f/1.1 AND image quality? It's back: Kamlan 50mm f/1.1 Mark 2 lens review and comparison

[@IffeOnline]

I use the original version on my old Fuji X-pro 1 for urban/people/whatever black and white pictures specifically (which sidesteps most of the lenses shortcomings). The camera is small and quiet, the lens is fairly small and the manual focus makes it fun to go hunting for good photos. That setup makes the photography experience very different from my color nature/landscape Nikon D610 setup.

[@nightcoder5k]

When it comes to lens review, you're not messing around. Awesome review, as always.

[@geopapa80]

Chris I hope you'll review the Kamlan 21mm 1.8 some day. It's a fantastic little lens for the money and so under-reviewed (almost not reviewed). Very pleased with my purchase.

[@garyking4032]

On lens flare: A photographers nightmare is a film makers dream :)

[@skyboy123454321]

I dont do films but i think the smooth aperture change without stops helps in film too

[@5minutemovies977]

@@skyboy123454321 You are not really supposed to change your aperture in the middle of a shot. It's more of a TV thing. But declicked rings are generally found on cinema focused lenses, you're right.

[@skyboy123454321]

@@5minutemovies977 Thank you for the information!

[@observerfx212]

As long as the lens flares aren't the most interesting part of the story.... ; )

[@garyking4032]

@@observerfx212 Lol I guess you've seen my work then :D

[@rodrigo4379]

did you saw the article that talks about using eletronic front curtain shutter insted of full mechanical shutter? you should see it, because the boked is rendered diffently

[@BernieBakari]

Thank you for your videos, I am learning a lot from them as a Noob! Also so lovely to see Cardiff being represented when you do these videos!

[@JodyBruchon]

Below f/2 I always found the images to be extremely "dreamy" and prone to major halos in areas of contrast.

[@Fabianwew]

Bokeh has gone too far.

[@JodyBruchon]

To be clear, I actually like the effect and I would have gotten the lens for this purpose. It's a very interesting effect.

[@Maddin1313]

The CA and fringing on the original Kamlan calls for some red-blue 3D glasses.

[@gonzalocardemilwinkler6613]

You have bring your already superb reviews into a new level. The ultimate lense reviewer. Cheers mate!

[@kornasteniker3939]

Sorry If this was already asked before and I just overlooked it. But it would be extremele interesting to Compare the Kamlan 50mm Mark II with the Samyang/Rokinon 50mm f1.2. I haven't seen a direct comparison between these two APS-C portrait lenses nor have I found a single reviewer, which has shot the same test shots with both lenses and provided them for download, so I could compare it by myself in Lightroom

[@whirlpoodle2823]

I have found that the lens suffers from severe top and bottom vignetting when viewed fullscreen with the video paused. It also experiences "title ghosting" where you can see the title and playback controls if you move your mouse during playback. Jokes aside, looks like a lovely little lens. It's too bad KZbin playback can sometimes ruin the enjoyment of a nice crisp distortion chart.

[@HolybasilYT]

I'd much rather pay the 480 for the sigma with sharpness and contrast on a whole other level than the Kamlan. Not to mention the convenience of autofocus.

[@adamcwatts]

Thanks for comparing the Kamlan against the Sigma 56mm, extremely useful

[@tommihommi1]

this really shows why the sigma is absolutely worth the money

[@ttoniross]

Converting it to peso both versions still ain't cheap 😅 but anything about lens review is worth the watch. 😀

[@Jeraldddd]

oo nga ser hahahaha mahal parin

[@mufidbaloulli]

oo.. pero what did you end up buying

[@JonBear]

The sigma comparison was a great touch. Really appreciate you making this video, very educational. Jumped on the kickstarter before seeing this video and now I have a good idea of what paying for a sigma lens would have gotten me. The Kamlan mk 2 will be a fine addition.

[@trevmac2248]

Great practical, reliable & detailed review. Thank-you!

[@JumpingWatermelons]

I tried out one of these yesterday and considering the price it is a really good lens

[@daninjapan3092]

When checking the corners, since its a portrait lens can you focus expand the corner and re-focus for the corner? Ive noticed some lenses improve greatly when doing this as the focus field isnt entirely flat, and for portraits you really only wanting one particular area in complete focus. Though extreme corners probably not very important anyway.

[@robinmordasiewicz]

The sigma is not the ART series, it’s the contemporary series lens.

[@howtodyra]

Can u show how it looks on A7R2? How big is the vinetting?

[@ChristianThueringer]

I love my kamlan 50mm mk2 on my fuji xt3, I use it in combination with the ttartisan 17mm and the mitakon 35mm, great lens trio!

[@JonBear]

Love this lens! I got the MK2 and reviewed it on my channel. It's one of my main lenses now

[@itsarchi5968]

you should also make a review of new 21 f1.8

[@garyking4032]

I would also love to see that if you can, Christopher?

