After months of swirling rumors, Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced that he'll be stepping down from the position later this year. He's been in the role since 2011, after being named as successor to co-founder Steve Jobs.
Replacing him will be John Ternus, who is currently senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, responsible for leading the teams that make the hardware for the iPhone, iPad, Mac and more. In his letter, Cook describes Ternus as "a brilliant engineer and thinker who has spent the past 25 years building the Apple products our users love so much, obsessed with every detail, focused on every possible way we can make something better, bolder, more beautiful, and more meaningful."
Of course, a transition this big isn't happening in a day; Cook will remain as head of the company until September 1st, 2026, and will continue on as executive chairman. (That does mean there's a chance Ternus is the one to announce the next iPhone, as those typically debut in September; a monumental task in your first few weeks as CEO.)
Apple is a massive player in the camera industry
While Apple is, at its core, a computer and phone company, it's also a massive player in the camera industry thanks to the iPhone. When Tim Cook became CEO, the company's flagship product was the iPhone 4, a phone with a single camera taking single-shot exposures that was nevertheless just beginning to have an impact on the sales of compact cameras. Since then, smartphones have largely taken over that market, now sporting much larger sensors, advanced multi-shot stacking and several camera modules to provide a selection of focal lengths.
We'll have to wait and see if Ternus' background in hardware leads him to make different decisions than Cook, who came from the operations and logistics side of the company. And any high-level changes in the iPhone as a camera, or the Mac as an editing platform, won't be immediately obvious starting with their next versions. But over a few years, we'll start to see the impact of having a new person in charge of what is one of the world's largest camera companies.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Image: Viltrox
Viltrox has announced two new full-frame lenses, a 35mm F1.8 and a 55mm F1.8. The lenses are part of its Evo lineup, which it pitches as providing essential focal lengths that are sharp edge-to-edge.
The company says the lenses have apochromatic optical designs to control the color fringing that comes from chromatic aberration. The 35mm has 13 elements in 10 groups with 2 ED elements, 3 HR lenses and 1 UA element and can focus as close as 0.34m (13.4"). The 55mm, meanwhile, is made up of 13 elements in 9 groups with a similar mix of special glass as the 35mm, minus one HR lens. It can focus as close as 0.43m (16.9"). The company says the UA element used in the lenses is the same one that's found in its flagship Lab series of lenses. Both lenses have 9-bladed apertures.
The lenses have all the controls we expect from mid-range primes. We plan to produce a sample gallery with the 55mm F1.8 soon. Photo: Mitchell Clark
Both lenses use an STM motor for autofocus. They also share a similar list of physical features: a customizable FN button, a switch to change the aperture ring from clicked to declicked, and an AF/MF switch. They also have a rubber seal on the lens mount for weather resistance, and a coating on the front lens to repel water and smudges.
The 35mm lens weighs 355g (12.5oz) for E-mount – around 20g more for Z mount – and the Sony version of the 55mm lens weighs 370g (13oz), with the same delta for Nikon. Both are relatively compact at around 76mm long and have 58mm filters.
While Viltrox has long offered both F1.8 35mm and 50mm options that were similarly lightweight and compact, it's nice to see the company build out its Evo line, especially given that it's aiming to offer quite impressive optical designs. The one somewhat disappointing aspect of the launch is mount availability: both modes will be available for Sony E and, somewhat surprisingly, given recent patent litigation, Nikon Z. It would've been nice to see it also launch for L-mount, or to at least get some hint on whether it'll be available on it in the future.
The AF 35mm F1.8 Evo (also known as the AF 35mm F1.8 II) retails for $395, and the AF 55m F1.8 Evo costs $370. They're available now.
Viltrox Unveils New 35mm and 55mm F1.8 EVO Lenses for Sony FE and Nikon Z Mounts
Embracing the “Photo to Cinema” Vision in an Expanding Imaging Ecosystem at NAB Show 2026
Las Vegas, NV — April 20, 2026 — Viltrox today announced two new additions to its EVO lens lineup: the AF 35mm F1.8 EVO and AF 55mm F1.8 EVO, available in both Sony FE and Nikon Z mount systems.
The new lenses will be showcased at NAB Show 2026 in Las Vegas, where Viltrox will present its theme, “Expanding the Viltrox Imaging System — From Photo to Cinema,” highlighting its growing portfolio of lenses, cinema tools, and production accessories that support creators from photography through to filmmaking.
