AstrHori 85mm F1.8 STM review by SonyAlphaBlog: “not recommended”

Share

This is the first autofocus lens from Astrhori so it’s interesting to read at SonyAlphaBlog if this lens can keep up with the best:

The AstrHori (279$ / 319 euros) can provide very good results in term of sharpness and very nice portraits withy smooth background blur and very nice bokeh balls. But at this stage with V03 of the firmware the AF is not very reliable at f1.8 so you either take each photo 3 times or you better use it at F2.8

The ergonomics and build quality are also an issue : weight is huge and focusing ring much too stiff not allowing to manually focus

Many other cheap or marginally more expensive 85 F1.8 exist that all provide lighter weight and much reliable AF with as good optical performances globally

The conclusion is clear, this ain’t a good lens :(

Share

Zeiss: “When we say we are committed, we mean it.”

Share

ThePhoBlographer posted an interesting article about Zeiss future in the photography business. They also had a chat with Joachim Kuss, Head of Communications for the ZEISS Consumer Markets Segment. He said:

“When we say we are committed to the category and to enabling consumers around the world to take stunning photos and videos with our products, we mean it.”

But as ThePhoBlographer noticed Zeiss did not announce any new lens in four years and some of the lenses they sell are no more updated through regular new firmware releases:

Despite this, Zeiss continues to offer holiday discounts on their existing product line — selling products that no longer have a record of support on public forums.

I have mixed feeling on Zeiss communication: YES I am sure they will keep selling their currently available lenses. But they are getting “old” with most of them not getting FW updates, with the competition often surpassing them in terms of image quality and autofocus performance. I recommend you read ThePhoBlographers article because at the end he created a complete picture with many interviews!

Share

SonyAlphaBlog review of all three new Tokina Reflex lenses (300, 600, 900mm)

Share

As you know Tokina launched those three new APS-C E-mount Reflex lenses:

SonyAlphaBlog tested all three of them (Click on the links to read the review):

  • The 300mm F7.1 is the champion for the pocket size
  • The 600mm f8 is maybe the one with the best sharpness and the best comprise in term of focal length
  • The 900mm F11 is much bigger but its magnification (1350mm equivalent) is phenomenal. Unfortunately it is also the less sharp of the 3 , the one most sensitive to wind and difficult to focus
Share

UNCONFIRMED RUMORS: New Sony 16-80mm f/4.0 coming on July 12, will replace the Zeiss lens?

Share

I got those two messages from new sources. Therefore take it with a grain of salt as this has NOT been confirmed by my trusted sources yet:

Source 1:

Next lens is… 16-80 f4. Is for July 12, second option for a6700. Like fuji 18-55 or 16-80 options. You pick.

Source 2:

I wanted to give you another piece of juicy info for all your hard work. Along with the 15-45 I told you about a while back, Sony will also be releasing a lens to update the 16-70. This is due to the fact that the Zeiss lenses are being faded out little by little. The 16-70 is the next to be faded out.

The new lens will be a 16-80 f4 constant zoom. It will also be kitted with the a6700, although more expensive than the 15-45. It will be optically superior to the old Zeiss lens. It’s going to be great! I will let you know when I have more info about the price/size and other details.

I definitely do believe the Zeiss lens is in need of a proper replacement. But I am not sure this is going to happen on July 12. So far trusted sources

Share