Venus Optics is well known for making unique, interesting, and versatile lenses that offer capabilities that are not possible with other options. Their newest lens, the Laowa 58mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO, offers the promise of fantastic image quality in tandem with ultra-high levels of magnification, all at an affordable price. How does it perform? This great video review takes a look at what you can expect.
The Sigma Art Series has earned a reputation for impressively sharp lenses that offer loads of image quality at prices that often significantly undercut those of equivalent first-party options. One such lens in the lineup is the 24mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, and this excellent video review takes a look at it and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.
In the last few years, I’ve found myself using my smartphone more and more as my video camera to capture life’s moments. On an actual shoot, it’s also not uncommon for me to use one as a b-camera. If that’s you as well, here are nine great tools to help improve your smartphone videography (and a bonus tip).
Samyang has been long known for creating sharp, highly affordable lenses, and in recent years, they have added autofocus capabilities to many, increasing their appeal. One such lens is the AF 85mm f/1.4 FE II, which offers the popular combination of a classic portrait focal length and a wide maximum aperture. And at $799, it is far more affordable than many comparable lenses. Can it keep up with those other options? This great video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.
Canon has clamped down tightly on the RF mount, disallowing essentially any third-party lenses with autofocus. This has been to the dismay of many photographers who embraced lenses from companies like Sigma and Tamron, which often offered options that were either cheaper or simply not available from Canon itself. At least one company is still highly interested in the RF mount, as recently confirmed by Sigma’s CEO, Kazuto Yamaki.
Samyang has long had a reputation for producing sharp and highly affordable manual focus lenses, but in recent years, they have expanded into autofocus options while still keeping them at highly competitive prices. One of their most impressive lenses is the AF 135mm f/1.8 FE, which combines a useful portrait focal length with a very wide maximum aperture. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.
Canon’s RF lenses have received a lot of acclaim for their high performance and image quality and boundary-pushing designs, but with all those things come high price tags. At $299, the RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is a breath of fresh air, and on an APS-C camera, its 26mm equivalent focal length makes it a potentially interesting option for a variety of needs. This great video review takes a look at the lens on the EOS R7 and if it can provide the performance and image quality you need.
