LK Samyang launches new Prima series products 'AF 16mm F2.8 P FE' and 'AF 85mm F1.8 P FE'
2025-07-15
LK Samyang, Prima Series New Product 'AF 16mm
Launch of 'F2.8 P FE' and 'AF 85mm F1.8 P FE'
Completing the Prima Series Trio Lineup for Hybrid Content Creators
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 – LK Samyang, a global optics company, is expanding its prime lens lineup by launching two new Prima series products for hybrid content creators and photography beginners, the ‘AF 16mm F2.8 P FE’ and ‘AF 85mm F1.8 P FE’. These new products represent the wide-angle and mid-telephoto ranges respectively, and combine excellent portability and optical performance.
Together with the 'AF 35mm F1.4 P FE' released in 2024, the Prima Series trio lineup encompassing 16mm, 35mm, and 85mm will be established to meet diverse needs.
Your First Lens, Prima Series
The best choice for those who are just starting out with photography and videography
The Prima Series is a lineup of prime lenses designed for photography and videography beginners and hybrid content creators, and was created with the goal of being 'your first lens' and 'the lens you reach for first'. It is compact yet lightweight and offers excellent optical performance, providing users with the optimal shooting experience.
- AF 16mm F2.8 P FE: A compact and lightweight F2.8 wide-angle prime lens, ideal for vlogging and landscape photography.
- AF 35mm F1.4 P FE: An all-rounder suitable for everyday and travel snapshots
- AF 85mm F1.8 P FE: The smallest and lightest lens in its class*, a mid-telephoto lens optimized for portrait photography with shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh
*As of July 15, 2025, LK Samyang's own research
Beyond Lightweight
A body that is both ultra-light and sturdy, and a minimalist design
Both lenses adopt a minimalist design that boldly excludes the traditional red ring, and use high-strength engineering plastic materials developed by LK Samyang to create a lightweight yet sturdy and luxurious texture. In addition, the meticulous user experience design, including the newly applied focus ring pattern, has further enhanced the operability .
AF 16mm F2.8 P FE — Ultra-wide-angle compact lens for capturing everyday life
With an ultra-light design of 70.5mm and weighing 207g, it offers easy portability and excellent maneuverability. With a wide field of view, a maximum 0.33x close-up shooting function, and a short minimum focus distance of 0.12m, it is possible to take a variety of photos such as landscapes, snapshots, and close-ups while traveling. When mounted on an APS-C body, it is possible to take close-up shots with an equivalent angle of view of approximately 24mm and a close-up shooting of approximately 0.5x, allowing for greater effects and expanding the scope of creative expression.
AF 85mm F1.8 P FE — A mid-telephoto ultra-light lens optimized for portraits
Despite the bright F1. 8 aperture, it is compact and lightweight at just 272 g and 71.5 mm long, making it the lightest and most portable prime lens in its class * . The three ED lenses and nine-element circular aperture achieve both excellent resolution and smooth bokeh at the optimal distance for portrait photography. The natural and smooth depth of field transition between the subject and background adds depth and emotion to photos, providing an immersive visual experience.
*As of July 15, 2025, LK Samyang's own research
An LK Samyang official said, “The Prima series aims to be the first lens for creators and the lens they will hold most often, ” adding, “Both new models feature excellent portability, sturdiness, and optical performance , making them great partners for both everyday use and creative settings.”
The new products 'AF 16mm F2.8 P FE' and 'AF 85mm F1.8 P FE' will be sequentially released through major online and offline channels at home and abroad starting July 15 , and an experience group and various marketing programs will also be held along with the product launch.
Sony Electronics Introduces the RX1R III: The Flagship Full-Frame Premium Compact Camera with a Fixed Lens
Featuring a 61MP[i] Sensor and AI-based Real-time Recognition Auto Focus in a Palm-sized Body
SAN DIEGO, July 15, 2025 -- Sony Electronics Inc. announces the RX1R III, the eagerly anticipated third generation of its RX1R series, featuring a 61-megapixeli 35 mm full-frame Exmor R CMOS image sensor, the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, and a ZEISS® Sonnar T* 35 mm F2 lens.
"The RX1R III combines Sony’s design savvy with the latest innovations in imaging technology to produce a new flagship in our RX1R camera series that offers uncompromising full-frame quality in a premium compact camera body," said Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “The RX1R series has resonated greatly among discerning photographers, and we’re proud to now deliver the next generation of this popular camera model.”
A Focus on High-Quality Photography
The combination of the 61-megapixeli full-frame Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS image sensor and the BIONZ XR image processing engine delivers high resolution and sensitivity, with low noise and a wide dynamic range. The sensor surface features AR (Anti-Reflection) coating and omits the optical low-pass filter to achieve superior image quality.
The integrated lens offers excellent image quality. By optimizing the position of the lens and the imaging surface one by one at the micron level, RX1R III achieves high optical performance in a compact form factor.
Dedicated to Creative Freedom
To ensure you always get your shot accurately and without effort, RX1R III is equipped with the latest AI-processing unit, a valued feature of top-of-the-line professional Sony AlphaTM cameras. The AI-processing unit can accurately recognize the shape and movement of subjects, human bodies, heads, and the position of eyes, tracking subjects even when their faces are not visible, and is available for both still images and videos. Up to 693 densely arranged[iii]phase-detection AF (Auto-Focus) points cover approximately 78% (for still image shooting) of the image capture’s area.
