Pages: 1 ... 19 20 [21] 22 23 ... 25   Go Down

Author Topic: Z mount native lenses  (Read 66516 times)

kers

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4388
    • Pieter Kers
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #400 on: September 17, 2020, 07:03:31 am »

I am really intersted in the  new 14-24 mm. I still used the good old one. It has been a milestone lens.
what could be improve mechanically : weight, use of filters_ they have done it. Robustness we will have to see.
Optically: Flare, corner sharpness, and a bit clearer view (abberations).
Looking forward to see some serious testing of all these new pro S-lenses.
Logged
Pieter Kers
www.beeld.nu/la

armand

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5540
    • Photos
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #401 on: September 17, 2020, 09:03:07 pm »

I am really intersted in the  new 14-24 mm. I still used the good old one. It has been a milestone lens.
what could be improve mechanically : weight, use of filters_ they have done it. Robustness we will have to see.
Optically: Flare, corner sharpness, and a bit clearer view (abberations).
Looking forward to see some serious testing of all these new pro S-lenses.

I forgot, not much coma would be nice. The main reason for me would be astrophotography. I do very little of it but would like to do more; because I don't do it enough I don't feel like upgrading my basic Samyang 14 F2.8, but I can see investing in the 14-24 F2.8 vs 15-30 F4 just for this benefit.

BernardLanguillier

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 13983
    • http://www.flickr.com/photos/bernardlanguillier/sets/
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #402 on: September 18, 2020, 05:58:10 pm »

I forgot, not much coma would be nice. The main reason for me would be astrophotography. I do very little of it but would like to do more; because I don't do it enough I don't feel like upgrading my basic Samyang 14 F2.8, but I can see investing in the 14-24 F2.8 vs 15-30 F4 just for this benefit.

The claims of optical excellence of Nikon has so far always been backed up by facts, so it seems reasonable to believe them when they claim that coma is low, at least by design.

The only question for me is whether they can manufacture these lenses according to spec, but I haven't heard of any particular complains about the quality of S lenses, they seem to be built to the highest standards.

So coma is very likely to be very low. ;)

Cheers,
Bernard

armand

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5540
    • Photos
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #403 on: September 19, 2020, 09:03:00 am »

We shall see.

Interestingly the Fuji 8-16 F2.8 is heavier and almost as expensive.

I think the main competition for it right now is the mirrorless Sigma 14-24 F2.8 which can be used with an adapter and the decrease in focus speed is less important for this focal range. It is heavier by 150g (805 vs 650), it might not be as good optically BUT if it's close enough than the huge price difference we'll gain a lot of customers.

armand

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5540
    • Photos
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #404 on: October 22, 2020, 12:38:02 pm »

A review of the 24-200 by Thom Hogan: https://www.zsystemuser.com/z-mount-lenses/nikkor-lenses/nikon-z-mount-lens-reviews/nikon-24-200mm-f4-63-lens.html
It's close to what I expected, if you don't pixel peep and use a 24MP camera it's fine, but you can do better with a little effort. It makes the point of waiting for the 24-105 F4 which would be a better fit with a 45MP sensor and get similar quality pixels up to ~ 150mm equiv.

As a side note I started to use more the 70-200 F4 with the FTZ adaptor and I think this is as heavy as I would be willing to carry for dedicate photo outings. I'm looking at the time when Nikon can release a 70-300Z that's as light or even lighter than the current 70-300. I'm willing to take F5.6 everywhere as it will likely be combined with the 24-70 F4 which will provide the F4 @ 70mm. Beyond that, for my landscape use I don't anything brighter than a F5.6.

langier

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1503
    • Celebrating Rural America, the Balkans and beyond
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #405 on: October 22, 2020, 05:54:41 pm »

I'm shooting the 14-30mm (since the middle of last year) and was lucky to grab a 24-200mm. Most of my experience with this scarce lens confirms all the good reviews I've read about it.

Comparted to my 14-24 2.8, the f/4 version is less prone to flare and shooting into the sun makes great stars at small apertures shooting landscape. My 2.8 even ghosted when the sun was behind me and forget about filters easily. The 14-24 2.8 was a great lens in its day on the F-system, IMO.

