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Leica Summilux-M 50 F1.4 Classic (V2) lens review
Leica recently launched a new version of its classic Summilux-M 50 F1.4 lens from 1959. Kevin Carter takes a look. As the fifth in the Classic Line series, following the Summaron-M 28 F5.6, Thambar-M 90 F2.2, Noctilux-M 50 F1.2 ASPH, and the Summilux-M 35 F1.4, the newly reissued M-mount model features vintage Leica styling, including a scalloped focusing ring and chrome-plated brass construction. To complete the vintage aesthetic, there’s even a circular, “vented” hood in black with chrome locking buttons. Optically, the lens is based on the second Summilux-M 50 f/1.4 (II) formula, a design that promises highly attractive rendering, wide open, with soft blur transitions to out-of-focus highlights.…
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Sony FE 85mm F1.8 lens review: Excellent image quality at a reasonable price
Overview Announced in early 2017, the Sony FE 85mm F1.8 is a short-tele designed for the company’s mirrorless full-frame a9/a7 models. It will of course, also serve double duty on the APS-C a6000 series, where it’s more or less a 135mm equivalent. Although not a premium G-master model like the F1.4 version announced the year before, it’s a lot smaller and lighter and still has some features that might be considered “premium.” This includes ED glass, a near-silent, twin-focus drive system (using a stepping motor), a focus-hold button that can be customised, weather sealing and a nine-blade circular aperture. It’s also quite nicely made, with a mainly metal exterior and…
