NikonGear'23
Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: aerobat on March 04, 2026, 21:38:01
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Interestingly I dumped all my F mount lenses at the Z transition just to later re-buy the AF-S 58mm f/1.4 and the AF-S 300mm PF.
Now I think the 28mm f/1.4 would build a phantastic combo with the AF-S 58mm f/1.4.
After exchanging with Paco we decided a thread to discuss this very lens could push me over the fence (which isn't that high with the current USD 600.- rebate B&H are offering ;D)
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I use the 28/1.4 E on the Z camera's (and my F camera's) Great lens. Recently I got 24/1.4 G and I like it's output more, because it comes close with the 58/1.4 rendering. The 28/1.4 E is on the clinical side, too perfect, too sharp.
I also prefer the G lens because I can use it on older camera body's which is not really possible with the E lenses.
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Many thanks John for your experience with the 24mm and 28mm. The rendering is a very good point which I'll need to compare to the AF-S 58mm f/1.4.
As I already have the Z 24mm f/1.8 I tend to lean towards a 28mm though.
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Here too, I only kept a few F lenses (E: 8-15, 28, 105, and 300) as well as 58/1.4G, 24/1.4G, 200/2G VRII and 24/3.5D PC once transitioning to Z Series.
I love the 28E even more on the Z cameras, cleaner than the AF-S G versions - but still more character than the Z lenses. Not as sterile as the Z 35mm/1.2 but fairly similar rendering if you need to go wider.
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I have yet to ever use the AF-S 28/1.4E, either on D or Z. I've always wanted one, but been hesitant to acquire more F mount lenses, especially large ones. I can recommend the new Voigtlander 28/2 Apo Lanthar if a small but high-performing manual focus 28mm is needed. Also, if you really want character, the first iteration of the 28mm f/3.5 in F, K or Ai versions (with FTZ) is very nice AND small AND lightweight.
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Many thanks Keith, did you compare the Voigtländers 28mm f/2.0 APO Lanthar to the 28mm f/1.5 Nokton?
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I use the 28mm f/1.4E on the D850 mainly, its awkward by size on the Z camera.
I am also interested in the Voigtländer 28mm f/2 apo, the 28/1.5 seem to be prone to misalignment from what i read in reviews
There is also a zf 28mm f/2 as an option and of course the z28mm f/2.8!
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Many thanks Fons,
What is the zf 28mm f/2.0 - Zeiss? The Voigtländers appeal to me for IQ, sunstars, size and feel. But in this case I tend to prefer an AF lens as the 28mm / 58mm combo shall also serve as event lenses with two bodies Z8 / Z5ii.
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Daniel, would you also add the F-mount 105mm f/1.4E to the list, as a longer complement to the 58mm f/1.4?
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Many thanks Fons,
What is the zf 28mm f/2.0 - Zeiss? The Voigtländers appeal to me for IQ, sunstars, size and feel. But in this case I tend to prefer an AF lens as the 28mm / 58mm combo shall also serve as event lenses with two bodies Z8 / Z5ii.
If you want autofocus there is afs 28mm f/1.8g probably cheap to be had!
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-28mm-f1-8g (https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-28mm-f1-8g)
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-nikon-af-s-28mm-1-8g/ (https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-nikon-af-s-28mm-1-8g/)
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Interestingly I dumped all my F mount lenses at the Z transition just to later re-buy the AF-S 58mm f/1.4 and the AF-S 300mm PF.
Now I think the 28mm f/1.4 would build a phantastic combo with the AF-S 58mm f/1.4.
After exchanging with Paco we decided a thread to discuss this very lens could push me over the fence (which isn't that high with the current USD 600.- rebate B&H are offering ;D )
I support the idea of getting the 1.4/24G instead of the 1.4/28G. I feel the color fidelity and geometrical correction quality are superior
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Daniel, would you also add the F-mount 105mm f/1.4E to the list, as a longer complement to the 58mm f/1.4?