Since I'm older and hate packing as much stuff around, I opted originally to shoot with the 24-70 f/4 and 70-200 f/4 w/ftz adapted lenses and was quite happy until I lucked into the 24-200. That lens has replaced the other two though it's slow and the mid-to-long end compared to either.

For several years I was shooting m43 with a 14-150 and a 7-14. The IQ was fine and the video easy to do with that system and the size and weight were liberating! But out of 6-7 bodies I shot during these 4-5 years, only three are still working as they all had issues of one kind or another and several died. The build of the bodies just isn't as good as any of my Nikon bodies... And then there's the low-light I'm always shooting under. The files took a lot of work but still the photos came out fine. So I found that it was time to upgrade back to a more robust platform, though size and weight increased in the equation.

Now with a pair of Z 6 bodies and two lenses, I'm a very happy camper! Both lenses are more than capable of great image quality for 24mp and I'm not missing the higher res of the 800-810-850 and Z 7 bodies. I'd love it if the Z 6 had a sensor-shift like the Olympus EM-5 II which worked great when I needed more pixels for a few shots now and then, but overall, the 24mp files I get is pretty darn nice overall. I'd like a little more speed with my lenses, but even shooting higher ISOs, the IQ is fine even with these slower lenses. It's a little sacrifice for smaller and lighter hardware.

I've printed up to 60x40 with the Z 6 and have made some larger prints with the newer 24-200. I probably wouldn't image quality issues doing a 60x40 from it from what I've seen so far.

This week, I went retro on one Z 6 shooting with a vintage Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 zone focused and high-tech on the other with the 24-200. A small family vineyard and a hand-harvest of the grapes was my domain from the morning until early afternoon. It was nice simply putting both bodies on A, setting the ISO for "Tri-X" and just shooting away. At the end of the day, I was covered with dust and the grape juice from picking leaves from the bins crated a layer of mud on both cameras. I was perpetually blowing the dust off the front elements of both!

From the day's shooting 1/3 got tagged and overall, about 10% made the loose edit. From there seven rose to the top and five were from the Elmarit-M set for point-and-shoot. The other two were with the 24-200 at either end of the focal length. Overall, I was pleased with the results.

Since getting the 24-200, it has seldom come off the Z 6. I've photographed a few weddings, all outdoors, a baptism and betrothal, both starting outside then continuing into a historic church with a dark interior, photographed lots of landscape and fall colors in the Sierra Nevada. So far, little not to like about this lens and the 14-30. I've seldom used a tripod with the image stabilization with either lens, making me more mobile. I wish the 24-200 had a little more reach, like on my m43 all-in-one zooms, but I've got the long covered with the FTZ and lots of glass from years shooting the Nikon F system.

And then there's the ability to use nearly any vintage lens on the Z bodies is such a great joy especially this week's shooting with a nearly 40 year old lens and other opportunities I've taken shooting Leica glass from the 1950s that hasn't aged too well! Yet, with the key focal lengths now covered, many with redundancy and longer lenses on the way, it's down right fun again to go out and shoot!
Logged
Larry Angier
ASMP, ACT, & many more! @sacred_icons
https://angier-fox.photoshelter.com

Peter McLennan

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4690
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #406 on: October 22, 2020, 07:06:03 pm »

Great post, Larry. Thanks. I'm torn between a Z6 and a Z7 and you're providing a lot of valuable experience. There are a lot of pros and cons. 

Z6: I have an HP Z3200 that loves printing large.  I'm a retired cinematographer drooling over the video Z6's capabilities. Low light is fun and the Z6 rules here.  Stitching gives me basically free megapixels. I'll nearly always have a tripod with me because video.  Z6 is nearly a grand cheaper, ie I get another lens for the same dollars as a Z7.

Z7: My D800's sold me on the value of lots of pixels; the extra cropping available from the Z7 means that I'm getting a "free" tele. Video is much improved with the "II" version.

