Author Topic: Is the Neo-Noct a sharp lens? Discussing the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4  (Read 11995 times)

Ilkka Nissilä

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Re: Is the Neo-Noct a sharp lens? Discussing the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4
« Reply #15 on: September 12, 2017, 12:58:59 »
My experience with the 58/1.4G is that it is quite sharp at mid to long distances even wide open, but in the near distances (say less than 2-3m) it does get softer at f/1.4, and some stopping down in the near range may be used to alleviate the situation. This is what I would recommend.

Although the D5 autofocuses the f/1.4 AF-S lenses generally excellently I do find that with the 58mm in the near distance range (close to minimum focus distance) at f/1.4 the focus isn't very consistent from shot to shot. At a distance of a few meters, no problems.

I think Nikon designed this lens to have some classical portrait lens characteristics especially since some users used the Noct 58/1.2 on DX as a portrait lens, so out of focus rendering is emphasized and sharpness not as much, when using it in the near distance range. And then it turns into a night light lens towards longer distances.

What I love about the 58/1.4 is the beautiful colour rendering and behavior in backlight which is consistent with the others in the nano coated f/1.4 series.  It does have bit of tendency for cat's eyes as does the 105/1.4.

If you want to shoot sports (e.g. vaulting) with the 58/1.4 then I think it would work ok as the horse is quite big and we're clearly outside of the near distance zone of this lens. However, with these lenses you aren't going to get quite as fast focusing as you would (say) with a 24-70/2.8E. If the vaulting is indoors then the low light can also contribute to some focusing errors but the D850 should be as good as any in that respect. If it looks like it's needed, don't be afraid to stop down to f/2 or f/2.8; it's not like the "look" completely disappears. I quite like the 58/1.4G at f/2.8 by the way. You could also compare to 60 AF-S Micro to see how they compare at f/2.8; the 58 has less vignetting at f/2.8 but both have nice looks to the image.

Focus technique is an important topic for any sports photography situation, but especially if you're shooting at f/1.4. My favorite AF area mode is the 9-point dynamic in the D5; on the other hand if you have low light, and don't mind the larger area, group area may perform better but if you are shooting a horizontal image of the horse, then you may not be able to move the group high enough for the rider's head. In the vertical orientation this is easily done with group area. With dynamic area one can move the primary point to the edge or even corner of the focus sensor. However, dynamic area requires a certain amount of precision in using it as the camera basically assumes that you're pointing the primary point always on the subject and only assists briefly with the other points if there is nothing to focus on under the primary point. But if you keep this in mind dynamic area can work really well, especially the smallest one (9-point). Perhaps I would try 9- or 25-point for horizontal shots with a rider and group area for vertical shots.

Do remember that you don't have to shoot at f/1.4 even if you can:D You might find that there is an intermediate setting which gives the best look to an image. (I tend to shoot way too much myself with 1.4 lenses wide open and seem to have forgotten that excellent results can be obtained also at f/2.8.)

Frank Fremerey

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Re: Is the Neo-Noct a sharp lens? Discussing the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4
« Reply #16 on: September 12, 2017, 18:40:35 »
Thank you Ilkka. Very helpful post. I conclude that a shorter focal length with the D500 might be the better choice in the rider head example because of the near full coverage of the picture area with AF points.

I will also try the 9 point that the D850 inherited from the D5. Thank you again
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Danulon

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Re: Is the Neo-Noct a sharp lens? Discussing the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4
« Reply #17 on: September 12, 2017, 20:54:49 »
It is a bit like comparing apples and oranges, but recently I tried to compare sharpness of my new 28 mm 1.4E to the 58 mm 1.4G.

In short the 58 mm doesn't compare very favourably regarding sharpness. It renders out of focus areas very nicely, though.
Just comparing the "abbreviation goobledygook" printed on the lens as well as size, diameter, and weight, you instantly feel that Nikon went an extra mile for the more recent 1.4E lens designs.

My guess is that it won't take long until Nikon will announce a new 50 mm 1.4E - similar price class as the 28 mm E and 105 mm E, probably a similar size/ weight class, too.

