Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Landscape & Nature Photography => Topic started by: Lust4Life on September 13, 2013, 10:00:29 pm

Title: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Lust4Life on September 13, 2013, 10:00:29 pm
I'm selling my H4D-50 and 28mm lens and I've just purchased the Nikon D800E.
With it I purchased the Nikkor 24mm PC-E lens.  From this starting point, you can tell that manual focus is not a problem for me.  I'm after the best field of view and image quality.

Want to hear what lenses others using the D800E have found to be the best for Landscape work.
I have no interest in Zoom lenses as I've never found one that could beat a Prime.

Thanks
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Chris Calohan on September 14, 2013, 12:58:04 pm
I'm quite interested in this response as well, though I don't find good zooms a problem. I've been looking at both the 12-24 2.8 and the 12-24 f/4 but more this one because I can use my filters.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Lust4Life on September 14, 2013, 02:10:59 pm
Hi Chris,

Amazed at the lack of reply to this thread!

FYI:  I've been doing a lot of research and the Zeiss ZF.2 21mm f/2.8 seems to have very good reviews.
Also the Zeiss ZF.2 15mm f/2.8 has great reviews.  Neither is inexpensive, but compared to Hassie lenses they are a bargain, so I don't care.

My default for years with the Hassie H4D-50 was the 28mm lens.  Thus I'm thinking the Zeiss 21 might be a good replacement.
A 15 would probably have just too much distortion for my primary topic:  Landscapes in B&W.

Jack
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Chris Calohan on September 14, 2013, 02:38:32 pm
$1,800 tamaters is a bit steep but then the optics are unparalleled. I like that they built it so you could attach a filter. Now to check and see if Lee supports an 82mm. I will add it to my maybe list.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Isaac on September 14, 2013, 03:06:42 pm
Amazed at the lack of reply to this thread!

Maybe if you'd posted in Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?board=3.0)
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: ErikKaffehr on September 14, 2013, 03:57:57 pm
Hi,

I have a Samyang 14/2.8 that is amazingly sharp at medium apertures...

Best regards
Erik
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Colorado David on September 14, 2013, 04:24:12 pm
Well, I'd answer, but I don't quite meet your specifications.  I have the D800 not the E and I am very satisfied with the 14-24 2.8, the 24-70 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8.  I don't have a problem with the top of the Nikon line zooms.  I would like to buy a really good manual focus prime for stitching, but haven't nailed it down yet.  I'll keep watching this thread.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: muntanela on September 14, 2013, 04:51:02 pm
I have tried on the D800E the Leitz summicron R 35 and have found it very good, amazing indeed.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: JohnBrew on September 14, 2013, 05:00:04 pm
I use a Zeiss 21 on my D800. The lens correction in ACR does an excellent job with any distortion. I tried the 24 PC-E, but the corners are weak and it doesn't stitch that well (at least the example I tried). It is, however, very good using rise for converging verticals.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Peter McLennan on September 14, 2013, 05:05:57 pm
I bought a 55 f3.5 AIS macro from KEH for my D800 and was so amazed at the IQ I immediately ordered another one as a backup.  Very sharp at infinity and of course it's an excellent macro lens.

My new Samyang 14 is very sharp, too.  For skies, it's superb.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: NashvilleMike on September 14, 2013, 06:01:10 pm
After a fair amount of trial and error I arrived at the following wide angles for my landscape kit for my D800E:

Zeiss 21/2.8 - probably my favorite of the bunch. Not perfect (cyan corner shading) but no wide angle is on this body. The sharpness and particularly the microcontrast is astounding.

Nikon 24/1.4G - needs to be stopped down to F/7.1 for the corners to work. You won't need this as you've got the PC-E.

Nikon 28/1.8G - built like crap, field curvature galore that needs to be "learned", but the payoff is that it's quite sharp at the landscape apertures and long subject distances.

Sigma 35/1.4 - utterly amazing at the moderate distances, still pretty good at the longer distances. Some folks have reported some variation on this one, but mine is a truly wonderful, a class leading lens, so I'm happy. It beat out my Nikkor 35/1.4G (since sold) and a Zeiss 35/2 I evaluated in my tests, which is why I bought it.

