It's true: DSLRs are back. These are the cameras that I once swore off because of their lack of adaptability to being low-vision. But others swore them off for being too large, heavy, and not able to keep up with the technological needs required these days.
We've updated our Nikon Zf review from its original format in which we first published it. It now includes some of the changes that have come to the camera via firmware updates -- and it's not the same camera that I remember it being.
These lenses are arguably some of the best Zeiss has ever made and are still affordable by mere mortals. Sadly, they aren't available yet for the RF mount, but essentially, with an RF to EF converter, these lenses would be as good as a native RF version. These lenses are on sale for a limited [...] Source
Since its launch in 2013, Sony mirrorless cameras are one of the oldest and most innovative devices on the market. Considering that the E-mount was the first to break the rules, they are also the ones who have built an arsenal of lenses for the cameras.
The Vivo V30 Pro may be a mid-range smartphone, but with Zeiss in the mix, the camera takes a decisive step forward compared to its predecessors. Until now, Vivo reserved its collaboration with Zeiss for its X Series, but no longer.
Not many brands make a 25mm lens. But Zeiss has made several of them. We're talking about full-frame 25mm lenses -- not those for Micro Four Thirds or APS-C lenses. In fact, Zeiss made several. In our 14 years of reviewing lenses, we've tested their 25mm f2 Batis, 25mm f2.
ZEISS Nano Primes are the first high-speed (T1. 5 throughout) cine lenses made specifically for mirrorless full frame cameras – initially available with Sony E-mount. These primes offer a pleasing, versatile look that is adaptable for an extensive range of shooting situations and a compact, lightweight design that makes them easy to use on any set [.
Apple has officially entered the era of spatial computing, with the Vision Pro headset now available for customers to purchase. And being first through the door is not cheap. [Read More]
Reports suggest that the Sony Vario-Tessar T* 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS lens for APS-C Sony E-mount cameras has been discontinued.
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Zeiss, founded in 1846, is a company specializing in optics but only entered the photography industry in 1896 with the invention of the Planar lens. For much of photography's history, they've been revered -- even during the split of Germany post-World War II.
Over the years, I have used photography to socialize, personal rediscovery, and archiving moments of visual-plastic expression. Or at least that's what I thought at first. But along the way, I discovered how projects are formed over time and become more than a personal experience, a small historical archive of places and characters over which time passes mercilessly.
Dramatic, restrictive, and humbling are three words I'd use to describe the Carl Zeiss 16mm f/8 Hologon Ultra-wide lens that I shoot adapted to Leica M film cameras. [Read More]
For well over a decade, we've been reviewing Sigma lenses. In fact, we've got the most Sigma prime lenses reviewed of any publication. You can check our Sigma Prime Lens Guide, which I'll admit needs to be updated.
Photographer Alex Sher likens the addiction to photography as an infection. In fact, he claims that his grandmother "infected" him with it, and that his father only added to it. If photography were an actual disease, a doctor would probably consider it hereditary based on what Alex tells us.
The 135mm lens is a magical wonder for many photographers. It's a long lens, and arguably it's the longest practical portrait lens. In the past, many photographers have loved and adored the lens for more than just portraits, though.
Years ago when I first started this website, the photo industry had a need to make clinically clean lenses. Camera manufacturers have leaned into it harder and harder. Sometimes, they've even made up their own problems.
If you told me years ago that nearly every lens on the market made today would be super sharp wide open, I'd be incredibly excited. But if you also told me that a lens could be too sharp, I wouldn't believe you.
There are a bunch of options when it comes choosing a Sony FE 50mm Lens. In fact, there are more options than ever before. Passionate photographers can reach for a higher end, premium lens or something a tad more mediocre.
Film cameras and film, in general, saw an uptick in sales so far in the pandemic. I'm not just saying in 2021, but I'm specifically saying in the pandemic because we've been going through two years of this nonsense.
It's really, really sad. The world of good point-and-shoot cameras is pretty much gone. And in 2022, I'd be really shocked if it comes back. Though honestly, with the major component issues, it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring them back at all.
Usually, when you hear about a lens like a 500mm f8, you probably wouldn't think of Zeiss. Indeed, Canon created two lenses with similar designs recently. Those lenses are the Canon RF 600mm f11 and Canon RF 800mm f11.
Old DSLR lenses can be enjoyable to use. They've got imperfections that you don't see in most modern lenses. Plus, they really make you work for the shot. In a world where photography is so simple, they're refreshing.
A few years ago, we took a very hard stance on SLR gear. We told manufacturers that we wouldn't review them. We also said that we probably wouldn't report on new news about DSLRs. That's one of the factors that's put a strain on a few manufacturer relationships we have.
Think about the schools of thought which use dedicated cameras. They use either the viewfinder to shoot or the LCD screen. And the LCD screen is used in a variety of different ways. Time and time again, I really just want the old-school medium format style magnified finder.
