Pre-orders are now live for the Light Lens Lab 35mm f/2 "Apochromatic"!

Use the link below and enter promo code FREDMIRANDA at checkout for 5% off -- saving you $120 on the Titanium model!

https://lightlenslab.com/products/light-lens-lab-35mm-f-2-apochromatic


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Titanium Limited Edition will only be available for preorder from August 10th through September 10th, 2026.

1. New Apochromatic Series: Incorporating four aspherical elements and multiple elements made from ultra-low-dispersion and anomalous partial-dispersion elements.
   
2. Refined Optical Performance: New high-transmission multilayer coating suppresses chromatic aberration and purple fringing. Designed for excellent sharpness, distortion control, edge-to-edge performance, smooth out-of-focus rendering, and natural transitions.
   
3. Close-Focusing Capability: The floating optical system maintains consistent performance throughout the focusing range, including at the minimum focusing distance of 0.3 metres.
   
4. Precision Construction: High-precision optical and mechanical components are developed in-house. Miniature bearings within the focusing mechanism provide smooth, accurate operation, designed for everyday use.
   
5. Two Barrel Configurations: Choose a smooth barrel without knurling or a close-focus-knurled barrel for improved grip. Both configurations use the same optical design. The smooth barrel is a limited-time option available to order through December 2026; production will then transition to the close-focus-knurled configuration.
   

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Kyrgyzstan Glaciers and Rivers by Jeffrey

• Nature & Wildlife:
Mountain Goats by G.E. Smith

• People Photography:
dog day by LarryBeemer

Congratulations to RS Photo for winning WA 1241, based on the theme: Light.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1242 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1243 just started with theme: "Tattoos"
Deadline: August 12th noon - Participate!

Congratulations to GeofFX for winning MA 266, based on the theme: Rustic.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the MA 267 winners.
Cast your vote!

Monthly Assignment 268 just started with theme: "Rows of Things"
Deadline: September 1st noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Nordic summernights dream by M_J_Helin

• Nature & Wildlife:
Yellow-Bellied Marmot Pups by G.E. Smith

• People Photography:
A girl and her horse by GeofFX

If you use your favorite search engine and look this topic up, you'll see what I am referring to and get more details. Was it forced upon them, due to infastructure/facility damages, or a voluntary decision, this I don't see. The news does say their facility (facilities?) was damaged in the quake. Bottom line is, we may see some shortages in the digital camera body world coming soon.

Congratulations to RustyBug for winning WA 1240, based on the theme: History.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1241 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1242 just started with theme: "Raindrops"
Deadline: August 5th noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Blossoms in Japan by Gregg B.

• Nature & Wildlife:
~~ Vulpes Vulpes Linn~~ by Ted ellis

• People Photography:
Megan... by russdenney01

Congratulations to CDalessandro for winning WA 1239, based on the theme: Femininity.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1240 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1241 just started with theme: "Light"
Deadline: July 29th noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Eye of Tindfjallajökull (Iceland) by Rajan Parrikar

• Nature & Wildlife:
Pika by G.E. Smith

• People Photography:
Alex by DanielScott

Congratulations to adventure_photo for winning WA 1238, based on the theme: Wide Angle Everything.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1239 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1240 just started with theme: "History"
Deadline: July 22nd noon - Participate!

This review is cross-posted on both the Nikon and Canon boards, since the Nikon Z and Canon RF versions of the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 Nokton share the same optical design, with only minor adjustments made to accommodate the different sensor stack thicknesses between mounts.



Review Quick Links:

1. Infinity Resolution and Contrast on Nikon ZF (24MP)
   
2. Field Curvature
   
3. Minimal Focus Distance: Resolution and Contrast
   
4. Distortion
   
5. Sunstar rendering, Flare resistance and Vignetting
   
6. Rendering
   
7. Chromatic aberration control: Purple Fringing, Axial and Lateral CA
   
8. Flare Resistance
   
   
9. Final Thoughts
   
10. Samples 1: At various distances and lighting
    
11. Samples 2: Various Subjects and Lighting Conditions
    
12. Samples 3: Various Subjects at Different Distances
    
13. Samples 4: Various Subjects at f/1.4
    
14. Samples 5: Low Light with the Family
    

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
New Zealand: From Sunrise to Starlight by DistantPlaces

• Nature & Wildlife:
Eyes Locked.... by sathsy2017

• People Photography:
Your Move... by DanielScott

Congratulations to James Markus for winning WA 1237, based on the theme: Visitors.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1238 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1239 just started with theme: "Femininity"
Deadline: July 15th noon - Participate!

