NikonGear'23
Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: Erik Lund on June 10, 2015, 12:18:27
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By chance I got a opportunity to pick up a used Nikkor 58mm f/1.4 AFS at a most reasonable price :)
Since we are on a little NikonGear trip to Slovenia I have used this to test the New Noct-Nikkor
It is really able to separate fore, middle and back ground really well even at large distance.
Also the ability to throw the background int a nice Bokeh wide open is similar the color transitions are really smooth and nice.
So far really pleased with the New Noct-Nikkor incarnation! 8)
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(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8892/18430551309_17279beb5e_b.jpg)
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Erik, very nice. Love the colours. I've not used the lens for serious landscape but agree with you on the separation. I went to pick up my son and while waiting had a great sky and one lonesome , battered tree in the foreground. I turned out rather well for a opportunistic image , but I was shooting at f4 :)
Tom
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Tom, pease don't hesitate to add your pics to this topic so we get an impression from multiple angles.
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A couple of images from my early days with the lens
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/462/18877579419_4260e56892_b.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/354/19037447956_008ed38253_b.jpg)
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Very very nice images, very graphical the last one!
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Good to see Nikon Gear is back :)
I'm trying to find any excuse to buy this lens, however, the nearest importer/distributor has only ONE for the entire South Africa, and it costs a damn fortune, over and above the expensive 1700 USD price... B&H doesn't ship Nikon gear to Namibia or RSA. Rental isn't an option either :( I'm still very much on the fence based on it's formidable expense, locally.
Anyways, most reviews and forums don't have much coverage regarding how this lens performs for landscapes. I realise the lens might have some curvature of field, but it's unclear to me how it performs at medium to far distances, and Erik's top most post is probably the best landscape shot I've seen taken with this lens...
I've heard a mixed bag of comments about edge performance; Some say it's great, some say corners don't get very crisp... sample variation? User error? I would tend to trust the opinions of users here more than anywhere else.
Also, I suspect the camera or lens used in DPR's 58/1.4 review is likely got a skew mount or something, as the left and right sides don't strike me as performing symmetrically.
Does the field curvature run inwards towards the edges? Is there a mid-zone slump?
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Erik must answer most of your questions. I have used two samples of this lens, and found both to be very similar in their performance.
Unfortunately, the AFS 58 costs even more in Norway than from B+H, unless you can deduct VAT. I'm going to south Africa end of August this year, by the way, so can bring a lens with me if you are desperate.
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Erik must answer most of your questions. I have used two samples of this lens, and found both to be very similar in their performance.
Unfortunately, the AFS 58 costs even more in Norway than from B+H, unless you can deduct VAT. I'm going to south Africa end of August this year, by the way, so can bring a lens with me if you are desperate.
Thank you for the kind offer, Bjørn.
The lens is priced at nearly 2300 Euro equivalence here... which is hard to swallow :P
I'm flying down to Cape Town from Namibia on the 15th Aug and returning 30th Aug. As is my uncle from Basel, so I might just need to find a reputable swiss photographic shop for him to visit. I'm a bit worried about lens issues, as I seem to attract faulty equipment like a magnet...
I'm looking forward to Erik's reply :D
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At my favourite shop in Brussels, one staff who also owned the 58/1.2 showed me test shots made at night with both Noct version. The new one beat the old hands down in terms of contrast, coma, flare. Day pics and conventional tests rarely do justice to night lenses. The old Noct was not a test champion either (except for CA wide open). I hope Erik can share his nightlife experience here.
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Yes Erik, tell us about your nights out in CPH ;D ;D ;D
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Thanks for the comments!
Night out shots from Copenhagen must wait :)
Here are the first image in the series I shot of the church with the castle in the back ground, before I started to include the leaves for foreground.
Shot at 1.4 on D3X...
No PP at all, no CA correction or the like, except a normal sharpening
First the whole image resized
Center of the frame at 100%
then the far sides of the frame at 100% on the left the floaters for the regatta are clearly defined all the way to the edge not much else to add, it's a impressive capture wide open, sore the Zeiss Othus is capable of surpassing this lens in numbers, but does it add anything...
Very pleasing rendering IMHO!
Obviously there is no issue at all with field curvature in this capture, on close to the near focus limit there is a nice curved convex field curvature very similar to the old Noct Nikkor!
Up really close on a small extension tube the image breaks up slightly in the corners and at the edge of the frame but it does so in a very nice transition.
I tend to shoot wide open or stopped down to f/5.6 for a nice dof over the image plane.
If you need corner to corner flat field close up and medium distances the by all means go with the Micro Nikkor 60mm AFS f/2.8 it's a tool made for it :) also with very nice background rendering.
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Erik, I certainly agree on the 60 2.8, I have the G. I was never really happy with the 50 1.4 D or G and I'm not really a 50mm shooter. The 60 2.8 is a very good lens, small and sharp with little distortion. Makes a great travel lens. I normally take the 58 1.4G out in the evenings with family, friends and some social events or on rainy days with interesting light.
Cheers,
Tom
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One of my favourite lenses, here a casual portrait from last night iso 2540 @1.4 on Df
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/377/18634029463_9b05e569eb_b.jpg)
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I like this lens a lot, but I still struggle with the AF.
I have a lot more keepers with my 85 than with the 58.
My favourite subject, all at 1.4:
1 - fixing the bike
2 - making fun with/of granddad ;D
3 - taking the window in stead of the door
4 - too tired to eat
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Thanks for the comments!
Night out shots from Copenhagen must wait :)
Here are the first image in the series I shot of the church with the castle in the back ground, before I started to include the leaves for foreground.
Shot at 1.4 on D3X...
No PP at all, no CA correction or the like, except a normal sharpening
First the whole image resized
Center of the frame at 100%
then the far sides of the frame at 100% on the left the floaters for the regatta are clearly defined all the way to the edge not much else to add, it's a impressive capture wide open, sore the Zeiss Othus is capable of surpassing this lens in numbers, but does it add anything...
Very pleasing rendering IMHO!
Obviously there is no issue at all with field curvature in this capture, on close to the near focus limit there is a nice curved convex field curvature very similar to the old Noct Nikkor!
Up really close on a small extension tube the image breaks up slightly in the corners and at the edge of the frame but it does so in a very nice transition.
I tend to shoot wide open or stopped down to f/5.6 for a nice dof over the image plane.
If you need corner to corner flat field close up and medium distances the by all means go with the Micro Nikkor 60mm AFS f/2.8 it's a tool made for it :) also with very nice background rendering.
Thanks so much, Erik.
That is a very reasonable result at 1.4 :P I would definitely be more than happy with such results...
I don't need a flat field, however, in this case I would prefer to know the lens' behaviour ahead of time. No try before you buy option for me this time...
I really hope it pans out that this lens will find a home in my bag... lets see. I've never really bonded with the AF-S 60/2.8 Micro. The sample available to me has average performance, surpassed by my AF-D 50/1.8 for resolving details at infinity. Bad sample of the AFS 60 vs a really good 50/1.8?
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Turns out I found an Authorised Nikon Partner retailer in Switzerland, that has both the lens in stock and has it currently on special for 1530 CHF (down from 1700)!
So my Uncle will go round tomorrow and buy one ;D Super excited :o
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Good on you to have found a real situation to which "Family value(s)" applies. An avuncular fringe benefit.
Erik loves his AFS 58 and keeps telling me this on every occasion. So far I have kept my old and trustworthy Noct-Nikkor with no plans of an upgrade, however once in a while borrowed his 58 G for IR work.
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Well, I'm back home, and I'm delighted with the AF-S 58/1.4.
The majority of reviews online have not done it justice, and I'm consequently more impressed than I though I would be.
It's certainly not a un-sharp lens. At least, it's plenty good on my D810 at f/1.4. It certainly has an unusual/unique (for me) focus transition from foreground to background.
Unfortunately, I didn't have much time to focus on taking pics during my stay in Cape Town as it was more about family, however, I have a few images I'll post here from the trip...
One of the very first images I've taken...
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5773/20838844439_5054ebefa9_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/xKswrn)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/568/20403312544_798e238bc7_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/x5YiYL)
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Martin, your flower pictures show off the 58 and its optical properties to good advantage. Also confirms my observation that the new 58 has much less field curvature than the Noct at closer distance.
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Two very nicely framed shots, very deep vibrant colors, the transitions in color and sharpness is really pleasing!
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Thank you.
