The old Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM is a good lens. However, it isn’t exceptional. Sony got the message and released the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II which is supposed to improve across all aspects … except, of course, the price tag. At $1850 USD, the GM II has to deliver, so let’s see.You may be in for a surprise upon first contact. Historically, 85mm f/1.4 lenses tend to be bricks, but the Sony lens is comparatively compact and lightweight at just 642g. The build quality is still excellent. The used engineering plastics feel very solid. Sony incorporated extensive weather-sealing,…
Author: Klaus
The Fujinon XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR is another high-performance prime lens by Fujifilm. In shape and build quality it resembles the other f/1.4 lenses in their lineup – namely the XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR and XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR. These three cousins would make a nice combo for street photography if that’s your thing. But, of course, the scope is much broader than just this. The pricing is also pretty similar sitting at around $1050 USD. That’s not at the affordable end, so let’s see whether the lens is worth it.The build quality is,…
Ref.: https://7artisans.store/products/af-135mm-f1-8-full-frame-lens-for-e-z-l SpecificationsOptical construction16 elements in 13 groups (6x ED, 5x HR)Number of aperture blades12min. focus distance0.68m (max. magnification 0.25x)Dimensionsφ 86.7 x 149.0mmWeight1014gFilter size82mmHoodbarrel-shaped, suppliedAvailable MountsSony E, Nikon Z, L-mountOther featuresUSB-C port for firmware updatesControl-ring (Nikon Z)Aperture ring 2 Fn buttonsMount gasketPrice689 USD
The Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 R is beloved for its smooth rendering characteristics among many Fujifilm users – despite being ancient by now. However, it’s not really a high-performance standard prime lens. For this purpose Fujifilm has another lens up its sleeve – the Fujinon XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR. High performance comes at a price – literally – so you will have to invest $950 for the privilege. However, the build quality matches the price tag. It’s an all-metal lens body with weather-sealing, hence the “WR” (weather-resistant) in the name, and it’s even freeze-proof down to -10C. The…
Speed is nice, more speed is better. So let’s meet the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S. Actually, it’s not the fastest standard prime lens in the Nikon lens line up – this glory goes to the Nikkor Z 50mm f/0.95 NOCT but you are probably not prepared to pay almost ten grand for this manual focus marvel. The Z 50mm f/1.2 S is already not exactly cheap at over $2000 USD.Upon first contact, you will notice that Z 50mm f/1.2 S is a brick of a lens. It weighs over 1 kg and it’s also quite long for what it…
The Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S was released back in 2019 so it’s not exactly a newcomer anymore. At the time, it was certainly a special lens. It offers an extremely wide angle of view – even by today’s standards – and it allows conventional filters to be attached. Many zoom lenses this wide still rely on a bulb-like front element. It’s not a cheap lens at $1100 USD but there aren’t many options around in this segment either. In terms of build quality, it resembles the Z 24-70mm f/4 S. To minimize the size during transport, it uses a…
Ref.: https://www.lksamyang.com/en/product/product-view.php?seq=690 PRESS RELEASE LK SAMYANG Introduces AF 60-180mm F2.8 FE Completing an Ultra-Light Compact Zoom System with Three Lenses June 25, 2026 – South Korea, LK SAMYANG, a global optical specialist, announces the upcoming launch of the AF 60-180mm F2.8 FE, developed in collaboration with Schneider-Kreuznach, completing its “Compact Zoom Series.The Compact Zoom Series is a zoom lens lineup from LK Samyang designed to redefine the balance between performance and portability. While camera and lens performance has continuously improved, the resulting increase in weight has also become a concern. In particular, for creators who need to carry multiple lenses…
Ref.: https://www.tamron.com/global/consumer/news/detail/b070rf_z_20260624.html PRESS RELEASE The 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Model B070) is a fast aperture standard zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras. It’s engineered to deliver both a broad zoom range and excellent image quality. With a focal length range of 17-70mm,1 it achieves a 4.1x zoom ratio, class-leading for an APS-C standard zoom lens, while maintaining a fast, constant maximum aperture of F2.8. The 17-70mm F2.8 VC includes VC (Vibration Compensation), and a fast, quiet AF2 system. With focus breathing and AF noise effectively suppressed, the 17-70mm F2.8 VC is optimized for both stills and video shooting. Despite offering…
Yes, we are very late with this review. The Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S was released back in 2020, and Nikon has released its successor meanwhile. However, better late than never so let’s go for it — also because the lens is readily available in the used market and some shops may still have some in stock as of the time of this writing.The lens body is based on high-quality engineering plastics over a magnesium alloy chassis. Just like all other S-class lenses, the internals are extensively sealed against the elements. Nikon didn’t go for the smallest physical dimensions and…
