Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: hasselbladfan on April 13, 2012, 08:29:16 am

Title: Best glass for D800?
Post by: hasselbladfan on April 13, 2012, 08:29:16 am
I hear from previous posts that the following lenses are top to maximise the potential of the sensor (please disagree if you feel so):

AFS 24mm 1.4
AFS 35mm 1.4
None of the Nikon 50mm seem to be good. Any Zeiss ones?
AFS 85mm 1.4
Zeiss 100mm 2.0

Any other suggestions? Any 135mm? Any 180-220mm?

I only work with primes. 1.4 / 2.0 / 2.8 is irrelevant. Just the best image quality.
Thanks.
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: Ellis Vener on April 13, 2012, 08:41:12 am
I detect a note of fear in your post. Don't listen to it.

The 50mm f/1.4G Nikkor is fine. My advice is find the focal focal lengths you need and then do your own tests on individual lenses in those lengths. I've been using an 85mm f/1.8G, first generation 24-70mm f/2.8G, and the lastest generation 24-120mm f/4G . All are producing results ranging from outstanding to fine.

The thing you really need to do with each lens is to fine tune the AF performance with each lens for your specific individual lenses or use a magnified Live view and a 3 or 4x loupe  when manual focusing. If you don't do that it won't really make a difference how much you spend on lenses - but that has been true of all cameras and lenses forever.
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: eleanorbrown on April 13, 2012, 09:20:43 am
I'm the sort of person that would usually have one really great prime than several just OK zooms, but I hear that the Nikkor 14-24 is superb. Eleanor

I hear from previous posts that the following lenses are top to maximise the potential of the sensor (please disagree if you feel so):

AFS 24mm 1.4
AFS 35mm 1.4
None of the Nikon 50mm seem to be good. Any Zeiss ones?
AFS 85mm 1.4
Zeiss 100mm 2.0

Any other suggestions? Any 135mm? Any 180-220mm?

I only work with primes. 1.4 / 2.0 / 2.8 is irrelevant. Just the best image quality.
Thanks.
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: LKaven on April 13, 2012, 12:26:55 pm
Any other suggestions? Any 135mm? Any 180-220mm?

Yes. 

The 135/2 DC works beautifully on the D800.  From f/3.2 it is sharp from corner to corner. 

And the 180/2.8D also works beautifully. 

Luckily, they aren't that expensive either.  The 180 is Nikon's biggest bargain in my view.
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: flbrit on April 13, 2012, 01:12:25 pm
There is a very interesting Blog at LensRentals which discusses this issue.

Their business is to rent glass (they also sell Zeiss Glass - I bought a Zeiss Distagon ZF.2 21mm f2.8 from them - full disclosure!)

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/03/d800-lens-selection

Not saying this is the 100% definition of what to buy (they do not claim it either) but worth plugging into your lens purchasing decission.


Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: Hulyss on April 13, 2012, 04:26:05 pm
I detect a note of fear in your post. Don't listen to it.

The 50mm f/1.4G Nikkor is fine. My advice is find the focal focal lengths you need and then do your own tests on individual lenses in those lengths. I've been using an 85mm f/1.8G, first generation 24-70mm f/2.8G, and the lastest generation 24-120mm f/4G . All are producing results ranging from outstanding to fine.

The thing you really need to do with each lens is to fine tune the AF performance with each lens for your specific individual lenses or use a magnified Live view and a 3 or 4x loupe  when manual focusing. If you don't do that it won't really make a difference how much you spend on lenses - but that has been true of all cameras and lenses forever.

Actually, the 85f1.8G is an excellent lens. Very good job from Nikon around this one  :o I can't stop using it.
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: telyt on April 13, 2012, 06:32:34 pm
None of the Nikon 50mm seem to be good. Any Zeiss ones?

