Review: Samyang AF 18mm 2.8 FE – The affordable UWA lens

February 13, 2023 BastianK 13 Comments

Introduction

18 2.8 af fe samyang review a7rii a7rv a7riv 42mp 61mp contrast resolution sharpness bokeh — Samyang FE 18mm 2.8 AF on Sony A7rII

A small, lightweight and very affordable 18mm lens can be an interesting option for many photographers. It can extend the viewing angle compared to a midrange zoom significantly and if you only rarely delve into ultra wideangle photography it can also be a great option, as you will have less money sitting idle in your lens cabinet. The Samyang 18mm 2.8 AF wants to be exactly this lens, but the question remains, how high a toll the small size took on its optical performance. Let’s find out about that in this review!

Sample Images

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Accessories, Leica M, lenses

Rangefinder wide angle lenses on A7 cameras: problems and solutions

February 10, 2023 BastianK 217 Comments

Introduction

rangefinder leica m lenses focus field curvature thick sensor stack optimal focus guide tips tricks hint contax g zeiss biogon — Close up lenses of different strength

In case you have read some of our reviews covering rangefinder wide angle lenses on this very blog you already know there are some limitations to be aware of and you might have also heard of the “Kolari”thin filter mod as a solution. But now, thanks to Fred Miranda forum member HaruhikoT, there is another way to use rangefinder wide angle lenses up to their full potential on A7 series cameras.
Update February 2023: guide to remove the shims on Voigtländer VM 35mm 1.7 Ultron added thanks to reader zhulinke + general update

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Leica M, Review, Zeiss

Review: Zeiss ZM 18mm 4.0 Distagon

February 6, 2023 BastianK 18 Comments

Introduction

zeiss zm 18mm 4.0 distagon review leica m10 m11 42mp 24mp contrast sharpness vignetting colors coma — Zeiss ZM 18mm 4.0 Distagon on Leica M10

The Zeiss ZM 18mm 4.0 Distagon is the second widest lens of the ZM family and one of the few 18mm M-mount lenses. Is 18mm being an unpopular focal length among Leica users the reason this lens has already been discontinued or is it because of its optical qualities? Let’s find out in this review.
Lens is being tested on 42mp Sony A7rII and 24mp Leica M10

Sample Images

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lenses, Review, Sony Alpha, Sony Alpha 7, Sony E-mount

Review: Voigtländer Ultron 28mm 2.0

February 5, 2023 BastianK 39 Comments

Introduction

Sony A7s mit Voigtländer Ultron 28mm 2.0 — Sony A7s with Voigtländer Ultron 28mm 2.0 and VM-E close focus adapter (Helicoid)

The Voigtländer Ultron 28mm 2.0 is a small wide angle lens with Leica M mount. The lens is features a modern design and has been introduced around 2012, but has already been replaced in 2021 with an updated version reviewed here.
Last update: February 2023

Sample Images

venice night sunstar ultron 28mm 2.0 sony a7 — Sony A7s | Voigtländer Ultron 2.0/28 | f/11 | full resolution

sunset sunrise sun sunstar ultron 28mm 2.0 contra light — Sony A7s | Voigtländer Ultron 2.0/28 | f/11

abstract black and white b/w stairs ultron 28mm 2.0 — Sony A7s | Voigtländer Ultron 2.0/28 | f/4.0 | full resolution

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Analogue, Leica M, MS-Optics, Zeiss

Analogue Adventures – Part 13: Fujifilm 200

February 2, 2023 BastianK 12 Comments

I have mainly been using Kodak films so far, but one day a local store had some stock of Fujifilm 200 available, so of course I bought a roll. During the film era it was a fierce competition between Kodak and Fujifilm, but these days the situation is a bit different it seems…