AF 35mm F1.8 EVO Lens
The AF 35mm F1.8 EVO is designed for creators seeking a versatile, storytelling perspective. With a 63° field of view, the 35mm focal length excels in street photography, travel, and environmental portraits. A minimum object distance of 0.34m allows for detailed close-up shots, while its compact and light weight all-metal body ensures portability and longevity for everyday shooting. Fast and precise autofocus, powered by an STM stepping motor, supports both still and video applications.
Featuring a 13-element optical construction, the lens delivers sharp, high-resolution imagery from center to edge, even at its wide F1.8 aperture. Its APO-grade design minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring accurate color and clean edges in challenging lighting conditions.
AF 55mm F1.8 EVO Lens
The AF 55mm F1.8 EVO offers a natural perspective close to the human eye, making it ideal for portraits, still life, and detail-focused imagery. A fast F1.8 aperture enables smooth, cinematic bokeh, complemented by a minimum object distance of 0.43m for close-up versatility. Its light weight balances performance with portability, and its durable metal construction is designed for reliable use and longevity in a variety of shooting conditions.
Its 13-element optical design ensures consistent sharpness across the frame, while the APO configuration effectively suppresses color fringing and preserves image clarity. Like the 35mm, it features responsive STM-driven autofocus and intuitive physical controls for seamless operation.
Brand Vision
“NAB Show 2026 marks an important step forward for Viltrox as we continue expanding our imaging system across both photography and cinema,” said Frank Fang. “With the introduction of new EVO lenses and continued development across our ecosystem, we’re excited to share a broader vision for supporting today’s image makers.”
Guided by its philosophy, “Vision to Explore,” Viltrox continues to develop tools that empower creators to push their visual ideas further, bridging the gap between photography and cinema through a connected and evolving imaging system.
Expanding the Viltrox Imaging System
At NAB 2026 Viltrox will also present a broader range of products across its ecosystem, including an expanding EVO lineup, L-mount lenses, LAB and Pro flagship optics, and cinema solutions such as the EPIC series, Raze lenses for the DJI Ronin 4D, and the NexusFocus adapter.
Attendees are invited to experience the latest Viltrox innovations at Booth 5735, which will feature live shooting environments demonstrating real-world creative applications.
Last week, GoPro announced the Mission 1 series, a lineup of what the company says are "compact cinema cameras" with Type 1 sensors, the ability to shoot 4K/120 open gate and, on one of them, a Micro Four Thirds mount. But a key part of the story was missing: the price.
Thankfully, GoPro has just announced it, earlier than expected. The standard Mission 1 will retail for $599, while the Mission 1 Pro and Mission 1 Pro ILS will both sell for $699 (though, of course, it's bring your own lens with the latter). If you pay for the company's subscription service, which includes the ability to automatically upload footage from your camera to the cloud, you can get $100 off the MSRP of one of the cameras, or up to $150 off one of the accessory bundles.
If you want to get the full story on the cameras, you can read our coverage here. The prices, added to the fact that the cameras were announced at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show, and that the camera's maximum bitrate was designed to meet Netflix's requirements, suggest that the Mission 1 series is less consumer-oriented than the Hero series; the Hero 13 Black retails for around $430. They also put the Mission 1 Pro ILS in competition with some other video-focused, APS-C interchangeable lens cameras, such as the Canon EOS R50V and Nikon Z30.
The company has started accepting preorders on its site for the Mission 1 and Mission 1 Pro, which will be available starting May 28th. The version with the lens mount is still set to arrive in "Q3 2026."
Press release:
GoPro Announces Pricing for New MISSION 1 Series Professional 8K and 4K Open Gate, Compact Cinema Cameras, Starting at $499 for Existing GoPro Subscribers
Reserve Your MISSION 1 or MISSION 1 PRO at GoPro.com and Receive the New Point-and-Shoot Grip for Free with Purchase While Supplies Last
SAN MATEO, Calif., April 20, 2026 — GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO) today announced pricing for its new MISSION 1 Series of cameras—the world’s smallest, lightest, and most rugged 8K and 4K Open Gate, high frame rate cinema cameras. Built around a new 50MP 1” sensor and GoPro’s new, ultra efficient GP3 processor, the MISSION 1 Series delivers category leading image quality, frame rates, runtimes, and thermal performance in an ultra compact, durable design. GoPro is currently showcasing the MISSION 1 Series at the NAB tradeshow in Las Vegas through April 22nd; booth C5519.
