Sony Middle East and Africa has unveiled two groundbreaking lenses—the FE 16mm F1.8 G (SEL16F18G) and the FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS (SEL400800G)—designed to elevate photography and videography experiences for creators and professionals alike. Both lenses bring advanced capabilities, state-of-the-art technology, and unmatched optical performance to Sony’s Alpha series camera ecosystem.

FE 16mm F1.8 G (SEL16F18G)
The FE 16mm F1.8 G is a premium G Lens that combines high-resolution ultra-wide angles with a lightweight, portable design. This makes it ideal for shooting dynamic landscapes, architecture, starry skies, and even close-ups. With its advanced optical construction, the lens ensures sharp image resolution across the frame and eliminates chromatic aberration, thanks to features like:

1. Two AA (Advanced Aspherical) elements for sharpness at all apertures.
2. Super ED and ED glass elements to minimize distortions.
3. Optimized coatings to suppress flare and ghosting.

With a large F1.8 maximum aperture and an 11-blade circular diaphragm, the lens produces exceptional bokeh. It also boasts a close focusing distance of 0.15m (AF) and 0.13m (MF), allowing creators to explore unique angles and creative depths. Designed for portability, the lens weighs only 304g (10.8 oz) and measures 73.8 x 75 mm, making it perfect for landscapes, architecture, and astrophotography.

For professionals shooting fast-moving subjects, its two XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors provide rapid, precise autofocus with minimal noise, ensuring seamless performance for both stills and video. Additionally, features like reduced focus breathing and in-body Active Mode stabilization make it a reliable choice for video creators. The lens offers intuitive controls, including a focus hold button, aperture ring, and dust-resistant build, ensuring excellent reliability for diverse shooting conditions.

FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS (SEL400800G)
Sony has introduced its first 800mm super-telephoto zoom lens, the FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS. Engineered for professionals shooting wildlife, sports, and landscapes, this Alpha lens covers a versatile 400mm to 800mm zoom range. The maximum focal length can be extended to 1600mm with Sony’s 2x teleconverter, offering unparalleled reach without compromising image quality. Designed with an inner-zoom mechanism, the lens maintains a consistent length for stable balance and effortless handling, even during handheld shooting. With its lightweight build and ergonomic design, it’s a go-to choice for professionals on the move.

Key features include:

1. Six ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements to control chromatic aberration and deliver sharp, vibrant images.
2. 11-blade circular aperture for smooth, natural bokeh.
3. Precision linear motors for fast and accurate autofocus, perfect for tracking dynamic subjects such as birds or athletes.

he lens also incorporates Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to prevent shake-induced blur and is optimized for use with Alpha bodies offering in-body stabilization.

Both lenses feature thoughtful design elements to improve usability and reliability in diverse shooting environments. From focus hold buttons and customizable switches to fluorine-coated front elements that resist dirt and dust, the lenses are built for rigorous professional use. Additionally, the FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS offers a redesigned lens hood with a lock button for added security.

The FE 16mm F1.8 G lens will be available in selected Middle Eastern countries starting April 2025. The FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS lens will hit the market in March 2025.

FUJIFILM has announced the launch of the “instax mini Evo™ FUJIFILM 90th Anniversary Special Kit”, the limited edition of instax mini Evo, a flagship model of the instax series of instant cameras, in the MENA region. The Special Kit is limited to 30,000 units worldwide to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Fujifilm Group. The camera body is available in the colour ‘TITANIUM GOLD’, while the Special Kit includes a lens cap and strap, offering a premium look.

The mini Evo is a hybrid instant camera incorporating digital technology, and supporting the card-size mini format film released in 2021. It comes with ten lens effects including Soft Focus and Light Leak as well as ten film effects including Monochrome and Retro. These two types of effects can be combined freely to create 100 different shooting effects so that users can express their emotions through instax prints. The camera body sports a premium and classical look and is characterized by analogue-like operability using the lens dial, film dial and print lever, designed with attention to detail such as operation noise. In June 2023, Fujifilm added Brown as a new colour to Black.

The Fujifilm Group, established in 1934 with the mission of producing photographic film for the Japanese domestic market, celebrated 90th anniversary on January 20, 2024. To commemorate this milestone, Fujifilm has introduced the “Special Edition” to instax series, expanding the world of the “instax” instant photo system that allows people to enjoy on-the-spot photo printing. instax mini Evo is available across all MENA markets for $229 (excluding VAT).

FUJIFILM Corporation has announced that the instax WIDE 400TM (WIDE 400), part of the instax series of analogue instant cameras, will be available on the 15th of September across all the stores in the MENA region. The “WIDE 400” is the successor model to instax WIDE 300™ which was released in 2014. This analogue instant camera is designed to be compatible with double-card-sized wide-format film. The simple operation of turning the power on with a single left turn holding the camera and pressing the shutter button enables users to snap wide-format photos. In addition, the new self-timer function enhances the convenience of capturing group shots, maximizing the enjoyment of wide-format photography.

Since its original launch in 1998, the instax series of instant cameras embraced trends and evolving technologies with time and expanded its lineup to include not only analogue instant cameras but also hybrid instant cameras using digital technology, smartphone printers and palm-sized digital cameras. The instax continues to offer diverse ways to enjoy photography, broadening the user base from young women to men and middle-aged consumers.

Wide-format film offers the ability to capture a broader range of photographic scenes, making it particularly well-suited for group shots and landscape photography. Its unique capability to encompass both the subject and the surrounding environment allows for the creation of captivating images that convey the complete atmosphere and story of the moment captured. This feature expands the possibilities for photographic expression, making wide-format film a globally embraced format.

Main features:

1. Analogue instant camera compatible with the wide format: “WIDE 400” features simple operation. Just a single left turn powers it on, and users can take wide-format photos by holding the camera and pressing the shutter button. For capturing distant scenery at a distance of three meters or more, turn the lens in the same direction to switch to the landscape mode, ensuring clear pictures. Furthermore, the camera package includes a close-up lens, allowing users to capture subjects as close as 40 cm without any blurriness or focus problems.
2. Introducing a lever-operated self-timer designed to enhance analog usability: Positioned on the front of the camera, this self-timer offers a user-friendly experience. By simply turning the lever, a sequence of LEDs illuminates, allowing the adjustment of the self-timer for up to 10 seconds. Once the shutter button is pressed, a countdown begins, with the LEDs diminishing at an interval of two seconds. The charm of capturing memorable group shots is elevated with the tactile act of turning the lever and the subtle timer sound, emphasizing the pleasure of analogue photography.
3. Including the camera angle adjustment accessory: The addition of the “Camera Angle Adjustment Accessory” makes it possible to adjust the camera angle and easily enjoy self-timer shooting without the need for a tripod. This accessory offers two different angles that can be attached according to the height of the subject.

The Fujifilm instax WIDE 400 is available across all MENA markets for the price of $160.