Used Lens and Camera Shopping Guide for Japan

December 6, 2023 BastianK 13 Comments

Introduction

Sony A7rII | Zeiss Loxia 21mm 2.8 | f/4.0

If you are looking for used lenses or cameras, Japan can be a real dream destination. Having already been there two times myself I know from first hand experience that it isn’t easy to locate some of the more interesting stores though. My Finnish expat friend Juha Kannisto – who is living in Tokyo – has been helping out photographers from all over the world for years already when it comes to this topic.

I thought it would be useful to collect all this knowledge and turn it into an easy-to-access article, so here we are.

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Leica M, Review, Voigtlander

Review: Voigtlander VM 28mm 2.8 Color-Skopar

December 3, 2023 BastianK 3 Comments

Introduction

voigtländer 28mm 2.8 color skopar ultron leica review contrast sharpness vignetting 24mp m10 42mp m11 resolution — Voigtländer VM 28mm 2.8 Color-Skopar on Leica M10

One thing is clear by now, no one can correctly predict what Voigtländer lens Cosina will release next. In mid 2023, when many people were expecting a fast 28mm to fit inbetween the VM 21mm 1.4 and VM 35mm 1.2 III, they did the opposite and released this Voigtländer VM 28mm 2.8 Color-Skopar. One stop slower, smaller and lighter than the highly regarded VM 28mm 2.0 MK II, but not a lot cheaper. Let’s find out in this review who this lens is for and who is better off with the faster f/2.0 version.
This lens will be reviewed on the 42mp Sony A7rII and the 24mp Leica M10.

Sample Images

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Comparison, Megadap, Nikon Z, Pergear, Review, Samyang, Sigma, Sony, Sony E-mount, Techart, TTArtisan, Voigtlander

Review: Megadap ETZ-21 PRO vs Techart TZE-01 – Using Sony E Lenses on Nikon Z Cameras

November 30, 2023 Martin 21 Comments

Introduction

Sony E to Nikon Z AF adapter autofocus adapter ETZ E-T-X E-to-Z E-2-Z E2Z Megadap Techart Meike Fotodiox Haoge Nikon nikon z6 Z6ii z50 z30 zfc z7 z7ii Z8 Z9 Zf nikon z f fc Sony FE — Megadap ETZ21 PRO, Techart TZE-01, Lens mount

Do you want to use Sony E mount lenses on your Nikon Z cameras? Maybe you want to switch systems and go from Sony E to Nikon Z, but you have some or many Sony E lenses you want to keep and use. Or maybe you just like one of the Sony GM lenses or a lens from a 3rd party that is available in Sony E but not in Nikon Z? No worries, for any reason it is, you can use Sony E lenses on your Nikon Z camera through a mount adapter.

I have been using two adapters; Megadap ETZ21 PRO and Techart TZE-01. I compare them against each other and give you my thoughts here. Let’s have a look!

Continue reading Review: Megadap ETZ-21 PRO vs Techart TZE-01 – Using Sony E Lenses on Nikon Z Cameras →

Astrophotography, Review, Sony, Sony E-mount

Review: Sony FE 14mm 1.8 GM

November 27, 2023 BastianK 12 Comments

Introduction

sony 14mm 1.8 gm fe review sharpness contrast bokeh astro milky way coma vignetting 42mp 63mp sony a7 — Sony FE 14mm 1.8 GM on Sony A7rII

The Sony FE 14mm 1.8 GM is obviously aimed at landscape astrophotographers – what else do you need a fast 14mm lens for anyway? But when this Sony lens came out in early 2021 I already had the Laowa 15mm 2.0, so I never personally bought it. After having reviewed the Viltrox FE 16mm 1.8 AF it was definitely time to have a closer look at it though, so here we are.