The Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR Lens is a mid-telephoto prime lens. With a 56 mm focal length (equivalent to roughly 85 mm on full-frame), it sits in a classic portrait-oriented range. The optical layout includes multiple aspherical and low-dispersion elements and an 11-blade diaphragm. The barrel incorporates sealing against dust and moisture and is rated for operation in cooler conditions. Priced at around $1100 USD, it isn’t exactly an affordable lens, but OEM lenses this fast are rarely cheap. This WR (weather-resistant) version succeeds the earlier Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R (non-WR) in the XF lineup. Compared with the predecessor, the updated model has: The…
Author: Klaus
The Nikkor Z 180–600mm f/5.6–6.3 VR expands Nikon’s Z-mount lineup into the super-telephoto zoom range, addressing the gap for photographers requiring very long reach. Covering focal lengths from 180mm through 600mm, it is positioned squarely for wildlife, sports, and aviation use, where flexibility and reach are primary considerations. The lens also represents an evolution from Nikon’s DSLR-era AF-S 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VR. Priced at around $2000 USD, the Z 180–600mm f/5.6–6.3 VR remains just attainable for normal mortals. From a design and specification standpoint, the lens closely follows a formula that has already proven popular in the mirrorless market -…
When rumors about the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM emerged, there was lots of excitement. An ultra-large aperture lens from Canon for as little as $470USD.? We all know Canon, and Canon lenses ain’t cheap – often for good reasons. They also have some less than impressive consumer-grade lenses for little money. So into which category falls the lens at hand here? Let’s find out. The build quality is typical of Canon’s entry level offerings. The lens barrel is made of decent-quality engineering plastic based on a metal mount. The lower part of the lens feels a little hollow, but…
Today, we are discussing something very different. It’s rare that a fast, long tele prime lens finds its way into the lab – also because there are only a few of them anyway. And even fewer are available from third-party manufacturers. And it’s even more baffling that this one comes from a Chinese vendor – so let’s welcome the Laowa AF FF 200mm f/2 C-Dreamer. The lens is available for $1799 in Canon EF-mount and $1999 in Sony E- & Nikon Z-mount – so yes, it’s a hybrid design for both Canon DSLRs and mirrorless systems. Let’s see how it…
SpecificationsOptical construction12 elements in 10 groups (3x ED, 2x aspherical)Number of aperture blades9min. focus distance0.35m (max magnification 0.13x)Dimensionsφ 74x93mmWeight400gFilter size58mmHoodpetal-shapedOther featuresUSB-C port for firmware updatesDust- & moisture-resistant sealingMountsE-mount, Z-mountRetail Price$379-399 USD
SpecificationsOptical construction10 elements in 8 groups (2x ED, 2x HR)Number of aperture blades9min. focus distance0.1m (max magnification ?)Dimensionsφ 69x76mmWeight418gFilter size-Hoodbuilt-inOther featuresFully manualFisheyeMountsX-mount, E-mount, Z-mount, R-mount, MFTRetail Price$199 USD
A while ago, we already tested the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB in E-mount. Let’s have another look how it performs in Z-mount also to evaluate the consistency across multiple samples. For obvious reasons, some portions of the Sony article have been reused here.The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB is a member of their highest grade of lenses, following the great AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE/Z. Needless to say, 35mm lenses are among the most versatile out there. They can be used for anything from street photography, to nightscapes, landscapes, and even portraits. In terms of pricing, Nikon users may…
The 85mm f/1.8 class is very crowded, especially in Sony E-mount. One of the lesser known brands playing in this segment is Meike. They have been around for a number of years actually, and lately they have been releasing more and more AF lenses. One of them is the Meike AF 85mm f/1.8 Pro – a successor to the AF 85mm f/1.8 that we reviewed back in 2022. While the latter was a rather basic design, the AF 85mm f/1.8 Pro introduced more exotic glass elements and a more refined build quality and better AF. The price is moderate at…
Press release Anhui, China – November 25, 2025 – Anhui ChangGeng Optical Technology Company Limited (Venus Optics), a leading innovator in camera lens design, proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5× Macro lens. This versatile new optic empowers photographers with unparalleled creative and technical control, blending wide-angle perspective, tilt-shift functionality, and macro capabilities into a single, compact tool. Designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras and also compatible with GFX/XCD medium-format systems, the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5× Macro redefines precision imaging. Photographers can now take command of every line and perspective, from architectural grandeur to intricate tabletop…
PRESS RELEASE Thypoch today announced the pre-order of the Eureka 28mm f/2.8 ASPH, the latest addition to its vintage line of compact, high-performance pancake lenses. Following the success of the series’ inaugural 50mm lens, the new 28mm model maintains the signature blend of classic aesthetic appeal and cutting-edge optical engineering, offering photographers a wider option. Inspired by the iconic British legend – the Dallmeyer 35mm f/3.5 Anastigmat mounted on the Ilford Advocate camera, the Eureka 28mm f/2.8 ASPH embodies a heritage design re-imagined for today. The creation of this lens was born from the Thypoch team’s passion for shooting reversal…