Every once in a while, manufacturers produce something that is more like a tech statement rather than a product that they expect to sell in volumes. For Fujifilm the Fujinon XF 50mm f/1 R WR does certainly fall into this category – more so for an APS-C system. If you require lenses this fast for your workflow, you should probably have a deep look into full-format options where equivalent lenses are far more common and also more affordable. Speaking in terms of dreadful equivalency, the XF 50mm f/1 resembles a full-format “76mm f/1.5” thus it’s a moderate tele lens in…
Usually we don’t really test high-end tele primes because besides getting one for testing isn’t trivial and these lenses rarely face any competition from third-party vendors. However, the Fujinon XF 200mm f/2 R LM OIS WR came along the way so who are we to argue …With a price tag of $5000 USD, the lens is obviously targeting professional users. However, on the positive side you do not only get the lens; Fujifilm also includes a 1.4x teleconverter at no extra cost. In equivalent full-format terms, we are talking about a “305mm f/3” (or “427mm f/4.2” with 1.4x) making it…
The Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is another lens with old test data in our storage that we didn’t publish so far (for complicated reasons), but better late than never I suppose. Obviously, it is, or was, Nikon’s professional-grade standard zoom lens. Meanwhile Nikon released a Mk II version. However, this older version can still be found new for around $2000 USD at some dealers and there’s obviously the used market.The exterior shell of the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is based on high-quality engineering plastics over a magnesium alloy structural internal chassis. Typical for most pro-grade lenses, it is…
Our review of the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S feels almost like doing time travel. It was the first Nikkor released in Z-mount back in 2018. And yes, we are late with this one. A colleague had the test data in storage for years actually, but life got in the way as it sometimes happens. This review is actually part of a longer series based on such accumulated test data that we’ll release in the coming weeks.A bit of a surprising aspect of the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S is that it’s both a kit lens as well as a…
Viltrox is busy filling all the prime lens niches that they can find. This time they found the 90mm focal length for APS-C format cameras. So let’s meet the Viltrox AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO, equivalent to an 137mm f/3.3 lens in full format terms. It’s available in Sony E, Nikon Z as well as Fujifilm X mount with the latter version being discussed here. In Fujifilm X mount, it’s placed directly against the Fujinon XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR, one of the highest-rated lenses that we ever tested (albeit that was back in the day on 16 megapixels). While…
New, dedicated APS-C format prime lenses from OEMs have become a bit of a rare sight outside the Fujifilm ecosystem. However, Viltrox has been putting some new life into this format lately. Besides the AF 90mm f/2.2 EVO, Viltrox just released the Viltrox AF 75mm f/1.8 EVO – again available in E-, Z- and X-mount. We’ve tested the E-mount version for this review. In full-format terms it’s equivalent to a 114mm f/2.7 putting it in between the classic 56mm (FF “85mm”) and 90m (FF “135mm”) focal lengths. Just like the other EVO lenses, it is very competitively priced at just…
Thypoch (derived from “Thy” = “your” and “Epoch” = “era”) is a fairly recent addition to the fleet of Chinese lens manufacturers. They debuted back in 2023 with a set of interesting prime lenses inspired by some classic European designs. Thypoch belongs to the DZO group, which also owns DZO Film, a manufacturer of CINE lenses so despite being a newcomer in the mirrorless lens market, they got some history behind them. Normally, you’d expect a new manufacturer to step up from manual focus prime lenses to AF prime lenses. However, Thypoch decided to skip this step and moved straight…
Ref.: https://meikeglobal.com/products/8514iie SpecificationsOptical construction11 elements in 8 groupsNumber of aperture blades11min. focus distance0.81m (max. magnification ?)Dimensionsφ 85 x 110mmWeight648gFilter size77mmHoodbarrel-shaped, suppliedAvailable MountsSony E, Nikon Z, L-mountOther featuresaperture ring (de-clickable)aperture lockFn custom buttonUSB-C port for firmware updatesPrice$498 USD
I’d like to start this review with a caveat – it is almost crazy trying to test a fisheye lens in a formal way. The image distortions are all over the place, and making readings for a software analysis is a gamble. However, every once in a while we should challenge ourselves with an impossible task, shouldn’t we? 🙂 Anyway, so here’s our attempt to review the Laowa 8-15mm f/2.8 Zoom Fisheye lens. For starters, it’s not really a zoom lens in a conventional way. It’s a circular fisheye lens at 8mm and a full-frame fisheye lens at 15mm. You…
