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XELMUS releases Anamorphic Lenses, Manfrotto and SmallRig have new tripods, Wooden Camera’s 12G-SDI Distribution Amplifier, and more.
Lens manufacturer XELMUS has announced a set of four S35 anamorphic lenses called the AURA 2. The lenses come with a Astigmatizers focusing system, waterfall-style bokeh, white-blue flares, a retro-style veiling glare (think films from the 1960s and 70s), minimal barrel distortion.
The XELMUS AURA 2 features a nearly complete set of focal lengths, including 30mm T2.2 (104mm front diameter), 50mm T2.2 (95mm front diameter), 75mm T2.2 (95mm front diameter), and 135mm T2.3 (95mm front diameter).
The price of the A set is $72,000 with a deposit of $36,000 to preorder. The lens maker says there is waiting period of 6-12 months before the lenses ship and the final payment owed will be due. Learn more and preorder here.
Manfrotto ONE with 500X Fluid Head Hybrid Tripod System
The new Manfrotto ONE with 500X fluid head is a carbon fiber (or aluminum) hybrid tripod aimed at content creators using mirrorless cameras for both video and stills. The 500X offers smooth pans and tilts via the Fluid Drag System (FDS), and the hinged plate can be used in landscape and portrait modes.
It also features the new XCHANGE quick release system for setups and XTEND system for quick leg release in a single motion. There is also a version of the Befree Advanced Lever that can be used with every Sony α camera.
The price of the carbon fiber version with the 500X fluid head is $879.99 while the aluminum version is $679, and is available for preorder now. Check it out at Manfrotto's site.
SmallRig x Potato Jet TRIBEX SE
While we’re talking tripods, SmallRig has a new, smaller and cheaper version of the SmallRig x Potato Jet TRIBEX hydraulic carbon fiber tripod that made some significant waves last year.
One of the ways of shaving costs is that the TRIBEX SE is made from aluminium alloy instead of the original’s carbon fibre. It can also fold down smaller than the original, making it suitable for backpacks and 28” luggage. Size and weight are similar to the original despite all that, but at $399 it is around half the price.
Launched at Cinegear it’s listed as coming soon. B&H has details.
Wooden Camera 12G-SDI Distribution Amplifier
The new 12G-SDI Distribution Amplifier from Wooden Camera allows cameras with one SDI output to send two signals. There is no latency, and each signal can be sent to a monitor or other compatible device. It features reclocking and dual power inputs (2-pin 10-32V DC input for direct connection and USB-C 5V input), plus it can be mounted easily via integrated 1/4"-20, 3/8"-16, and M2.5 threads.
The Wooden Camera 12G-SDI Distribution Amplifier can support up to 4K (2160p) at 60 fps with 10-bit color depth and HDR metadata. It ships with a 30W USB 3.0 Type-C AC adapter for plug-and-play power. It retails for $355 and is available now. Get the details here.
Dramatify adds AI Script Breakdown
Always good to highlight positive incidents of AI tools actually helping people instead of hindering their ability to, well, be creative, earn a living etc. Dramatify is an SaaS platform for production that automates workflows from show development through shooting and broadcasting. Its new AI Script Breakdown is a native feature that the company says reads any screenplay, AV script, or multi‑camera rundown and produces a fully tagged, production‑ready breakdown in under an hour.
As the company points out, a single hour‑long episode of TV can demand up to 3500 individual tags, turning what should be a creative sprint into a marathon. This should greatly simplify what has been a multi‑day, or sometimes even multi-week, task.
Win Kurt Cobain’s MTV Unplugged pick
Finally, a left-field story even for us, but this is all thanks to RØDE Founder and Chairman, Peter Freedman. He bought Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain’s 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic guitar used on the band’s iconic 1993 MTV Unplugged appearance at auction a while back for a shade over $6m.
“This guitar represents more than just a moment in time, it’s a reminder of the powerful connection between artists and their audiences,” he says. “When I bought it, I promised it wouldn’t just hang on a wall. I wanted it to be seen, to inspire, and to give back to the creative community that helped shape my life.”
It’s currently on exhibition at the Royal College of Music Museum in London until November and a plectrum found in the case when it was bought and used by Cobain is being raffled off with all proceeds going directly to supporting students and the Future Music Fund at the Royal College of Music. Entries are £5 and can be made here.
Tags: Production
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