Category Archives: lenses

The Rated list of the fast Nikon AF-S f/1.4 | f/1.8 | f/2.0 F-mount Primes

December 6, 2025 BastianK 11 Comments

Introduction

All fast Nikon AF-S fullframe primes from 20 to 200mm

From 2004 to 2018 Nikon produced 14 different AF-S primes from 20 to 200mm for fullframe with maximum apertures ranging from f/1.4 to f/2.0. Among those the “Gold Ring” primes were the highlight of the F-mount lens lineup, mostly aimed at professional photographers, who were not satisfied by the light gathering capabilities of the f/2.8 zooms. The f/1.8 primes on the other hand were aimed at consumers looking for more affordable options. Some of these lenses can be found at very attractive prices on the used market today, so after having used all of them personally, I thought it was time to give you this overview.

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7Artisans, lenses, Review

REVIEW: 7Artisans AF 10mm f/2.8 (APS-C)

November 30, 2025 Martin 2 Comments

Introduction

Just two years ago, finding a true ultra wide-angle prime for APS-C cameras felt like chasing a unicorn. But that’s changed fast. A wave of new releases—many from Chinese lens makers—has opened up a lot of new options for APS-C shooters. Now, 7Artisans joins the mix with its 10mm f/2.8, a lens that promises a lot for its price. Can it really stand out in this crowded new field? Let’s find out.

camera-icon2 I tested this lens on a Nikon Zfc.
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!
Sample images in high resolution here.

Sample Images

Nikon Zf | 7Artisans AF 24mm F/1.8 | f/5

Nikon Zf | 7Artisans AF 24mm F/1.8 | f/4Nikon Zfc | 7Artisans AF 10mm F/2.8 | f/13

Nikon Zfc | 7Artisans AF 10mm F/2.8 | f/5

Nikon Zfc | 7Artisans AF 10mm F/2.8 | f/11

Nikon Zfc | 7Artisans AF 10mm F/2.8 | f/8

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7Artisans, Guides, Laowa, Mr. Ding Studio, Pergear, TTArtisan, Viltrox, Zhong Yi

The Best Fullframe Lenses from China

November 24, 2025 BastianK 49 Comments

Introduction

In 2023 there are plenty of lens manufacturers originating from China speaking to various different target audiences. While some are the Primark of the lens industry – simply trying to offer cheaper alternatives to the reknown manufacturers of lower quality – others have become the actual innovators in the photography lens business.
Having used more than 80 of those lenses from 15 different manufacturers I thought it is a good time to highlight the best ones I came across.
Update November 2025: many new lenses added, many of the lenses listed here are currently discounted thanks to Black Friday Promotions, currently discounted prices are marked in red

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Mr. Ding Studio, Nikon, Nikon Z

Review: Mr. Ding Optics 50mm 1.2 Noxlux Z

November 23, 2025 BastianK 21 Comments

Introduction

mr. ding optics studio 50mm 1.2 nikon z review m10 42mp 24mp sony a7rii contrast resolution bokeh coma noxlux — Mr. Ding 50mm 1.2 Z on Nikon Zf

The Mr. Ding Studio 50mm 1.1 Noxlux M has sadly been out of stock for quite some time, but in the meantime the manufacturer updated its design and the lens is now available as this Mr. Ding 50mm 1.2 Noxlux Z for Z-mount – with electronic contacts, still something rare to see among the manual focus lenses from China. Let’s have a look together.

This lens is in many aspects identical to the Mr. Ding 50mm 1.1 M and Syoptic 50mm 1.1, so I will reuse a few sections of my reviews of those lenses.

Sample Images

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Canon EF-Mount, Irix, Review

Review: Irix 45mm 1.4 Dragonfly

November 15, 2025 BastianK 12 Comments

Introduction

irix 45mm 1.4 dragonfly firefly blackstone south korea 42mp 61mp 24mp z6 z7 z8 z9 a7iv a7v a7riv a7riii a7r2 a7 a9 a1 review contrast resolution bokeh vignetting coma ca loca sunstars distortion — Irix 45mm 1.4 Dragonfly via metabones adapter on Sony A7rII

At the end of the DSLR era, Irix set out to compete with Samyang (with their XP series) and Zeiss (with their Otus and Milvus series) in the segment of higher end manual focus lenses. Somehow I didn’t come across reviewing any of those Irix lenses yet, but that is about to change now. Will this Irix 45mm 1.4 Dragonfly be a pleasant surprise? Let’s find out in this review.