Lenses and camera bodies are the heart of any photography setup, and I enjoy putting them to the test. My reviews focus on how they perform in real-world scenarios, for capturing portraits wide open, landscape at f8, or experimenting with creative compositions. I share sample shots to highlight the strengths and limitations of each piece of gear, whether it’s a sharp prime lens, a versatile zoom, or a camera body with cutting-edge features. I’m honest about what works and what doesn’t. How does a lens handle wide open? I’m less about specs and charts and more about usability in the field. Whether it’s the latest flagship body or a vintage lens with character, I enjoy finding what makes each one special and sharing those insights with fellow photographers. I also review a few gadgets, sharing my thoughts on their performance, design, and overall usefulness. From cameras and lenses to everyday tech, I dive into how they work and whether they’re worth adding to your setup. Simple, hands-on reviews for anyone curious about gear!
The Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM is a lens I’ve found myself reaching for when I need flexibility without compromise on practicality. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for travel, everyday photography, and even casual video work. Spanning an impressive 10x zoom range from wide-angle to telephoto, it covers a vast array of…
The Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is a lens that embodies the spirit of portability and versatility, making it a standout option in Canon’s RF lineup for those who need a super-wide perspective without breaking their back—or their bank. The first thing you notice when handling it is just how ridiculously light it is. At…
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a shining example of why the nifty fifty formula remains a classic. Compact, lightweight, and highly affordable, it’s an everyday prime lens that delivers excellent performance without the bulk or price of its higher-end counterparts. In fact, when I wanted to travel light or just enjoy a more…
The Voigtländer Nokton Vintage Line 50mm F1.5 Aspherical II is a modern reimagining of a classic lens, blending a vintage feel with contemporary optical performance. It’s an incredibly versatile standard lens, balancing sharpness, character, and a fast f/1.5 aperture in a compact and beautifully crafted package. First impressions land heavily on the lens’s build quality….
The Voigtländer Nokton 28mm F1.5 is one of those lenses that quietly demands attention, especially for photographers who appreciate a mix of vintage aesthetics, modern optics, and a fast aperture in a compact package. Designed primarily for Leica M-mount cameras, this lens brings a lot to the table for those who value character over clinical…
The Nokton Vintage Line 35mm F1.5 Aspherical by Voigtländer has become my favourite lens on the Leica M11, and for good reason. It’s a masterful combination of stunning optical performance and tactile craftsmanship, delivering a shooting experience that’s as rewarding as the results. I initially started with the standard version, which I loved, but after…
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a flagship lens in Canon’s RF lineup, and it doesn’t hold back in showing what the system is capable of. This lens is a powerhouse of performance, designed for those who demand the absolute best in image quality, low-light capability, and overall craftsmanship. Right off the bat, the…
Second part of my adventure with my Samyang lens. I bought a lens station and updated the firmware to the latest version (v2) but still no major improvements: between 1/2 and 1/3 of my shots remain out of focus: slightly at best, quite substantially in the worst cases. I even went to my favourite camera…
Back after a long hiatus, and with a new camera : a shiny Canon R6. Given the price of the RF prime lenses for now, I wanted to give the Samyang RF 85mm f/1.4 a try. It’s cheap, reasonably well built and the image quality quite good: love the colors and bokeh. HOWEVER, I have…
The Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II sounds like a dream lens for bokeh lovers and those who appreciate manual focus. Its build quality, sharpness in focus, and that buttery bokeh really set it apart, especially paired with the X-H1’s focus peaking for precise manual adjustments. Comparing it to the 50mm f/1.2L but noting…
First day with the Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II on my Fuji X-T2, and I’m seriously impressed! The results are remarkable—it reminds me of my beloved Canon 50mm f/1.2L, but sharper and much easier to focus. That Canon lens produced stunning images but was notoriously tricky to nail focus with. I think it…
Ever since I got my X-T2, I’ve been tempted to try some Leica M-mount lenses. While I appreciate the performance of my XF lenses—they’re sharp, distortion-free, and reliable—they sometimes feel too clinical and lack a bit of personality. Plus, I’m not a fan of their handling: the metal coating feels slippery, focus-by-wire can be frustrating,…
With Spotify finally available in Japan, I decided it was time to upgrade my computer speakers. After thorough online research, listening tests at Yodobashi Camera, and an expensive disappointment with a pair of Audioengine HD3s I imported from the US, I think I’ve nailed the perfect setup. Compact enough to fit on my desk, reasonably…