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The new 7Artisans 135mm f/1.8 MAX lens (E/Z/L) will be released in May



The new 7Artisans 135mm f/1.8 MAX lens (E/Z/L) will be released in May. Additional information on the upcoming lens can be found here (check also the official website for updates):

Additional information on the upcoming 7Artisans AF 135mm f/1.8 full frame lens (E/Z/L)

Here are some sample photos taken with the 135mm lens:


“The 7Artisans 135mm F1.8 AF is a large-aperture prime lens compatible with full-frame sensors. Planned mounts include Sony E, Nikon Z, and L, making it compatible with mirrorless cameras of all these systems. The combination of a 135mm focal length and an F1.8 aperture maximizes the subject’s focus with a shallow depth of field and a compression effect that accentuates the subject. It’s ideal for portraits and other scenes where you want to highlight the subject. The minimum focusing distance of 0.68m, relatively short for a 135mm lens, allows for close-up shots. The aperture ring allows for intuitive aperture control. The AF/MF switch allows for smooth focus control depending on the shooting situation. Furthermore, the camera’s function button can be assigned to various functions, allowing for customization to suit your shooting style. This lens combines the expressive power of a large-aperture prime lens with a practical operation system.”

My guess is that this lens is based on the Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 lens ($899):

Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB lens for Nikon Z-mount now available

The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE lens for Sony E-mount is now available for pre-order

Here is an updated list of photo gear promo codes you can use during this holiday shopping season

Additional pictures of the 7Artisans 135mm f/1.8 MAX lens:

The post The new 7Artisans 135mm f/1.8 MAX lens (E/Z/L) will be released in May appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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What’s new on Kickstarter?


Here are the latest photography-related Kickstarter crowdfunding projects:


New: Viperpod full-size tripod that doesn’t rely on the ground: $45,076 raised of $10,000 goal with 133 backers and 32 days to go.


NEWProWrapp Impact+ gear wrapper with max shock resistance: $34,926 raised of $6,416 goal by 329 backers with 14 days to go.


New: Reeflex 300–600mm telephoto lens for smartphones: $448,731 raised of $11,665 goal by 1,332 backers with 26 days to go.


“I’m Back Roll” digital back sensor for film cameras: $894,481 raised of $6,416 goal with 329 backers and 14 days to go. Additional information on this project can be found here and here.


Rewindpix non-disposable digital “Film” camera: $890,941 raised of $15,000 goal from 6,377 backers with 10 days to go.


CamCast turns your camera into a smart, connected system (late pledge available)


Yashica pocket camcorder (late pledge available)

Via NikonRumors

The post What’s new on Kickstarter? appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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Here are the 2026 TIPA photo and imaging awards




TIPA announced the 2026 photo and imaging gear awards – here are the winners:

Cameras

Lenses

Accessories

Additional information:

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 post Here are the 2026 TIPA photo and imaging awards appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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“I’m back” is back with a new “I’m Back Roll” APS-C digital back sensor for film cameras





“I’m back” is back with a new I’m Back Roll” digital camera back for film cameras with a 26MP APS-C Sony IMX571 sensor – listed on Kickstarter right now with over $525k+ raised by 900+ backers.

“I’m Back Roll” product fact sheet:

  • Product Name: I’m Back Roll APS-C
  • Concept: Digital conversion system for analog cameras
  • Sensor: Sony APS-C (16–21 megapixels)
  • Storage: 256GB internal SSD
  • Image Formats: RAW and JPEG
  • Design Philosophy: All-Inside Design, No external screen, No external cables
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth synchronization + Wi-Fi image transfer
  • How it works:
    • Insert the system into the camera’s film compartment
    • The sensor sits in the film gate
    • The roll module occupies the film chamber
    • Shoot normally using the camera’s mechanical shutter
    • Images are stored internally and transferred later

How it works:

  • I’m Back Roll APS-C sits exactly where the film normally goes.
  • Inside the roll, there is a 26MP APS-C Sony IMX571 sensor.
  • To capture an image, you first need to advance the camera, moving the film lever and arming the shutter mechanism.
  • Then, using our remote control, you click, synchronize and trigger the photo, just like in the old days.
  • This way it preserves the rhythm and experience of shooting film – including missing a shot now and then – while recording everything digitally.
  • This version works with all 35mm film cameras.
  • For the first time, it will also be possible to use the system with underwater cameras such as Nikonos and other similar models.
  • The reason is simple: everything is contained inside the body of the device. There are no external parts required.
  • In our previous models, I’m Back 35 and I’m Back Film, an external module was necessary. With this new version, the entire system is integrated internally, which makes compatibility much broader.
  • Another important improvement is the new, larger sensor. This version uses an APS-C sensor, providing better image quality and a larger capture area.


Other photography-related projects currently available on Kickstarter:

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