Focus Shift - June 2025

Focus Shift - June 2025

As the summer sun stretches its fingers across the landscape and the days grow longer, photographers find themselves spoiled for choice with a fresh wave of releases. June has delivered a beautifully curated selection of cameras, lenses and accessories that cater to a wide range of creative needs. From lightweight mirrorless bodies designed for travel to artfully engineered tripods and evocative new film stock, this month’s lineup balances cutting edge digital innovation with a nostalgic nod to analogue roots. Here’s a closer look at the most intriguing new arrivals in the world of photography this June.

OM SYSTEM OM-5 Mark II
OM System continues to refine the Micro Four Thirds format with the introduction of the OM-5 Mark II, a mirrorless body that builds on the philosophy of compact capability. Designed with travel and adventure in mind, the Mark II keeps the robust weather sealing that made its predecessor a favourite among outdoor shooters. This new model now boasts improved image stabilisation, delivering up to 8 stops of compensation when paired with compatible lenses, a remarkable upgrade that further cements its position as a go-anywhere creative tool.

The sensor remains a 20-megapixel Live MOS chip, but the processing engine has seen a refresh, enhancing autofocus tracking and allowing for snappier response times. The camera supports handheld high-res shooting, capturing 50-megapixel equivalent images without the need for a tripod. Its Live ND filter simulation remains a highlight for long exposure lovers. With its compact form, sturdy feel and thoughtful updates, the OM-5 Mark II is a quietly confident travel companion, made for those who want to document life on the move without sacrificing quality.

Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC DN Art
Sigma has turned heads once again with the release of the 17-40mm F1.8 DC DN Art lens, a piece of glass that delivers both versatility and brightness in equal measure. Aimed squarely at APS-C users, this lens offers a zoom range ideal for everything from wide landscape vistas to more intimate environmental portraits. The constant aperture of F1.8 throughout the zoom range is a technical feat, and one that opens doors for low light shooting and pleasing subject separation.

It is available in the following fittings: Sony E-Mount, L-Mount, Fujifilm X-Mount and Canon RF-S, and what sets this lens apart is its commitment to image quality at every focal length. Sigma’s Art series has long been revered for its optical excellence, and this new addition is no exception. Sharpness is superb across the frame, chromatic aberration is well controlled and the bokeh rendered at wider apertures has a smooth, natural character. Despite the wide maximum aperture and solid construction, the lens manages to stay reasonably compact and well balanced on smaller mirrorless bodies. It’s an exciting option for video work too, thanks to internal focusing and a design optimised for minimal focus breathing.

Fujifilm X-E5
Fujifilm’s X-E series returns in a streamlined form with the X-E5, a rangefinder-style body that blends vintage aesthetics with modern power. This release sees the X-E line step into the current generation with the latest 40-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and X-Processor 5, the same found in more expensive siblings like the X-T5 and X-H2. The result is a camera that punches well above its weight in terms of image quality.

The X-E5 sticks to its minimalist roots with a pared down design and a compact chassis, making it an ideal everyday or travel camera for those who value discretion and simplicity. The rear screen is now tiltable, a long-awaited addition, and autofocus performance has improved significantly with subject detection now able to recognise faces, eyes, animals and vehicles. Film simulations remain a major draw, and the X-E5 delivers all the latest options including Nostalgic Neg and Reala Ace. Whether you’re an enthusiast looking for a creative outlet or a street photographer after a pocketable companion, the X-E5 stands out as one of the most charming and capable APS-C bodies of the year.

Fujifilm XF 23mm F2.8 R WR
Launching alongside the X-E5 is a new prime that feels perfectly tailored to the system. The XF 23mm F2.8 R WR builds on the success of Fujifilm’s compact lens offerings, offering a 35mm equivalent field of view and a fast aperture in a svelte, weather-resistant design. This is a lens made for photographers who value both image quality and portability..

Its optical performance is clean and consistent, with sharpness across the frame and well-controlled distortion. The bokeh is perhaps not as pronounced as one might find on an F1.4 version, but for many shooters, the trade-off in size and weight is more than worth it. The build quality feels premium, with a smooth aperture ring and solid metal barrel that complements Fujifilm’s retro body styling. This is the kind of lens that begs to be taken everywhere, ideal for candid street moments, travel snapshots or everyday documentary work.

Leica Monopan 50 Film
For those more serious about their film work, Leica has introduced a new black and white emulsion that caters to fine art sensibilities. The Monopan 50 is a low-speed monochrome film stock that promises extraordinary tonal range, tight grain and high resolution. With its ISO 50 rating, it’s not the most forgiving option in lower light, but the results speak for themselves when used in controlled or well-lit conditions.

Its optical performance is clean and consistent, with sharpness across the frame and well-controlled distortion. The bokeh is perhaps not as pronounced as one might find on an F1.4 version, but for many shooters, the trade-off in size and weight is more than worth it. The build quality feels premium, with a smooth aperture ring and solid metal barrel that complements Fujifilm’s retro body styling. This is the kind of lens that begs to be taken everywhere, ideal for candid street moments, travel snapshots or everyday documentary work.

Manfrotto ONE CF and Al Tripods
Manfrotto has long been a trusted name for support systems, and the new ONE series tripods are a continuation of that legacy, offering strong performance in both carbon fibre and aluminium variants. These tripods are designed to be adaptable and lightweight, with a quick setup mechanism that allows for rapid deployment, a feature especially appreciated in dynamic shooting environments.

The carbon fibre version offers the benefit of lighter weight and better vibration damping, making it ideal for travel and landscape photographers who cover a lot of ground. The aluminium model retains solid build quality at a more accessible price point, suitable for those who don’t mind a few extra grams in exchange for durability. Both versions feature a compact folding design, intuitive leg locks and a stable platform that can accommodate a variety of heads. Whether you’re shooting time-lapses at golden hour or long exposures under the stars, the Manfrotto ONE series gives you confidence in your setup without weighing you down.

June’s offerings are a compelling reminder of the breadth and depth of the photography world. Whether you're exploring the high-tech potential of modern mirrorless bodies, delighting in a playful nod to cartoon nostalgia, or discovering new creative dimensions through film, there’s something here to capture the imagination. As ever, the tools we choose shape the way we see, and with gear like this, the possibilities are endless.