I also have the 14-24, which I use in the rare instances I need an ultrawide (I'm not really an ultrawide shooter) and if I had the budget, I'd also like the Zeiss 25/2 for it's superior (class leading) middle distance performance (I'd still take the 24/1.4 for distant subjects though)

-m
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Lust4Life on September 14, 2013, 06:43:43 pm
Maybe if you'd posted in Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?board=3.0)

I put it here because I wanted feedback from folks that focus on Landscape work.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: PeterAit on September 14, 2013, 09:06:19 pm
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 is a terrific lens, both photographers and testers agree. A few people have noted quality control problems, with occasional units not living up to specs - so if you get one, make sure you can exchange it for another if need be.

But remember, a zoom does not have to "better" a prime, it just has to equal it for practical photo work. A prime may beat a zoom on the optical test bench, but if it doesn't take better photos, who cares?
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Lust4Life on September 14, 2013, 09:38:34 pm
After a fair amount of trial and error I arrived at the following wide angles for my landscape kit for my D800E:

Zeiss 21/2.8 - probably my favorite of the bunch. Not perfect (cyan corner shading) but no wide angle is on this body. The sharpness and particularly the microcontrast is astounding.

Nikon 24/1.4G - needs to be stopped down to F/7.1 for the corners to work. You won't need this as you've got the PC-E.

Nikon 28/1.8G - built like crap, field curvature galore that needs to be "learned", but the payoff is that it's quite sharp at the landscape apertures and long subject distances.

Sigma 35/1.4 - utterly amazing at the moderate distances, still pretty good at the longer distances. Some folks have reported some variation on this one, but mine is a truly wonderful, a class leading lens, so I'm happy. It beat out my Nikkor 35/1.4G (since sold) and a Zeiss 35/2 I evaluated in my tests, which is why I bought it.

I also have the 14-24, which I use in the rare instances I need an ultrawide (I'm not really an ultrawide shooter) and if I had the budget, I'd also like the Zeiss 25/2 for it's superior (class leading) middle distance performance (I'd still take the 24/1.4 for distant subjects though)

-m

Good info - thanks for sharing Mike!
Jack
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: shadowblade on September 15, 2013, 03:27:27 am
From 14mm to 20mm, you won't find a prime sharper than the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 (yes, that includes the Zeiss 15, which I'd say is about equal to the 14-24). The Canon TS-E 17L would be sharper, but, unfortunately, cannot be mounted to the D800E even with an adapter, due to Nikon's greater flange distance.

From 21mm and up, of course, you have the Zeiss 21mm Distagon.

The Nikon PC-E lenses don't hold a candle to Canon's TS-E tilt-shifts. Less sharp, less shift and no ability to independently adjust the tilt and shift axes.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: jerome_m on September 15, 2013, 03:32:14 am
The H28D has about the same field of view as a 20mm on the D800. For these kinds of wide-angle, your choices are:
-the Nikon 14-24 f/2.8 zoom, which is Nikon's best ultrawide, but is too heavy for you
-Zeiss 21mm f/2.8.

Closed down to f/8-f/11, you would also get decent results from the Nikon 16-35 f/4 VR zoom or, presumably, the old and tiny 20mm f/2.8. But the lenses above are better.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Lust4Life on September 15, 2013, 07:28:51 am
From 14mm to 20mm, you won't find a prime sharper than the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 (yes, that includes the Zeiss 15, which I'd say is about equal to the 14-24). The Canon TS-E 17L would be sharper, but, unfortunately, cannot be mounted to the D800E even with an adapter, due to Nikon's greater flange distance.

From 21mm and up, of course, you have the Zeiss 21mm Distagon.

The Nikon PC-E lenses don't hold a candle to Canon's TS-E tilt-shifts. Less sharp, less shift and no ability to independently adjust the tilt and shift axes.

Agree on the Nikon PC-E.  Nice but not going to be my default.

Sounds like the Zeiss 21 Distagon may be my "go to" default lens.  I keep reading great reviews and getting confirmation here.
BUT I just checked at Dxomark.com and they are not very fond of the 21!
That's concerning to me!!

