Chinese manufacturer TTArtisan has just released a teaser of their upcoming lens: the TTArtisan 40mm F/2.8 APS-C Macro. As its name suggests, this lens covers APS-C sensors, it has a 1:1 magnification ratio, and it should come out at an incredible price. So let’s take a closer look at it!
TTArtisan has built its reputation with fully manual photography lenses at incredible prices in less than two years. The company already released a dozen lenses, including the $150 TTArtisan 7.5mm F/2.0, the $98 priced TTArtisan 50mm F/1.2, and the $73 priced TTArtisan 35mm F/1.4.
The company has just started teasing their new lens, the TTArtisan 40mm F/2.8 APS-C Macro, with an exciting game: guess how much it will sell for?
TTArtisan 40mm F/2.8 APS-C Macro features
According to this video released by TTArtisan, the 40mm F/2.8 APS-C Macro will be available in various lens mounts, including Sony E, Canon EOS-M, FUJIFILM X, Micro Four Thirds, and Nikon Z mounts. Obviously, the lens will cover APS-C sensors, and that’s probably why there is no Canon RF mount, for example.
Image credit: TTArtisan
This 40mm F/2.8 Macro will have a 1:1 magnification ratio, which should give you a minimum focusing distance of around 15.2cm/6.4in.
In terms of lens design, the lens consists of 8 elements in 7 groups. Also, it has two low-dispersion elements to reduce chromatic aberrations. The front filter thread is 52mm.
Like every other TTArtisan lenses, this 40mm F/2.8 APS-C Macro will be a fully manual lens, mainly made of metal.
Price and availability
At the moment, there is no price nor availability info. However, you can guess how much it will retail for and leave a comment on their YouTube video. If you nail the price right, you might get one for free!
What do you think about this new TTArtisan macro lens? Do you prefer manual or autofocus macro lenses? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!
Z CAM recently introduced two new video monitoring accessories: the IPMAN Gemini and Gemini Pro. The Gemini is an HDMI to USB Type-C adapter that turns your Android smartphone into an on-camera monitor, but you can also use it for video streaming applications. The Gemini Pro is a dual HDMI to USB Type-C converter, which can be helpful for live streaming applications. Let’s take a closer look at these new adapters!
Chinese manufacturer Z CAM is mainly known for making cinema cameras, including the Z CAM E2 that got 12-bit ProRes RAW support and ProRes 422 internal recording capabilities in all modes. But, Z CAM entered the camera accessories market with their Z CAM EVF and, more recently, the Z CAM IPMAN S wireless video system.
The company recently released two new products in their IPMAN lineup: the Z CAM IPMAN Gemini and Gemini Pro.
Image credit: Z CAM
Z CAM IPMAN Gemini features
The Z CAM IPMAN Gemini is an HDMI to USB Type-C converter that can turn your Android smartphone phone into an on-camera monitor.
This adapter can take resolutions up to 4K at 30 fps or FullHD 1080p60. Then, the IPMAN Gemini converts this video signal into a 1080p60 max. USB signal. You can connect that USB Type-C output to an Android smartphone or any Mac/PC for live streaming purposes.
Image credit: Z CAM
When connecting the USB Type-C output of the IPMAN Gemini to an Android smartphone, you get access to features such as “false color, gridline display, and magnifier feature for focus pulling,” according to Z CAM. It is not clear if it will require a dedicated smartphone app, but I guess Z CAM will come with its own App.
Also, Z CAM mentions that you can get camera control over your smartphone. It means that you can trigger recording, adjust your ISO/Aperture/EV adjustments via your phone, which sounds incredible. However, at the moment, only a couple of cameras are supported, including the Z CAM E2 series, Panasonic GH5s, and Sony Alpha series cameras.
Image credit: Z CAM
Speaking of camera control, you’ll need to connect your camera to the IPMAN Gemini via the devices’ USB-A port.
The Z CAM IPMAN Gemini allows you to record the HDMI video feed on your smartphone and stream it to other devices through a wireless connection. The Gemini doesn’t require a battery, but it can charge your smartphone if you connect a battery to the USB-C PD power input port.
Image credit: Z CAM
Z CAM IPMAN Gemini Pro features
The Z CAM IPMAN Gemini Pro is a dual HDMI to USB Type-C converter. The Gemini Pro can take up to two 4K30p signals or two FullHD 1080p60 video feeds and convert it to a USB 1080p60 (max.) signal.
Image credit: Z CAM
On the Gemini Pro, the USB Type-C output can be connected to a Mac/PC only, which will recognize it as a USB camera without the need to install any drivers. In addition, according to Z CAM, you can use the Gemini Pro with software such as “OBS or any other streaming software on Mac/PC to view both HDMI feeds.”
Price and availability
The Z CAM IPMAN Gemini retails for $59.90 and should start shipping at the end of this month. You’ll find a smartphone holder, a mounting mount, and a USB-C to USB-C connecting cable in the package.
The IPMAN Gemini Pro is $49.90 and should also start shipping by the end of September.
For more information, please visit Z CAM’s website here.
What do you think about these new Z CAM IPMAN video converters? Do you believe the IPMAN Gemini could replace your regular on-camera monitor? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!
