Gear of the Month | August 2024

The past few months have been full of product launches from the industry heavyweights and while August has been lighter on new products, the ones we’ve had have been significant. We have lenses from Tamron, the next iteration of Canon’s pro printer lineup, Manfrotto tripods and Sony camcorders. 

Let’s get going.

The Tamron 50-400mm f4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD for Nikon Z-mount is something special. This lens redefines versatility by challenging the standard 100-400mm with an impressive 8x zoom range. This is an unmatched focal range. It is an all-in-one range and can cater to most photography disciplines, and what’s more impressive is that you’d think this would be an enormous lens, in size and weight. But that’s not the case. This lens is impressively compact and lightweight meaning you can use it all day and it’s going to deliver across the entire zoom range.

Next up, another Tameron all-in-one zoom lens. The 28-300mm f4-7.1 Di III VC VXD lens for Sony E mounts covers an impressive focal range of 28-300mm, translating to a 10.7x zoom range. This is another super-versatile lens that is designed to cater to a variety of shooting styles including landscapes, portraits, sports, and travel. Aiding its optical performance is a VXD linear motor focus mechanism that provides super-quick and accurate focussing, meaning you’re going to nail each and every shot.

Manfrotto's Befree GT PRO tripods, available in both carbon fibre and aluminium versions, are Manfrotto’s latest offering and are specifically designed for photographers on the go. Both models offer lightweight frames that provide rigidity without adding bulk. Naturally, the carbon fibre option is lighter but despite this, they’re both an incredible option for those looking for a compact and travel-friendly tripod. They feature a 4-section twist-lock leg system for easy and efficient setup, and they are compatible with various head types, including ball, 3-way, video, and X-PRO 3W. Each tripod kit includes a carrying bag for safe transportation.

Manfrotto's other offerings this month are the carbon fibre and aluminium Befree Advanced AS Twist tripods. While suitable for photography, these tripods are more aimed at videographers on the go, offering a lightweight yet rigid build. They have 4-section legs with twist-lock systems, allowing for quick and easy setup. Both options come equipped with a Manfrotto ball head for smooth, precise camera adjustments. They are Arca-compatible,  and the updated design includes independent panoramic and friction knobs, a detachable ball head with a quick-release plate, and comes with a carrying bag for easy transport.

From Canon, we saw the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 inkjet printer; a new and improved model that offers impressive printing quality and efficiency. It utilises the proven print head and cartridges from the PRO-1000 but improves on them with 12 new and improved colour inks, and a chrome optimiser for enhanced black density and dark blue colour reproduction, all providing professional-level image print quality. The PRO-1100 supports borderless printing in 11 new sizes and can print up to A2 (17”), making it an ideal choice for high-quality printing.

We love an instant film camera or printer here at Wex and we were excited to see the new Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3. This version is a compact, stylish printer that makes capturing and sharing fun moments a breeze, turning every photo into a personalised, tactile keepsake. In this model, you can make use of AiR Studio which can enhance your photos with 3D AR effects, and you can set up shots using the Remote Live View feature. What makes this printer so great is its seamless connectivity with the Instax app. It’s quick and easy and the app has various creative modes for you to play with. Finally, the Mini Link 3 looks the part too with an elegant, textured design available in White, Green, and Pink.

From Sony, we have the Sony PXW-Z200. This is an impressive new 4K camcorder perfect for professionals who need versatility and top-tier performance. It features stunning 4K HDR recording, a powerful 25x optical zoom, and three Exmor R CMOS sensors for incredible image quality, even in low light. With advanced autofocus, dual SD card slots, and built-in ND filters, this camcorder is designed for seamless, high-quality shooting. Plus, with professional audio capabilities and built-in streaming, the PXW-Z200 could well be your go-to for capturing and sharing content on the fly! 

While the previous PXW-Z200 is a more specialised camcorder with features tailored for professional broadcast and high-end production environments, the HXR-NX800 is a versatile and user-friendly option with a larger sensor for better low-light performance. It’s equipped with a 1.0-type Exmor R CMOS sensor and a 25x optical zoom lens and can capture beautifully sharp 4K HDR footage. We’d say that this model is ideal for documentaries, events, and corporate videos, but this camcorder is a powerful tool that could suit any content creator.