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PT: Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Review – A New Benchmark for Ultra-Wide-Angle Lenses

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 27, 2024

Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF: Venus Optics / B&H Photo

Phototrend published a very positive review of the Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF calling it the “The New Benchmark for Ultra-Wide-Angle Lenses”, which is high praise. The review is in French and can be read in full here, but I have reproduced some translated excerpts below:

“a major step for the Chinese manufacturer”
“the Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF has no shortage of assets”
“solid value for money , it will easily appeal to specialists in architectural and landscape photography”
“one of our favorites for summer 2024”
Pros
Ultra-wide focal length and very controlled distortions
Compact and lightweight
Metal barrel and neat finishes
Good sharpness in the center from f/3.5
Autofocus quite effective
Good value for money
Cons
Autofocus only in E and Z mount
AF sometimes hesitant in low light
Perfectible homogeneity
Only one seal (at the bayonet)
Pronounced vignetting
Some chromatic aberration at f/2.8 at the edges of the image

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Posted in 3rd Party Lens| Tagged LAOWA, Laowa 10mm f/2.8, Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF| Leave a comment

Possible November Announcements: Sony A1 II, Sony a7V, Sony RX1RIII, and Sony 24-70mm f/2

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 26, 2024

We could see a new Sony a1 Mark II camera next month on November 19/20th overseas or even a Sony a7V according to many websites and weibo. There is also the possibility that the long-rumored Sony 24-70mm f/2 GM lens could be announced or even a Sony RX1RII successor. Personally, I would love a new Sony RX1 camera, because they are a lot of fun to shoot and they can probably miniaturize the camera more.

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Posted in Sony A1, Sony a7, Sony RX1| Tagged Sony A1 II, Sony A1 Mark II, Sony a7V, Sony RX1R III, Sony RX1RIII| Leave a comment

Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 Announced

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 25, 2024

The first details about the Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 were shared yesterday and the lens was announced today as expected. This looks like an interesting option for photographers looking for an affordable well built 85mm f/1.4 lens.

Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4: Amazon / B&H Photo

Unparalleled Image Quality – SIRUI AURORA 85mm F1.4 offers outstanding sharpness throughout the frame right up to F1.4, maintaining a superior high resolution when scaled 2x or larger. Aspherical lens, ED glass, and HRI glass are added for suppressed chromatic aberration and authentic color rendering.
Ultra Fast Aperture – This f/1.4 fast aperture lens is equipped with fifteen-blade diaphragms, ensuring sufficient light to enter into cameras even in low-light conditions. The blurred background decorated with magnificent bokeh also provides a dreamy look to your creative shots.
Fast, Smooth & Precise AF – This auto-focus lens features a step motor, supporting eye AF and object tracking for enhanced accuracy and smoothness autofocus performance, suitable for snapshots or capturing fast-moving subjects.
King of Portrait – As a classic focal length for portrait shots, 85mm is perfect for natural facial shots. The moderate distance between photographer and subject makes it ideal for portrait, close-up, long-distance shooting, long focal length compression, creamy bokeh creation.
Super Lightweight – Aurora Series 85mm AF lens with optimized lens structure decreases its weight to only 540g/1.2lbs, around 17% lower than similar lenses in the market. The lightweight and compact design allows for a long-time hand-held or gimbal work.
Professional Lens Control – An AF/MF focus mode switch, AFL button, and aperture ring with switchable click stops provide flexible controls of the lens to meet individual needs.

Posted in 3rd Party Lens| Tagged Sirui, Sirui Aurora, Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4| Leave a comment

OL: Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Review – Clear Improvement Over Its Predecessor

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 25, 2024

Optical Limits published its full Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II which you can read in full here or check out the excerpt below:

The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II does many things right – if you’ve got a good copy, at least. It’s plenty sharp at the wide end and well into the middle range. At 35mm, there’s a drop in quality…the GM has good native distortion control… Lateral CAs are well-controlled, and vignetting…The sun star rendering is decent…build quality is excellent … wished that Sony had managed to implement an internal zoom mechanism. The reduced weight and slightly more compact dimensions are always welcomed. The AF is fast and silent. Videographers will appreciate the de-clickable aperture ring… low focus breathing and breathing compensation support…impressive close-focus capabilities…a clear improvement over its predecessor – and it’s (mostly) worth the high price tag.

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama

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Sirui Aurora 85mm f/1.4 and Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 AF Lenses

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 24, 2024

Sirui will announce the Aurora 85mm f/1.4 AF lens for Sony E-mount on October 25th 2024. It is already listed for sale on a German website for €545.

Product information “SIRUI AU85-E Aurora 85mm F1.4 Full Frame Lens (E Mount, Black)”
The SIRUI AU85-E is a full-format lens with an E-mount connection. With an aperture of F1.4 , high-quality optical glass, very fast and precise autofocus thanks to the STM motor, aperture ring, function button, dust and splash protection and a light and compact housing, it is extremely competitive at a very attractive price. Not only the large aperture ensures a beautifully soft bokeh , but also the 15 aperture blades that create perfectly round bokeh circles. Weighing just 540g , it is significantly lighter and more compact than comparable lenses. The click mechanism on the aperture ring can be easily switched on or off using the associated switch, making the lens ideal for both photos and videos. The software can always be kept up to date via a USB-C interface .
main features
dust and splash-proof
540 grams light
15 aperture blades
minimum focusing distance 85cm
Very fast autofocus
E-mount
AF/MF switch
aperture ring with switchable detent

The Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 AF Lab Series was also briefly listed for sale on a German website for €999. Peargear has a post about the lens which you can view here.

The Viltrox AF 135mm F/1.8 lens is the LAB version of Viltrox, specially developed to meet the highest demands of photography, which means a premium body assembly and top-notch optical design elements.
The lens uses a VCM voice coil motor and has a minimum focusing distance of 0.7 meters. It will initially be available in Sony E-mount and may later be available in Nikon Z-mount. It will be priced at 999 euros.

Sirui 24mm F2.8 Anamorphic 1.33X: Amazon / Adorama / B&H Photo
Sirui 50mm F1.8 Anamorphic 1.33X: Amazon / Adorama / B&H Photo
Sirui 75mm F1.8 Anamorphic 1.33X: Amazon / Adorama / B&H Photo
SIRUI 1.25x Anamorphic Adapter: Amazon / B&H Photo