On Episode 39 of LensVid Talk, we cover our recent review of the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 lens, Fujifilm X Half camera, Sony 50-150mm f/2 lens, Sigma Aizu Prime line of Cine lenses, Sirui Iron Star Line of anamorphic lenses, Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 lens, Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 APS-C lens, Ricoh Theta A1 8K 360 degree camera, Manfrotto One System and 500X vertical head, Adobe Photoshop for Android (Beta) and finally the V-Flat World V-Flat 2.0.
This video was recorded in early July 2025
Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 lens review (00:38)
We have recently published an extensive review of the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 lens, including a comparison to the Sony 35mm f/1.8. The results are very interesting and certainly impressive, especially regarding center sharpness, bokeh, CA, and a few other features.
You can check out the full review and our video here.
The lens currently sells for $1000.
The Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 with the small front monitor
Sony FX2 (09:07)
Sony recently announced the FX2 – a full-frame Cinema Line camera featuring a 33 megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and a BIONZ XR image processing engine (similar sensor to what you can find on the A7 IV). It offers dual base ISO settings of 800 and 4000 for S-Log3, providing a dynamic range of 15+ stops. The camera can record oversampled 4K video from a 7K readout in full-frame mode at up to 30p, and it can achieve 4K at 60p in Super 35 crop mode.
The camera supports internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording in various formats, including XAVC S-I, and can output 16-bit RAW video via HDMI. The FX2 incorporates an internal cooling fan for extended recording times, a tilting 3.68 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF), and a fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen LCD. It features AI-powered autofocus with real-time subject recognition and offers 5-axis in-body image stabilization with a Dynamic Active Mode. The camera has two card slots, with one supporting both CFexpress Type A and UHS-II SD cards.
The camera currently sells for $2700.
Fujifilm X Half (16:07)
The Fujifilm X Half is a compact, fixed-lens camera designed for a unique, film-like shooting experience. It features an 18-megapixel 1-inch backside-illuminated sensor with a default 3:4 vertical aspect ratio, inspired by half-frame film cameras. The camera has a fixed 10.8mm f/2.8 lens (32mm equivalent) and saves images exclusively as JPEGs, with no RAW recording option. It incorporates a “Film Camera Mode” where a user can commit to a virtual roll of 36, 54, or 72 exposures, requiring the use of a physical “Frame Advance Lever” between shots and disabling image review until the entire roll is “developed.” The X Half also offers a unique “2-in-1” mode to create diptychs by combining two sequential images or videos.
The camera’s design includes a dual touchscreen interface on the back, with one primary vertical 2.4-inch screen for composition and a secondary, thinner screen for swiping through the 13 built-in Film Simulations and various creative filters like Light Leak and Expired Film. It also has a simple tunnel-style optical viewfinder that is vertically oriented. The body features a dedicated exposure compensation dial and a manual aperture ring on the lens. Connectivity is handled via a dedicated app for smartphone transfer and direct printing to select Fujifilm Instax printers. The camera’s autofocus is described as deliberate and best suited for still subjects, and its video capabilities are limited to 1080p/24 footage in a 3:4 format.
The camera currently sells for around $770.
Official Fujifilm X Half video
Sony FE 50-150mm GM (19:50)
The Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM is a professional-grade G Master telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount cameras. A key feature is its fast, constant f/2 maximum aperture across the entire 50-150mm focal range, a first for a full-frame zoom lens with a 150mm maximum focal length. The optical design includes two XA (extreme aspherical) elements, two Super ED, and three ED glass elements to minimize aberrations and a Nano AR Coating II to reduce flare and ghosting. This construction, along with an 11-blade circular aperture, is engineered to deliver high resolution and creamy bokeh.
The lens features an internal zoom and focus mechanism, which maintains a constant length and center of gravity, making it suitable for gimbal use. Its autofocus system is driven by four XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motors for fast, quiet, and precise performance, capable of keeping up with high-speed continuous shooting at 120fps on compatible cameras. Other features include a manual aperture ring with click/de-click and lock switches, three customizable focus hold buttons, and a dust- and moisture-resistant construction with a fluorine coating on the front element. The lens weighs 1340g (47.3 oz.) and has a 95mm filter thread.
