Reviews

Pro zoom lenses for the X system – Part I – The Fujifilm 16-55mm f/2.8 Review

08/05/2015 By Mathieu

As a working events photographer, there are two zooms that I’ve used more than any ther. They are usually known as the 24-70mm and 70-200mm equivalent on a DSLR/full-frame camera. I believe that this lens combo can be found inside the bags of many professional photographers regardless of whether they shoot sports, weddings or other genres. I had the Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8 and 80-200mm f/2.8 when I was working with my D700, and then I used the 12-40mm and 35-100mm f/2.8 with my Micro Four Thirds gear.

The “take with you everywhere” compact camera – The Fujifilm XQ2 Review

06/05/2015 By Mathieu

Put a premium compact like the Fujifilm XQ2 in my hands and the photography gear enthusiast within me immediately springs to life. I really enjoy my time with these small cameras, even when I don’t have a specific project or goal in mind. I just love to snap random pictures. Funnily enough, I still enjoy them more than smartphones. I love the form factor and what these products are capable of.

The classic Zeiss look for Leica – The Zeiss Distagon T* 35mm f/1.4 ZM review

04/05/2015 By Mathieu

During my two weeks with the Leica M, I couldn’t suppress my curiosity to try the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4, which I’d first seen at Photokina last year. Fortunately, Zeiss UK had no problem sending me the lens to test. Though I used the compact Summicron 35mm f/2 for the first outings with the camera, once I received the Distagon lens, it never left the mount of the M 240. You can already guess that I liked it very much.

Sacrificing small size for quality – The Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm F1.4 ZA Review

24/04/2015 By Mathieu

When Sony announced the development of the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 last year at Photokina, I was surprised at first because it was the third 35mm lens on the roadmap for a system that was less than one year old at the time. At the Cologne show Mr. Yasuyuki Nagata (General Manager – Lens and Peripheral Business) explained that this lens was in fact highly requested. Users wanted a 35mm with the best possible performance, which put Sony in a difficult position because CSC users also deeply care about the size of their kit. And the size of this new fast prime lens can’t be ignored.

The indecisive moment – A personal review of the Leica M 240

22/04/2015 By Mathieu

When it comes to Leica cameras in the digital age, people are usually divided into two groups. The first group is composed of those who are against it because the cameras are too expensive and aren’t as advanced as cheaper alternatives. The second group is made up of those who still appreciate and embrace the philosophy behind the brand and care less about specifications. There is probably also a third group that is interested but can’t afford the investment and a fourth group that simply doesn’t care.