As I never felt the need for wider than the 28 Hassie, I expect the 21 will be as wide as I have to go.
But I must admit interest in your comment about the 14-24.  How does it compare to the Zeiss 21?

I am going from the H4D-50 plus the 28, 50-118 and 80 down to a D800E with just two lenses, a wide and probably one other lens in my pack.  Thus even with the added weight of the 14-24 verse the Zeiss 21 I'm still way ahead. (also tired of the hugh depreciation of the Hassie digital gear.  For what I lost in value on my last system I could buy all of the Nikon gear I want and still have money left over for a great dinner with friends).

Next, define the next step up in focal length lens.  I have the Nikkor 85 but would like something in between that is as sharp as the Zeiss 21.
Ideas?

Jack
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: ErikKaffehr on September 15, 2013, 08:43:25 am
Hi,

This may be interesting: http://www.3d-kraft.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=127:uwa-comparison&catid=40:camerasandlenses&Itemid=2

And this may be interesting, too: http://tashley1.zenfolio.com/blog/2012/11/zeiss-28mm-f2-8-zf2-on-d800e

Best regards
Erik


Agree on the Nikon PC-E.  Nice but not going to be my default.

Sounds like the Zeiss 21 Distagon may be my "go to" default lens.  I keep reading great reviews and getting confirmation here.

As I never felt the need for wider than the 28 Hassie, I expect the 21 will be as wide as I have to go.
But I must admit interest in your comment about the 14-24.  How does it compare to the Zeiss 21?

I am going from the H4D-50 plus the 28, 50-118 and 80 down to a D800E with just two lenses, a wide and probably one other lens in my pack.  Thus even with the added weight of the 14-24 verse the Zeiss 21 I'm still way ahead. (also tired of the hugh depreciation of the Hassie digital gear.  For what I lost in value on my last system I could buy all of the Nikon gear I want and still have money left over for a great dinner with friends).

Next, define the next step up in focal length lens.  I have the Nikkor 85 but would like something in between that is as sharp as the Zeiss 21.
Ideas?

Jack
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Chris_Brown on September 15, 2013, 09:01:09 am
Want to hear what lenses others using the D800E have found to be the best for Landscape work.

In addition to words & opinions, evaluate the actual lens and images taken with that lens by using a service from a rental shop such as LensRentals.com (http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/nikon/lenses).
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: jerome_m on September 15, 2013, 09:09:45 am
Don't forget that people using the 14-24 f/2.8 for landscape complain about its sensitivity to raindrops, temperature changes and stray light.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: HSakols on September 15, 2013, 09:13:54 am
I doubt one will see any difference between something like the 16-35 at 20 and the Zeiss 21 regardless of what DxO says.  But I really don't know.  I'm still using my Nikon 20mm AFD and yes I'm sure it is less sharp at the edges but what is the real world difference in the print especially stopped down.  I'm just playing devil's advocate. I'd love the Zeiss if I had deep pockets.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: jerome_m on September 15, 2013, 09:53:39 am
I doubt one will see any difference between something like the 16-35 at 20 and the Zeiss 21 regardless of what DxO says.  But I really don't know.  I'm still using my Nikon 20mm AFD and yes I'm sure it is less sharp at the edges but what is the real world difference in the print especially stopped down.  I'm just playing devil's advocate. I'd love the Zeiss if I had deep pockets.

A quick look at the o.p. website shows that his biggest prints are 16"x20" (about A2 size). Now, I really wonder if the differences between the H28D + Hasselblad 50mpix and a D600 (not D800!) + 20mm f/2.8D would indeed show on this kind of prints. I have printed larger than A2 with 24 mpix and older lenses.

I should simply try and find out, probably.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: ErikKaffehr on September 15, 2013, 10:41:00 am
Yes, that is a good suggestion.

Best regards
Erik




In addition to words & opinions, evaluate the actual lens and images taken with that lens by using a service from a rental shop such as LensRentals.com (http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/nikon/lenses).
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Lust4Life on September 15, 2013, 11:46:29 am
A quick look at the o.p. website shows that his biggest prints are 16"x20" (about A2 size). Now, I really wonder if the differences between the H28D + Hasselblad 50mpix and a D600 (not D800!) + 20mm f/2.8D would indeed show on this kind of prints. I have printed larger than A2 with 24 mpix and older lenses.

