Soundboks has just launched the Mix, a portable Bluetooth party speaker that promises high output, long battery life, and rugged design without sacrificing everyday usability.
Category: Consumer Tech, Technology
Last month, Viltrox announced its first L-mount lens since joining the L-mount alliance in September 2025. The 16mm F1.8 L wasn't a new design, as it had previously been available for E and Z mounts. Still, since it was the company's first L-mount offering, we took the opportunity to shoot with it a bit to see what it's like.
I happened to have the lens while in Japan for CP+, so I had the opportunity to put it through the paces in Tokyo and Yokohama, along with back home while spending time with family. Some of that time included very rainy conditions, and I wasn't exactly careful about protecting the lens. Thankfully, Viltrox says the lens has some weather sealing, and indeed, I didn't experience any issues even after a full day in the rain. It feels really solid in general, so I wouldn't feel the need to baby it.
"I didn't experience any issues even after a full day in the rain."What I did have issues with, though, was the aperture ring. The dedicated aperture ring can be clicked or declicked, but I found the clicks to be very subtle. It was very easy to turn the aperture ring unknowingly, which left me frequently confused about why I couldn't change my aperture with the camera's front dial, not realizing the lens's control had been knocked out of 'A' mode. If you prefer to use the aperture ring instead of camera controls, it won't be an issue, but it did take some getting used to and meant I had to pay extra close attention to where I was touching the lens.
The front element is subtly protruding, but it doesn't go beyond the filter thread.
Photo: Abby Ferguson
In addition to the aperture ring, the lens offers an AF/MF switch and two customizable function buttons. It also features a front element that doesn't protrude past the lens housing, unlike some 16mm lenses, which kept me from worrying as much when walking around with the lens sans lens cap. I didn't use any filters during testing, but the less bulbous element also means it's compatible with traditional screw-in filters (77mm), which is helpful.
16mm isn't a focal length everyone needs or loves, but it is a fun tool to play around with, especially when traveling, provided you don't mind the size and limited versatility. It can provide some distinctive and dramatic perspectives, though, which is always nice with the right subjects.
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Buy at B&H Photo Sample galleryPlease do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter/magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing; we do so in good faith, so please don't abuse it.
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab.All images were processed using our standard lens workflow in Capture One, with the manufacturer's distortion correction applied but no vignetting correction. The profile only corrects a small amount of distortion around the edges, so we wouldn't consider it to be an essential part of the lens design if you prefer not to use it, or your preferred software does not support lens corrections.
DJI has arrived in the 360-degree FPV space with serious firepower. Its new Avata 360 can shoot in every direction at once – meaning one flight can yield a wide establishing shot, a tight tracking close-up, and a dramatic low-angle reveal, all from the same file.
Category: Drones, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: DJI Innovations, Immersion, 360-degree, Camera drone
If you've ever hankered after a hydrogen-powered business jet, your wait might not be much longer. French aerospace startup Beyond Aero's BYA-I One aircraft has completed its Preliminary Design Review, pushing it along the path to certification.
Tags: Hydrogen-powered, Business Jet
The Kimbo camper has always felt to us less an RV and more a stylish backcountry hut secured to a pickup bed. That's partly because of the striking all-hard-sided aluminum build, partly because of the Dickinson mini-fireplace flickering away inside, and partly because of the cozy, rustic layout Kimbo has managed to carve out of a tiny space. It all combines into an ultralight camper that feels truly homey. Now, Kimbo adds to that homeyness, expanding out a couple of feet to create a more fully equipped roaming micro-home for full-size trucks.
Category: Pickup Campers, Adventure Vehicles, Outdoors
Tags: Pickup, Truck, Camping, Outdoors and Camping, RV, Off-road, Off-grid, Overland Expo
With a smooth body and inverse Wharncliffe blade-shaped handle, the Doodler from Knafs is an instant classic – a slim, folding gentleman's knife built for everyday carry (EDC) in and beyond the office. As sleek as that handle is, it still manages to house a cache for an even lighter, slimmer tool that promises to come in handy quite regularly, if not every single day. It's not quite a complete multitool, but the wildly slim Doodler is a dual-purpose instrument that you'll be glad to have in your suit jacket pocket.
