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…
Author: Klaus
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 Masterâ„¢ lens series for full-frame Alphaâ„¢ 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…