KamLan to launch $300 32mm F1.1 manual lens for APS-C camera systems

As someone who enjoys using classic lenses it's good to see them being developed for mirrorless cameras on which manual focusing is easier than on DLSRs, and at useful focal lengths. Well built, heavy, fast, and with better optical qualities than the stuff from film days, I don't care where they're made or by whom, as long as they're good and enjoyable to use.

The clickless aperture rings are the only fault I see with these, even though they're not as annoying as I thought they would be.

Feb 6, 2021*permalink

I have the 7Artisans 35mm f/0.95 for APS-C ... I wonder what the advantage of the Kamlan lens would be over this 7Artisans in optical quality.

Feb 6, 2021permalink

I'd also like to know this. The 7Artisans is about the same price and seems highly rated while being a little faster.

Feb 6, 2021permalink

saiko

@Tim van der Leeuw: how do you like 7Artisans 35mm f/0.95? I was thinking of getting it

Feb 9, 2021permalink

@saiko It's not super-sharp and takes me some getting used to, but I got some quite nice shots with it still.

You can judge here some of my shots in this forum thread:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4547450/64813221

And also look at some other photos posted in that thread by other owners of this lens. :)

(I also have some shots in this Flickr album, not many made public yet but with this link you should be able to still see all of them: https://www.flickr.com/gp/95999386@N04/FPmGxq)

It's nice to have f/0.95 for light gathering but for close up photos, the DoF is so thing, that hardly anything is in focus. That takes practice.

The background rendering is quite nice.

Feb 9, 2021permalink

saiko

Thank you Tim van der Leeuw for the links - your opinions are similar to the reviews of the lens I have come across for this lens so far.
I have the 7Artisans 35mm 1.2 of 7artisans which is optically very simple and not the best in terms of sharpness ... but it's tiny and very easy to carry and one can manage to get some decent shots if you can deal with its limitations. So I am wondering if I should buy another 35mm significantly larger lens which is 1/2 stop faster.

Feb 9, 2021*permalink

https://lightroom.adobe.com/gallery/0cdbcfec3bb74ebfaf1fed2e205fdb71/albums/2a8dff7ad8538ea1b57829b057c6829f/assets

"Significantly larger" is still not very large. It's the same size and weight as the TTArtisans 50mm f/1.2.
I have no experience with the 7Artisans 35mm f/1.2 -- I can only recommend you to compare pictures you find online taken with both lenses!

Feb 10, 2021permalink

Paul Pelletier2

I have the 50mm 1.1 MKII and it is a very good build. Nice soft bokeh, overall good sharpness.
I did some shots here a different apertures. nothing scientific...
Purple fringes is there, but easily fixed in LR

Feb 6, 2021permalink

calte

Agree, I have it too and also the 28mm 1,4 (with my name on it - a nice touch from Kamlan). Both are good build quality and nice to focus (not focus by wire).
In addition I have the 7Artisan 50mm but prefer the Kamlan.
Also my Fuji 56mm 1,2 is not used often in low light situation as the Kamlan is just better to focus,
I wonder how many comments are made without having it tested,

Feb 6, 2021*permalink

The 28mm looks interesting but in the end too close to the 23 and 35 I already have. The more choice the better, and the Fuji system is getting better in the regard all the time.

Feb 10, 2021permalink

Melindra

For the noob that pays, poorly, for (what seems like great) specification on paper.

Feb 6, 2021permalink

ms18

WE WANT 23mm f/1

Feb 6, 2021permalink

tangbunna

it is amazing lens that i can see chromatic aberration even from 320x240 thumbnails.

Feb 6, 2021permalink

Kenneth Almquist

The EXIF data on the sample images indicates that there is no electronic communication with the camera. A clickless aperture ring and no aperture display in the viewfinder doesn't seem like a good combination.

Feb 6, 2021permalink

Not ideal indeed but that's what you get for this price from these manufacturers at this price point!
In fact it's quite common for Samyang / Rokinon, Laowo, Mitakon, TTArtisans, 7Artisans, Meike, and more of these upcoming Chinese lens manufacturers.

But also when adapting old (manual) lenses on your mirrorless camera, you get the same.

One puts up with it and gets used to it... ;)

Feb 6, 2021permalink

Kenneth Almquist

The lack of electronic communication is common, but if the aperture ring has clicks you can at least adjust the aperture t the setting you want by counting the clicks.

Feb 6, 2021permalink

Distorted_Light

Buying cheap under performed Chinese lens to use with heavy cameras in an era of smart phones that can produce very decent quality photos and video? What a sensible choice!
If you are not for the very top quality, why bother to buy to buy mirrorless or DSLR?

Feb 5, 2021*permalink

lots of people just want to "play" with f1.1 or F1.0 or F0.95 w/o spend too much. it is for fun, not for real work

Feb 5, 2021permalink

The 50mm f1.1 mk II of theirs has great image rendering wide open. The only thing making them less capable is trying to manual focus moving subjects at f1.1, which is a PITA.