Category: Knives and Multitools, Gear, Outdoors
Tags: Knife, EDC, Multi-functional, Kickstarter
EDC (everyday carry) creators continue to explore ways to combine as many tools as possible into compact formats. Joat 2.0 is the second-generation multitool from Hong Kong-based company Comandi. It combines 10+ functions within a compact, durable titanium body using a modular design.
Category: Knives and Multitools, Gear, Outdoors
Tags: Kickstarter, Multitools, Titanium
A 200-sq-ft (18.5-sq-m) tiny house doesn't sound like a lot to work with, but the Sledhaus 200 is more capable than you might expect. Its compact interior sleeps up to two people and starts at a relatively affordable price too.
Category: Tiny Houses, Outdoors
Tags: Building and Construction, Tiny Footprint, Micro-House, House, Home
In the late 1990s, molecular biologist Yoram Eyal, and colleagues at The Volcani Center in Israel, identified the key gene and enzymes responsible for producing the bitterness compounds in grapefruit. Now, using the genome editing technology CRISPR/Cas9, the team has inactivated the gene in a type of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) to eliminate that bitter taste.
Tags: CRISPR, Food technology, Fruit
Bimota remains one of motorcycling’s most uncompromising niche manufacturers. The Italian bikemaker has never chased volume, producing motorcycles in extremely limited numbers with obsessive attention to detail. And this one follows the same ideology.
Category: Motorcycles, Transport
Tags: Bimota, Kawasaki, Kawasaki Ninja, Inline skates, Sportsbikes
OM System's Director of Marketing Communications, Nobuaki Tanaka, and SVP of Global Brand & Marketing Strategy, Kazuhiro Togashi, at CP+ 2026.
Photo: Abby Ferguson
The interchangeable-lens camera market may be holding steady, but OM System executives say the ground beneath it is shifting. In a recent interview at CP+, they pointed to smartphones, rising prices and changing expectations surrounding computational photography as forces reshaping where they compete and what they focus on.
At this year’s CP+ show in Yokohama, we sat down with OM System's Kazuhiro Togashi, Senior Vice President of Global Brand & Marketing Strategy and Nobuaki Tanaka, Director of Marketing Communications, to talk through those questions from their perspective. In a wide‑ranging conversation, we discussed everything from compact cameras and the future of Pen to lenses, OM System's outdoor positioning and how far they’re willing to go with AI.
Changed opinions on compact camerasFor now, the Tough series is OM System's most current compact camera, with the TG-7 coming out in 2023.
Image: OM System
Last year at CP+, Togashi made it clear that OM System had no plans to develop a compact camera beyond the TG series. Instead, he told us, "We feel that this is a temporary trend," in terms of enthusiast compacts. He also added that high-end compacts would require too much investment in "research and development [and] also in reestablishing a high-end compact brand image" to allow for a profitable product.
"We are closely monitoring and analyzing this trend"Now, though, Togashi seems to have changed his mind. "We are closely monitoring and analyzing this trend," he tells us. "The situation is very clear," he says, adding that "the compact camera segment has shown signs of growth over the past two to three years." As Togashi sees it, "some users who originally intended to purchase an ILC but were unable to do so due to higher prices are increasingly considering premium compact cameras as an alternative."
While this apparent change in stance doesn't necessarily mean we should expect an OM System compact this year (or at all, for that matter), it could leave the door open for hope among compact fans looking for a truly new option.
A new Pen is underwayThe last Pen came out under the Olympus brand. OM System made it clear that a new model is in the works, though.
