Oh how I wish John Stewart got ahold of this Olympus video.
via Steve Huff Photo
Em-Zwee-ko 40-150 f28 Pro, hey!
your bokeh sucks
Mirror Lessons product shot of the Olympus M.Zuiko 40-50 f/2,8 Pro lens
Both Olympus Malaysia employee, Robin Wong, and Mathieu and Heather, the dynamic (and independent) duo behind Mirror Lessons, recently tested out the new Olympus M.Zuiko 40-150 f/2,8 Pro m43 lens.
Mathieu's and Heather's impressions are here.
Robin Wong's impressions are here.
Fujifilm fans startled by new picture of XF 16-55 f/2,8 R
DPReview user, Robert Garcia NYC, posted the above photograph in this thread at the Fujifilm X System / SLR Talk forum.
Reader reaction has been mixed. Readers disappointed by the lens quote its ostensible lack of OIS (optical image stabilisation), its size, and more.
My thoughts go like this: what were you expecting? With the notable exception of the 18/2, current Fujifilm X lenses aren't small. They fall perfectly in line with APS-C lenses and FF equivalents. My hope is that Fujifilm install focus helicoids in their most expensive lenses, therefore enabling real-time manual focus override, and that that switch on the left, in the shadow of the man's palm, is for OIS.
The pre-ASPH Leica Summilux-M 50mm at Disneyland on the Sony A7r
Pre-ASPH Summilux-M 50mm in heavy silver
Head-Fi administrator, Sean Chean, kindly lent me first, his Leica M9, and second, his M Typ 240. (There's another Typ 240 out there, and it isn't Leica.) Along for the ride came a gaggle of ASPH Summilux lenses. Wonderful all. Sharp all. Well-illuminated all. And put together, the lot was worth north of 25.000$ USD.
Read moreThe Fujinon-EX 90/5,6 enlargement lens
The Fujinon-EX 90/5,6
I have used this lens to shoot images for the last several mini-reviews, an ongoing commercial project, and a number of upcoming Headfonia earphone/amp reviews. It is tack-sharp, feather-light, and cheap as chips.
Read moreBokeh Monster: Fujifilm XF 18-135 OIS review
I almost painted my iMac with a mouthful of cheese and wine when I read the following:
“The weather sealing suggests this lens is intended for the adventure enthusiast, however in our opinion, a plastic exterior does not portray rugged durability.”
and this:
“On the street its all about discretion. Sadly this lens is not very subtle (especially when extended / zoomed in). If there was ever a lens suited to the stereotypical tourist, camera and lens dangling around their neck, the 16-135mm definitely fits the bill.”
not to mention this:
“Catching the sail boat on the remarkably calm morning was good use of the telephoto end of the lens. Shot purposely wide open at F5.6 the image is a little soft (especially in the corners). An unfortunate property which has plagued the lens throughout all the test images so far. ”
and this:
“Once you sum up all the points from the widely varying situations we tossed its way, it has to be said, although it performed admirably, it is terribly boring and with little character. It does what it does with no surprises.”
Overall, Bokeh Monster gave the lens a pass, but with numerous, salient, provisos. As a Fujifilm X user, and reader of many reviews, this sort of article is refreshing. Yes, you could pick on Bokeh Monster for begging for less DOF in a lens that obviously won't give it, but you can't pick on Bokeh Monster for NOT pandering to Fujifilm like Zack Arias, nor shilling a product. This is an approved read, if not a perfect endorsement for this new lens.
Original article: FUJINON XF 18-135mm F3.5/5.6 WR OIS - Reviewed
Ansible ohmage: Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS
Generally, I cover events with a couple of trusty F-mount Nikkor Ai/S lenses. But last week I had a wine event that needed a bit more class than a Speedbooster. And, let's be honest, the EVFs can get fiddly in the dark, especially when mated to fully manual lenses. OIS would come in handy.
Read moreJR Photography: Helios 44m-5 58/2 review
Some lenses eschew raw line performance in favour of beauty and draw. My favourite Canon 35/2 LTM is one of those. The Helios 44m-5 58/2 in M42 looks to be another. In his review, Jonas Rask does a fine job of relating to what photography it is best suited. All photos in his review are shot on a Fujifilm X-Pro 1.
Sony ILCE-7r and the Leica Summilux 50 pre-ASPH
The Leica M9 which I've over-borrowed from Headfi's brilliant AnakChan, goes back in the next few days. I'll be honest and say that I didn't shoot much with it. Mainly, that is because I had to get used to, and if possible, like the Sony A7r which I purchased for its excellent live view system. I'll be honest and say that that didn't happen. I hate the Sony a7r today as much as I did when I first reviewed it. Its one saving grace is that is capable of making fine exposures.
Read moreDave Dillon Photo: Rokinon/Samyang 14/2,8 on the Fujifilm X-E1
Dave Dillon Photography has upped short but sweet review of the just-released but impressive and ridiculously-named Samyang 14mm F/2,8 ED AS IF UMC ultra wide lens for Fujifilm's X mount.