Purchase the Thypoch Ksana 21mm f/3.5 ASPH Lens:

Thypoch Store (Use promo code: FREDMIRANDA for a 5% discount at checkout)

B&H Photo

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Review Quick Links:

1. About the lens
   
2. Infinity Resolution and Contrast compared to Voigtlander 21mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar
   
3. Infinity Resolution and Contrast adapted to Sony A7R II
   
4. Sunstar rendering, Flare resistance and Vignetting
   
5. Field Curvature
   
6. Distortion
   
7. Minimal Focus Distance: Resolution and Contrast
   
8. Flare Resistance
   
9. Rendering compared to Voigtlander 21mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar
   
10. Chromatic aberration control: Purple Fringing, Axial and Lateral CA
    
    
11. Final Thoughts
    
12. Samples: Cars and Coffee
    
13. Samples 2: Day at the beach (harsh lighting)
    

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for making this community such an incredible place to learn, create, and inspire each other. You're the reason it's so special, and we're grateful for every one of you!

Enjoy celebrating America's 250th birthday today with the people you love, and if you're out photographing the fireworks, parades, or backyard BBQ, don't just capture the moment, share it with us! Post your photos right here in this thread, we'd love to see how you're celebrating through your lens.


Have a fun, safe, and Happy 4th! 🇺🇸
Fred

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
New Stack by Mark Metternich

• Nature & Wildlife:
Great Grey Owls by louie champan

• People Photography:
After by Yada Yada

Congratulations to adventure_photo for winning WA 1236, based on the theme: Tools of the Trade.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1237 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1238 just started with theme: "Wide Angle Everything"
Deadline: July 8th noon - Participate!

Congratulations to Tannhauser for winning MA 265, based on the theme: Digital.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the MA 266 winners.
Cast your vote!

Monthly Assignment 267 just started with theme: "Choice"
Deadline: August 1st noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
North Carolina Mountains by Ross Martin

• Nature & Wildlife:
~~The Encounter~~ by Ted ellis

• People Photography:
Central Park, NYC by Yada Yada

Congratulations to outdoorsben3 for winning WA 1235, based on the theme: Steam Railroads.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1236 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1237 just started with theme: "Visitors"
Deadline: July 1st noon - Participate!

Order the Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 "SPII" lens:

Lens Light Lab Store | Get a 5% discount when you use the FREDMIRANDA code at checkout.

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Review Quick Links:

1. Initial Impressions
   
2. Infinity Resolution and Contrast compared to MS Optics 73mm f/1.5 Sonnetar (M10-R)
   
3. Field Curvature
   
4. Distortion
   
5. Sunstar Rendering
   
6. Minimal Focus Distance performance and Focus Shift
   
7. Flare Resistance
   
8. Rendering Comparison: Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SP II vs 75mm f/1.5 Z21 and MS Optics 73mm f/1.5
   
9. Rendering Comparison: Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SP II, Light Lens Lab 75mm f/1.5 Z21, and Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.9 ZS6
   
10. Chromatic aberration control: Axial CA, Purple Fringing and Lateral CA
    
11. Optical Vignetting and Specular Highlights shape
    
    
12. Final Thoughts
    
13. Samples 1: Late afternoon, first time with the lens (Low Contrast version)
    
14. Samples 2: A walk near the beach at Late Afternoon Light
    
15. Samples 3: Cars and Coffee
    
16. Samples 4: Cars and Coffee II
    
17. Samples 5: Day at the beach (harsh lighting)
    
18. Samples 6: Portraits (harsh lighting)
    

Pre-order the Light Lens Lab 75mm f/1.5 Z21 lens:

Lens Light Lab Store | Get a 5% discount when you use the FREDMIRANDA code at checkout.

