All posts by BastianK

My name is Bastian and I am your expert here when it comes to ultra wide angle lenses, super fast portrait lenses (ranging from a 50mm f/0.95 to a 200mm f/1.8) and I also have reviewed way too many 35mm lenses. Don't ask me anything about macro or wildlife shooting though.

Review: Laowa 12mm 2.8 Zero-D

Introduction

Sony A7rII with Laowa 12mm 2.8 Zero-D and Sigma MC-11 adapter
Sony A7rII with Laowa 12mm 2.8 Zero-D and Sigma MC-11 adapter

It is a very interesting time for wide angle junkies like me: after the smallish Voigtlander 10mm 5.6 and 15mm 4.5 I now get the chance to review the fast Laowa 12mm 2.8 Zero-D. It is the fastest rectilinear lens wider than 14mm and the widest rectilinear lens as fast as f/2.8 and I am very curious to find out about the optical qualities!
Last Update:
Review finalized, Longitudinal CA, Bokeh, Alternatives, preliminary conclusion added (08/09/16)

Sample Images

sony a7 a7rii a7rm2 laowa venus optics zero distortion wide angle 12mm 2.8 fast coma bokeh mercedes museum stuttgart
Sony A7rII | Laowa 12mm 2.8 Zero-D | f/8.0 | full resolution
sony a7 a7rii a7rm2 laowa venus optics zero distortion wide angle 12mm 2.8 fast coma astro astrophotography
Sony A7s | Laowa 12mm 2.8 | f/2.8 | ISO6400 | 25s | full resolution
sony a7 a7rii a7rm2 laowa venus optics zero distortion wide angle 12mm 2.8 fast coma bokeh
Sony A7rII | Laowa 12mm 2.8 Zero-D | f/11 | full resolution

Continue reading Review: Laowa 12mm 2.8 Zero-D

Tripods for Mirrorless Cameras

Introduction

tripods mirrorless cameras velbon gitzo manfrotto sirui rrs kirk markins a7rii a7s

When it comes to tripods mirrorless cameras have different requirements than DSLRs and so you can often get by with a lighter tripod. Unfortunately there are many manufacturers to chose from and even more commercial claims which are often misleading. As I have not only used quite a few myself but also witnessed the joy and frustation people experienced with their tripods during my workshops, I want to share my experiences with you.

Continue reading Tripods for Mirrorless Cameras

Review: Canon EF 135mm 2.0L – the Lord of the Rings on Sony a7rii

Introduction

Sony A7rII with Sigma MC-11 and Canon EF 135mm 2.0 L USM
Sony A7rII with Sigma MC-11 and Canon EF 135mm 2.0 L USM

The Canon EF 135mm 2.0L is often referred to as being the “Lord of the Red Rings” and many think it is one of the – if not the best and sharpest among all L-lenses. On the other hand the optical design dates back more than 20 years now, so let us find out how the lens performs when coupled with the 42mp A7rII!

Sample Images

canon ef 135mm 2.0 l usm sony a7rii a7 7-series ilce-7 review detail bokeh portrait
Sony A7rII |Canon EF 135mm 2.0 L | f/2.0 | full resolution
canon ef 135mm 2.0 l usm sony a7rii a7 7-series ilce-7 review detail bokeh
Sony A7rII |Canon EF 135mm 2.0 L | f/2.0 | full resolution
canon ef 135mm 2.0 l usm sony a7rii a7 7-series ilce-7 review landscape architecture infinity
Sony A7rII |Canon EF 135mm 2.0 L | f/5.6 | panorama from 4 shots | full resolution

Continue reading Review: Canon EF 135mm 2.0L – the Lord of the Rings on Sony a7rii

Review: Canon EF 70-200m 4.0L USM

Introduction

Sony A7rII with Sigma MC-11 and Canon EF 70-200mm 4.0 L USM
Sony A7rII with Sigma MC-11 and Canon EF 70-200mm 4.0 L USM

For a long time I have been searching for a lightweight telezoom with very good optical properties, well defined sunstars and a justifiable price. By chance I  came along some nice photos my friend Chris from Cologne took with his Canon EF 70-200mm 4.0 L USM and after talking to him he even offered to lend me the lens for a review. So find out if my search has finally come to an end!

Sample Images

canon ef 70-200 mm 4.0 l non is usm sony a7 series adapter mc-11 commlite
Sony A7rII |Canon EF 70-200mm 4.0 L | 165mm f/4.0
canon ef 70-200 mm 4.0 l non is usm sony a7 series adapter mc-11 commlite
Sony A7rII |Canon EF 70-200mm 4.0 L | 70mm f/11.0 | full resolution
canon ef 70-200 mm 4.0 l non is usm sony a7 series adapter mc-11 commlite
Sony A7rII |Canon EF 70-200mm 4.0 L | 70mm f/4.0 | full resolution

Continue reading Review: Canon EF 70-200m 4.0L USM

Review: Jupiter-9 85mm 2.0

Introduction

Sony A7s with Jupiter-9 85mm 2.0 and VM-E close focus adapter (Helicoid)
Sony A7s with Jupiter-9 85mm 2.0 and VM-E close focus adapter (Helicoid)

The Jupiter-9 85mm 2.0 is actually a copy of the Zeiss Sonnar 85mm 2.0 and was produced in the UDSSR after WWII. This is my favourite among the Jupiter lenses tested so far, read on to find out why!

Sample Images

jupiter 9 85mm 2.0 soviet bokeh portrait sony a7 review e-mount leica
Sony A7s | Jupiter-9 85mm 2.0 | f/2.0
jupiter 9 85mm 2.0 soviet bokeh portrait sony a7 review e-mount leica close focus flower tulip
Sony A7s | Jupiter-9 85mm 2.0 | f/2.0 | full resolution
jupiter 9 85mm 2.0 soviet bokeh portrait sony a7 review e-mount landscape water waterfall long exposure nd filter
Sony A7s | Jupiter-9 85mm 2.0 | f/11 | full resolution

Continue reading Review: Jupiter-9 85mm 2.0