Matt Granger has just published the first review of the new Laowa 200mm f/2.0 lens. His test was done on the Z-mount version, but as you know, an E-mount version is also on the way. While official pricing hasn’t been announced yet, it’s expected to come in well below the cost of Sigma’s new 200mm FE. The big question is: how does it stack up?

• Image quality still appears superior on the Sigma.
• The Laowa’s build quality doesn’t quite match the Sigma’s standard (could be imrpoved on final production version)
• Autofocus performance lags behind the Sigma, though it may improve with the final firmware.

The Laowa performs well, though it doesn’t quite reach the level of the Sigma—and that’s no surprise. My guess is the Laowa will come in under $2,000, compared to the Sigma’s $3,300 price tag. If it can deliver even 90% of what the Sigma offers, it’ll already be a big win!

Laowa 200mm f/2.0 FE lens specs:

• Full Frame Autofocus lens
• 11 elements in 9 groups
• 9 aperture blades
• close focus 1,5m
• Fn button, AF/MF switch, focus limiter
• 43mm drop in filter
• 1.77kg / 3.9lbs
• two color options: Grey and Blue
• Coming for E/Z/EF mount.
• Coming in October
• Price unknown but much cheaper than the Sigma 200mm

To help keep track of your camera, you can now grab discounted Apple AirTags on Amazon and BHphoto, along with the discounted SmallRig AirTag mount plate—also available on Amazon and BHphoto.

Sony RX1rIII in Stock at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK.

DigitalcameraWorld tested the camera and concluded:

The Sony RX1R III is the most compelling compact camera on the market. Yes, there are drawbacks – the fixed screen being the biggest one for me – but its strengths are such that I would be perfectly happy using this as my everyday snapper or travel camera. Obviously its price puts it in the same category as the Leica Q3 but, while the 61MP resolution is about the same, Sony’s autofocus is on another level entirely – and it’s also a whole lot smaller and lighter.

Roundup of new rants and odes to this new Sony camera :)

The Nikkei Industry Map 2026 has revealed the 2024 camera market share by units for each manufacturer.

1. Canon: 3.53 million units (43.2%)
2. Sony: 2.33 million units (28.5%)
3. Nikon: 960,000 units (11.7%)
4. Fujifilm: 740,000 units (9.0%)
5. Panasonic: 280,000 units (3.4%)
6. OM Digital: 160,000 units (1.9%)
7. Ricoh Imaging: 70,000 units (0.8%)

In 2023 the numbers were as following:

1. Canon: 3.34 million units (46.5%)
2. Sony: 2 million units (27.9%)
3. Nikon: 810,000 units (11.3%)
4. Fujifilm: 430,000 units (6.0%)
5. Panasonic: 260,000 units (3.6%)
6. OM Digital: 180,000 units (2.5%)
7. Ricoh Imaging: 60,000 units (0.8%)

Basically all manufacturers except OM Digital managed to increase the numbers of cameras sold. In general global shipments of digital cameras in 2024 were up for the first time in seven years

One more data:

CMOS image sensor global market share by value 2024

1. Sony: 51.6%
2. Samsung: 15.4%
3. OmniVision: 11.9%
4. Others: 11.9%
5. Onsemi … 5.3%
6. Smart Sense: 3.9%

via DClife

Nikon 200mm F (on left) Laowa 200mm f/2.0 and Sigma 200mm f/2.0 size comparison by Matt Granger

Some more info about that exciting new Laowa 200mm lens:

-> A source sent me two large image samples shot on the Laowa 200mm f/2.0. You can download them here: wetransfer.com

-> And here is some additional info (Thanks Avandu):

Laowa’s new AF 200mm F2.0 full-frame autofocus lens is expected to be released around October 1. It will be the first 200mm fixed-focus autofocus lens from a domestic optical brand. The lens will be offered in two color options, gray and blue, and will be available in Sony E, Nikon Z, and Canon EF DSLR mounts. Among these, the Sony E-mount version supports rear filters, while the Canon EF version weighs only 1,588 grams.”

-> This is the MTF graph:

Not as super razor shape as the Sigma but very close!

In-Camera Light Leak Effects with ColorFlare Lens Adapters – Canon FD to Sony E ColorFlare Adapter

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
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Still Tearing It Up: Teardown of the Sony PTZ FR7 (Lensrentals).
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French Sigma 300-600mm review at My-wildlife.
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The new Laowa 200mm f/2.0 FE lens release is set for October 1st! Matt Granger just published a teaser about his upcoming review. Below you can see more images of the lens:

Laowa 200mm f/2.0 FE lens specs:

• Full Frame Autofocus lens
• Fn button, AF/MF switch, focus limiter
• drop in filters
• weight is 1,6kg a
• Coming for E/Z/EF mount.
• Coming soon, price unkown

P.S.: The cat looks seriously dangerous!