While the camera has a fixed lens, users can tap into the versatility of three prime lenses thanks to the Step Crop Shooting[iv] function, which allows users to switch between focal lengths equivalent to 35 mm, 50 mm, and 70 mm[v] via assigned buttons or dials. When shooting in RAW format, users can reselect the focal length during post-production. The lens’s macro ring enables instant switching to macro mode, allowing users to get as close as 20 cm (maximum magnification: 0.26x).
For creators who enjoy unique and personalized visuals, RX1R III offers twelve built-in Creative Looks. Adjustments to hue, saturation, brightness, contrast, and sharpness can be applied not only to still images but also to videos. Most notable among the Creative Looks[vi], FL2 allows the capturing of a nostalgic expression with subdued colors, and FL3 allows for a more vibrant image.
Streamlined Design and Reliable Hardware
Made of lightweight yet highly rigid magnesium alloy, the RX1R III design balances aesthetics and functionality. While maintaining excellent operability, the dials and Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe are embedded into the camera body and the top surface of the body features a flat design. The grip design and surface texture provide a secure and comfortable hold.
RX1R III is equipped with an electronic viewfinder featuring an approximately 2.36 million-dot XGA OLED with high resolution and high contrast, offering a magnification of approximately 0.70x.
RX1R III uses the rechargeable battery pack NP-FW50, allowing the capture of up to 300 still images[vii]. It features a USB Type-C® port that allows rapid charging when connected to USB Power Delivery[viii] -compatible devices, or the addition of external power sources, such as mobile batteries, for extended shooting sessions.
Social Responsibility
Aligned with Sony's ambitious 'Road to Zero' initiative, this product supports the company's vision for achieving a zero environmental footprint by 2050. The Sony Group’s manufacturing facilities for imaging products, including the RX1R III, are operating at 100% renewable energy. . The RX1R III packaging uses Sony's proprietary environmentally friendly Original Blended Material[ix] instead of plastic[x].
The camera system incorporates comprehensive accessibility options, including a Screen Reader function[xi] and Display Magnification, to support visually impaired users across an expanded range of menu items.
Optional Accessories
TG-2 is a dedicated thumb grip that attaches to the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe to provide stable holding and operability, including when operated with one hand. When attached to the body, the metal material and high-quality paint finish provide exceptional design unity.
LCS-RXL is a compact body case dedicated to this camera model intended to protect the camera from scratches and dirt and enhance its elegance with its refined texture material. The body case allows access to all ports—USB, HDMI, battery, memory card, and tripod attachment—without removal. The grip design improves the holding experience.
LHP-1 is a lens hood made specifically for this camera. It features a robust construction using lightweight and high-strength aluminum material, protecting the lens from impact and dirt. The bayonet mount allows for quick and secure attachment.
Pricing and Availability
The RX1R III will be available in July 2025 for approximately $5,099.99 USD and $6,299.99 CAD. The TG-2 for approximately $299.99 USD and $349.99 CAD, the LCS-RXL for approximately $249.99 USD and $224.99 CAD, and the LHP-1 for approximately $199.99 USD and $249.99 CAD, in August 2025. They will be sold directly through Sony and at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.
Here are some newly leaked pictures and detailed specifications of the upcoming DJI Osmo 360 camera that is expected to be officially announced on July 29 (previous coverage can be found here):
Revolutionary 8K 360° Camera
1-Inch 360° Imaging
Stunning Low-Light Performance
Camera type: 360 Camera
Definition: 8K (UHD)
Sensor: CMOS (1 inch)
MegaPixels (Sensor Resolution): 120 Million pixels
Video resolution: 4K/120 fps
Camera functionality Waterproof, Photo Mode, Image Stabilizer
Additional information on the two upcoming Sony professional video cameras I reported a few days ago:
Sony will release the Z380 in August and a new 12K sensor full-frame interchangeable lens video camera during IBC 2025 in September
Sony Z380
The Sony Z380 is a newly developed 3CMOS BIONZ XR XDCAM camcorder that features internal variable ND, which supports 4K120p recording in all RGB Tricolor.
The image quality of the Z380 is significantly higher than that of the Sony Z280, thanks to the BIONZ XR, AI unit, and new high-speed, high-saturation, and high-sensitivity Exmor RS 3CMOS.
Based on test information, the image quality of the PXW-Z380 is superior to that of the PXW-Z200. It has a low base ISO and a high sensitivity mode ISO, which is consistent with the FX6.
The Z380's autofocus performance is a vast improvement over the previous generation Z280, relieving the operator of the pressure of focusing and allowing them to shift their attention entirely to composition and following the subject.
Sony FX8
The New full-frame product, named FX8, will feature a resolution of 12K, which is four times that of the FX9. It uses a 16:9 cropped 12K full-frame (3:2 aspect ratio, 96M total pixels) CMOS image sensor.
It doesn't have internal RAW or X-OCN recording capabilities. Like the FX6, it outputs full-frame crop 3.8K 16-bit RAW to a third-party recorder via SDI at a maximum of 120fps.
The only recording format available is XAVC, which offers 8K30p or 4K60p recording in full-frame and S35 modes. And the full-frame crop 3.8K mode provides 4K120p recording.
The readout specifications are not as good as the URSA Cine 12K, as the processor limits it, but it is still a reliable and easy-to-use camcorder that offers high-speed 4K (for FX6 users) and full-frame/Super35 dual-format 8K30p/4K60p (for FX9 users) for creative freedom.
Thephoblographer reports that OM System is still considering a Pen F camera successor:
“We have the need from the market regarding the range finder style (camera) with viewfinder…it’s great feedback for us. And now we are considering what new PEN series model we can offer as OM SYSTEM. Yeah, of course, we cannot say more…but of course, we are thinking.”
Connexion
CMOS image sensor, the latest BIONZ XR