IDK about the Nikon primes but if money is truly not an issue the Coastal Optics UV-VIS-IR 60mm Apo Macro ought to be considered.
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: deejjjaaaa on April 13, 2012, 06:39:04 pm
Just the best image quality.

http://www.jenoptik-inc.com/coastalopt-standard-lenses.html
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: rgmoore on April 13, 2012, 08:45:41 pm
Diglloyd has written about the Coastal Optics UV-VIS-IR 60mm Apo Macro and indicated that it's better than other lenses including Leica and Zeiss.
Others, including LensRentals, report that it is a highly specialized lens for forensic and scientific purposes leaving some doubt if it provides a significantly
better image quality in the visible light spectrum.  Certainly there is ample evidence how well the lens does in the UV and IR area.

It would be much appreciated to know how this lens performs in real world experience in general nature or studio photography in the visible light light spectrum.
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: Ellis Vener on April 13, 2012, 11:13:05 pm
The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is indeed an excellent lens.
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: BernardLanguillier on April 14, 2012, 12:13:18 am
IDK about the Nikon primes but if money is truly not an issue the Coastal Optics UV-VIS-IR 60mm Apo Macro ought to be considered.

There was a time when I was very close to purchasing this lens.

In fact had their sales dept shown even an tiny bit of flexibility in terms of shipment options I would be shooting with one now. :-)

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: Petrus on April 14, 2012, 03:12:57 am
The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is indeed an excellent lens.

I just did the first shoot with D800 and this lens: best combination ever... Tack sharp fast shots at full open.

I have been playing with the new Nikons for a week now and I am moving from Canons to D4 & D800 this summer.
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: MarkL on April 14, 2012, 08:02:31 am
Nikon 200mm f/2 is one of the best lenses they have ever made
Leica 180mm 2.8 APO can be used I believe
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: BernardLanguillier on April 14, 2012, 09:10:28 am
Leica 180mm 2.8 APO can be used I believe

Indeed, the Leica 180 f2.8 is highly usable.

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: JohnBrew on April 15, 2012, 10:08:17 am
Zeiss 50 Makro-Planar. If you go to www.diglloyd.com blog you can see an example taken with the Zeiss and D800. Scroll down to the post "D800 resolution vs D3s".
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: stevesanacore on April 15, 2012, 03:30:40 pm
If I go ahead with my D800E plans, I intend on using a set of Leica R's that I own by converting them to a Nikon mount. Otherwise I was planning on buying a set of Zeiss lenses with it. I was also planning on buying the Nikkor 14-24 which is consistently rated as the best in it's class with outstanding optical performance for a WA zoom. I only wish I could convert my Canon 24mm and 17mm shift lenses to Nikon mount.
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: BernardLanguillier on April 15, 2012, 07:51:33 pm
If I go ahead with my D800E plans, I intend on using a set of Leica R's that I own by converting them to a Nikon mount. Otherwise I was planning on buying a set of Zeiss lenses with it. I was also planning on buying the Nikkor 14-24 which is consistently rated as the best in it's class with outstanding optical performance for a WA zoom. I only wish I could convert my Canon 24mm and 17mm shift lenses to Nikon mount.

Two comments:
- there are also real gems in the Nikon line up, like the 24mm f1.4 AF-S, 85mm f1.4 AF-S,... in fact most of their lenses released these past 5 years are brilliant designs,
- the 24mm PCE is functionaly a bit dated compared to the current Canon, but is optically excellent (not merely very good).

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: THANKS: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800?
Post by: hasselbladfan on April 16, 2012, 11:39:23 am
Thanks a lot.

I learned a lot of new things (interesting articles from Lensrentals, Jenoptik, ..etc).

Now the though part (sorry, fun) part starts now.
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: Erick Boileau on April 17, 2012, 01:12:09 am
Diglloyd has written about the Coastal Optics UV-VIS-IR 60mm Apo Macro and indicated that it's better than other lenses including Leica and Zeiss.
he says
A big part of the appeal of the Coastal 60/4 images comes from a complete absence of any color errors of any kind, which leads to an unusual clarity. No other lens can match its color correction
not that it is better than Leica or Zeiss lenses


on a D800E I shall use Zeiss and Leica R lenses
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: ErikKaffehr on April 17, 2012, 01:56:29 am
Hi,

I don't think that Leica and Zeiss lenses generally are better than other lenses. It simply so that some lenses are better than others.

