Sony A7s with Leica 90mm 2.0 Summicron M (pre Asph) and VM-E Close Focus Adapter
Classic rangefinder lenses usually spot less staggering minimum focus distances compared to (D)SLR and the latest lenses for mirrorless cameras because of how focusing with rangefinder cameras works. In 2022 several manufacturers are offering close focus adapters. These adapters have their own additional helicoid which allows you to focus your lenses much closer than you could with a conventional adapter. I have used several of these myself, so let’s see which ones are worth the asking price. Last Update: December 2024
UPDATE 20.12.2024:
Reworked the close-up sharpness section and added both 1:1 and 1:2 magnification test shots for both lenses.
The Laowa FF II TS 55mm and 100mm f/2.8 Macro 1X lenses are true macro lenses, offering 1:1 magnification along with tilt-shift functionality that enhances control over the focal plane.
While major camera and lens manufacturers like Canon, Sony, Nikon, Leica, Panasonic, Hasselblad, Sigma, and Tamron have largely overlooked this niche in mirrorless cameras, Laowa has stepped up to fill the gap. Their lenses, available in almost all major mounts, feature tilt and shift capabilities that open up new creative possibilities for photographers.
The tilt function allows precise control over the focal plane, enabling photographers to either extend or limit the in-focus area. This makes these lenses perfect for capturing intricate product details or adding selective focus for artistic compositions. With such versatility, Laowa’s lenses offer greater creative control over depth of field, making them a valuable tool for specialised photography needs
Since these two lenses are almost identical in shape, build, and handling, and were released simultaneously, I decided to combine my review of both. This way, I can avoid repeating the same points and provide a direct comparison, so you can see them side by side.
The APS-C 35mm focal length is equivalent to 52mm on a Fullframe camera, therefore it is in the ‘standard’ focal length category and very close to the classic 50mm lenses on fullframe cameras, with an angle of view offering none of the ‘perspective distortion’ associated with wide angle or telephoto lenses. This lens on an APS-C camera is equivalent to a Nifty Fifty on a fullframe camera. Let’s have a closer look at it!
I tested this lens on a 26 Mp Fujifilm X-S10. You can see this review as a YouTube video here! Most of the sample images in high resolution here.
Sample Images
Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 | Fijifilm X-S10 | f/10Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 | Fijifilm X-S10 | f/1.7Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 | Fijifilm X-S10 | f/1.7Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 | Fijifilm X-S10 | f/16
I already reviewed several lenses of Cosina’s lineup of fast and compact f/1.5 lenses. So could I say no to having a closer look at this Voigtländer VM 35mm 1.5 Nokton Type I as well? Of course not! Let’s find out more about this cute lens.
Sample Images
Leica M10 | Voigtländer VM 35mm 1.5 Nokton | f/5.6Leica M10 | Voigtländer VM 35mm 1.5 Nokton | f/1.5Leica M10 | Voigtländer VM 35mm 1.5 Nokton | f/1.5Leica M10 | Voigtländer VM 35mm 1.5 Nokton | f/1.5Leica M10 | Voigtländer VM 35mm 1.5 Nokton | f/1.5Leica M10 | Voigtländer VM 35mm 1.5 Nokton | f/5.6
Sony α | Leica M | Nikon F/Z New article every week
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I tested these lenses on a 
You can see this review as a 
Sample images in higher resolution 
See the video of 
