Tag Archives: f/2.8

lenses, Review, Sony E-mount

Long Term Review: Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

80 Comments

Introduction

The Tamron 2.8/28-75 Di III RXD is the first third party E-Mount autofocus zoom lens. I am excited about this lens because it defines a milestone for the E-Mount system: until now, we only had a choice between Sony’s budget line, Samyang and the other (super-)expensive Sony/Zeiss options. The three classic third party manufacturers (Sigma, Tamron, Tokina) have been very tentative in their commitment to the E-mount system, and this lens is the first one that really changes this situation. The specs of the lens look spectacular on the paper, so let’s find out about its performance in the field.

In this review I will check the performance of my own copy that I used for several months now.

Sample Images

Tamron 2.8/28-75 | Sony A7iii | 36mm | f/10 | full size
Tamron 2.8/28-75 | Sony A7iii | 28mm | f/2.8 | full size
Tamron 2.8/28-75 | Sony A7iii | 75mm | f/3.5 | full size

Continue reading Long Term Review: Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD →

Sony Alpha, Sony E-mount, Uncategorized

Review: Zeiss Batis Apo Sonnar T* 135mm f2.8

68 Comments

Introduction

The blogosphere melted down with frustration when the 135mm Batis was announced. Too slow and too expensive was the common verdict. But it’s also much lighter than the fastest medium teles, and faster and more convenient than the smallest. So is this lens the ideal compromise, or is it stranded uselessly between the fastest and the smallest? That will depend on performance, and handling. This review looks at just those issues.

Sample Images

Images can be seen and downloaded in full resolution here.

Continue reading Review: Zeiss Batis Apo Sonnar T* 135mm f2.8 →

lenses, Review, Sony E-mount

Review: Sony FE 2.8/24-70 GM

49 Comments

Introduction

Since the introduction of the Sony A7-series cameras, many people asked for well performing f/2.8 zooms.  Although it negates the approach of the small bodies, Sony listened to their customers and developed the no-compromise GM(aster) lens lineup. The Sony FE 2.8/24-70 GM is the first lens of this new series in our hands.  In this review I will check the performance of my own copy which I have used for the last three months.

Sample Images

Sony A7II | Sony FE 24-70mm 2.8 GM | 24mm f/10 | full resolution
Sony A7II | Sony FE 24-70mm 2.8 GM | 31mm f/16 | full resolution
Sony A7II | Sony FE 24-70mm 2.8 GM | 70mm f/2.8 | full resolution

Continue reading Review: Sony FE 2.8/24-70 GM →

lenses, Review

Review of the overhyped Meyer Trioplan 100mm 1:2.8

44 Comments

Meyer_Trioplan_100mmf2p8

The Meyer Trioplan 2.8/100 is one of the most hyped lenses of the moment and prices have exploded to absolutely crazy levels. But do you get anything special but that soap bubble bokeh for your money? Read on if you want to know.

Specifications

Diameter 64 mm
Length 36 mm
Filter Thread 49 mm
Weight 150 g
Max. Magnification 0.15
Close Focusing Distance from the sensor 1.2 m
Number of aperture blades 15
Elements/ Groups 3 / 3
Price (September 2016): $500 in good condition.
Check current prices at ebay.de or ebay.com (affiliate links).

Image Samples

DSC06299

DSC06087

DSC04788

Continue reading Review of the overhyped Meyer Trioplan 100mm 1:2.8 →

lenses, Review, Sony E-mount

Review: Zeiss Loxia 2.8/21 Distagon T*

105 Comments

20151217-DSC06551

Since the introduction of the Contax Distagon 2.8/21 in the early 1990’s, the 21mm lenses from Zeiss have a long and glorious history of being some of the best wide angle lenses in the world. While the Loxia 2.0/35 and the Loxia 2.0/50 are refined ZM-Designs, the Zeiss Loxia 2.8/21 is the first Loxia lens that features a new optical design. Lets have a look if the Loxia 2.8/21 can keep the heritage alive.
31/05/17 Update by Bastian: I have been using this lens regularly for a year now and Jannik asked me if there is anything I would like to contribute to his review, so I added a few notes and sample images.

Sample Images

Zeiss Loxia 2.8/21 | f/5.6 | ISO 100 | A7II
DSC09818
Zeiss Loxia 2.8/21 | f/5.6 | ISO 100 | A7II | Full Size
DSC06649
Zeiss Loxia 2.8/21 | f/2.8 | ISO 100 | Sony A7R

Continue reading Review: Zeiss Loxia 2.8/21 Distagon T* →