Category Archives: Review

Brightin Star, Funleader, Leica M, lenses, Review

Review: Funleader x Brightin Star 28mm 2.8 XSlim Pro-M

July 16, 2023 BastianK 14 Comments

Introduction

brightin star 28mm 2.8 xlim pro-m review contrast sharpness compact thin leica m10 m11 m10r 42mp 61mp — Funleader x Brightin Star 28mm 2.8 XSlim ProM on Leica M10

You probably know by now I have a soft spot for the tiny MS-Optics lenses, but there are two major issues with them: they are expensive and the manufacturing quality sometimes leaves something to be desired.
I was always wondering: what if some other company with better manufacturing capabilities would design lenses just as compact? I even pitched the idea to several manufacturers: without success.
But now Funleader and Brightin Star teamed up to do exactly that with this 28mm 2.8 XSlim Pro-M. It looks just like an MS-Optics lens and I have been very curious about it since I first heard of it.
Lens is being tested on 42mp Sony A7rII and 24mp Leica M10

Sample Images

viltrox 75mm 1.2 af e aps-c e-mount review sony a6700 a6600 a6500 a6000 fuji sharpness contrast bokeh vignetting coma ca loca aberrations — Leica M10 | Brightin Star 28mm 2.8 | f/2.8

Continue reading Review: Funleader x Brightin Star 28mm 2.8 XSlim Pro-M →

Nikon, Nikon Z, Review

Review: Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4 Ai-S

July 13, 2023 Martin 47 Comments

Introduction

Nikon Nikkor 50mm 1.4 Ai-s vintage review sharpness bokeh come vignetting 24mp 46mp nikon z6 z7 z6ii

The NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4 was the lens that almost all the pro photographers had on their cameras most of the time during the 60s, 70s and 80s and most young and aspiring photographers dreamed of having on their cameras. From an era when Nikon was the undisputed number one 35mm camera/lens system among professional photographers worldwide. The NIKKOR lenses had a reputation for being tough with outstanding quality, both optically and mechanically. This lens was, because of its popularity, in production long after the advent of the autofocus and even digital cameras and was sold new alongside AF and digital lenses until mid 2005. Let’s see how it fares today!

Sample Images

Nikon Nikkor 50mm 1.4 Ai-s vintage review sharpness bokeh come vignetting 24mp 46mp nikon z6 z7 z6ii — Nikon Z6 | Nikon NIKKOR 50/1.4 Ai-s | f/2.8

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Review, Viltrox

Review: Viltrox FE 28mm 1.8 AF

July 9, 2023 BastianK 25 Comments

Introduction

viltrox af 28mm 1.8 fe review sharpness contrast bokeh coma vignetting 42mp 63mp sony a7 — Viltrox 28mm 1.8 AF FE on Sony A7rII

It is a bit odd that the manufacturers of E-mount lenses seemingly abandoned the 28mm focal length, especially when it comes to AF lenses. The only ones available for the FE system are the mediocre Sony FE 28mm 2.0 and the huge designed-for-DSLR Sigma 28mm 1.4 Art – both released in the early days of the FE system and nothing came since. Until now, as Viltrox is offering an alternative with this 28mm 1.8 AF lens. The recently reviewed Viltrox 16mm 1.8 AF proved to be an astonishingly good lens, will this 28mm lens be similarly good? Let’s find out.

Sample Images

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Leica M, Review, Voigtlander

Review: Voigtländer VM 40mm 1.4 Nokton MC

July 1, 2023 BastianK 42 Comments

Introduction

Voigtländer Cosina 40mm 1.4 1.4/40 mc multi coated sc single comparison review leica m10 m11 m10r sony a7rv a7riv 61mp 42mp 24mp sharpness resolution handling build quality — Voigtländer VM 40mm 1.4 Nokton Classic on Minolta CLE

After my experience with the Voigtländer 35mm 1.4 Classic I haven’t exactly been interested in spending any more time with lenses from Cosina’s Classic line (which is not to be mistaken for their Vintage line). That being said the acquisition of a Minolta CLE got me interested in a compact 40mm M-mount lens and this Voigtlander VM 40mm 1.4 Nokton Classic is actually the cheapest option available, so here we are.
This lens will be reviewed on the 42mp Sony A7rII and the 24mp Leica M10 as well as some analogue cameras.

Sample Images

Leica M10 | Voigtländer VM 40mm 1.4 MC | f/1.4

Leica M6 | Voigtländer VM 40mm 1.4 MC | f/2.0 | Portra 800 | Push +1

Voigtländer Cosina 40mm 1.4 1.4/40 mc multi coated sc single comparison review leica m10 m11 m10r sony a7rv a7riv 61mp 42mp 24mp — Leica M10 | Voigtländer VM 40mm 1.4 MC | f/1.4

agfa apx 400 agfaphoto agpha black white bw sw schwarz weiss weiß minolta cle leica m voigtländer vm 40mm 1.4 classic nokton — Minolta CLE | Voigtländer VM 40mm 1.4 MC | f/1.4 | APX400

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Leica M, MS-Optics, Review

Review: MS-Optics 28mm 2.0 Apoqualia

June 25, 2023 BastianK 10 Comments

Introduction

ms-optics ms-optical apoquala f/2.0 2.0 28mm fast leica m10 24mp 42mp review sharpness bokeh vignetting comparison compact tiny — MS-Optics 28mm 2.0 Apoqualia on Leica M6

The MS-Optics 28mm 2.0 Apoqualia must be a bit of a fan favorite, as it has been rereleased – and the mechanical design improved – several times over the years, making it the first MS-Optics lens available in a Mark III version. I will be having a look how it all started though by reviewing a first generation Mark I version provided by a long-time reader.
Lens is being tested on 42mp Sony A7rII (UT) and 24mp Leica M10