The photographers who care about this idea and debate specifically don't really wonder about the image quality. Indeed, if you're wondering about 85mm vs. 135mm for portrait photography, they're both very good.
There are lots of fantastic things about Sony cameras. But one of the biggest flaws that they all have is build quality. Do they work in the rain? Sure. Do they get dusty? Oh yeah. Unfortunately, there's a compound problem with lots of Sony cameras.
For more stories like this, please subscribe to The Phoblographer. For years, I’ve been a huge advocate of 3D printing in the photo industry. I think it’s vital with the vintage camera and accessory world.
It took me a while until I grew out of the nifty 50 idea and into the love of my life: the 35mm lens! We've tested so many of them in the past 11 years. Some are better than others, but not a single one of them is bad.
40mm might seem like a weird focal length to some, but this focal length is loved by many. Falling between the more popular 35mm and 50mm focal lengths, 40mm primes have been making a name for themselves of late.
Kenko Tokina has announced that it has entered a business alliance with Carl Zeiss in Japan. Starting on April 1, Tokina will take over the sales and repair of all Carl Zeiss interchangeable photo lenses.
Kenko Tokina has announced that it has entered a business alliance with Carl Zeiss. Starting on April 1, Tokina will take over the sales and repair of all Carl Zeiss interchangeable photo lenses. Kenko Tokina manages multiple brands of interchangeable lenses, binoculars, and other optical devices in various industries. In photography, it manages the distribution […]
The Contax T2 is, without a doubt, the most expensive point and shoot camera on the market. Depending on the cultural times, it shares that spot with the Contax T3. And right now, it's possible to snag one at a price you can afford.
This article is one that I've been considering writing for a long time simply because I know that it's information that someone will want. In the battle between Zeiss, Leica, and Voigtlander, it can be tough to figure out which is the best option.
The Sony Rx1r II was a pretty decent camera. The idea is so simple. Take a small camera, give it a solid lens, a good sensor, an EVF, and people will buy it. Of course, it's a luxury compact camera.
There are some stunning deals on lenses right now. You need to act quickly, though, as the clock is ticking on the sale prices. Here are just a few of the spectacular lens deals you can find in this post.
When it comes to prime lenses, none are more celebrated than trusty nifty fifties. 50mm primes are loved by the masses thanks to their exceptional ability to comfortably shoot just about any genre you can think of.
Portrait photographers probably care the most about bokeh from 35mm lenses. The lenses give a wide view but single their subject out easily. And over the years, they've gotten better. If you've been looking for 35mm lenses with better bokeh, then you've come to the right spot.
As portrait photographers, we demand a lot from the lenses we use today. They have to be sharp, reliable, produce great bokeh and beautiful natural skin tones. Another quality they need to have is great build quality.
Did you know that the Porsche Group was hired to complete an ergonomic and styling study of the Contax RTS? According to Camerapedia, the Contax RTS was an immediate hit. It was a collaboration between Yashica and Zeiss many years ago.
Fact: More and more photographers hate the 50mm focal length. It's been the standard in the industry for such a long time, but it's so overdone that many of us are sick of it. Manufacturers have realized this and have typically gone a bit longer or a bit wider.
Photographers today are very demanding. But in the 1950s, the CIA presented a plan for an even more demanding lens. Let's get one big fact out of the way first: telephoto lenses are large. If you look at the Sigma 200-500mm f2.
The idea of a panoramic image is one that's typically involving lots of shooting and stitching in post-production. You could always shoot at 16:9, but that's not always the case. Instead, some cameras let you do it in-camera.
We have all just unlocked an achievement for reaching the end of August! Good job, everyone. Speaking of achievements, we have rounded up the ten best lenses (according to DXOMark) that your hard-earned money can buy.
If you pay attention to the news at all, you will have seen that Sigma has just announced a new version of their 85mm f1. 4 Art lens for Mirrorless cameras (Sony E and L Mount Alliance), and this got us thinking.
Can you believe February is over already? My how times flies! You, our readers, didn't waste any time, though, when it comes to adding new photography gear to your collections. For all who think that only Full-Frame cameras are popular, or that Micro Four Thirds is dead, we have to say that you're mistaken.
There are lots of different lenses on the market that can be used for portrait photography, and, of course, each photographer has their own preference when it comes to lenses. Some photographers may prefer to use primes like a 35mm, a 50mm, or an 85mm, and some would prefer to use lenses like a 70-200mm f2.
There are lots of different lenses on the market that can be used for portrait photography, and, of course, each photographer has their own preference when it comes to lenses. Some photographers may prefer to use primes like a 35mm, a 50mm, or an 85mm, and some would prefer to use lenses like a 70-200mm f2.
There are photographers who just never understand how to use manual focus lenses. But there are also photographers that know that using them requires you to be totally in tune with your environment.
There are lots of lenses on the market that are considered portrait lenses, but the 85mm focal length is perhaps the sweet spot for portrait photographers. This focal length sits nicely in-between 50mm and 135mm offerings, and it gives photographers the ability to either capture great 3/4 length shots, or beautiful headshots.
