Camera
Leica just released a surprising accessory for diehard mobile photography
| Photo: Leica |
With its latest announcement, Leica is furthering its focus on mobile photography, adding a new accessory to its lineup. The company designed the Leica Lux Grip specifically for iPhones, following up on the June release of the Leica Lux iPhone app. The grip is strictly for Leica lovers, as it will only work with Leica’s iPhone app; controls will not transfer to the default iPhone camera app or any other third-party options.
Leica says the Lux Grip is “similar to a classic Leica camera in terms of its handling and feel.” It goes even further and explains that all of the grip’s “physical controls consistently express Leica’s design philosophy and conjure up the familiar experience of using a professional camera.” Any grip will make for a more camera-like experience and make taking photographs with a phone a bit more ergonomic, so users who focus on mobile photography could certainly benefit from it.
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| Photo: Leica |
The grip relies on a magnetic MagSafe connection rather than a case-like design, which is typical in other phone grips. The magnetic attachment makes switching between portrait and landscape orientations easy while maintaining a comfortable grip with easy controls. Plus, removing the grip when it’s not needed and returning to a traditional phone form factor is straightforward. That also means that when users purchase a new iPhone, there’s no need to buy an entirely new grip specific to that phone.
The Lux Grip uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity to communicate with a phone’s camera, allowing users to control camera functionality without digging into phone menus. That includes a two-stage shutter release that, like cameras, uses light pressure to focus and a full press to take a photo. There’s also a button to switch between shooting modes, two customizable buttons and a dial for adjusting settings.
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| Photo: Leica |
For those who want to go all out, Leica also released a leather case designed just for the Lux Grip, which features an AirTag holder.
The Leica Lux Grip is available for $329 on Leica’s website and B&H. The purchase includes a year of the Leica LUX Pro subscription.
Buy now:
Leica Camera AG is launching the Leica LUX Grip for the iPhone today.
The camera grip impresses with its intuitive operation and high-quality manufacturing while, at the same time, setting new standards for photographic precision using a smartphone. The Leica LUX Grip is similar to a classic Leica camera in terms of its handling and feel. Its clear design, sophisticated operating concept and easy attachment – guaranteed by secure magnetic MagSafe technology – improve the ergonomics and functionality of smartphone photography, taking it to a new level. The LUX Grip and iPhone communicate via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and are perfectly complemented by the Leica LUX app.
All of the LUX Grip’s physical controls consistently express Leica’s design philosophy and conjure up the familiar experience of using a professional camera. The 2-stage shutter release focusses with light pressure and starts shooting when fully pressed down. A button allows you to quickly switch between shooting modes. Two control elements can be individually assigned and customised via the Leica LUX app. While one button provides quick access to frequently used functions, the easy-to-grip control dial enables the precise selection of camera settings – such as zoom, aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation. This means that photographers have all the essential aspects of image composition in their own hands, even when using a smartphone.
The Leica LUX app rounds off the photographic experience by adding the unmistakable image and colour aesthetics of legendary Leica lenses. The bokeh effect of the Summilux-M or Noctilux-M can be used to deliberately emphasise features while retaining full control over exposure, ISO and shutter speed. Unique Leica Looks – from Vivid to classic Black&White – expand the artistic palette, lending digital photography an analogue character. The Leica LUX app forms a perfect symbiosis with the LUX Grip. The full version of the app is included for one year with every Grip product registration.
The LUX Grip also sets the tone when it comes to sustainability. Thanks to its modular design, the Grip can be easily reused with all electronic components every time you change your iPhone. Only the MagSafe base plate has to be replaced. Weighing just 130 grams, the Leica LUX Grip is comfortable to hold and is equally suitable for left- and right-handed users. Its powerful battery lets you take up to 1,000 shots and will be ready for use again in a flash with a charging time of 2 hours via USB-C.
The Leica LUX Grip is now available in selected Leica Stores, in the Leica Online Store and from specialist retailers. The recommended retail price is EUR 300 incl. VAT.
| Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm F1.2 pre-production | F1.2 | 1/125 sec | ISO 64 |
Earlier this week, Nikon announced the Nikkor Z 35mm F1.2 S, a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture. We were able to spend a few hours on the streets of Seattle with a pre-production model, and got some shots that should give you an idea of what this lens is about.
A few caveats to keep in mind – given that the photos were shot with a pre-production lens, they may not be exactly indicative of how a production model would perform. Our standard lens gallery procedure also involves processing the images through Capture One, giving us precise control over what corrections are and are not applied. However, the images in this sample gallery are straight out of camera JPEGs, and thus may have corrections that wouldn’t usually be applied to images in our sample galleries.
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This image depicts the Sony E-mount version of the AF 28mm F4.5 lens, though the size is nearly identical.
Photo: Viltrox |
After a playful bit of marketing, Viltrox announced a new flavor of its ultra-thin AF 28mm F4.5 lens. It first made the lens available for Sony E-mount cameras last fall, and now it will also be available for X-mount cameras.
Viltrox calls this teeny offering a chip lens. That nickname is in reference to how thin it is, drawing similarities with potato chips, and does not pertain to any sort of technology inside the lens. To stay on theme, the company’s teaser for the announcement featured a bag of chips with AF 28mm F4.5 XF above it, much like the Lays potato chip flavor announcements.