Image: Olympus
Togashi also told us last year that it was too soon to expect a new Pen. "We think the camera's design must realize the concept of the product, so we don't start to decide the camera design before deciding the camera's concept," he said at the time, adding that, "we haven't decided on the product concept" for the Pen.
"The new Pen’s concept progress is on schedule"It appears that process has progressed, though. "The new Pen’s concept progress is on schedule," he says. "We already started creating the design concept. So we already started some kind of Pen camera project. Progress is good." While that was the extent of the detail he is able to share, Togashi adds that the "new Pen will satisfy many, many younger generations in the future." It certainly is an exciting-sounding teaser, at the very least.
"The new Pen will satisfy many, many younger generations in the future.""The Pen series is very important for us," Togashi says. But he also has a clear understanding that, given how long it's been since the last Pen (2021 for the Pen E-P7), some reeducation will be necessary to help people understand the legacy of that line. "We will explain about the Pen again to the market," he says. "Because you are specialists, right? You know a lot of insight for the camera industry and manufacturing history, but maybe younger generations, they don't know what 'Pen' is."
AI and computational photographyOM System's latest cameras, the OM-3 and OM-5 II, have a new button that lets you directly access their computational photography features.
Photo: Mitchell Clark
While the Pen is centered around nostalgia, OM System is also focused on advancing technology to offer photographers something new in camera bodies. Togashi says this comes in the form of three key points: updated hardware (such as image processing engines, new sensors or AI chips), enhanced computational photography and AI features.
AI, in that framework, is something Togashi describes as having "two faces." On the positive side are things OM shooters already rely on, like subject detection, AF and noise reduction that can squeeze more usable files out of smaller sensors. "AI subject detection AF will continue to be advanced by AI technology advancement, and noise reduction functions can also be improved by AI," Togashi says.
"There is potential to provide generative AI in the camera body,"There is a concerning side, too, however. "Generative AI can easily make fake images," Togashi acknowledges. "Therefore, we also need to take into consideration this concern." Even so, he isn't closed off to the idea of generative AI in a camera. He tells us that there is "potential to provide generative AI in the camera body," but frames it as an option on the table rather than something inevitable.
Despite seeing potential, Togashi and his colleagues stress that they feel a responsibility to protect "the real shooting experience." Tanaka put it bluntly: "Is it real photography or not? It’s a very important key for us."
"We shouldn't hide from new technologies in our cameras"Still, Tanaka is remaining open to the idea. "In my personal opinion, we shouldn't hide from new technologies in our cameras," he says. No matter what, the team makes it clear that it is interested in providing options for users, giving them the power to decide whether to use generative AI or not.
The importance of OM System's lensesOM System has been mostly focused on telephoto lenses in recent years, but Togashi says there are plans for more wide angle and prime lenses in the future.
Photo: OM System
Some users have questioned whether lens development at OM System has stalled because of a thin lens roadmap compared to the past, but Togashi assures us that is far from the case. "For our lens lineup, we'd like to expand more and more," he says. Lately, that expansion has largely been focused on longer telephoto lenses, "but we also have a plan to expand small wide-angle lenses and prime lenses in the future," he adds.
"We also have a plan to expand small wide-angle lenses and prime lenses in the future"Togashi emphasized that lens size is a focus for the team moving forward. After all, the Micro Four Thirds format allows for more compact lenses compared to APS-C and full-frame. "The other systems are compact – maybe other competitors have smaller camera bodies, but not lenses," explains Togashi. "Our lenses are very small and compact in the right way. This is a clear differentiation from our competitors."
Compact lenses are especially important following the launch of the OM-3. "I think we need appropriately designed brand‑new lenses for OM‑3, as many of the existing lenses are relatively large for this type of camera," Togashi says.
Aiding the promise of OM System's lens lineup is the company's financial situation. Togashi tells us that the company is generating operating profit continuously. "Our fundamental financial situation is very stable and stronger than it was before," he informs us. "We can invest in human resources or new technologies, not only for camera bodies but also for lenses. Therefore, we will develop new lenses in the future."