Hi Hugh,
Many years ago I used the 35/85 combo to cover events but indoors 85mm proved to be long at times. So I discovered the 58mm which isolates the subjects perfectlyfor its focal length. And then the 28mm being about 1/2 of the 58mm makes sense. The 105mm is to long for this specific use.
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I use the 28mm f/1.4E on the D850 mainly, its awkward by size on the Z camera.
I am also interested in the Voigtländer 28mm f/2 apo, the 28/1.5 seem to be prone to misalignment from what i read in reviews
There is also a zf 28mm f/2 as an option and of course the z28mm f/2.8!
Fons Fons Fons! I didn‘t know the Voigt 28 apo existed and foolishly visited the local dealer …
Z5ii & Voigt 28 APO at f/2.0 and min distance
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Nice but there are clearly some LOCA (bluish/greenish). So calling it an APO?
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I sat in the shaking train when taking this photo - so it wasn't exactly sharp and the watch also reflected my green jacket.
Here's another shot at home with the same setting but stable on the table. I'm impressed by the good contrasty files it produces.
Will test it more in street shooting tomorrow.
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I asked my dealer why people are paying EUR 1'000.- for some starbursts - I just love it :-*
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Now the Z 24mm f/1.8 S also at f/8.0 to compare - the starbursts are less likable to me.
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BTW the dealer just got two used but beautiful AF-S lenses in which I tested: AF-S 35mm f/1.4 and AF-S 105 f/1.4 E.
Both were really front heavy with the FTZ so I gave it a pass. That would have also applied to the AF-S 28mm f/1.4 E.
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Ok, this looks better.
To provoke LOCA an image "unparallelly" to the watch could be interesting.
The lens has a lot of "exotic" glass:
https://www.voigtlaender.de/lenses/e-mount/28-mm-1-2-apo-lanthar-e/?lang=en (https://www.voigtlaender.de/lenses/e-mount/28-mm-1-2-apo-lanthar-e/?lang=en)
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Many thanks Keith, did you compare the Voigtländers 28mm f/2.0 APO Lanthar to the 28mm f/1.5 Nokton?
I bought a Z Nokton 28/1.5 when it ws released early in 2025. Testing it on a Z8, I got ghastly magenta axial chromatic aberration on white objects at infinity distance until between f/5.6 and f/8. Needless to say, I returned it. I recently got a copy of the Z 28/2 Apo Lanthar and it's good. Really good. My copy appears to have an extremely slight tilt or decentering (at the absolute limit of my technical ability to detect), and is still the highest performing 28mm I've used on Z. It's also smaller than anything on an FTZ adapter. My previous "good" 28mm, the Zeiss ZF 28/2, is a sad cousin in terms of imaging performance though I'll probably keep it for sentimental value.
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Ok, this looks better.
To provoke LOCA an image "unparallelly" to the watch could be interesting.
The lens has a lot of "exotic" glass:
https://www.voigtlaender.de/lenses/e-mount/28-mm-1-2-apo-lanthar-e/?lang=en (https://www.voigtlaender.de/lenses/e-mount/28-mm-1-2-apo-lanthar-e/?lang=en)
I tried another shot unparallel - can't see any LoCa and also no LoCo ... ;)
So far I really like the results and will post more real life photos.
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my new tiny travel kit with Z5ii, AF-S 58mm f/1.4 and Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 APO Lanthar.
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I for one fell in love with that lens and I continue to be :) The results I've got from this with the D5 are nothing short of spectacular at any settings. With the extra resolution of the Z9 I find it changes the character but again, so do many lenses with the af accuracy and resolution of that camera. Yet, I use this combo more often than I did the former.
Talking about the 28 1.4e, 58 1.4g and 105 1.4...a dream combo. Yesterday I was using the 105 during rehearsal and it has the same magic as always.
Here, the 28 fully open
(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=10891.0;attach=60940;image)
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Very nice Paco!
Here's one at f/5.6 - Z5ii & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0
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Very nice Paco!