Ref.: https://brightinstar.com/products/brightin-star-af-12mm-f2-8-full-frame-lens SpecificationsOptical construction15 elements in 11 groups (2x aspherical, 2x ED, 2x HR)Number of aperture blades5min. focus distance0.24m (max. magnification ?)Dimensionsφ 70 x 96.9mmWeight550gFilter size34mm rear-filterHoodbuilt-inAvailable MountsSony E-mount (AF version)Other featuresaperture ringFn custom buttonPrice$659 USD
Ref.: https://www.venuslens.net/product/4-5-10mm-f-2-8-cf-zoom-fisheye/ SpecificationsOptical construction13 elements in 9 groups (4x ELD, 1x HR)Number of aperture blades7min. focus distance0.10m (max. magnification 0.27x)Dimensionsφ 68.9 x 59.3mmWeight338gFilter size-Hood-Available MountsE / Z / RF / L / X / EF-M / MFTOther featuresaperture ringPrice$399 USD
A little while ago, we already tested the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE in both Nikon Z and Sony E-mount – with impressive results. The original version of the lens – which is still available -uses a rather unusual aperture ring handling. The ring is unmarked and turns infinitely, and you can’t really determine the currently set aperture / mode before switching on the camera. While some videographers may actually prefer this, it’s probably not ideal from a photographer’s perspective. So Viltrox listened and released this new “N” version, which features a more traditional marked aperture ring with clear…
Ref.: https://brightinstar.com/products/brightin-star-10mm-f5-6-ii-aps-c-fisheye-lens SpecificationsOptical construction7 elements in 5 groupsNumber of aperture bladesRound (fixed)min. focus distance0.12m (max. magnification ? )Dimensionsφ 57 x 32mmWeight132gFilter size-Hoodbuilt-inAvailable MountsSony E, Nikon Z, EF-M, RF-S, Fujifilm X, MFTOther featuresAvailable in black and silverPrice$75 USD
PRESS RELEASE Thypoch enters autofocus market with Voyager 24-50mm f/2.8 for Sony E-mount The first full-frame autofocus zoom developed by a Chinese optical brand, in a constant f/2.8 internal-zoom design Shenzhen, China, May 14, 2026. Thypoch today announced the Voyager 24-50mm f/2.8, the first full-frame autofocus zoom developed by a Chinese optical brand and Thypoch’s first AF lens. Built for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, the Voyager uses an internal zoom mechanism that holds physical length fixed across the focal range, with a constant f/2.8 aperture from 24mm through 50mm. Three Primes in One Lens A photographer working with primes typically…
Ref.: https://www.sony.com.au/electronics/camera-lenses/sel100400mc PRESS RELEASE Sony introduces the FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS, the newest addition to its flagship G Master™ lens series for full-frame Alpha™ E-mount cameras. Covering a 100-400 mm focal range with a constant F4.5 aperture, the lens delivers the exceptional resolution and bokeh that define the G Master series, high-precision autofocus (AF) up to approximately 3x faster1,2 than the FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS. Weighing approximately 65 oz. (1,840 g) with an internal zoom structure, its stable weight balance offers highly mobile shooting capabilities. The FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS gives wildlife, birding, sports, and photojournalism creators the…
Ref.: https://www.canon.com.au/camera-lenses/rf-20-50mm-f4l-is-usm-pz PRESS RELEASE Canon also introduces the RF 20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ, its first full-frame RF L-series lens with an internal power zoom. The zoom ring operates as both a controlled, steady servo zoom while recording video and a manual zoom-by-wire for precise adjustments when capturing stills or filming. Covering a wider-than-standard 20-50mm focal range at a constant f/4 maximum aperture, this incredibly versatile lens is ideal for vlogging, interiors, and capturing superb views without changing lenses. The RF 20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ delivers exceptional L-series image quality, featuring UD lens elements, Air Sphere Coating (ASC), and…
A little while ago, Sigma released the second iteration of its interpretation of fast standard zoom lenses – the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN ART II, available both in Sony E- and L-mount. As of the time of this writing, it actually leads the sales chart over at B&H, one of the world’s biggest camera retailers, which is also a testament to how popular this whole category is. And that’s despite a fairly high price tag of around $1300 USD. We reviewed the mark I some years back. The results were good but not stellar, so let’s see whether Sigma…
PRESS RELEASE Classic and Compact: Thypoch Eureka 28mm f/2.8 ASPH. Available Now After announcing the pre-order of the Eureka 28mm f/2.8 ASPH in November 2025, Thypoch today officially released this high-performance pancake lens , the latest addition to its vintage line of compact 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…
Ref.: https://7artisans.store/products/af-25-35-50mm-f1-8-aps-c-lens-for-e-fx-z AF 25mm f/1.8 LITE SpecificationsOptical construction8 elements in 5 groups (5x HR)Number of aperture blades9min. focus distance0.25m (max. magnification ?)Dimensionsφ 67 × 51mmWeight183gFilter sizeφ 58mmHoodpetal-shaped, suppliedAvailable MountsSony E, Fujifilm XOther features-Price$125 USD AF 35mm f/1.8 LITE SpecificationsOptical construction7 elements in 6 groups (5x HR)Number of aperture blades9min. focus distance0.35m (max. magnification ?)Dimensionsφ 67 × 51mmWeight181gFilter sizeφ 58mmHoodpetal-shaped, suppliedAvailable MountsSony E, Fujifilm XOther features-Price$125 USD AF 50mm f/1.8 LITE SpecificationsOptical construction6 elements in 5 groups (3x HR)Number of aperture blades9min. focus distance0.55m (max. magnification ?)Dimensionsφ 67 × 51mmWeight178gFilter sizeφ 58mmHoodpetal-shaped, suppliedAvailable MountsSony E, Fujifilm XOther features-Price$125 USD