I should simply try and find out, probably.

Since moving to Chapel Hill from Naples, FL I have sold the Epson 4800 and now use a Canon iPF6400.  Reprinting some of my images with 24" roll paper.  Finding they look great from those taken with the Hassie digital BUT none of the files from the Canon 5DMkII that I tested a couple of years ago can come close to the Hassie files, even those taken back when I was using the 30MP Hassie system.  Now, I've not taken enough images with the Nikon D800E yet to have one worth burning up 24" paper.

But the reality is, I'm now forced to the SLR format with two lenses and a wife to haul the tripod.  Actually, that's not bad.
With the funds recovered from the sale of the Hassie gear, I can afford to buy ANY lenses to mate up to the D800E.  I just want to purchase the best for my needs.

Makes sense to me.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: mjrichardson on September 15, 2013, 02:20:21 pm
Hi

Interesting discussion, I recently bought the Nikon and have found it great for the type of images I make. I'm enjoying shooting landscapes with lots of different lenses, not necessarily just wides, that said, I have a Zeiss 21 and it's fantastic, the images are richer from that lens and as has been mentioned, the Lightroom profile does an excellent job. I've also been amazed at the 50 1.8 for landscapes, it costs nothing and is fantastic! I'm also shooting landscapes with the Zeiss 135 f2 and find it superb too, with these 3 lenses I know I get a different field of view but still excellent images.

Enjoy your new system, it'll be lighter for sure!

Mat
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: JohnBrew on September 15, 2013, 04:30:45 pm
"BUT I just checked at Dxomark.com and they are not very fond of the 21!
That's concerning to me!!"

Too bad you're so wrapped up in DXO. I've never purchased a lens based on DXO results. I think Photozone (www.photozone.de) reviews are much closer to what you encounter in the field and they have enough charts and graphs to satisfy all the technical geeks questions.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: jerome_m on September 15, 2013, 04:32:07 pm
Since moving to Chapel Hill from Naples, FL I have sold the Epson 4800 and now use a Canon iPF6400.  Reprinting some of my images with 24" roll paper.  Finding they look great from those taken with the Hassie digital BUT none of the files from the Canon 5DMkII that I tested a couple of years ago can come close to the Hassie files, even those taken back when I was using the 30MP Hassie system.  Now, I've not taken enough images with the Nikon D800E yet to have one worth burning up 24" paper.

I can use an iPF6350. Almost as good as the new iPF6400. I could try to see what happens when I print the same picture taken with the HCD28 and a Nikon 14-24. Or I could rent a Zeiss 21mm, but don't hold your breath.

More seriously: we can discuss these things for ages, but considering that you are coming from an HCD28 on a 50 mpix Hasselblad, the only lens that could satisfy you is the Zeiss 21mm. The HCD28 is good, really good. Don't let people who have not tried the HCD28 talk you into buying lenses, they don't know.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Lust4Life on September 15, 2013, 05:39:06 pm
I can use an iPF6350. Almost as good as the new iPF6400. I could try to see what happens when I print the same picture taken with the HCD28 and a Nikon 14-24. Or I could rent a Zeiss 21mm, but don't hold your breath.

More seriously: we can discuss these things for ages, but considering that you are coming from an HCD28 on a 50 mpix Hasselblad, the only lens that could satisfy you is the Zeiss 21mm. The HCD28 is good, really good. Don't let people who have not tried the HCD28 talk you into buying lenses, they don't know.

I agree, with HCD28 is outstanding!
Thus, I'm probably order the Zeiss 21 tomorrow.
Still defining the best lens between 21 and 85.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: HSakols on September 15, 2013, 05:59:06 pm
Here is a sample with the Nikon 20mm AFD shot at f16.  Meadow details in Tuolumne Meadows with Unicorn Peak in the background. 


Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: shadowblade on September 15, 2013, 09:17:16 pm
I doubt one will see any difference between something like the 16-35 at 20 and the Zeiss 21 regardless of what DxO says.  But I really don't know.  I'm still using my Nikon 20mm AFD and yes I'm sure it is less sharp at the edges but what is the real world difference in the print especially stopped down.  I'm just playing devil's advocate. I'd love the Zeiss if I had deep pockets.

