OL: Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO Review

By Louis Ferreira | Published: March 5, 2022

Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO: VenusOptics / B&H Photo

The Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO is a super-fast lens that is great for low-light photography and has a lot of character. Optical limits just posted its full review which you can read here or you can see some excerpts below:

…The optical performance is on a high level, even at maximum aperture. The broader center is sharp straight from f/0.95 and the borders can keep up nicely. Only the corners are a bit soft. The background contrast is slightly reduced at this setting but this can be boosted via an imaging tool. Stopping down to f/1.4 results in quite a lift in quality even in the corners, and the peak performance around f/2.8 is very impressive indeed. Image distortions are very low and nothing to worry about. As you might expect the vignetting is very high at large-aperture settings. Lateral and axial CAs are well controlled, although they aren’t entirely as absent as the “APO” designation may suggest. RSAs are also something to be aware of. The technical quality of the bokeh is a bit of a mixed bag… Flare can also be a weak spot so better mount the lens hood when shooting.

The mechanical quality of the Argus lens is, again, impressive. The all-metal construction feels very reassuring and the dampened control rings are a joy to use. The internal focus mechanism is appreciated and we are also a fan of the new hood design. It’s not all glory, though, because there’s no electronic coupling thus also no AF and no weather sealing.

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Posted in 3rd Party Lens| Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

We Are Taking a Stand Against Russian Aggression

By Louis Ferreira | Published: March 4, 2022


We have asked our hosting company to block all traffic from Russia at the IP level until further notice on SonyAdddict, FujiAddict, 43Addict, Nikonrumors, Photorumors, Leicarumors, and Pentax Rumors. We feel it is important for everyone to do their part to support the Ukrainian people and to make clear to the Russian people that the illegal occupation of Ukraine is not acceptable. We do not blame the Russian people for this occupation, but they are the only ones that can bring this to an end peacefully.

We strongly encourage others to do the same.

СЛАВА УКРАЇНІ!

Posted in Press releases| Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Sony Donated to UNHCR to Support Ukrainian Refugees

By Louis Ferreira | Published: March 3, 2022


Donation to Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine Emergency
Tokyo, Japan – Sony Group Corporation (“Sony”) today announced the donation of a total of 2 million U.S. dollars to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the international NGO, Save the Children, in order to provide humanitarian aid to the affected populations in Ukraine and countries in the region.

In addition, Sony Group companies around the world will collect donations from employees and match the amounts raised.

These donations will be given to organizations including UNHCR and Save the Children for use in supporting humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine and neighboring countries.

Sony sincerely hopes that this situation will be resolved quickly, and that peace will be restored in Ukraine and around the world.

If you’re interested in donating to UNHCR you can do so here and the donations are tax-deductible in the US.

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Posted in Press releases| 4 Comments

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.0 Full Frame Patent Found and More

By Louis Ferreira | Published: March 2, 2022


Sigma 28-70mm f/2.0 full frame

  • Focal length: 28.90-67.75
  • F value: 2.07
  • Angle of view: 76.73-33.8
  • Image height: 21.63
  • Overall length: 147.85-11.89


Sigma 14-30mm f/4.0 full frame

  • Focal length: 14.42-29.10
  • F value: 4.00
  • Angle of view: 117.62-71.79
  • Image height: 21.63
  • Overall length: 96.04-74.39


Sigma 20mm f/1.4 APS-C

  • Focal length: 20.00
  • F value: 1.46
  • Angle of view: 74.82
  • Image height: 14.20
  • Overall length: 94.00


Sigma 23mm f/1.4 APS-C

  • Focal length: 23.00
  • F value: 1.46
  • Angle of view: 65.76
  • Image height: 14.20
  • Overall length: 94.00
  • Back focus:


Sigma 28mm f/1.4

  • Focal length: 28.42
  • F value: 1.46
  • Angle of view: 79.83
  • Image height: 21.63
  • Overall length: 123.15


Sigma 33mm f/1.4

  • Focal length: 33.72
  • F value: 1.46
  • Angle of view: 67.78
  • Image height: 21.63
  • Overall length: 123.95

via asobinet

Posted in 3rd Party Lens, Patents| Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

SAB: Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE – Review Excellent at a Very Reasonable Price

By Louis Ferreira | Published: March 1, 2022


Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Sony Alpha Blog posted its Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE review and called it an “Excellent lens at a very reasonable price. SAB even claims it is a little better than the Sony FE 135mm f1.8 GM. Below are some excerpts from the review and you can read the full review here.

  • The Sony has a little edge in term of Bokeh ball when aperture is closed down but it is not a big difference.
  • The Sony does better for sports for people, objects in fast motion as the Samyang can loose track of the subject more easily than the Sony. The Samyang is also limited to 8fps whereas the Sony can reach up to 30 fps with Sony A1
  • The rendering of the Sony GM is also more gentle and subtle for skin tones with a little bit less micro contrast , the Samyang is a bit more punchy/crispy in term of rendering. On this criteria it is a matter of personal taste

Highly recommend

  • Outstanding sharpness on the entire frame as of F1.8
  • Excellent contrast
  • Very Good AF for static subject or linear movements
  • Smooth background blur
  • Excellent color rendition
  • Very good Bokeh balls
  • Focusing ring that can become Clickless aperture ring
  • Very good ergonomics
  • Reasonnable price (950 euros)
  • Light (can even be used on gimbal)
  • Very Good build quality
  • Moderate vignetting
  • Very good min focusing distance
  • Very good resistance to flare
  • Very low CA
  • Low distortion

Average

  • Size (but in line with other 135mm F1.8)
  • A little bit too sharp & contrasty for portraits for the taste of some people
  • Drains battery fast
  • Bokeh balls as of F4 no more circular
  • AF limited yo 8fps (only Sony can reach 20/30 fps)

Cons

  • AF in burst mode (for sports) not as efficient as the Sony GM for subjects changing directions

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B&H Photo WPPI 2022 Sale

By Louis Ferreira | Published: February 28, 2022


B&H Photo started its WPPI 2022 sale and you can see everything they have to offer here, but some savings might need the code BHWPPI22.

Savings Categories

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Posted in Deals| Tagged , | 5 Comments