[@alejandro_mery]

did you receive the 70mm f/1.1? it's just 150 USD on AliExpress but not a single review anywhere

[@KiR_3d]

Tests helps a lot! Thank you!

[@brianmockford2340]

The Kamlan 70mm f1.1 lens is on sale but I can find little information about it.-- Have you considered reviewing it?

[@njay2752]

Do a review for the kamlan 21mm f1.8 please! I'd like to know how the focal length looks on aps-c as well thank you :)

[@zhouxuanming3209]

can you do a review of the latest tamron 35-150mm, seems very sharp for a zoom lens

[@hkvisualsvideography]

Can you do the comparison between this lens and the brand new 7artisans 50mm f0.95?

[@JaredByer]

I would love to see a compare and contrast of this lens for canon vs the canon f1.8 stm with the viltrox speedbooster. The effective focal length would be different though.

[@wavetrex]

Nice for this one to join the pack, but tbh not worth the price. At half of it's price there's the 7artisans 55mm f/1.4 which was reviewed by Chris as well, and proved to be superior in quality to the original Kamlan 50mm. Or, going the other way, Sigma is WAY better in sharpness and contrast and also an electronic lens, so autofocus and aperture control from the camera. The fact that the Kamlans have f/1.1 doesn't help if the image is almost unusable at that aperture. That purple and green fringing... auch ! Hurts.

[@thestig8029]

Mounted on my Fuji camera, I love this lens

[@JeremyGalloway]

I really wish I could get the 56mm f1.4 for my Fuji!

[@georgestancl2283]

we need full frame brothers and sisters of these lenses

[@Daidaho]

Looking at how little falloff there is, it makes sense to test lens FF coverage. Might be very close to covering FF at portrait distances.

[@caleidoo]

@@Daidaho Any info on that? Also very curious on how this lens performs on FF.

[@Daidaho]

@@caleidoo I don't have this lens, so can't comment on that.

[@oceansidesounddesign8770]

Thanks for the great review. I'm curious about the bokeh quality between the Kamlan vs the Sigma 54mm. I know this is a tough comparison with the difference in aperture and focal distance. Any thoughts?

[@nultse]

Are there any tests how this lens covers full frame censor?

[@agustawicaksono]

lets having honest comparison, Kamlan 50mm f1.1 vs Canon 50mm f1.8 STM, which one is better? starts from F1.8 and go higher focal lens. I have canon 50mm f1.8 STM, i wonder if buying kamlan is upgrading or not.

[@23adeeb]

where is the yung nou 100mm f2 review

[@bryanescalante2871]

Am guessing that kamlan 1.1 is going to be a top notch lens by mark 4

[@64wulf45]

How does this compare with the canon eos ef m 32 f1.4?

[@PyromancerRift]

I got the mark1 and from F4 to wide open it's sharper than my 16-50 and 55-210 "cheapo" lenses from sony. I can almost pixel pip and have a sharp picture. Really impressive for such a cheap lens.

[@cupcakebunnyprod]

Primes are usually always sharper than zoom lenses.

[@PyromancerRift]

Cupcake Bunny Productions yeah but if you compare the prices and the supposed lack of quality from a chinese product, it feels odd.

[@gustavoalmeida7772]

Thanks for the excellent, non-subjective analysis of the lens. One thing that I always tried to find is a good comparison between a cheap modern and fast lens and a vintage fast lens of the same price. Given that many of these cheap lens are manual, they are somewhat equivalent to old lenses, at least from the focus stand point. For the same price, how do Kamlan, 7Artisans and Mitakon lenses compare with Vintage lenses of the same or similar focal length and minimum aperture? Can vintage lenses compete with these cheap lenses in terms of sharpness and other desirable characteristics? Thanks

[@ChristianThueringer]

I found most vintage glass lacks resolution for modern sensors, at least on the photo side of things...

[@thomasbreuer2462]

The comparison with Sigma is great. Think you!

[@kshitijjgulati]

Chris, thanks for the review. How this one holds against the 7artisons 55mm f1.4 considering it is half the price?

[@sabymondal]

Great review !! This Kamlan seems to have some characteristics, perhaps due to its inaccuracies. Thinking of buying. I am bored of perfections.

[@SocietateaAscendenta]

Exactly! Lenses like this you just have to enjoy like a good old record. Do not expect perfection. It is the same as with an old vinyl or cassette - warmth, distortion and FEELING go hand in hand. I mean, the Sigma... sure: perfect, sharp, bla bla... But this lens has so much personality that I would rather buy this. Only problem: no auto-focus. And, since I film myself or have my wife or a friend film me sometime and they have no clue on manual focus... pffff... Though decision!

