Lenses and camera bodies are the heart of any photography setup, and I enjoy putting them to the test. My reviews focus on how they perform in real-world scenarios, for capturing portraits wide open, landscape at f8, or experimenting with creative compositions. I share sample shots to highlight the strengths and limitations of each piece of gear, whether it’s a sharp prime lens, a versatile zoom, or a camera body with cutting-edge features. I’m honest about what works and what doesn’t. How does a lens handle wide open? I’m less about specs and charts and more about usability in the field. Whether it’s the latest flagship body or a vintage lens with character, I enjoy finding what makes each one special and sharing those insights with fellow photographers. I also review a few gadgets, sharing my thoughts on their performance, design, and overall usefulness. From cameras and lenses to everyday tech, I dive into how they work and whether they’re worth adding to your setup. Simple, hands-on reviews for anyone curious about gear!
Released in 2025 with a price tag of $4,495, the Leica Summilux-M 50 mm f/1.4 Classic is a love letter to vintage optical rendering. This lens channels the character of Leica’s iconic mid-century Summilux designs while offering modern construction and compatibility with current M-mount rangefinder bodies. It is designed for photographers who crave a cinematic,…
If you’ve been around the block long enough, you’ve probably heard whispers about the Leica APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH. It’s part of Leica’s absurdly sharp, absurdly expensive APO line, designed to make even the most clinically precise engineer shed a single tear of optical joy. At roughly the price of a decent used car, this…
The Voigtländer Nokton 75mm f/1.5 Aspherical is a beautifully crafted portrait lens designed for Leica M-mount cameras, offering an exceptional combination of compactness, fast aperture, and gorgeous rendering. With a classic telephoto focal length and an ultra-fast f/1.5 aperture, this lens is perfect for portrait photographers and rangefinder enthusiasts who want excellent subject isolation, creamy…
Released in 1993, the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM is something of a classic in the world of telephoto lenses. Designed for wildlife, sports, and bird photography, it has built a reputation for being lightweight, sharp, and relatively affordable for an L-series prime. While it lacks image stabilisation, it compensates with excellent optical quality and…
Released in 2014, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM was the long-awaited successor to the original push-pull zoom version. This second-generation lens brought major improvements in optical quality, image stabilisation, and usability, making it a favourite among wildlife, sports, and aviation photographers. It delivers the reach of a super-telephoto lens while remaining compact…
Released in 2014, the Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS was Fujifilm’s first ultra-wide zoom lens for the X-mount system. Offering a 15-36mm full-frame equivalent focal range, this lens became a go-to choice for landscape, architecture, and interior photography. It combined excellent optical quality, a lightweight design, and built-in image stabilisation (OIS), making it a…
Released in 2015, the Fujinon XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR is one of Fujifilm’s best prime lenses, offering exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and lightning-fast autofocus. With a 137mm full-frame equivalent focal length, this lens is ideal for portrait, sports, and low-light photography. Thanks to its weather sealing and robust construction, it is also well-suited…
Released in 2014, the Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD is a specialised version of the standard XF 56mm f/1.2 R, featuring an apodisation (APD) filter that enhances the smoothness of the bokeh. With an 85mm full-frame equivalent focal length, this lens is designed primarily for portrait photography, offering an ultra-fast aperture and a unique…
Released in 2013, the Fujinon XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is a versatile telephoto zoom lens designed for Fujifilm’s X-series cameras. Covering an 83-300mm full-frame equivalent focal length, this lens is ideal for portrait, wildlife, and sports photography. It offers a solid balance between optical performance, portability, and affordability, making it a popular choice…
Released in 2015, the Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 R WR is a compact and weather-sealed standard prime lens for Fujifilm’s X-series cameras. With a full-frame equivalent focal length of 53mm, it provides a classic normal perspective, making it ideal for street, portrait, documentary, and everyday photography. It offers a smaller, faster, and more durable alternative…
