
June always seems to be a busy month for product launches – perhaps a little less chaotic than last year (think Nikon Z6 III, Canon C400, and Panasonic GH7... you get the idea) - but we’ve still seen some major releases come through. It’s as if the industry doesn’t want us to have a moment’s peace. There’s only so much photography-related dopamine one writer can handle…
So what was the big news in June 2025? Most notably, we had another camera from Fujifilm. A second divisive camera in as many months. And a second camera that was launched was from OM SYSTEM - a new camera with a Wex-exclusive colour. We also saw lenses from Leica and Sigma, and a brand new system from Manfrotto - all of which can be found here. But we have to give a huge Wex-felt sign of respect and gratitude to Leica; as of this month, we have had 100 years of Leica, and as such as we’ve got a couple of special edition pieces.
Let’s take a look at the best new gear from June.
I’m starting off with the Manfrotto ONE tripod system - a clever, all-in-one support for photographers and videographers who want versatility without the faff. Above we have the aluminium version, but there’s also a carbon fibre variant here. With its patented XTEND system, you can set up in seconds, while the Xchange quick release lets you swap heads or accessories on the fly. The sliding, rotating centre column makes overhead shots and low angles a breeze; plus, those sturdy, non-round legs keep everything rock steady whether you’re shooting stills or smooth pans. In short, it’s a brilliant upgrade if you’re after one tripod that truly does it all.. You’ll see in our video below that our filmmaker George is a big fan!
Now to the lenses. Lightweight, bright and seriously versatile, the Leica 28–70mm f2.8 Vario-Elmarit-SL is the most compact standard zoom in the SL System, and is perfect if you want stunning image quality without lugging heavy gear around. Its constant f2.8 aperture keeps exposure and depth consistent across the range, while the advanced optical design ensures crisp detail and rich colours edge to edge. Fast, accurate autofocus and weather-sealed metal build make it reliable for both stills and video, whether you’re shooting travel, lifestyle or events. Lovely stuff.
Yet another great lens from Sigma. The Sigma 17–40mm f1.8 DC Art, available for Sony (as seen above, Fujifilm X-mount, L-mount, and Canon RF), is a fast, premium zoom designed for APS-C shooters who wnat that pro-level performance in both stills and video, at a more affordable price. It’s the first lens in its class to offer a constant f1.8 aperture, giving you brilliant low-light ability and smooth background separation throughout the zoom range. With fast, near-silent autofocus, internal zoom, assignable AFL buttons and a clickless aperture ring option, it’s a brilliant tool for hybrid creatives. All that in a compact, weather-sealed body weighing just 535g!
Okay, camera time. Fujifilm’s new X-E5 teams the brand’s most compact interchangeable lens body, delivering a portable yet powerful everyday kit. It packs the same 40.2MP X-Trans 5 HR sensor and X-Processor 5 found in the acclaimed X100VI, but adds up to 7 stops of in-body stabilisation - a first for the X-E series - making handheld shooting sharper than ever. With fast DC autofocus, smooth 6.2K video, close focusing down to 20cm and Fujifilm’s renowned Film Simulations, you’ve got fifth-generation performance in a pocketable rangefinder-style design. Think of it as the X100VI but with the freedom to swap lenses whenever inspiration strikes.
Say hello to the OM SYSTEM OM-5 Mark II in Beige; a rugged little powerhouse built for big adventures - and available in an exclusive to Wex: beige. Whether you're hiking, road-tripping or chasing golden hour on a misty morning, this compact camera is ready to go the distance. With a 20.4MP sensor, TruePic IX processor and up to 7.5 stops of stabilisation, you’ll capture crisp, steady shots even in tricky light. It’s IP53-rated for serious weather resistance - we’re talking dust, rain, and even -10°C cold. It also features OM-SYSTEM’s new Computational Photography button that puts creative effects at your fingertips. Honestly, it’s a really decent camera - it doesn’t have enormous upgrades over the original, but the elements that are different show refinement. And of course, there are a billion different lenses that you can play with thanks to the Micro Four Thirds lens mount.
100 Years of Leica
That’s right - 100 years of Leica. A century of photographic innovation, refinement, and masterful craftsmanship. To mark this milestone, Leica has released two limited-edition anniversary edition cameras: the Leica D-Lux 8 100 Years of Leica digital camera and the Leica SOFORT 2 100 Years of Leica instant camera. While technically identical to their series counterparts, these models feature a fresh design that pays tribute to the 1925 Leica 1 - the camera that transformed photography a century ago.
Both editions showcase a sleek black finish, exclusive leatherette covering, and nickel-coloured accents on the controls, lens, and lens cap. Instead of the traditional red Leica logo, the design adopts clean lines with a subtle “100” engraved on the hotshoe colour. The result is a stunning and timeless look.
About the Author
Leo White has been a member of the Wex Photo Video team since 2018, working in a variety of roles ranging from the contact centre to the product setup team. With both a photography BA and MA, Leo has a wealth of knowledge he's ready to share.