“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…
Author: Klaus
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…
Ref.: https://www.fujifilm-x.com/en-au/products/lenses/xf23mmf28-r-wr/ SpecificationsOptical construction8 elements in 6 groups (2x aspherical)Number of aperture blades11 (rounded)min. focus distance0.2m (max magnification 0.15x)DimensionsΦ 61.8mmx23mmWeight84gFilter sizeΦ 39mmHooddome-styleOther features-MountsX-mountRetail Price$499 USD
A short while ago, we reviewed the Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 in Sony E-mount. The lens has just been released in Nikon Z mount, so let’s give it a quick revisit here. As you may spot from the product images, we are talking about a full format pancake lens here. It offers both autofocus and electronic coupling, but it also has a fixed aperture. f/4.5 it is. No more, no less. The build quality of the Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 VCM is fine, although you can feel that it was made to a budget. It does, however, feature a metal…
“Focusing on the relationship between spherical aberration and bokeh, this lens is the first Voigtlander full-frame interchangeable lens to feature a spherical aberration control mechanism. By operating the ring, it is possible to control the undercorrection and overcorrection states, resulting in a wide range of bokeh effects never before seen.” Ref.: https://www.cosina.co.jp/voigtlander/e-mount/portrait-heliar-75mm-f1-8/ Price: ? SpecificationsOptical construction6 elements in 3 groupsNumber of aperture blades9min. focus distance0.7m (max magnification 1:7.4)DimensionsΦ 70.0×88.0mmWeight515gFilter sizeΦ 62mmHoodbarrel-shaped, suppliedOther featuresmanual with EXIF supportspherical aberration controlMountsE-mount