The 24-200 looks like the perfect all round video lens.  Can you MF with It?  In my experience, "focus-by-wire" has been impossible in the past.
Logged

armand

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5540
    • Photos
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #407 on: October 29, 2020, 10:17:05 pm »

Good review of the 24-200: https://www.cameralabs.com/nikon-z-24-200mm-f4-6-3-vr-review/
Kind of F8 and be there. I thought the winner of the review was actually the Tamron 28-200, particularly if you have another lens to cover the 24mm and you can leave a stop or two of stabilization on the table. Now they only have to make it available in Z mount with a decent focus.

armand

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5540
    • Photos
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #408 on: November 14, 2020, 12:59:14 pm »

Testing the 85mm 1.8 Z. On a Z7.


F 1.8


















F 2








F 5.6





F 8

BernardLanguillier

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 13983
    • http://www.flickr.com/photos/bernardlanguillier/sets/
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #409 on: November 15, 2020, 04:47:12 am »

Very nice!

I am just in love with the rendering of this lens and you are putting it to very good use.

Cheers,
Bernard

John Camp

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2171
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #410 on: December 01, 2020, 03:50:14 pm »

I've been working with the AF-P 70-300 f4.5-5.6E with the FTZ and find it to be quite good and manageable. I have an F-mount 70-200 f2.8, and the 70-300 is a hair shorter even with the FTZ, and far lighter. (The f2.8 with an FTZ is a bazooka.) What I really want, I guess, is an f4 70-200 in an S lens, but it doesn't look like Nikon is going that way, which is a shame. In any case, paired with the f4 24-70, the two lenses and a Z6 make a reasonably compact travel package. Thom Hogan reviews this latest 70-300 and finds it to be a good lens and a bargain at its price. Although an F-mount, it is fully compatible with the Z cameras with an FTZ.   
Logged

BernardLanguillier

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 13983
    • http://www.flickr.com/photos/bernardlanguillier/sets/
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #411 on: December 02, 2020, 06:43:08 pm »

I've been working with the AF-P 70-300 f4.5-5.6E with the FTZ and find it to be quite good and manageable. I have an F-mount 70-200 f2.8, and the 70-300 is a hair shorter even with the FTZ, and far lighter. (The f2.8 with an FTZ is a bazooka.) What I really want, I guess, is an f4 70-200 in an S lens, but it doesn't look like Nikon is going that way, which is a shame. In any case, paired with the f4 24-70, the two lenses and a Z6 make a reasonably compact travel package. Thom Hogan reviews this latest 70-300 and finds it to be a good lens and a bargain at its price. Although an F-mount, it is fully compatible with the Z cameras with an FTZ.   

Totally agree! I don't understand why Nikon hasn't included a collapsible 70-200mm f4 in their roadmap. That's really the only obvious shortcoming.

I use the 70-300mm also and share your views.

Cheers,
Bernard

mlondon

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 56
    • The Spirit of Tea
Re: Z-mount native lenses
« Reply #412 on: January 22, 2021, 09:15:51 pm »

I'm about to finally upgrade to the Z-mount system after 40+ years using F-mount (OMG - has it been that long?!)

Would love to get some thoughts on my initial Z lineup to use on a Z7II (thank you NPS...)

- 14-24/2.8S - Prefer to have the reach down to 14 rather than the one-trick 20/1.8S and 24/1.8S. May add the 20 down the road.
- 35/1.8S - My go-to for environmental portraiture. Happy to give up a stop from the older 1.4
(I considered either the 50/1.8 or 50/1.2, but decided on neither for now. Not a big fan of the focal length. Considered the 50/1.2 as a replacement for my 58/1.4, but not sure it is worth the bulk/weight. And the 50/1.8 doesn't excite me although I'm sure its a solid performer)
- 85/1.8S - I'm hoping the grayed-out image in Nikon's timeline is an 85/1.2 which I'll buy in an instant, but in the meantime, this lens seems like a good one for medium portraiture.
- 70-200/2.8  - For longer portraiture and landscape/nature work.

I'll keep a few F-Mount outliers to use with the FTZ:
- 10.5/fisheye with the hood sawn off so it works on FF
- 50mm/1.2AI-S because of its painterly imperfections
- 58/1.4 because I need at least one nifty-fifty(eight)
- 105mm/1.4 because I don't see a non-Micro 105 in the Z roadmap yet (or better yet, bring back the 105/DC) (I'm quite surprised that there is no standard 105 in the roadmap unless they somehow managed to engineer a 105/Micro that works as well as a non-Micro for normal distances. THAT would be amazing!!!
- 105mm/2.8 Micro because the Micro hasn't been released in Z yet
- 200/2 because I need at least one lens that weighs 2900g!
(That leaves about 15 other F-Mounts to sell off along with my trusty D850)

Happy to receive any and all comments/suggestions. Thanks...