Starting today at GoPro.com, customers can reserve their MISSION 1 or MISSION 1 PRO camera and receive a new MISSION 1 SERIES Point and Shoot Grip (a $100 value) for free with their order. This offer is for a limited time and while supplies last. Reserve your new MISSION 1 or MISSION 1 PRO now and be among the first to get hands on the world’s smallest, lightest and most durable high resolution, high frame rate cinematic camera system.
Pricing for the MISSION 1 Series:
MISSION 1 is $599.99 MSRP and $499.99 at GoPro.com for existing GoPro subscribers1
MISSION 1 PRO is $699.99 MSRP and $599.99 at GoPro.com for existing GoPro subscribers1
MISSION 1 PRO ILS will be $699.99 MSRP and $599.99 at GoPro.com for existing GoPro subscribers1 when the camera becomes available in Q3 2026.
GoPro’s flagship MISSION 1 PRO features a new, cutting-edge 50MP 1” sensor, incredible low-light performance, 8K60 / 4K240 / 1080p960 16:9 video capture, 8K30 and 4K120 Open Gate 4:3 video capture, 50MP RAW photo capture, all powered by GoPro’s new, ultra-power-efficient GP3 processor that enables category-leading image quality, battery life and thermal performance for mission-critical reliability in extreme use cases.
MISSION 1 PRO comes in the following editions. GoPro Subscribers can save up to $150 depending on the edition:
MISSION 1 PRO Grip Edition ($779.99 MSRP and $679.99 at GoPro.com for existing GoPro subscribers1) includes the flagship camera bundled with an innovative versatile grip that transforms the camera into a more rugged point-and-shoot camera designed for run-and-gun style capture. The grip functions as a 2-in-1 solution—as a lightweight, ergonomic grip for easy, one-handed on-the-move shots, or as a rugged, mountable metal cage for added protection with the option to mount vertically. Added features include cold shoe mounts, 1/4-20, magnetic latch mounting, and mounting fingers.
MISSION 1 PRO Creator Edition (available Q3 2026 for $1,099.99 MSRP and $999.99 at GoPro.com for existing GoPro subscribers1) includes the flagship camera bundled with the new MISSION 1 Series Media Mod for I/O port expansion and built-in microphone, the new Volta 2 Battery Grip for all-day power, and the new Wireless Mic Complete Kit for professional wireless audio. Perfect for vloggers and creators who want an ultra-capable and complete professional camera system that’s ready for any mission.
MISSION 1 PRO Ultimate Creator Edition (available Q3 2026 for $1,199.99 MSRP and $1,099.99 at GoPro.com for existing GoPro subscribers1) combines the flagship camera bundled with GoPro’s Fluid Pro AI gimbal for advanced stabilization in even the lowest light conditions as well as AI-driven subject tracking, the new Wireless Mic Complete Kit for a comprehensive professional audio solution, Light Mod 2 for compact, ultra-portable lighting and the new MISSION 1 Series Media Mod for I/O port expansion, enabling the addition of displays, microphones, headphones, lighting, batteries, and more. Perfect for creators looking for the best of everything and maximum flexibility.
MISSION 1 PRO ILS (available Q3 2026 for $699.99 MSRP and $599.99 at GoPro.com for existing GoPro subscribers1) has the same 50MP 1” Sensor and GP3 processor as MISSION 1 PRO, but in a mirrorless form with an interchangeable lens mount that supports compatibility with the vast universe of Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lenses and adapters that allows a virtually limitless range of lenses to be paired with the camera. MISSION 1 PRO ILS also supports in-camera HyperSmooth video stabilization with any rectilinear, prime focal length lens. This versatility, combined with its video stabilization, weatherproof design and trademark GoPro durability, makes MISSION 1 PRO ILS the world’s smallest, most rugged and versatile high-speed cinema camera at a fraction of the cost and size of comparable cameras. With more creative options than ever before—including telephoto, zoom, macro, and more—the possibilities are limitless, whatever your mission.
MISSION 1 ($599.99 MSRP and $499.99 at GoPro.com for existing GoPro subscribers1) is the same as the flagship in every way but limited to 4K120 Open Gate video capture and 8K30, 4K120, 1080p240 16:9 video capture. 50MP photo capture is the same as in the flagship model. MISSION 1 is perfect for the creator who doesn’t require the higher Open Gate resolutions and category-leading frame rates of the flagship model but still wants the outstanding low-light and image quality benefits of the new 50MP 1” sensor and ultra-power-efficient GP3 processor at an entry-level price.
