Category Archives: lenses

Review: Viltrox AF 35mm 1.2 FE LAB N

May 4, 2026 BastianK 69 Comments

Introduction

viltrox 35mm 1.2 lab fe pro af bokeh master gm sony 42mp 61mp a7rii a7riv a7riii a1 a9iii a7rv review resolution sharpness contrast bokeh vignetting coma astrophotography z6 z7 z8 z9 — Viltrox AF 35mm 1.2 FE LAB on Sony A7rII

Since its release in 2019 I have been using the Sigma 35mm 1.2 Art DG DN as my main lens for any kind of reportage work. It took until 2025 for another manufacturer to challenge Sigma by releasing a 35mm 1.2 lens with autofocus of their own. Actually, there were two at almost the same time: Nikon with their Nikon Z 35mm 1.2 S and Viltrox with this Viltrox AF 35mm 1.2 FE LAB. As the Nikon lens sells for 3 grand it is out of reach for most people. This Viltrox lens is way more attractively priced, so let’s find out if it is time to retire my Sigma 35mm 1.2 Art DG DN after 6 years of usage.
Last Update May 2026: information on new “N” version added

Sample Images

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Review, Samyang, Sony E-mount

Review: Samyang AF 14-24mm 2.8 FE

May 2, 2026 BastianK 19 Comments

Introduction

samyang af schneider kreuznach lk 14-24mm 2.8 FE sony 42mp 61mp a7rii a7riv a7riii a1 a9iii a7rv review resolution sharpness contrast bokeh vignetting coma sunstars z6 z7 z8 z9 lightweight small — Samyang AF 14-24mm 2.8 FE on Sony A7rII

Released in 2007, the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm 2.8G was the first ultra wide angle zoom combining a 14-24mm viewing angle with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. Coming in at almost 1 kg, many people considered it to be too heavy to carry around all day and that bulbous front element didn’t help either. Almost two decades later Samyang decided to show us what the advantages can be, designing a lens with the same specifications, but for today’s mirrorless cameras. Let’s have a look together at the smallest and lightest 14-24mm 2.8 lens – that even comes with a standard 77mm filter thread – the Samyang x Schneider Kreuznach AF 14-24mm 2.8 FE.

Sample Images

Sony A7III | Samyang AF 14-24mm 2.8 FE | 14mm | f/4.0

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Review, Sony E-mount, Viltrox

Review: Viltrox AF 35mm 1.8 FE EVO Apo

April 26, 2026 BastianK 21 Comments

Introduction

viltrox 35mm 1.8 evo apo fe af bokeh master sony 42mp 61mp a7rii a7riv a7riii a1 a9iii a7rv review resolution sharpness contrast bokeh vignetting coma z6 z7 z8 z9 — Viltrox AF 35mm 1.8 FE Evo on Sony A7rII

Not that long ago we reviewed the Viltrox AF 85mm 2.0 Evo – the first lens of the Evo series – and it turned out to be a very compelling lens; correcting most optical aberrations very well in a compact, affordable package. It didn’t take long for Viltrox to extend the lineup, so here is the Viltrox AF 35mm 1.8 Evo and this time Viltrox even added an “Apo” tag, hinting at even better optical performance. Did they design the ideal compact autofocussing 35mm lens? Let’s find out in this review.
Update May 4th: new sample pictures added

Sample Images

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lenses, Review, Viltrox

REVIEW: Viltrox 55mm f/1.8 EVO

April 20, 2026 Martin 33 Comments

Introduction

Viltrox has just released two new full-frame lenses in its EVO series—a 35mm f/1.8 and a 55mm f/1.8—both featuring APO designs for improved correction of chromatic and spherical aberrations. Here, I’m testing the 55mm lens.

Based on Viltrox’s earlier Air and EVO lenses, which delivered exceptional sharpness, I was curious to see if this new 55mm can reach the same level as Nikon’s 50mm f/1.8 S—a lens I regard as the best “nifty fifty” Nikon has ever produced, with outstanding sharpness and overall optical quality. Let’s find out.

Available for Sony E, Nikon Z, and Leica L mounts.

Sample Images

Nikon Zf | Viltrox 55mm f/1.8 EVO | f/16

Nikon Zf | Viltrox 55mm f/1.8 EVO | f/1.8

Nikon Zf | Viltrox 55mm f/1.8 EVO | f/2.8

Nikon Zf | Viltrox 55mm f/1.8 EVO | f/13

Nikon Zf | Viltrox 55mm f/1.8 EVO | f/2.2

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Review, Sony, Sony E-mount

Review: Sony FE 50mm 1.4 GM

April 11, 2026 BastianK 26 Comments

Introduction

sony fe 50mm 1.4 gm gmaster g fullframe fastest lens contrast resolution 33mp 42mp 61mp sharpness vignetting a7riv a7rv a7v a9ii a1 bokeh portrait — Sony FE 50mm 1.4 GM on Sony A7rII

The Sony FE 50mm 1.4 GM is a lens I surely hadn’t expected when it was released – especially only two years after the Sony FE 50mm 1.2 GM hit the market. Some people say this one is better than the half-a-stop faster f/1.2 lens, but is that really the case? Let’s find out in this review!