Astrophotography, Review, Sigma, Sony E-mount

Review: Sigma 14mm 1.4 DG Art – World’s widest f/1.4 lens

September 26, 2026 BastianK 10 Comments

Introduction

sigma 14mm 1.4 art dg fe review sharpness contrast bokeh astro milky way coma vignetting 42mp 63mp sony a7 a7ii a7rii a7rv a7v z6 z7 z8 z9 zf — Sigma 14mm 1.4 DG Art on Sony A7rII

When it comes to 14mm fullframe lenses, Sigma likes to break records. The Sigma 14mm 1.8 DG HSM Art was the fastest 14mm lens for DSLRs when it was released in 2017 and this Sigma 14mm 1.4 DG Art is the fastest 14mm lenses for mirrorless cameras since 2023. This lens’ purpose is obviously astrophotography and on paper it is the ideal lens for milky way and especially aurora shooting. By my experience these fast ultra wide angle lenses have very high sample variation though, did Sigma manage to solve that issue? Let’s find out in this review.

Continue reading Review: Sigma 14mm 1.4 DG Art – World’s widest f/1.4 lens →

Nikon, Nikon, Review

Review: Nikon Z 135mm 1.8 S Plena

September 23, 2026 BastianK 13 Comments

Introduction

z 135mm 1.8 s plena nikon nikkor prime f/1.8 super fast 42mp 61mp 24mp nikon zf z6iii z8 z7ii z9 review resolution sharpness contrast bokeh vignetting coma AF — Nikon Z 135mm 1.8 S Plena on Nikon Zf

While many of the higher end lenses released these days often feel like “more of the same” and maybe even a bit interchangeable, Nikon’s engineers had a clear concept in mind when designing this Nikon Z 135mm 1.8 S Plena. It doesn’t happen often that Nikon awards one of their lenses with a name, so this Plena must be something special, right?

Sample Images

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Leica M, Light Lens Lab, Review

Review: Light Lens Lab 35mm 1.4 Aspherical “11873”

September 19, 2026 BastianK 5 Comments

Introduction

light lens lab 35mm 1.4 nine element 9/5 double aspherical aa dual review leica m10 m11 m9 42mp 24mp cinematic contrast sharpness rendering bokeh film analogue — Light Lens Lab 35mm 1.4 Aspherical on Leica M10

When it comes to 35mm M-mount lenses, you may think the current Leica 35mm 1.4 Summilux-M FLE MK II ($6900) is the most expensive one, but then there is also the slower Leica 35mm 2.0 Apo-Summicron-M ($9500) and if you are up to date you have also heard of the faster Leica 35mm 1.2 Noctilux-M ($9650). But all these lenses are nothing compared to a Leica 35mm 1.4 Summilux-M “11873” AA “Double Aspherical” from 1990, fetching around $20000 on the used market. Light Lens Lab decided to recreate this rare lens from the past while adding some small improvements on the way. Let’s have a look at this Light Lens Lab 35mm 1.4 Aspherical “11873”.

Sample Images

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Uncategorized

REVIEW: Leofoto 25L All-in-One Travel & Camera Backpack

September 16, 2026 Martin 8 Comments

Introduction

One thing photographers never seem to have enough of is a really good camera bag or backpack. There is always something missing, and we’re always looking for that ultimate bag that does everything right.

I’m not sure if such a thing exists, but the Leofoto 25L All-in-One Backpack might come pretty close. Designed with photographers, commuters, and travelers in mind, Leofoto promises rugged protection, smart organization, and everyday versatility. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at what it has to offer.

You can see this review as a YouTube video here!

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Uncategorized

REVIEW: TTArtisan AF 50mm f/1.8 NEO

September 13, 2026 Martin 20 Comments

Introduction

TTArtisan has become one of the better-known Chinese lens manufacturers, offering aggressively priced lenses that often skip some of the more advanced features and exotic glass, while still delivering relatively good optical quality.

Their recent budget-friendly NEO series has taken this concept one step further by leaving out even more features, while setting some impressive price records. I reviewed their 85mm f/1.8 NEO not long ago and was impressed by how much lens you get for just $84, so I decided to take a look at their 50mm f/1.8 NEO as well.

A 50mm is a more versatile focal length, making it suitable for everything from everyday photography and travel to street photography, environmental portraits, food photography, and landscapes.

So, let’s see what we get for those $89.

camera-icon2 I tested this lens on a 33MP Sony A7C II.
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!
Sample images in high resolution here.