Category Archives: Review

Review: Voigtlander Nokton 21mm F1.4 E

The Voigtlander 1.4/21 is a relatively compact super fast lens for the Sony FE system. In this review I evaluate it’s performance in a wide range of scenarios.

Image Samples

Most images in this review can be found in full resolution in my Voigtlander 1.4/21mm flickr set.

 

Specifications

Diameter 70.5 mm
Length 79.5 mm
Filter Thread 62 mm
Weight (no hood, no caps) 539 g
Max. Magnification 1:7
Close Focusing Distance from the sensor 0.25 m
Number of aperture blades 12
Elements/ Groups 13/11

The Voigtlander 1.4/21 sells for $1199 at CameraQuest | Amazon.com or B&H. 1399€ at ebay.de or ebay.co.uk (affiliate links). If you purchase the lens through one of these affiliate-links I get a small compensation with no additional cost to you.

Changelog

  • 28.6.2019 – Start of review
  • 2.7.2019 – Added some Samples, linked full resolution images and updated alternatives section
  • finalized review

Continue reading Review: Voigtlander Nokton 21mm F1.4 E

Review: Tamron 46A 70-210 mm f/3.8-4

Tamron 46A 70-210 mm f/3.8-4

 

The Tamron 46A 70-210 mm f/3.8-4 was the final version of their affordable tele zoom lenses line.The handy zoom range is combined with a minimum focus distance of 90 cm which results in a max magnification of 1:2.9.
How does this cheap zoom perform in the modern age? Read on to find out!

Tamron 46A 70-210 mm
Tamron 46A 70-210 mm
Tamron 46A 70-210 mm
Tamron 46A 70-210 mm
Tamron 46A 70-210 mm
Tamron 46A 70-210 mm
Tamron 46A 70-210 mm

Continue reading Review: Tamron 46A 70-210 mm f/3.8-4

Quick Review: Zenitar 50mm 0.95 E

Introduction

zenitar 50mm 0.95 noctilux zhong yi mitakon SLRmagic sharpness resolution 42mp e-mount a7rIII a7rII bokeh
Zenitar 50mm 0.95 E on Sony A7rII

Zenith is mostly famous for still producing decade old designs like the Helios 2/58 and some Kickstarter lenses like the Petzval. But this Zenitar 50mm 0.95 E is a completely new design with staggering specs. But how does it stack up to the Zhong Yi Mitakon 50mm 0.95?
This was supposed to be a full scale review, but unfortunately this lens is so inherently flawed that I decided writing one would be a waste of time, read on to find out why.

Samples

zenitar 50mm 0.95 noctilux zhong yi mitakon SLRmagic sharpness resolution 42mp e-mount a7rIII a7rII bokeh
Sony A7III | Zenitar 50mm 0.95 E | f/0.95
zenitar 50mm 0.95 noctilux zhong yi mitakon SLRmagic sharpness resolution 42mp e-mount a7rIII a7rII bokeh
Sony A7rII | Zenitar 50mm 0.95 E | f/0.95
zenitar 50mm 0.95 noctilux zhong yi mitakon SLRmagic sharpness resolution 42mp e-mount a7rIII a7rII bokeh
Sony A7rII | Zenitar 50mm 0.95 E | f/0.95

Continue reading Quick Review: Zenitar 50mm 0.95 E

Review: Laowa 15mm 4.0 Macro

Introduction

laowa 15mm 4.0 f/4 macro f/4.0 review 42mp high resolution makro close focus flare e-mount a7rii a7riii
Laowa 15mm 4.0 macro on Sony A7rII

The Laowa 15mm 4.0 macro is a very unique lens, being the only ultra wide angle lens that can focus close enough to offer a maximum magnification of 1:1. But how useful is an ultra wide angle lens optimized for such magnifications? Let us find out in this review!

Sample Images

laowa 15mm 4.0 f/4 macro f/4.0 review 42mp high resolution makro close focus flare e-mount a7rii a7riii
Sony A7rII | Laowa 15mm 4.0 Macro | f/4.0
laowa 15mm 4.0 f/4 macro f/4.0 review 42mp high resolution makro close focus flare e-mount a7rii a7riii
Sony A7rII | Laowa 15mm 4.0 Macro | f/4.0
laowa 15mm 4.0 f/4 macro f/4.0 review 42mp high resolution makro close focus flare e-mount a7rii a7riii
Sony A7rII | Laowa 15mm 4.0 Macro | f/8.0

Continue reading Review: Laowa 15mm 4.0 Macro