This article is based on an interview by Dale Baskin and Abby Ferguson at CP+ 2026. It has been edited for clarity and flow.
For more than two decades, giant viruses have unsettled one of biology’s most fundamental boundaries: the line between simple viruses and complex cells. With genomes rivaling some bacteria, and gene sets that resemble those of eukaryotes (cells with membrane-bound nuclei and other internal compartments), they have forced scientists to rethink how cellular complexity may have emerged. A newly discovered giant virus now sharpens that debate, offering fresh clues about how the defining feature of most complex life, the nucleus, may have evolved.
Nikon Z9 w/ Nikkor Z 400mm F4.5 S | F5.6 | 1/2500 sec | ISO 800
Photo: Shun Cheung
DPReview community member Shun Cheung, known as shuncheung in the forums, has taken up the challenge of writing about what he carries in his camera bag on photography journeys for our What's in your bag? spotlight series. The series showcases the diverse gear and photography of our community, and shares their stories of how that gear helped them to capture the perfect shot.
Check out Shun’s gear and fascinating nature photography experiences below. His remarkable journey began in the early 1970s and has evolved through the film, DSLR and mirrorless eras, so he has quite a wide range of photography from it all.
Submit your photos and story to be featured in 'What's in your bag?'
Meet Shung Cheung (shuncheung)Home base: San Francisco, CA USA
Favorite camera and lens: Nikon Z8 paired with the Nikon 600mm F4. Shun favors this combination for wildlife photography because the latest version of the 600mm is significantly lighter than earlier models and includes a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, allowing him to switch between 600mm and 840mm when photographing birds and animals.
Typical photo scenes: Wildlife and nature photography, especially birds and coastal habitats around the San Francisco Bay Area. Shun also photographs landscapes and travels internationally to destinations such as Antarctica, Africa and the Galapagos Islands for wildlife and nature photography.
“I’ve been photographing since the early 1970s, when one of my high school teachers took a group of us hiking and introduced us to photography using a Minolta SRT-101. Several of us bought the same camera so we could share lenses, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
Sally Light Foot crabs in the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.Nikon D7000 w/ AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm F4 ED VR @ 250mm | F5.6 | 1/200 sec | ISO 200
Photo: Shun Cheung
Photo: Shun Cheung
What are your favorite destinations?Shun describes himself as a nature and wildlife photographer who loves to explore exotic destinations like Antarctica, but also appreciates the appeal in returning to familiar locations to capture the best seasonal activity. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area gives him easy access to parks, wildlife refuges and coastal habitats, where he often photographs a variety of domestic birds.
"My favorite destinations for nature photography are Antarctica, Africa, and South America, especially the Galapagos Islands. I was fortunate to have visited all three, for the first time, in the 1990's. Since then, I have been back to each one several times."
King Penguins in St. Andrews Bay on South Georgia IslandNikon D700 w/ AF-S Nikkor 28-70mm F2.8 @ 70mm | F8 | 1/1250 sec | ISO 200
Photo: Shun Cheung
"My most memorable experiences include visiting the king penguin colony on St. Andrew's Bay on South Georgia Island, where thousands of noisy penguins are calling nonstop. Also just as memorable was the wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River in Tanzania. For those international destinations, I tend to travel with a photo group with a dozen or so photographers."
Wildebeest migrating across the Mara River in the Serengeti, TanzaniaNikon Z9 w/ Nikkor Z 400mm F4.5 S | F5.6 | 1/1250 sec | ISO 400
Photo: Shun Cheung
"While I visit international "exotic" locations once or twice a year, I capture many of my best images locally. I tend to revisit those locations over and over, so I understand them thoroughly and can visit only when the weather and lighting are favorable. I am fortunate to live in San Francisco, with many local parks and seashores."
