In today's episode Sigma rolls out new cinema lenses and adjusts their pricing, Godox has a new Speedlite the V480C and PhotoVogue is opening up more possibilities for female creators.
You can find the show notes here.
You can find the show notes here.
Show Notes
Welcome back to the show, Liam Douglas here with the Liam Photography Podcast and this is Episode 457 for the week of June 5th, 2025. In this week’s news, a complete line of T1.3 Cinema lenses, Sigma’s pricing the Godox V480C and more.
Sigma Corporation has announced the Aizu Prime Line, the world’s first cinema lens series to feature fast T1.3 apertures across all focal lengths. The professional-grade Aizu Prime Line features a dozen prime lenses, ranging from 18mm to 125mm, all covering full-frame image areas.
Available in PL and Sony E-mount, the Aizu Prime Line large-format cinema lenses promise modern sharpness and what Sigma calls an “organic and naturally soft look.” The company says its new cinema prime lenses, which have been designed from the ground up for video and are not rehoused optics, bring “rich texture and depth to visuals.”
A big part of achieving that goal is the fast and bright T1.3 aperture. Sigma says this aperture enables a very shallow depth of field, “graceful” bokeh, and versatility in low-light situations.
Each lens in the Aizu Prime Line series features an optical system developed exclusively for cinema. To achieve a cinematic look, Sigma has worked diligently to ensure that visuals appear natural and are consistent across the entire lineup. The lenses have been engineered to control distortion and minimize focus breathing, two especially important factors for cinematographers.
While Sigma has announced a dozen Aizu Prime Line lenses, it is worth noting that the series will be released in at least two waves. Eight core lenses, ranging from 25mm to 75mm, will launch first, followed by 18mm and 21mm wide-angle lenses, as well as 100mm and 125mm telephoto primes. Due to this staggered release plan, complete physical specifications are only available for the initial eight lenses. The remaining four primes are still being finalized, including details regarding their front diameters and weights.
Speaking of size, the core eight lenses all feature unified 95mm front diameters, ensuring a consistent workflow. These eight lenses, the 25mm T1.3 LF, 27mm T1.3 LF, 32mm T1.3 LF, 35mm T1.3 LF, 40mm T1.3 LF, 50mm T1.3 LF, 65mm T1.3 LF, and 75mm T1.3 LF, range in length from 125 millimeters (five inches) to 128.8 millimeters (5.1 inches). They vary only slightly in weight, with the lightest lenses tipping the scales at 1.6 kilograms (3.5 pounds) and the heaviest, the 75mm T1.3, weighing 1.7 kilograms (3.8 pounds). These measurements are specific to the PL-mount versions, and the E-mount versions will differ slightly. Again, the 18mm, 21mm, 100mm, and 125mm Sigma Aizu Prime Line lenses are still being finalized.
The eight core Aizu Prime lenses are relatively compact and lightweight despite their fast T1.3 apertures. The lenses are designed to work seamlessly as part of a handheld or gimbal-based workflow, Sigma promises.
The Sigma Aizu Prime Line are manual focus lenses, as is par for the course for this type of heavily specialized cinema lens. Close-focusing distances range from 0.31 meters (one foot) to 0.73 meters (2.5 feet) for the core eight lenses. Sigma says that these close-focusing distances enable filmmakers to capture “striking close-up shots,” which can help create visual tension and dramatic effects.
While some specifications for the wide-angle and telephoto lenses are not yet available, one thing is guaranteed: All 12 Sigma Aizu Prime Line lenses will cover a 46.3-millimeter image circle. This ensures that the lenses provide complete coverage for full-frame and Super35 formats, plus coverage for some of the latest large-format cameras, including the Arri Alexa LF Open Gate and VistaVision.
“This capability enables uncompromised filmmaking across a diverse range of projects,” Sigma says.
The Sigma Aizu Prime lenses support Zeiss eXtended Data, enabling them to deliver real-time lens metadata during shooting. This also allows the support of distortion and shading correction data, which should simplify editing and VFX workflows.
The eight core Sigma Aizu Prime Line lenses ranging from 25mm to 75mm will launch in August for $8,299 each. Sigma has not yet shared release information for the additional four lenses, but PetaPixel will share that news when it is available.