The lens sells for $3900.
Official Sony video about the Sony FE 50-150mm GM
Sigma Aizu Prime (25:39)
The Sigma Aizu Prime line of cine lenses is a professional-grade set of 12 full-frame lenses designed and manufactured in Aizu, Japan. A key feature across the entire line, spanning focal lengths from 18mm to 125mm, is a consistent T1.3 aperture (starting from 25mm-75mm). This allows for a shallow depth of field and consistent exposure when switching between lenses. The lenses cover a large image circle of φ46.3mm, compatible with full-frame, Super35, and large-format cameras like the ARRI ALEXA LF Open Gate and VistaVision.
They are engineered to deliver a balance of modern sharpness with a natural, organic look, minimizing distortion and focus breathing. All lenses in the line share a uniform 95mm front diameter, making it simple to use matte boxes and other accessories without re-rigging. They also have standardized gear positions for focus and iris rings, with a 0.8M gear pitch, and a durable all-metal body. The Aizu Primes are compatible with Cooke /i and ZEISS eXtended Data for real-time lens metadata, which streamlines post-production and VFX workflows.
Each lens currently sells for $8300.
Official Sigma Aizu Prime lens video
Sirui IronStar (29:37)
The Sirui IronStar line is a series of 1.5x anamorphic full-frame cine lenses designed for professional filmmaking. At launch, the line includes three focal lengths: 35mm, 45mm, and 60mm, all with a consistent T1.9 maximum aperture. The lenses feature a user-interchangeable PL/EF mount system and cover a large image circle compatible with full-frame sensors. They have a 1.5x squeeze ratio, which allows for the capture of widescreen aspect ratios like 2.39:1 and 2.65:1 onto a standard 3:2 full-frame sensor.
Each lens has an all-metal construction, a 95mm front diameter, and standardized gear positions for the focus and iris rings, making them easy to use with professional cinema accessories like matte boxes and follow-focus systems. The optical design incorporates aspherical, HRI, and ED glass elements to deliver sharp imagery with minimal focus breathing, while still producing classic anamorphic characteristics like oval bokeh and streaky lens flares. The line is offered with a choice of either blue or neutral flare characteristics to suit different creative styles. Sirui has also indicated that more focal lengths, including 75mm, 100mm, and 135mm, are planned for the future.
The line is currently on Kickstarter.
Official Sirui IronStar video
Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 (31:11)
The Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is a new ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for full-frame Sony E and Nikon Z mirrorless cameras. This lens features a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture across its entire focal range. It incorporates an optical construction of 16 elements in 12 groups, including special glass elements like XLD, LD, and GM to minimize aberrations. The lens utilizes Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor for fast, quiet, and precise autofocus performance, with a minimum object distance of just 19cm at the wide end.
With a lightweight design of approximately 440g and a compact build, it maintains a unified 67mm filter size with other Tamron G2 trinity lenses. It is compatible with the Tamron Lens Utility software for customizing functions and updating firmware. The lens is also designed with a moisture-resistant construction and a fluorine coating on the front element to protect against the elements.
The Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 sells for $930.
Official Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 G2 video
Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 (APS-C) (35:10)
The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC | Art is a wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras, available for L-mount, Sony E-mount, FUJIFILM X-mount, and Canon RF-mount. A key feature is its constant f/1.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range, providing the light-gathering capability and shallow depth of field typically found in prime lenses. The lens is an evolution of Sigma’s popular 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM and features an internal zoom mechanism, which maintains a constant length and balance, making it suitable for gimbal use.
The optical design includes 17 elements in 11 groups with four SLD and four aspherical elements to control aberrations and deliver high resolution. Its autofocus is driven by an HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motor for fast and quiet performance. For video, the lens includes a manual aperture ring with a de-click switch, allowing for smooth and silent iris adjustments. The physical design is compact and lightweight, with a dust- and splash-resistant structure and a customizable AFL button.
The Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 sells for $920.
Official Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 video
RICOH360 THETA A1 (37:54)
The new RICOH360 THETA A1 is a professional camera designed for demanding environments like construction sites. It is water-resistant and dustproof, and can handle extreme temperatures. The camera captures 360° imagery for documenting project progress, sharing updates, and remote inspections. It is also designed for fast, long-lasting use and features an optimized codec for use with photogrammetry and 3D modeling software.
You can find more information on the A1 here.
Manfrotto 1 hybrid tripod and 500 X head (40:53)
The Manfrotto 1 Hybrid tripod is a professional-grade support system designed for both still photography and video capture, available in either carbon fiber or aluminum. Its key features are focused on speed, versatility, and stability. It includes the patented XTEND leg-locking mechanism, which allows all three leg sections to be deployed in a single, swift motion. The tripod has a unique, non-rounded leg shape that provides both rigidity for sharp photos and torsional resistance for smooth video panning. The XCHANGE quick-release system facilitates the rapid swapping of tripod heads, sliders, and other accessories. The modular center column can be removed for ground-level shooting, adjusted for leveling, or tilted horizontally using the Q90 mechanism for overhead and flat-lay shots. It has a maximum payload of 15 kg (33.1 lb) for the legs alone, a maximum height of 170.5 cm (67.1 in), and a minimum working height of 19 cm (7.5 in). The tripod’s feet are modular and can be removed to reveal spikes for added stability on uneven terrain.
Manfrotto ONE Hybrid Carbon Fiber Tripod sells for $720.
Official Manfrotto ONE Hybrid video
The Manfrotto 500X Fluid Head is a professional-grade video head designed for mirrorless and DSLR camera users. It features a fixed Fluid Drag System (FDS) on both the pan and tilt axes, providing smooth, controlled movements. The head has a maximum payload of 5 kg (11 lbs) and a counterbalance system optimized for a 2.4 kg (5.3 lbs) payload at a 55mm center of gravity to prevent camera drop. It is compatible with Manfrotto’s 501PL sliding plate, which uses a side-lock mechanism for quick top-loading and secure mounting. The head also has a flat base with a 3/8″ thread and is compatible with Manfrotto’s Xchange system, allowing for rapid transitions between tripods, sliders, and other support systems. A built-in leveling bubble and the ability to tilt a full 90° for vertical shooting make it suitable for both traditional cinematic and social media-oriented content creation.
The Manfrotto 500x head sells for $200.
The Manfrotto 500x head official video
Adobe Photoshop for Android (Beta) (47:19)
Adobe recently announced an Android (beta) version of Photoshop for Android (the iOS version has been around for a while). We gave it a try and found it lacking and difficult to use, but it is free at the moment so you can try it for yourself and decide.
Download the beta version of Photoshop for Android from the Google Play Store.
V-Flat World Foldable V-Flat 2.0 (updated version) (51:42)
The V-Flat World Foldable V-Flat 2.0 is a professional lighting modifier for photography and videography. The V-Flat is dual-sided, with a white side for reflecting and filling in shadows, and a black side for subtracting or blocking light, also known as negative fill. Each side measures 40″ x 80″ x 0.5″, with an open total surface area of 80″ x 80″.
Designed for portability, it weighs 12 lbs (5.4 kg) and folds down to a compact 40″ x 40″ x 2″ for transport and storage, fitting easily into a car and a provided carrying bag. Key improvements in the 2.0 version include a new magnetic closure system that replaces the original Velcro, preventing light leaks and providing a more durable seal. It also features a new edge-protective U-channel around its perimeter to increase durability and prevent warping over time.
A single V-flat sells for $220, with a set of 2 sells for $400.
V-Flat World Foldable V-Flat 2.0 video
You can check out all of the LensVid Talk videos here. If you want us to cover any specific topics or products in our upcoming LensVid talks, please let us know in the comments or on our YT or Facebook pages.
Iddo Genuth 
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