The new Samyang 50mm f/1.4 FE autofocus lens is now available for preorder through BHphoto (Click here).

Yes, suddenly we have plenty of FE lenses to choose in the 50mm focal length range. We have the superb 55mm FE, the “cheap” 50mm f/1.8 FE, the new Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 and the new Samyang 50mm f/1.4. The latter just got reviewed by ePhotozine:

“Samyang’s lenses have always looked interesting. Now, with the arrival of AF, they move into new territory and this first offering is a beautiful lens that performs to a very high standard. The cost has been a fairly large and relatively heavy lens, but that may be a small price to pay for an optic that can deliver such beautiful results.”

Links to all current 50mm FE lenses:
Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 at [shopcountry 37736].
Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 at [shopcountry 49848].
Sony 5omm f/1.8 at [shopcountry 49849].
Samyang/Rokinon 50mm f/1.4 FE autofocus lens at BHphoto.

DxOmark (Click here) tested the new Sony A68 A-mount camera:

With some of the best features of the SLT Alpha 77 II and a competitive price, the Sony SLT Alpha 68 looks promising on paper. However, while the sensor is a good performer on the whole, being particularly suited to landscape work or any work at or close to base ISO, it’s less impressive at higher sensitivities where rivals have an advantage. That’s somewhat at odds with the pro-level features, and where the performance of the SLT Alpha 77 II sensor is a little stronger. While Sony’s translucent mirror technology is a limiting factor in that respect, the benefits of adopting a fixed mirror more than likely outweigh the slight disadvantages in the SLT Alpha 68, which still puts in a good performance at this price level.

The Sony A68 was originally scheduled to ship in USA in May. But due the Kumamoto Sony sensor facility damage the camera will now ship on August 4 according to BHphoto.

Sony A68 store links: [shopcountry 47723]

DxOmark posted the full RX10m3 sensor review. The sensor performance as good as the rest of the RX cameras. But there is more than just sensor performance to take into account on the RX10m3:

At first glance, the RX10 III looks like a simple upgrade, but after a quick look at the specifications (and particularly those of the lens), it is so much more than that.  While rivals are still scarce in this segment, the new Sony can be thought of as challenger to both the Canon PowerShot G3 X and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000. The Sony offers the best features of both models, such as the high-ratio zoom, EVF, and 4K video capabilities, and marries those with the class-leading 1”-type BSI CMOS found on the RX10 II and RX100 IV. At $1500 or thereabouts, it’s not a casual purchase, but given the potential,s it is a tempting option when space and weight are restricted.

[shopcountry 48252]