The Canon RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM is what you could describe as a middle-ground lens in the Canon lens lineup. It’s not quite a professional L-class lens, but it’s not really a barebones consumer-grade lens either – just like the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM. This is also obvious when looking at the price tag of around $1100 USD/EUR – give or take a little depending on sales events. It may feel steep, but if you look across the fence, the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (not available in Canon R-mount) costs about the same. Another aspect…
Ref.: https://amzn.to/4e01x5V Viltrox just released a version of the AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB FE for Sony E-mount with some tweaks that make it more appealing to users who prefer a more conventional handling of the aperture ring.The original version has a stopless, unmarked aperture ring as well as an LCD. The new (N) version has distinctive, marked aperture steps with proper stop points at the limits of the aperture range. It also omits the display. The optical design remains identical to the variant with LCD that we reviewed a while ago here: PRESS RELEASE Shenzhen, China — April 23, 2026…
Ref.: https://shop.panasonic.com/products/lumix-s-series-40mm-f2-l-mount-camera-lens SpecificationsOptical construction7 elements in 6 groups (3x aspherical)Number of aperture blades7 (circular)min. focus distance0.3m (max. magnification 0.17x)Dimensionsφ 69.4 × 40.9mmWeight144gFilter sizeφ 62mmHoodpetal-shaped, built-inAvailable MountsL-mountOther featuresDust and Splash ResistantAlso available in silverPrice$399.99
SpecificationsOptical construction15 elements in 11 groups (HRI, ED, aspherical elements)Number of aperture blades7min. focus distance0.3m (max. magnification ?)Dimensionsφ 70 × 96.6mmWeight499gFilter size- (bulb-like front element)Hoodpetal-shaped, built-inAvailable MountsNikon ZOther featuresAperture ring Fn-ButtonMount sealingSTM AFPrice?
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,…
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…
Ref.: https://www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-17mm-f-4-zero-d-tilt-shift-shift/ SpecificationsOptical construction18 elements in 12 groups (4x ELD, 5x HR, 2x aspherical)Number of aperture blades14min. focus distance0.25m (max. magnification 0.131x)Dimensionsφ 93 x 111mmWeight810g (770g without caps)Filter sizeφ 86mmHood-Available MountsE / Z / RF / L / GFX / XCDOther featuresAperture ring (manual only)Tilt ±12mm Shift: ±10mm (Tilt-Shift model only)360° rotationPrice1000 USD (Tilt only) to 1250 USD (Tilt-Shift)
Introduction The Canon FD 50 mm f/1.4 S.S.C. is a classic standard-prime lens from Canon’s FD series of manual-focus optics for 35mm SLRs, introduced during the early phase of the FD system in the 1970s. Following the original FD 50 mm f/1.4 from 1971, it was released in March 1973 with Canon’s S.S.C. (Super Spectra Coating) to improve contrast and control flare compared with earlier single coatings (S.C). As an FD-mount lens, the 50 mm f/1.4 S.S.C. used Canon’s breech-lock mounting system, which allowed open-aperture metering and automatic exposure communication with compatible bodies like the Canon F-1 and AE-1.The breech-lock…
Ref.: https://ttartisan.com/?full-frame-lenses/345.html SpecificationsOptical construction17 Elements in 11 Groups (6x HR, 2x aspherical)Number of aperture blades10min. focus distance0.3m (max. magnification 1:?)Dimensionsφ 88 x 107mm (length depends on mount)Weight1051gFilter size-Hood-Available MountsE / GFX / Z / RF / LOther featuresAperture ring (manual only)Tilt ±8°Shift ±8mmE-mount only: 360° rotationPrice550 USD
Introduction The Helios 44M-4 58 mm f/2 is a classic Soviet-era standard-prime lens that sits within the long-running Helios-44 family—one of the most mass-produced and recognizable vintage optics ever made. The Helios-44 line originated in 1958 as a Soviet copy of the German Carl Zeiss Biotar 58 mm f/2 design, produced initially by the Krasnogorskiy Mechanical Factory (KMZ) and later by other manufacturers such as MMZ and Jupiter—a production span that stretched to 1999 (!!!) across all variants. The 44M-4 variant itself emerged in the late 1970s as part of a generational update to the original Helios-44 and 44M designs.…
Introduction The Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 58mm f/1.4 is a “legendary” piece of glass among vintage lens enthusiasts. It is sometimes referred to as the “bokeh king” of its era. Some love its “dreamy” wide-open rendering and its transition into a (fairly) sharp performer once stopped down. There are two versions of the MC 58mm f/1.4. The tested sample is an “MC I” first released in 1966 with a flatter, more traditional metal knurled focus grip. This was followed by the MC II, released in 1969, which has a “hills and valleys” focus grip. Just like most other vintage lenses that…