I haven't quite figured out the filed curvature, as it increases the closer one focuses, and even then it doesn't seem like much...
As for colour and contrast, the lens is quite vibrant and contrasty. As is my newly acquired AFS 28/1.8. Both lenses have a much different look than what I'm used to.
I use the Huelight colour profiles for the D810, and use either Low or the Neutral profile... the images have had only minor adjustments.
Here are some more images...
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/737/21030111335_efc03392b0_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/y3mPqt)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5680/21020386232_09d9f6fb90_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/y2uYuh)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5815/20408780853_82a1f8c09d_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/x6skvX)
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The imaging qualities of this lens look great in these [800 pixel]JPEGs.
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Lots of nice images. Can anyone tell me where I could possibly see the special character of that lens?
Michael Earlwine excels in characterising special optics.
can you create visual evidence?
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One of my test shots, cannot put my feelings/impressions into words I have to judge on the images produced.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5666/20852986378_f5f15bbca1_h.jpg)
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Jaques: special. I share you feelings.
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Have been playing with this glass almost a year now, its either the 35g or the 58g as my walk-a-bout.
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For me the biggest difference is that the 58 is far more even tempered; It's OOF areas are smooth and not nervous. The transition from foreground to background blur is gentle. It's fairly contrasty even wide open, which btw extends to the periphery of the frame. It doesn't have that that purple haze like many fast 50mm lenses have, thus retaining good colour reproduction wide open. A big bonus is the reduced for sagittal flare (correct term?) which reduces the bat wings at the frame edges.
Bellow is a quick actual pixels comparison between the 58 and the 50/1.2... I changed the shooting distance for the 50/1.2 in order to get similar framing. My sample of the Ais 50/1.2 is perceptively sharper than the Ai 50/1.2 I had, with better contrast too.
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Some more images ;D
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5747/20841859729_1de6bf515a_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/xKHYM8)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/775/20900747119_64be1a855c_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/xQVMWX)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5739/21115936431_5af77b88d2_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/yaWGev)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/606/21081989236_d19b7b0e50_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/y7WGV3)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5803/21098051322_bf76de0620_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/y9n2By)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/677/21097784462_4a6f83db31_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/y9kEhw)
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These photos make me want that lens.
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Taken at Wüstenquell, Namibia.
D810 @ f/11
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5651/21461437619_6fb7a2814f_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/yGttGx)
You can see it larger <a href="http://www.martinzimelka.com/Lens_Review/Nikkor_AFS_58G/Images/rock-merging-with-landscape_wustenquell/rock-merging-with-landscape_wustenquell.html">HERE</a>
D810 @ f/1.4
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5716/21547225770_d265a5cef1_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/yQ4awA)
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Has anyone tried this lens with the K-1 Ring to see if it works to get us closer?
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It is a "G" lens and thus has no aperture ring. If mounted on the K-1, it will work at f/16 all the time.
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It is a "G" lens and thus has no aperture ring. If mounted on the K-1, it will work at f/16 all the time.
Ouch! If it worked wide-open, that would work.
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There is no problem blocking the aperture of the lens to be at the wide open position when mounted on the K-1. All you need is a little splinter of wood or similar, for example, a broken match stick.
However, the issue is you cannot have any reliable means of *controlling* the aperture of a "G"-lens when it is combined with the K-1. That is, unless the K-1 has a "G"-type CPU in it. The normal K-1 is on the narrow side for that, though. So the next step up the ladder will be the PK-11A. Still no means of controlling the aperture though, unless the ring gets a CPU of its own.
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This is probably for Erik Lund. How does this new lens compare to the legendary Noct-Nikkor, which I have heard so much from you about over the years? Another way to phrases this might be: if one purchased the old Noct-Nikkor, what would be the advantages and disadvantages?
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The old noct is smaller. The "new" one fares undoubtedly better for night shots (less flare and artefacts). One of the shop staff at PCH in Brussels has both and reported on his comparisons for a magazine; he showed me his portfolio and the comparison was well to the advantage of the 58.
But it is (from experience) difficult to say something about a lens you did not use intensively. Unfortunately I got none of the tewo.
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Both lenses has a lot of field curvature as you get closer to min focus distance, the old has the most by far, when you add extension this is even more...
For images where you can use this ' feature' it works... Both Bjørn and I have dedicated extension rings for the old and new...
I will again warn against chipping K1 rings due to very high risk of destroying the contact block and CPU if you mount a lens with aperture leaver (ie all 'normal' lenses!
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This lens has something magical. I haven't used it for night shots yet but I love this lens.
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I did extensive A/B shooting when I tested the the new AFS 581.4. The newer lens has a flatter field than the older Noct, and this field curvature is very evident for close-ups. However, none of them is a 'flat-field' corrected lens by any stretch of imagination.
Apart from the field curvature and increased propensity of flare, due to its older coatings, the Noct did pretty well against the AFS 58/1.4. I decided that I would keep the old lens for its added (1/2 stop) speed advantage, plus the improvements of the new lens wasn't sufficient to make me want fork out the money for it. Plus of course the Noct is much smaller and thus fits my Df better.
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NIKKOR Future Vision - Lens Design Concepts
Here some words from the designer of 58mm 1.4
http://nikkor.com/technology/02.html
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Photographylife.com has some nice evaluations of the Noct and the prinz:
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-noct-nikkor-58mm-f1-2
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-58mm-f1-4g
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Interesting comparison, but along all discussed features, I do not see any direct coma comparison, which is one essential design goal for both.
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there was some discussion on the lens on a different post
well to my pleasure it works
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5801/22668281285_baf3692a70_b.jpg)
this mornings snap @1,6 on Df iso 1000
processed thru pn and ps
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A misty Shropshire morning.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/634/22536526930_b7706049d7_h.jpg)
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A misty Shropshire morning.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/634/22536526930_b7706049d7_h.jpg)
That is a nice photo.
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Both Bjørn and I have dedicated extension rings for the old and new...
What length extension and how close can you get when you use it?
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For my Noct, I'm using the PK-12 (chipped). Haven't measured the magnification but probably around 1:3 or better.
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For my Noct, I'm using the PK-12 (chipped). Haven't measured the magnification but probably around 1:3 or better.
I probably can't find an inexpensive Noct. Is this new lens "good enough?"
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It is not designated for the absolute peak sharpness. Other criteria prevail. Thus maybe, maybe not your cup of tea, Michael. You really need to try it in realistic situations.
'Inexpensive' and 'Noct-Nikkor' are two concepts that don't mix well.
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It is not designated for the absolute peak sharpness. Other criteria prevail. Thus maybe, maybe not your cup of tea, Michael. You really need to try it in realistic situations.
'Inexpensive' and 'Noct-Nikkor' are two concepts that don't mix well.
I know. It troubles me that it is not sharp wide-open, which is what I use the most, but it actually looks like it has a nice style of its own.
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I discussed this very lens with my dealer yesterday. We agreed that the rendering is far more important than MTF championship. The transition from sharp (eh...) to washed out background is smoother than most other lenses. Add good colour and appropriate contrast and coma behaviour and you do have a lens with character. Yes, the Sigmas and Zeiss are great but with differenct objectives as it were.
I do think the Noct-Junior is crazy expensive but once the dinero is dropped I am sure the satisfaction in using it outweighs the monetary "loss".
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Very nice image Jacques, really nicely rendered!
The 58 1.4 AFS is really a master at 'painting' the scene vey life like, similar to the 35mm 1.4 AFS btw, also both seems to cope very well with stopping down- I need to try this more with the 58mm so far I have ventured into f/5.6 and all went well.
Food for thought;
Not sharp
Not APO
Not flat field
Not distortion free
But the images can be so crisp and nicely pleasing...
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The shorter the focal length and the more APO, rendering starts taking on a clinical look.
As with lots of things I believe the market for surgical tools is starting to saturate and that artistic needs start peeking through the layer of perfection.
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Very poetic, but nothing new I guess ;)
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Celebrating the struggle women had go through to get the right to vote, I think sharp enough at f3.5 ?
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/642/22745271782_f7ec4fcd4a_h.jpg)
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A quick snapshot to show what Noct-Nikkor can achieve in combination with a PK-12 extension ring. At f/1.2 of course.
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A quick snapshot to show what Noct-Nikkor can achieve in combination with a PK-12 extension ring. At f/1.2 of course.
