Viltrox has officially announced the 135mm f/1.8 FE LAB lens. You can pre-order the lens at Amazon (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here). Full press text on Explora (Click here).

The new Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 lens is part of Viltrox’s LAB series, designed to provide high-end performance at a more accessible price point than many other premium lenses. This 135mm f/1.8, compatible with Sony E-mount, is intended as a budget-friendly competitor to the Sony 135mm GM lens, retailing at $899—significantly less than Sony’s version. With an 82mm filter thread, a close focus distance of 70cm, and weighing about 1.2kg, this lens aims to offer strong optical quality and build.

The LAB series, newly launched by Viltrox, promises “pro-level” performance, similar to Zeiss’s Otus line, but with a focus on balancing quality with affordability. Although specific reviews are still emerging, expectations are high for sharpness and accurate autofocus in portrait and event photography settings. This lens rounds out an expanding line from Viltrox, who has recently been adding more high-performing autofocus options at competitive prices, hoping to appeal to both amateur and professional photographers looking for value without sacrificing quality.

You get it for $129 at BHphoto (Click here).

Lexar storage deals are up and running til November 9th on Amazon (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here). Example:

• Lexar 320GB CFexpress Type A for $299 at Amazon and BHphoto.

Another deal runs on this Samsung T7 disk sold by Amazon:

REMINDER: You can find all reconditioned deal on those pages:

• Sony Alpha camera and lenses
• Tamron lenses
• Sigma lenses

The new Remaster lens is now available for reorder under the “Rokinon” brand at BHphoto (Click here).

SonyAlphaBlog recently tested this lens and concluded:

The Samyang Remaster slim (420 euros) is a very enjoyable lens to use. With a pancake form factor , Efficient AF ,and the choice of 3 focal length (21mm F3.5, 28mm F3.5, 32mm F2.8) that can be stored in a small pocket , it will be ideal for street photography or for vlog. Paired with an A7C or A7CII it will be the smallest combo you could dream of in full frame with interchangeable lenses. To note a very good color rendering in general , nice background blur effect thanks to the very short min focusing distance, and very good ergonomics.

Press text:

VideoProc Converter AI: Enhance Image, Video and Audio Quality with AI Power (Giveaway)

For photographers and vloggers, nothing is more disappointing than capturing what seems like the perfect shot or sequence, only to later discover it’s plagued by wrong resolution settings, high ISO noise, soft focus, and distracting audio noise. On top of that, many of us also have old footage or low-resolution photos that just don’t hold up to today’s standards.
But what if you didn’t have to let go of those beloved, yet low-quality, photos and videos?
That’s where VideoProc Converter AI comes in. Whether it’s dealing with low-resolution grainy photos, blurry and choppy videos, muffled audio with wind noise, or simply enhancing your digital heritage, this AI enhancer and upscaler can help deliver professional results.

Unlock VideoProc Converter AI Now to Enhance Video and Image Quality

VideoProc Converter AI is an AI-driven enhancer and upscaler, with a media toolkit to convert, edit, download, and record videos, audio files, images, and DVDs. With the latest updates, VideoProc extends its capabilities into the audio AI field—an important step toward a more complete AI enhancement.
As if these robust features weren’t enough, VideoProc Converter AI’s anniversary deals make it one of the most budget-friendly AI enhancers on the market.

Limited-time offer: On this anniversary special deal page, you can get a Lifetime License of the latest VideoProc Converter AI at 60% off, with lifetime access and free upgrades for life—at a fraction of the cost of competitors.
Alternatively, enter a valid email to receive a free giveaway license for VideoProc Converter AI V6.4 and try all features for free.

Why VideoProc Converter AI Is Your Best Bet

Using VideoProc, you can save those cherished memories from the digital dustbin and restore old footage and photos to ensure they last for generations.

• AI-Driven Enhancements: Powered by Super Resolution, Frame Interpolation, Video Stabilization, and Audio AI Enhancement, it allows you to upscale videos and images, restore old media to 4K/8K, increase frame rate, fix shaky and chopping footage, and remove background noise.
• Upscale to 4K/8K/10K with Details: It incorporates the latest AI model to generate natural details and texture upon upscaling, without introducing artifacts or the “plastic skin” look that plagues other AI upscalers. For better fidelity and clarity, you can also use its Real-Smooth model.

