Tag: portrait lens

  • NyctaLux Unveils Compact 50mm f/1.0 Full-Frame Lens

    NyctaLux Unveils Compact 50mm f/1.0 Full-Frame Lens

    Key Takeaways

    1. Pricing and Availability: The DJ-Optical NyctaLux 50mm f/1.0 lens is priced at €785 on K&F Concept and €927 on QYCamera, both with VAT included, but extra import costs may apply. It is available for delivery in Europe only.

    2. Size and Weight: The lens measures 65mm in diameter, 66.8mm in length, and weighs 485 grams, making it smaller than the more expensive Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95.

    3. Performance Comparison: The NyctaLux lens offers moderate sharpness compared to the Noctilux, with average center sharpness and lacking detail in the corners at f/1.0. It is best suited for portrait photography.

    4. Build Quality: The lens features a metal casing, an 11-blade aperture, and is purely manual focus, contributing to its solid build quality.

    5. Compatibility: It comes with a Leica M mount but can be adapted to work with modern full-frame mirrorless cameras from Sony, Canon, and Nikon using the right adapter.

    The DJ-Optical NyctaLux 50mm f/1.0 full-frame lens was introduced last autumn, and now it’s ready for buyers. Currently, K&F Concept on AliExpress has one lens for €785, but QYCamera offers it at €927 with a larger stock. Both sellers deliver to Europe, but unfortunately not to the US.

    Pricing and Availability

    These listed prices come with VAT included, but be aware that there might be extra import costs. Measuring 65mm in diameter, with a length of 66.8mm and weighing 485 grams, the DJ-Optical NyctaLux 50mm f/1.0 is much smaller compared to the Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95, which is significantly pricier at €12,350.

    Performance Comparison

    According to DJ-Optical’s MTF graphs, the NyctaLux does not reach the sharpness of the Noctilux. When wide open, even the center of the image is just moderately sharp, and at f/1.0, the corners lack detail. This lens is best for portrait photography, where the subject can be centered and the background blurred.

    A review from Philip Reeve indicates that, despite its average sharpness, the lens manages to produce appealing portraits. The build quality and bokeh are highly regarded too. However, it does face challenges with purple fringing on high-contrast edges and noticeable flare when capturing images against bright light.

    Build and Compatibility

    The DJ-Optical NyctaLux features a metal casing, an 11-blade aperture, and is purely manual focus, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.7 meters. It comes only with a Leica M mount, but if you have the right adapter, it can also work on modern full-frame mirrorless cameras from Sony, Canon, and Nikon.

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  • Affordable Leica Noctilux Alternative: 7Artisans 75mm f/1.25 II

    Affordable Leica Noctilux Alternative: 7Artisans 75mm f/1.25 II

    Key Takeaways

    1. The 7Artisans 75mm f/1.25 II lens features redesigned lettering for better visibility in low light.
    2. Weight has been reduced from 600 grams to 514 grams, and the aperture ring operates more smoothly.
    3. The lens is positioned as a budget-friendly alternative to the Leica Noctilux-M 1.25/75 ASPH., which is significantly more expensive.
    4. The lens is best for portrait photography, capturing decent sharpness primarily in the central third of photos, with less intense bokeh and lower overall contrast compared to Leica.
    5. The lens is priced at US$469, available on the brand’s website, with free shipping to Europe but potential import VAT and customs fees.

    7Artisans is bringing back one of its unique portrait lenses. The 75mm f/1.25 II has been redesigned, mainly changing its lettering which now shines in low light for better visibility.

    Weight Reduction and Improved Features

    The lens now weighs less, dropping from 600 grams to 514 grams. The aperture ring is said to function more smoothly, and according to the brand’s promotional materials, the bokeh effect is better than that of the earlier version. This lens is clearly positioned as a budget-friendly choice compared to the Leica Noctilux-M 1.25/75 ASPH., which costs a hefty $15,615, is significantly heavier, and offers superior quality. Those choosing the 7Artisans lens may need to accept a bit lower image quality in return.

    Performance and Characteristics

    According to the manufacturer’s MTF graphs, only the subjects in the central third of a photo are captured with decent sharpness. This makes the lens excellently suited for portrait photography. Sample images provided by 7Artisans reveal that the bokeh is less intense compared to Leica, and the overall contrast in photos is a bit lower. The 7Artisans 75mm f/1.25 II lens requires manual focus, with a closest focusing distance of 0.8 meters. The barrel of the lens is constructed from aluminum.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can purchase the 7Artisans 75mm f/1.25 II full-frame lens from the brand’s website for US$469. Shipping is free to Europe, but customers should be aware that the price may include import VAT and customs fees.

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