It may be that a series of lenses have desirable features, like having good manual focus and smooth mechanical operation. Some other lenses may have more advanced antireflex coating.

MTF curves give very good information about sharpness in the focal plane, but little about out of focus images.

If we look at Zeiss lenses for instance the 21/2.8 seems to be really excellent from sharpness point but the 18/3.5 is far less impressive, according to Diglloyd. The Zeiss 25/2.8 was really not very good from sharpness point of view but may nevertheless be attractive. I would suggest to try out the lenses you are interested in as rentals.

A general characteristic of Zeiss lenses seems to be that they are not optimized for sharpness in the corners.

Best regards
Erik






he says
A big part of the appeal of the Coastal 60/4 images comes from a complete absence of any color errors of any kind, which leads to an unusual clarity. No other lens can match its color correction
not that it is better than Leica or Zeiss lenses


on a D800E I shall use Zeiss and Leica R lenses
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: Erick Boileau on April 17, 2012, 02:13:21 am
I don't think that Leica and Zeiss lenses generally are better than other lenses. It simply so that some lenses are better than others.
when a Leica 35mm  cost 4000 €  and the same CaNikon 400€ , yes some are better than others
Title: Re: Best glass for D800? My choice
Post by: hasselbladfan on April 17, 2012, 06:13:32 am
Thanks for all your comments. It was very helpfull.

I will start testing the following glass (mostly Zeiss since the Coastal Optics is a bit expensive and has an f/4):

Zeiss 21/2.8 or 25/2 ZF
Zeiss 50/2
Zeiss 100/2

As AF, I will test the 70-200/2.8 and the 200/2, which should cover most of my AF needs.
Title: Re: Best glass for D800? My choice
Post by: ACH DIGITAL on April 17, 2012, 08:43:26 am
Thanks for all your comments. It was very helpfull.

I will start testing the following glass (mostly Zeiss since the Coastal Optics is a bit expensive and has an f/4):

Zeiss 21/2.8 or 25/2 ZF
Zeiss 50/2
Zeiss 100/2

As AF, I will test the 70-200/2.8 and the 200/2, which should cover most of my AF needs.


I'll be very interested in seeing your Zeiss 21 testing. I'm between the 24PCE and this one.. ACH
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: JohnBrew on April 17, 2012, 10:45:05 am
I am testing the Zeiss 21 right now on my D700. Who knows when my D800E will arrive, but I want to go ahead and check this lens out for future use with the E.
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: rgmoore on April 17, 2012, 10:55:04 am
erickb:

Thank you for providing the quote from digllloyd.  Here is the full discussion form diglloyd's blog:





SATURDAY, APRIL 07, 2012
Reader Asks: Coastal Optics 60mm f/4 UV-VIS-IR APO-macro vs Zeiss 50mm f/2 Makro-Planar


Coastal Optics 60mm f/4 UV-VIS-IR APO-macro
Peter W writes:
I am enjoying all of your coverage of the D800.... I guess I will need to purchase the DAP add-on to go with my Leica and Zeiss subscriptions, so that I can see the full detail of your work with the D800.

I ordered a D800E within 24 hours of B&H first offering pre-orders, but I can see that they have run afoul of Nikon somehow. Who knows when I will have the body? I am amazed by the infinite patience that Henry Posner displays in all of his very professional posts on dpreview.com.

Will you post some shots with your Zeiss 50 F/2?

I am really impressed by your Stanford bicycle shots with the Coastal Optics lens! It looks snappier than the Velvia 120 images I shot years ago with a Schneider lens.

Am I correct to infer that you prefer the Coastal Optics to the Zeiss 50 f/2 (yes, I understand the retail $ difference, but the effects of scale in production way more than explain the difference in price)? Where can I order it, and is it possible to link through your site so you get the spiff? Does anyone rent them to test first?

What I am really hoping is that the new Leica M with its 24 MP sensor will give us M lens lovers a similar "emulsion" to work with as the D800 offers. That body is supposed to be released this summer when Leica opens all of its USA retail stores (a la Apple), so you probably have a very busy year ahead in photography.

