Recently, we reviewed the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2 EVO, and it turned out to be probably the best value prime in its segment. Viltrox didn’t stop there, and they’ve just released the Viltrox AF 55mm f/1.8 EVO – both in Sony E- and Nikon Z-mount. The EVO lenses sit between their PRO and AIR lenses. In many ways they are more related to the PRO lineup except for the more moderate speed. Compared to the AF 85mm f/2, Viltrox is going for a higher price at 370 USD / 429 EUR / 359 GBP / 539 CAD / 68,400 JPY,…
Author: Klaus
The Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.8 EVO is the 3rd EVO lens by Viltrox. And given that the 85mm f/2 EVO and 55mm f/1.8 EVO performed nicely, this raises some expectations. As usual, the 35mm f/1.8, available in both Nikon Z and Sony E-mount, is competitively priced at 395 USD / 459 EUR / 385 GBP/ 579 CAD /73,100 JPY, although this does represent a price hike of ~100 USD over the 85mm f/2 EOV. Technically, this is a second-generation lens, which is also printed as such on the lens. The mark I has a very different optical design, and it wasn’t…
Ref.: https://www.cosina.co.jp/voigtlander/vm-mount/apo-skopar-75mm-f2-8/ SpecificationsOptical construction7 elements in 6 groups (4x ED)Number of aperture blades10min. focus distance0.7m (max. magnification ?)Dimensionsφ 54.0 × 44.0mmWeight191gFilter sizeφ 43mmHooddome-shaped, includedAvailable MountsLeica MOther featuresAvailable in black and silverPrice¥90,000
Ref.: https://meikeglobal.com/products/5617e SpecificationsOptical construction11 Elements in 7 GroupsNumber of aperture blades9min. focus distance0.55m (max. magnification ?)Dimensionsφ 66.5 x 59.2mmWeight190gFilter sizeφ 52mmHood?Available MountsE/XOther featuresAvailable in black and whitePrice$169
Ref.: https://ttartisan.com/?af-lens/350.html SpecificationsOptical construction14 Elements in 10 Groups (2x ED, 3x HR elements)Number of aperture blades?min. focus distance0.18m (max. magnification ?)Dimensionsφ 60 x 47mmWeight161gFilter sizeφ 52mmHood?Available MountsE/XOther features-Price$149
The 600mm zoom lenses are all the rage among tele lens enthusiasts – for a good reason. However, these lenses are heavy, expensive, and, for many users, simply an overkill, which is why it makes sense for manufacturers to offer 300mm as an alternative. This is especially true for APS-C format users who can benefit from the natural crop factor. In Fujifilm land, the Fujinon XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR fills this niche. In full-format terms, this is equivalent to a “107-457mm” which is good enough for a wide array of use cases. And at around $950/800EUR, it’s…
A new pancake lens for Sony E, Nikon Z, and L-mount. SpecificationsOptical construction7 Elements in 5 GroupsNumber of aperture blades9min. focus distance0.35m (max. magnification 1:7.7)Dimensionsφ 69 x 36.2mmWeight163gFilter sizeφ 52mmHood-Available MountsE/Z/LOther features-Price$149
PRESS RELEASE March 26, 2026 – Republic of Korea – LK SAMYANG, a global optical solutions company with more than 50 years of expertise in optical technology and innovation, today announces the launch of the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE, a new addition to the Prima Series designed for hybrid creators and everyday photographers. The new lens expands the Prima Series lineup following the introduction of the AF 35mm F1.4 P FE in 2024, and the AF 16mm F2.8 P FE and AF 85mm F1.8 P FE in 2025. Built on the philosophy of portability, practicality, and usability, the Prima…
The Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a popular standard zoom range for a reason. It combines a high zoom ratio of 5 with a reasonably fast max aperture (for a zoom lens). Unlike the native f/2.8 alternatives, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg at around $1000, making it an obvious choice for enthusiasts – on paper, at least. It’s also a member of Nikon’s “S” series of lenses, which promises professional-grade qualities.Historically, this is actually Nikon’s 2nd 24-120mm f/4 lens. They are still offering the AF-S 24-120mm f/4 G ED VR for DSLR cameras – released back…
Ref.: https://myfunleader.com/ PRESS RELEASE The Story Behind the Contax G to Leica M Conversion Project The project aims to bring classic Contax G lenses, originally designed for the Contax G autofocus rangefinder system of the 1990s, to modern Leica M cameras without permanently modifying the original lenses. A Classic System The Contax G system, developed by Contax and Carl Zeiss, debuted in the mid-1990s and included several well-known lenses such as the Planar 35mm f/2, Planar 45mm f/2, and Biogon 28mm f/2.8. While the cameras themselves have long been discontinued, the lenses remain popular among photographers for their distinctive rendering…