On LensVid Talk 29, we discuss several topics including our new DIY rolling background, our upcoming Meike 55mm f/1.8 AF review, our Atomos Shinobi II monitor review, Canon’s new 16-28 STM lens, – DZO’s X-Tract 18-28mm T8 zoom probe lens, the answer from Laowa and its upcoming 15-35mm zoom probe lenses, Leica’s SL3S fast FF camera, Sony new firmware update (for the A1/A1II and A9 III), Hollyland’s small Lark M2S wireless mic system, Apple “submerged” movie for Vision Pro – a behind the scenes look, – Westcott’s FJ800 & FJ400 II flash units, Nanlite’s FC-120C Full-Color LED Spotlight, the WireStax cable management project on Kickstarter and finally Rhino Camera Gear closing shop.
DIY rolling background wall
We wanted to share a new DIY build we created for our studio. The rolling background wall we made is created using 6 Ikea LAGKAPTEN 200cm tabletops (3 on each side) of a rolling clothing rack connected using small metal parts on the sides.
In the front, we added long sound-absorbing panels with wood that look nice and should help with unwanted sound reflections.
Our new studio rolling background wall
Meike 55mm f/1.8 AF upcoming review
We are currently working on a review of the new Meike 55mm f/1.8 AF lens. This will be our first lens review from Meike and it will be interesting to see how well it will perform in our testing – stay tuned!
You can already buy the Meike 55mm f/1.8 AF on Amazon.
The Meike 55mm f/1.8 AF
Atomos Shinobi II review
We recently published our full review of the Shinobi II monitor by Atomos. The review tested the monitor with the most recent firmware update (as of late 2024) including some important touch AF capabilities) If you are interested in a monitor with camera control and touch and tracking capabilities, you should watch the full review.
the Atomos Shinobi II currently sells for $350.
The Atomos Shinobi II
Canon 16-28 STM
The new ultra-wide-angle zoom lens from Canon is designed to be compact and affordable (relatively speaking), yet according to Canon provides a high level of performance and sharpness. The lens also has 5.5 stops of image stabilization correction automatically for cameras without IBIS and up to 8 stops when used in coordination with a compatible camera’s built-in stabilization system.
Pricing is set at just under $1200.
B&H video on the new Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8
DZO X-Tract 18-28mm T8 zoom probe lens
DZO is the first company to announce a zoom problem lens. The X-TRACT is an 18-28mm T8 lens that will allow users to not only get into very tight places (and even wet environments) but also change from an ultra-wide angle to a wide angle while doing this).
This is a very specialized lens with a small target audience made mostly of high-end commercial product shooters and pricing is set accordingly at $3500.
Our friends from the Media Division channel released a teaser for their upcoming look at the DZO X-Tract that you can watch here.
DZO X-Tract official video
Laowa upcoming 15-35mm zoom probe lenses
The answer to the DZO X-Tract came almost right away from Laowa which has been working on its version of a zoom problem lens. We don’t have full details of the upcoming lens that should be available sometime around Q2 of 2025 according to Laowa.
What we do know is that the lens will start at 15mm with 2.3x zoom (so around 15-35mm) and possibly T8 aperture. The lens will have a 2x macro magnification (the DZO will have a 2.1x magnification). The most important difference compared to the DZO is the 3 variants (straight, periscope/90 degrees, and 35 degrees).
We will keep following the development of the upcoming Laowa Zoom probes.
Leica SL3S
The new Leica SL3S looks very similar to the existing SL3 but has a completely new sensor. Unlike the 60MP slow sensor of the SL3 the new SL3S has a 24MP sensor capable of shooting up to 30fps (in electronic shutter mode) and up to 6K open gate.
These are impressive capabilities and are currently the best in terms of speed in the Leica line. Pair those with improved AF (phase-based system) and you have a camera that Leica is marketing towards photojournalists.
The Leica SL3S sells for $5300.
Leica SL3S official video
Sony firmware update (A1/A1II and A9 III)
Sony announced an interesting update for three of its top cameras, the A1 and A1 II and the A9 III. The major new feature for the A1 is focus bracketing (that both the A7R V and the A7 IV have as well).
Below you can see the full list of updates for each camera.
You can download the firmware for your specific model from the Sony site.
The Sony official Sony A1/A1 II/A9 III firmware chart
Hollyland Lark M2S
In the past, we reviewed the original Lark M2 (and the Lark Max) back in Jan 2024. The new M2S is an interesting update, especially in terms of the design. The M2S has a new design with a collar where the mic is the small magnetic part in the front and the rest of the mic goes in the back of the shirt.
This creates a very small footprint for the mic but still leaves enough room for a decent-sized battery, transmitter, and processor and the unit does have noise reduction capabilities although no internal recording.
The M2S currently sells for $150.
The Lark M2S official Tutorial video
Apple “submerged” BTS movie for Vision Pro BTS
The next one is not a new product but a new film made by Apple itself specifically for the Vision Pro system. The film called “submerged” is described as an “immersive film” and Apple released the following behind-the-scenes look at the production that you can see below.
The Apple submerged BTS video
Westcott FJ800 & FJ400 II flash units
Westcott recently introduced two new flashes, the powerful FJ800, and the updated FJ400 II. Both include a large color touch interface with support for the separately available FJ ProMax battery with higher capacity to achieve up to 1000 flashes at full power (for the FJ400 II), almost twice the capacity of the removable 29.6V, 2500mAh battery that comes with the units.
Pricing for the two flashes is set at $600 for the FJ400 II and $1000 for the FJ800). Both units have 30W Bi-Color LED Modeling Lights with 2700K-6500K and a self-monitoring cooling system as well as a number of other new features.
Official Westcott FJ800 video
Nanlite FC-120C Full-Color LED Spotlight
Nanlite recently announced a full RGB 120W LED COB. The FC-120C’s most interesting feature in our view is its ability to be powered via USB-C PD. The only downside is that you will need a very powerful source based on the table below:
Pricing for the Nanlite FC-120C is just under $300.
Official Nanlite FC-120C video
WireStax cable management
Just before we wrap things up we have an interesting Kickstarter project. The WireStax are patent pending design for cable holders with optional corner desk accessories.
Each unit can hold 6 cables in each row and by using several units along your cable you can keep even a large number of cables neat and organized.
Pricing for the WireStax starts at $29 for 12 units.
Official WireStax video
Rhino Camera Gear shuts down
Finally, a company that has been around for almost 15 years has recently closed down. Rhino was founded by Kyle Hart in 2010 with the aim of developing and selling advanced motion control systems for the camera industry. The company developed robotic heads and slider systems but is now closed.
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Iddo Genuth 
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