Hopefully able to provide some sample photos soon.

Cheers,
Günther
Guenther Something

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Re: Is the Neo-Noct a sharp lens? Discussing the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4
« Reply #18 on: September 12, 2017, 21:09:40 »
It is a bit like comparing apples and oranges, but recently I tried to compare sharpness of my new 28 mm 1.4E to the 58 mm 1.4G.

In short the 58 mm doesn't compare very favourably regarding sharpness. It renders out of focus areas very nicely, though.

Per this discussion, at what distance(s) did you compare these two?
Just wondering...
Keith B., Santa Monica, CA, USA

Danulon

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Re: Is the Neo-Noct a sharp lens? Discussing the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4
« Reply #19 on: September 12, 2017, 21:32:03 »
Per this discussion, at what distance(s) did you compare these two?
Just wondering...

City landscapes.

Distance: ca. 50m to several kilometres.
Guenther Something

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Re: Is the Neo-Noct a sharp lens? Discussing the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4
« Reply #20 on: September 13, 2017, 06:42:30 »
In theory, your test distances should be a 'best case scenario' for a lens calculated for large distance.
Is it possible that the lens is calculated for an intermediate distance such 3 meters, and that it's performance falls away at both infinity and close range? I think it's possible considering the lens has been reported here to use unit focusing.
Keith B., Santa Monica, CA, USA

F2F3F6

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Re: Is the Neo-Noct a sharp lens? Discussing the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4
« Reply #21 on: September 13, 2017, 14:49:33 »
Before, in analogic days, it seems that most lenses were optimally corrected for 1:20 to 1:40 reproduction ratio, i.e. for 20 to 40 times the focal distance. It was a good compromise for a good rendition from infinity to 10 times focal lenght.

Micro-Nikkors and other macro lenses were generally corrected for an optimum rendition at 1:10 to 1:5 (depends on makers)... So better corrected for close-ups and macro.

With CRC, Nikon began (since 1967) to correct for long and short distances...With aspheric lenses and ED more correction / progress came along.

But what is today's standard ? Is there a rule for lenses' optimum focus distance and correction ?

Or is this a well kept secret ? Is a "portrait lens" like 1,4/85 or 1,4/105 better corrected for close-ups than other lenses or is it like before optimally corrected for 1:20 or 1:40 i.e. 2m-4m distance ?

Thanks for your precious knowledge !

Frank Fremerey

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Re: Is the Neo-Noct a sharp lens? Discussing the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4
« Reply #22 on: September 13, 2017, 16:29:58 »
I tried portrait distance and got -2 in the first run. They say you should repeat the process to check for accuracy.

-2 appears to be within the margin of error.
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golunvolo

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Re: Is the Neo-Noct a sharp lens? Discussing the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4
« Reply #23 on: September 13, 2017, 17:07:08 »
I didn´t have to adjust mine with the d750

PEL

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Re: Is the Neo-Noct a sharp lens? Discussing the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4
« Reply #24 on: September 25, 2017, 21:11:17 »
Keep in mind, sharpness is a subjective value. Resolution is what most people are talking about here... The 105/1.4 and 28/1.4 has more resolution wide open. All these lenses have beautiful bookeh, but the 58G wins. Good and natural transitions make this lens a winner, and if you nail the focus the pictures will look as sharp as anything! A color rendition better than any Nikkor I have used. Compared to the 50/1.4G the 58 has more resolution, lets say just enough. For me the 50mm detoriates from f/2 to f/1.4 with a busy bookeh and the resolution at f/1.4 is just on the wrong side. It has been said before, if you understand what this lens is about... The new 105 and 28 did not make me as excited as the 58 when I got them. Though in my mind together they make the holy trinity!

RobOK

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Re: Is the Neo-Noct a sharp lens? Discussing the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4
« Reply #25 on: September 25, 2017, 23:30:22 »
Here's a fun, colorful one of my daughter, love the color but I don't worry too much about sharpness!


