optical lens
optical lens on Lee LHGFX Photography: a running collection of 13 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on optical lens in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. Lee LHGFX Photography is a dynamic portfolio and lifestyle hub built around the artistic work of @lee_lhgfx — a highly engaged Instagram creator and photographer known for… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around optical lens, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything Lee LHGFX Photography is covering right now.
Sirui 85mm f1.4 Aurora Review: Beautiful Bokeh at Under $700
The Sirui 85mm f1.4 Aurora lens redefines value in the 85mm prime category, particularly for Leica L-mount users, and also available in Sony E, Nikon Z, and Fujifilm X mounts. Featuring an impressive 15 aperture blades—rivaling vintage Zeiss optics—it delivers stunning bokeh. Beyond its beautiful rendering, the Aurora distinguishes itself with full weather resistance, a robust metal build, a dedicated aperture ring, and remarkably fast autofocus.
Sigma 20-60mm f2.8-4 Contemporary Review: How is This Lens This Good?
The Sigma 20-60mm f2.8-4 Contemporary lens delivers an unexpectedly exceptional photographic experience, ranking among the sharpest and most pleasing zoom lenses available. Its performance genuinely impressed, with one photographer noting the lens’s ability to capture the vibrant essence of a summer day. While weather resistance could be improved, the lens particularly shines when paired with Leica L-mount systems, surpassing its performance on Sony's E-mount. For those seeking unparalleled image quality, explore our in-depth review of the Sigma 85mm f1.2 Art.
The Ricoh GR IVx Goes for 40mm, Still Lacks Weather Sealing
Ricoh Imaging has unveiled the GR IVx, a compelling, curated addition to their lauded GR series. Departing from the standard 28mm, this new camera boasts a 40mm focal length and enhanced autofocus capabilities, offering a subtly shifted perspective for discerning photographers. While sharing lineage with the GR IV released last year, the IVx carves its own niche. This announcement arrives amidst a vibrant landscape of photographic innovation; for example, DJI recently captured a remarkable near-space journey with an Osmo Action 6.
7Artisans 10mm f2.5 Fisheye Review: The Most Fun I’ve Had in Years
The 7Artisans 10mm f/2.5 fisheye lens delivers an unparalleled experience, earning it a spot as a standout favorite this year. 7Artisans has consistently impressed with their autofocus lens development, evidenced by recent firmware updates and the acclaimed 135mm f/1.8. This lens distinguishes itself with its full-frame coverage, authentic fisheye effect, weather resistance, compact size, autofocus capabilities, and an accessible price point.
How the Absurd Contax 1000mm f/5.6 Lens From the 1970s Performs Today
Delving into photographic history, Japanese retailer Map Camera recently put a truly remarkable piece of equipment to the test: the Contax Mirotar 1000mm f/5.6 lens from the 1970s. This extraordinarily long focal length presents a fascinating challenge, and the results offer a unique perspective on vintage optics. Explore how this "absurd" lens performs in modern conditions, uncovering its strengths and limitations. For further insight into exceptional camera systems, see our review of the Hasselblad 501C.
Brightin Star’s Incomprehensibly-Thin 28mm f/2.8 Lens Now Comes In Stylish Silver
Brightin Star elevates photographic artistry with the introduction of its X-Slim 28mm f/2.8 pancake lens in a striking "Liquid Silver" finish. Originally launched in black, this exceptionally thin 28mm lens—renowned for its compatibility with Leica M mount—now offers a sophisticated aesthetic upgrade. Designed for creative collaborators and discerning enthusiasts, the X-Slim seamlessly blends form and function. For those captivated by visual storytelling, consider exploring how skilled photographers capture fleeting moments, as seen in our recent feature, "Photographer Captures Acrobatic Dolphins Leaping From the Water."
Sigma’s 85mm f/1.2 Lens Looks Like It’s Coming Soon
The photographic landscape is poised for an exciting addition. Adobe’s latest Camera Raw update (version 18.5) signals an imminent arrival: support for Sigma’s highly anticipated 85mm f/1.2 DG Art lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. While Sigma has yet to formally announce a release date, inclusion in Adobe software strongly suggests its debut is near. This lens promises a vibrant blend of artistic quality and technical precision. For further insights into photography trends, explore our article on the influential SF Camerawork gallery’s closing after 52 years.
Sony Is Reportedly Trying to Buy Tamron, Which Makes Perfect Sense
Industry reports indicate Sony is poised to acquire Tamron, a strategic move that aligns perfectly with Sony’s ongoing commitment to its E-mount mirrorless system. Tamron's extensive portfolio – encompassing over 20 lenses specifically designed for Sony – makes this a compelling acquisition. This consolidation strengthens Sony’s position in the camera lens market and provides further opportunities for integrated innovation. For deeper insights into Tamron's lens technology, explore our recent article detailing improvements to the 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 lens.
This Beautiful 50mm f/1.1 Lens Is Based On An Ultra-Rare ‘Masterpiece’
Introducing a remarkable fusion of artistry and optical engineering: the Shoten Kobo Co., Ltd. 50mm f/1.1 lens. Inspired by the ultra-rare pre-war Hugo Meyer Kino Plasmat 5cm f/1.5, this lens represents a meticulously curated achievement. Production is exceedingly limited, making it a coveted item for discerning photographers seeking an unparalleled image quality. Its creation honors a legacy of cinematic excellence while embracing contemporary standards. For further exploration of responsible image-making, see our article, "Photographer Arrested for Unlicensed Photo Shoots with Exotic Animals."
Sigma Cine Zoom Lenses With Autofocus Review: Cracking the Code
The arrival of autofocus on cinema lenses often presents a compelling trade-off, diminishing the tactile precision of manual focus. However, Sigma’s latest Cine Zoom lens series—specifically the 28-45mm T2 and 28-105mm T3—promises to redefine this balance. Our comprehensive review, "Sigma Cine Zoom Lenses With Autofocus Review: Cracking the Code," investigates whether Sigma has truly achieved a breakthrough, delivering both convenience and exceptional manual focus performance.
Why the Ricoh GR II is so Good for Street Photography Even Today
Street photography thrives on accessible tools that inspire creativity. While modern cameras like the Nikon Zf offer impressive capabilities, the Ricoh GR II remains a surprisingly compelling choice, particularly for budget-conscious photographers. Its compact size, exceptional image quality, and intuitive operation foster a uniquely immersive shooting experience. Discover why this older model continues to deliver authentic and vibrant results, proving that exceptional street photography doesn't require the latest technology. For broader perspectives on street photography equipment, see our exploration of the Canon G1X Mark II.
Tamron 12-20mm F2.8 Review: The Amazing Light and Nimble Astro Photography Lens
The Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 lens represents a significant evolution in Tamron's design philosophy, delivering an exceptional blend of portability and performance. Notably, it stands out as the lightest ultra-wide zoom lens we've encountered recently. This lens is poised to redefine astrophotography and landscape capture, offering a remarkably fast aperture within a versatile zoom range. Our comprehensive review explores its capabilities, confirming its promise of G Master-level quality—as highlighted in our earlier piece, "The Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 Is Wholly Redesigned."
Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 Review: A Whole New Direction
Tamron boldly pivots its lens design with the introduction of the impressively fast and wide 12-20mm f/2.8 – a compelling statement in the ultra-wide space. Our comprehensive review explores whether this lens delivers on its promise, not just in terms of aperture, but also in elevating Tamron’s renowned image quality. Discover if this marks a significant shift in their approach. For a firsthand perspective on its capabilities, see our test shoot conducted in Singapore with Reuben Foong. [Read More]