Nice shot and interesting. I love the dreaminess of the background. Question: If I were to stack the main in-focus bunch of flowers, would there be enough sharpness? I understand that it is NOT sharp wide open, so one might want to shoot at two f/stops, one for background and one for foreground, but combining them would be a mess with PS.
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Difficult to say, Michael. I suggest you get an AFS 58/1.4 loaner or rent one to try out the combination.
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I shot a subject at 1.5 meters with both the AF-S 58mm f/1.4G and the AF-S Micro 60mm f/2.8G. (I only had a few minutes to try the AF-S 60/1.8 Micro)
While shot at f/4, which probably wasn't a choice favouring the 60 Micro, it's still interesting to see how well the 58G does.
1:1 magnification. Nikon D810. (Open the image in a new tab/window to see it full size)
(http://www.martinzimelka.com/sample_images/AFS-58G1_4-vs-60G-Micro.jpg)
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Not bad for the "neo-Noct", but I fear the difference is a little biased as the right-hand side photo clearly isn't focused optimally.
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Both images were live view focused on the tip of the flower. No wind, so that couldn't cause the shift.
The 58 just seems to have more depth than the 60 in this setting, but the focus was as accurate as I could get it. I'll try it again tomorrow with a more controlled set up.
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As a minimum work with a tripod-mounted camera ...
Some lenses do exhibit a focus shift when the aperture is closed down, so for accurate Liveview it's beneficial to set the lens to the intended aperture (at least when you are working in the large to medium apertures, otherwise amplification noise rules out any additional focusing accuracy anyway).
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The first comparison was live view focused at the shooting aperture.
Here is another example.
Live view at recording aperture.
Secure on tripod with mirror lock up and remote release.
(http://www.martinzimelka.com/sample_images/AFS-58G1_4-vs-60G-Micro_002.jpg)
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The neo-Noct is getting better ...
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Remember it is not sharp.... Not 8)
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I'm exceedingly impressed by it. As much as it's not the perfect lens for every situation, it's far better than what reviews have made it out to be.
The only thing it can't do is replace my retro fitted Helios 44M-4 (58mm f/2) :P
The 58G has mild field curvature at infinity, but thats easy to combat with deliberate focus placement. As much as it is sharp for landscapes, it's micro contrast extends well into the far corners, giving it a brilliance and clarity I don't get with my Ais 50/1.2 or AF-D 50/1.8. More noticeable in lower contrast shadow details. This probably has a lot to do with the Nano Coat, right?
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5639/22467522655_7f065175f1_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/AenVJg)
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Interesting comparison of the AFS 58mm vs 60mm micro. In the flower picture, the background bokeh appear similar for both lenses - in "quantity" and smoothness. The picture taken with the 60mm shows stronger green outlining on the white object in the background, which suggests longitudinal CA is less well controlled - the 58mm is better. In the picture of the seeds, the 60mm shot again shows more of a greenish tinge in the shadows between the seeds. In this case the 60mm shot appears to have less DOF - the background seeds are more out of focus than the 58mm shot, hard to say why.
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Merci Jacques pour cette photo from Shropshire forest!
Wonderful example of what you can do with care, imagination and good equipment!
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I have the opportunity to buy a very mint sample for ca. 875 USD. Is this an ok price these days?
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It seems to be the case. The only one I know is proposed at 1100€...
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Sten, that seems rather cheap, about half the new price?
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I have the opportunity to buy a very mint sample for ca. 875 USD. Is this an ok price these days?
Same as I paid for the lens
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Typically...the seller now says he's not selling the lens after all >:(
I am contemplating a 70-200/2.8 or the "Neoct". Leaning towards the latter so the offer was just right. Oh well...the search continues.
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(http://www.martinzimelka.com/sample_images/AFS-58G1_4-vs-60G-Micro_002.jpg)
I see more contrast and details in the 58mm shot and a cooler color rendition. Which WB did you use?
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Both were set to daylight. Settings synced in LR6.
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Interesting comparison of the AFS 58mm vs 60mm micro. In the flower picture, the background bokeh appear similar for both lenses - in "quantity" and smoothness. The picture taken with the 60mm shows stronger green outlining on the white object in the background, which suggests longitudinal CA is less well controlled - the 58mm is better. In the picture of the seeds, the 60mm shot again shows more of a greenish tinge in the shadows between the seeds. In this case the 60mm shot appears to have less DOF - the background seeds are more out of focus than the 58mm shot, hard to say why.
Could the apparent difference in DOF be due to differences in pupillary magnification?
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Could the apparent difference in DOF be due to differences in pupillary magnification?
Could be ... both shots were shot at F/4. The AFS 58mm is a unit-focusing lens, so as you focus close some light is lost due to extension, so the actual aperture may have been smaller that the reported f/4, resulting in greater DOF.
The AFS 60/2.8 on the other hand is a Micro Nikkor - the aperture blades don't close down as much at close range to keep the f/stop constant (except of course if the lens was wide open to begin with - similar to the old compensating Nikkor). So at close range the Micro may have a wider aperture - and shallower DOF - than a non-macro lens, even though the reported f/stop is the same.
However, the AFS 60/2.8 is also an IF lens, so the focal length shortens at close range, which compensates for the light loss due to extension (since there isn't any, or only a limited amount happening internally), so I wouldn't expect the DOF to be much different to the AFS 58 at the same aperture. If anything, I'd expect the angle of view to change more... Also, these effects only become apparent at close range, and the AFS 58 does not focus very close. Even if the picture of the seeds was at the closest limit, I wouldn't expect these factors to be enough to explain the different DOF we are seeing.
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NIKKOR Future Vision - Lens Design Concepts
Here some words from the designer of 58mm 1.4
http://nikkor.com/technology/02.html
Thanks for that link. It is a great read and another perspective on the beauty of capture provided by this lens. D800Dominic
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It's an amazing lens with tremendous optical qualities -- the out of focus areas are beautiful. I switched over to a Sony A7RII and use the lens with an adapter. However, I'm thinking of selling it because it seems such a waste to use only as a manual focus lens on the Sony camera, given how expensive it is.
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An adapter Nikon F to Sony E with AF support is available now!
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Erik, do you have a link?
Happy new year!
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Happy New Year ;)
The name is: Commlite ENF-E Nikon F-mount to Sony E-mount AF adapter
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The name is: Commlite ENF-E Nikon F-mount to Sony E-mount AF adapter
And it ain't working with the 58/1.4G, yet :'(
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57029682 (http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57029682)
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The 58/1.4G is one of the lenses that always sits in my events/portraits bag. I never gained any enthusiasm for 45-50mm lenses as I felt them too wide for portraits, always showing barrel and perspective distortion once I moved in closer to the model's face. The Noct-Nikkor 58/1.2 is one of my alltime favorites and it is nearly welded to my Df.
The 58/1.4G is imho a must for wedding photographers, for situations where you are shooting either one person or a couple and you need sharpness combined with max blur. I really love how it works on portraits of couples, and yes it is tempting to play with the out-of-focus characteristics of this lens. Sharpness wide open is as good/much as you need, very good indeed.
Here's a recent one, very typical situation where I'd use the 58/1.4G
EXIF 58mm 1/200s ISO 2800 with a D4S
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The 58/1.4G is one of the lenses that always sits in my events/portraits bag. I never gained any enthusiasm for 45-50mm lenses as I felt them too wide for portraits, always showing barrel and perspective distortion once I moved in closer to the model's face. The Noct-Nikkor 58/1.2 is one of my alltime favorites and it is nearly welded to my Df.
The 58/1.4G is imho a must for wedding photographers, for situations where you are shooting either one person or a couple and you need sharpness combined with max blur. I really love how it works on portraits of couples, and yes it is tempting to play with the out-of-focus characteristics of this lens. Sharpness wide open is as good/much as you need, very good indeed.
Here's a recent one, very typical situation where I'd use the 58/1.4G
EXIF 58mm 1/200s ISO 2800 with a D4S
Now that's a golden moment Vilhelm!
I agree, since I got the 58/1.4G I haven't touched the other 50's. Its "lack" of over-correction to obtain smooth rendering is more attractive to me than for example Sigma's clinical sharpness.
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Its "lack" of over-correction to obtain smooth rendering is more attractive to me than for example Sigma's clinical sharpness.
