Category Archives: lenses

REVIEW: Nikon Z Nikkor 26mm f/2.8

July 14, 2024 Martin 9 Comments

Introduction

Nikon Z 26/2.8 on Nikon Z 7II

Nikon Z 26mm 2.8 has an unconventional focal length that falls between two classic wide-angle focal lengths for candid street photography, 24mm and 28mm. It is remarkably compact, making it the smallest and lightest Z prime lens for full-frame cameras from Nikon. Not only is it one of the most compact Nikon Z lens ever, but also it currently holds the title of the world’s slimmest mirrorless autofocus fullframe lens produced by any manufacturer. It can also be used on an APS-C camera as a prime standard lens, providing an equivalent focal length of approximately 40mm, my favorite standard focal length. While not part of Nikon’s premium S-line lenses, it is well-regarded for its performance. Let’s see how it performs!

I tested this lens on a fullframe Nikon Z 7II (with its 46 Mp sensor) and on an APS-C Nikon Z fc (with its 21 Mp sensor).
Hereafter, for ease of writing, I will use Nikon’s designations “FX” for fullframe and “DX” for APS-C.
You watch see this review in video format on YouTube.

Sample Images

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Review, Sony E-mount

Review: Yasuhara Anthy 35mm 1.8

July 10, 2024 BastianK 4 Comments

Introduction

yasuhara anthy35 35mm 1.8 contrast resolution sharpness review sony 42mp 61mp a7rv a7riv a7rii a7iii coma vignetting bokeh — Yasuhara Anthy 35mm 1.8 on Sony A7rII

Yasuhara has a bit of an illustrous history. Founded in 1998 by a former Kyocera camera engineer, an M39 rangefinder camera has been sold under that brand from 1998 to 2004. The company then disappeared but resurfaced in 2011, now designing lenses. The founder passed away in 2020, so I am not sure if there will be any new products under this brand. Nevertheless, I did get my hands on their Yasuhara Anthy 35mm 1.8 for E-mount, so let’s have a closer look at this somewhat exotic lens.

Sample Images

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Nikon, Nikon, Review

Review: Nikon AF-S 24-70mm 2.8G N ED IF

July 7, 2024 BastianK 13 Comments

Introduction

nikon af-s 24-70mm 2.8 G ed N zoom standardzoom midrange standard tele 42mp sony nikon z 61mp z6 z7 z8 z9 a7riv a7rv contrast sharpness bokeh vignetting portrait — Nikon AF-S 24-70mm 2.8G via Monster LA-FE1 on Sony A7rII

By now I have used more than 260 lenses. Interestingly there has never been a 24-70mm 2.8 midrange zoom among those, even though they are really popular, there are a lot of them and pretty much any manufacturer made at least one. In my pursuit of assembling a set of affordable autofocus lenses with nice imaging characteristics, it is now finally time to change that. So let’s have a closer look at this Nikon AF-S 24-70mm 2.8G IF ED N.

Sample Images

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Leica M, Review, Zeiss

Review: Zeiss ZM 21mm 4.5 C-Biogon

June 30, 2024 BastianK 9 Comments

Introduction

zeiss zm 21mm 4.5 c-biogon classic wide angle leica m10 m11 m9 m8 m10r review 42mp 24mp 61mp contrast sharpness bokeh vignetting — Zeiss ZM 21mm 4.5 C-Biogon on Leica M6

The Zeiss ZM 21mm 4.5 C-Biogon is the widest of the three “Classic” designs in Zeiss’ ZM line up. It has long been discontinued and it wasn’t in production for a long time, so it is a bit rare and rather expensive on the used market. I always wondered how it would compare to the similarly compact yet newer Voigtländer VM 21mm 3.5 Color-Skopar and now we will finally find out.
Lens is being tested on 42mp Sony A7rII and 24mp Leica M10

Sample Images

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Review, Sigma, Sony E-mount

Review: Sigma 28mm 1.4 Art

June 28, 2024 BastianK 10 Comments

Introduction

sigma 28mm 1.4 art dg hsm sony 42mp a7rii a7riv a7riii a1 a9iii a7rv review resolution sharpness contrast bokeh vignetting coma — Sigma 28mm 1.4 on Sony A7rII

No matter the camera system, 28mm f/1.4 fullframe lenses are a rare breed. And when you are looking for one equipped with autofocus, things really start to look dire. In most cases your only option is this Sigma 28mm 1.4 Art, which is also one of Sigma’s last fast primes designed for DSLRs and one where we still did not see a smaller “DN” mirrorless version. Despite all this, is this still a lens you should consider today? Let’s have a closer look.