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…
Author: Klaus
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…
Yes, we reviewed the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2 EVO Z in E-mount already, but there’s also a Z-mount version now, so let’s check it out. For obvious reasons, we’ll take our E-mount review as a base here as well. The new EVO lineup sits in between the Viltrox Air and Pro lenses, so it gives a little and takes a little between these two poles. It’s highly competitively priced at just 275 USD / 315 EUR / 265 GBP / 399 CAD / 45,400 JPY. Mechanically, there isn’t much of a difference compared to PRO lenses, but at least this…
A short while ago, we already reviewed the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 PRO Z in Sony E-mount with pretty good results. Viltrox has just released the Nikon Z version, so let’s verify whether they can keep a consistent performance across samples – because sample variation is still a thing in the industry. Having said that, given all the similarities between the two flavors, most of the previous article has been reused. Viltrox “PRO” lenses classify their medium-upper-grade lens lineup – a step up from their new “Evo” series but a level down from “LAB”. Fortunately, this also translates to a…
SpecificationsOptical construction12 elements in 8 groups (2x aspherical, 6x ED)Number of aperture blades12min. focus distance0.28m (max magnification 1:6.9)Dimensionsφ Z: 68.8×60.0mm E: 62.6×58.8mmWeightZ: 350g, E: 325gFilter sizeφ Z: 58mm, E: 49mmHoodpetal-shapedOther featuresElectronically coupledmanual focusingMountsE-mount, Z-mountRetail Price￥140,000
Manufacturer Promo Video: SpecificationsOptical construction11 elements in 7 groupsNumber of aperture blades11min. focus distance0.65m (max magnification ?)Dimensionsφ ?Weight369gFilter sizeφ 62mmHoodpetal-shapedOther featuresUSB-C port for firmware updatesMountsE-mount, Z-mount, L-mountRetail Price$229.99 USD
Introduction Tamron has had quite a run during the last few years with an increased market share – it seem that many people like what they are offering. And they don’t stand still either with upgrades to generation 2 (G2) models. One of them is the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Review – quite a mouthful, as so often with Tamrons. Besides an ever increasing image quality, the new model incorporates Tamron’s own image stabilization system (VC = Vibration Compensation), and we can celebrate the return of some buttons and switches. The upgrades come with a moderate…
Apparently, Viltrox isn’t finished releasing lenses in 2025. This time, we’ll explore the Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 FE Pro, a designated professional-grade standard prime lens. As you might expect, the pricing isn’t quite up there with the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM. The Viltrox lens has a retail price of $549 USD, or less than half of what Sony is asking. Just in terms of build quality, the Viltrox lens doesn’t have to hide. The lens body is made of metal down to the mount. It’s not a small lens, and combined with the tough construction, it is on the…
PRESS RELEASEIntroducing the AstrHori MF 9mm F2.8 Ultra Wide-Angle Lens.Compact yet powerful, and crafted with timeless elegance, the AstrHori MF 9mm F2.8 is more than just wide — it’s a limitless extension of your creativity.Featuring a non-fisheye design, it delivers an expansive ultra-wide perspective that’s perfect for architecture, landscapes, portraits, and more. SpecificationsOptical construction11 elements in 8 groups (2x aspherical, 3x ELD)Number of aperture blades7min. focus distance0.2m (max magnification ?)Dimensionsφ 62 x 66mmWeight306.5gFilter sizeφ -Hoodbuilt-inOther featuresFully manual lensMountsRF-mount, E-mount, Z-mount, X-mount, MFTRetail Price$169/ €199/ £179