Why the Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/1.4 is Near Perfect Lens Design

Advancements in lens technology have skyrocketed in recent years. Ever since accurate computer modeling came into the equation we have seen lenses get better and better, and now with image sensors pushing 50MP even in full-frame, manufacturers have gotten to work on glass that will meet and exceed these resolutions. Perfect optics isn’t everything though, which is why I think Zeiss’ Milvus 35mm f/1.4 is one of the most masterful designs I’ve seen in years.  Read More

Phase One Ups with Achromatic Ante with 100MP IQ3 Digital Back

A couple weeks back Phase One revealed the IQ3 Achromatic, a black-and-white medium format digital back with a 101MP 53.4 x 40.1 mm CMOS sensor that forgoes the use of a Bayer color filter and infrared cutoff filter for true achromatic imaging. This may seem unusual, especially for a company that boasts outstanding 16-bit color… Read More

Review: Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8 Lens

If you can get over the “slow” f/2.8 aperture, Zeiss’ Batis 135mm is perhaps the highest performing portrait-length prime for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras. I know the most vocal critics will be quick to criticize the decision to go with an f/2.8, especially with the Milvus 135mm f/2, Canon 135mm f/2L, and Sony 135mm f/1.8 lenses available, but Zeiss made a great decision to create a smaller lens that balances near perfectly on the α7 series bodies. And, it is most certainly one of the sharpest and cleanest lenses I have been fortunate enough to use. Read More

My Favorite NAB Announcement: DaVinci Resolve 14

DaVinci Resolve 14 Fairlight

Blackmagic Design has just announced what it calls “the biggest release in the history of” DaVinci Resolve. And after reading through some of the major changes, including the integration of Fairlight audio technology, I totally understand how they are making that claim about Resolve 14. This is looking to be my personal favorite announcement of NAB 2017. Read More

True Professional Mirrorless: the Sony α9

The Sony α9 may be the most important camera of the year with its groundbreaking stacked image sensor, specs to drool over, and the backing of the most innovative camera company around today, but will it live up to the hype? After the original α7 series had some serious flaws it is hard to believe that the α9 will make it through reviews completely unscathed. Read More