PetaPixel is at CineGear in Los Angeles and will be going hands-on with the new Sigma Aizu Prime lenses. Stay tuned for hands-on impressions. Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki is also making an appearance on this week’s PetaPixel Podcast to discuss the company’s latest products, including these exciting new cinema lenses.
Sigma’s promised price increases have gone into effect as planned. The price hikes in the United States are all around 10%, reflecting the current tariff rate on most Japanese goods.
These price increases are already reflected at major retailers in the United States, including B&H Photo, as evidenced by new lenses like the Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports which has increased from its original $5,999 price to $6,599. Other examples include the Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art that has increased from $1,499 to $1,649, and the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art, which now costs $1,489 instead of the $1,349 it launched at last summer.
Sigma, like every other company, understands that the tariff situation in the United States is chaotic, unpredictable, and controversial. Last week, a U.S. federal court, the U.S. Court of International Trade, blocked almost all of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. This decision was quickly paused by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The decision to block Trump’s tariffs, which the U.S. Court of International Trade unanimously determined are unlawful under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) that Trump claimed gave him the power to unilaterally roll out tariffs, has given people hope that most tariffs will be permanently removed.
However, given that this ruling was paused pending appeal, Sigma and other companies must deal with the hand they are dealt, which, as of now, are 10% tariffs on Japanese imports into the United States. It also remains possible that tariffs on Japan will not only remain in effect but potentially even increase in the coming weeks and months. It is, as American PetaPixel readers are all too aware, a situation that is frequently changing.
PetaPixel spoke to Sigma America President Mark Amir-Hamzeh today, who said that Sigma wanted to do a 10% price increase across the board to ensure that Sigma’s price increases in the United States aligned perfectly with the current tariff rate. He adds that if the tariffs are lifted, such as in the event of the U.S. Court of International Trade ruling being upheld without appeal, the company will reduce the prices of its products in the U.S. either directly or through an instant rebate. Sigma is actively monitoring the situation, and given its transparency leading up to the price increase this week, there is every reason to believe the company will react quickly and in the best interest of its customers.
In an industry increasingly demanding portability without compromise, Godox has introduced the V480 TTL Flash, a blend of compact design, pro-level performance, and intuitive usability. Bridging the gap between the smaller V350 and the more robust V860III, the V480 arrives as a medium-sized powerhouse purpose-built for photographers who need both mobility and control.
With the V480 TTL Flash, Godox adds to its ever-increasing line-up of affordable lighting solutions for photographers, offered in C/N/S/F/O model versions for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Olympus and Panasonic, respectively, covering a wide range of camera body manufacturers.
Despite its sleek, lightweight frame, just 12.7 ounces (361 grams) with battery, the V480 delivers studio-grade illumination with an approximate guide number of GN50 (ISO 100, 105mm). It’s ideal for event shooters, portrait photographers, and run-and-gun creators who need reliable lighting without the bulk of traditional on-camera flashes. Whether it’s a high-paced wedding reception or a tight studio space, the V480C offers the versatility and reach to perform.
The flash head provides generous articulation, tilting from –7° to 120° and rotating 330°, making it easy to bounce light creatively off walls or ceilings. The auto/manual zoom head covers a focal range of 24–105mm, and the built-in catchlight panel and wide-angle diffuser expand your on-camera lighting toolkit without needing external modifiers.
At the heart of the V480 is a 7.2V, 2200mAh Li-ion battery, supporting up to 650 full-power flashes with a recycle time of just 1.7 seconds. USB-C charging ensures fast and efficient top-ups between shoots. This level of performance is handy for long days on location or in fast-paced environments where downtime isn’t an option.
The flash supports High-Speed Sync (HSS) up to 1/8000s, Second-Curtain Sync, Multi/Stroboscopic mode, and TTL auto flash with ±3 EV Flash Exposure Compensation, providing photographers with full creative control across a wide range of scenarios, from freezing motion in bright daylight to creating dramatic effects with light in controlled indoor settings.
User experience is front and center with the V480 via its two-inch color touchscreen, and responsive tactile buttons work in tandem to simplify adjustments. Photographers can quickly and intuitively change settings by swiping, tapping, or pressing buttons, minimizing downtime and keeping the creative flow uninterrupted.
One standout feature is the real-time flash range display, which visually indicates the effective distance of your flash output—a valuable tool for bounce techniques, tight compositions, or indoor shoots where flash-to-subject distance is constantly changing.