For a limited time and while supplies last, you can reserve your MISSION 1 or MISSION 1 PRO camera at GoPro.com and get the MISSION 1 SERIES Point-and-Shoot Grip accessory for free. Existing GoPro subscribers can save $100 when they reserve their MISSION 1 Series camera during this limited time offer.
Global, on-shelf availability begins May 28th for MISSION 1, MISSION 1 PRO and MISSION 1 PRO Grip Edition.
MISSION 1 PRO ILS, MISSION 1 PRO Creator Edition, and MISSION 1 PRO Ultimate Creator Edition will be available beginning Q3 2026. Sign up to be notified of product availability at GoPro.com.
The MISSION 1 Series Accessory Ecosystem
Wireless Mic System ($159.99): Capture crisp, professional sound anywhere with the Wireless Mic System. Designed for easy pairing with the MISSION 1 Series, GoPro HERO Black cameras, 3rd party DSLRs and phones, this compact, professional wireless audio system delivers crystal-clear 24-bit/48kHz audio and Dynamic Noise Reduction, keeping voices front-and-center in any setting. The ultra-small and light 10g transmitters are magnetic and can be clipped to clothes or objects. Adjustable gain and a Safety Track mode (recording a backup track at -6dB) ensure balanced, reliable sound no matter how dynamic your shoot gets. With 6.5 hours of runtime per mic plus a charging case offering two additional full charges, and up to 150 meters of wireless range, you’re ready for any creative mission.
Media Mod for MISSION 1 Series ($149.99): The new Media Mod for the MISSION 1 Series has a built-in multi-pattern mic and expanded I/O capability of your camera for production. Match the width of your stereo audio capture to the FOV of your video with eight different pickup pattern options. Three 3.5mm ports include an external microphone port, a line-in port for timecode sync, and a headset port for live audio level monitoring. A micro-HDMI port enables up to 4K60 video output for use with external monitors, video recorders, or live output for broadcasting. The Media Mod also features its own mounting system, so you can quickly insert or remove the camera when desired.
Point-and-Shoot Grip ($99.99): Transform your GoPro into an ultra-capable point-and-shoot camera with this ergonomic, lightweight grip. Perfect for street, travel, and urban shooting, the grip’s versatile design features cold shoe mounts for lights and mics, a 1/4-20 thread for tripods, vertical mounting and pass-through access to the camera’s integrated fingers and magnetic mounting system. For added flexibility, the grip converts into a rugged metal cage for your camera, providing added durability and vertical mounting versatility.
Enduro 2 Battery ($34.99): The 2150mAh Enduro 2 Battery delivers longer runtimes, fast-charging and a wider range of thermal performance compared to previous GoPro batteries. It’s also compatible with HERO13 Black. The MISSION 1 Series cameras can also work with the older HERO13 Black Enduro battery (albeit for shorter runtimes).
M-Series ND Filters ($99.99): The ND Filter 4-pack (ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64) delivers cinematic motion blur and exposure control for MISSION 1 PRO and MISSION 1. The MISSION Series cameras auto-detect which filter you’re using and auto-adjust the shutter speed for the desired blur and exposure effect. You can also manually control motion blur and exposure.
Protective Housing ($59.99): The protective housing will keep your MISSION 1 or MISSION 1 PRO camera waterproof down to 196ft (60m). The built-in mounting fingers allow you to capture content both horizontally and vertically. MISSION 1 and MISSION 1 PRO are waterproof to 66ft (20m) without a housing, while MISSION 1 PRO ILS is weatherproof.
Volta 2 ($139.99): The premium Volta 2 powered battery grip, tripod, and remote features a built-in 5800mAh battery, integrated camera control, and 1/4-20 mounting for up to 9 hours of 4K30 recording time2.
Light Mod 2 ($59.99): Add compact yet powerful LED lighting to your adventure or studio setup with Light Mod 2’s 200 lumen brightness, 33% increased battery capacity, and up to 100% longer runtimes3. Light Mod 2 includes an optimized diffuser design and versatile mounting for cold-shoe integration on Media Mod and Point-and-Shoot Grip or standalone light use.