There is a bit of assumed ignorance when making blanket claims about all products based on country of origin. Sure, many of the cheaper lenses from China are worse than seagull poop-splattered beach glass, but these are far better than that.

I would have to see some more samples from the new lens, but their recent lens attempts are excellent.

Feb 6, 2021*permalink

The generic CCTV-derived lenses like the numerous 25/1.8 and 35/1.7 for M43 out there are borderline garbage. That's how majority of these Chinese makers kicked off their business. But the later (post-2018), purposely designed lenses are usually of sound quality. Better QC too.

Feb 6, 2021permalink

Distorted_Light

I can understand buying for fun. Other than that, I don’t think it make real sense of coupling these lenses with modern high resolution cameras for actual work. You get what you pay for. The quality and cost control to give you a unrealistically low price must mean great compromise in the process of producing such products. I did bought a Laowa 12mm f2.8, which is highly acclaimed on the internet. But I never found it can produce the quality good enough for large print, especially the corners.

Feb 6, 2021*permalink

Exactly how many people print large? I would wager my life savings it isn't more than 1% of people buying interchangeable lens cameras.

And the fact is that KamLan puts out really great lenses, in variations of focal length and aperture no one else is making for APS-C and m43.

I'm not a fan of China, overall, but it is just willful ignorance to assume everything they produce is garbage. DJI, for example, puts out some really great drones. My iPhone is made in China and is incredibly reliable even after falling on pavement a few times.

Feb 9, 2021permalink

I will NEVER carry a manual lens when on vacation or travel.

Feb 12, 2021permalink

Mariano Pacifico

Does anybody knows Chris Nichols loves cats, too? Meooow !

This lens is obviously not sharp even at viewing distance. One good thing about this lens no need to purchase soft focus filter. Meooow !

Feb 5, 2021permalink

Looks pretty sharp to me

Feb 6, 2021permalink

photoaddict

Of course... cats.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

oscarvdvelde

Again this boring focal length where there already is a large choice of f/0.95 - f/1.2 options. How about the 18-25mm range for a change?

Feb 5, 2021permalink

A photograph is only as boring as the photographer.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

Mariano Pacifico

mountainphotographer, "Show me your photos and I'll tell you who you are"

"your lens is a window to your sensor"

Feb 5, 2021*permalink

The most useful focal length there is, is "boring"?

Feb 6, 2021permalink

@Mariano Pacifico, Two statements in which I find myself in complete agreement.

Feb 6, 2021permalink

lnsmr

At $300, it is more expensive than Sigma 30/1.4 DG DN (also a lot bigger and heavier). The bokeh difference between 1.1 and 1.4 is not that big (subject distance makes a bigger difference) for prefer this over the Sigma.
Hopefully the MF experience can justify the $300 price better. As someone who mostly shot photos, the clickless aperture ring is just inconvenient, as they get accidentally move all the time. The Chinese MF lens makers really need to offer a aperture click switch, such as those used in Sony lenses.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

techjedi

I think you are referring to the Sigma 30mm f1.4 DC DN (not DG).

If so, I 100% agree with you. The Sigma IQ is excellent with attractive contrast and color rendering. The AF performs like native glass (at least the Sony E version does).

I think everyone should have at least one niche manual focus lens to experiment with, but if you already been there and done that, I think the Sigma is a better choice for any of the APS-C platforms it is made for.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

lnsmr

yeah, DC DN, not DG DN for Sigma. The experience of shooting true MF lens is very unique, and the MF experience can be a very important factor, at least for me. But for IQ and performance, most of these so call "Bokeh" king lens at shorter focal lens doesn't make that much sense. You get much more bokeh from longer lenses.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

Ziginox

Can confirm, had the Sigma and it was acceptably sharp even wide open. At most subject distances, your DoF is very thin anyway. The only reason I got rid of it is because it didn't get used much after I got the 16-55mm 2.8.

Feb 6, 2021permalink

Tim Reidy Productions

I can get a 35mm lens for cheaper, and there is not much reason for this lens over other current options.

Feb 6, 2021permalink

Vit Adamek

Cats for mechanical shutter flaps.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

unrealObama

Did they mention that you have to close it to F5.6 for usable sharpness?

Feb 5, 2021permalink

Looking at its diagram, it's a rather sophisticated retrofocal design - not your light but old gauss type that's been so ubiquitous among cheap Chinese lenses anymore - and unsurprisingly so, since it weighs 601 grams and has like 5 ED elements out of 9 in total. That's some serious correction power, which means performance is likely gonna be fine even wide open.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

Karroly

Archlich,
"it's a rather sophisticated retrofocal design"
This is the weird thing. This lens is sold for MILCs only, apparently. Normally, due to the short flange distance of MILCs, it is not necessary to use a retrofocus design for a 32mm lens. But when I look at the rear of the lens, it looks like they have added an "extension tube" on a (D)SLR lens...
And this could also explain the bulk and weight...