“Say goodbye to exposure guesswork. The V480’s display shows real-time effective flash range, so you’ll know instantly if your subject is within optimal reach—ideal for tight spaces, bounce applications, or fast-paced events,” Godox says.
Equipped with the Godox 2.4 GHz X wireless system, the V480 functions as both a sender and receiver, allowing for seamless off-camera operation up to 328 feet (100 meters). Compatible with XPro II, X2, and X3 transmitters, the unit supports 32 channels and five groups, allowing complete control over multi-light setups without the need for external triggers.
This wireless integration makes the V480 an excellent choice not only for on-camera use but also as a reliable member of a more complex lighting rig, whether you’re lighting a product, a portrait, or an entire scene.
A 10-level LED modeling light (2W, 5300K ±300K) is built directly into the flash, offering precise pre-visualization of light placement and shadow behavior. Whether you’re working in the studio or out in the field, the modeling light helps dial in setups before committing to the final exposure.
“Preview exactly how your flash will shape shadows and highlights with a built-in LED lamp offering ten brightness levels. Ideal for pre-visualizing light direction and intensity, it lets you fine-tune your setup before firing the main flash,” Godox says.
The V480 is also designed with adaptability in mind, pairing with the S-R2 adapter and AK-R1 magnetic accessory kit, as well as Bowens-mount modifiers via the Godox S2 bracket, providing users with access to a wide range of light-shaping tools.
Representing a thoughtful evolution in on-camera lighting, the Godox V480 TTL Flash combines the portability required by modern photographers with advanced features typically reserved for higher-end units. With its responsive controls, strong wireless capabilities, and powerful battery system, the V480C is a compelling option for anyone seeking to elevate their flash photography—without weighing themselves down.
The Godox V480 TTL Flash C/N/S/F/O model versions are available for pre-order for $169 with no official word yet on the ship dates. The kit includes the flash unit, rechargeable 7.2V 2200mAh lithium-ion battery, USB-C charging cable, power adapter, mini flash stand, protective pouch, and instruction manual.
In a groundbreaking initiative reaffirming its commitment to equity in the creative industries, PhotoVogue has announced that it will be offering free one-on-one virtual portfolio reviews to selected participants of its 2025 open calls: Women by Women and East and Southeast Asia Panorama.
“PhotoVogue is committed to championing equal opportunities for artists of all backgrounds. We believe that creative talent should be nurtured through access, mentorship, and care — regardless of financial means or industry connections,” PhotoVogue says.
“As part of our Women by Women and East and Southeast Asia Panorama open calls, a number of the most deserving participants will be selected for one-on-one virtual portfolio reviews with members of our expert panel, an extraordinary group of editors, curators, professors, and creatives from around the world. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to engage directly, exchange ideas, and refine one’s practice through meaningful dialogue.”
The selected participants will be granted the rare opportunity to engage directly with a remarkable panel of over 70 reviewers, comprising editors, curators, photo directors, professors, agents, and creatives from across the international art and media landscape. From the likes of James Estrin of The New York Times and Sarah Leen, former first female Director of Photography of National Geographic magazine, to Alessia Glaviano, Head of Global PhotoVogue, and Amber Venerable, Creative Director of Allure and Self, the panel reflects a broad spectrum of expertise and perspectives within the visual arts.
“We are deeply grateful to the reviewers who, on this occasion, have generously agreed to dedicate their time and expertise to supporting emerging talent. Their generosity is a powerful reminder that a more supportive and inclusive creative culture is not only possible, but already in motion. Through these acts of mentorship and solidarity, we strive to foster a community grounded in shared growth, mutual respect, and the belief that generosity can be truly transformative,” PhotoVogue says.
This initiative is an important gesture of access and inclusion. It emphasizes that support, dialogue, and shared growth are critical to nurturing the next generation of image-makers.
The virtual format also removes traditional barriers such as location and travel costs, further democratizing access to world-class feedback. For participants, the reviews offer not just critique but connection, opportunities to build confidence, clarify artistic direction, and, in many cases, develop long-term creative relationships.
In tandem with its ongoing commitment to representation and equity, PhotoVogue‘s Women by Women open call invites women to take ownership of the lens and, through it, the narrative. This initiative is not simply about who is being photographed but who holds the power to frame, interpret, and create meaning through images.
