News roundup: Nikon, Tilta, LEE Filters, COMICA, Samsung, and BLUESHAPE

Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 & Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lenses announced

Nikon has announced the new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR and the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8. These two new super telephoto NIKKOR Z lenses are made for enthusiasts that want good focal ranges in a lightweight design.

The NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is a good budget option for those users who want to capture wildlife, nature, aviation, etc. The NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 completes Nikon’s trio of affordable f/2.8 zooms.

The new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR improves its F-mount version by giving users a lightweight, high-performance super-telephoto lens with a more versatile focal range. NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is approximately 40% smaller when compared to the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8, but offers a similar versatile focal range. The lens weighs 795g (1.75lbs).

Tilta Camera Cages for DJI Ronin 4D Flex

Tilta has introduced two new Camera Cages for the DJI Ronin 4D Flex: The full Camera Cage and the Camera Cage for DJI Ronin 4D Flex Basic Kit. Both give users more options for rigging the system in a more traditional studio setup for added versatility and control.

The cage offers a variety of mounting options including Cold Shoe Receivers, NATO Rail and 1/4″-20 threads with locating pins. The multiple mounting points provide more security for your camera and accessories. For example, by using Tilta’s 15mm LWS Baseplate and 15mm rods, this system can handle heavier zoom lenses with the 4D Flex. The Camera Cage for DJI Ronin 4D Flex Basic Kit features all of the same functionality as the Full Camera Cage for DJI Ronin 4D Flex, plus a Top Handle and a Tilta Universal 15mm LWS Baseplate.

The Full Camera Cage for DJI Ronin 4D Flex is now available to pre-order for $179 and The Camera Cage for DJI Ronin 4D Flex Basic Kit is now available to pre-order for $339.

Photo credit Tilta

LEE Filters introduces LEE Compact 2-foot lighting gel and diffusion rolls

LEE Filters has announced that its most popular technical gels and lighting diffusion are now available in LEE Compact 2-foot rolls. With the same 25-foot length as LEE’s traditional 4-foot-wide gel and diffusion rolls, the LEE Compact range offers full rolls in a smaller form factor that’s easier to transport, making them ideal for independent content creators who need more than a standard sheet or gel pack but are conscious of costs and space.

LEE Compact 2-foot rolls are available to purchase through LEE Direct in the UK and US and through LEE resellers worldwide. The rolls come packaged in a recyclable cardboard carton, with no plastic sleeve to further reduce waste.

COMICA announces CVM-VM30 wireless super cardioid mic

COMICA has announced the CVM-VM30, a compact shotgun microphone that combines the features of a traditional on-camera super cardioid mic with those of a wireless audio transmission system. COMICA calls it “the industry’s first shotgun microphone with an integrated wireless module."

Let's look at the setup. The microphone consists of two devices, a compact on-camera shotgun microphone, and a wireless receiver. The microphone can be connected to a camera or audio recorder in a traditional, wired, stand-alone configuration. Featuring a built-in wireless module that connects to the receiver over the 2.4GHz frequency band. The system features an auto-pairing function that should have a maximum transmission range of 100m according to COMICA. For wired mode, the microphone offers both a 3.5mm analog jack as well as a USB-C digital output.

The USB-C port can also act as a charging port for the built-in 350mAh battery, which should keep the mic running for about 50 hours in wired mode and 7 hours in wireless mode, according to COMICA.

You can preorder the COMICA CVM-VM30 for $189 here.