Dual Battery Charger for Enduro 2 ($79.99): The fastest way to charge your MISSION 1 Series Enduro 2 camera batteries. Charge two batteries at once and easily check battery levels and charging status, even when the charger is unplugged. Comes with a high-performance Enduro 2 battery and is compatible with HERO13 Black Enduro Batteries.
Vertical Mount Adapter ($29.99): Use this adapter to easily capture social media-friendly footage with three convenient vertical mounting options: built-in mounting fingers, 1/4-20 mounting threads, and Magnetic Latch Mount compatibility.
The entire suite of MISSION 1 Series accessories will be available on a rolling basis beginning May 28, 2026, through Q3 2026. GoPro will announce on-shelf availability as each accessory becomes available.
1 Existing GoPro subscribers can take advantage of available GoPro subscription benefits and get $100 off the purchase of any MISSION 1 Series camera and up to $150 off MISSION 1 Series camera and accessory bundles. Available to yearly subscribers only upon subscription renewal.
2 Total recording time based on recording 4K footage (average of 5.97 hours total) at 30 frames per second with Bluetooth® on and using the combined power of a fully charged MISSION 1 Series camera with an Enduro 2 battery and Volta 2 battery grip at 77°F (25°C). Recording times may vary with HERO13 Black, HERO12 Black, camera settings and environmental conditions.
3 Measured in Level 3 Brightness Mode. Battery life may vary based on usage and other external conditions.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show is in full swing, and Nikon has joined in, releasing a YouTube video teasing new Z Cinema glass. The video, which is also co-branded with Red, also heralds "a new Nikkor chapter."
The lens(es?) is only shown in shadow, but behind it, videos of older Nikon lenses are projected. Notably, it seems like the footage largely depicts wide-angle lenses, including a fisheye model and a 12-24mm; whether that's a hint or a coincidence, we'll have to wait and see. The video also shows cinema-styled controls, an autofocus/manual focus switch, and a line of lenses, which could hint that what's being announced is a series, rather than a single option.
Whatever Nikon ends up announcing – currently, the video and its description contain no mention of a date – it's interesting to see that the company is working on expanding its options for pro video. It already teased late last year that it was working on cinema-focused lenses, and has released a very video-focused lens in the Z 28-135mm F4 PZ power zoom.
Thypoch is showing off a groundbreaking lens at the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show this weekend: the Voyager 24-50mm F2.8, a full-frame autofocus zoom. It's not just a first for the brand; it's the first full-frame autofocus zoom lens we've seen from a Chinese manufacturer.
While this kind of lens has seemed like an inevitability for a while, as we've seen increasingly ambitious primes from the likes of Viltrox, Laowa and Sirui, it's a bit surprising that it's come from Thypoch. The company is mainly known for manual focus primes, though its sister brand, DZOFilm, does make a range of manual focus zooms focused on cinema users.
The company isn't releasing full details for the lens yet – though stay tuned – but you can tell just by looking at it that the goal was to make it relatively compact. It's around the same size as Sony's 24-50mm F2.8 G lens, though Thypoch's lens features an internally-zooming design: this is no clone. It also has a clicking aperture ring, a customizable function button and an AF/MF switch.
The Voyager 24-50mm F2.8 is relatively compact for a fast, full-frame zoom.
The brand teased this lens on Instagram a few weeks ago, but its public unveiling is exciting, as it means it's one step closer to launching. We've seen Chinese manufacturers offer very decent budget prime lenses, and even come into their own with more advanced optics, becoming a competitive force driving the traditional players to come up with interesting offerings. If the same happens for zoom lenses, 2025 may not hold the title of the most interesting year for lenses for that much longer.
We've been able to spend some time with the lens and get some sample images with it, which you can check out below. We'll go more in-depth into image quality in a future article. For now, the high-level overview is that we found it to be relatively impressive, though we noticed some softness at the edges (especially when shooting wide open) and a propensity to flare under bright lighting.
We were impressed by its build quality; the aperture ring is satisfying to turn, and the rubber coating on the zoom and focus rings makes it very easy to handle.
Sample Gallery
Please 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 gallery
This widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab.
Thank you to Sony for the loan of a Sony a7R V to capture this gallery. All images were processed using our standard lens workflow in Capture One, with no vignetting correction applied.
Nextorage today announced the start of its NAB Special Deals at B&H Photo and Amazon. The promotion includes significant discounts on CFexpress memory cards and card readers.