Ref.: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/news/2026/02/26/012003/ PRESS RELEASE By Sigma Photo Japan The Sigma 85mm F1.2 DG | Art is a large-aperture medium-telephoto lens designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras. With the latest optical design, the lens delivers exceptional resolution even at maximum aperture, enabling striking portrait photography with the distinctive depth of field unique to F1.2.Featuring a compact, lightweight design and fast, precise autofocus driven by dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) system, the lens offers reliable performance for professional applications. With the addition of this lens, Sigma’s lineup of F1.2 prime lenses is now complete, joining the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II | Art…
15mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary Ref.: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/news/2026/02/24/011998/ SpecificationsOptical construction13 elements in 11 groups (1x FLD, 3x SLD, 3x aspherical)Number of aperture blades9 (rounded)min. focus distance0.177m (max. magnification 1:7.9)Dimensionsφ 64 x 64.8mmWeight220g (-240g)Filter sizeφ 58mmHoodFlower-shaped hood, providedAvailable MountsE/X/RF-mountOther featuresAperture ringPrice$580 35mm f/1.4 DG II ART Ref.: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/news/2026/02/24/011999/ SpecificationsOptical construction15 elements in 12 groups (2x SLD, 4x aspherical)Number of aperture blades11 (rounded)min. focus distance0.28m (max. magnification 1:5.4)Dimensionsφ 73mm x 96mmWeight525g ( L: 530g )Filter sizeφ 67mmHoodFlower-shaped hood, providedAvailable MountsE/L-mountOther featuresDual HLA high-speed motorAperture ringPrice$1060 USD
Press Release Oberkochen, Germany | 24 February 2026 | ZEISS Photonics & Optics ZEISS is expanding its Otus ML lens family with the introduction of the new ZEISS Otus ML 1.4/35. This manual-focus lens is designed for photographers who live to tell visual stories with deliberate narratives, from street and travel to documentary work. Inspired by the legendary Otus lineage, the ML generation brings ZEISS’ renowned optical excellence and mechanical precision to the latest mirrorless systems, with mounts available for Sony E, Canon RF and Nikon Z.The ZEISS Otus ML series continues to deliver natural color rendition, exceptional sharpness, and signatured micro contrast. A fast…
Ref.: https://www.nikon.com/company/news/2026/0224_imaging_01.html PRESS RELEASE TOKYO – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II, a fast telephoto zoom lens compatible with full-frame/FX-format mirrorless cameras. As part of the S-Line*1 series of NIKKOR Z lenses, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is a telephoto zoom lens, the lightest in its class*2 with a weight of just 998 g*3, that covers the 70 mm to 200 mm range of focal lengths with a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout that range. Moving components of both the optics and internal mechanisms have been…
Ref. https://www.tamron.com/global/consumer/lenses/a078/ PRESS RELEASE February 19, 2026 – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shogo Sakuraba; Headquarters: Saitama City, Japan; “TAMRON”), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of the 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A078), a fast-aperture standard zoom lens, compatible with Sony E-mount and Nikon Z mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, on March 26, 2026. The 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058), launched in 2021, has earned strong praise as a high-end portrait zoom. While highly acclaimed for its imaging performance, some users have wished for a lighter, more compact option. Developed in…
SpecificationsOptical construction7 elements in 6 groups (1xUD? and 1 aspherical)Number of aperture blades10min. focus distance0.3m (max. magnification 1:5.3)Dimensionsφ 61.7×30mmWeight165gFilter sizeφ 52mmHoodDome-shaped metal hood (included)Available MountsE/Z-mountOther featuresManual focus with electronic apertureEXIF data available
I’ve always been a sucker for pancake lenses, and when Fujifilm announced the XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR, it was obvious that I just had to test it. There are surely many among you who can’t understand my interest. Yes, pancake lenses are almost always slow. In full-format terms, we are “merely” talking about a “35mm f/4.2” here. And it’s not exactly cheap at $500USD / 450EUR either. Still, just look at it. It’s a tiny beauty – at least from a distance. But let’s dig deeper now. As already hinted, the most striking aspect of the lens is the…
This is another look at the Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 Pro, but this time in Nikon Z mount. Most of the findings are similar, if not identical, to our Sony E-mount review, so we’ll reuse some of the article here. The Z-mount version has a retail price of $549 USD (619EUR / 525GBP / 799CAD / 90400JPY), That’s just slightly more than the slower Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S. 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 heavy side at 800g. Viltrox…
