ever to combine this focal length with such a fast aperture, promising exceptional subject separation, creamy bokeh, and high-end optical performance – ideal for professional portrait, wedding, and event photographers.

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Exceptional Bokeh and Image Quality

Sigma claims the new lens delivers “bokeh of the highest level”, surpassing both the 135mm F/1.8 DG HSM ART and the so-called “bokeh master” 105mm F/1.4 DG HSM ART. The longer focal length naturally provides stronger compression and greater subject isolation, making it especially appealing for portrait shooters looking for a more cinematic look.

The optical design consists of 17 elements in 13 groups, including four FLD glass and two aspherical elements. These work together to minimize chromatic aberrations – a common issue in fast telephoto lenses – while maintaining sharpness across the frame, even at wide-open apertures.

Fast Autofocus and Pro-Level Controls

The 135mm F/1.4 DG ART uses dual high-response linear actuators paired with a floating focus configuration to deliver fast, precise autofocus performance. The lens can focus as close as 1.1 meters, achieving a 1:6.9 magnification ratio. While Sigma notes that focus breathing is noticeable when racking from minimum focus to infinity, it’s minimal at typical portrait distances.

For usability, the lens includes:

• An aperture ring with a click on/off switch
• Two customizable AFL buttons
• A focus mode switch
• An aperture ring lock switch
• A tripod collar for better balance when mounted on support systems

Built for Professionals

As a flagship ART-series lens, the 135mm F/1.4 features a dust- and moisture-resistant build with a water- and oil-repellent coating, making it suitable for shooting in challenging conditions. Sigma also recommends enabling in-camera lens corrections for best results and disabling the electronic front curtain shutter when using high-speed shutter speeds, as it may clip circular bokeh.

First Impressions of the Sigma 135mm F/1.4 DG ART

Imaging Resource Editor David Schloss got hands-on with the Sigma 135mm F/1.4 DG ART and shared his first impressions in a detailed video. He highlights the lens’s outstanding sharpness, even when shot wide open, and praises its overall optical performance. You can watch the full impressions video below for a closer look.

Pricing and Availability

The Sigma 135mm F/1.4 DG ART is priced at $1,899 and is now available for pre-order from B&H Photo. The lens is expected to begin shipping on September 25, 2025.

The post Sigma Unveils the 135mm F/1.4 DG ART: A New Flagship Portrait Prime appeared first on Imaging Resource.

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A More Compact, Faster 35mm Prime

The original 35mm F/1.2 DG DN ART, released in 2019, set a high bar for wide-aperture mirrorless primes. The second generation improves on nearly every front, bringing a lighter, shorter, and more responsive design while maintaining the same ultra-fast f/1.2 aperture.

Sigma says the new lens strikes “the perfect balance of optical performance, brightness, compact size, light weight, and ease of use.” At 755g, it’s roughly 30% lighter than its predecessor and 20% shorter, now measuring 111.4mm in length. The filter thread also shrinks from 82mm to a more practical 72mm, making it easier to pair with smaller filters and accessories.

Optical Upgrades and Better Autofocus

Inside, the lens features an updated optical formula with 17 elements in 13 groups, including one SLD element and four double-sided aspherical elements. Sigma promises edge-to-edge sharpness even wide open, with an 11-blade rounded diaphragm delivering creamy, smooth bokeh. The new coatings also improve flare resistance and reduce color fringing.

Autofocus performance gets a significant bump thanks to a dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motor, which provides faster, quieter, and more accurate focusing. Sigma also optimized the lens to reduce focus breathing, making it an appealing choice for hybrid shooters and video creators.

Built for the Real World

The 35mm F/1.2 DG II ART sports a premium build using a mix of aluminum and thermal stable composite materials. It’s dust- and splash-resistant, with a water- and oil-repellent coating on the front element for added durability. Controls include a customizable AFL button, a focus mode switch, an aperture ring lock, and a click/de-click toggle for smooth video adjustments.

Pricing and Availability

The Sigma 35mm F/1.2 DG II ART is now available for pre-order from B&H Photo for $1,549, with shipping expected to start on September 25, 2025. The lens is available on the Sony E and Leica L mounts at launch.

Sample Images from the 35mm F/1.2 DG II ART 

The post Sigma Debuts the 35mm F/1.2 DG II ART, a Faster, Lighter Second-Gen Prime appeared first on Imaging Resource.

According to multiple sources, including Fuji Rumors, DJI may be getting ready to enter the mirrorless camera market with a brand-new system. If true, the timing would make September a particularly busy month for the industry – Canon, Apple, and Sigma all have product announcements expected within the next couple of weeks.

DJI’s Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Is Coming – Panic for Sony/Canon/Nikon, Zero Worries for Fujifilmhttps://t.co/TAYdrrwKoW pic.twitter.com/t6V3Eeuq5v

– Fujirumors (@Fujirumors) September 3, 2025

Can DJI Really Pull It Off?

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about a new player entering the mirrorless space. Just last month, rumors surfaced claiming that Viltrox was developing its own camera. That speculation was quickly shut down by the company, which clarified it’s sticking to lenses for now.

But DJI is different. Unlike Viltrox, DJI already has deep experience building imaging systems through its drones, action cameras, and 360-degree products. On top of that, the company owns Hasselblad, the Swedish camera manufacturer known for its medium-format cameras and the recently released X2D II 100C.

DJI reportedly contributed to the LiDAR autofocus system used in the X2D II, which significantly improved focusing speed and accuracy. With that expertise – and Hasselblad’s support – the idea of DJI developing a full-frame mirrorless camera doesn’t seem far-fetched.

What the Rumors Are Saying

According to DJI Rumors, the upcoming camera will reportedly be a full-frame L-mount mirrorless camera. Sources claim it has a boxy, rectangular body similar to the Sony FX3, but unlike Sony’s model, DJI’s camera may feature an integrated EVF in the corner.

An alleged leaked image of the camera has also surfaced online, but it’s so blurry that it reveals little beyond its rough silhouette.

For now, everything remains unconfirmed – and with only two weeks to go, it’s worth approaching this rumor cautiously. Still, if DJI does unveil a full-frame mirrorless camera, it could shake up a market that has been largely dominated by Canon, Sony, and Nikon.

We’ll keep an eye on this story and update you if more credible information emerges. Until then, treat this as speculation – DJI hasn’t officially announced anything yet.

The post Rumor: DJI Could Launch a Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera on September 15 appeared first on Imaging Resource.