DIGLLOYD: I don’t think anyone should assume that B&H has “run afoul” of Nikon. Rather, I think Nikon has its own issues, perhaps being cautious with a new launch and perhaps having production issues and perhaps watching carefully for new camera problems before launching into full-scale production. Add in massive demand, and that’s the picture.

I plan to shoot all of the Zeiss ZF.2 lenses on the Nikon D800, but that is a months-long project. But remember that the Coastal Optics 60/4 is a $4650 lens with an ƒ/4 aperture using almost all fluorite elements. It is a very special beast, and ƒ/4 is not exactly flexible for low-light. The Zeiss ZF.2 50/2 Makro-Planar is a full two stops faster and 1/3 the price. It is not apochromatic, and could not be without raising the price considerably, but it is a symmetric design capable of lovely results.

A big part of the appeal of the Coastal 60/4 images comes from a complete absence of any color errors of any kind, which leads to an unusual clarity. No other lens can match its color correction. Not Leica M, not Leica S, not Leica R, not Zeiss. I’m speaking of publicly for sale DSLR lenses of course. Also, its spectral transmission is unusually even from UV through infrared, leading to highly unusual color rendition— incredibly lifelike. I have been remiss in not using it more often.

You can order the 60/4 directly from Coastal Optics. LensRentals.com rents it.

We shall learn more about the new Leica in May, apparently. The rumors I hear are of a monochrome M10, which would be disappointing to me— I’d like to see a 36MP Leica M10 with Live View. That seems unlikely.
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: hasselbladfan on April 17, 2012, 11:25:42 am
I had exactely the same reflection as Llyod on the Coastal 60mm vs the Zeiss 50mm.

It may be much better, but a F/4 is not so handy for every day and for the price tag I can buy the 21/2.8, the 50/2 and the 100/2. And I know what happens then, the best glass stays in the closet.

But everyone keeps on raising my interest. so I may give a call to Lensrentals. Worth the fun.
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: LKaven on April 17, 2012, 12:03:04 pm
The Coastal might be a very nice fashion lens.  60mm is a good length, and one is shooting at f/8-f/9 most of the time.  But the Nikon 60/2.8 AF-s Micro is distinguished as well.  I'd be interested to see the two compared in practical use.
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: ErikKaffehr on April 17, 2012, 12:27:57 pm
Hi,

Are Leica R lenses still made?

A 400€ 35  CaNikon lens will be a moderate aperture amateur lens (without S or L signature), still they may be pretty decent or they may not.  A Zeiss Distagon 35/2 comes in at 800€ here in Sweden. Nikon AF-S 35/14G ED is about 1600€.

Now, large aperture costs a lot of money. There is also a cost in more air to glass surfaces which may increase flare. If you don't need f/1.4 you would probably do better with a f/2 or even f/2.8 lens.

Leica R lenses seem to exist in different generations, some were truly excellent, some less so. Leica did have different approaches, in the Mandler period Leica lenses were more mainstream, in the Kölsch era more oriented to designs without compromise. Several of the old Leica R lenses were Minolta designs, like 16 mm fish eye, 24/2.8 and 75-200 zoom lens. The 28-85 zoom lens was a Sigma design.

I have seen a recent comparison in a German periodical, where they have ranked the Canon 85/1.8 lens ahead of the Canon 85/1.4. In the same article they felt the Zeiss 85/1.4 was lagging behind. This is pretty much consistent with some other tests I have seen.

By the way, I'm a Sony shooter and I do have two Zeiss lenses. They are pretty good, those are the lenses I use mostly.

Best regards
Erik

when a Leica 35mm  cost 4000 €  and the same CaNikon 400€ , yes some are better than others
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: ErikKaffehr on April 17, 2012, 12:36:05 pm
Hi,

I wouldn't rule out. Perhaps no M9? I'd guess that a full frame Leica with AF and live view CMOS sensor is quite feasible.

Best regards
Erik

More's the pity.
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: hasselbladfan on April 17, 2012, 12:57:59 pm
They completely stopped producing the R lenses. Another chapter closed.

