The JPG and RAW resolution graph (Courtesy of DSLRmagazine)

The Spanish reviewers from DSLRmagazine (translation here) focused their efforts on analyzing the Zeiss 35mm f/2.0 performance. And as you can see from the graph on top the delivered image quality is excellent. DSLRmagazine writes: “We can see that the combination of lens and sensor paired brings dramatic results, the highest level achieved to date in our tests of digital cameras.”

Image courtesy: ePhotozine.

If you want to have a closer look on the two new Sony E-mount lenses just watch the 20mm hands on (Click here) and the 18-200 PX hands-on (Click here) at ePhotozine. There will be more E-mount lenses in a couple of months including the high quality standard Zeiss zoom and the 85mm f/1.8. I am now working to get the exact release period for the two lenses.

Metabones Speed Booster – FS100 vs 5D Mark III from Andrew Reid on Vimeo.

That new Metabones Speed Booster adapter created quite a buzz on Internet. But the main question is…how good does it actually work? And finally we have two test to check out.

1) First Andrew from EosHD (Click here) wrote a long review and posted this short list of pros and cons list:

Pros

• 1 stop increase in low light performance
• Full frame look – wider field of view, shallower DOF, attractive vignette and light fall off towards corners
• Extremely good value for money (look at the saving over buying alternative full frame video solution like Canon 1D X / 1D C)
• Protects investment in existing glass
• Match glass between full frame camera and Sony E-mount camera on multi-camera shoots
• Corrects some optical defects in centre of the frame such as purple fringing and coma
• In-camera electronic aperture control for Canon lenses on Sony body
• Micro Four Thirds support in pipeline for March (and electronic adapter in June)
• Turns Blackmagic Cinema Camera into Super 35mm (matching Alexa)
• Every lens now has dual focal length and aperture (use with or without adapter to change crop)
• More creative possibilities
• Excellent build quality
• Very small and light
• Tripod mount
• Infinity focus tuning built into the adapter and straight forward to use

Cons

• Corner and edge sharpness a bit of a struggle with most legacy glass at fast apertures
• Soft corners and edges most noticeable at infinity focus with fast apertures or wide open
• Speed of auto-focus in need of improvement (painfully slow compared to same lens on a Canon body)
• Some lenses are not yet fully supported by the electronics

2) And the second test has been done by Robert from Lensrentals (Click here). And he likes it a lot: “The Speed Booster does what they said it would do, much to my shock and surprise“.

You can preorder the adapter at Metabones directly. Or if you prefer save this search on Slidoo to get notified when it will be available on eBay too.

Bokeh isn’t certainly the main reason why you should buy the Sony RX1. But Photographer Neil van Niekerk (Click here) wanted to investigate the quality of the Zeiss 35mm f/2.0 bokeh against the Nikon 35mmm f/1.4G lens: “The Nikon version has that typical “double edge” to the hard lines of the chandelier’s support. Hence, the Sony looks smoother.” Not bad if you keep in mind that the Nikon lens alone is priced at $1600 (at Amazon). P.S.: Of course the Nikon is faster…don’t kill me Nikon guys :)

Three more RX1 news: DxO optics now supports the RX1. Japanese test at DC.watch. And if you buy the RX1 in US keep in mind that you can find RX1 superkits for the same price of the RX1 body only on eBay US (via Slidoo).

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RX1 at [shopcountry 15824].

RX1 Gariz accessories:

1) They made a new half leather case in Black and Brown ([shoplink 16437 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).
2) The new lens cap ([shoplink 16439 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).
3) The new entry is the anti loose button(!) ([shoplink 16438 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]). Don’t know if that will be really useful for you RX1 owners. Someone has it and call it how it works? Thanks!
4) And this is the really first time I see that. A special Leather skin hood! ([shoplink 16441 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).

No comment…just watch! :)

I have to catch up with some recent RX1 tests. On top you see the latest X-E1 vs RX1 comparison by Steve Huff. Sony RX1 autofocus test at SonyAlphaLab. An RX1 long term review at DC.watch (translation here). More RX1 tests at http://tashley1.zenfolio.com/blog. Sony RX1 first impression review at Calebluke.

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RX1 at [shopcountry 15824].

RX1 Gariz accessories:

1) They made a new half leather case in Black and Brown ([shoplink 16437 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).
2) The new lens cap ([shoplink 16439 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).
3) The new entry is the anti loose button(!) ([shoplink 16438 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]). Don’t know if that will be really useful for you RX1 owners. Someone has it and call it how it works? Thanks!
4) And this is the really first time I see that. A special Leather skin hood! ([shoplink 16441 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).

While we are waiting the new A-mount release from Sony let’s check how good the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 lens. Here are two new reviews:

SLRgear (Click here) writes: “There’s a lot to like here: great results for sharpness, low chromatic aberration, and low distortion. There is some significant corner shading when used wide open, but coupled with the corner softness at the same aperture settings this contributes to an interesting look and subject isolation.”

Photographyblog (Click here) says: “The only concession that it makes is the lack of any weather-sealing, something that the Canon and Nikon alternatives both offer. This is a relatively small concern for most photographers, though, so we can whole-heartedly recommend the new Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM as a fast, well-built prime lens that delivers superb results. Essential!”

The A-mount lens is availble for preorder at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (click here). To get notified when this lens is on eBay login and save this search at Slidoo.