Category Archives: camera

Review: Nikon AF-S 20mm 1.8G

Introduction

Sony A7s with Metabones Nikon G -> Sony E Adapter and Nikon AF-S 20mm 1.8G
Sony A7s with Metabones Nikon G -> Sony E Adapter and Nikon AF-S 20mm 1.8G

This is a review of Nikon’s latest fast wideangle lens and how it performs on Sony’s A7 series. It may come as quite a surprise, as I usually prefer using (and reviewing) rangefinder lenses on my A7s.

Sample Images

Sony A7s | Nikon AF-S 20mm 1.8G | f/1.8 | 3 shot panorama |
Sony A7s | Nikon AF-S 20mm 1.8G | f/1.8 | 3 shot panorama | higher resolution
sony a7s nikon 20mm 1.8g blue hour sunstar
Sony A7s | Nikon AF-S 20mm 1.8G | f/11 | full resolution
sony a7s nikon 20mm 1.8g black and white mustek prague
Sony A7s | Nikon AF-S 20mm 1.8G | f/2.8 | full resolution

Continue reading Review: Nikon AF-S 20mm 1.8G

Review: Voigtländer 12mm 5.6 Ultra Wide Heliar

Introduction

ultra wide heliar a7 series 12mm 5.6
Sony A7s with Voigtländer Ultra Wide Heliar 12mm 5.6 and VM-E close focus adapter (Helicoid)

The Voigtländer 12mm 5.6 Ultra Wide Heliar is actually one of the lenses I bought a camera from the A7 series for in the first place. It is worth to mention though, I am reviewing the old M39 version here. The newer Leica M version is optically the same, although there are other differences – apart from the lens mount – which I will talk about at the end of this review.

Sample Images

castle mannheim a7s 12mm 5.6 voigtländer ultra wide heliar
Sony A7s | Voigtländer Ultra Wide Heliar 5.6/12 | f/11 | full resolution
maulbronn monastery unesco world heritage 12mm 5.6 voigtländer a7s
Sony A7 | Voigtländer Ultra Wide Heliar 5.6/12 | f/11 | full resolution
abstract disneyland 12mm 5.6 ultra wide heliar voigtländer sony a7s
Sony A7s | Voigtländer Ultra Wide Heliar 5.6/12 | f/8

Continue reading Review: Voigtländer 12mm 5.6 Ultra Wide Heliar

Minolta MD 50mm 1:2 Review

DSC07992

The Minolta MD 50mm 1:2 is one of the smallest and cheapest Minolta lenses and most importantly it is also an excellent lens for landscape photography.

Specifications

Diameter 64 mm
Length 36 mm
Filter Thread 49 mm
Weight 150g
Max. Magnification 0.15
Close Focusing Distance from the sensor 45cm
Number of aperture blades 6
Elements/ Groups 6/5
Price (June 2015): $10-30 in good condition.
Check current prices at ebay.de or ebay.com (affiliate links).

Image Samples

 

the last beer
Sony Alpha 7 | Minolta MD 50mm 1:2 | f/2
Spring
Sony Alpha 7 | Minolta MD 50mm 1:2 | f/2
SonnigerMorgen
Sony Alpha 7 | Minolta MD 50mm 1:2 | f/8

Continue reading Minolta MD 50mm 1:2 Review

My thoughts about the Sony Alpha 7r II

So Sony announced their newest flagship camera and it got a lot of hype. And after my initial enthusiasm cooled down a bit I collect my thoughts and ask myself the essential question: Would the a7rII improve my photography if I upgraded from my Alpha 7?

sony_alpha-7r-ii-_05

Image quality

The specs tell us that the camera will sport a 42MP back side illuminated (BSI) sensor.

Continue reading My thoughts about the Sony Alpha 7r II

Samsung NX1 – Impressions and thoughts from a Sony a7 user

My friend Matt had a review copy of the Samsung NX1 at his hand so we met up and I could get some hands on experience with this new camera which created quite some buzz.

This is in no way an in depth review, just some thoughts and impressions after using it for about five hours.

NX1a7

Continue reading Samsung NX1 – Impressions and thoughts from a Sony a7 user