"For example, the pride of Madeira flowers tends to bloom from late March to mid-April every year along the San Francisco Bay, and the Anna's hummingbirds will have a feeding frenzy on those flowers. During that time of the year, I may visit the flower hot spots two to three mornings a week between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., capturing several hundred images a morning. Digital photography is, of course, the norm now, but 20 years ago, I told myself I could never have done that with film. Film and processing costs would have been prohibitive to use five rolls of film a day, three times a week."
Anna's hummingbird feeding on Pride of Madeira flowers.Nikon Z9 w/ Nikkor Z 400mm F4.5 S | F4.5 | 1/2000 sec | ISO 1250
Photo: Shun Cheung
Shun really enjoyed writing the content for this spotlight article, and would be grateful for you to join him in discussion in the forums. Thanks, Shun, for being featured!
If you’d like to share your photography setup, tell us about your main camera, lens choices, key settings and strategies. Your photos and story could be featured in the next article!
Editor's note: This article continues a series, 'What's in your bag?', highlighting DPReview community members, their photography and the gear they depend on. Would you like to be featured in a future installment? Tell us a bit about yourself and your photography by filling out this form. If you're selected for a feature, we'll be in touch with next steps.
Submit your photos and story to be featured in 'What's in your bag?'
DJI has announced the Avata 360, a compact 360-degree drone meant for immersive FPV footage. The new drone, which takes on Insta360's Antigravity A1, promises 8K 360° video and 120MP stills. It also offers a list of features expected in a DJI drone, such as obstacle sensing, compatibility with DJI's accessories, tracking and more.
Like other similar cameras (including the flightless varieties), the Avata 360 uses two lenses to stitch together 360° images and videos. DJI says the "360° lens uses 1-inch-equivalent sensors," however, that language is a bit misleading. Like the Osmo 360, the company's 360 action camera released last year, the Avata 360's two sensors combined result in roughly the same area as a Type 1 sensor; each sensor is not a Type 1 sensor on its own.
Image: DJIThe Avata 360 drone appears to use the same sensor as the action camera; it features 2.4 μm pixels and can capture up to 120MP stills. The drone is capable of recording 8K 60fps for 360° footage or 4K 60fps in single-lens mode. Like other cameras of this type, the 360° videos allow users to reframe footage after the fact.
Beyond 360-specific features and footage, the drone should be very familiar to DJI users. It relies on DJI's flagship "O4+ video transmission system," which promises 1080p 60fps transmission and a range of up to 20km (12.4 miles). It offers an all‑direction obstacle sensing system even in low-light conditions, integrated propeller guards for better safety when flying, and multiple tracking modes. It also sports replaceable lenses, so users can replace them on their own if they get damaged, provided they buy the separate kit to do so.
The drone allows users to replace lenses with a separately purchased kit.
Image: DJI
DJI promises 23 minutes of flight time from the drone. It offers 42GB of internal storage and supports Wi-Fi 6 for fast transferring, even of large files. It's a compact and lightweight drone, coming in at approximately 455g (1 lb) and measuring 246x199x55.5mm (9.7 × 7.8 × 2.2").
As with previous DJI releases, the Avata 360 will not be available in the US through official channels. It is available for immediate purchase in the Chinese market and for pre-sale in all other regions, with shipping dates estimated for April. The standalone drone costs £409.
Press release:
DJI Avata 360 Sets New Standards for Immersive 360 FPV FlyingEquipped with DJI’s flagship 1-inch imaging, O4+ video transmission, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing, creators can now film 360 footage in 8K with ease while flying with confidence
March 26, 2026 - DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today launches the Avata 360. Designed to unlock endless creativity in one take1, DJI’s new 8K 360° flagship drone delivers 360° imaging with 1-inch-equivalent sensors1 for filming in 8K/60fps HDR video. Meanwhile, DJI’s powerful O4+ video transmission system and obstacle sensing1 enable creators to see farther with a more stable, safer, and more immersive flight experience. Paired with DJI goggles and motion controllers, the latest addition to the popular Avata series delivers an immersive 360° flight experience for FPV thrills. Creators can also use the DJI remote controllers to capture a full 360° view in a single flight that can be reframed from any perspective, transforming a single take into multiple creative possibilities.
