Category Archives: Review

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200 f/4G ED VR

April 23, 2025 Martin 3 Comments

Introduction

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G ED VR was Nikon’s latest enthusiast-level telephoto zoom lens with a constant aperture. Before its release, Nikon had long offered both professional 70-200mm and 80-200mm f/2.8 lenses, as well, a prosumer-grade fixed F4 70-210 and consumer grade variable-aperture telephoto zooms. With this lens, they aimed to provide a more budget-friendly alternative to their latest high-end 70-200mm f/2.8 VR. To achieve this, Nikon incorporated their latest advancements in coating technology, autofocus (AF), vibration reduction (VR), and optical design to create this lens by the end of 2012.

Let’s take a closer look!

camera-icon2 I tested this lens on a 46 Mp Nikon Z7ii (Sample images were taken with Nikon Zf , Nikon Z6, Nikon D600, and Nikon D7200)
I used a Nikon FTZ II F-to-Z adapter with this lens on Nikon Z cameras.
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!
Sample images in high resolution here.

Sample Images

Nikon D600 | Nikkor AF-S 70-200/4G ED VR | @130mm | F4

Nikon D7200 | Nikkor AF-S 70-200/4G ED VR | @70mm | F5,6

Nikon Z6 | Nikkor AF-S 70-200/4G ED VR | @185mm | F4

Nikon Z6 | Nikkor AF-S 70-200/4G ED VR | @200mm | F4

Nikon D7200 | Nikkor AF-S 70-200/4G ED VR | @70mm | F4

Nikon Z6 | Nikkor AF-S 70-200/4G ED VR | @70mm | F4

Continue reading Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200 f/4G ED VR →

lenses, Review, TTArtisan

Review: TTArtisan 35mm T/2.1 – Dual-Bokeh Cine Lens

April 18, 2025 Martin 8 Comments

Introduction

The TTArtisan 35mm T2.1 Cine Dual-Bokeh is a unique lens. We rarely review cine lenses, but this one stands out. Over the past few years, TTArtisan has introduced innovative and daring lens designs. Their latest creation features a unique ability to control the bokeh character—an intriguing function with some unusual behaviour. Some will love its distinctive look, while others may find it unappealing.

On paper, it was very appealing to me, so I agreed to review it. Let’s take a closer look!

camera-icon2 I tested this lens on a 46 MP Nikon Z7ii (Sample images were taken with a Nikon Zf)
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!
Sample images in high resolution here.

Sample Images

Nikon Zf | TTArtisan 35mm T2.1 Dual Bokeh | T2.1 | BUBBLE

Nikon Zf | TTArtisan 35mm T2.1 Dual Bokeh | T2.1 | SOFT

Nikon Zf | TTArtisan 35mm T2.1 Dual Bokeh | T4 | SOFT

Continue reading Review: TTArtisan 35mm T/2.1 – Dual-Bokeh Cine Lens →

Review, Sony E-mount, Viltrox

Review: Viltrox AF 35mm 1.2 FE LAB

April 16, 2025 BastianK 25 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.

Sample Images

Continue reading Review: Viltrox AF 35mm 1.2 FE LAB →

Funleader, Leica M, Review

Review: Artizlab 35mm 1.4 Classic

April 12, 2025 BastianK 8 Comments

Introduction

artizlab funleader 35mm 1.4 classic summilux steel rim leica m10 m11 m6 review contrast sharpness bokeh vignetting coma summilux 42mp 61mp 24mp — Artizlab 35mm 1.4 Classic on Leica M10

While some lens manufacturers strive for optical perfection, others decide to offer lenses with more “character” – often based on famous lenses from the past. This Artizlab 35mm 1.4 Classic is one such lens. From the outside it looks like the Leica 35mm 1.4 Summilux from 1960 and while featuring a different optical design, it is certainly undercorrected for many aberrations, creating a distinct look. Whether you like that look or not is a different question though. So let’s try to answer it with the help of this review.

Sample Images

Continue reading Review: Artizlab 35mm 1.4 Classic →

Astrophotography, Nikon, Review, Samyang

Review: Samyang 14mm 2.4 XP

April 8, 2025 BastianK 10 Comments

Introduction

samyang 14mm 2.4 xp premium manual focus astro wide angle ultra review architecture 42mp 61mp sony a7riv a7rv sharpness contrast vignetting compact nikon z6 z7 z8 zf sony a7rii a7riii a7rv a7iv coma — Samyang 14mm 2.4 XP via FTZ II on Nikon Zf

Released in 2017, this Samyang 14mm 2.4 XP had a similarly bad timing as the Zeiss Otus and Milvus lenses its mechanical design is undoubtedly based on. By that time many people started using mirrorless cameras, so these huge DSLR designs certainly started looking less appealing. On top of that, many of us had been burned by Samyang’s (at least at that time) awful quality control, so paying a premium price for a Samyang lens? Not many people were interested in doing that. Nevertheless, some people say this is one of the best lenses for astrophotography ever made, that alone is reason enough to have a closer look at it.