When the air turns cold, and the snow and freezing rain starts falling from the sky, many photographers will head inside, but there are those of us who are brave enough (or stupid enough) to head out into the elements.
Medium format cameras have long been cherished by photographers for their ability to produce images with exceptional detail, rich tones, and a unique aesthetic that’s difficult to replicate in smaller formats.
Chinese smartphone company Vivo released the V30 smartphone earlier this month, promising better portraits thanks to a smarter flash. The company is back with another V30-series smartphone, the powerful V30 Pro. [Read More]
Vivo announced the X100 and X100 Pro flagship smartphones last night. Co-engineered with Zeiss, the new handhelds are designed with photography in mind. [Read More]
The Vivo X90 Pro isn’t the brand’s top device, given there’s a Pro+ version out there, but this phone isn’t one to take lightly. Vivo isn’t shy about the credibility and relevance it wants in the market, even if its phones aren’t all that visible in North America yet. [Read More]
Vivo has launched its new X90 series smartphones as part of its continued partnership with Zeiss in a bid to compete against the best mobile photography brands available. [Read More]
Yongnuo isn't a name often associated with high-end optical excellence, but perhaps that should change. The company's 85mm f/1.8 lens is listed in the top three of all lenses based on its overall DxOMark score. [Read More]
The Zeiss company branding is synonymous with the field of photography today, but that’s not where Carl Zeiss started. In this 25-minute video, DW Documentary goes through the company's incredible history. [Read More]
Vivo has announced that it will launch three new smartphones under its X70 series in the X70, X70 Pro, and X70 Pro+ as it tries to position itself among the best mobile photography options available.
In the past decade, Zeiss has launched a number of new lens lines for DSLR and mirrorless cameras with unusual-sounding names such as Batis, Otus, and Milvus. Perhaps you own one of these lenses, but did you know that each of those lens lines is named after a bird? After announcing its first family of […]
OnePlus has announced that it has entered a three-year partnership with Hasselblad to “co-develop the next generation of smartphone camera systems” for OnePlus flagship devices. The first to benefit from this partnership, the OnePlus 9 Series, will launch on March 23.
Zeiss has unveiled a new set of Supreme Prime Radiance cinema lenses, which feature a pretty interesting trick. Thanks to a new coating, they’re able to create “controlled flares” without compromising contrast or light transmission.
Shelling out $560 to buy three lenses for your iPhone might seem a bit extreme, but is it worth it? Do you get more optical performance out of your smartphone if you put Zeiss glass in front of that tiny sensor? Kai gave it a go.
There are whole swarms of photographers who absolutely swear by and to the 50mm focal length, yet when it comes to portraiture, it's easy for a lot of photographers to find the focal length a bit lacking.
If you've even decided to click on this article, then you're probably aware of some of the frustrations that some of your fellow photographers feel. Let's preface this: four of five years ago you may have purchased a Fujifilm X Pro 1.
When you look at camera lenses made for photographers, we can all say that they've arguably become better and better. Lenses today are sharper than they've ever been, more contrasty, able to keep lens flare down, and able to render incredible colors.
Leica M-mount cameras and lenses are legendary for their precision craftsmanship and stunning image quality. But let’s face it -- Leica glass can be intimidatingly expensive.
Vivo has announced the international debut of its X Fold3 Pro smartphone after an initial launch in China in March. The smartphone promises pro-level imaging thanks to Vivo's longstanding Zeiss collaboration. [Read More]
Zeiss, which denied rumors it is leaving the camera lens manufacturing space last year, is teasing the arrival of a new optic. While it might appeal to some, photographers shouldn't get their hopes up: it is almost certainly a cinema lens. [Read More]
Recently I was rummaging around in a box of old cameras, and I stumbled across a cute little Zeiss lens that I didn’t even know I had. [Read More]
I write about a lot of things here at PetaPixel -- reviews, guides, technical articles, opinion pieces -- but one of my favorite topics to write about is the history of photography.
Vivo is back again with yet another flagship phone trying to push mobile photography to new levels, although it may be too soon to know for sure if the X80 Pro will ever do that. [Read More]
Vivo has announced the X80 series smartphones that build on the foundations of the X Series but offer extensive photography upgrades that it says are unmatched. [Read More]
The past decade has seen an explosion of film users. Whether this is driven by a sense of nostalgia, or a desire to experience the past (for those too young to have shot film earlier in their life), for the simplicity, or perhaps because some celebrities have taken to shooting film, it doesn’t really matter.
Film has experienced a bit of a resurgence in the past decade and we’ve seen a proliferation of never-before-made film stocks and even brought some back from the dead. But if you want to get started in film photography now, you’ll need a camera.
As an art form and a technology, photography’s youth is only matched by its blisteringly rapid advancement. This creates something of a paradox for us as enthusiasts and professionals, where the history of the medium we so love can feel both short and overstuffed.