And by doing so, they openend a very luctrative business for Zeiss ZE / ZF lenses.
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: ErikKaffehr on April 17, 2012, 09:26:00 pm
Hi,

Lens rentals has tested a lot of lenses, it seems that most of the Zeiss lenses were better than their Nikon counterparts. Something that makes Lens Rental's tests interesting is that they test many lenses. The data they published is MTF50 at the optimum aperture. Doesn't say much about maximum aperture.

Erwin Puts is the author of Leica Lens Compendium, great source of information.

You may found this article an interesting read: http://www.imx.nl/photo/optics/optics/page93.html

Here you can find MTF data for the R-lenses:
http://us.leica-camera.com/service/downloads/lenses_for_single_lens_reflex_cameras/index.html

Please note that MTF plots may not be comparable, some are calculated and some measured. Some use 10/30 lp/mm and some  use 10/20/40 lp/mm. Some MTF may be measured in white light some in monochromatic light. Some MTF diagrams seem to be drawn by the marketing department.

Zeiss has MTF data on all their lenses and those are measured in white light.

Photozone has tested lots of lenses using Imatest, their results may be worth checking out: http://www.photozone.de/

Lloyd Chambers makes a lot of real world testing on Zeiss lenses and also other lenses on his different pay sites.
http://www.diglloyd.com/index.html

Best regards
Erik



They completely stopped producing the R lenses. Another chapter closed.

And by doing so, they openend a very luctrative business for Zeiss ZE / ZF lenses.
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: Erick Boileau on April 17, 2012, 11:01:36 pm
More's the pity.
More sucks
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: Erick Boileau on April 17, 2012, 11:03:14 pm
I am using a 35 and 50 Summilux , if I stop with Leica I shall get  Zeiss lenses on Sony Body , maybe a NEX 9 24x36  at photokina ?


Hi,

Are Leica R lenses still made?

A 400€ 35  CaNikon lens will be a moderate aperture amateur lens (without S or L signature), still they may be pretty decent or they may not.  A Zeiss Distagon 35/2 comes in at 800€ here in Sweden. Nikon AF-S 35/14G ED is about 1600€.

Now, large aperture costs a lot of money. There is also a cost in more air to glass surfaces which may increase flare. If you don't need f/1.4 you would probably do better with a f/2 or even f/2.8 lens.

Leica R lenses seem to exist in different generations, some were truly excellent, some less so. Leica did have different approaches, in the Mandler period Leica lenses were more mainstream, in the Kölsch era more oriented to designs without compromise. Several of the old Leica R lenses were Minolta designs, like 16 mm fish eye, 24/2.8 and 75-200 zoom lens. The 28-85 zoom lens was a Sigma design.

I have seen a recent comparison in a German periodical, where they have ranked the Canon 85/1.8 lens ahead of the Canon 85/1.4. In the same article they felt the Zeiss 85/1.4 was lagging behind. This is pretty much consistent with some other tests I have seen.

By the way, I'm a Sony shooter and I do have two Zeiss lenses. They are pretty good, those are the lenses I use mostly.

Best regards
Erik

Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: John Camp on April 18, 2012, 01:34:05 am
Any opinions on the PC Micro 85 on the D800? How about the Micro Nikkor 105 f2.8D?
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: LKaven on April 18, 2012, 05:19:09 am
More's the pity.

Moiré's the pity?
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: kirishima on April 21, 2012, 12:00:45 pm
Here's some comparison test I did with the D800 and D800E using 5 lenses.
All of them where shot at f5.6 from the same location, same time, and same angle.
100percent crops on the center and the corner on each lense and camera.

Not the perfect comparison since I didn't have time but gives you an idea on the resolution difference between these two cameras as well as the importance of a good lense.

The lenses used in this test:
Nikkor 14-24mm
Nikkor 35mm 1.4 G
Zeiss 50mm 2.0 macro
Nikoor 85mm 1.4 G
Zeiss 100mm 2.0 macro

link
http://www.flickr.com/photos/androll/sets/72157629502264164/
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: hasselbladfan on April 21, 2012, 06:03:48 pm
Great performance by 35/50/85. Personally somewhat disappointed by the 100 and 14-24.

