There is only a hand full of lenses which incorporate an apodization element which improves bokeh at the cost of light transmission. Today I will compare two of them. The Sony STF 2.8/135 was released 1999 by Minolta and is known for it’s uniquely smooth bokeh. The Laowa STF 2/105 is a new lens released this year by Chinese newcomer Venus Optics. In this post I will see where their strengths and weaknesses lie.
Review: Canon EF 135mm 2.0L – the Lord of the Rings on Sony a7rii
Introduction

The Canon EF 135mm 2.0L is often referred to as being the “Lord of the Red Rings” and many think it is one of the – if not the – best and sharpest among all L-lenses. On the other hand the optical design dates back more than 20 years now, so let us find out how the lens performs when coupled with the 42mp A7rII!
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Continue reading Review: Canon EF 135mm 2.0L – the Lord of the Rings on Sony a7rii
Review: Minolta MC Rokkor 50mm 1:1.4
There is an abundance of manual 1.4/50 lenses available, is there anything which makes the Minolta MC 1.4/50 special? That’s the question I try to answer in this review.
Sample images
Images are linked to the full resolution, just click on them.
Review: Canon EF 70-200m 4.0L USM
Introduction

For a long time I have been searching for a lightweight telezoom with very good optical properties, well defined sunstars and a justifiable price. By chance I came along some nice photos my friend Chris from Cologne took with his Canon EF 70-200mm 4.0 L USM and after talking to him he even offered to lend me the lens for a review. So find out if my search has finally come to an end!
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Review: Jupiter-9 85mm 2.0
Introduction

The Jupiter-9 85mm 2.0 is actually a copy of the Zeiss Sonnar 85mm 2.0 and was produced in the UDSSR after WWII. This is my favourite among the Jupiter lenses tested so far, read on to find out why!
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