Here's one at f/5.6 - Z5ii & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0
Reminds me of the Voigtländer 35mm f/2 apo possibly even a tad sharper.
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Daniel, your experiences with the lens gives me a strong attack of GAS :) :)
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Congratulations on the new lens, Daniel. Those sunstars are lovely.
I was already avoiding my favourite dealer. Now I must be even more resolute :)
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Many thanks Fons and Ian. At 28mm I don‘t mind MF. Actually for street it may be best to just use zone focussing and fire away.
https://youtu.be/m-hc5tdOaTM?is=Pbm5XUmjC_oAgSHF
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Very nice Paco!
Here's one at f/5.6 - Z5ii & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0
Happy, when you are happy, Daniel!!!
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Habby, when you are happy, Daniel!!!
Thanks Frank, I'm also looking at a nice AF-S 24mm f/1.4 as you suggested to have similar rendering to the AF-S 58mm f/1.4
Always happy to get you guys advice.
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Very nice rendering Daniel :)
I can’t see any distortion that’s impressive, used to the snappy camera phones I almost forgot a good shot :D
It’s time to use again my Nikkor 28/3.5 Al and 28/2.8 z
It’s good to be happy!
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Gear p@rn :D
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Thanks Frank, I'm also looking at a nice AF-S 24mm f/1.4 as you suggested to have similar rendering to the AF-S 58mm f/1.4
Always happy to get you guys advice.
I have special history with the 1.4/24G
First got it new as it came out in 2011 for 2000€, sold it after years of use for 1000€, could not live without it and got it back for 676€ later
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Frank this rings many bells ;) I sold you a nice FM2 and a few years later bought it back … then sold it some years later.
I sold the 300mm PF and bought another one back - just bought the Z5ii to better match the Z8 in control logic and to have a better grip than the Zf. Already packaged the Zf and put it up for sale. Bought the 28mm APO Voigt this week instead of the planned 28mm 1.4 E and realized that lens makes better sense on the Zf. Luckily didn‘t sell it yet…
Looking for a nice 24mm 1.4 now …
It just seems to never end 8)
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Frank this rings many bells ;) I sold you a nice FM2 and a few years later bought it back … then sold it some years later.
I sold the 300mm PF and bought another one back - just bought the Z5ii to better match the Z8 in control logic and to have a better grip than the Zf. Already packaged the Zf and put it up for sale. Bought the 28mm APO Voigt this week instead of the planned 28mm 1.4 E and realized that lens makes better sense on the Zf. Luckily didn‘t sell it yet…
Looking for a nice 24mm 1.4 now …
It just seems to never end 8)
I do not feel like selling equipment I might need later
DSLR might be an obsolete concept , yet , the D850 and D500 still feel so perfectly right in my hands ...
and I still own all of these beautiful lenses like 1.4/58G and 4/300PF and 2/200VR, 1.4/105E and 1.4/24G, the 1.8/35G and 1.8/85G and so many more
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Bought the 28mm APO Voigt this week instead of the planned 28mm 1.4 E and realized that lens makes better sense on the Zf.
The size of the Voigtlander 28 Apo is very nice with the smaller cameras. I mostly use it on a Z6II, sometimes Z7II.
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Morgähn ;D Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0
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Morgähn ;D Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0
The whole Viogtländer Series is an act of genious. I really dig the handling (esp on the Zf) and the rendering
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Morgähn ;D Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0
Looks great, Daniel !!
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Morgähn ;D Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0
That scene is beautiful.
Thank you!
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Many thanks Frank, David and John,
If I wanted to build a two lens kit with the APO 28mm f/2.0 would the APO 50mm f/2.0 or 50mm f/1.0 be a good match?
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Many thanks Frank, David and John,
If I wanted to build a two lens kit with the APO 28mm f/2.0 would the APO 50mm f/2.0 or 50mm f/1.0 be a good match?