[@eka8043]

Please make video on Mitakon 85 f2 .... this is a budget lens, i am thinking of using the nikon version of this lens with zhongyi focal reducer .. hopefully i could get similar depth of field and bokeh quality like on full frame camera. Mitakon 85 f1.2 is also tempting although i need to spend alot more.

[@lavinchi6709]

Fantastic!!!Very good stuff!!!Thank you for the nice video!!!

[@AustrianGeek]

Thx for the insights / the video (!) Its good to see, that the Sigma is still signifficantly better (even at F1.4). AND: Especially used the Sigma 56 is not THAT much morge expensive than the new Kamlan Mk-II. The Sigma is around 300 to 350 bucks used (at least here in central Europe). And if you import the Kamlan - So as soon as you have to pay import VAT and handling fees - You´re also around the 300 to 350 price tag. Makes no sense for most people. As an alternative I would still prefer a good old C/Y (Contax / Yashica) Zeiss 50mm F1.4 or 50mm F1.7 instead (those are WAY cheaper available and deliver good image quality - Especially at F2 upwards).

[@alonzofarmer4997]

Nice!! Thanks for posting Chris!

[@michawierzchacz2237]

When Sigma 30mm f1.4 dc dn for sony E ?

[@SocietateaAscendenta]

Lenses like this you just have to enjoy like a good old record. Do not expect perfection. It is the same as with an old vinyl or cassette - warmth, distortion and FEELING go hand in hand. I mean, the Sigma... sure: perfect, sharp, bla bla... But this lens has so much personality that I would rather buy this. Only problem: no auto-focus. And, since I film myself or have my wife or a friend film me sometime and they have no clue on manual focus... pffff... Though decision!

[@ziyadazzam9579]

Which more sharper. This kamlan ii vs ttartisan 50mm f1.2?

[@Quetzalcoatl0]

With that huge back element the lens doesn't work on a full frame body ?

[@gpdu57]

I'm asking myself the same question.

[@Volksgeist]

AMAZING video

[@jimmydeane2241]

I have a Canon M3 camera and mostly use it in Manual mode. With this lens will I still be able to view the histogram to adjust the exposure. Also will the exposure bar graph at the bottom of the display be available to view to adjust the exposure .

[@log100]

What about compare with the 7artisans 50mm f/1.1?

[@sebsyoutubechannel4252]

Thank you for this great review :)

[@seroberts1]

I'd sure like to play with this on my Z6/FTZ mount.

[@dlee13]

The design of this lens reminds me so much of the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM.

[@vladi21k]

More than anything, this review made me think about buying the Sigma lens.

[@kerbholzgt]

again, a perfect review - thank you so much

[@AgnostosGnostos]

The new Kamlan 50mm f/1.1 II is much more expensive than the original one but it is still a bargain.

[@NomadicBloke1]

How's the focus ring? Will it work with smallrig follow focus? Hope someone tried it.

[@circleofattention6021]

Very useful thanks man!

[@balazsdejczo3681]

Longitudinal chromatic aberration is not a bug but a feature here. Helps you to find your plane of focus much better than any focus peaking feature out there ☺️

[@jammyd33]

Where can you buy this lens in the UK?

[@kevinl7139]

Can you add analysis of lens micro-contrast to your reviews

[@s87343jim]

How do you even test micro contrast?

[@TheMetalButcher]

Define micro contrast and maybe someone can review. All I've ever seen is marketing mumbo jumbo.

[@christopherfrost]

No Kevin L, simply because micro contrast doesn't exist: only contrast, and resolution, both of which are tested in this review

[@flpideas1]

Nope, i tried mark 1 of this lens and didn't have the patience to manual focus all the time. I only like wide angle manual lenses like samyang 12mm, set it to infinity and keep it this way

[@pauluz3868]

Could you please do a "recommended list"

[@thomaspirolt1686]

Or just a good Vintage 50mm 1.4 lens for 100 bucks... 50mm Vintage lenses are plenty out there... Wider gets more difficult, but 50mm no problem...

[@thomaspirolt1686]

@Foto4Max you could try a Takumar S-M-C 50mm 1.4 in mint condition for 100. Or a Zeiss Contax 50mm 1.4 for 150. Or a lovely Leica Summicron-R 50mm for 250. Gorgeous stuff... Those are more expensive than 50 bucks, but...

[@miguelcrespo5545]

is it better than the samyang 50mm 1.2?

[@BillBynum]

Hey @christopherfrostphotography any chance you could do a review of that new Tokina 100 2.8 Sony FE lens? I have never reached out for a review but you are my most trusted and I really want to purchase this lens. Not to mention there isn't anyone else that is even known that has done a proper review so you should get a nice view count from it. Please help! Thanks! :)

[@opalyankaBG]

Interesting, I might get the Fuji version some day.

