New Mitakon Creator 85mm f/2.8 1-5X Super Macro lens announced

It’s available for nearly all different mirrorlesss systems:

Zhongyi Mitakon 85mm f/2.8 1-5X Super Macro Lens has a wide magnification range (from 1X to 5X) allowing photographers to capture subjects at different sizes. Users no longer need to DIY or use any extension tubes to reach high magnification shooting. The lens is also designed to have one of the longest working distance for ANY super macro lens. The closest working distance at 5x magnification is 3.93” (10cm) and 10.7” (27.2cm) at 1x magnification. This working distance is so much longer than traditional macro lenses in the market. Photographers can now start shooting macro objects without getting too close and scare them away. The extended working distance also implies lighting can get to the subjects easier. It is also more friendly to use on video shooting. This new super macro lens also has a near telecentric performance which is a big advantage when it comes to macro image stacking photography or industrial usage.

The new 1x-5x Super Macro lens incorporates a 12 elements in 8 groups structure which delivers impressive resolution from corners to corners. The chromatic aberration is also controlled to the minimum (APO design). Weighing merely 1.65 lbs (750g) and 6.7cm long, it is a perfect companion for both wildlife or indoor lab shooting. It is relatively compact in its class which allows photographers to capture extremely fine subjects or patterns with different sizes. Greater magnification can also be achieved by stacking extension tubes or bellows. The high magnification is extremely useful for scientific purposes. The lens can only be used in macro distances and cannot focus to infinity. A 58mm filter thread is also available.

The enclosure of the lens is made of metal to strengthen its durability. Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony FE, Sony Alpha, Pentax K, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, Fuji X mounts are available.

Sample Images

5 years warranty only covers the lens but NOT the accessories (i.e. tripod collar & LED light)

The best 2019 cameras according o Dpreview

Dpreview awarded the best cameras of the year. What’s noticeable is that there ain’t any DSLR in their list:

Best compact/fixed lens camera: Ricoh GR III
Best consumer stills / video camera: Panasonic Lumix DC-S1
Best entry-level ILC: Canon EOS M200
Best midrange ILC: Canon EOS M6 Mark II
Best high-end ILC: Sony a7R IV
DPReview innovation award: Fujifilm GFX 100
DPReview product of the year, 2019: Sony a7R IV

LOL: I just spotted someone using the Mamiya 7 at the Trump impeachment hearings

I do own two Mamiya 7 cameras and was therefore super surprised to see a journalist using the very same camera at the Trump impeachment hearings. If you can find out who this guy is I would love to see those photos once he has developed and digitalized them….which means it might  take weeks before we see those photos on  the web  :)

Note: Please resist from the temptation to make any political comments. This isn’t the place.

Olympus pleases US investors and says all options are on the table…also selling the camera business

Since months U.S. hedge fund ValueAct Capital Management, which owns 5% of Olympus is pushing  Olympus to sell their camera business. Today Bloomberg writes:

Takeuchi also backtracked on some of his comments in the past that the camera business was not for sale, saying that may not be the case anymore. The imaging unit, which makes up 6% of sales, is the lowest margin and lowest growth businesses in Olympus’s portfolio, according to past company presentations. Olympus is working to stabilize the imaging business by focusing on its main markets, a spokeswoman said.

Years ago we had a similar situation with Sony  where another US investor tried to push Sony to sell their electronic business. Sony was open to discuss the idea but than dismissed it. My  guess is that Olympus is doing a similar play here. They have to say they are open for discussion but will do everything to keep their Imaging Business.

Still, it  is damaging for Olympus to have to make such a statement as it creates confusion and mistrust. So even if they keep the camera business people will have a hard time trusting  joining MFT.