My first-take experiments with the Nikon Noct have reached a turning point. I have more to do, but it will be outside when spring comes. My take-away at this time is that, for my kind of close-up work, I will use the Noct wide open or stopped down a bit, either in a single shot or stacked lightly. If stacked, perhaps a shot wide-open for background, and then one or two inscapes, tightly stacked, painting focus on one or a few areas that I want in focus. And because of the fact that this lens is very sharp in the center, but rolls off quickly, I find that it takes extension well, either the K1-Ring (5.8mm) or larger, like the PK-12 (14mm), and this is often needed for close-up work.
This is not a walk-around lens for me, but a specialized lens to add to the series of lenses with “character” or a unique draw that I have assembled. It is very expensive ($3K), but worth the money in that it will serve well for years to come. It really is a wonderful and unique lens, as I had heard all these years. The recent Nikon replacement, as I study the specs will not be the same, in that there is a stronger difference in resolution in the center for the original Noct, and the new lens has better resolution at the edge, but I would rather have the greater roll-off at the edges that the original Noct provides. The new version probably is not something I need.
So, I will continue to experiment with this lens and update here if I have other insights into its use.
This photo taken with the Noct, the D810, the PK-12 extension, and Zerene Stacker.
