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Boutique Third Party Brands


There are a number of small lens makers who have been developing lenses particularly for modern mirrorless cameras.  Most of these (but not all) are budget, manual focus alternatives.

September 18, 2023 Feiyu Pocket 3 Action Camera Review

  I was excited about the proof of concept of the Pocket 3 action camera from gimbal experts Feiyu for its ability to quickly mount anywhere magnetically, be remotely controlled, and having up to 4K60 video capture.  I instantly saw a great opportunity for adding all kinds of unique B-roll footage to my various reviews [Read more...]

September 8, 2023 Pergear 14mm F2.8 II Review

Pergear released a 14mm F2.8 wide angle prime for full frame cameras a few years ago, and while it was nicely sharp, there were some areas that could be improved.  But Pergear is back with a second attempt that has improved on a number of those shortcomings.  The new Pergear 14mm F2.8 II features: More […] [Read more...]

September 8, 2023 Pergear 14mm F2.8 II Image Gallery

Pergear released a 14mm F2.8 wide angle prime for full frame cameras a few years ago, and while it was nicely sharp, there were some areas that could be improved.  But Pergear is back with a second attempt that has improved on a number of those shortcomings.  The new Pergear 14mm F2.8 II features: More […] [Read more...]

October 10, 2022 Brightin Star 16mm F2.8 Review (M-Mount via Techart)

Brightin Star is one of many startup lens companies that is trying to make a name for themselves.  I’ve reviewed a couple of their lenses previously, starting with a budget wide angle 12mm F2 for APS-C (my review here) and then a full frame 50mm F0.95 (my review here).  Two different extremes, obviously.  Wh [Read more...]

August 11, 2022 Techart LM-EA9 MF to AF Adapter Review and Gallery

Early on  photography was a hobby, not a career for me.  I engaged with other photographers on Flickr, a place where my collective photos have had 30 million views at this point.  In one of the Flickr communities I became aware that some photographers were getting amazing images utilizing vintage film-era lenses o [Read more...]

August 1, 2022 Meike 85mm F1.8 STM Image Gallery

Meike is one of many newer lens companies who have specialized in inexpensive manual focus lenses (though they also have a lineup of slightly higher end cine lenses).  I’ve spent time with three Meike manual focus lenses in the past, including a very inexpensive 50mm F1.7 and a more expensive 50mm F1.2.  I’ve also [Read more...]

August 1, 2022 Meike 85mm F1.8 STM Review

Meike is one of many newer lens companies who have specialized in inexpensive manual focus lenses (though they also have a lineup of slightly higher end cine lenses).  I’ve spent time with three Meike manual focus lenses in the past, including a very inexpensive 50mm F1.7 and a more expensive 50mm F1.2.  I’ve also [Read more...]

November 22, 2021 Brightin Star 50mm F0.95 Review

Over the past few years, it has become increasingly common for what I call “Boutique Third Party” brands (small lens startups) to deliver some really interesting budget lenses.  Many of the early lenses were designed for the smaller APS-C sensor, but recently I’ve seen more of them tackle the more challeng [Read more...]