Brilliant Imaging, Boundless Creativity
Avata 360 offers two different lenses that can be seamlessly switched. The 360° lens uses 1-inch-equivalent sensors1 that can capture 360° images in rich detail for 8K/60fps HDR videos1 and 120 MP photos. With the large 2.4 μm pixels and high dynamic range, light and shadow are also captured with exquisite clarity. Both video and photos can be exported directly or reframed in post-production. Meanwhile, the Single Lens mode allows creators to use the classic Avata-style filming in 4K/60fps1.
Powerful Video Transmission, Immersive Flight
Avata 360 leverages DJI’s flagship O4+ video transmission system to deliver stable and clear live feeds for smoother, more immersive flights. Its strong anti-interference capabilities enable high-definition, high-frame-rate transmission at 1080p/60fps and support a range of up to 20 km1.
Fly With Confidence, Create With Ease
Avata 360 offers up to 23 minutes of flight time1 and includes several standard safety features, including nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing1 and integrated propeller guards. If damaged, the camera lens can be easily replaced with the DJI Avata 360 replacement lens kit with tools (sold separately). It also brings an exceptional experience to aerial content creation, where a single shot with the drone's 360° imaging can be transformed into multiple, masterful creations through post production using the DJI Fly and DJI Studio apps, including:
FPV Flights and Aerial Filming in One Drone
Avata 360 combines the creative freedom of a 360 camera with the thrill of FPV flying like never before. It can be flown with the DJI remote controllers (RC 2, RC-N2, RC-N3) for precise camera movement, allowing creators to unlock new ways to create stunning aerial shots. Meanwhile, DJI goggles and motion controllers offer a more immersive flight experience with 360° imaging at 1080p/60fps. Like the Avata 2, aerial acrobatics like drifting can be performed - even by beginners - with the DJI RC Motion 3.
For more information2 , please refer to: https://www.dji.com/avata-360
1 Only supported by certain camera modes or with specific accessories. All data was measured using a production model of DJI Avata 360 in a controlled environment; actual experience may vary. For more information, please refer to https://www.dji.com/avata-360.
2 Not officially available in the United States via official websites.
More than half a decade since it began exploring the idea of entering the EV market, Sony has axed the two electric cars it was slated to begin shipping soon.
Category: Automotive, Transport
Tags: Sony, Electric Vehicles, Honda
Lockheed Martin has given "pop up" a whole new meaning. Instead of plopping down a shipping container to create an instant cafe, the company used a 10-ft standard container to house a compact GRIZZLY launcher and fire a Hellfire missile.
Category: Military, Engineering, Technology
Tags: Lockheed Martin, drones, Hellfire, Missile Defense
For all the functionality they add to your wrist, smartwatches really don't hold a candle to the style and elegance of an analog wristwatch. A Chicago-based startup is taking a crack at bringing you the best of both worlds, with a discreet little device that blends into the background.
Category: Wearables, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Smartwatch, Fitness, Watch, Tracking
LK Samyang has announced the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE, a new addition to its "Prima" series of lenses, which are designed to be accessible to people starting out in photography or videography.
The full-frame prime weighs 216g (7.6oz) and is around 72mm (2.8") long, making it noticeably lighter and smaller than the company's 35mm F1.4 Prima lens, which comes in at 470g (16.6oz) and 99mm (3.9"), respectively. The company says its larger lens is focused on "maximum brightness and high-end optical performance," while the F1.8 version "offers a lighter and more compact alternative optimized for everyday shooting." Features-wise, the lens is Spartan; its only controls are a focus ring and an AF/MF switch, though there's also a USB-C port on the bottom for firmware updates.