Frank Fremerey

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Re: Is the Neo-Noct a sharp lens? Discussing the AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4
« Reply #26 on: September 26, 2017, 11:02:26 »
The holy trinity? Wow. I never liked 28mm on film or full frame. On DX it is a very useful angle of view for me, as normal lens as it can get.

Similar thoughts on the 58mm. Being a perfect portrait lens on DX it is a very short tele on FX. I am used to that angle because I have used 60 Micro lenses a lot on my D3.

I want to love the 58 but I am still unsure if I will love it.

I do speak the 85 fluidly on FX/DX, same for 24, 35, 50, 105, 300.

58mm seems either to short or too long on FX. I still cannot previsualise and only see the picture when looking through the viewfinder. Too bad. So I often go on training sessions, only take the 58 and the 850 to force myself into making something of that "dream combination" ... Either I learn to make it sing or I will use the 58 as "DX only".
You are out there. You and your camera. You can shoot or not shoot as you please. Discover the world, Your world. Show it to us. Or we might never see it.

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Danulon

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The holy trinity? Wow. I never liked 28mm on film or full frame. On DX it is a very useful angle of view for me, as normal lens as it can get.

Similar thoughts on the 58mm. Being a perfect portrait lens on DX it is a very short tele on FX. I am used to that angle because I have used 60 Micro lenses a lot on my D3.

I want to love the 58 but I am still unsure if I will love it.

I do speak the 85 fluidly on FX/DX, same for 24, 35, 50, 105, 300.

58mm seems either to short or too long on FX. I still cannot previsualise and only see the picture when looking through the viewfinder. Too bad. So I often go on training sessions, only take the 58 and the 850 to force myself into making something of that "dream combination" ... Either I learn to make it sing or I will use the 58 as "DX only".

It's a habit: I come from classical 28/ 50/ 135 mm lens kits (Kodak Retina Reflex II from the 60s).
I also tried 35/ 85 mm and realized that I needed another shorter lens for landscapes.
So at least for me 28 mm is the optimal compromise between 35 mm and wider landscape photos: most often 28 mm suffices.

I never felt much love for 50 mm in the past. But in the meantime I realized that 50 mm really is the most universal focal length (again: for me!). It corresponds quite closely to the human eye angle of view. It's well suited for portrait work from a short/ medium distance.

I am happy with my 28/ 58 mm combination which is actually pretty close to my combination used around Killin (25/ 50 mm).
I am rather unsure whether I'd really make use of a tele lens like the 85mm or 105 mm, though... again a matter of habits... ;-)

Cheers,
Günther
Guenther Something

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It's a habit: I come from classical 28/ 50/ 135 mm lens kits (Kodak Retina Reflex II from the 60s).
I also tried 35/ 85 mm and realized that I needed another shorter lens for landscapes.
So at least for me 28 mm is the optimal compromise between 35 mm and wider landscape photos: most often 28 mm suffices.

I never felt much love for 50 mm in the past. But in the meantime I realized that 50 mm really is the most universal focal length (again: for me!). It corresponds quite closely to the human eye angle of view. It's well suited for portrait work from a short/ medium distance.

I am happy with my 28/ 58 mm combination which is actually pretty close to my combination used around Killin (25/ 50 mm).
I am rather unsure whether I'd really make use of a tele lens like the 85mm or 105 mm, though... again a matter of habits... ;-)

Cheers,
Günther

+1

I enjoy the 28/58 combo as well, and remain uncertain about short tele.  I had the 85 1.8G which is wonderful, but sold it because I was just using the 58.  Recently purchased a 105mm f/2.5 Ai (mostly because of reading discussions on this web site!  It's all NikonGear's fault!)...so...I guess I'll see what happens, but at least the price was right.  I agree with you about a matter of habits, we all see differently with our lenses.  And well, thank goodness for that because what would we have to argue about otherwise?    ;)

OCD

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Under the category of FWIW:  I find the 58mm to be two lenses.  A unique rendering from 1.4 to about 4.  And stopped down 5.6 and beyond it sharpens up like a regular 50.  That's my take on it though.  Are your experiences similar?