Logged
www.spiritoftea.com

"There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept" Ansel Adams

Dustbak

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2442
    • Pepperanddust
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #413 on: January 23, 2021, 05:03:48 am »

Totally agree! I don't understand why Nikon hasn't included a collapsible 70-200mm f4 in their roadmap. That's really the only obvious shortcoming.

I use the 70-300mm also and share your views.

Cheers,
Bernard


Yess!! A 70-200/4.0 with the same (or better) quality as the 24-70/4.0 would be a no brainer for me.
Logged

KLaban

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2451
    • Keith Laban Photography
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #414 on: January 23, 2021, 05:07:26 am »

Given the chance in these difficult times my 35 S f/1.8 would probably be my go to full figure+ environmental portrait lens, although it is larger than I'd like. I'm awaiting the compact 28 and 40: we shall see.

I prefer the weight, size and reach of my 14-30 S f/4 to its larger and heavier cousin.

My 50 S is stunning but I tend to pair the 35 and 85. The 85 S f/1.8 is exceptional.

If I were you I'd definitely keep that 58 f/1.4!

Good luck, I'm sure you'll enjoy the Z series, but it's a big step: do try before you buy.
« Last Edit: January 23, 2021, 07:24:51 am by KLaban »
Logged

BernardLanguillier

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 13983
    • http://www.flickr.com/photos/bernardlanguillier/sets/
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #415 on: January 23, 2021, 08:29:05 pm »

Your plans makes sense.

I am not in love about the 35mm f1.8 S, it’s the only Z lens that is not best in class or close to, while the 35mm f1.4 may have the nicest rendering. I would test if I were you.

One thing is sure, the 85mm f1.8 S is one of the nicest portrait lens ever designed and I am really not sure I’ll get the f1.2 (although I absolutely love the 50mm f1.2).

Cheers,
Bernard

mlondon

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 56
    • The Spirit of Tea
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #416 on: January 23, 2021, 11:51:30 pm »

Quote
I am not in love about the 35mm f1.8 S, it’s the only Z lens that is not best in class or close to, while the 35mm f1.4 may have the nicest rendering.

Bernard - Would you mind saying a bit more about this? I too love the rendering of the 35/1.4. I'm usually close to my subjects with their environment falling away softly in the background. From what I've read elsewhere (all subjective of course) each of the 1.8S lenses is superior to their 1.4F counterparts. Very curious to hear from you in what ways the S doesn't measure up. Do you continue to use the 1.4 with the FTZ?
Thank you.
Logged
www.spiritoftea.com

"There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept" Ansel Adams

KLaban

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2451
    • Keith Laban Photography
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #417 on: January 24, 2021, 05:44:20 am »

What's missing from the Z lens range is truly compact FF lenses to go with the truly compact FF bodies.

In order to achieve fast and compact I'll probably have to go the manual focus route. Think M mount Voigtlander lenses.

BernardLanguillier

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 13983
    • http://www.flickr.com/photos/bernardlanguillier/sets/
Re: Z mount native lenses
« Reply #418 on: January 24, 2021, 10:08:41 pm »

Bernard - Would you mind saying a bit more about this? I too love the rendering of the 35/1.4. I'm usually close to my subjects with their environment falling away softly in the background. From what I've read elsewhere (all subjective of course) each of the 1.8S lenses is superior to their 1.4F counterparts. Very curious to hear from you in what ways the S doesn't measure up. Do you continue to use the 1.4 with the FTZ?

For the 35mm, in particular the bokeh feels less pleasant to me. In terms of resolution, CA,... it's better than the 35mm f1.4.

Unfortunately I don't own a copy of the FF 35mm f1.4 at this point.

Cheers,
Bernard
Pages: 1 ... 19 20 [21] 22 23 ... 25   Go Up