My colleague swears by the Sigma 50/1.4 ART. I also cursed it and subsequent copies for the days spent with adjusting its focus... until I finally gave up on the Sigmas. I see plenty of photos from the Sigma 50/1.4 on a weekly basis (as my colleague uses it a lot), but never have found appeal in the Sigma's contrasty look - it just doesn't render OoF nicely and the sharpness is as appealing as ACR's clarity filter - not very appealing in my words. The Sigma is also considerably wider than the 58/1.4, at close to medium distances the Sigma is more a 47mm than 50mm so the perspective didn't appeal either.
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I also cursed it and subsequent copies for the days spent with adjusting its focus... until I finally gave up on the Sigmas.
Hi Vilhelm
My Df can't seem to get really sharp focus with the AF-s 58mm - and I've spent days adjusting focus too! I get -2 with my D800E and -18+ on Df using Reikan focal but still doesn't have the edge sharpness. But the rendering!!!
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(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1521/23710913773_90e8659da3_b.jpg)
Df 58g
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Just found a few with the AFS 58mm/1.4G.
All photos made with the Df, handheld. No postprocessing, just resized
1) f 1.4, 1/80s, ISO 1600
(http://www.pbase.com/andrease/image/153574745/original.jpg)
2) f 1.4, 1/30s, ISO 3200
(http://www.pbase.com/andrease/image/153574747/original.jpg)
3) f 1.6, 1/100s, ISO 400
(http://www.pbase.com/andrease/image/153574754/original.jpg)
4) f 1.4, 1/640s, ISO 3200
(http://www.pbase.com/andrease/image/153614690/original.jpg)
5) f 2.0, 1/25s, ISO 800
(http://www.pbase.com/andrease/image/153614776/original.jpg)
6) f 1.4, 1/60s, ISO 3200
(http://www.pbase.com/andrease/image/153574749/original.jpg)
rgds,
Andy
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Andy,
very nice! I love #2 & #6 the best...
thanks for sharing
Art
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Very nice light in the files!
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IMO the neonoct works for landscaping as well. Here's a near 100% crop shot.
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Great shot, Sten! Love the light and atmosphere.
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Df, 58 1.4G does Street at f1.8. Well, a little more dof would have worked ;) . I only took the 58 1.4, DC105 f2D and 35 f2D on the trip... silly me :(
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Great shot, and the lens choice hardly sounds silly...
DOF is enough for my taste. No doubt the holy cow wants to be in focus ;)
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The 58/1.4G is one of the lenses that always sits in my events/portraits bag. I never gained any enthusiasm for 45-50mm lenses as I felt them too wide for portraits, always showing barrel and perspective distortion once I moved in closer to the model's face. The Noct-Nikkor 58/1.2 is one of my alltime favorites and it is nearly welded to my Df.
The 58/1.4G is imho a must for wedding photographers, for situations where you are shooting either one person or a couple and you need sharpness combined with max blur. I really love how it works on portraits of couples, and yes it is tempting to play with the out-of-focus characteristics of this lens. Sharpness wide open is as good/much as you need, very good indeed.
Here's a recent one, very typical situation where I'd use the 58/1.4G
EXIF 58mm 1/200s ISO 2800 with a D4S
Very convincing. I am really tempted. Although it was not this thread, but the extensive experience with my Ai-S 35/f=1.4 that sold me to the neo-Noct.
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Great shot, and the lens choice hardly sounds silly...
DOF is enough for my taste. No doubt the holy cow wants to be in focus ;)
Airy, the cow is fine as is ;) , it is the right side of the mother's face which is a bit soft :( . I did not use the 35 f2D at all. Used the Batis 25 f2/VM 15 f4.5 on the a7II quite a bit. The 105 f2 was the longest lens I took for either camera. I had both the 70-200 f4vr and 75-150 3.5 E out to choose from but we weighed the hand carry :( . I had the Df/105 f2 in my vest. No one even looked at our hand carry, much less weighing, Sod's law ;)
My son had his EM1 and the 40-150 2.8 and TC. Good thing, on one of our side jaunts, we came across many Indian Antelope and he managed to get good images.
Many thanks for viewing and commenting , the Df remains my favourite camera. this image is mostly the full frame and only some minor PP in CNX2.
Tom
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Thanks for that link. It is a great read and another perspective on the beauty of capture provided by this lens. D800Dominic
These historical essays in One Thousand and One Nights theme make for illuminating reading. Their main scribe is Haruo Sato - one of the optical Maestros at Nikon. And Sato happens to be the principal designer of the 58 f1.4, and, not least, he also designed the De-Focus innovations intrinsic to the prowess of the 105 f2 DC and 135mm f2 DC Nikkors [see dedicated Thread on NikonGear]. Last month I also mentioned the enduring legacy of the Noct-Nikkor in the thread on Old School Nikon Primes, and latterly found some interesting insights into the 58 f1.4. This is in the book 'Eyes of Nikon. Art meets Technology makes History' Published 2014 ISBN 978 4 904959 12 1
This book devotes quite some copy [pp 34-39] to the goals, and not least artistic passion, that motivated the design of the specialist Nikkors to try and accommodate 3 dimensions into 2-d Flat-Land (coopting the term of graphic designer Edward Tufte). Which matters here can be summed up in Sato's words of "an entirely different method of appraisal" of the optical performance of a lens, and beyond just its sharpness at a singular point of focus. This philosophy underlies the quest to refine the prowess of a lens in its defocus envelopes, i.e. bokeh. The 58 f1.4 is not alone in this quest. This philosophy also underlies the 35 f1.4 and reaches its prowess in the Defocus Control Nikkors, which use a patented mechanism that allows one to manipulate spherical aberration. And it just so happens this is US Patent No 5 841 590 to Nikon Corp (filed 27 August 1997, awarded 1998) which spells out the inventor as one Haruo Sato!
It's ironic that the likes of Ken Rockwell rhapsodize about the 105 and 135 DC Nikkors, but dismisses the 58 f1.4 as nothing special and too costly compared to other primes of similar FL. Some of us know better...
So thank you for kindly sharing of images and tests and photographic passions in these fascinating threads on NikonGear about the special lenses. I have come to humbly appreciate that there's so much more to the optical prowess of a lens besides its MTF curves etc :-)
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It's ironic that the likes of Ken Rockwell rhapsodize about the 105 and 135 DC Nikkors, but dismisses the 58 f1.4 as nothing special and too costly compared to other primes of similar FL. Some of us know better...
Ken Rockwell's site can be a good place to get ideas but keep a saltshaker handy and don't ever make a purchase based on his reviews alone.
Dave
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Ken Rockwell's site can be a good place to get ideas but keep a saltshaker handy and don't ever make a purchase based on his reviews alone.
Dave
Yes, Thank You, wise advise, which novices like myself learn given time ..... Additional to NikonGear (and also Nikon), here's a list of www sites I've found useful to compare Nikon glass and cameras:
http://www.photozone.de/all-tests
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/photography.htm
2
http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk [some hints and announcements etc]
http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_surv.html#rating
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html [very useful to trace year from serial#]
https://photographylife.com/lenses/brand/nikon
http://www.nikkor.com/story/
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At my favourite shop in Brussels, one staff who also owned the 58/1.2 showed me test shots made at night with both Noct version. The new one beat the old hands down in terms of contrast, coma, flare. Day pics and conventional tests rarely do justice to night lenses. The old Noct was not a test champion either (except for CA wide open). I hope Erik can share his nightlife experience here.
As many know well, the original Noct Nikkor 58 f1.2 is a legend - cf http://www.nikkor.com/story/0016/
Here are reviews comparing the original and the 58 f1.4 "new Noct"
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-58mm-f1-4g
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-noct-nikkor-58mm-f1-2
and for completion, a review of the 50 f1.2 https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-50mm-f1-2-ai-s
including what's stated to be the first tests of optical performance of the original Noct using Imatest
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Ok, unless someone talks me down from the ledge, I am pulling the trigger on this lens for the Df. It has been calling my name for months/years... Would love to see more images if anyone has some to share!
Rob.
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Do it! :)
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If I may be so bold, here's a comparison I did between the two 58s:
http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,3354.0.html
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I had the luck to find an excellent copy here in Brazil recently, quite cheap, of the 9 blades Noct.
Bought it imediatelly and now have two copies.
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Attempts at streetscapes/landscapes - the NeoNoct is already so good at portraits
Mostly f1.4 and f2
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Aguinaldo, many congrats and at a good price :) A friend just bought the 58 1.4G for $850, as new.