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| Image: Viltrox |
The Viltrox AF 28mm F4.5 is a unique lens because of its diminutive size. It weighs a measly 60g (2.1oz) and is only 15.3mm (0.6in) thick. To keep the size so minuscule, there are some compromises. Most notably, it uses a constant F4.5 aperture. That means no adjusting the aperture based on lighting conditions. Additionally, it lacks a manual focus ring, so you’ll be stuck entirely with autofocus. It also isn’t compatible with filters.
The optical design is made up of six elements in six groups, including two ED and two aspherical elements. Voltrox says it will deliver “sharp images, vibrant colors, and stunning starburst effects.” It uses a VCM for autofocus, which Viltrox promises will be “fast, precise, and silent.” Additionally, the lens features an integrated lens cap with a slide for opening and closing the cover and a USB-C port for firmware updates.
The AF 28mm F4.5 XF is available in black and white colorways for $99.
| Photo: OM System |
OM System is keeping things exciting with a handful of announcements all at once. Along with a new camera (the OM-3) and an updated set of prime lenses, it also revealed the M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm (200-800mm equiv.) F5.0-6.3 IS II lens. The update to its super-telephoto zoom lens offers some subtle yet worthy changes, especially for those taking the lens into the great outdoors.
One of the biggest changes is that the new version is Sync IS compatible, allowing the lens’s stabilization system to be co-ordinated with in-body stabilization for improved motion correction.
In addition, the 100-400mm F5.6-6.3 lens gains improved weather sealing. It now offers an IPX1 rating for protection against water. OM System has billed itself as a rugged option for adventure-loving photographers, so it makes sense that it would work to provide better build quality on its lenses. It also added a new fluorine coating to the front elements to help keep it clear of water, dust, and fingerprints.
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The tripod collar features a hinging design, making it easier to take off and on.
Image: OM System |
Beyond weatherproofing, OM System reduced the new version’s weight to 1,300g (2.8 lbs) with the tripod adapter on and 1,125g (2.5 lbs) without the tripod collar. That’s a weight saving of 25g (0.9oz) compared to the original model, which, while not much, can make a difference when slogging through the backcountry. The tripod collar also features a hinged design, so you can remove it without needing to take the lens off the camera.
The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II lens will be available on February 27 for $1,500.
Sample images
Our own samples taken with the updated 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II can be found in our OM System OM-3 sample gallery.
Click here to see our OM System OM-3 samples
Manufacturer samples
Introducing the OM SYSTEM M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II
A Super Telephoto Zoom Lens with 5-axis Sync IS for Powerful Handheld Photography
BETHLEHEM, PA, February 6, 2025 – OM Digital Solutions is thrilled to announce the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II lens, a high-performance super telephoto zoom lens designed exclusively for the Micro Four Thirds System. Engineered for photographers who demand precision, reliability, and portability, this compact and lightweight lens empowers users to capture stunning images in the most challenging
environments. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II lens will be available for purchase beginning in late February 2025.
Offering a focal length range of 200-800mm (35mm equivalent) and compatibility with the MC-20 2X teleconverter, extending the reach up to an impressive 1600mm, this lens delivers unparalleled versatility for bird and wildlife photography. Its 5-axis sync IS system offers up to 7.0 steps of shutter speed compensation, ensuring crisp, steady handheld shots even at extreme magnification. Built with an IPX1-rated splash-proof performance and dust-resistant design, this lens is designed to thrive in demanding outdoor conditions, making it the ultimate tool for capturing the beauty of nature.
Key Features of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II Lens:
- Unrivaled Reach: A compact, lightweight super telephoto zoom lens equivalent to 200-800mm on its own, extending to 1600mm with the optional MC-20 2X teleconverter.
- Advanced Image Stabilization: Supports 5-axis sync IS for exceptional handheld shooting with up to 7.0 steps of shutter speed compensation.
- Reliable All-Weather Durability: IPX1-rated splash-proof performance and dust-resistant design, plus a fluorine-coated front element for worry-free use in the toughest conditions.
With its cutting-edge technology and robust construction, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II lens redefines possibilities for wildlife and outdoor photographers.
Pricing & availability for OM SYSTEM M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II Lens
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II Lens will be available beginning in late February 2025, at a suggested retail price of $1,499.99 (US)/$2,099.99 (CAD).
Detailed product specifications for the OM SYSTEM M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II Lens
Please see the OM SYSTEM website: Product Details & Specifications
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II specifications
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Zoom lens |
| Max Format size | FourThirds |
| Focal length | 100–400 mm |
| Image stabilization | Yes |
| CIPA Image stabilization rating | 7 stop(s) |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F5–6.3 |
| Minimum aperture | F22 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 7 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 21 |
| Groups | 15 |
| Special elements / coatings | 4 ED, 2 Super HR, 2 HR elements, flourine coating |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.25 m (9.84″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.08× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Linear Motor |
| Full time manual | Yes |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Focus distance limiter | Yes |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 1300 g (2.87 lb) |
| Diameter | 86 mm (3.39″) |
| Length | 206 mm (8.11″) |
| Materials | Magnesium alloy |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Zoom method | Rotary (extending) |
| Power zoom | No |
| Zoom lock | Yes |
| Filter thread | 72 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
| Tripod collar | Yes |
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