Feb 6, 2021*permalink

Karroly, that notion is outdated. Retrofocal designs are ubiquitous among mirrorless lenses today for the extra kick in correction power - instead of catering to the mirror box. It's actually a very broad term which would warrant a dedicated writeup.

As with this particular lens, looks like they added extra elements (3 of them) in front and rear of a symmetrical gauss design.

Feb 6, 2021permalink

600 grams? It's a beast!

Looks like it's no longer in the "cheap fast but under-corrected gauss design" territory.

Feb 5, 2021*permalink

teletorn

I wonder if the aperture is in RMS or PMPO 😂

Feb 5, 2021permalink

Mr Bolton

You know, it's "Digital Ready" :-D

Feb 7, 2021permalink

Pete Mod

Cats. At least they know their target market.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

one blind eye

Such a deal. I can see ordering the lens. If, or when it breaks, throw it away or use it as a paperweight.

Feb 5, 2021*permalink

I had the 50mm f/1.1 version and dropped it whilst changing lenses. I damaged the tarmac, the lens was fine.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

Tom Schum

I have both Mark I and Mark II of the 50mm F1.1 lens. Excellent, both of them.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

I think many would be quite surprised how well crafted these lenses are. Built like tanks and to a high degree of precision. Optically, sure they are no Otus, but physically, in terms of build, quite remarkable.

Feb 6, 2021permalink

(unknown member)

Pretty plain looking on the outside, which I like. Nice and cheap but also quite sharp, if those photos are shot at f1.1. The out of focus parts seem nice fluffy/creamy(?)

Feb 5, 2021permalink

Rodrigo Pasiani

Two cats in my house, so I'm going to buy two of this.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

lol.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

I reviewed the 50mm f1.1 mk2 KamLan.

Actually very well-built lenses for the price, but the click-less aperture ring is horrible for non-video work unless you plan on shooting wide open all the time.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

Cerridwen

I LOVE CATS

Feb 5, 2021permalink

Mariano Pacifico

How many exactly lens manufacturers in China?

"YC Cheng (Kamlan founder) first came up with the idea of Kamlan when he was in college. Frustrated by the highly priced lens in the market, he felt there had to be alternative affordable for most people"

Thank you, Mr Cheng

Feb 5, 2021*permalink

kobakokh

At least 5 or 6 manufacturers and they producing more and more great lenses in absolutely great prices.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

migus

Courage, passion, dedication should be rewarded morally (support) and financially - wherever this rare flower may bloom on Earth...

Kudos Mr. Cheng!

Feb 6, 2021permalink

When you are a successful man, you always have some stories to tell...

Feb 12, 2021permalink

(unknown member)

no AF, no buy. I'd rather spend only € 100 more and get the outstanding original Canon EF-M 32/1.4, with AF. Second hand, mint condition already for € 300.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

jnd

Can't mount EF-M on Fuji. The 50mm f/1.1 II is really good. Unless you shoot sports it's not too bad using MF and enlarged view in EVF with peaking.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

William Loney

@xeppelin: ...gotta love the folks that don't even own a camera with this mount commenting anyways...

Feb 5, 2021permalink

The Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 is a bloody good optic.

Feb 5, 2021*permalink

(unknown member)

@William Loney
I was commenting on this lens in Canon EF-M mount version. Don't care for Fuji.

Also not really interested in a 32mm crop lens. Hoping for a genuine Canon EF-M 75/2.0 IS STM instead - as optically good as EF-M 22/2.0 and 32/1.4. And similarly affordable. With AF, without aperture ring and without any retro hipster appeal of course.

Feb 6, 2021*permalink

blåland

Looks like a good cat lens!

Feb 5, 2021permalink

Tom_A

I have the Kamlan 50mm f1.1 Mk2, pledged a their lowest kickstarter price. It is a pretty nice portrait lens on my fuji x. I only use it wide open up to f1.4 since I already had the great fuji 50/2 which has AF as well.
Anyway, based on the 50//1.1mk2 I expect this new lens to be pretty ok for the price, if you are ok with manual focus.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

jnd

I can confirm the 50MM II is a good lens, also got it from the Kickstarter. There was option to buy set with 23mm f/1.4 but I found it cheaper on eBay, so check the prices before you buy. 600g is on the heavier side for manual lens but it's made from large glass elements and metal, so it should feel pretty good.

Feb 5, 2021permalink

migus

I'm fine with MF for my landscapes, though with age i'd rather have MF only on my wider focal lengths, under 24mm.

Hyperfocal also helps, yet this conflicts self-defeatingly with lenser faster than /2.8

Feb 6, 2021permalink