Mathieu

Angles of view and Points of view

08/01/2016 By Mathieu 34 Comments

Reviewing camera equipment often requires us to compare specifications because each system is different, beginning with the sensor size. One of the most common comparisons involves focal length equivalence, a topic that often generates some confusion. The most recent example we’ve encountered concerns the new Olympus 300mm f/4 Pro (see our review here) that gives the equivalent focal length of 600mm on a full-frame camera. Not only have I read many discussions, but I’ve also received a few comments stating that this comparison is not fair and that a 300mm is a 300mm lens regardless of the sensor that resides behind it.

Is it correct to compare the M.Zuiko 300mm to a 600mm lens designed for a full-frame system?

The first extreme telephoto prime – The Olympus 300mm f/4 IS Pro review

06/01/2016 By Mathieu 20 Comments

The M.Zuiko 300mm f/4 is the fifth professional lens produced by Olympus for Micro Four Thirds. Its development was first announced in 2014 at Photokina but the release was delayed to add optical stabilisation – a wise move as it makes this telephoto lens an interesting choice for Panasonic customers as well.

Sigma lenses on the Sony A7r II: a personal and on-going round-up

21/12/2015 By Mathieu 22 Comments

Since we purchased the Sony A7r II for our in-depth analysis, I have had the chance to test the camera with many different lenses including third-party DSLR lenses. There are two main reasons behind testing non-native E-mount glass. First, it was part of my in-depth autofocus test where I came to quite a positive conclusion. The second is a consequence of the first reason: I wanted to find out if some of these lenses could be integrated into a mirrorless system despite not being designed for Sony cameras in the first place.

The responsibility and privilege to testify – An interview with photojournalist Antonio Faccilongo

09/12/2015 By Mathieu 1 Comment

The cover image is part of the “Tramadol” story.

Welcome to our series of 100 interviews we will be holding with photographers who use mirrorless cameras for their work. “Switching to a smaller and lighter system” has become somewhat a buzz phrase as of late, but many working photographers take this philosophy seriously. From medical reasons such as resolving back and shoulder pain to the simple realisation that bigger does not mean better, photographers are turning to mirrorless systems now more than ever before.

This week’s interview is with Antonio Faccilongo, an Italian freelance photojournalist who travels the world with his Fujifilm X-T1 to document sensitive stories in difficult places. His work focuses mainly on Asia and the Middle East, where he covers social, political and cultural issues.

Sony A7r II and Voigtländer VM lenses, Chapter II: 35mm f/1.7 Ultron Aspherical review

08/12/2015 By Mathieu 9 Comments

Now that our full Sony A7r II test is complete, it’s time to continue with our reviews of interesting Voigtländer lenses to use on the camera. The former German brand has an interesting collection of compact lenses that go from extreme wide angle to fast medium focal lengths. These lenses are designed for the Leica M system but can easily be mounted to the Sony A7 series via a thin adapter (I have the Voigtlander VM adapter).