Visible difference between the 800 and 800E.

Thanks for sharing it.
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: kirishima on April 21, 2012, 08:12:13 pm
Yeah, the 14-24 was a bit of a surprise but I guess for a wide zoom, its not bad. I'm looking forward to the 28 1.8. Exactly what I need.
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: JimGilley on April 22, 2012, 02:06:46 pm
Call me a contrarian, but I don't buy all this "nothing but the most expensive glass will do on the D800 advice". I suppose it all depends on what you shoot. Having been a Canon boy for the past 12 years (and a Nikon boy for 20 years prior to that), I ditched all my Nikon glass long ago, but I still recalled a few favorites.

Thus far, on my D800, I have shot the 55/2.8 micro AIS, 35/2 AIS, 105/2.8 micro AIS, and ZF.2 35/2. All perform really well when shot at f8, which is where I do nearly all of my shooting. The 55/2.8 is just as amazing on the D800 as it is on the 5D2 (it is my standard 50mm-class lens on my Canon bodies) as it was back on my F3 in the film days. I admit to not having tried the ZF.2 50/2, but at its price, I'm not sure I want to. Is it really THAT much better than the old 55/2.8? I have my doubts.

The most interesting comparison I've made is the ancient 35/2 AIS versus the Zeiss 35/2. If you shoot wide apertures, you'll definitely want the Zeiss, but if you shoot at f8, and can crop the corners out, the AIS is just fine at about one-sixth the price. I saw no difference whatsoever in the center, or even at the center edges. Only in the corners did the Zeiss earn its keep. And honestly, the CA was nothing to crow about on the Zeiss either. It wasn't horrible, but I was expecting better.

The old 105/2.8 micro AIS is a fine performer too. It would be fun to do some comparison shots with the ZF.2 100/2, but I don't have that kind of money to blow on such things. And the Coastal Optics lens? I guess if you're a millionaire. At ten times the price of the Nikon equivalent, is it really ten times better? Not for my applications.

Don't take my comments the wrong way, I'm not trying to insult anyone. I just think there is a lot of unfounded fear of resolution out there. As Michael said, beware of the moire boogeyman. I say beware of the "only the pricey lenses will work on the D800" boogeyman.
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: shadowblade on April 22, 2012, 07:52:04 pm
Yeah, the 14-24 was a bit of a surprise but I guess for a wide zoom, its not bad. I'm looking forward to the 28 1.8. Exactly what I need.

The thing is, is there any other lens as wide - prime or zoom - that performs just as well? Does stopping down to f/7.1 help? In any case, the corners still look better than the Canon 16-35L II on the 5D2...

Also, it looks like this was before CA correction in DXOptics or another program - I wonder how it looks after correction?
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: billy on April 23, 2012, 04:42:39 pm
how about the best Nikon 50mm prime with Autofocus? Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: Michael Erlewine on April 28, 2012, 03:50:41 am
I have the Coastal Optics 60mm and have used it for close-up work. Here are some notes of mine that may be useful. I am the close-up/macro mentor on Nikongear.com.

Aside from being very expensive ($4500), the CO-60 APO lens is somewhat of a specialized lens. It is designed for use not only in the visual spectrum but also in the infrared and ultra-violet spectrums on either side of the visual  spectrum. It was designed for forensic and scientific use. If you were looking for a copy-camera lens in a studio, this would be just about perfect. Lens expert Lloyd Chambers states that the CO-60mm is “a reference lens for other lenses… On a scale of 1 to 5, it is a 5+.”  

It does have its problems, foremost among them is the fact that this lens has a prominent hotspot at smaller apertures around magnifications of 1:3. For distances longer than this, there is no problem. However, as a macro photographer the 1:3 range means I have run into these hotspots many times and they do ruin a photo. Not sure what the thinking is on why such an expensive and perfect lens should have such a glaring fault. Perhaps it is that we should be grateful to have this fantastic lens, warts and all. A workaround is to use the very smallest extension ring to help bypass the hotspot range. Another trick is to use a high-megapixel camera like the Nikon D3x and avoid the hotspot range and then crop out what you are trying to capture, given the extra pixels. I have done both successfully.

