- The Phoblographer
- Posts
- Chinese Lenses Aren't "Cheap." Viltrox Gave Us Proof
Chinese Lenses Aren't "Cheap." Viltrox Gave Us Proof
The latest from the Phoblographer for February 5th, 2026.
Chris Gampat
February 05, 2026
Subscribe to get the Phoblographer Banner-Ad Free for $25/year.
Here’s the latest:
We Tested the Viltrox 16mm f1.8 for L-Mount and Found Something Crazy
By Chris Gampat
February 5, 2026
Here at the Phoblographer, I've always encouraged our staff to really hold the manufacturers accountable to their statements. Viltrox has always stated that their 16mm f1.8 has weather resistance. Today, the company is announcing that it's coming to L-mount after being available for Nikon Z and Sony E mount. L-mount cameras have the most durable full-frame cameras on the market that actually holds themselves to a standard of real accountability. I mean, the Leica SL2S actually has an IP durability rating on it. So I decided to see how the Viltrox 16mm f1.8 holds up in 12-degree Fahrenheit weather and one of the worst snowstorms we've seen in a decade. With that said, we're updating our Viltrox 16mm f1.8 review.
Viltrox Launches L-Mount Support. Is Sony Doomed Now?
By Chris Gampat
February 5, 2026
During the pandemic, I tested the first L-mount camera that really made me a convert: the Leica SL2s. And since then, I've switched my primary camera system to the L-mount -- which was then supported by Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma. Viltrox joined recently, and today, they're launching their first lens for the L-mount: the 16mm f1.8. What a lens to choose, considering that the camera system has nothing like it.
Canon Launches New Lenses and a Limited Edition Compact Camera
By Nilofer Khan
February 5, 2026
Not too long ago, there were reports of Canon introducing new wide-angle lenses. And early this morning, they finally launched the 14mm and 7-14mm lenses. However, there was also another surprise alongside this: a new limited edition G7X Mk III. Here is a look at the gear and how it is helpful.
The Two Best Leica Cameras for Night Photographers
By Nilofer Khan
February 5, 2026
Night photography is one of the most exciting genres of the medium. It allows one to capture moody portraits, street photographs, or even create still-life images with ease. While there are some exciting full frame cameras that are great at this, today, we will look at the only options that are perfect for those interested in Leica. Have a look.
Here’s How You Can Vote For Your Favorite Images at Wildlife Photographer of the Year
By Nilofer Khan
February 5, 2026
The Natural History Museum is back with the highly anticipated Wildlife Photographer of the Year Nuveen People’s Choice Award 2026. If you have seen the competition winners, you are aware of the standards for the title. Similarly, the museum is giving viewers the chance to serve as judges and support photographers representing their country. Here's a quick look at the images and how you can participate.
The OpenAI Camera May Be Coming Sooner Than We Think
By Chris Gampat
February 4, 2026
Of all the evil companies that could enter the camera market, one that we're really shocked at is OpenAI. I mean, come on, even Samsung pulled out years ago! If two new job descriptions are to be believed, OpenAI is probably hiring folks to create their own cameras. Just imagine it: an OpenAI Camera! They're paying quite well for those positions, too.
The Two Best Lenses for Portrait Photographers to Adapt
By Nilofer Khan
February 4, 2026
Portrait photography is one of the most dominant genres of the medium. Over the years, the images have changed a lot, with many photographers still dreaming of luscious bokeh and sharpness together. If you are someone who wants to invest in a lens that is cost-effective, then you have these two third-party offerings from a decade ago. Consider adapting these to your cameras. Have a look!
Profoto Just Did the One Thing to Piss off Real Photographers
By Chris Gampat
February 4, 2026
Here at the Phoblographer, we've been the biggest champions of putting humans first before AI. We've got disclaimers and all to back that up -- plus, we're the only photography-speciality publication we know of that is part of Adobe's Content Authenticity Initiative. That's why what Profoto recently did on Facebook is just so incredibly jarring. And if you consider yourself a real photographer instead of some content creator, then you'll be really angry at what Profoto has recently done.