2.0 F-mount Primes

December 6, 2025 BastianK 11 Comments

Introduction

All fast Nikon AF-S fullframe primes from 20 to 200mm

From 2004 to 2018 Nikon produced 14 different AF-S primes from 20 to 200mm for fullframe with maximum apertures ranging from f/1.4 to f/2.0. Among those the “Gold Ring” primes were the highlight of the F-mount lens lineup, mostly aimed at professional photographers, who were not satisfied by the light gathering capabilities of the f/2.8 zooms. The f/1.8 primes on the other hand were aimed at consumers looking for more affordable options. Some of these lenses can be found at very attractive prices on the used market today, so after having used all of them personally, I thought it was time to give you this overview.

Continue reading The Rated list of the fast Nikon AF-S f/1.4 | f/1.8 | f/2.0 F-mount Primes →

Analogue, B&W Negative

Analogue Photography: Part 4 – Ilford HP5 Plus at a Historical Engine Factory

December 3, 2025 Martin 21 Comments

Introduction

After getting back into film and starting the Analogue Photography series with the iconic Kodak Tri-X, I turned to its European counterpart for this round — the equally legendary Ilford HP5 Plus. Long favored by press photographers, photojournalists, and enthusiasts who needed a reliable workhorse, HP5 Plus has earned its reputation as a versatile and forgiving black-and-white film.

For this installment, I chose a location much older than the film stock itself — a historic engine factory that felt like the perfect match: the Pythagoras Hot-Bulb Engine Factory.

Continue reading Analogue Photography: Part 4 – Ilford HP5 Plus at a Historical Engine Factory →

7Artisans, lenses, Review

REVIEW: 7Artisans AF 10mm f/2.8 (APS-C)

November 30, 2025 Martin 2 Comments

Introduction

Just two years ago, finding a true ultra wide-angle prime for APS-C cameras felt like chasing a unicorn. But that’s changed fast. A wave of new releases—many from Chinese lens makers—has opened up a lot of new options for APS-C shooters. Now, 7Artisans joins the mix with its 10mm f/2.8, a lens that promises a lot for its price. Can it really stand out in this crowded new field? Let’s find out.

camera-icon2 I tested this lens on a Nikon Zfc.
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!
Sample images in high resolution here.

Sample Images

Nikon Zf | 7Artisans AF 24mm F/1.8 | f/5

Nikon Zf | 7Artisans AF 24mm F/1.8 | f/4Nikon Zfc | 7Artisans AF 10mm F/2.8 | f/13

Nikon Zfc | 7Artisans AF 10mm F/2.8 | f/5

Nikon Zfc | 7Artisans AF 10mm F/2.8 | f/11

Nikon Zfc | 7Artisans AF 10mm F/2.8 | f/8

Continue reading REVIEW: 7Artisans AF 10mm f/2.8 (APS-C) →

7Artisans, Guides, Laowa, Mr. Ding Studio, Pergear, TTArtisan, Viltrox, Zhong Yi

The Best Fullframe Lenses from China

November 24, 2025 BastianK 49 Comments

Introduction

In 2023 there are plenty of lens manufacturers originating from China speaking to various different target audiences. While some are the Primark of the lens industry – simply trying to offer cheaper alternatives to the reknown manufacturers of lower quality – others have become the actual innovators in the photography lens business.
Having used more than 80 of those lenses from 15 different manufacturers I thought it is a good time to highlight the best ones I came across.
Update November 2025: many new lenses added, many of the lenses listed here are currently discounted thanks to Black Friday Promotions, currently discounted prices are marked in red

Continue reading The Best Fullframe Lenses from China →

Mr. Ding Studio, Nikon, Nikon Z

Review: Mr. Ding Optics 50mm 1.2 Noxlux Z

November 23, 2025 BastianK 22 Comments

Introduction

mr. ding optics studio 50mm 1.2 nikon z review m10 42mp 24mp sony a7rii contrast resolution bokeh coma noxlux — Mr. Ding 50mm 1.2 Z on Nikon Zf

The Mr. Ding Studio 50mm 1.1 Noxlux M has sadly been out of stock for quite some time, but in the meantime the manufacturer updated its design and the lens is now available as this Mr. Ding 50mm 1.2 Noxlux Z for Z-mount – with electronic contacts, still something rare to see among the manual focus lenses from China. Let’s have a look together.

This lens is in many aspects identical to the Mr. Ding 50mm 1.1 M and Syoptic 50mm 1.1, so I will reuse a few sections of my reviews of those lenses.