JJ, interesting images. Is that 'The Spaghetti House' part of a chain? There were several of those in London's West End years ago. Great, cheap place for a quick lunch or after work. At night time the 58 stays on the Df and the DC105 f2 works for day time Street portraits.
This is about the first image from the a7II, Leica Summarit-M 75 f2.5 handheld from my jeep
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Aguinaldo, many congrats and at a good price :) A friend just bought the 58 1.4G for $850, as new.
JJ, interesting images. Is that 'The Spaghetti House' part of a chain? There were several of those in London's West End years ago. Great, cheap place for a quick lunch or after work. At night time the 58 stays on the Df and the DC105 f2 works for day time Street portraits.
This is about the first image from the a7II, Leica Summarit-M 75 f2.5 handheld from my jeep
Tom
Nice rendition with the Summarit. I'm slightly annoyed that I didn't grab one when there was a close out at Cathay Photo in Singapore in March for S$1000 new >:( but I didn't think the focal length suited my style even after seeing your street shots with your Voigtlander.
The Spaghetti House is a pasta chain - probably similar to the UK one. The building in that shot in the distance is the Chungking Mansions - cleaned up and lost a lot of its 'charm' that was partly captured in the Wong Kar Wai movie.
JJ
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Hi,
anybody tested a Voigtländer 58 1.4 directly against the new Noct?
Harald
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Hi,
anybody tested a Voigtländer 58 1.4 directly against the new Noct?
Harald
I haven't tested the Voigt and Neo 58 directly but did a Voigt vs. Nikkor 50/1.2 comparison. Based on this I can easily say that the Voigt excel in one, possibly two areas: MF feel and wide open sharpness. It has big time coma disability.
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I agree with "coma disability"; however sharpness at close range is a disaster with the Voigtländer (wide open, that is). It makes nice pictures for sure, but soft ones.
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(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8798/28214738785_f543bcac10_o.jpg)
Df voigtlander 58/1.4
i have both the voigt and the neo noct, i think i prefer the neo noct
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I tested 50 1.2 vs. 58 1.4: I prefer the Nikkor. Have to test the 58mm and think I need to buy it. ;)
Harald
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Df voigtlander 58/1.4
i have both the voigt and the neo noct, i think i prefer the neo noct
So finally you got a Voigt...
It remains one of my favourites, but from 2.8 and preferrably not at close range. Sharpness, low distortion and absence of flare make it a winner then.
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My favorite subject with my favorite lens. ;D
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I just had a chance to test one in a shop. Impressions :
1) very good lens overall (except the so-so build of course)
2) somewhat less LoCA than the 58/1.2, which is to me very important
3) probably quite good wide open, but in the absence of AF fine-tuning, there was significant front-focussing, so I am not quite sure. The 3D subjects, having at least one more or less thin zone in the focus plane, at least suggest this.
This was a daytime test, so not quite to the point.
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Pushing a couple of Neo images in here:
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I have to learn the lens. Currently I do not trust it at 1.4, feel reluctant to use it. Feels pretty good starting from 2.0!
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Depends on the camera on the D3, D800, Df i find no issues at wide open, the dx D500 behaves differently with the 58/1.4g (as a matter of fact with more lenses).
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wonderful images. I might be biased but the lens has its own character.
For my purposes, I fully trust the lens at 1.4. In fact, I prefer to use it at 1.4
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delete
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(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/758/32701206525_2a8195bb49_o.jpg)
D500 wide-open, handheld, autofocus, cropped out of composition considerations.
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Sweet and dreamy, Fons.
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Sweet and dreamy, Fons.
+1
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Thanks Peter, Peter.
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Thank you Fons. I will try on the D3 and D600. On the D500 I see a lot of CA plus a rather soft rendering, so good for portraits and flowers, a lot of correction in post necessary for high contrast subjects or closing the aperture.
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I'm enjoying this lens a lot!
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Paco, I can see that you are enjoying it :)
The second one with the sea in the foreground and the lovely blurry houses in the background are to my liking very much!
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I agree you really did well with the deep blue water image! Enjoy ;)
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NIKKOR Future Vision - Lens Design Concepts
Here some words from the designer of 58mm 1.4
http://nikkor.com/technology/02.html
This story has been taken down, or moved but cannot locate it. Unless Nikon has archived it?
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Paco, the roof image is superb!
I still have my troubles with the lens. Does work satisfactory only on my D500 not on all the others. I may want to see the service again???
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Thanks Frank.
Sorry to hear that. My copy is working wonderfully in the d750 and d500 without any focus compensation. It is an amazing lens with a great focal length -for me- and light, to add convenience. It is almost always in my bag
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Addition to this thread on the New Noct. A recent and enthusiastic review. I enjoyed reading it
https://50lux.com/2018/05/30/the-af-s-nikkor-58mm-f-1-4g-review-a-look-inside-my-photographic-heart/ (https://50lux.com/2018/05/30/the-af-s-nikkor-58mm-f-1-4g-review-a-look-inside-my-photographic-heart/)
Beyond the character of this Nikkor, there's broader context to author's argument that "things that we think of as flaws can have unpredictably wondrous effects on the images a lens produces"
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I pretty much agree with him. I was suppose to record a video of the performances yesterday in Granada but mistake the camera and took the d700 instead with all the movie apparatus. Luckily the 58mm 1.4 was in the bag and in turns out it was all I needed. Wonderful performance with the camera and perfect for the extra low light situation, subject isolation and magic. I´m in love too ;)
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chambesi: thank you for the link. phantastic photos.
the more I practice with the lens, the more i like it. But it is through its special character not easy to learn and esp reliably get the shots the way you imagine.
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Addition to this thread on the New Noct. A recent and enthusiastic review. I enjoyed reading it
https://50lux.com/2018/05/30/the-af-s-nikkor-58mm-f-1-4g-review-a-look-inside-my-photographic-heart/ (https://50lux.com/2018/05/30/the-af-s-nikkor-58mm-f-1-4g-review-a-look-inside-my-photographic-heart/)
Beyond the character of this Nikkor, there's broader context to author's argument that "things that we think of as flaws can have unpredictably wondrous effects on the images a lens produces"
Thank you, Frank, and I finally made it over here. Thanks for the invite as well. 8)
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Thank you, Frank, and I finally made it over here. Thanks for the invite as well. 8)
you are more than welcome in this nice place.
I am sure you can learn and contribute.
There ist so much talent of the most different kind here.
enjoy & indroduce yourself in the "introduce yourself" section.
Welcome again!
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Shot these with the Noct 58/1.2 for reference (Natura 1600) :o :o :o
Despite what mr Sato says about emulating the Nikkor-S 58/1.4 instead of the Noct, he sure made a lens that renders just as unique as the Noct ::)
Still waiting for a nice deal for the 58/1.4G but that day may not come :'(
more here:
https://richardhaw.com/2016/09/25/repair-noct-nikkor-58mm-f1-2-ai-s/
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Following up on Richard's posts in 1001 Nights #69 thread, found this link on the Nikkor Lenses facebook page:
https://www.nikon-image.com/enjoy/life/works/2013/1310/index.html?fbclid=IwAR3mBlHGrZy8WBm-fIpoj4zgKe6rNjtJHq-17-lauBFYOi0R7HbGudAPFSc
This interview was, I recall, posted last year sometime:
https://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/interview/621449.html
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thanks for reviving this old thread. it's probably the best repository of the NOCT and the 58/1.4G on the net :o :o :o
these were taken with the Noct on an F6.
the more I shoot with the NOCT the more I realize how special this thing is. i hope somebody can lend me a 58/1.4G so I can test it on these kinds of situations ::)
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heres another one. ::)
ooops, i just realize that this is a thread for the 58/1.4G and NOT for the Noct :o :o :o
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No problem, beautiful rendering!
This is the 58 1.4 fully open on the Z6. AF spot on and window light.
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No problem, beautiful rendering!
This is the 58 1.4 fully open on the Z6. AF spot on and window light.
love your photos and the Z6 grows on me...
... great tonality!
Did you already try the ÜBERISO???
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Thanks Frank and no, I haven't try it yet. The "normal" is excellent!
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today in my garden:
(the Neo-Noct grew on me over the years ...)
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einfach schön
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Frank, Great photos showing the qualities of this lens. My favourite is the third. Very nice blend of deeply saturated colours, and I like the way phantom leaves emerge from the beautifully dissolved background. Cheers, John
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Thank you, Airy, than you, John
Yes, the dissolving leaves are special also with the 1.8/35G ED
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The 50/1.2 also provides liquefaction, esp. at f/1.2 - f/1.4.