I don't know about the Nikon 16-35, but I use both the Canon 16-35 and the Nikon 14-24 on a Canon body (via an adapter) and there is a huge difference between the two, particularly in terms of edge and corner sharpness. The same goes for the Zeiss 21, which is a bit sharper than the 14-24.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: pluton on September 16, 2013, 01:47:30 am
I have both the 14-24 and the ZF 21, and for pure image quality at that FL, I'd pick the ZF every time.  The 14-24 is excellent, but lower contrast in the details.
A good 28mm and a good 35mm would both compliment the ZF21 nicely. There are many to choose from...
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: kers on September 16, 2013, 12:11:10 pm
I agree, with HCD28 is outstanding!
Thus, I'm probably order the Zeiss 21 tomorrow.
Still defining the best lens between 21 and 85.

probably the new Zeiss 55mm  1.4 Distagon- it is coming in a few months ( and it weighs 1 KG !)
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Lust4Life on September 16, 2013, 12:15:34 pm
Just returned the Nikkor PC-E 24 and ordered the Zeiss 21!

Should have it by the end of the week and run tests this weekend.

Thanks for input on the wide side....... now for the rest.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Lust4Life on September 16, 2013, 12:16:42 pm
probably the new Zeiss 55mm  1.4 Distagon- it is coming in a few months ( and it weighs 1 KG !)

Do you have an actual time frame on the 55?
Assume it's manual focus only???
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: NancyP on September 16, 2013, 01:02:30 pm
I have the Zeiss Distagon 21mm f/2.8 on a lowly Canon 6D, and I must say that this is a wonderful lens. Color, contrast, resolution - all outstanding. If you like WIDE, this fits, and it takes 82mm filters and a Lee standard system.

Holy moley - new Zeiss 55mm weighs about the same as my 400mm f/5.6 lens (also all metal construction)!
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: ErikKaffehr on September 16, 2013, 02:16:33 pm
Hi,

Just a few small thoughts...

Much of the effort correcting a lens like the 55/1.4 is going into reducing aberrations when shooting at full aperture. If the lens is reasonably stopped down, like f/5.6 you will probably get similar performance from a well corrected lens with smaller weight.

Regarding Zeiss lenses, I would suggest that it is worth checking out Lloyd Chambers Zeiss pages: http://diglloyd.com/index-zf.html

Best regards
Erik

Do you have an actual time frame on the 55?
Assume it's manual focus only???

Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Lust4Life on September 16, 2013, 02:33:37 pm
Hi,

Just a few small thoughts...

Much of the effort correcting a lens like the 55/1.4 is going into reducing aberrations when shooting at full aperture. If the lens is reasonably stopped down, like f/5.6 you will probably get similar performance from a well corrected lens with smaller weight.

Regarding Zeiss lenses, I would suggest that it is worth checking out Lloyd Chambers Zeiss pages: http://diglloyd.com/index-zf.html

Best regards
Erik

Hi Erik,

At $249.00 to view his test, I'm not real excited about that.

Jack
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Peter McLennan on September 16, 2013, 03:25:44 pm
At $249.00 to view his test, I'm not real excited about that.

For that money, you can buy one of those 55mm f3.5 Nikkors I referred to earlier. 

As sharp as any lens I've ever used, and that includes some multi-tens-of-thousands-of-dollars beauties.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: jerome_m on September 16, 2013, 03:32:46 pm
Thanks for input on the wide side....... now for the rest.

50mm: Nikon 60mm f/2.8 macro (called micro actually) works very well at landscapes too. Or you can use a old 50mm f/1.8 D, they cost nothing and work very well for landscape at f/8 (link (http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7382004496_9b18b54b9b_o.jpg). They have a bit more distortion than the macro, but nothing serious.

85mm: the 85mm f/1.8 D works extremely well and costs about nothing link (http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7232/7385182730_49f46dffe4_o.jpg).