The 50/1.0 Voigt is one of my all time favourite lenses, especially for environmetal portraits at f/1.0
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Thanks Frank, do you also have an AF-S 58mm 1.4 to compare the bokeh to the Voigtländer 50mm f/1.0?
I know these two lenses are in many ways different but still.
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Thanks Frank, do you also have an AF-S 58mm 1.4 to compare the bokeh to the Voigtländer 50mm f/1.0?
I know these two lenses are in many ways different but still.
I got the Z1.2/50S, the 1.4/58G, the OM Zuiko 1.4/50mm and the OM Zuiko 1.2/55mm and several others in that range
For AF the 1.2/50S is superb and that is why I also decided to give me the Z9 as a treat for easter
Difficult to describe.
The Zf feels just perfect with the Voigt 1.0/50mm I feel like in the olden times, it slows me down
The Z6 feels alright with the 1.2/50S, the Zf not, I guess the Z9 will be perfect
The1.2/50S is perfect in her response to the Z AF-System. Fast and reliable. A dream come true
***This guy was waving the flag and I still got a lot of biting sharp shots with eye lock on but not at f/1.2 at f/2.0 but with the Z6
***second shot is a guy moving towards me. eye AF, for shots, three sharp on the eye, one on the nose
***third shot is action at f/1.2 girl & boy on spot
****shot four: boring portrait@f/1.2, but you can see the bokeh and tell yourself if you like it
Verdict: the 1.2/50mm rendering is very creamy when it is shot with a good distance between subject and background. At f/2.0 and f/2.5 pictures look a tad harsher, a bit like the (in)famous 1,4/35 Ai-S. I prefer to shoot her at f/1.2 that is why I paid 2500€ for her when she came out
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Gear p@rn :D
Looks really good! The ZF and the Voigtländers are a perfect match, aesthetically. Very tempting... :)
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Morgähn ;D Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0
The output looks really good as well
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The 50/1.0 Voigt is one of my all time favourite lenses, especially for environmetal portraits at f/1.0
Very nice environmental portrait, Frank!
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Very nice environmental portrait, Frank!
thank you. Same lens also f/1.0
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I got the Z1.2/50S, the 1.4/58G, the OM Zuiko 1.4/50mm and the OM Zuiko 1.2/55mm and several others in that range
For AF the 1.2/50S is superb and that is why I also decided to give me the Z9 as a treat for easter
Difficult to describe.
The Zf feels just perfect with the Voigt 1.0/50mm I feel like in the olden times, it slows me down
The Z6 feels alright with the 1.2/50S, the Zf not, I guess the Z9 will be perfect
The1.2/50S is perfect in her response to the Z AF-System. Fast and reliable. A dream come true
***This guy was waving the flag and I still got a lot of biting sharp shots with eye lock on but not at f/1.2 at f/2.0 but with the Z6
***second shot is a guy moving towards me. eye AF, for shots, three sharp on the eye, one on the nose
***third shot is action at f/1.2 girl & boy on spot
****shot four: boring portrait@f/1.2, but you can see the bokeh and tell yourself if you like it
Verdict: the 1.2/50mm rendering is very creamy when it is shot with a good distance between subject and background. At f/2.0 and f/2.5 pictures look a tad harsher, a bit like the (in)famous 1,4/35 Ai-S. I prefer to shoot her at f/1.2 that is why I paid 2500€ for her when she came out
Many thanks for all your experience and lovely images Frank - the Voigtilux looks really tempting
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Vintage home office - Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 @ f/5.6
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Workshop - Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 @ f/5.6; 1" !
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Overview - Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 @ f/5.6
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Cosy home - Zf & Voigtlländer 28mm f/2.0 @ f/5.3
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Daniel dynamic colours with the 28/2!
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Overview - Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 @ f/5.6
I like it, it's a glassblowing factory.
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Overview - Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 @ f/5.6
very nice shot, theatrical feel
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Many thanks Frank, Arturo and Fons :) Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 @ 1/15"
Still not decided on 50/1 vs 50/2...
