Leica announced the new 100-400mm L lens (here at BHphoto) and the 1.4x teleconverter. Few image samples can be found on Explora.

Tamron manager Kota Misawa chatted with Phototrend and shared many interesting insights:

• We also receive many requests for prime lenses, including a 90mm macro lens, and consider them. Other competitors, however, already produce macro lenses for mirrorless systems, so we have to think about how to develop much more attractive macro lenses. I invite you to stay tuned for our next announcements.
• Our performance shows that there is a market beyond so-called traditional focal lengths. After launching the 28-75mm, we were convinced that if we thought about customer needs and came up with a product that aligned with our philosophy, we could reduce the risk of developing unique lenses.
• If possible, we would like our entire Sony E mount range to be developed for the Z mount. But we have not yet decided which models exactly will be developed.
• The next step will be to plan new APS-C lenses.
• Of course, we always focus on designing compact and lightweight lenses. But now we also consider video-oriented users.
• We are thinking of a direct connection to the lens, with an integrated wireless chip, which is very difficult.
• Considering the geopolitical risks and supply chain aspects, we decided to build another factory in Hanoi.
• We are not sure about developing new SLR lenses, as SLR camera sales are down. So we will decide according to the market situation and trends.
• We believe the number of avid photographers is growing as the photography market shrinks. Therefore, we believe that the demand for high-end lenses will increase, and we are happy to continue to develop new products such as the 35-150mm f/2-2.8. At the moment, we are thinking about new high-end lenses. I invite you to stay tuned for our next announcements.

The price list in Japan is about 323,000 yen ($2,350).

via Asobinet

You have to check out the new Benro Theta tripod features on Kickstarter (Click here). Impressive for sure!

This is a quick video that shows what it can do:

2022 was not a bad year for the camera industry with sales hovering above those made in 2021. But for 2023 CIPA expects camera shipments to drop by 7,6%. System camera sales and lens sailed will drop by 3,5%. It’s likely inflation and the upcoming slow down of the economy will be the major factor behind this.

via DClife

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm6AZ5ZsJNU

Now this is really unexpected! January shipments of system cameras dropped by 29% compared to last year. We never had such a bad start and it is unexpected because 2022 was actually a better year than 2021. I don’t know why there was such a big drop!