• Auto AI inference: Deblur, denoise videos and images, restore compression artifacts, fix high ISO noise, and restore old media to better clarity.
• Audio Noise Reduction: The latest version also added a new Audio AI tool to reduce audio noise, fix explosives, and increase audio levels intelligently for clearer voiceovers.
• Everyday Video Toolkit: It is built-in with all the handy media tools to convert, edit, trim, record, and enhance videos, images, disks, and audio files easily.

AI Upscale and Enhance Video Quality

VideoProc Converter AI uses advanced machine learning to upscale videos from low resolution to 1080p HD and 4K. Unlike traditional upscaling methods, which rely on basic algorithms like bilinear or bicubic interpolation that stretch and blur images, the Super Resolution AI module in VideoProc analyzes and reconstructs video with deep learning.
Thanks to huge dataset training, it can recognize patterns and textures, recreating sharper, clearer visuals that look natural and lifelike.

How to Enhance Video Quality with VideoProc Converter AI
VideoProc Converter AI is optimized for Nvidia/AMD/Intel graphics and CPU, and it can automatically detect suitable hardware for your tasks.

To get started, follow three easy steps below:

Step 1. After installing VideoProc Converter AI, go to the Super Resolution module, and import your videos.

Step 2. Select the AI Model and the upscaling multiples.
• You can also enter a custom resolution to upscale.
• You can compare the upscaled clip with the source footage in real-time, and switch models when necessary.

Step 3. Hit Export to finish upscaling your videos.

AI Upscale and Enhance Image Quality

In similar steps, the Super Resolution module in VideoProc Converter AI also supports upscaling or enhancing images, not only photos, but also anime, AI-generated images, digital illustrations, compressed web pictures, etc.
You can opt to upscale by 2X/3X/4X, and repeat processing to achieve 4K/8K and even 10K resolutions. Alternatively, you can preserve the original resolution, and only go for 1X enhance.
Either way, it can rescue noisy, grainy, blurry, out-of-focus substandard photos with AI-inference.
AI Enhancing Case 1: Using the Gen Detail v2 Model

Natural details restored: The edges of the red roof and the wooden and brick textures are naturally shown.
Improved clarity: The graffiti drawings on the wall and houses far away are clearly seen.
1-click 4X upscale: From 800×529 to 3200×2116, upscaling easily, no learning curve at all.

AI Enhancing Case 2: Using the Real Smooth v2 Model

Natural details restored: The edges of the red roof and the wooden and brick textures are naturally shown.

Improved clarity: The graffiti drawings on the wall and houses far away are clearly seen.
1-click 4X upscale: From 800×529 to 3200×2116, upscaling easily, no learning curve at all.

AI Enhancing Case 2: Using the Real Smooth v2 Model

In this wildlife photography case, we initially chose the Gen Detail v2 model to bring out the intricate details in the image. However, upon reviewing the result, we felt that the overall look was a bit too sharp for our taste. So, we switched to the Real Smooth v2 model flexibly, and the outcome was exactly what we were looking for.
That said, it’s important to note that whether you prefer the Gen Detail or Real Smooth model really depends on the specific photo you’re working with and your personal style. Some shots benefit from that extra detail, while others shine with a more subtle touch.

AI Enhance Audio Quality – Noise Remover

The Audio AI module in VideoProc Converter AI supports reducing background noise from various audio and video recordings. It uses machine learning algorithms to handle various audio conditions—from subtle fan hums, wind noise, hissing to full-blown street noise—and delivers clear, professional-grade sound.
Even as a beginner, you can effortlessly eliminate distracting noises, improving the listening experience across vlogs, podcasts, interviews, voiceovers, online courses, and more.