There's not a ton to the lens, but it has the basics, plus a few extras like weather sealing. The knurling on the focus ring also seems quite nice.Samyang says the lens also features weather sealing, which should offer some peace of mind if you're out shooting and conditions deteriorate. The lens is threaded for 62mm filters.
The 35mm F1.8 P FE has 10 elements in 8 groups, with two aspherical lenses and two "XHR" (Extra High Refractive) elements. The company also says the lens has a coating to reduce flare and ghosting. It has a nine-bladed aperture.
The lens's autofocus system is powered by an STM motor, which the company says will provide quick, quiet focusing for both stills and video. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.27m (10.6"), good for 0.19x magification.
While there's no shortage of autofocus 35mm F1.8 lenses for E-mount, it's still nice to see new ones hitting the market, especially since the previous Samyang/Rokinon offering has received relatively mixed reviews for autofocus performance.
The lens will be available for Sony E-mount cameras starting in "late March." While LK Samyang is a member of the L-Mount Alliance, there's no word on whether this lens will come to that mount. The company hasn't announced how much the lens will cost in the US, but its Korean website has it listed for 399,000 won, which is around $265.
Press release:
LK SAMYANG Expands Prima Series with the New AF 35mm F1.8 P FEA Compact Everyday Prime Expanding the Prima Series
Key Message
March 26, 2026 – Republic of Korea – LK SAMYANG, a global optical solutions company with more than 50 years of expertise in optical technology and innovation, today announces the launch of the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE, a new addition to the Prima Series designed for hybrid creators and everyday photographers.
The new lens expands the Prima Series lineup following the introduction of the AF 35mm F1.4 P FE in 2024, and the AF 16mm F2.8 P FE and AF 85mm F1.8 P FE in 2025.
Built on the philosophy of portability, practicality, and usability, the Prima Series offers creators compact and lightweight prime lenses capable of delivering reliable optical performance for both photography and video creation.
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE continues this vision by providing a versatile everyday lens that balances image quality, portability, and creative flexibility.
A Versatile 35mm Lens for Everyday Creativity
The 35mm focal length has long been regarded as one of the most versatile perspectives in photography. Its natural angle of view allows creators to capture a wide variety of subjects including street scenes, travel moments, portraits, and cinematic storytelling.
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE is designed as a practical everyday lens that combines a bright aperture with a compact form factor and dependable autofocus performance.
While the AF 35mm F1.4 P FE focuses on maximum brightness and high-end optical performance, the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE offers a lighter and more compact alternative optimized for everyday shooting, making it an ideal companion for photographers and content creators who prioritize portability without compromising image quality.
Key Features
Compact and Lightweight Design : Made for Everyday Carry
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE continues the Prima Series philosophy of compact and portable lens design.
With a maximum diameter of Φ69.8mm and a standard 62mm filter size, the lens integrates seamlessly into lightweight shooting setups and is easy to carry throughout the day.
Its compact form pairs particularly well with lightweight full-frame cameras such as the Sony α7C series and ZV-E models, making it an ideal everyday lens for travel, street photography, and hybrid content creation.
Bright F1.8 Aperture with Natural Bokeh : Balanced Performance for Photo and Video
The bright F1.8 aperture provides excellent flexibility across a wide range of lighting conditions, allowing creators to shoot confidently in both bright daylight and low-light environments.
A 9-blade rounded aperture produces smooth and natural background blur, enabling expressive subject separation for portraits, lifestyle photography, and cinematic video production.
This balance of brightness and portability makes the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE a practical lens for everyday creative work.
Next-Generation Optical Technology : XHR Element for Higher Performance
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE features an advanced optical construction of 10 elements in 8 groups, including 2 ASP (Aspherical) elements and 2 newly developed XHR elements.