These lenses are cheap, but work very well. Building a standard lens or short tele is not very difficult.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: ErikKaffehr on September 16, 2013, 04:21:15 pm
Hi,

It is actually 74.99 for the Zeiss pages. The Zeiss lens you bought is at 1843 at B&H. I would consider 75USD a good investment if I planned to acquire lenses for say 3000. Anyway, Lloyd's article recommends the 21/2.8.

What is good with the Diglloyd articles is that they also discuss other issues like field curvature and design choices. For instance most Zeiss lenses are not corrected for the extreme corners. The 25/2 lens may be a good example for that.

It seems that most Zeiss lenses are very good, with some exceptions. It may be that Zeiss has lesser tolerances than others.

Tim Ashley published some very good tests on his blog, for free... http://tashley1.zenfolio.com/blog

DxO gives much info about the lenses they have tested, good info as long as you look at the data and not the funny DxO-mark grade they deal out.

Best regards
Erik



Hi Erik,

At $249.00 to view his test, I'm not real excited about that.

Jack
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Lust4Life on September 16, 2013, 05:44:34 pm
Erik,

That's what I got when ($249.00) I went to the page you linked and clicked on "Subscribe".
I'll look further.

Thanks,
Jack
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: shadowblade on September 16, 2013, 06:45:51 pm
I have both the 14-24 and the ZF 21, and for pure image quality at that FL, I'd pick the ZF every time.  The 14-24 is excellent, but lower contrast in the details.
A good 28mm and a good 35mm would both compliment the ZF21 nicely. There are many to choose from...

At 21mm, definitely.

But, if you need anything wider, the 14-24 outperforms the Zeiss 18mm, and is equal to the Zeiss 15mm.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: shadowblade on September 16, 2013, 07:03:07 pm
Just returned the Nikkor PC-E 24 and ordered the Zeiss 21!

Should have it by the end of the week and run tests this weekend.

Thanks for input on the wide side....... now for the rest.


Nikon's deficiencies on the tilt-shift front are the only reason I still shoot Canon despite Canon's sensor deficiencies, since I shoot a lot of shifted panoramas.

I'm looking forward to putting my tilt-shift lenses on the new Sony full-frame NEX, if Canon doesn't deliver soon in the high resolution/dynamic range sensor area.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: ErikKaffehr on September 16, 2013, 07:22:56 pm
Hi,

Yes, I noted it, but that is the price for the whole package (all sites).

Best regards
Erik


Erik,

That's what I got when ($249.00) I went to the page you linked and clicked on "Subscribe".
I'll look further.

Thanks,
Jack
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Lust4Life on September 20, 2013, 11:21:37 am
OK folks - shot my first image with the new D800E and Zeiss 21mm lens.
I'm hooked on this toolset!!

The combo of the D800E and the Zeiss 21 produced an exceptional image.  Glass is excellent and the array in the D800E captured all I could have asked for.  

Considering I've been shooting Hassie film and digital for over 40 years, this is a pleasant surprise.

Thanks to all that pointed me to the Zeiss 21.

If you wish to see the image, hit my web site http://www.shadowsdancing.com  
It's currently the logon page image.

Now, what lenses to add that can match the results of the Zeiss 21 ............
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: shadowblade on September 20, 2013, 04:50:37 pm
OK folks - shot my first image with the new D800E and Zeiss 21mm lens.
I'm hooked on this toolset!!

The combo of the D800E and the Zeiss 21 produced an exceptional image.  Glass is excellent and the array in the D800E captured all I could have asked for.  

Considering I've been shooting Hassie film and digital for over 40 years, this is a pleasant surprise.

Thanks to all that pointed me to the Zeiss 21.

If you wish to see the image, hit my web site http://www.shadowsdancing.com  
It's currently the logon page image.

Now, what lenses to add that can match the results of the Zeiss 21 ............

I'd also consider the Zeiss 50 and 100 macro lenses - they're super-sharp, with great micro-detail.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: Lust4Life on September 20, 2013, 05:13:46 pm
I'd also consider the Zeiss 50 and 100 macro lenses - they're super-sharp, with great micro-detail.

Was just looking at those - Think I'll wait till end of the year to see the new Zeiss 55.
Have a chap I know here in Chapel Hill that also raves about the 100 macro.  Looking into that.

