Samyang has previously released a couple of very compact autofocusing prime lenses for Sony, though with only moderately wide maximum apertures of F2.8. People loved the size of the lenses, but the autofocus systems were not always quite there. Fast…
Tamron released their new 28-78mm F2.8 RXD lens for Sony full frame mirrorless (FE) last year to great fanfare, as it provided a legitimate alternative to the very large and very expensive Sony 24-70mm F2.8 G Master lens. The 28-75…
When Tamron announced the 17-35mm F2.8-4 OSD last year, I was initially nonplussed. I was surprised to see them releasing a lens without VC (which has become a mainstay on Tamron lenses), a lens with a less sophisticated autofocus system,…
One of my main projects for 2019 was a plan to pit all the current autofocus 85mm options on the full frame Sony E-mount platform head to head. I’ve done something similar for 50mm options (and, to a lesser extent,…
Last year I reviewed a clever rear filter solution for certain lenses that don’t take traditional filters from the company Aurora Aperture. But Aurora Aperture has cranked up the creativity level and designed a new filter solution that, when you…
I had a number of requests to review the Fujinon XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 OIS lens after I reviewed the XF 16-55mm F2.8 a few months ago, as many people feel like the XF 18-55mm is one of the best of…
One of my main projects for 2019 was a plan to pit all the current autofocus 85mm options on the full frame Sony E-mount platform head to head. I’ve done something similar for 50mm options (and, to a lesser extent,…
All year long I’ve had the goal of doing a major 85mm showdown on the Sony platform, as I’ve done something similar for 50mm options (and, to a lesser extent, 35mm options) on Sony. I’ve done a major 85mm shootout…
The Fuji X-T30 is Fujifilm’s fourth generation “bargain” mirrorless camera. It has inherited a lot of trickle-down goodness from the X-T3 that I reviewed last year, including an improved sensor, better autofocus, 4K video, and more. It has a lot…
When Tamron first announced the Tamron 35-150mm F2.8-4 VC OSD, I was first nonplussed (odd focal range), then disappointed that it was not for Sony, but then intrigued as I thought about the potential of such a lens for shooting…
Laowa has never been afraid to take chances! In many ways the Laowa 100mm F2.8 2x APO Macro is the most conventional of their lenses that I’ve reviewed, and even it has some unique attributes. Venus Optics launched their Laowa…
The Viltrox AF 85mm F1.8 STM is the first full frame autofocus lens from Viltrox designed for Sony FE…and I’m the first reviewer in the West to get my hands on one! The 85STM sports a beautiful build quality (very…
The Godox V1 is a unique take on the portable flash design. Instead of the traditional rectangular flash head, it has a round head that produces a softer light spread and more pleasing light pattern than competing flashes. Here’s how…
The Laowa 100mm F2.8 2x (2:1) Macro APO lens is an intriguing new option from Chinese lensmaker Venus Optics. It features a greater than life size magnification (2:1 rather than 1:1), so you can fill the frame twice as much…
Sigma has been on somewhat of a roll as of late as they continue to refine their process of lens development in the ART series. Early on I found the ART series somewhat frustrating, as there was frequently a blend…