A quick update on the rumored/upcoming Leica SL 70-200mm f/2.8 lens and Extender L 2.0x: they will not be developed in-house. Leica will most likely use one of the existing Panasonic or Sigma lens designs:
Update: the official announcement is expected in a few weeks.
→ AstrHori announced a new and upgraded 28mm f/13 periprobe lens with a 360° rotating base for Leica L-mount.
→ The next Leicapalooza will take place at Tamarkin Camera in Chicago from July 12 – 14.
→ Another Leica APO-Telyt-R 1600mm f/5.6 lens report by Juza Photo.
→ The new Luminar mobile app for iPhone is now available for download. You can get 20% off with code MOBILE20.
→ The WANDRD camera bags summer sale is going on right now – you can save 40% on the Yuma Tan and Sedona Orange models, 20% on all other PRVKE colorways, and 20% on all ROGUE Sling colors and sizes.
→ The new Panasonic S9 camera for L-mount will be in short supply because of high demand.
SmallRig announced a new L-shape mount plate with a handle for the Leica Q3 camera (now available for pre-order):
Two different configurations are available:
SmallRig products are also sold on Amazon, Adorama, and B&H.
Other L-plate options for Leica Q3 are available from IDSWorks, JCC, and Really Right Stuff.
Additional information:
Leica is rumored to announce a new SL 70-200mm f/2.8 lens and a new Extender L 2.0x (currently, only the Leica Extender L 1.4x for Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3 is available). Both extenders have been rumored for a while.
I don’t know if the new 70-200mm f/2.8 will be a rebatched lens or Leica-designed. Both Panasonic and Sigma already have 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses for L-mount in their lineups:
The official announcement is expected this summer (in the next few weeks).
FYI: Leica also has its own APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4 lens.
Last week I reported that Leica Camera AG took over the Norwegian company Fjorden Electra AS in the course of the development of the new Leica LUX app. You can now read the full details and the backstory in this post: “Fjorden is now part of Leica Camera“.
It is interesting to note that Fjorden also sells a grip for smartphones:
and according to this comment, there is a very good chance that the next version of the grip could be Leica-branded:
In addition to the popular photo editing tool, Luminar is also offering photo tours. Their next destination is Iceland:
If you compare other photo tours to Iceland, the price is pretty decent. If you mention the code RUMORS when you sign up, you can get $500 off the original price of $6,000 (the final price will be $5,500).
Tour description:
“From dramatic waterfalls to volcanic lakes and mountains, our Iceland excursion promises an unforgettable experience for photography enthusiasts. Organized in collaboration with the local tour operator and led by professional photographers, this tour offers unique opportunities to elevate your photography skills and take breathtaking shots you’ll want to frame on the wall. Organized in partnership with Europe’s leading tour operator Iceland Photo Workshops ehf.”
Additional information can be found here.
After the recent Leica D-Lux 8 announcements, here is an updated list/recap of expected/rumored Leica cameras and lenses (see all previous reports here):
AstrHori announced a new and improved XH-2 light meter with more accurate photometry, a more sensitive sensor, and a new design (the old version is sold out).
The AstrHori XH-2 is currently in stock at Pergear and should soon be available also at Amazon Store and the official AstrHori website
Here are the XH-2 technical specifications:
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