The Canon RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM is one of four (!) Canon ultra-wide zoom offerings in the RF mount lens lineup, positioned as a more compact and affordable alternative to the flagship RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM. With a retail price of approximately $1500/ €1500, it’s a premium mid-tier offering in Canon’s L-series range. Mechanically, it follows the tradition of most other Canon RF lenses. The lens body is made of high-quality engineering plastics based on a metal mount. The zoom and focus rings are rubberized and turn smoothly. It is also weather-sealed for more demanding outdoor shooting…
Ref.: https://viltrox.com/products/af-16mm-f1-8-l Price: $580 USD SpecificationsOptical construction15 elements in 12 groups, incl. 4xED and 3 aspherical elementsNumber of aperture blades9min. focus distance0.27m (max. 1:10 magnification)Dimensionsφ85.2x103mmWeight550gFilter size77mmHoodpetal-shaped (bayonet mount, supplied)Available MountsL-mountOther featuresLCD display2x custom buttonsclickless aperture modedust-sealingaperture ringUSB port for firmware updates
PRESS RELEASE MTFs: https://personal.canon.jp/product/camera/rf/rf7-14-f28-35l-fe/spec Canon RF7-14mm F2.8-3.5 L Fisheye STM zoom lens redefines versatility in ultra-wide angle fisheye imaging. Continuing the heritage of the groundbreaking EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, the world’s first fisheye zoom lens2, this new RF lens pushes boundaries further for professionals seeking impactful, distorted perspectives. It supports a wide range of unique use cases including sports, landscapes, starscapes, video, and virtual reality. Key features include: SpecificationsOptical construction16 elements in 11 groups (5x UD, 2x aspherical)Number of aperture blades9 (circular)min. focus distance0.15m (max magnification 0.31x)Dimensionsφ 76.5 x 109.4mmWeight494gFilter sizeφ -Hood-Other featuresFisheyeRear-filter slotControl ringFormat lockMountsCanon RFRetail Price$1899 USD PRESS RELEASE…
SpecificationsOptical construction?Number of aperture blades?min. focus distance0.3m (max magnification ?)Dimensionsφ ?mmWeight660gFilter sizeφ 77mmHoodpetal-shaped (supplied)Other featuresAll-manualbokeh-Control-Ring (7 Steps)drop-in aperture plateMountsSony E/Nikon Z/Canon RFRetail Price$599 / £399 / AU$799 SpecificationsOptical construction?Number of aperture blades?min. focus distance1.5m (max magnification ?)Dimensionsφ ? mmWeight? gFilter sizeφ 67mmHoodBarrel-shaped (supplied)Other featuresAll-manualbokeh-Control-Ring (7 Steps)drop-in aperture plateMountsSony E/Nikon Z/Canon RFRetail Price$599 / £399 / AU$799
SpecificationsOptical construction10 elements in 7 groupsNumber of aperture blades10min. focus distance0.182m (max magnification 2:1)Dimensionsφ 68 x 118mmWeight660gFilter sizeφ 67mmHood-Other featuresAll-manualMountsE/X/Z/M43/RRetail Price$170 USD
Ref.: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/viltrox/nexusfocus-pl-e-adapter Press Release News Highlights Focus, Reimagined: Viltrox Brings AI Autofocus to Manual Lenses with NexusFocus F1 The first PL-E adapter to bring autofocus to manual cinema lenses Shenzhen, China, [(UTC+8) 9 PM, January 15, 2026] – Viltrox is pleased to announce NexusFocus, a new autofocus solution for manual lenses. The NexusFocus F1 is a compact, lightweight adapter that fits unobtrusively in between the lens and the camera body. The system is compatible with Sony E-mount cameras and PL-mount Cine and CineMod lenses. It takes advantage of Sony’s powerful phase-detection system and AI subject recognition, and leverages those native…
Ref.: https://brightinstar.com/products/brightin-star-mf-50mm-f1-05-full-frame-manual-focus-prime-lens SpecificationsOptical construction10 elements in 8 groups (2x LD, 2x HR)Number of aperture blades15min. focus distance0.57mDimensionsφ 68 x 82mmWeight606gFilter size58mmHood-Other featuresAll-manualMountsE/L/R/ZRetail Price$270 USD
Specs:
SpecificationsOptical construction25mm: 8 elements in 5 groups (5x HR?)35mm: 7 elements in 6 groups (5x HR?)50mm: 6 elements in 5 groups (3x HR?)Number of aperture blades9min. focus distance25mm: 0.25m35mm: 0.35m50mm: 0.55mDimensionsφ 67 x 51mmWeight25mm: 183g35mm: 181g50mm: 178gFilter sizeφ 58mmHoodpetal-shaped (supplied)Other features-MountsE/Z/X-mount (APS-C)Retail Price$? USD
Ref.: https://www.nikon.com/company/news/2026/0107_imaging_01.html PRESS RELEASE TOKYO – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1, a standard zoom lens compatible with full-frame/FX-format mirrorless cameras.The NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 allows users to make the most of its broad, 24-105mm wide-angle to medium-telephoto range of focal lengths, letting them express themselves through images of a variety of scenes and subjects, such as expansive landscapes, distant subjects, table photos and snapshots of people. Despite its versatility, the lightweight design of this 350-g lens ensures excellent portability. The ease with which it can be carried makes it ideal…
The Fujinon XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR is a wide-angle prime lens designed for Fujifilm’s X-Mount cameras. With a 23 mm focal length (equivalent to roughly 35 mm on full-frame systems) and a maximum f/1.4 aperture, it sits in a classic focal range often used for street, documentary, landscape, and general-purpose photography. Unsurprisingly, the Fujinon isn’t cheap at around $1000 USD but that’s unsurprising given the large aperture. Differences Compared to the Predecessor This WR version replaces the earlier Fujifilm XF 23mm f1.4 R prime, first released in 2013. Key changes include: SpecificationsEquiv. focal length”35mm” (full format equivalent)Equiv. aperture”f/2.1″…
