Welcome to our round-up of the best new gear for photographers in March – and for videographers too, as this month we’ve seen plenty of exciting products for video shooters. The big one this month was a launch from Leica but that’s not to mention the lens launches that are sure to be of interest to both filmmakers and photographers. There was also the latest iteration of the Ricoh GR III, the beloved street photography camera.
It’s important to note that some of these are still up for pre-order, while others can be shipped to you immediately. Rest assured, we’ll take you through all of it below, so let’s get into our guide to the best new photo and video gear in March…
Leica SL3 Digital Camera Body
Building on Leica’s mastery of camera construction, the SL3 is a mirrorless full-frame system offering cutting-edge technology and a user-friendly interface. Its faster and more reliable Maestro IV Processor works with Triple Resolution Technology to capture stunning images at 60MP. Additionally, videographers can record 8K video with 5-axis stabilisation and impressively fast data transfer.
£5,920.00 View
The SL3 landed in March and while it may be out of reach for many - it’s a pricey camera - that doesn’t mean that we can’t appreciate what this camera brings to the table. This iteration features a range of upgrades over the SL2 including a new Mastro IV processor for faster and more reliable performance, an all-new button and menu layout, and 8K and HEVC video capabilities. These are all details that bring the SL3 to a broader cohort of shooters.
Physically, the SL3 exhibits all the hallmarks of Leica’s design mastery. Its full-metal housing is smaller and lighter than the SL2 and it comes with an IP54 rating that offers effective splash and dust resistance. But again, this camera costs a lot. Sure, it actually launched at the same price as the SL2 when that launched (just under £6,000), so for the upgrades, it is totally worth it — if you’re in the market for a Leica. There are many other options out there for much less that can capture stunning images. But it’s just not Leica, is it?
Anyway, we were fortunate enough to be invited to Leica HQ in Wetzlar, Germany, for a first look at the new Leica SL3. You can watch our video from that trip below.
Ricoh GR III HDF Digital Camera
Тhе Rісоh GR-ІІІ соmеѕ аѕ а wеlсоmе аddіtіоn tо thе Rісоh есоѕуѕtеm. Now, with a toggleable Highlight Diffusion Filter that adds a soft, radiant glow to highlights for that extra stylistic flare. Fеаturing an APS-C 24.24-mеgаріхеl ѕеnѕоr wіth а nеw роwеrful GR ЕNGІNЕ 6. With a wіdе-аnglе 28mm equal. f2.8 lеns, сараblе оf рrоduсіng ѕtunnіng street, architecture and іmаgеrу.
£1,049.00 View
Ricoh GR IIIx HDF Digital Camera
Таіlоrеd tо trаvеl, ѕtrееt, аnd ѕnарѕhоt рhоtоgrарhу, thе Rісоh GR ІІІх сеntrеѕ аrоund а vеrѕаtіlе 26.1mm f2.8 lеnѕ (еquіv. 40mm іn 35mm fоrmаt) аnd ехраnѕіvе АРЅ-С-fоrmаt СМОЅ іmаgе ѕеnѕоr. Now, with a toggleable Highlight Diffusion Filter that adds a soft, radiant glow to highlights for that extra stylistic flare, bасkеd uр bу аn іntuіtіvе НD 3.0-іnсh LСD mоnіtоr аnd ѕuреr-fаѕt 0.8-ѕесоnd ѕtаrtuр ѕрееd.
£1,099.00 View
The two other cameras released this month were the next iterations of the Ricoh GR series. The Ricoh GR III HDF and GR IIIx HDF don’t differ all that much from the Ricoh GR III but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If it is ain’t broke’, don’t fix it. They have the same sensor, image stabilisation, LCD and AF system. The two new cameras differ from each other in that the GR III HDF has the same 18.3mm f2.8 lens as the standard GR III (equiv. to 28mm in 35mm format) but the GR IIIx has a newly developed 26.1 mm f2.8 that offers a 40mm equiv. In full-frame format. This focal length is specifically designed to mimic the view of the human eye, providing a natural shooting perspective. For current Ricoh GR users, this new focal length will open up a range of new creative options which are complimented by the GR III’s small, pocketable form factor.
Other than this lens difference, these two new cameras feature Ricoh’s built-in Highlight Diffusion Filter (HDF). The filter is designed to provide the option to choose between a high-resolution, high-contrast image or a softer, more expressive photo that creates a sense of depth. For street photographers, the choice to change up your shooting and experiment with different looks will be a very welcome one!
Sigma 50mm f1.2 DG DN I Art Lens for Sony E
The 50mm f1.2 DG DN I Art Lens is the lightest fast-aperture prime in its class, boasting the highest level of optical performance in the Sigma Art line. With unrivalled resolving power, Sigma’s first 13-blade aperture delivering stunningly spherical bokeh, and Dual HLA motors for rapid and reliable focusing all packed into a 740g body, photographers can use this versatile optic anywhere, anytime.
£1,299.00 View
Sigma 50mm f1.2 DG DN I Art Lens for L-Mount
The 50mm f1.2 DG DN I Art Lens is the lightest fast-aperture prime in its class, boasting the highest level of optical performance in the Sigma Art line. With unrivalled resolving power, Sigma’s first 13-blade aperture delivering stunningly spherical bokeh, and Dual HLA motors for rapid and reliable focusing all packed into a 745g body, photographers can use this versatile optic anywhere, anytime.
