This is one of the best deals ever: Samys is selling a bunch of Open Box Sony A3000 with kit lens for $229 only on their [shoplink 45636 ebay]eBay store (Click here)[/shoplink]. This is the cheapest way to get an E-mount camera with lens.
We will all agree the [shoplink 44778 ebay]Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4[/shoplink] is the world’s best 85mm FF lens. Right? So let’s compare the MTF graphs between the new Sony 85mm GM lens and the Otus (Sony is on the left and Zeiss son the right):
Notes:
– Zeiss has two MTF graphs (short focus and infinity). Sony doesn’t specify that but I assumed Sony measured those at short focus (based on the line typology)
– Zeiss measure the MTF graphs on real production lenses while usually other manufacturers do “calculate those” which for example doesn’t take into account diffraction.
Conclusion:
Of course this isn’t a 100% fair comparison as the exact test conditions are unclear. But it looks the Otus is still clearly the best lens. Of course it also costs twice as much as the Sony GM (and it has no autofocus). And the new Sony is “trimmed” to get a superb bokeh. And that’s where the lens could beat the new Otus…maybe.
Venus Optics sent us an updated press release of the new Laowa 105mm f/2.0 A and E-mount lens. The lens uses an apodization element to produce images with smooth and creamy bokeh. You can also see some image samples.
PRESS RELEASE:
Anhui China, Mar 10, 2016 – Venus Optics, the Chinese camera lenses manufacturer who had launched the world’s Widest 1:1 Macro lens last June, has just released another extraordinary lens, Laowa 105mm f/2 (t/3.2) Smooth Trans Focus Lens for DSLR cameras.
The new Laowa 105mm f/2 Smooth Trans Focus Lens incorporates an unique optical design with an apodization (APD) element next to the aperture. The APD element resembles the function of an ND filter which becomes thicker towards the perimeter, gradually reducing the amount of light transmission towards the periphery to produce a soft, natural and beautifully diffused out-of-focus rendition (or called bokeh).
The new Laowa 105mm f/2 Smooth Trans Focus Lens offers two separate diaphragms. The stepless 14-bladed perfectly circular aperture, in conjunction with the apodization element gives this lens the ability to produce smooth and pleasing bokeh. It is also useful for videographers to control the amount of light passes through the lens. The 8-bladed aperture is to determine the effective aperture opening (f-number) and the depth-of-field formed.
The lens houses with 11 elements in 8 groups with 1 piece of High Refractive elements, 3 pieces of Low Dispersion elements and 1pc of Apodisation element. This optical design is proven to deliver images with extreme sharpness and limit the chromatic abberations at its lowest. Floating design is also adopted to ensure a superb performance even in close focusing distance. The enclosure of the lens is fully made of metal to strengthen its durability. Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony FE, Sony Alpha and Pentax K mounts are available.
The Laowa 105mm f/2 Smooth Trans Focus lens will be available at authorized resellers and at the English official website (http://www.venuslens.net). The recommended retail price without tax is USD 699. Free shipping will be provided during the promotion period. Pre-order starts from today and shipping for Canon EF / Nikon AI / Sony FE mounts will start from April. Delivery for Sony A / Pentax K mounts will start from May.
Specifications
MTF & Optical Structure
Sample Photos
About Us
Anhui ChangGeng Optical Technology Company Limited (Venus Optics) is a new Chinese camera lens manufacturer based in Hefei, Anhui. We currently manufacture and distribute camera lenses under the brand name of ‘Laowa’.
For more information about Anhui ChangGeng Optical Technology Company Limited and our products information, visit http://www.venuslens.net/
The new Voigtlander 15mm f/4.5 III for Sony E-mount can be preorderd at BHphoto (Click here). And they say they will ship the lens on March 15 already!
Tony Northup completed his A63000 review and writes:
The a6300 improves on a great camera. It’s the best mirrorless sports camera ever, and a great, compact, all-around camera. Our advice: get the a6300 if you shoot action or video, prefer mirrorless, and the Sony lens lineup has everything you might need. If you don’t shoot action or video, the a6000 should be just fine, and it’s half the price.
And here are some new A6300 tests:
Sony A6300 with Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens at Pmrphoto.
Sony Alpha a6300 – Prototype Hands-on Preview by Mo The Tech Guy.
CEEHERE posted two A6300 samples videos shot in Little Havana (one and two).
Sony A6300 Test with Basketball with G-Master lenses by PM-R by Patrick Murphy-Racey
A6300 VS A7R2 Lowlight – $1000 vs $3200 Comparison by Max Yuryev
[/shoplink]