Ref.: https://brightinstar.com/products/brightin-star-35mm-f1-4-full-frame-large-aperture-manual-focus-lens?ref=5uvixcp4 SpecificationsOptical construction7 elements in 6 groups (1x LD, 1x HR)Number of aperture blades10min. focus distance0.3m (max magnification ?)Dimensionsφ 55.x 42mmWeight218gFilter size49mmHoodbarrel-shaped (optional)Other featuresFully manualAperture Ring (declickable)MountsE-mount, Z-mount, Canon R, X-mount, L-mountRetail Price$169 USD
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…
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…
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
PRESS RELEASE RF 45mm f/1.2 STM: Fast aperture, high impactThe RF 45mm f/1.2 STM is Canon’s first f/1.2 aperture non-professional RF lens, weighing under 350 grams and offering autofocus at an accessible price point. Positioned within the enthusiast RF lens range, it is designed to inspire creative experimentation with beautifully shallow depth of field and expressive low-light imagery. Until now, the super-fast f/1.2 aperture was exclusive to lenses with a higher price point. With this new lens, users can now explore cinematic storytelling, lifestyle shoots and portraits with stunning clarity and mood. Canon’s STM AF technology ensures subjects stay sharp, allowing photographers…
Press Release Fujifilm Corporation will release the “FUJINON Lens XC13-33mmF3.5-6.3 OIS” (XC13-33mmF3.5-6.3 OIS) as part of its lineup of interchangeable lenses for the mirrorless digital camera “X Series,” which achieves outstanding photographic image quality through its unique color reproduction technology. The XC13-33mmF3.5-6.3 OIS covers a focal length range from wide-angle 13mm (equivalent to 20mm in 35mm format) to standard 33mm (equivalent to 50mm in 35mm format). Despite this coverage, it achieves the smallest and lightest dimensions among our zoom lenses, with a total length of 37.5mm and a weight of approximately 125g. Offering excellent portability and covering a focal range ideal…
PRESS RELEASE The TAMRON 25-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 (Model A075) is the successor to the highly acclaimed 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD (Model A071), reborn as an advanced 2nd-generation “G2” model. As the originator of modern all-in-one zoom lenses, TAMRON celebrates its 75th anniversary with this new cutting-edge lens.The new G2 model maintains its compact size while expanding the wide end from 28mm to 25mm and preserving the 200mm telephoto range. It offers improved image quality and faster, more precise autofocus powered by TAMRON’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism. With a maximum magnification ratio of 1:1.9 at the 25mm wide end, the lens also…
Viltrox loves prime lenses. So much so that they had 3 different lineups for different user groups: low-budget “AIR,” high-quality “PRO” and at the top-end “LAB” lenses. Apparently, that wasn’t enough. 🙂 They have now released their first EVO lens – the Viltrox AF 85mm f/2 FE EVO to be precise. The EVO lineup sits between the “AIRs” and “PROs”. The lens remains very 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 first EVO lens…
PRESS RELEASE TOKYO – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7, a standard micro lens for APS-C size/DX-format mirrorless cameras. The NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 is a fast, lightweight standard micro lens, and the first APS-C size/DX-format NIKKOR Z lens to achieve a maximum reproduction ratio equivalent to life-size*1. The large bokeh characteristic of a fast f/1.7 prime lens enables the capture of even familiar subjects, such as accessories and pets, in impressive detail. The short minimum focus distance of 0.16 m also allows users to get right…
PRESS RELEASE TOKYO – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR, a standard zoom lens for APS-C size/DX-format mirrorless cameras. The NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is a standard APS-C size/DX-format zoom lens that covers the 16 mm to 50 mm*1 range of focal lengths with a fast constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range. It delivers the large, natural bokeh characteristics of the f/2.8 maximum aperture, and offers clear color rendering with less color bleed*2 achieved through the superior optical performance of a NIKKOR Z lens, enabling highly…
SpecificationsOptical construction16 elements in 11 groups (3x aspherical, 2x ED, 1x SED, 2x HRI)Number of aperture blades13min. focus distance0.35m (max magnification 0.14x)Dimensionsφ 76×102.9mmWeight490gFilter sizeφ62mmHoodpetal-shapedOther featuresaperture ring (de-clickable)iris-lock buttonFn-buttonweather-sealingUSB-C port for firmware updates”Free replacement within 3 years for non-human product defects”MountsX-mount, E-mount, Z-mount, L-mountRetail Price549 USD
Ref.: https://www.sony.com.au/electronics/camera-lenses/sel100m28gm PRESS RELEASE Today, Sony releases the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS, the first medium telephoto macro lens in the G Master™ series, compatible with α™ (Alpha™) E-mount cameras, featuring 1.4x magnification, advanced stabilisation, and intuitive handling. “We’re on a constant mission to push the boundaries of creative possibilities for visual storytellers, and the Sony FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS is a testament to that commitment, transcending the limits of traditional macro photography,” said Jazz Sidharh, Lens and Peripheral Marketing Manager, Sony Europe B.V. “With its world-class optics, this new lens elevates not only macro, but…