Aside from the hotspot I have other issues with this lens, in particular the very short focus throw of around 210º degrees. Compared to 630º on the CV-125, 210º is difficult especially since a focal length of 60mm is wide enough that even the smallest change in the focusing barrel produces a noticeable change. This makes it hard to focus stack with the CO-60mm. Macro lenses benefit from having long focus throws, more so the wider they get.

The other issue that I have encountered, although no one else seems to worry about this, is that when shooting in mixed light such in the shadows of a forest canopy where a shaft of sunlight is cutting through the shade, the CO-60mm appears to be more sensitive to light dynamics. The result is the need to use diffusers carefully to filter the brighter light areas.

That being said, this is a wonderful lens indeed. It comes with no hood, but really needs one. I use the rubber hood, Nikon HR-2 on my copy.

Since I stack photos a lot, I do not use this lens except on a focus rail due to its short focus throw. Also f/4 is just too dark in the viewfinder for dimly-lit subjects. In actual practice, I don't use this lens as much as I imagined I might, preferring the Voigtlander 125mm f/2.5 APO Lanthar, the Leica 100mm f/2.8 Elmarit R. Also the newer Nikon 60mm f/2.8G lens is on par with the Zeiss 50mm Makro-Planar, both of which I use. Here are some specs:

Lens: Coastal Optics 60mm f/4.0 APO Macro
Focal Length: 60mm
Widest Aperture: f/4
Narrowest Aperture: 45
Aperture Blades: 7
Filter Size: 52mm
Hood: Does not include a hood. Use Nikon HR-2
Close Focus Distance: 10.4 inches (26 centimeters)
Reproduction Ratio: 1:1.5 (2/3rds original size)
Focus Throw: 210º
Weight: 19 ounces (535 grams)
Pros: Wickedly sharp, short focus distance.
Cons: Slow lens, only 7 blades, short focus throw, does not go to 1:1, hot spot at 1:3.

For notes on some 42 lenses that relate to close-up or macro photography, here is a free e-book (second book listed) at:

http://macrostop.com/

Many of these will probably do well on the D800E, which I have on order.






Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: MichaelEzra on April 28, 2012, 08:38:29 am
how about the best Nikon 50mm prime with Autofocus? Any suggestions?

See this post: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?topic=63931.msg514616#msg514616
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: JohnBrew on April 28, 2012, 08:49:01 am
The thing is, is there any other lens as wide - prime or zoom - that performs just as well? Does stopping down to f/7.1 help? In any case, the corners still look better than the Canon 16-35L II on the 5D2...


The Zeiss 21 f2.8. The occasional moustache distortion is well-corrected in the lens profiles in ACR.
Also Nikon has filed for patents for an 18 1.8 and 20 1.8 according to Nikonrumors, a site which has proved very reliable.
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: Dave Gurtcheff on April 29, 2012, 06:36:00 pm
Nikon did not put any 50 mm lens on their preferred list for D800, which is surprising. I checked a number of lens tests on Photozone. I am considering a D 800e kit to include several VERY inexpensive Nikon primes. I am most interested in f 5.6 to f11 for my seascape work. at those apertures the 50mm f 1.8 ($120), and 85 mm f1.8 ($425) should be a no brainier. Their resolution figures generally meet or beat very expensive zoom at 1/3the price, giving up flexibility of course. I pre- ordered the D800e, and purchased the 14-24 for interior architectural work I often do, and the Zeiss 18 mm (has a filter thread--important to me)  for seascapes. adding the cheap 50 and 85 would round out a modest system.
Dave.
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: stevesanacore on May 26, 2012, 10:41:07 am
Two comments:
- there are also real gems in the Nikon line up, like the 24mm f1.4 AF-S, 85mm f1.4 AF-S,... in fact most of their lenses released these past 5 years are brilliant designs,
- the 24mm PCE is functionaly a bit dated compared to the current Canon, but is optically excellent (not merely very good).