Audio AI Key Features:

• Clearer Vocals: Distinguishes between desired audio signals and unwanted noise.
• Handles All Kinds of Noises: Filters out sounds like wind, traffic, fan hum, street noise, etc.
• Tailored Noise Suppression: Perfect for podcasts, online courses, interviews, and vlogs.
• Advanced Settings: Fine-tune parameters like Noise Attenuation and Post-Filter Threshold for maximum control.
• Real-Time Preview: Allows you to preview and adjust in real time, ensuring polished, studio-quality sound.

Bonus Media Toolkit to Improve Your Workflow

In addition to AI-driven utilities for upscaling and enhancing videos and images, removing audio noise, and smoothing out and deshaking video clips, VideoProc Converter AI is a reliable choice for all your multimedia file processing needs.
It comes equipped with a file format converter, quick editor, media and screen recorder, DVD backup utility, and a high-quality compressor.

With VideoProc Converter AI in your arsenal, your daily workflow will be significantly enhanced:

Convert and remux multimedia files to 420+ compatible formats (HEVC, MP4, MOV, MKV, VOB, MP3…).

Quick edit: cut, trim, merge, crop, rotate, flip videos, extract audio, add or remove subtitles.

Record videos, capture screens and record facecam at 1080P/4K quality stably.

Compress large files to a target size, while maintaining a good quality with efficient codecs.

Exclusive Offers from VideoProc

Whether you’re looking to upscale resolution, reduce noise, sharpen details, or improve overall media clarity, VideoProc Converter AI offers a comprehensive solution for content creators, photographers, editors, and casual users alike.
As VideoProc Converter AI is celebrating its 6th anniversary, now it is the perfect time to grab a lifetime license and start enjoying top-tier quality enhancements. There’s a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Our readers can save 62% on a lifetime license by visiting this anniversary deal page. With a one-time purchase, you can unlock full features and enjoy free updates for life.
Every visitor can participate in the Thank You Giveaway for extra goodies during this event.

Today a trusted source sent me some information today via the contact box. I can only respond by posting this so he can read it. Here is my question to him:

Thank you, J., for your information. I know you are reliable. Only one thing seems to be wrong. The lens I have heard is coming is not for wildlife. Is it possible for you to get confirmed specs on this?

–
Again, dear SAR readers, please excuse these cryptic messages. I’m sure I’ll be able to pass on the 100% correct information about the camera this week. Regarding the lens, I have received some strange, contradictory information, but I’m sure I’ll get that sorted soon too ;)

There is a list of photography-related projects that you can back:

• The new UNiFyDrive UTS is now available for preorder on Kickstarter (Click here). This is an external SSD hard drive (up to 16TB) made for creators. One of the useful features is the one-click backup function from SD and CFexpress cards.
• Thew new Korin Anthi-theft Backpack is available for preorder at Kickstarter (Click here).
• The new Sidekick Pro camera bag can be preordered on Kickstarter (Click here).
• And a curiosity: The inkless tiny PEN that lasts FOREVER raised a crazy amount of money on Kickstarter (Click here).

Phototrend had a chat with Jean-Christophe Thiry, president of Tamron France. Here are a couple of points he made:

Best selling Tamron lenses:

The queen lens in our store is the 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2. It is the one that sells the best, thanks in particular to its availability in Sony E and now Nikon Z mounts. For its part, last year’s star, the 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, is also still very efficient.

Development of fast primes:

At Tamron, the strategy is to differentiate. We offer zooms that do not exist elsewhere, that is our core business.
It would obviously be interesting to announce lenses like 24mm f/1.4, 35mm f/1.4, or even an 85mm f/1.2, these are lenses that make you dream. But today, from a commercial point of view, there are already a large number of players who offer this type of optics and we are rather trying to play the agility card. So we are focusing on our strengths with our zooms.

E-mount market share within Tamron lenses:

I don’t have the exact numbers, but Sony’s E-mount lens sales are maybe a little less than 50% of the total. But don’t underestimate Fujifilm’s APS-C and Nikon’s emergence.
For example, our Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens, which we announced this year, is selling 10 times better in Nikon Z mount than in Sony E.

Wrap up:

I kind of agree with Tamron that they have to focus on making some unique zoom lenses. We already have a ton of f/1.4 primes out there!