“At a time when women’s identities are under attack, when their rights and very existence are being erased, photographing women is an act of affirmation. It is a declaration that they exist, that they see, and that they are seen — on their own terms,” PhotoVogue says.
This global open call is free to enter and welcomes photography, video, and multimedia projects across all genres, including fashion, documentary, portraiture, and fine art. Selected works will receive up to $12,000 in grants, publication opportunities with Vogue, and the chance to be exhibited at the next PhotoVogue Festival. In addition, standout applicants will be eligible for virtual portfolio reviews with industry leaders — further amplifying their voices in the global photographic community.
Submissions are open through June 8 at 11:59 PM CET via Picter, and artists from around the world are encouraged to share how women see and represent each other truthfully, powerfully, and without constraint.
PhotoVogue’s latest Regional Open Call marks a vital expansion in its global mission: to amplify historically underrepresented voices and foster a more inclusive photographic landscape. In response to community feedback, PhotoVogue has broadened the scope of its regional spotlight to fully embrace the richness and complexity of East and Southeast Asia, both within the region and across its global diasporas.
This open call invites photographers and videomakers from East and Southeast Asia, as well as those who identify with this heritage, to submit work that reflects the diversity of their perspectives. Whether rooted in tradition or pushing the boundaries of contemporary expression, submissions across all visual genres are welcome, including fashion and fine art, as well as documentary, experimental, and multimedia forms.
Selected artists will receive global exposure through the Vogue platform and the PhotoVogue Festival, in addition to $8,000 in grants awarded to three outstanding projects. As part of PhotoVogue’s commitment to mentorship, selected participants will also gain access to exclusive virtual portfolio reviews with leading industry professionals, fostering meaningful dialogue and professional growth.
Submissions are free of charge and open on Picter from March 28 to June 25.
Harlowe has announced two new lights: the Mini II 20W Bi-Color LED Photography Light Kit and the Sol 5 Spectra RGBCW Mobile Light for MagSafe. Each offers unique strengths tailored to professionals and enthusiasts alike who demand quality illumination wherever creativity strikes.
The Harlowe Mini II 20 is a refined evolution of its predecessor the Mini I from 2023, delivering 12.5% more brightness with 1,800 lumens, 20% longer operating time, and greater control, all in a package that weighs just 1.07 lbs (485 grams). With a 12.5% boost in light efficiency and 20% longer runtime, this 20W Bi-Color LED light is engineered for creators who need reliable, adaptable lighting both in-studio and on the go.
“Designed for creators who demand both portability and performance, the Harlowe Mini II 20 offers professional photography lighting in a compact form. With extended operating time, boosted brightness, and a magnetic mounting system, it delivers reliable photo lighting, video lighting, and studio light solutions wherever your work takes you. Perfect for mobile shooting, studio setups, and everyday content creation,” Harlowe says.
The Mini II’s magnetic mounting system and integrated V-mount compatibility make it a versatile choice for both rig-based and improvised setups. Its adjustable, focusable 15° to 45° lens features magnetic mounts for interchangeable accessories, including barndoors, color gels, honeycombs, and domes, empowering users to shape and modify light to suit virtually any scene.
An active cooling fan ensures consistent performance during longer shoots, while app and NFC control allow for seamless wireless adjustments. Whether you’re filming an interview, lighting a product, or creating content in the field, the Mini II strikes the perfect balance between portability and professional-grade output.
Available in two configurations, the Mini II offers everything needed to get started. In addition to the Mini II 20w, the Standard kit comes with a 19.9-watt power adapter, custom-built carrying case, USB-C cable, as well as a number of accessories, including a barndoor, frosted dome, honeycomb, and four color gels. Next up, the Creator kit comes with all of the Standard Kit pieces as well as a desktop tripod, V-Mount Cold Shoe Adapter, and V-Mount Ballhead Adapter.
On the ultra-portable end of the spectrum, the Harlowe Sol 5 Spectra introduces full RGBCW lighting to mobile creators in an innovative, MagSafe-compatible form. Described by Harlowe as building on the success of the original Sol 5, the Spectra model brings a world of color into your pocket, enabling dynamic, stylized lighting effects for smartphone photography, video, and social content creation.