The XHR (Extra High Refractive) lens element is manufactured with higher precision compared to conventional high-refractive index elements, allowing for a more compact optical structure while effectively reducing optical aberrations.
By incorporating XHR elements, the lens achieves improved optical performance while maintaining a thinner and lighter design, delivering sharp resolution and consistent image quality across the entire frame.
Next-Generation Coating Technology : UMC II for Improved Image Clarity
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE incorporates UMC II (Ultra Multi Coating II), the next generation of LK SAMYANG’s coating technology.
Compared to the previous coating system, UMC II further suppresses flare and ghosting, ensuring improved contrast and clarity even in challenging lighting environments such as strong backlight or night scenes.
This upgraded coating technology helps deliver cleaner and more vibrant images in real-world shooting conditions.
Fast and Quiet Autofocus : Linear STM II for Hybrid Creators
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE is equipped with the next-generation Linear STM II autofocus motor.
Combined with continuously refined firmware algorithms, the Linear STM II system delivers faster, more accurate, and quieter autofocus performance, ensuring smooth focusing transitions for both still photography and video recording.
This improved autofocus system allows creators to capture dynamic scenes with greater precision and stability.
Enhanced Usability for Real-World Shooting : Weather Sealing and USB-C Connectivity
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE is designed to perform reliably in real-world shooting environments.
The lens features weather sealing, helping protect it from light rain, dust, and outdoor shooting conditions.
It also includes a USB-C port, enabling users to easily update firmware and customize lens settings directly without the need for a separate lens station.
This convenient connectivity ensures that users can keep their lens up to date while maintaining optimal performance.
Designed for Modern Creators
An LK SAMYANG representative commented:
“The Prima Series was created to offer lenses that creators reach for first. The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE reflects that philosophy by delivering a balanced combination of portability, optical performance, and everyday usability, making it an ideal lens for both photography and video creation.”
Availability
The LK SAMYANG AF 35mm F1.8 P FE will be available for purchase starting late March 2026, with sales gradually launching across global markets through LK SAMYANG’s distribution network and authorized retailers.
LK Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 P FE specifications: Principal specificationsLens typePrime lensMax Format size35mm FFFocal length35 mmLens mountSony E, Sony FEApertureMaximum apertureF1.8Minimum apertureF1.8Aperture ringNoNumber of diaphragm blades9OpticsElements10Groups8Special elements / coatings2 asph., 2 Extra High RefractiveFocusMinimum focus0.27 m (10.63″)Maximum magnification0.19×AutofocusYesMotor typeStepper motorFocus methodInternalDistance scaleNoDoF scaleNoPhysicalWeight216 g (0.48 lb)Diameter70 mm (2.76″)Length72 mm (2.83″)SealingYesColourBlackFilter thread62 mmHood suppliedYesIf there's a way to sleep between three trees, chances are pretty good Tentsile has explored it, if not launched a product for it. From hovering inflatables that double as rafts, to multi-story tree stacks, to in-air winter lodges, Tentsile has developed what might be the world's most singular lineup of hanging tents. One element that has held those tents back from more widespread adoption: weight. Pitching a tent above ground is fun, but lugging a big, 45-lb (20-kg) duffel bag of heavy canvas and ratchet straps through the forest is not. The new Air series tents debut as the lightest, breeziest Tentsiles ever, supporting ambitious tree-tenting adventures of all sizes.
Category: Tents, Gear, Outdoors
Tags: Tree tent, Tentsile, Tent, Hammocks, Camping, Outdoors and Camping, Backpacking, Bikepacking, Kickstarter
Folding kayaks may be more portable than their conventional counterparts, but they can still be pretty … hefty, weighing anywhere from about 17 to 40 lb (8 to 18 kg). The Pontos 2.0 is different, in that it weighs just 7 lb (3 kg), and packs down to the size of a rolled-up two-person tent.
Category: Boats and Watersports, Toys, Outdoors
Tags: Kayaking, Folding, Watercraft, Kickstarter
