Almost 10 years ago Sony announced the Rx1RII fixed-lens full frame camera. Mark Galer tested the camera to see if it still made sense to spend money on it. What amazes me is that it is still available for $3298 at BHphoto. A hefty price for a 10-year-old digital camera, don’t you think? Probably means that they are still selling decent amount of Rx1RII cameras!

If after watching the review you want to buy one…consider to save $900 on the reconditioned Sony RX1rII sold by Amazon (Click here). You still get 90 days warranty!

Viltrox is aiming high with the introduction of the first lens in the “LAB” series: The new 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE lens is available for $899 only on Amazon, BHphoto. That’s less than 50% than what you pay for the Sony 135mm GM. Chris tested the lens and was impressed with its performance. This is very promising also because we know that in 2025 Viltrox will announce three more such “LAB” lenses:

• 35mm f/1.2
• 50mm f/1.2
• 85mm f/1.2

And here you can see the first image of the 35mm lens:

Yes, the year 2025 will be exciting for all those who want a high quality full-frame autofocus lens with f/1.2 aperture!

Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II Lens Review by ePhotozine (Click here). This is their conclusion:

The new lens sits comfortably at the top of the tree, unfortunately so does the price, so the new Sony is for those who want the outstanding performance and can meet the cost. This could be excellent value as the lens will last for many years. The previous design has lasted in the marketplace for the past seven years and is still a great lens. This makes the cost per year much more viable. For top performance and hard professional use, the new lens could be the one of choice. Value is not just about price and includes a myriad of other factors.
The original lens was an Editor’s Choice in 2016 and the new lens can now join it as an Editor’s Choice in 2024.

Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM II links:
USA: Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama.
Europe: FotoErhardt, FotoKoch, Calumet, WexUK.

Yongnuo announced this new APS-C E-mount lens that will be available soon on their Amazon page.

SonyAlphaBlog tested the lens and concluded:

The Yongnuo 23mm F1.4 DA DSM WL (268 euros) is a very good lens overall : very good ergonomics (including a wireless remote) very good AF , build quality , very good centre sharpness, color rendering, nice bokeh wide open
The improvements are related to level of CA, corners sharpness and bokeh as of F2
Alternatives: If you want the best 23mm in term of sharpness then the Sigma 23mm F1.4 DC DN (499 euros) offers excellent sharpness results on the entire field

Two youtube reviews:

Sony A1II at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, FotoKoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.
Sony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.

Kai tested the Sony A1II while photographing a game of Manchester City, who are currently playing very badly :)

And a couple of other new reviews:

Sometimes it’s worth reading a new report about an OLD camera. Do we always need the latest and greatest to create beautiful works?

The first Sony A7 camera was announced in October 2013. In 11 years, the body has grown in size and compared with the new Sony a1II it is now:

• 2,5mm taller
• 9,2mm wider
• 24,7mm thicker (mainly due the larger grip)
• The A7 weight was 474g while the Sony a1II weight is now 658g

Image courtesy: CameraSize