Ref.: https://www.panasonic.com/uk/corporate/news/articles/panasonic-introduces-the-first-ultra-telephoto-zoom-lens-in-the-lumix-s-series-lumix-s-100-500mm-f5-7-1-o-i-s-s-r100500.html PRESS RELEASE Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new LUMIX S 100-500mm F5-7.1 O.I.S. (S-R100500) interchangeable lens based on the L-Mount system standard. As the first*1 ultra-telephoto zoom lens in the LUMIX S Series lineup to cover a focal length of up to 500mm, this lens supports lens teleconverters, enabling ultra-telephoto shooting with a combined focal length of up to 1000mm. It delivers high resolution and beautiful bokeh across the entire zoom range, enabling photographers and videographers to capture stunning images and footage in a wide variety of shooting scenarios including wildlife, motorsports, and landscapes. With an optimized lens…
Ref.: https://brightinstar.com/products/brightin-star-10mm-f5-6-pro-aps-c-fisheye-lens-wide-angle-lens-for-m43-sony-e-nikon-z-fuji-xf-canon-rf-s-mount SpecificationsOptical construction6 elements in 5 groupsNumber of aperture blades5min. focus distance0.2m (max magnification 1:?)Dimensionsφ 53 x 20mmWeight100gFilter size-Hood-Other featuresFully manualAperture ringMountsSony E, X-mount, Canon RF-S, Nikon Z, MFTRetail Price$99 USD
Introduction We’ve seen many ultra-wide lenses during the last few years, but there’s probably always room for another one. So, let’s welcome the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4 FE Air. Not all of us require high-speed – and as such, big – prime lenses, so it’s refreshing to see that Viltrox took a different route here. By limiting the max aperture to f/4, the lens is compact – amazingly so, actually. Another amazing aspect is the price tag. “Air” lenses are targeting the “normal” consumer market, and at just $199 USD / 229 EUR / 190 GBP / 289 CAD / 33,000…
Introduction It almost feels as if we are an exclusive Viltrox testing lab, given all the lenses that we have tested lately. And we aren’t even done yet for this year. This time it’s about the Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 E Air – an APC-format ultra-wide prime lens. That’s equivalent to about 14mm on full-format. The lens stays, of course, true to the cause of their “Air” lineup. Thus, it’s both very compact and very affordable at just $199 USD / 229 EUR / 190 GBP. The lens is available in E- (as reviewed here), Z-, and X-mount (at some…
Introduction There are many macro lenses out there, but somehow the OEMs forgot the 180mm class. Such lenses were readily available during the DSLR era. It seems that Laowa was the first one to notice this, so let’s welcome the Laowa AF 180mm f/4.5 APO Ultra macro. The AF version of the lens is available in E-, Z-, and Canon EF mounts. L- and Canon RF are only supported with fully manual versions. Now, you may have immediately noticed “Canon EF” in this list, so yes, this is a dual DSLR/mirrorless lens. This may not be ideal in terms of…
So while we are at reviewing 135mm lenses, let’s not forget about this one – the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM. It is also interesting because it’s the only lens in its class featuring an image stabilizer. As such, it deserves to be a little more expensive than other lenses. In the US, it’s still “comparatively affordable” at around $2100 USD (probably not tariff-adjusted yet), whereas in other markets it’s bizarrely expensive. In Australia, it is almost 50% more expensive than the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM. Anyway … Coming back to the lens itself, the build quality…
Ref.: https://explore.omsystem.com/au/en/m-zuiko-ed-50-200mm-f2-8-is-pro SpecificationsOptical construction 21 elements in 13 groups (1x EDA, 2x Super ED, 1x ED, 2x HR, 3x E-HR)Number of aperture blades9 (rounded)min. focus distance0.78m (max magnification 0.25x)Dimensionsφ 91.4 × 225.8mmWeight1075g (1250g w/ tripod collar)Filter sizeφ77mmHoodbarrel-shapedOther featuresImage Stabilization (7 f-stop)IP53 Weather Sealingpreset focus functionTripod Collar compatible with Arca-Swiss clamps4 customizable L-Fn buttonsFocus limiterCompatible w/ converterMountsMicro-Four-ThirdsRetail Price3499€, £2999, $3699 USD, $5199 AUD
Ref.: https://www.tamron.com/global/consumer/news/detail/a075_20250909.html PRESS RELEASE September 9, 2025 – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shogo Sakuraba; Headquarters: Saitama City, Japan; “TAMRON”), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the development of the 25-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 (Model A075), an all-in-one zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. The TAMRON 25-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 (Model A075) is the successor to the highly acclaimed 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD (Model A071), reborn as an advanced 2nd-generation “G2” model. As the originator of modern all-in-one zoom lenses, TAMRON celebrates its 75th anniversary with this new cutting-edge…