On May 30, 2023, Nikon announced the new Nikkor Z DX 24mm f/1.7, their largest aperture APS-C size/DX-format prime lens for Z mount. Brighter and lighter (135g) than a typical kit lens, this compact prime lens is capable of creating extraordinary shallow depth of field and wonderful background blur.
In terms of build quality the Samyang 24mm 1.8 AF is a huge step up from the Samyang 18mm 2.8 AF I previously reviewed. The by-wire focus ring has a nice resistance and turns 180° from the minimum focus distance of 0.19 m to infinity. It is also a bit more responsive compared to the 18mm 2.8 AF but you can still sometimes notice the “steps”.
The new Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary lens offers one of the most popular focal lengths in tandem with a modestly wide maximum aperture, all in a very travel-friendly package, making it an appealing lens for quite a few photographers. Can it deliver good performance and image quality to back up those appealing characteristics?
Laowa was already responsible for releasing the world’s fastest 35mm lens and now they are back doing the same for the 28mm focal length. This time it isn’t f/0.95, but f/1.2 at 28mm – in a more compact package – is just as impressive, especially when most manufacturers seem to have neglected the 28mm focal length altogether.
