News update: Edelkrone announces the FocusONE v2, and new matte box from SmallRig

This week's news update includes new products from Edelkrone and SmallRig, with some tidy new focus and matte box rigs.

Edelkrone announces the new FocusONE v2 

Cameras are so much more than just the camera body and the lens. With a range of accessories, Edelkrone brings an upgrade of its original FocusONE with some added features and improvements. Here are some of the key features of the new FocusONE v2:

• Works on either side of the camera.
• Adjustable hard stops.
• Compatible with 15 & 19 mm rods.
• Custom tension adjustment.
• Lighter than the previous generation.
• Comes with Lens Gear PRO.

The FocusONE v2 includes adjustable hard stops that can help you easily transition between two fixed focus points while shooting. Hard stops can be placed in the designated slots when not needed. To customise your FocusONE v2, you can now adjust the tension or dampening feel to suit how stiff you need the control wheel to turn. This is great for photography lenses that don’t have much dampening.

For added precision, FocusONE v2's allows the marker disc to be in direct contact with the focus ring. The control wheel can be tilted up and down depending on the desired angle when filming different scenes. FocusONE v2 has a 0.8 gear pitch, making it compatible with all professional cinema lenses.

The Edelkrone FocusONE v2 is available at $139 and if you want to trade your FocusONE, they have an upgrade program that will give it to you in exchange for $49. 

SmallRig Mini Matte Box Pro and Lite released

SmallRig has announced its Pro and Lite versions for its previous Mini Matte Box design. While the Pro version features a new flag system, the Lite is a minimalistic version of the original one. Despite the fact that these two products are not new, what is newsworthy is that it has introduced minor changes that professionals will appreciate. Like the original Mini Matte Box, the Pro and Lite both can be mounted on lenses with a front diameter of up to 95mm. SmallRig has different adapter rings for lenses from 52 to 86mm.

Mini Matte Box Lite Mini Matte Box Pro (SmallRig).

The SmallRig Mini Matte Box Pro

Sticking with the previous design, this Pro version comes with a slightly larger package of accessories and previously mentioned revised flag system. The top flag has been re-designed with side wings that open up to 40°. These give you more precise control when it comes to flares and glares. The SmallRig Mini Matte Box Pro is now available at $139 and the Lite version is $69.

What Mini Matte Box Pro includes:

• Mini Matte Box Pro
• 2x Filter Trays
• Top Flag
• Side Flag
• Adapter Rings for 67, 72, 77 and 82mm lenses
• Storage Bag

New Rycote Microphones: HC-15 and HC-22

Rycote just launched their very first microphones. Rycote, a UK-based company owned by the Vitec Group, has been known for its industry standard shock and wind protection for field production sound. Now it is releasing two hypercardioid shotgun mics with two sets of lengths: HC-15 and HC-22. 

What does HC as in hypercardioid mean? Both of these microphones’ polar pattern has a narrow and focused front pickup angle. That means the microphones are highly directional when it comes to recording. The length for HC-15 is 155mm whereas the HC-22 has a total length of 221mm. Both of these microphones have the same diameter of 19mm. Despite the different lengths, the sound specifications remain very similar. The different length results in slightly different characteristics and polar patterns.

Rycote describes the sound of the microphones as “precise” and it has videos demonstrating the use of its microphones. Both mics support 48V Phantom power, the signal-to-noise ratio is 85 dB and the frequency range is 50 Hz – 20 kHz. The HC-22 features a hyper-cardioid pick-up pattern and needs to be powered via a 24-48V phantom source. They are now available for purchase starting at $779 without any accessories.

Rycote HC-22 | Source: Rycote.