A review of the new Samyang Remaster Slim triple pancake

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

Matti Sulanto and Christopher Frost did test one of the strangest E-mount lenses you can get. It’s so strange that I didn’t even know how to title this post :)

Also Digitalcameraworld tested the Remaster Slim and concluded:

I had an absolute blast shooting with the Samyang Remaster Slim! It’s not often you come across camera kit that’s genuinely fun, and truly makes you want to pick up your camera and go out to play. But that’s exactly what the Remaster does; it inspires you to create.

Explora’s Best Premium Bridge Camera of the year is still the “old” Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV

Explora listed the best bridge cameras you can get and according to them the best premium camera is still the over 7 years old Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV:

The Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV by Sony is considered by many to be the holy grail of bridge cameras due to its high-performance features, as well as its recording capabilities. With an updated 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor, the RX10 IV is capable of up to 24 fps shooting at ISO 12800, as well as recording UHD 4K/30p or Full HD 1080/120p video.
For users aiming to produce content that can be pushed to a professional level (for any action shot genre) we recommend considering this system. Its ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 25x Zoom Lens spans a 24-600mm equivalent focal length range and has a variable maximum aperture of f/2.4-4 for adept performance from wide-angle to super telephoto. Additionally, the lens utilizes the Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system which complements the lens’ reach and reduces camera shake, ensuring your subject remains in focus. At 2.41 lb, this system is the epitome of bridge cameras, and it’s available with an accessory kit that includes a shoulder bag and fast memory card.

Pity that according to my sources Sony did terminate the camera production and no replace is being developed.

Sony A1II review by David Zhou: “I’m super tempted to buy one…”

Sony A1II at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, FotoKoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.
Sony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.

This is what David thinks about the Sony A1II:

I shot with Sony’s new $6,500 flagship camera, the Sony a1 II, for 2 weeks and I’m blown away with how incredible the camera is. 8k 30fps, pre-shooting, best-in-class AI-based autofocus, flippy-tilty-rotaty screen, it has it all. I’m super tempted to buy one…”

Benj Haisch also tried the camera, but he still thinks the 28-70 mm GM is the more interesting of the two new products:

Sony RX1RII Camera Review by Mark Galer

Almost 10 years ago Sony announced the Rx1RII fixed-lens full frame camera. Mark Galer tested the camera to see if it still made sense to spend money on it. What amazes me is that it is still available for $3298 at BHphoto. A hefty price for a 10-year-old digital camera, don’t you think? Probably means that they are still selling decent amount of Rx1RII cameras!

If after watching the review you want to buy one…consider to save $900 on the reconditioned Sony RX1rII sold by Amazon (Click here). You still get 90 days warranty!

Chris from PetaPixel tests the new Viltrox 135mm lens and says it’s as good as the Sony GM!

Viltrox is aiming high with the introduction of the first lens in the “LAB” series: The new 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE lens is available for $899 only on Amazon, BHphoto. That’s less than 50% than what you pay for the Sony 135mm GM. Chris tested the lens and was impressed with its performance. This is very promising also because we know that in 2025 Viltrox will announce three more such “LAB” lenses:

  • 35mm f/1.2
  • 50mm f/1.2
  • 85mm f/1.2

And here you can see the first image of the 35mm lens:

Yes, the year 2025 will be exciting for all those who want a high quality full-frame autofocus lens with f/1.2 aperture!