Review: Samyang 100mm T2.3 V-AF

July 25, 2026 BastianK Leave a comment

Introduction

samyang v-af video cine 100mm af T2.3 f/2.2 2.3 2,3 sony 42mp 61mp a7rii a7riv a7riii a1 a9iii a7rv review resolution sharpness contrast bokeh vignetting coma sunstars z6 z7 z8 z9 lightweight small — Samyang 100mm T2.3 V-AF on Sony A7rII

In 2023 Samyang introduced a new line of Cine lenses called “V-AF”. Mid 2026 this lineup consists of 6 lenses, 4 of which are rehoused photography lenses. The 20mm T1.9 and this 100mm T2.3 are new designs though. At first sight there do not seem to be any disadvantages to using these lenses for photography – actually their casings look and feel much nicer than Samyang’s other lenses – and there are not a lot of alternatives with similar specifications available, so I decided to have a closer look at this Samyang 100mm T2.3 V-AF.

Sample Images

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Nikon, Review, Sigma

Review: Sigma 85mm 1.4 EX DG HSM

July 22, 2026 BastianK 3 Comments

Introduction

sigma 85mm 1.4 ex dg hsm sony a7riii a7riv a7v a7iv a9 a9ii a1 nikon zf z5 z6 z7 z8 z9 z6iii sharpness bokeh resolution contrast review — Sigma 85mm 1.4 EX DG HSM via FTZ II on Nikon Zf

During their EX era Sigma released two f/1.4 primes, the Sigma 50mm 1.4 EX HSM and this Sigma 85mm 1.4 EX HSM. The 50mm is a lens that can still be interesting today due to its good sharpness, appealing bokeh and very low price. Will the same hold true for this 85mm lens as well? Let’s find out in this review.

Sample Images

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Leica M, Review

Review: Mandler 35mm 2.0 7e

July 18, 2026 BastianK 13 Comments

Introduction

mandler summicron 35mm 2.0 f/2.0 35 seven element 7e review leica m10 m11 m9 42mp 24mp cinematic contrast sharpness rendering bokeh film analogue — Mandler 35mm 2.0 7e on Leica M10

We have seen many new lens manufacturers from China and there are still more coming. This new manufacturer gave itself the name of a famous Leica designer: “Mandler”. And as their first lens they fittingly decided to bring us this Mandler 35mm 2.0 7e, which from the outside looks exactly like a Leica 35mm 2.0 Summicron-M IV. Will it also perform like the vintage Leica lens? Let’s find out in this review.
This lens will be reviewed on the 24mp Leica M10.

Sample Images

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Review, Sony E-mount, Viltrox

Review: Viltrox AF 26mm 2.8 Evo FE

July 15, 2026 BastianK 9 Comments

Introduction

viltrox af 26mm 2.8 evo pancake compact sony a7rv a7v a7iv a7r3 a9ii a1 a7c 42mp 24mp 61mp contrast sharpness bokeh vignetting review — Viltrox AF 26mm 2.8 Evo on Sony A7rII

Pancake lenses are something I am always interested in, but so far none of the E-mount ones was really convincing. The best one until now was probably the Viltrox AF 28mm 4.5 Chip, but that lens came with one compromise too many: fixed aperture, no focus ring, no filter thread, janky sunstars. Now Viltrox is at it with a different formula: this Viltrox AF 26mm 2.8 Evo – which is in many ways inspired by Nikon’s Z 26mm 2.8 – looks like a fully fledged lens. Is this the pancake lens that Sony users have been waiting for? Let’s find out in this review!

Sample Images

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Canon EF-Mount, lenses, Nikon, Review, Sigma

Review: Sigma 24-35mm 2.0 Art DG HSM

July 11, 2026 BastianK 9 Comments

Introduction

sigma 24-35mm 2.0 art dg hsm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii a1 a9iii a7rv review resolution sharpness contrast bokeh vignetting coma nikon z6 z7 z8 z9 z7ii z6iii zf — Sigma 24-35mm 2.0 Art via FTZ II on Nikon Zf

In the mirrorless world we start to see more f/2.0 zoom lenses, a trend that started with the Canon RF 28-70mm 2.0L USM and Sony built upon with their Sony FE 28-70mm 2.0 GM and the Sony FE 50-150mm 2.0 GM. What is easily forgotten here: it was actually Sigma who first made a fullframe zoom lens with a constant f/2.0 aperture – already in 2015 and for DSLRS – the Sigma 24-35mm 2.0 DG HSM Art. Let’s have a closer look!