Thanks,
Jack
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: ErikKaffehr on September 20, 2013, 11:31:48 pm
Hi,

Nice to hear that you found a kit you are satisfied with!  Most Zeiss lenses are pretty good as far as I know.

Best regards
Erik



OK folks - shot my first image with the new D800E and Zeiss 21mm lens.
I'm hooked on this toolset!!

The combo of the D800E and the Zeiss 21 produced an exceptional image.  Glass is excellent and the array in the D800E captured all I could have asked for.  

Considering I've been shooting Hassie film and digital for over 40 years, this is a pleasant surprise.

Thanks to all that pointed me to the Zeiss 21.

If you wish to see the image, hit my web site http://www.shadowsdancing.com  
It's currently the logon page image.

Now, what lenses to add that can match the results of the Zeiss 21 ............
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: mjrichardson on September 21, 2013, 01:01:59 am
Hi

I'm glad you like the 21, I enjoy shooting with mine. I also have the new zeiss 135 f2 which is incredible, extremely sharp and with the most amazing bokeh. If you like shooting in that focal length then I believe it's unbeatable. I also have the 55 on order, looking forward to seeing just how good it is.

Mat
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: ErikKaffehr on September 21, 2013, 01:20:00 am
Hi,

Regarding the 55/1.4, it is a Distagon design (that is inverted telephoto). I don't know why Zeiss has chosen this design, but it has a lot of glass, so I guess it is quite heavy.

On the other hand, it seems that Zeiss is in progress of making a new series of lenses with very good performance at least judging MTF curves.

The main advantage of the 55/1.4 may be the virtual elimination of color bokeh (Longitudinal Chromatic Aberration) at large apertures. If you shoot stopped down to f/5.6 or so LoCA may not be an issue. Stopping down beyond f/8 may get you into diffraction limit, my guess is that the 55/1.4 is diffraction limited past f/5.6.

Best regards
Erik


Hi

I'm glad you like the 21, I enjoy shooting with mine. I also have the new zeiss 135 f2 which is incredible, extremely sharp and with the most amazing bokeh. If you like shooting in that focal length then I believe it's unbeatable. I also have the 55 on order, looking forward to seeing just how good it is.

Mat
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: jerome_m on September 22, 2013, 02:51:26 am
Now, what lenses to add that can match the results of the Zeiss 21 ............

Designing ultrawides is a lot more difficult than designing lenses between 50mm and 135mm. The Nikon 50mm and 85mm f/1.8 lenses in the D series match the Zeiss 21mm for sharpness at reasonable apertures (say f/4 or f/5.6). I know you won't believe me because these lenses are dirt cheap, but it is true nevertheless. And these lenses are very light, which I remember to be a major criteria for you.
Title: Re: Nikon D800E - ideal lens for Landscape work?
Post by: pluton on September 23, 2013, 12:22:08 am
At 21mm, definitely.

But, if you need anything wider, the 14-24 outperforms the Zeiss 18mm, and is equal to the Zeiss 15mm.

I've noticed that when viewing shots(in Lightroom) of outdoor scenes I've shot with, for example, the Zeiss 21mm and Zeiss 25mm/2, and then the same scenes and lighting conditions shot with the 14-24, I have to goose up the contrast of the 14-24 shots by a very small amount to match the 'look' of the Zeiss lens shots.  

Funny you mention the Zeiss 18mm:
I originally bought a Zeiss 18mm, but didn't like the illumination falloff toward the margins of the image on the 12MP Nikon D3 I was shooting with at the time.  So I returned it, and for about US$60 more(in 2009) I got the 14-24, figuring that it gave me my 18mm and more FL-wise, and with it being a modern zoom, it should be more telecentric so it wouldn't have the falloff issues that the ZF 18mm had.  I was correct.
The Zeiss 15 I have not used.  I've seen an online published test (http://www.3d-kraft.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=127:uwa-comparison&catid=40:camerasandlenses&Itemid=2)between the ZF15, Samyang 14, and 14-24 that showed what you have stated:  Basically, the Zeiss 15mm cannot be said to be superior to the 14-24.