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Review Quick Links:

1. Initial Impressions
   
2. Infinity Resolution and Contrast compared to Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SPII
   
3. Field Curvature
   
4. Distortion
   
5. Sunstar Rendering
   
6. Minimum Focus Distance: Resolution, Contrast and Focus Shift
   
7. Flare Resistance
   
8. Rendering Comparison: Light Lens Lab 75mm f/1.5 Z21 vs 75mm f/2 SP II and MS Optics 73mm f/1.5
   
9. Rendering Comparison: Light Lens Lab 75mm f/1.5 Z21, Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SP II, and 50mm f/1.9 ZS6
   
10. Chromatic aberration control: Axial CA, Purple Fringing and Lateral CA
    
11. Optical Vignetting and Specular Highlights shape
    
    
12. Final Thoughts
    
13. Samples 1: Late afternoon, first time with the lens
14. Samples 2: Continuing My First Outing with the Lens, Late Afternoon Light
    
15. Samples 3: A walk near the beach at Late Afternoon Light
    
16. Samples 4: Cars and Coffee
    
17. Samples 5: Cars and Coffee II
    
18. Samples 6: Environmental Portraits in Color and Black & White
    
19. Samples 7: Various Subjects
    
20. Samples 8: Portraits (Harsh Lighting)
    

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
The chase continues... by Jeffrey

• Nature & Wildlife:
Black Bears and Cubs 2026 by johnohio

• People Photography:
Maya, Available Light Portrait by jowul

Order the Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.9 "Rigid-ZS6" lens:

Lens Light Lab Store | Get a 5% discount when you use the FREDMIRANDA code at checkout.

___

Review Quick Links:

1. Initial Impressions
   
2. Resolution and Contrast compared to Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron "Rigid" (M11)
   
3. Resolution and Contrast compared to Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 SP II (M11)
   
4. Field Curvature
   
5. Distortion
   
6. Minimal Focus Distance performance and Focus Shift
   
7. Sunstar Rendering
   
8. Flare Resistance
   
9. Rendering Comparison: ZS6 Standard vs Low Contrast, alongside 50mm f/1.5 Z21 and 50mm f/2 SP II
   
10. Rendering Comparison: Light Lens Lab Rigid-ZS6 vs Leica 50mm f/2 Rigid vs LLL 50mm f/2 SP II
    
11. Comparison: Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.9 Ridid-ZS6 Standard vs Low Contrast
    
12. Rendering Comparison: Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.9 ZS6 LC, 75mm f/1.5 Z21 and 75mm f/2 SP II
    
13. Chromatic aberration control: Axial CA, Lateral CA and Purple Fringing
    
14. Optical Vignetting and Specular Highlights shape
    
    
15. Final Thoughts
    
16. Samples 1: Late afternoon, first time with the lens (Low Contrast version)
    
17. Samples 2: Harsh Lighting, Low Contrast version
    
18. Samples 3: A walk near the beach at Late Afternoon Light
    
19. Samples 4: Cars and Coffee

Congratulations to J. Pow for winning WA 1234, based on the theme: Self.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1235 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1236 just started with theme: "Tools of the Trade"
Deadline: June 24th noon - Participate!

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
Cinque Terre & Tuscany 2024: a 4x5" Portfolio and a story by vieri

• Nature & Wildlife:
Courting Pair of Grizzly Bears by G.E. Smith

• People Photography:
RIP Rylee our sweet girl. (dog) by RobAmy

Congratulations to adventure_photo for winning WA 1233, based on the theme: Nighttime.

The top five photos displayed below, will also be showcased on our Winners Gallery.

Voting is now open for the WA 1234 winners.
Cast your vote!

Weekly Assignment 1235 just started with theme: "Steam Railroads"
Deadline: June 17th noon - Participate!

Order the Thypoch Eureka 28mm f/2.8 ASPH. Lens:

Thypoch Store (Use promo code: FREDMIRANDA for a 5% discount at checkout)

B&H Photo

_______________


Review Quick Links:

1. Initial Impressions
   
2. Resolution and Contrast at infinity: Leica M10-R vs Sony A7R II
   
3. Resolution and Contrast compared to Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar
   
4. Sunstar Rendering
   
5. Field Curvature
   
6. Distortion
   
7. Minimal Focus Distance performance
   
8. Chromatic Aberration (CA)
   
   
9. Final Thoughts
   
10. Samples 1: Mini Vacation, Various Distances and Lighting
    
11. Samples 2: Mini Vacation, Continued
    
12. Samples 3: Mini Vacation, Final Set

Here are the Feature Thread Winners based on your votes:

• Landscape Photographer:
A Tribute to New Zealand’s Piers by DistantPlaces

• Nature & Wildlife:
Those colorful Warblers of Magee Marsh Ohio ....... a dozen by Karl Witt

• People Photography:
Cookie by LarryBeemer