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One resource I watch are the dedicated lens threads on Fredmiranda, especially for key Nikkors. My 58 f1.4G has become 'standard' on the Z7.
This link was recently posted to a collection of wedding photos taken with the Neo-Noct. There's little more to add as these 1600+ images speak for themselves
https://mywed.com/de/analytics/lens-view/?lens=AF-S+Nikkor+58mm+f/1.4G&page=5
This photo caught my eye : https://mywed.com/de/photo/9329872/
Developed in partnership with Nikon, the database encompasses a great deal more in cameras and lenses
stay safe :-)
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How are you all liking the 58 on the FTZ with a Z6/7? I have yet to try that combo but maybe now!
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How are you all liking the 58 on the FTZ with a Z6/7? I have yet to try that combo but maybe now!
Go for it, it is a wonderful experience.
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How are you all liking the 58 on the FTZ with a Z6/7? I have yet to try that combo but maybe now!
As mentioned this prime is really well suited to the Z. There are several benefits, including avoiding AFFT, as this lens can be fickle of focus. The Focus-peaking is a real boon. Despite the FTZ, the combination handles well.
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As mentioned this prime is really well suited to the Z. There are several benefits, including avoiding AFFT, as this lens can be fickle of focus. The Focus-peaking is a real boon. Despite the FTZ, the combination handles well.
IBIS :o :o :o
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I have a mental block with the FTZ in general. Have to get over it!
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IBIS :o :o :o
Yes indeed. my Lapse, How could I forget to laud it ::) ::) I do indeed handhold at 1/60 on Z7, even slower speeds, but this is usually only in rooms under ambient lighting No-Flash. Only 55 of the 1200+ images I've taken wiuth the Neo-Noct were with a D850, all the others Z7. In many cases at high shutterspeeds in order to shoot wide in daylight. A couple of examples:
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58 1.4 via Z6 FTZ.... f1.4, 1/1600... cropped and tweaked in LR.
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Trying it on the D2X. Headshot. Focus was spot on and the handling was a pleasure on the big body
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(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49593478692_71b39e4284_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iypxps)20200227-_D4S1207 crop notext (https://flic.kr/p/2iypxps) by foppa2011 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62383894@N02/), on Flickr
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49390199866_ec2cb372a2_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ifrFG7)20200115-_D3S3495 (https://flic.kr/p/2ifrFG7) by foppa2011 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62383894@N02/), on Flickr
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Is the 58 1.4 noct relevant for the Z-system if you have the 50 1.8s ?
Assuming that you can live with 1.8.
There is a huge price difference and the 50 1.8 seems well corrected at 1.8 …..but how well corrected compared to 58 1.4?
Bokeh is also quite good at 1.8 but how good compared to the 58mm?
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That is completely up to you! They are two completely different lenses with regards to rendering and bokeh.
The 58mm AFS f/1.4 was more or less made with smooth rendering in mind, sharpness is there but not in a Zeiss like manner like the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S
So for DSLR the 58mm AFS f/1.4
For Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S or,,, the Nikon Z Noct! ;)
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I am on Z now and I think I have found out that using Z-lenses are so much more convenient than using FZ adapter and SLR lens. So think it is an easy choice.
The 58/1.4 will probably never be cheap but it never got the hype like the original Noct…..I wonder why…..
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Differences are; That the original Noct is f/1.2 with an aspherical hand ground front lens element and build quality is very high.We have a thread where it is chipped with CPU, there you clearly see how well made it is.The new Noct is another way of designing and engineering a lens altogether, it's from another vintage,,, many years apart - Manual focus!
The new Noct is quite popular among the photographers that can see the amazing tonal transitions and Bokeh and are not looking for sharp corner perfection :o It's plenty sharp for portraits etc. and over all a wonderful lens.
There is not the matter of a choice between theses two lenses, get both ;) they are really different if you look closer!
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Ok.....I have the original noct. Got one when they were sold out by the Nikon importer (DFA her in DK). They were sold out at about $1500 (10.000 DKK) or so at retail. Then I invested in one. It is quite hard to fokus it at 1.2 so have not used it that much. When I used it....it was for night shots at f. 4, f5.6 or so where it has a good performance.
Will see if I can find the thread about chipping the noct.
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I have the 50mm f1.2, and have also the focus problem, but now when using it on my Z6, it is much easier to get sharp images even af f1.4. So try it on your Z50, you may be surprised, and you don’t need the chipping ;)
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There are many threads on the old one ;)
https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=276.0
(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=276.0https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=4410.msg68961#msg68961)https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=4410.msg68961#msg68961 (https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=276.0https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=4410.msg68961#msg68961)
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I bit of a surgery. So that was you!
I have seen that rear element of the noct is so large that the metal/frame around it is very thin. I think it would have been an advantage with a larger mount. The rear element already has a bit of a "cut out" so it can fit. So everything is on its limits.
I have observed with the Z50 that focus a manual lens looks in viewfinder more like it did using old focus screens. When I used noct on D2X I got a split image focus screen installed.
58/1.2 noct on Z50 may be a good fit as corners will probably be better at 1.2
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I'm sure it's fantastic overall portrait city and landscape lens on a crop camera as well. Yes will be nice with focus on the Z50, even better with focus peaking Z& or Z7 of course, but then chipping is needed,,, I got it back in 2010 i believe, shooting it on the D3 and a lot of (IR) on the D200
BTW a selectable Internal CPU in the F to Z adapter has not yet been done I think,,, Birna? Maybe one day
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Yes! ;D
.................................................................
BTW a selectable Internal CPU in the F to Z adapter has not yet been done I think,,, Birna? Maybe one day
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I'm sure it's fantastic overall portrait city and landscape lens on a crop camera as well. Yes will be nice with focus on the Z50, even better with focus peaking Z& or Z7 of course, but then chipping is needed,,, I got it back in 2010 i believe, shooting it on the D3 and a lot of (IR) on the D200
BTW a selectable Internal CPU in the F to Z adapter has not yet been done I think,,, Birna? Maybe one day
Focus peaking works even without CPU, but the "Gren" dot only works with CPU.
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On a Z50?
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On a Z50?
Well I tested on a Z6, but it may be different on the Z50 ???
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OK, just no green dot :o that is right!
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Many lenses, with or without CPU, don't show the "green dot" on Z6/7. Many, but not all of them, do on the Z50.
Apparently lenses with the 'dandelion' chip won't turn on the green dot on any of the Z models.
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The highlight peaking is also available on Z50. I just turned it on. I had no idea that it had something to do with focus. It just thought it would show burned out highlights.
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Can be a useful or perhaps more often just a distracting feature. I have it OFF on all my Z bodies.
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It seems not to be very accurate for 100% critical focus at large apertures. The green square seems more accurate if it could work on lenses without contacts.
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Those are my general objections to the focus peaking feature: not sufficiently accurate, and visually disturbing. As 99% of my lenses do have CPU, there are green dots and squares aplenty. at least with the Z50.
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Those are my general objections to the focus peaking feature: not sufficiently accurate, and visually disturbing. As 99% of my lenses do have CPU, there are green dots and squares aplenty. at least with the Z50.
I find the green dots working great with my AF- lenses, but not so with AI/S lenses.
Would a CPU make my manual lenses work better with the green dots?
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Definitively. You get the "green dot" in the first place :)
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Definitively. You get the "green dot" in the first place :)
Sounds promising, that would really increase my usage. Do you know if Fotocare is doing such «operations»?
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Not any longer. I cannot deliver the parts as my production has ceased. You might look into the 'Dandelion' chip on eBay. However, apparently that chip is not compatible with the "green dot", at least not on my cameras. You do get the other benefits of proper EXIF data, though (unless you have an odd focal length or aperture value not settable by the Dandelion).
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My 58mm 1.4g needs +18 af compensation but then, this happens wide open. Extra low light situation: 1/80 sec; f/1,4; ISO 3200
D5, 58mm 1.4g @f1.4
Prices are not getting much lower with time in the second hand market that I can see. Copies are around 800-900€ here in Spain. I´ll buy another one if I lose mine in a heartbeat.
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Great portrait Paco.
And great lens. What are the advantages/differences if you compare it with the AF-S 50/1.4 ?