Cheers,
Bernard


Well I have not used anything yet that compares with my Leica R's on my Canon. That includes any of my brand new 15 Canon lenses, other than the new 17 and 24 shifts. All my old Nikon lenses were also dogs in comparison. The only alternative is possibly the new Zeiss lenses but as has been said it seems that every lens is it's own story. In any particular focal length, any brand may be the best choice for one specific need.

I think it's very personal choice taking into consideration how and what we shoot. When I'm working with models on a lifestyle shoot, then I need quick AF and usually only the center of the image is most important. Most of the new top Canon and Nikon lenses are fine for that. But when I'm shooting landscapes with or without people - then I use my Leica's - nothing comes close to the reliable quality from corner to corner other than a MF Tech camera setup.

It's too bad Leica doesn't do what Zeiss does and build optics in Canon and Leica mount. They did start making PL mount lenses but the prices are astronomical for still shooters.

So adapting my Leica's to Nikon mount is important to me. Any advice is welcome, thanks.



Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: marcmccalmont on May 26, 2012, 04:35:47 pm

So adapting my Leica's to Nikon mount is important to me. Any advice is welcome, thanks.



I just received my D800E so I only have limited experience but so far I'm impressed with the Leica R's on the Nikon (Leitax adapters). The Nikon adapter is a bit different than the Canon adapter. The Canon fits over the Leica mount so it is easy and quick to convert. The Leica mount needs to be removed for the Nikon adapter to fit. the primes can be done yourself the zooms need to be sent back to Leitax for the conversion. So far The Nikon/Leica is sharper than my IQ180/Rodenstocks!
Marc
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: Dave Gurtcheff on May 26, 2012, 05:10:16 pm
Marc: I preordered a D800E. I have two beautiful R lenses sitting on the shelf. The 50mm f2 Summicron, and 35mm f2.8 Elmarit. Both are earlier 2 cam models. Are your R lenses newer or older? I am considering the DIY conversion kit.
Thanks in advance
Dave
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: marcmccalmont on May 26, 2012, 07:05:05 pm
Dave
Most of mine are newer rom versions but yours are easily converted at home amazing on a 800E
Marc
Title: Re: Best glass for D800?
Post by: jgbowerman on May 27, 2012, 09:37:26 am
No mention as yet of the Zeiss Hartblei lineup.

http://www.hartblei.de/en/tech1.htm
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: JeffKohn on July 14, 2012, 12:41:56 pm
Indeed, the Leica 180 f2.8 is highly usable.
Anybody know how the non-APO version compares? I'm not expecting it to match the APO, but how good is it stopped down compared to other options? I'm pretty limited in the tele- range right now.
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: marcmccalmont on July 14, 2012, 07:20:00 pm
Anybody know how the non-APO version compares? I'm not expecting it to match the APO, but how good is it stopped down compared to other options? I'm pretty limited in the tele- range right now.
I just converted a 180 3.4R, I don't have a 180 2.8R for comparison but it is quite sharp, nipping at the heals of the 280 4.0R
as a general comment the leica R's are so sharp that the lens is not limiting, liveview focusing technique and atmospheric conditions more than out weigh the nuance differences between the Leica R's. I've been shooting between F5.6 and F8 and occasionally f16, 5.6 to 8 razor sharp f16 more than acceptable. I also have a 80mm 1.4 for the Bokeh which is not as sharp as the other leica R's but the Bokeh is exceptional great for flowers, portraits etc. Very, very happy I decided to go with Leica R's for my D800E plus I can use them on my 5DmkIV in 3 years :)
Marc
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: kers on July 19, 2012, 11:50:20 am
... Very, very happy I decided to go with Leica R's for my D800E plus I can use them on my 5DmkIV in 3 years :)....
Marc

So you are not buying the D900E ? :)
Title: Re: If money is not an issue, which is the best glass for D800? Only primes.
Post by: marcmccalmont on July 20, 2012, 04:04:40 am
So you are not buying the D900E ? :)

Who ever has the best sensor in 3 years! :)
By investing in the Leica R's and converting them to Nikon mounts I have manufacturer proofed myself
With an adapter you can mount a nikkor on just about any camera, however the opposite is not true
Marc