Sony is expected to announce the long-rumored a7R VI camera in May. Here are the latest rumored specifications:
Sensor resolution: approx. 67 megapixels
Body design: All-new body design
Processor and core performance: BIONZ XR2 processor + High-Bandwidth LSI; up to 8.5 stops of IBIS compensation; 30 fps continuous shooting in 14-bit RAW (electronic shutter); very fast readout (~60 fps full sensor in 14-bit ES with AE/AF).
Autofocus and dynamic range: New professional-grade AI autofocus model with significantly improved accuracy; 16 stops of dynamic range in mechanical shutter mode via Dual Conversion Gain HDR (DCG-HDR).
Video capabilities: High-end options including 10K oversampled 8K 30p (full-frame), various 4K/6.4K oversampled modes, and 4K 120p options.
Other rumored features: 9.44M-dot OLED EVF with grayscale correction and high brightness; triple-band Wi-Fi (6/5/2.4 GHz); support for importing custom stylized looks from the Creators’ App.
While video is becoming increasingly popular, and cameras' video features continue to become more sophisticated, there are still plenty of photographers who simply aren't interested in it.
And, in a time where cameras are already so good that the improvements on the photo side tend to be incremental, rather than groundbreaking, it can look like manufacturers are only interested in expanding their video capabilities.
This has, perhaps understandably, led to frustration among sections of the photography community. But it can also lead to the belief that a photo-only camera would be cheaper, which is not generally the case.
Generally, manufacturers only develop separate models if they believe there is a distinct audience to target, which is why, for instance, Nikon's ZR cinema/vlogging crossover camera is intentionally missing some features that would make it more appealing to someone that might otherwise buy a Z6III. Wheras, conversely, a stills-only version of the Z6III would compete for the same audience, leaving people to choose between a full-featured hybrid and a camera with the same components but artificially restricted.
The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 TIPA World Awards, recognizing the best photo and imaging products of the year. These internationally respected awards honor outstanding achievements in imaging technology, product design, and user experience across professional, enthusiast, and consumer markets.
The winners were selected during the annual General Assembly of TIPA members, which took place this year in Berlin (Germany). Editors and representatives from TIPA’s global network of print and online publications, spanning Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America, along with a delegate from the Japan Camera Journal Press Club, voted across 40 product categories. These categories cover a comprehensive range of imaging solutions, including cameras, lenses, software, accessories, monitors, and output systems.
The 2026 selections reflect an industry characterized by focused innovation and continuous refinement. Manufacturers are advancing their product lines through more powerful imaging pipelines, enhanced hybrid capabilities, and workflow-oriented solutions that address the evolving needs of today’s content creators. Significant progress has also been made in sensor technology, image processing, and autofocus performance. At the same time, there is a growing emphasis on design, portability, and overall user experience, appealing to a new generation of image-makers who value both functionality and lifestyle integration.
In addition to product excellence, the TIPA World Awards highlight key developments across the broader imaging ecosystem. These include advancements in media storage, optical engineering, and lighting technologies, underscoring the depth and diversity of the industry.
The Photographers’ Choice Awards will once again invite the public to participate in the selection process. Readers of TIPA member publications and online platforms will be able to vote for their preferred products in categories such as cameras, lenses, accessories, services, and technology and design. Starting May 1, voting will take place on www.tipa.com, and the results will be revealed during the official TIPA World Awards Ceremony at Imaging World, Nuernberg (Germany).
Thomas Gerwers, Chairman of TIPA, commented: “The TIPA World Awards reflect not only excellence in imaging tools, but also the dynamics and direction of an evolving market. The 2026 winners demonstrate how innovation, user-focused design, and technological performance continue to shape the future of imaging. We extend our sincere congratulations to all award recipients.”
The previously reported Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB full-frame lens without a TFT/LCD screen was officially announced in China today (check the official website for pre-orders). Here are the details – the specs appear to be identical to the version with a TFT/LCD screen:
Available for Sony E and Nikon Z-mount
Focal length: 35mm (full-frame coverage; ~52.5mm equivalent on APS-C).
Aperture: F1.2 – F16 with an 11-blade circular diaphragm for smooth bokeh.
Optical construction: 15 elements in 10 groups (5 ED ultra-low dispersion + 3 HR high-refractive index + 2 large aspherical elements) for sharp results, reduced aberrations, and high contrast.
