Finally we have the very first review of the new Sony RX1r III. Let’s see if this can convince some of the skeptics out there that this is quite a stunning (althaugh expensive) camera!
Sony RX1rIII preorders at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
Sony RX1rIII preorders at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
Thanks to CameraSize we can now compare the new Sony RX1rIII size with the competition. Some claim that the Sony A7cR is a better alternative to the new RX1rIII. However, if you want the most compact full-frame camera, you can’t ignore the fact that the RX with its 35 mm lens and 2.0 aperture is much smaller than the A7cr with its lens attached:
Sony RX1rIIII vs A7cR with Zeiss 35mm f/2.8 lens (1 stop slower!) and the Sony 35mm f/1.8 (1/3 of stop faster)
The only similar E-mount lens is the Sigma 35mm f/2.0 which is quite a big longer.
The RX1rIII is just as thick with lens as the A7cR with the grip.
Now let’s compare the camera with the FujiFilm X100VI:
The Fujifilm is taller and wider but the lens si much smaller. But don’t get fooled, the Fujifilm uses a much smaller APS-C sensor and the lens is a f/3,1 equivalent in Full Frame terms. This means it has much less light gathering capability.
Here is a comparison with the Leica Q3:
The Leica is much bigger with the only advantage of using a faster f/1.7 lens.
And here is a comparison with the Fujifilm GFX100RF:
Where the GFX100RF stands out is with the use of a compact lens (although the body itself is thicker). But also in that case they use a f/3.1 Full Frame equivalent lens only).
Wrap up:
All things considered there is no getting around that in terms of size and weight(!) the Sony RX1rIII is the smallest Full Frame camera+lens combo you can get. It is a an expensive niche camera with some “missing” features like IBIS. But there is value in a camera like this that you can easily carry with you all the time!
Sony RX1rIII preorders at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
Their thoughts in short:
Sony RX1rIII preorders at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
Asobinet has published this precise size comparison. What immediately stands out is that the new Sony RX1rIII is 1.5 cm deeper. That’s quite a big jump. The body itself is thicker, probably to make room for all the new processor chips and for better heat management. The lens itself also appears to be a little bit longer.
Would have loved if Sony engineers would have found a “trick” to add at least in lens stabilization without to compromise the size too much. That is my major complaint a part of the obviously high price tag.
Sony RX1rIII preorders at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK.
Viltrox launched the new 85mm f/1.4 FE lens for $598 at BHphoto, Amazon US&EU, Viltroxstore, Pergear.
Photographer Manny Ortiz reviews the new Viltrox 85mm f/1.4, a $600 lens that challenges the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 ($1,300) and Sony G Master (approx. $1,800+) in sharpness, features, and value.
Pros
– Nearly identical sharpness to Sigma
– Beautiful bokeh; slightly smoother on Sigma
– Autofocus more accurate than Sigma in tests (24/30 vs 15/22)
– Excellent for video: minimal focus breathing, short manual focus throw
– Better minimum focus distance than Sigma
– Solid build (800g), with USB firmware port, custom button, aperture ring
Cons
– Focus can pulse/vibrate aggressively when it struggles to lock
– Larger than Sigma (but better hand comfort)
– Internal rattle when powered off is more noticeable than usual
Conclusion
Ortiz calls the Viltrox “the new king of value” for Sony shooters. Unless you shoot fast action (where the Sony GM excels), this is a top portrait lens choice.
“I wouldn’t hesitate one bit to make this my main portrait lens.”
Affiliate Links
– Viltrox 85mm f/1.4 (B&H Photo), Amazon, Adorama
– Sigma 85mm f/1.4 (B&H Photo), Amazon, Adorama
– Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM (B&H Photo), Amazon,Adorama
Last week Venus Optics announced the new Laowa 12mm f/2.8 autofocus Full Frame E-mount lens. You can preorder it now at BHphoto, Venus-store, Amazon. At $699, it’s more affordable and easier to use than its 10mm sibling. Christopher Frost reviewd the lens and these are his key findings:
Build & Handling
– Solid all-metal build with weather sealing gasket
– Available in a unique blurple finish
– Autofocus versions include a smooth manual focus ring and AF/MF switch
– Supports 72mm filters (thin ones recommended due to vignetting)
Image Quality
– Excellent sharpness from center to corners even at f/2.8 on 61MP sensors
– Slight chromatic aberration and vignetting in corners (can be corrected in post)
– Minimal distortion with in-camera corrections; close focus down to 14cm
– Slight coma at f/2.8, gone by f/4
– Nice sun stars from 5-blade aperture (on AF version)
– Flare can be an issue with strong light sources at image edges
– Close-up sharpness improves significantly by f/5.6
Autofocus
– Fast, quiet, and accurate in both AF-S and AF-C modes
– Early units may have AF lock-up issues (should be resolved in final versions)
Video Use
– Noticeable focus breathing
– Good choice for handheld vlogging and interior work due to its light weight and field of view
Conclusion
The Laowa AF 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D delivers superb corner-to-corner sharpness and excellent build for its price. Autofocus support makes it a standout in the ultra-wide category, especially for Sony and Nikon shooters. Just beware of flare and filter-induced vignetting. A great stills lens, potentially preferable to the older 10mm model.
Buy the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D at BHphoto, Venus-store, Amazon.
As you can see from the screenshot above, the four-year-old Sony ZV-E10 is still a big seller on Amazon US (ranking here). Dan Watson tested the ZV camera to find out why it’s still selling so well:
