lens
lens on Lee LHGFX Photography: a running collection of 19 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on lens in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. Lee LHGFX Photography is a dynamic portfolio and lifestyle hub built around the artistic work of @lee_lhgfx — a highly engaged Instagram creator and photographer known for… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around lens, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything Lee LHGFX Photography is covering right now.
Why the Sony FX5 Is Sony’s Most Important Cinema Camera Ever
The Sony FX5 represents a pivotal moment for Sony’s cinema camera line, arguably their most important release to date. Addressing calls for substantial innovation, the FX5 delivers a compelling blend of professional-grade features within a remarkably compact form factor. It marks a significant evolution for the FX series, offering advancements like open gate shooting and internal RAW recording.
This Beautiful 50mm f/1.1 Lens Is Based On An Ultra-Rare ‘Masterpiece’
Introducing a remarkable fusion of artistry and optical engineering: the Shoten Kobo Co., Ltd. 50mm f/1.1 lens. Inspired by the ultra-rare pre-war Hugo Meyer Kino Plasmat 5cm f/1.5, this lens represents a meticulously curated achievement. Production is exceedingly limited, making it a coveted item for discerning photographers seeking an unparalleled image quality. Its creation honors a legacy of cinematic excellence while embracing contemporary standards. For further exploration of responsible image-making, see our article, "Photographer Arrested for Unlicensed Photo Shoots with Exotic Animals."
Fuji Cameras Can Get Worn Down. So Protect Them With This
Fujifilm cameras are renowned for their durability, yet even these exceptional tools can experience wear and tear over time. Recognizing this, we've launched the Photography Care Program, a collaboration with Full Frame Insurance, designed to safeguard your investment. Dust accumulation, often overlooked, significantly impacts camera and lens performance, potentially degrading autofocus. Ensure your gear remains protected—because peace of mind is paramount. For those exploring compatible third-party lenses, consider the innovative capabilities highlighted in our recent review of the Voigtlander Telephoto Lens.
This New Voigtlander Telephoto Lens Focuses Closer Than Ever
Voigtlander, renowned for its exceptional third-party lenses, particularly for Leica users, continues to elevate photographic possibilities. Cosina-owned Voigtlander has just launched a new telephoto lens offering unprecedented close-focus capabilities—a significant advantage for portrait photographers seeking artistic depth. This lens promises a curated experience, blending precision engineering with aesthetic appeal. Explore how this innovative tool can transform your creative vision. For further exploration of portraiture, see our article, "Our Favorite Portrait Lens from Nikon That You Must Get."
‘AI Takes Away From the Artistry of Photography’ Says Robert Irwin
Renowned conservationist and wildlife photographer Robert Irwin recently shared his perspective on the evolving landscape of photography, expressing concern that AI diminishes the artistry inherent in the craft. In a recent interview with *Parade*, Irwin discussed his multifaceted career, including his celebrated time on *Dancing With the Stars*, but zeroed in on the impact of artificial intelligence on photographic authenticity. For a deeper dive into related technological shifts affecting the industry, explore our article, "Companies Selling DJI Products in Disguise Facing FCC Ban."
Our Favorite Canon lens for Everyday Work
For photographers navigating diverse genres—from landscapes to portraits and events—Canon offers exceptional versatility. Our top pick for everyday work is a lens designed to seamlessly adapt to your creative pursuits. It represents a curated blend of performance and practicality, embodying a commitment to quality that Canon is known for. Seeking further insights into the evolving photography landscape? Explore our recent article, "Have You Heard of the 5 Boro Foto Fest?", for a glimpse into innovative photographic experiences.
Canon’s Biggest Lens Screwup
Canon’s 2023 release of the RF 28mm f2.8 pancake lens sparked considerable debate, and many consider it a significant misstep in their lens lineup. Our initial review highlighted concerning issues with fringing in RAW files, prompting questions about design choices. Why omit weather resistance, a feature typically reserved for L-series lenses? Why not revisit the acclaimed design from the early 2010s? This lens exemplifies a missed opportunity to deliver both portability and robust performance.
What Happens When You Put a Sandwich Bag Over a Lens?
Prepare to embrace the beautifully disorienting. This article explores the surprising results of a simple experiment: placing a sandwich bag over a camera lens. The resulting photographs are a deliberate disruption—a visual echo of the artist's own unique perception. In a world saturated with hyper-sharp imagery and AI mimicry, this project champions the inherently human. Discover a captivating exploration of distortion and artistry, reminiscent of photographers utilizing sheer fabrics for creative effect.
Why the Ricoh GR II is so Good for Street Photography Even Today
Street photography thrives on accessible tools that inspire creativity. While modern cameras like the Nikon Zf offer impressive capabilities, the Ricoh GR II remains a surprisingly compelling choice, particularly for budget-conscious photographers. Its compact size, exceptional image quality, and intuitive operation foster a uniquely immersive shooting experience. Discover why this older model continues to deliver authentic and vibrant results, proving that exceptional street photography doesn't require the latest technology. For broader perspectives on street photography equipment, see our exploration of the Canon G1X Mark II.
Our Favorite Portrait Lens from Nikon That You Must Get
Nikon consistently delivers exceptional lenses, and selecting the ideal portrait option for their Z-mount cameras requires careful consideration. While models like the 14-24mm and 200-500mm offer incredible versatility, our top recommendation stands out for its portrait-specific performance. This lens elevates image quality, offering a beautifully shallow depth of field and stunning clarity. For photographers seeking to capture evocative and timeless portraits, this is an essential addition to their kit.
Why the Canon G1X Mark II is So Good for Street Photography in 2026
Street photographers today enjoy a wealth of compelling options, from the Ricoh GR IV to the Leica Q3. Yet, a decade after its release, Canon's G1X Mark II retains remarkable appeal. This camera's blend of portability and image quality makes it exceptionally well-suited for candid, on-the-go shooting. Its larger sensor delivers a depth and richness often missing in smaller formats, offering a distinctly artistic aesthetic.
How One Photographer Turned a Cheap Pentax SLR Into a Half-Frame Camera
Pentax SLR cameras are renowned for their accessible design and affordability—a compelling combination for photographers of all levels. Recently, a resourceful photographer demonstrated an innovative approach, transforming a standard Pentax SLR into a unique half-frame camera. This DIY modification unlocks new creative possibilities, blending classic camera mechanics with a distinctly modern perspective. Discover the ingenious process behind this breakthrough, offering a fresh lens on photographic artistry. For more inspiring photographic achievements, explore "The Inspiring Winners of the 41st AOP Student Photography Awards."
No One Agrees with Our RX10 V Take | The PetaPixel Podcast
This week's PetaPixel Podcast dives into a surprisingly contentious topic: our review of the Sony RX10 V. Joining us is Chelsea Mercado Northrup to unpack the feedback and explore why opinions on this camera are so varied. Beyond the RX10 V, we’ll also examine Tamron’s evolving design philosophy and participate in a lively round of Lens Draft. For further insight into the evolving camera landscape, explore our recent piece, "The Canon EOS R in 2026: Are 30-Megapixels Still Enough?"
Voigtländer’s ‘Astonishingly Compact’ 90mm f/4 M-Mount Lens Arrives Soon
Voigtländer continues its legacy of exquisite optics with the imminent arrival of its astonishingly compact 90mm f/4 M-Mount lens. Unveiled ahead of its August launch following a showcase at CP+ 2026, this prime lens promises exceptional image quality in a remarkably portable design. Cosina's development efforts are clearly yielding impressive results, further solidifying Voigtländer's position amongst discerning photographers. For those seeking robust weather protection, consider exploring options like those discussed in our article, "Are Your Lenses Not Weather Sealed? You Need This."
Viltrox 26mm F2.8 EVO Review: It Turned My Nikon Z7 II Into an EDC Camera
The Viltrox 26mm F2.8 EVO lens represents a compelling transformation for mirrorless users. This review explores how it elegantly converts even the most substantial camera bodies, like our Nikon Z7 II, into remarkably capable everyday carry (EDC) systems. Offering a blend of simplicity and surprising flexibility, the Viltrox 26mm F2.8 EVO delivers a refined shooting experience. For a closer look at its impressive feature set, see our earlier piece, "The Ultra-Compact Viltrox 26mm f/2.8 EVO Doesn’t Skimp on Features."
The Ultra-Compact Viltrox 26mm f/2.8 EVO Doesn’t Skimp on Features
Viltrox continues to redefine compact optics with the release of their AF 26mm f/2.8 EVO. This remarkably thin, autofocus pancake lens—less than an inch thick—astonishingly integrates dual control rings, offering photographers exceptional versatility. The lens delivers a curated blend of portability and performance, ideal for those seeking a vibrant, adaptable addition to their kit. For those exploring similar compact options, our review of the Tamron 12-20mm F2.8 highlights another compelling choice in the ultra-wide space.
Tamron 12-20mm F2.8 Review: The Amazing Light and Nimble Astro Photography Lens
The Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 lens represents a significant evolution in Tamron's design philosophy, delivering an exceptional blend of portability and performance. Notably, it stands out as the lightest ultra-wide zoom lens we've encountered recently. This lens is poised to redefine astrophotography and landscape capture, offering a remarkably fast aperture within a versatile zoom range. Our comprehensive review explores its capabilities, confirming its promise of G Master-level quality—as highlighted in our earlier piece, "The Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 Is Wholly Redesigned."
The Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 Is Wholly Redesigned and Promises G Master Quality
Tamron elevates ultra-wide photography with the entirely redesigned 12-20mm f/2.8 lens (Model A084), now available for Nikon Z and Sony E-mount full-frame cameras. This isn't merely an update; it’s a comprehensive reimagining of the lens formula, signaling a shift toward G Master-level quality and a commitment to exceptional optical performance. Expect vibrant imagery and impressive low-light capabilities from this fast-aperture zoom. For a deeper dive into its capabilities, explore our comprehensive "Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 Review."
Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 Review: A Whole New Direction
Tamron boldly pivots its lens design with the introduction of the impressively fast and wide 12-20mm f/2.8 – a compelling statement in the ultra-wide space. Our comprehensive review explores whether this lens delivers on its promise, not just in terms of aperture, but also in elevating Tamron’s renowned image quality. Discover if this marks a significant shift in their approach. For a firsthand perspective on its capabilities, see our test shoot conducted in Singapore with Reuben Foong. [Read More]