Introduction The newest kid in Viltrox’s ever-growing list of prime lenses is the AF 15mm f/1.8 Air XF – an APS-C format wide-angle lens equivalent to roughly “23mm f/2.6” (full format). It’s a quite attractive focal length with applications such as landscape, architecture, or street photography. It is available in E-, Z-, and X-mount for 239 USD / 269 EUR / 229 GBP / 335 CAD / 39,000 JPY, which is very affordable compared to OEM standards. We’ll discuss the X-mount version in this review. The 15mm f/1.7 is a member of the “Air” lineup which is about delivering affordable…
Author: Klaus
Introduction It appears that Sony can’t get enough ultra-wide lenses. The next one in line is the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G. It’s a slightly longer alternative to the FE 14mm f/1.8 GM. Unlike its GM cousin, it doesn’t have a bulb-like front element, so using filters is an option here. As you might expect, the G lens is somewhat more attractively priced at $800 USD / 1000EUR. Upon first contact, you will certainly appreciate the (more) compact dimensions and low(er) weight. Realizing a 16mm f/1.8 in such a small package is quite an achievement – assuming that Sony managed…
Press Release “Meet the Next Generation of Joseph Petzval. Designed for Sony E, Canon RF & Nikon Z mounts, we have reimagined Joseph Petzval’s iconic portrait lens in a series of five focal lengths introducing the focus-coupled bokeh control technology and gear compatibility to follow-focus equipment, for the most immersive Petzval look yet. The Joseph Petzval 35 mm f/2, 55 mm f/1.7 and 80.5 mm f/1.9 are already available to purchase – with the 35 mm and 80.5 mm coming to the full-frame mirrorless world for the very first time.” Ref.: https://shop.lomography.com/lenses/petzval 35mm f/2 SpecificationsOptical construction5 Elements in 3 Groups, Petzval DesignNumber…
“LK Samyang representatives stated, “The Prima Series is designed to be the primary and most frequently used lens for creators. These new lenses offer exceptional portability, durability, and optical performance, making them essential companions for both everyday shooting and creative projects.” The AF 16mm F2.8 P FE and AF 85mm F1.8 P FE will be available starting July 15, 2025, through major online and offline retail channels worldwide.’ AF 16mm F1.8 P FE Press release:”Measuring 70.5mm in length and weighing 207g, this lightweight lens offers exceptional portability and practicality. Its expansive 16mm field of view, coupled with a minimum focusing distance of 0.12m and…
Ref.: https://www.tamron.com/global/consumer/news/detail/a064_20250701.html SpecificationsOptical construction16 elements in 12 groups (1x XLD, 2x LD, 3x GM aspherical)Number of aperture blades9 (rounded)min. focus distance0.19-0.3m (max magnification 1:5.4 (WIDE) / 1:7 (TELE))DimensionsΦ 74.8 x 101.8mmWeight440gFilter sizeΦ 67mmHoodpetal-shapedOther featuresAstro Focus Lock (Astro FC-L)Internal ZoomAF lock buttonmoisture-resistantUSB-C port for firmware upgradesMountsSony E, Nikon ZRetail Price$929 USD / €?
Laowa is a master of extreme and/or unusual lens designs. The new Laowa AF 12mm f/2.8 FF II Zero-D is one of them. It’s basically a more sane variant of their 10mm f/2.8. We’ve seen a few ultra-wide zoom lenses this wide (in Sony E- and Canon RF mount at least) but these are ginormous beasts, whereas Laowa managed to deliver a pretty compact and light-weight lens here. And it’s not completely out of reach for most mortals at a price of $699USD. The AF version is available in Sony E- and Nikon Z-mount, whereas manual-only versions are also available…
Ref.: https://thypoch.com/products/simera/simera-21mm SpecificationsOptical construction13 elements in 11 groups (2x aspherical, 3x ED, 3x HRI)Number of aperture blades14 min. focus distance0.23m (max magnification ?)DimensionsΦ ?Weight427gFilter sizeΦ 62mmHoodsquare-shapedOther featuresFloating systemAperture ring (de-clickable)Fully manualBlack and Silver versionMountsLeica M (adaptable to other mounts)Retail Price$999 USD / €889
Ref.: https://www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-8-15mm-f-2-8-ff-zoom-fisheye-2/ SpecificationsOptical construction13 elements in 9 groupsNumber of aperture blades9min. focus distance0.16m (max magnification ?)DimensionsΦ 76.4 x 94.5mmWeight650gFilter size-Hood-Other featuresAperture ring (de-clickable)Fully manualMountsE , Z , L , RFRetail Price$699 USD /
Ref.: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/a025_17_40_18/ SpecificationsOptical construction17 elements in 11 groups (4x SLD, 4x aspherical elements)Number of aperture blades11 (rounded)min. focus distance0.28m (max magnification 1:4.8)DimensionsΦ 72.9mm x 117.9mmWeight525gFilter sizeΦ 67mmHoodpetal-shapedOther featuresInner zoomingAperture ring (de-clickable)Dust- and splash-resistant2x AF lock buttonsMountsE-mount, X-mount, RF-mount, L-mountRetail Price$919 USD / €999
Viltrox is obviously busy ramping up their high-speed prime lens offering. Recently, we reviewed their great AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE. And now, they’ve got a new contender to the crown in the medium tele segment – the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.4 PRO FE. Viltrox “PRO” lenses classify their medium grade lens lineup – a step up from their “Air” series, but a level down from the LABs. Fortunately, this also translates to a quite attractive price point of $598 USD or 669 EUR (£569, $869 CAD, ￥98,600). So let’s see what you could get for your hard-earned money. The…