PROMINAR 8.5mm F2.8 MFT Debut
THe video on top shows how Kowa makes the new MFT lenses. And 43rumors reader Bjorn writes:
“I’ve posted my impressions of Kowa’s Prominar 8.5mm F2.8 MFT prime. For anyone else intersted in this somewhat uncommon lens, my article includes links to 9 RAW files taken with the Kowa 8.5mm on my E-M5II. http://bmupix.com/review-bodies-1/2015/4/11/kowa-prominar-85mm-f28-impressions-sample-images“
The new Kowa Micro Four Thirds lenses are already available on eBay:
12mm f/1.8 in [shoplink 50867 ebay]Black (Click here)[/shoplink], [shoplink 50868 ebay]Green (Click here)[/shoplink] and [shoplink 50869 ebay]Silver (Click here)[/shoplink].
25mm f/1.8 in [shoplink 50870 ebay]Black (Click here)[/shoplink], [shoplink 50871 ebay]Green (Click here)[/shoplink] and [shoplink 50872 ebay]Silver (Click here)[/shoplink].
16 Responses
Kowa 8.5mm (17mm) F2.8 for MFT , made in japan, USD1000
Rokinon/Samyung 12mm (18mm) F2.0 for APSC , made in korea, USD300
is it US$700 better? I can buy a new Fujiflum XE2 or a Sony a6000 with the samyung 12mm, and have some extra cash for a luxury seafood buffet.
Kowa is very different thing than Samyang. Think closer to Zeiss/Leica. Samy is fine for what it is, low-budget medium performance lense, but thats it.
Feel free to elaborate why their lenses are close to Leica, Zeiss level. From the performance/price ratio point of view, it seems that Kowa is not as good as Samyang. I have seen Kowa lenses with big price tags but that’s it.
Performance / price ratio point of view means: the cheaper the better.
I havent used this lens, but from the Samyang lenses i’ve had, compared to the Kowa lenses I have and use, the Kowa are better. The lens construction, focusing, and bokeh are superior. I would pay more for the Kowa tbh, Samyang are captivating at first, but once you realize the compromise taken to get such a low price, you begin to venture off into better purchases. So, if you have just enough to get a Samyang, and you need the focal length- then do it, but if you have the capital and want a long term investment, Kowa is a superior choice.
If you’re going to compare two lenses at least get the focal lengths somewhat close.
I’m with you. A reasonably-priced UWA prime is still missing for m43. But there is very little hope for one showing up in the market.
To stoneinapond: the angle of view between m43 8.5 mm and apsc 12 mm is not that different. Maybe a better comparison would be the voigt 10.5/0.95 vs Samyang 12/2 on apsc.
I’m sure the kowa and the voigt are much nicer in built, but they are also brick heavy, and the Samyang in my experience is optically quite good, apart from CA that needs to be fixed in post because the camera bodies do not recognize the lens.
Not many reviews of the Kowa, but here is one:
http://bmupix.com/review-bodies-1/2015/4/11/kowa-prominar-85mm-f28-impressions-sample-images
Samyang makes very good optics, however they are cheap for a reason.
Ha, silly me, didn’t even read the article.
The people assembling the lenses don’t have anything covering their heads or face?
I would only buy if its street price is $600. I know manual focus is less important for ultra wide angle lenses but the lens looks bulky and heavy. If Kowa aimed at premium price, just keep the lens to themselves.
indeed they are heavy, I’ve got kowa 8.5 and Voigtlander 17.5, ironically I like to use Pana-Leica 15mm more on my GH4, which is supposed to be used on GM1 and GM5.:)
Excellent review Bjorn! Makes me want to get one… 🙂
For everyone information – a few more review/sample of Kowa 8.5mm f2.8:
http://news.mapcamera.com/KASYAPA.php?itemid=27013
http://photo.yodobashi.com/gear/olympus/lens/kowa8528.html
http://m43lens.blogspot.tw/2014/09/kowa-prominar-85mm-f28-test-review.html
for me it is quite good
after reading the reviews of both lenses, the samyung 12mm uwa on an apsc camera is definitely a better choice. apsc, im coming!
One myth becomes reality. Now show me a Schneider MFT lens!!!