Last week review 17-2024
Weekly review 17-2024 and this week it’s quite cold, but not surprising in April 😉
This week’s topic was mounts, specifically the Hawklock system from Smallrig. While you have L-bracket quick-release plates for cameras to quickly attach the camera to a tripod, this is a bit of a problem with accessories, such as an LED light, microphone or external monitor, because the plates and bases are usually much too large.
The Hawklock system offers exactly the right size for this, because both the plates, well plates would be more correct, and the bases measuring just under 3×3 cm are made for attaching accessories. They fit perfectly under a microphone or an external monitor and if you then have the right base on a lamp stand, for example, you can quickly snap the accessory into place and securely attach it.
Unfortunately, this system is not inexpensive, as one unit costs around €25, and if you need several, it adds up very quickly. On the other hand, you no longer have to fiddle around with attaching an accessory to the thread of a lamp stand, for example..
Canon is having a hard time with lenses from third-party manufacturers. But now Sigma has announced that it will soon be releasing several lenses with RF mounts. These are lenses for APS-C, e.g. an 18-50mm/2.8, 10-18mm/2.8, and lenses with a focal length of 16, 23, 30 and 56mm, each with an aperture of f 1.4.
I particularly like the gradation of the two zoom lenses and also the consistent speed of f 2.8. The fixed focal lengths will certainly also be very attractive if the prices are around where they are with other connections.
New iPads will then probably be presented on May 7th. There will probably be an iPad Pro with the M3 chip and possibly an iPad Air with the M2 chip. This differentiation suggests to me that they also want to increase the price gap to the Pro models with the M3 chip. I have a Macbook Air with the M1 and that doesn’t make me want to chase after a new iPad, especially as I still feel well equipped with my “old” one.
All in all, another very eventful week. I hope you enjoy the articles and look forward to your questions and comments.
ciao tuxoche
