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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...]

May 15, 2023 TTArtisan 100mm F2.8 2x Macro Tilt/Shift Review

Talk about ratcheting up the complexity!  I’ve reviewed a number of TTArtisan lenses before, and they have mostly fallen into the categories that are filled by a lot of what I call “Boutique Third Parties”.  These include various manual everything prime lenses with varying maximum aperture sizes.  [Read more...]

May 15, 2023 TTArtisan 100mm F2.8 2x Macro Tilt/Shift Gallery

Talk about ratcheting up the complexity!  I’ve reviewed a number of TTArtisan lenses before, and they have mostly fallen into the categories that are filled by a lot of what I call “Boutique Third Parties”.  These include various manual everything prime lenses with varying maximum aperture sizes.  [Read more...]

December 12, 2022 TTArtisan 35mm F0.95 Review and Gallery

TTArtisan has continued to surprise me with lenses that in some way exceed my expectations.  Whether it was a surprisingly sharp full frame fisheye lens, a shockingly competent macro lens that cost right over $100, or tiny little prime lenses like the 23mm F1.4 that are surprisingly competent…and cheap.  They hav [Read more...]

October 28, 2022 7Artisans Spectrum 85mm T2 Cine Lens Review

I’ve previously spent time reviewing 5 different 7Artisans lenses, most all of them relatively inexpensive manual-everything lenses designed for APS-C and smaller sensors.  But recently the company reached out to me and asked about the possibility of my reviewing a very different kind of lens from them – the h [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...]