£1,299.00 View
The next big release was the Sigma 50mm f1.2 DG DN I Art Lens. This lens joins the much-loved 85mm Art lens that both photographers and filmmakers across the industry use. As a Sigma Art lens, it is built to an incredible standard and offers beautiful bokeh and a level of image quality that anyone can appreciate.
Available in L-Mount and Sony E-mount, this lens is primarily designed for portrait photography. Its maximum f1.2 aperture enables precise control of depth of field and produces the signature Sigma Art bokeh look. And, its dual HLA motor ensures fast, quiet, and accurate focusing; and the combination of these features enables this lens to excel in both stills and video.
Our content team had an afternoon to play with this lens and made this first-look video for you to check out.
Nikon Z 28-400mm f4-8 VR Lens
The Nikon Z 28-400mm f4-8 VR Lens is an impressive 14.2x super-telephoto zoom lens with a lightweight, compact design. This fast, full-frame mirrorless lens offers stellar optical performance at any distance and ensures a vast range of coverage from as close as 0.2m at 28mm to the super-zoom capabilities of 400mm. Fast autofocus and near-silent operation also ensure discreet shooting with no noise.
£1,399.00 View
Nikon is well-versed in building superzoom lenses. A mere glance at our Nikon lens category will demonstrate that. This new 28-400mm f4-8 VR Lens for Nikon’s mirrorless Z cameras is something of a masterpiece when it comes to superzooms. Naturally, it offers a huge focal range and it doesn’t compromise on image quality. Despite the complicated optical pathways needed to achieve such focal ranges, the optics have been expertly optimised and thanks to Nikon’s special lens coatings, this lens can capture some excellent detail without next to zero flare or ghosting.
Its aperture range isn’t anything too special but it can still produce a pleasing sense of depth of field, but bokeh isn’t out of this world — you can’t have everything in and this lens is about focal versatility. Size-wise, to achieve that optical range, this lens is quite long in comparison to other superzooms but again, that is a compromise you have to make. What we do like about this lens is how impressively lightweight it is. It weighs 725g and pairs well with the Z6, Z7 and Z8. So, while it’ll take up more space in your bag, it’s lightweight and you’ll likely only need this one lens when travelling.
Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Nikon Z
Capture high-resolution video and stills with the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Nikon Z, an everyday lens for Nikon full-frame mirrorless cameras. This compact and versatile zoom lens has an AF drive with Tamron’s rapid, silent linear motor focus mechanism VXD for high-speed, precise results. With a MOD of 0.18m and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7, it excels at shooting close-ups.
£849.00 View
This is a lens that has been around for a while but is now available for Nikon Z. Sony users have shouted about how much they love the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2 and that’s likely why Tamron designed this version for Nikon users. If the Sony version is anything to go by, this lens offers incredible resolution and simply awesome performance across the board. It’s lightweight, compact and its focal range caters to most users’ needs.
Of course, aside from its optical quality, the constant f2.8 is where this lens excels. That aperture, complimented by the premium optics, produces sharp images across the focal range. And, because the aperture is constant, it’s much easier to use this lens in low light conditions when compared to similar lenses on the market. If you’re a Nikon Z user, this is a lens to consider.
Shure MoveMic MV-ONE Wireless Lavalier System
Shure’s decades of audio experience have culminated in the MoveMic family of microphones, providing unmatched reliability and durability. This impressively compact mic weighs just 8g and comes with a charging case which provides up to 24 hours of battery life. With built-in proprietary wireless software and custom acoustic design, the MV-ONE system is the perfect choice for recording wireless audio.
£259.00 View
Shure MoveMic MV-TWO-KIT Wireless Lavalier System
The impressively compact Shure MoveMic MV-TWO-KIT Wireless Lavalier System includes two microphones, a receiver, and a charging case. The mic weighs just 8g and the case provides up to 24 hours of battery. The receiver connects to your camera and has a digital display. With built-in proprietary wireless software and custom acoustic design, the MV-TWO-KIT system is the perfect wireless audio choice.
£499.00 View
Shure MoveMic MV-TWO Wireless Lavalier System
Shure’s decades of audio experience have culminated in the MoveMic family of microphones, providing unmatched reliability and durability. The two compact mics weigh just 8g each and come with a charging case which provides up to 24 hrs of battery life. With built-in proprietary wireless software and custom acoustic design, the MV-TWO system is the perfect choice for recording wireless audio.
£349.00 View
The Shure MoveMic MV-ONE Wireless Lavalier System is another fantastic Shure product to hit our shelves and another wireless Lavalier system to enter a saturated microphone market. So what sets this set aside from the others? One thing's for Shure, its proprietary in-app Bluetooth technology prioritises audio input which in turn, ensures reliable, broadcast-quality sound that other options do not offer. The app connectivity allows you to record with or without a receiver as well as change your levels (gain, limiter, compression etc.) on the fly. But it’s important to note that you cannot record to cameras, computers or third-party apps without the receiver.
As with most Lavalier systems, discretion is key and this kit is super-compact and portable meaning it’s easily hidden on-camera. It’s also got a crazy-impressive battery life of 24hrs on a single charge; so there’s no chance of failure while recording. It also has an IPX4 rating that protects it from rain and splashes so you can continue recording when the weather turns.
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.
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