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My 58mm 1.4g needs +18 af compensation but then, this happens wide open. Extra low light situation: 1/80 sec; f/1,4; ISO 3200
D5, 58mm 1.4g @f1.4
Prices are not getting much lower with time in the second hand market that I can see. Copies are around 800-900€ here in Spain. I´ll buy another one if I lose mine in a heartbeat.
Very nice shot! a lot of fist but gives the shot character ;)
Re fine tuning of focus, remember that many large aperture lenses, fast lenses, has focus shift as the lens is stopped down.
I have a feeling that Nikon adjust for around f/2 - f/2.8
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Very nice shot! a lot of fist but gives the shot character ;)
Re fine tuning of focus, remember that many large aperture lenses, fast lenses, has focus shift as the lens is stopped down.
I have a feeling that Nikon adjust for around f/2 - f/2.8
Yes this is likely. But the 58/1.4 is advertised for its wide open characteristics:
"High reproduction capability of point light sources even at the maximum aperture
Sharp, high-resolution images can be reproduced even at the maximum aperture"
So how is one to focus it at wide aperture if autofocus doesn't work correctly or if fine tuning it for wide open use result in incorrect focus stopped down? (I'm not saying this is the case. Just thinking about the possibility. I generally pull back a bit to adjust this lens so that the distance to target is about 2.5-3m, as the softness of the lens at close distances can make auto fine tune fail. I've also fine tuned it stopped down a bit, but I don't have a firm recollection of which approach produced the best results.)
I have had a lot of grief with focusing with this lens, but it does have the capability of adorable results. Also stopped down to f/2.8 portrait images can be very beautiful. Nice colour and contrast, in particular, and ability to deal with backlight. However, at wide apertures and near distances it is very soft. This is just the characteristic of the lens and one can cope with it, but I wish it autofocused more consistently.
I nevertheless use the lens, but I've wrong wary of using it wide open as a general purpose fast prime. Portraits? Wonderful results. Documentary photography? Nikon's more recent 105/1.4 and 28/1.4 produce much sharper results wide open, and especially the 28 is very pleasing. The 105 has a bit too much swirly bokeh for my taste. I'd like to have a similarly performing 50mm or 58mm in the F mount as the 28 and (to lesser extent) 105.
I understand that Nikon likely wanted a lens where the in- and out-of-focus areas appear as natural as possible. In more recent lenses (by Nikon and others), it has become common to have the in-focus part really shout at the viewer (SHARP!). But perhaps I would prefer something in-between. Not soft, but not screaming sharp, either. :-) I actually felt the 85mm f/1.4 AF-S has been among the most pleasing of this generation of lenses. The 28mm and 85mm are probably my favorites. The 105/1.4 is nice in that it is so sharp it allows some cropped shots in indoor event photography, it allows freezing a moving subject effectively due to the large aperture and is sharp enough that it can take a crop without problems, and the result can still be excellent. But those swirlies and cat's eyes make my stomach spin. Tradeoffs, tradeoffs...
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I agree on all points.
Just pointing out that one should be aware of the intended aperture setting when fine tuning and choosing a setting for the AF-S G and E f/1.4 lenses.
For lenses with this behavior there is no perfect solution found in the firmware or hardware.
Yes to all your listed lenses and for the same reasons sharpness and what aperture one want's to shoot at therefore I'm not afraid of using older lens designs for instance AF-D lenses like 105mm f/2.0 DC or 50mm AF-D f/1.4 but also old AFS designs like the 80-200mm ED AF-S f/2.8 is a remarkable well polished performer in all aspects where you really can fine tune sharpness with the chosen aperture and no big focal length or focus breathing issues.
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Yes, it is a magnificent lens.
Here on the Z7
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Yes, it is a magnificent lens.
Here on the Z7
Yes a fine lens with subtle character
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How would the 50/1.8 Z-lens compare at 1.8?
This lens seems to be a "poor-mans noct nikkor"?
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How would the 50/1.8 Z-lens compare at 1.8?
This lens seems to be a "poor-mans noct nikkor"?
The 50mm f/1.8 Z-lens is very gery different to the Nikkor 58mm AF-S f/1.4
The 50mm f/1.8 Z is sharp and APO corrected to a much higher level on a Z7 it's just super sharp and contrasty
The 58mm AF-S f/1.4 is well rounded, painting and pleasing and smooth Bokeh
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Interesting......could be fun to see the two compared on a Z6 or Z7 both at 1.8 and maybe also the 58 at 1.4 to see what the noct was made for....
The images I have seen with 50/1.8 Z.....also shows very nice bokeh.....
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I actually regret selling my Neo. Got the 50/1.8S but don’t use it that much. Have been playng with the idea to swap it out for a Neo.
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The problem is the price difference between the two?
I was happy when I realized the performance of the 50/1.8 and then realized the price. Then I got one.....even that I have a Z50 in the moment but expect to get a FX in the future.
So why not keep the 50/1.8 as you won't get much "noct" in exchange?
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Can get a mint Neo for the equivalent of 850 USD.
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That is cheap......my guess would have been close to double up.......
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Can get a mint Neo for the equivalent of 850 USD.
An offer you can't refuse ;)
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Impressive results in the evening/night
Close to a new Hotel-Restaurant and the Lochal Library. Very little visitors due to the lockdown
Nikon D4s
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Impressive results in the evening/night
Close to a new Hotel-Restaurant and the Lochal Library. Very little visitors due to the lockdown
Nikon D4s
The situation is sad, but the light and the rendition are beautiful.
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Precisely...
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The 50mm f/1.8 Z-lens is very gery different to the Nikkor 58mm AF-S f/1.4
The 50mm f/1.8 Z is sharp and APO corrected to a much higher level on a Z7 it's just super sharp and contrasty
The 58mm AF-S f/1.4 is well rounded, painting and pleasing and smooth Bokeh
Great portrait Paco.
And great lens. What are the advantages/differences if you compare it with the AF-S 50/1.4 ?
Even if talking about the Z incarnation, Erik summarize it nicely. The AF-S 50/1.4 was a lens I used a lot...until i got the 58mm. The 50mm works very well, it is affordable, small, and has produce a few successful images for me. Works well with the Z bodies. What more can you ask for? But with the 58 is a love affair. It is almost always in my bag, even if I don´t plan on using it :) The images it produces are just gorgeous. I love it specially with little kids. There is just the right amount of softness and detail, it is delicate. Stop it to f2 of f2.8 and it works also for portraits; up to f4 for street photography. Those are my main uses. It is also at hand when I look for something special in a show or a rehearsal. Video? no problem. It has a very, very nice rendering around f2-f2.8. I just shot a little sequence like that and I´m very pleased. Out of all my gear, Olga likes 58mm the most (also the rodenstocks, go figure). She likes to borrow "the light one", as she calls it. Here a link for one video shoot with the 58mm, very much open: https://youtu.be/ItepFdMX00w and a couple of older photos, printed and published, both with natural unmodified light, taken with the 50mm af-s, to compensate :)
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Thanks Akira and Airy.
And thank you for your explanation Paco. Very nice results with the video !
I understand completely, since I have the 58/1.4, a few days ago, it's a kind of magic.
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Yes, you do!
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I would say that the two AFS 50/1.4 images are quite good.........I wonder what the 58/1.4 could have done better......especially with a white bagground?
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Here it is USD 2000 as new......
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Wonderful images John and Paco, i havent been using this one 58 that much, so busy with other matters lately ;)
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.....but why did Nikon make it so big so it uses 72mm filter?
When I look at the diamater of the lens elements it could have been in about same "housing" as the AFS 50/1.4 with 58mm filter thread?
Then it would be cheaper also......
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I found this one at German ebay advertised as "mint" at 900 Euros.....but look at the inner barrel....seems like some tiny bit of plastic is broken off?
How can this happen.....and this it not mint?
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.....but why did Nikon make it so big so it uses 72mm filter?
When I look at the diamater of the lens elements it could have been in about same "housing" as the AFS 50/1.4 with 58mm filter thread?
Then it would be cheaper also......
The F/1.4 AF-S Series of lenses has the AFS motor and gearbox located on the side, they are not ring motor designs, so either a hump on the side or large diameter mostly hollow
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I found this one at German ebay advertised as "mint" at 900 Euros.....but look at the inner barrel....seems like some tiny bit of plastic is broken off?
How can this happen.....and this it not mint?