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Your mileage may vary ... Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 @ f/5.6
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It does indeed - Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 @ f/8.0
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Nightscape - Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 @ f/4.0
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Beautiful, very detailed and great colours
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Another one - I want to learn how to do this right - Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 @ f/2.8
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Another one - I want to learn how to do this right - Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 @ f/2.8
Nice one, Daniel. I can see the constellation of Orion clearly in the top-left corner of the frame. :)
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Many thanks Akira - I really like the 28mm APO as I do a lot of night photography - it seems to do well with paint light sources and also produces beautiful starbursts.
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Another one - I want to learn how to do this right - Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 @ f/2.8
That is lovely, Daniel. Orion drew my eye, too. We can even see a hint of the Orion Nebula!
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Astro … birding - Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 @ f/8.0
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Even goats … Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 & f/8.0
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Even black and white 8)
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by the fire - Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 @ f/2.0; 1/60s; ISO 12'800 - I'd say nice foreground and background bokeh
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Selfie - Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0
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Another one - I want to learn how to do this right - Zf & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 @ f/2.8
love the atmosphere
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The APO travel kit is complete - the Laowa 180mm Macro impresses me and with its metal build fits the Zf perfectly. The focus ring is very smooth and clicks into AF (for distances >1.5m) with a smooth detent.
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Just did a quick and dirty test at the river behind our house.
Gooseander - Zf & Laowa 180mm APO @ f/4.5 and using bird eye detect
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What is the second Voigtländer - one of their 50mm lenses?
The APO travel kit is complete - the Laowa 180mm Macro impresses me and with its metal build fits the Zf perfectly. The focus ring is very smooth and clicks into AF (for distances >1.5m) with a smooth detent.
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This has been my computer screen background for a little while now.
Z6, 28mm 1.4e @f2.8
Sharp corner to corner. Different behaviours at 1.4, 2.8, 5.6
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Just did a quick and dirty test at the river behind our house.
Gooseander - Zf & Laowa 180mm APO @ f/4.5 and using bird eye detect
I think this image is a brilliant take on impressionism . I took the liberty to make a crop to accentuate the feeling and show what I mean.
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Many thanks Paco - I see what you mean and like it better this way
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Another Laowa 180mm shot @f/5.6
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What is the second Voigtländer - one of their 50mm lenses?
Hi Hugh, yes it's the Voigtländer 50mm f/2.0 APO
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An evening scene shot with the Laowa 180mm Macro
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A bit later at the lake - Z5ii & Laowa 180mm Macro
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The Laowa 180mm Macro is an attractive lens with good sharpness. The cat picture shows nice foreground and background rendition. The silhouette of the tree shows lateral CA in the branches, in spite of the apo designation, maybe it is best corrected at closer distances?
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Thanks Roland - I don't see what you see - you mean in the orange evening sunset pic?
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I tried for the first time pixel shift shooting with the Z8 and Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 APO
overview / 100% crop - Holy maccaroni!!!
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Impressive. And it shows that the word „Schärfentiefe“ (german for: ‘depth of field’) is a euphemism. :) :)
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Thanks Roland - I don't see what you see - you mean in the orange evening sunset pic?
Yes, that is the one: "An evening scene shot with the Laowa 180mm Macro"
If you zoom into the branches silhouetted against the sky, I can see red edges on one side and blue-green on the other. Lateral CA is easy enough to clean up in post, but the Laowa is not really apo at this distance.
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Thanks Roland, I can see it now. It seems to exhibit at longer distances although not to an extent that worries me.
Here an example of true macro.
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The amount of detail here! Beautiful time piece. I like the choice of hands position. It looks like "reversed" from the common one but it woks wonderful in conjunction with the other dials and compensated as a whole.
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Another example of the nice rendering of the Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 APO
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What do you think about this one? Z5ii & Voigtländer f/2.0 APO
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Voigt 28mm f/2.0 APO my new birding lens @ f/2.0 ...
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Great pic!
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Fully open to asses bokeh - Z5ii & Voigtländer 28mm f/2.0 APO