| Latest Review Posted | GR Lens A12 50mm F2.5 Macro
To start off the reviews here: The GXR with the 50mm (equiv.) lensor may be the only camera equipment you'll ever need: The field of view is an extremely versatile one -- hey, there's a reason virtually every camera since the first Leica came with a 50mm lens! This particular lens is sharp from wide open -- extremely sharp, actually. I cannot fault the lens for anything, it is well-nigh perfect. Portraits are possible with 50mm, as are the best (to my eyes) macro shots I have seen from any camera system bar none. You may never need to anything except maybe a polarizer and a neutral grey filter.
Having the possibility to add the 28mm lensor (or even the P10 travel zoom -- absolutely underrated imho) is very nice, if you need more wide angle or more tele. I do regret, however, that Ricoh has not added a proper tele zoom with APS sensor. This, I think, would have turned the GXR system into the best travel camera of all times: essentially silent, very compact, perfect ergonomics -- and a time-tested lens set-up to match. The A16 does not cut it for me, and the S10 and P10 are small-sensor modules. Oh well, I got the M mount and can add tele lenses that way (if without auto focus).
The only possible downside of this lensor is the AF speed: It is a contrast detection system, so you know it is not gonna be as fast as a phase-detect DSLR. BUT, you knew that coming in -- and as far as contrast detection AF goes, this is actually a good one: With the current firmware, it may no... |