Looks like a non Nikon lens cap was used and caught the thin front plastic bezel. Not mint. Very common on some lens designs unfortunately.
The lens was designed for portraiture and the like, it has a lot of field curvature up close,,,
So, conclusion is, no lens does all,,,
I have currently also the AF-D 50mm f/1.4 Made in Japan version that I like a lot, compact and much faster AF ;)
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Ok....the much plastic on the 58/1.4 AFS will probably still make the old 1.2 Noct the true classic :-)
I also noticed that the Sigma 50/1.4 Art lens.....which probably serve same purpose as 58/1.4.....are sold at about 500 euros used at ebay with Nikon F mount.
This could also be an option.....but as there are so many for sale could indicate that the lens has a problem....
For now I will live with the old 1.2 noct and the AFD 85/1.4 as "soft bokeh" fast lenses.....and the old 85/1.8 H-C is also quite good.
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i had the ART several years ago. its good as a general use lens for its fast AF but the bokeh quality is not nice, too many onions :o :o :o
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Cat portrait - close focus f/1.4 on the D4s
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Spring in the Park
On the Nikon Z7
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It very good to see this Thread kept alive. It is one of the best resources on the Neo-Noct (and Noct), as Richard Haw noted some years back here, but do check out the dedicated thread on FredMiranda. Think this review is included in the listed 'Neo-Noct Bibliography' on pg 7 above, but it's always stimulating to revisit.
https://50lux.com/2018/05/30/the-af-s-nikkor-58mm-f-1-4g-review-a-look-inside-my-photographic-heart/
I tend to have the 58 f1.4G on the D780, as its Z6 sensor works so well in Liveview. Although there are decided advantages of the EVF of a Zed with focus-peaking etc.
As for bokeh, you may be interested in these lab comparisons were reported by Marianne Oelund some years ago in a dpr thread discussing bokeh with Nikkor lenses, but the key images have since vanished from the original. I saved it for reference https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4031515?page=2#forum-post-58096324
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As for bokeh, you may be interested in these lab comparisons were reported by Marianne Oelund some years ago in a dpr thread discussing bokeh with Nikkor lenses, but the key images have since vanished from the original. I saved it for reference https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4031515?page=2#forum-post-58096324
Interesting results. I have noticed a trend towards smooth out of focus areas behind the subject but less so in front of it in newer Nikkors. I am not sure that this is a good trend as sometimes one needs to shoot through the bushes or introduce out-of-focus foreground elements into the composition.
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Interesting results. I have noticed a trend towards smooth out of focus areas behind the subject but less so in front of it in newer Nikkors. I am not sure that this is a good trend as sometimes one needs to shoot through the bushes or introduce out-of-focus foreground elements into the composition.
This is good point, which I'm most familiar with some of the telephotos if one drills through intervening vegetation to (try and) focus on the subject's eye. Perhaps one they might be a longer telephoto with a Defocus Control ring to tighten up the blur (?) even if the lens in wide open or stopped down only a bit
EDIT: the interview with the designers who compare the Neo-Noct to its well known siblings. Again these links are in this thread or another here:
https://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/interview/621449.html
https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fdc.watch.impress.co.jp%2Fdocs%2Fnews%2Finterview%2F20131108_621449.html
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Thanks for the info chambeshi.
It is possible to shoot through the foreground vegetation. Posted earlier in March 2021
(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=9880.0;attach=48569;image)
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Yes !
Very nice shot, thank you
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The appeal and wearing characteristics of the older metal&glass Nikkors is legendary with their solid haptics and robustness. However there was discussion on this years back where the experienced photographers pointed out polycarbonate tends to absorb sudden shocks and impacts better than aluminum. I say this because 3 years ago I eventually found a Used 58 f1.4G in one of the surviving small camera shops near the British Museum in London. The owner explained he was only selling it to afford a new camera as he had dropped his D810 which was a write off, and this had been the lens he always used on the camera. And he assured me the lens was fine etc etc! I tested the lens as best I could in the circumstances and all seemed well.
To afford the unplanned purchase, the owner accepted a deposit but I only received the lens some months later - and on another continent. It was a shock to learn the bottom of the outer shell had a ~1'" hairline crack extending toward the mount from the inner edge of the focusing ring, so the 2 pieces flexed apart. The crack bisests the label 'Nano Crystal...'. So yes a hard lesson, as I should have scrutinized the carapace of this lens more carefully but was more concerned about dust/fungi and if the AF worked etc.
This damage also suggests the NeoNoct was more than an intimate witness of the camera's death.... A check on the www for a cross section of the Neo-Noct revealed the damage probably did not extend / had not been transmitted too deeply to dislodge the glass elements etc. I repaired the crack with industrial Epoxy. This sealed the opening and has halt the crack from spreading with use. All's been well since. It suggests polycarbonate has its positives but a sharp bash to the rim of a plastic lens often shears off the filter housing along the threads. In contrast, a metal filter housing tends to dent or bend inwards, which, if not too severe, can be repaired by skilled hands.
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Thanks for the info chambeshi.
It is possible to shoot through the foreground vegetation. Posted earlier in March 2021
Yes,,, and in the middle top of the image the pronounced edge brightness of the out of focus highlights shown quite clearly.
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It very good to see this Thread kept alive. It is one of the best resources on the Neo-Noct (and Noct), as Richard Haw noted some years back here, but do check out the dedicated thread on FredMiranda. Think this review is included in the listed 'Neo-Noct Bibliography' on pg 7 above, but it's always stimulating to revisit.
https://50lux.com/2018/05/30/the-af-s-nikkor-58mm-f-1-4g-review-a-look-inside-my-photographic-heart/ (https://50lux.com/2018/05/30/the-af-s-nikkor-58mm-f-1-4g-review-a-look-inside-my-photographic-heart/)
I tend to have the 58 f1.4G on the D780, as its Z6 sensor works so well in Liveview. Although there are decided advantages of the EVF of a Zed with focus-peaking etc.
As for bokeh, you may be interested in these lab comparisons were reported by Marianne Oelund some years ago in a dpr thread discussing bokeh with Nikkor lenses, but the key images have since vanished from the original. I saved it for reference https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4031515?page=2#forum-post-58096324 (https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4031515?page=2#forum-post-58096324)
THX, I remember these from Marianne.
I always felt that they seem to be showing an IMHO attenuated version of usual out of focus highlights. But interesting findings, I recall it was a very long thread ;)
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I got this lens last year when I saw a mint one drop at auction for $800... When it arrived, it had an FTZ mount attached.... but I don't have any Z gear yet. I'm waiting for the Z9 to arrive.
But I digress.
The 58 1.4G is a stunning lens. It's a lot sharper than many online reviewers seem to make it out to be, even at 1.4G it can deliver the goods with incredible bokeh and fantastic performance at 60cm.
It's not macro by a long shot, but it does render beautifully creamy images with sharpness that matches the 16MP sensors in the D4, Df. (Shochu bottle shot)
Just for fun I tried it on my "new" V2 with an FT1 adapter.
It works as an interesting mid telephoto (about 150mm equiv). (Street shot).
I hope I'm not breaking any forum regulations, I think I have posted the street shot somewhere on these forums before...
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You got a 58mm 1.4g and a ftz for 800 dollars? :o
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I guess, I live in Tokyo, I think the exchange rate to US is between 105 and 110 yen per US$...
Yes... 95,000 yen... Well, I guess $850... but that includes 10% sales tax here in Japan.
Yeah, I was really surprised that the lens had an FTZ attached to it... With a modern style lens cap on the bayonet.
When I contacted the seller it was clear they apparently didn't intend to sell it to me, because when I mentioned it they just replied, "kekkou desu" which means, "c'est la vie"... or "oh well" or just "no worries." basically resignation.
They just said that they had a seller come into their shop saying they were moving away from Nikon to medium format, so were selling everything.. probably got a whole bunch of nearly new stuff super cheap.
shrug.
I guess the shop just didn't detach the lens at the correct place. LOL.
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i almost bought one of these but when i saw how the asph elements render out onion rings i skipped :o :o :o
more reason to love the original noct (hand-ground) ::)
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Church entrance.
D4S at f/1.4
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Church entrance.
D4S at f/1.4
That’s lovely. Was there much post processing?
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Thanks.
Very limited. The files from the 58g and D4S are so good. There is a small adaption on the frame and also a small curve and highlight correction. (Profiles stuff is disabled)