“The Harlowe Sol 5 Spectra Mobile Light is a compact and versatile lighting solution designed for content creators and photographers. It builds on the original Sol 5’s features while introducing an innovative enhanced version. The Bluetooth functionality allows seamless integration with our mobile app, giving you the ability to wirelessly adjust brightness and color temperature from your smartphone,” Harlowe says.
“With the addition of RGBCW lighting, you can now choose from a vast range of colors, far beyond the capabilities of the standard Bi-Color version, opening up endless creative possibilities for your mobile photography and videography.”
Weighing just 0.34 lbs and folding into a compact 3.19 x 2.68 x 1.26 inches, the Sol 5 Spectra is designed for seamless integration into any mobile setup. Its touchpad interface, Bluetooth app control, and Boost Mode provide hands-on or remote fine-tuning of brightness and temperature, while RG0 no-blue-light technology ensures safe, comfortable lighting for subjects and users alike.
In addition to the Sol 5 RGBCW & Bi-Color Light, the Standard Kit includes Frosted Dome, two Magnetic Adhesive Rings, Type-C Charging Cable, and a custom pouch, a full starter kit to open up countless creative lighting possibilities, from color washes to precise highlights. The enhanced Creator kit, which includes all the components of the Standard Kits, adds two Magic Lenses, five Magic Plates, and a Tabletop Tripod for even more creative lighting opportunities.
Whether creating content for social media, capturing vibrant mobile portraits, or adding cinematic color to B-roll footage, the Sol 5 Spectra is a compact solution with uncompromising performance. Its MagSafe-compatible design ensures secure, quick attachment to modern smartphones, making setup nearly instantaneous.
Both the Harlowe Mini II and Sol 5 Spectra exemplify Harlowe’s commitment to empowering creators with tools that are as aesthetically refined as they are technically capable. From mobile storytellers to professional image-makers, these new lighting kits offer elevated control, extended usability, and studio-quality results—anywhere inspiration strikes.
The Harlowe Sol 5 Spectra RGBCW Mobile Light for MagSafe Standard Kit $179 and Creator Kit $329, as well as the Harlowe Mini II 20W Bi-Color LED Photography Light Standard Kit $329 and Creator Kit $439 are available now.
Just a few months after Adobe brought Photoshop to mobile on iPhone, the company is launching its flagship image editing app to Android users as well via a public beta available now on the Google Play store.
Photoshop mobile is built from the ground up for smartphones, including careful tweaks to the user interface and overall user experience. The all-new Android app, like the iPhone version that arrived earlier this year, includes many of Photoshop’s photo editing and design capabilities, including a layer-based workflow, masking, and Firefly-powered generative AI features, such as Generative Fill.
“Photoshop mobile makes it easy to create wherever inspiration strikes, from designing cover art, to a video thumbnail, a vision board, or capturing an idea on the go,” Adobe explains.
The company promises that Photoshop’s new mobile app will make it easier for the next generation of creators to get started, although Adobe notes that veteran desktop users will also find many of the tools they expect on the app.
Since Photoshop mobile on Android is in beta, all its features are available for free to all users, at least for now. The beta is launching with a wide range of capabilities, including selections, layers, masks, Tap Select, Spot Healing, generative AI, Adobe Stock compatibility, Object Select, Magic Wand, and more. Adobe states that additional features are currently in development and will be added to the app “soon.”
Given that Photoshop mobile is designed with beginner and expert users alike, the app also features mobile-specific tutorials and educational content, including tips for using layers, selections, and generative AI to create better work.
“We’re excited to bring the limitless creative possibilities of Photoshop to mobile, making the app’s iconic image editing and design capabilities accessible for everyone from professional artists and designers to a whole new generation of creators trying Photoshop for the first time,” Ashley Still, senior vice president, digital media at Adobe said in February when Adobe announced Photoshop for iPhone. “Photoshop’s new mobile and web apps unlock next generation creativity, empowering creators to bring to life gorgeous photos, rich graphics and incredible art anytime, anywhere.”
Adobe Photoshop (beta) app is available now on Google Play for devices running Android 11 or later. Smartphones must have at least 6GB of RAM to run the app, although 8GB or more is recommended for optimal performance.
When the beta period ends, users should expect to pay for full access to Photoshop mobile on Android. Premium Photoshop mobile and web plans start at $7.99 per month or $69.99 annually. The premium versions of Photoshop mobile and web are included in standard Photoshop and Adobe Photography plans.
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