Samyang XP 50mm f/1.2 lens review (exemplary performance, ePhotozine)

Samyang XP 50mm F/1.2

Samyang XP 50mm f/1.2 at a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.2 to f/16
  • One Aspherical Element
  • One High Refractive Index Element
  • Ultra Multi-Coating
  • Manual Focus Design
  • Aluminum Lens Housing
  • Nine-Blade Diaphragm

ePhotozine reviewed the new Samyang XP 50mm f/1.2 (also branded Rokinon).

The Samyang XP 50mm f/1.2 seems to be a performing lens, with low CA, excellent sharpness, low distortion, a great bokeh, and no flare.

From the conclusion:

There is very little difference in brightness between a f/1.4 and f/1.2 lens. The wider aperture also means more difficulty in focusing, but only because the point of focus is so fine. In reality, if used carefully with magnifying aids then it is highly accurate. The lens is also very bulky and very heavy, certainly quite huge compared to a conventional 50mm f/1.4.

However, the price is reasonable and the standard is very high, so there are clear benefits for those for whom the difference is significant. In any event, the performance is exemplary. Read the review

ePhotozine’s sample pictures shot with the new Samyang lens can be seen here.

The Samyang XP 50mm f/1.2 can be pre-ordered for $999 at B&H Photo and Adorama.

Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS review

EF-M 18-55mm

At a glance:

  • Standard zoom lens for Canon EOS M digital camera with image stabilization for up to four eqiuvalent stops of shake correctoin
  • Supports continuous AF during video shooting
  • Circular aperture (7 blades) for soft backgrounds
  • Maximum magnification of 0.25x at the telephoto end
  • Minimum focusing distance: 9.8 in./0.25m (full zoom range)

OpticalLimits (formerly known as Photozone.de) tested the Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS lens. The EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS is a so-called “kit lens”, though a pretty decent one.

From the conclusion:

Optically it is decent. In terms of resolution, it doesn’t reach the full potential of the sensor but the center quality is easily very good across the relevant focal length and aperture range. The outer image region isn’t hot at 18mm at f/3.5 and 24mm at f/4 but other than that it’s pretty sharp really. The lateral CAs are moderate overall. Unlike most competing lenses (in other systems), the lens DOES NOT rely on distortion correction. There are strong barrel distortions at 18mm but in the mirrorless system scope that’s pretty much Ok actually.

Another positive aspect is the lens construction. Let’s be honest – kit lenses are usually built to the very lowest build quality standards. This is not the case here. It feels plenty sturdy and it’s quite fun to use. The AF is reasonably fast and silent. Canon’s image stabilizer is well proven and does its job nicely in this lens as well. Read the review…

Canon has a long history in making kit lenses and inexpensive lenses that perform very decently for the price asked. The EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS sells for $299.

Canon EF-M 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Canon has three 85mm lenses in offer – Which one suits you best?

Canon EF 85mm F/1.4L IS

Canon has three 85mm lenses in offer. The Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM(canon rumors), the EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM (canon rumors), and the new EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM (canon rumors). The lenses range from $370 to $1,900.

Which one has the best bokeh? Which one is best suited for you needs? Which one should you get? Watch Kai W‘s video below to find out.

 

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Canon EF 85mm f 1.2L II USM B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4 IS USM B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Is 40mm the best focal length for you? 5 reasons say it is

Canon EF 40mm Canon Rf Lens Rumor

Is 40mm lens the best choice for you? Kai W thinks it is, and in his 11 minuted video he presents 5 reasons to underline it.

The 40mm lens in the video is one of Canon’s inexpensive gems, the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM (canon rumors). The EF 40mm f/2.8 is an amazingly sharp pancake lens.

Enjoy the video.

 

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Canon TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO review (superb creative tool, ePhotozine)

Canon TS-E 135mm F/4L MACRO

Canon TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO at a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/4 to f/45
  • Two Ultra-Low Dispersion Elements
  • Subwavelength Coating
  • Maximum Tilt: +/- 10°
  • Maximum Shift: +/- 12mm
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 1.6′
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.5x

ePhotozine reviewed the new Canon TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO, a specialised, tilt-shift lens. This is a Canon L lens, everything is top notch. Unfortunately, the price is too, $2,199.

ePhotozine’s conclusion:

The Canon range of tilt and shift lenses is unique and impressive, and without a doubt, if there is a commercial need for what they offer then they will be purchased for that purpose and the price will be acceptable. The fact that it is a macro lens as well as a tilt and shift lens is a very powerful combination.

The Canon TS-E 135mm f/4L Macro is a beautiful lens and has the potential to produce beautiful and unique results, but for an amateur purchase, we would need deep pockets. However, for some, it might be a possibility and it would be a very desirable lens to own. Read the review…

ePhotozine gives the TS-E 135mm f/4L Macro a rating of 4.5/5 (highly recommended).

Canon TS-E 135mm f/4L MACRO

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Let’s talk video performance: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony A7R III video-comparison

 

Sony A7R IIIvs EOS 5D Mark IV

Sony A7R III vs Canon EOS 5D Mark IV – Which one is better for video?

Photographer and reviewer Dustin Abbott posted part 4 of his Canon EOS 5D Mark IV () vs Sony A7R III () showdown. This episode examines video performance of the two cameras.

Part 3 was about high ISO performance and resolution. Part 2 was about dynamic range, Canon isn’t exactly famous for being industry leading here. Part 1 of the EOS 5D Mark IV vs Sony A7R III showdown was about color science, where Canon is the state of the art other have to reference.