Introduction

One thing photographers never seem to have enough of is a really good camera bag or backpack. There is always something missing, and we’re always looking for that ultimate bag that does everything right.

I’m not sure if such a thing exists, but the Leofoto 25L All-in-One Backpack might come pretty close. Designed with photographers, commuters, and travelers in mind, Leofoto promises rugged protection, smart organization, and everyday versatility. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at what it has to offer.

You can see this review as a YouTube video here!

Continue reading REVIEW: Leofoto 25L All-in-One Travel & Camera Backpack →

Introduction

TTArtisan has become one of the better-known Chinese lens manufacturers, offering aggressively priced lenses that often skip some of the more advanced features and exotic glass, while still delivering relatively good optical quality.

Their recent budget-friendly NEO series has taken this concept one step further by leaving out even more features, while setting some impressive price records. I reviewed their 85mm f/1.8 NEO not long ago and was impressed by how much lens you get for just $84, so I decided to take a look at their 50mm f/1.8 NEO as well.

A 50mm is a more versatile focal length, making it suitable for everything from everyday photography and travel to street photography, environmental portraits, food photography, and landscapes.

So, let’s see what we get for those $89.

I tested this lens on a 33MP Sony A7C II.
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!
Sample images in high resolution here.

Sample Images

Continue reading REVIEW: TTArtisan AF 50mm f/1.8 NEO →

Introduction

Many photographers are familiar with high-end tripod brands like Gitzo and Really Right Stuff, but are we always willing to pay the premium that comes with their reputation? Over the last few years, Leofoto has established itself as a serious alternative, producing tripods that can match—or at least come very close to—the performance of the established brands.

In this review, I take a look at one of Leofoto’s flagship models, the flat-apex, center-column-free travel and field tripod, the LS-324CPRO.

You can see this review as a YouTube video here!

Sample Images

Continue reading REVIEW: Leofoto LS-324CPRO tripod with LH-40 Ball Head →

Introduction

We’ve seen a lot of modern lenses at budget-friendly prices, often offering surprisingly good value for money. But $99* for a full-frame 85mm f/1.8? That’s the price of TTArtisan’s latest lens, and it may set a new record for affordability in this category. It’s part of their new, most budget-friendly NEO series, and given TTArtisan’s track record of delivering relatively good optical quality in solidly built bodies, I’m really intrigued to see what this lens can do. Let’s take a closer look.

• TTArtisan has a time-limited $ 5-off offer, which brings the price to $94 (plus limited-time free shipping on orders over $84)

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

Continue reading REVIEW: TTArtisan AF 85mm f/1.8 Neo →

Introduction

Today I’m taking a look at Meike’s new professional-grade 85mm lens, the 85mm f/1.4 STM MIX II. The 85mm focal length has long been considered the classic choice for portrait photography, but it’s also excellent for subject separation, beautiful background blur, and low-light photography. Not long ago, I reviewed the Mark I version and was pleasantly surprised by its performance. It also wasn’t the first 85mm lens Meike has released over the past couple of years. This new model is intended to be an improved version and their best 85mm yet, and at $569 it could be a very appealing option if it performs better than the Mark I version. Now I’m curious to see what Meike has improved. Let’s have a look.

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

Continue reading REVIEW: Meike 85mm f/1.4 STM MIX II →