[@denvera1g1]

I need a full frame F1.1 85mm, 27kg, for somewhat wide astrophotography :P

[@williamstensen5586]

Love your videos! What lens (>= 900€) would you recommend for a Canon EOS 60D? I already have a 40mm and a 50mm, but I'd like a versatile zoom lens that goes from wide-angle to atleast 80mm. :)

[@5minutemovies977]

I got my 70D bundled with a 18-135mm and I have to say, while not a great lense, it's a good all arounder. www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1275328-REG/canon_ca18135stmwb_ef_s_18_135mm_f_3_5_5_6_is.html And you can find even crazier zooms in kind of the same category of lenses : www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1082147-REG/sigma_18_300mm_f_3_5_6_3_dc_macro.html www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1345955-REG/tamron_afb028c_700_18_400mm_f_3_5_6_3_di_ii.html

[@grivouce972]

MAGNIFIQUE

[@denvera1g1]

0:52 is that a zombie bar?

[@ThomasPhamKESAT]

Christopher, great review as always. Does the version II similar or better than the Samyang 50mm f1.2? Thanks.

[@kaverjordankharbteng2550]

Which has better Bokeh/DoF/Background Blur , The Kamlan 50mm MK2 or the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 ? 😊

[@christopherfrost]

Take a look at my reviews and you'll see :-)

[@kaverjordankharbteng2550]

@@christopherfrost but in the review, I didn't hear you say anything about which lens has better bokeh & background blur. 😐

[@christopherfrost]

@@kaverjordankharbteng2550 Their bokeh is very similar. The thing is, it's a subjective thing, so it's up to you to decide which you prefer :-)

[@kaverjordankharbteng2550]

Ahh... Got it! Thanks 😀 .

[@IvanGRANID]

Best Reviews!!!!!!! thank You!!!!

[@cpaphoto1]

I have one for Sony E mount, excellent lens

[@sambiswas1265]

Praise God

[@AgnostosGnostos]

I missed the Special Thanking Deal for 169$ of this lens in Kickstarter for just two hours. Anyway the lens is still cheap.

[@6rimR3ap3r]

Me too, so I opted in for the combo together with their 28mm f/1.4 :-)

[@jbx907]

Focus breathing?

[@alexmesel]

Is the kamlan 50 1.1 Mark II a full frame lens? If so where are test?

[@christopherfrost]

Nope

[@alexmesel]

@@christopherfrost Thank you Chris, I had a wrong info :)

[@taylorbrawner2052]

My big takeaway from this review is just how sharp the Sigma really is. Good grief!

[@tomhsia4354]

Well, to be fair, the Sigma IS really sharp, one of the sharpest APS-C approx. 50mm lens, in fact.

[@lupoforester5213]

thanks!

[@elise3455]

Pity there's no F-mount version :(

[@sambiswas1265]

Can we use it in dslr for filming.

[@edwinparker6732]

Mirrorless only because of the short flange to sensor distance.

[@kert1842]

Is this compatible to canon 200D??? With adaptors

[@fredericp.9593]

Hi, no, it is made for mirrorless cameras (shorter flange distance)

[@basukisugito3275]

All these new manual lenses for this price why no one compare it with old vintage lenses who are in sama price ? All compare these new manual lenses always compare with much more expensive lenses, yes interesting see what "not get" for the price. But "we" who want to buy a lens in 100-300 dollars price range probably thinking about buy old manual vintage lens or a new manual lense. Can someone please make a comparison between old vintage manual lenses like 50mm f1.2-1.4 Pentax, Minolta, Canon or Nikon manual lense to new manual lenses.

[@DevynFromCFXTV]

Does this work on the Panasonic G7?

[@FramedFocuss]

FAQ on the Kickstarter says it supports it :)

[@kamillisowski2931]

There is no lens to beat that Sigma, masterpiece lens 😉

[@944play]

Yep. The Sigma 56 is basically why I bought an APSC camera.

[@이태희-x9o]

Fuji XF56mm f1.2 vs Kamlan 50mm f1.1 mark2

[@jyz96]

I'm curious how it compares to the Mitakon 35 ii - I know it's a different focal length but they're both super wide aps-c primes

[@johnkevin7992]

Super wide? 😂

[@ricktim8402]

Nice!

[@herbertcatania5464]

Hi Chris been following you reviews .... very pro and thanks for your effort and style ... I particularly follow you on nikon and sigma equipment .... i also followed angry grrrrr man and told him to contact you .... please teach him basics of carrying out a scientific ... logic and swear free review .... keep up the great work and god bless you.

[@carpediem5008]

Is the image circle bigger in this mark ii version (compared with mark i when tested on ff)?

[@JamesWillmus]

I was thinking "f/11? Big whoop!", then I saw the decimal point!