Will Sony Ever Make a Premium 28mm?

The latest from the Phoblographer for May 26th, 2025.

Author

Chris Gampat
May 26, 2025

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The Zeiss Lenses Everyone Forgot About

By Chris Gampat

May 26, 2025

The biggest thing regarding Zeiss and photography that photographers are speaking about are the recently released Zeiss Otus lenses. But perhaps the best lineup that Zeiss had are the Milvus lenses. The Milvus lenses were originally designed for DSLRs and were a fascinating option for Zeiss. The company back then didn't give any sort of weather resistance or sealing to their Otus lenses. But the Milvus lenses got it. In fact, they were the highest end option to have weather resistance. While the Batis lenses had it, they were kind of an odd entry for the company. And Zeiss Loxia lenses had it too -- but only at the mount. So what were the best Zeiss lenses?

A Few of the Camera Brands Might Not Survive

By Chris Gampat

May 26, 2025

I'll never forget the look on a Japanese executive's face when I asked a very curious question. "Hold on, Sony introduced this feature in their cameras recently, how are you all coming out with the same tech at the same time?" He smiled at me, and didn't give me an answer. That was a year before I started the Phoblographer -- and it wasn't until I was a bit further into my career that I learned the crazy truth. All of the camera manufacturers are all using each other's parts, designs, and innovations. Just think about it: if scene detection (otherwise call AI detection) wasn't a top secret thing, then why didn't Sony keep the secret all to themselves? And why does the company's sensors appear in so many cameras? It's made me wonder many times over and over again: if the camera manufacturers stopped working together, could any of them actually survive?

This Nikon Camera is Giving Fujifilm a Run for its Money

By Nilofer Khan

May 26, 2025

In the world of mirrorless cameras, compact cameras have been taking the lead. Per CIPA, compact cameras have been overtaking DSLRs, a trend many did not really foresee. However, it appears that tables are turning again. Last month, OM System topped the best-selling camera list, a small sensor device, leaving behind giants like Canon and Nikon. But this month, the story is different again. Nikon's full-frame camera managed to take the lead in unprecedented ways. Here's a look at the rankings.

Will a Sony 28mm Premium Lens Ever Come?

By Chris Gampat

May 26, 2025

Around 10 years ago, the Phoblographer reviewed the Sony 28mm f2 lens. "The color rendition from this lens is very true to life with a bit of both extra contrast and saturation," we wrote at the time. "It works out quite well, but don’t expect the same color rendition that you’ll get from the company’s 35mm f1.4 Zeiss lens or even the Zeiss Loxia lenses themselves. Indeed, this is a Sony G lens and it surely shows." One of my very best photographer friends loves the 28mm perspective -- and the high-end Leica 28mm f2 Apochromatic is perhaps the favorite lens I own. But in 10 years, Sony hasn't made a high end option and the entire camera market is seriously lacking on it. Why?

Sony Announces Over 30% Price Surge for Cameras and Lenses

By Nilofer Khan

May 25, 2025

With the announcement of tariffs, several camera manufacturers announced a price increase. We have already reported on Leica's response to the policy, with the price hike going up as much as 90%. Canon also reported a hike, but it has not yet officially reflected on retail sites. However, after Leica, it now appears Sony has reworked its pricing strategy, with a few lenses and cameras showcasing an obvious difference. Here is a look at the new prices.

7 Tips to Help You Shoot Like Steve McCurry

By Nilofer Khan

May 25, 2025

Over the course of a century, there have been many great masters of photography who have changed the medium and our understanding of the world. A more recent example of this is Steve McCurry, a veteran photographer who has given us hundreds of iconic images. In the past four decades, he used the medium to document the spectrum of human experiences from around the world, some of which are poetic, some of which seem like a dream. So, today, we look back at his insightful quotes and the tips that can inspire you to shoot better.

How Does a Photographer Use AI Ethically?

By Nilofer Khan

May 25, 2025

The buzz around artificial intelligence has garnered a sizeable number of opinions. There are some photographers who do not wish to use AI in their work, even if it is just used as an assistant. As someone once said to The Phoblographer, the reason is that they "abhor" it. Then you have the other division of photographers, who would use AI, as long as it is being used ethically, and does not infringe the copyright of other photographers or artists. However, as the use of the latter is becoming more prominent, we reached out to seven photographers to get an idea of how one can navigate the situation in the most fair and moral manner. Here is a look at their responses and how you can include the practice, if it ever comes down to it, in your career.

Light Lens Lab Announces an Iconic 50mm For Leica Users

By Nilofer Khan

May 24, 2025

There are many iconic lenses created for Leica models that have gained popularity over the years. However, a large chunk is no longer in production since many of them were designed decades ago. For instance, Summicron-M 28mm f1.2 ASPH, Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f0.95 ASPH, and Voigtländer Heliar Classic 50mm f1.5, amongst others. It now appears there are some manufacturers reviving these lenses for modern Leica cameras. An example is Chinese manufacturers, Light Lens Lab, who have recently introduced a 50mm f1.5 Z21 lens for Leica M-mount cameras.

4 Tips for the Budding Landscape Photographer

By Nilofer Khan

May 24, 2025

Landscape phtoography allows one the opportunity to see nature in all its hues and forms. From the warm yellow desserts in Africa to the cold blue glacial lakes in Iceland, landscape photography never fails to amaze us. However, to capture the beauty or majesty of these beautiful places is not a simple task, as it requires vision, technical knowledge, and an understanding of composition, amongst other things. If you are new to landscape photography, then you have come to the right place. We share with you a few tips that can help you excel in your endeavour.