Minimum focus distance: 0.34 m (13.4 in) with 0.17x maximum magnification.
Filter size: 77 mm.
Dimensions & weight: ≈89.2 mm diameter × 121.8–123.5 mm length (slightly longer on Z-mount); ≈920 g (Sony) / ≈970 g (Nikon) — hefty but typical for an f/1.2 prime.
Powered by Viltrox’s Hyper VCM (Voice Coil Motor) system (multiple motors in some descriptions) for fast, quiet, and precise AF with minimal breathing. Supports advanced tracking and video use.
All-metal construction with weather sealing (dust/moisture resistant) and multi-layer nano coatings to suppress flare/ghosting.
De-clickable aperture ring (with click/de-click switch for photo/video).
Two customizable Fn buttons, AF/MF switch.
Internal focusing with dual floating elements for better close-up performance.
AI has been a hot topic on the forums for a while now. Recently, members have asked us to develop clear guidelines for the fair, well-defined use of AI tools in the forums, especially when they involve the community's photography.
We're at the early draft stage of this process. Our goal is to craft a simple policy that defines best practices and clear boundaries. As with many major community policy updates around new technologies and tools, rather than just announcing a set of guidelines out of the blue, we want to create them with our community's input and ensure your voices are heard.
If you are part of our forum community or would like an excuse to join one of the many discussions there, please visit our AI thread and tell us what you think.
Freefly, a Seattle-based company known for its high-end cameras, joined the L-Mount Alliance today as its 11th member. This also means they will announce new L-mount products at the 2026 NAB show, which starts next week. Here are the details:
Wetzlar, 17th April 2026. Freefly is the newest member of the L-Mount Alliant, making it the 11th company to join since the public announcement of the L-Mount standard in 2018. The alliance consists of founding members Leica Camera AG, SIGMA, and Panasonic, as well as Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH, DJI, ASTRODESIGN, SAMYANG Optics, Blackmagic Design, SIRUI and VILTROX. This collaboration enables Freefly to develop products with the L-Mount which will present great benefits for a wide range of photo and video applications.
The L-Mount was developed by Leica Camera AG with the aim of providing customers with a future-proof, flexible, robust and precise bayonet mount that would fulfil even the most demanding photographic needs. Since its initial appearance, development of the L-Mount was continued by Leica as well as by its strategic partners. This led to significant improvements and an effectively new and more sophisticated L-Mount technology, resulting in a constantly growing portfolio of cameras and lenses from all existing and new alliance partners, currently comprising over 20 cameras and more than 134 lenses. All lenses made for the different systems within the L-Mount Alliance can be used on all cameras without adapters and without any functional limitations – illustrating one of the numerous benefits of the common bayonet.
Valentino Di Leonardo, Managing Expert Technology & Licensing at Leica Camera AG: “The L-Mount Alliance has been a central element of Leica Camera AG’s strategy from the very beginning, standing for openness, innovation, and the highest standards in imaging. With Freefly joining the alliance, we are welcoming a partner with a strong reputation in camera movement systems and aerial cinematography. Their expertise opens up new creative possibilities within the L-Mount ecosystem, particularly for professional film and high-end production workflows. Together, we continue to develop a versatile and future-proof system that meets the evolving demands of photographers and filmmakers alike.”
Tabb Firchau, CEO at Freefly Systems Inc.: “Freefly is obsessed with building the world’s fastest cameras and toughest drones, and joining the L-Mount Alliance enable us to go faster than ever. TheL-Mount allows us to interface with a wide range of beautiful lenses that are small, light, and feature advanced electronics that enable exciting electronic control options from the camera. We look forward to contributing to the Alliance and hope to put L-Mount lenses in places the world has not seen them before – from rocket launches to fighting forest fires.”
About the L-Mount Alliance
The members of the L-Mount Alliance all utilise the L-Mount Standard developed by Leica Camera AG for mirrorless camera systems. Currently, the members of the Alliance are Leica Camera AG, SIGMA, Panasonic, Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH, DJI, ASTRODESIGN, SAMYANG Optics, Blackmagic Design, SIRUI, VILTROX and Freefly. The partners in the alliance utilise the L-Mount Standard for cameras and lenses that are offered under their own brand names. They market their respective products as competitors, and each with their own product and marketing strategies. The alliance works together on advancing the technology of the L-Mount Standard.