Nikon D500 - first impressions

[Akira]

Below, a stand of Ligularia przewalskii I just discovered in my neighbourhood. It is an Asian species now becoming naturalised in my country, but behaves well with no aggressive growth or invasive dispersal - so far. Shot with the old 50 mm f/1.4 K (AI- and CPU-modified, both modifications thanks to Erik).

Apart from the obvious more mellow drawing and slightly lower contrast, nothing in terms of sharpness etc. discloses this lens being more than 40 years old. Focusing still is buttery smooth.

Bjørn, is this image really taken with a 50mm lens on DX body?  It looks like an image of a very wide lens, though the file name tells otherwise.  Perhaps the angle of the leaves creates the illusion of the steep perspective of a super-wideangle?

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Bjørn, is this image really taken with a 50mm lens on DX body?  It looks like an image of a very wide lens, though the file name tells otherwise.  Perhaps the angle of the leaves creates the illusion of the steep perspective of a super-wideangle?

Yes, absolutely certain. Do remember virtually all my manual lenses are CPU-modified and hence there is no chance of mixing up focal lengths or aperture settings. This image was taken with the 50 mm f/1.4 [K] Nikkor at f/8, 1/60 sec, ISO 800. In order to get the diagnostic characters (leaf shape, black stems) into adequate focus, the camera direction was slanted a little downwards.

[Akira]

Bjørn, thanks for the details.  I know your exif data are strictly under control.  In hindsight, DOF is too shallow at f8.0, if a very wide lens was used...

I'm also curious why you chose specifically 50/1.4K for this particular shooting occasion.  You should own some better 50s with CPU.

[Roland Vink]

Note, there are two K 50/1.4 models: the earlier based on the older Nikkor-S.C, and a newer more compact version which later evolved into the AI, AIS and AF versions.

[Akira]

Note, there are two K 50/1.4 models: the earlier based on the older Nikkor-S.C, and a newer more compact version which later evolved into the AI, AIS and AF versions.

Roland, you mean the newer K had 6G7E optics as opposed to 5G7E one?  Richard de Stoutz' website tells that both K had 5G7E optics.  I think it was not until Ai that a 50/1.4 had 6G7E optics.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Roland: checked serial number and photo and this lens is the first 50/1.4K version (#2933xxx). "Medium long nose".

Akira: I have heaps of different 50 mm lenses. Must try all of them over time, yes?

[Akira]

Akira: I have heaps of different 50 mm lenses. Must try all of them over time, yes?

Possibly.  You were expecting heavy rain or the danger of the camera rig to be submerged accidentally by then?   

[Bjørn Rørslett]

No, just curiosity as to the performance of a 40+ year old lens on the latest Nikon

[Bjørn Rørslett]

A shot from earlier today, acquired with the 16/2.8 Fisheye-Nikkor AIS on the D500. The rear-mounted filter has been removed in order to allow some extra cm closer focus, yet the background appear reasonably well defined at the f/16 aperture setting.

Whilst the f/3.5 Fisheye is more than a tad sharper, I selected the f/2.8 because of its ability to focus closer (in particular after Erik worked his magic on it) strengthened by removal of the rear filter. The f/3.5 Fish uses an internal filter wheel thus one cannot play the same tricks on it. Also the f/2.8 is my preferred alternative for IR and IR false-colour shooting.

(16/2.8 Fisheye-Nikkor AIS, ISO 200, f/16 1/100 sec)

[BW]

Aahh... The late summer days in the country side.. Nice scene, not "Trøndelag" nice, but that is not to be expected It seems that the 16 mm performes like a champ on the D500.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Actually I'm a bit surprised myself. The lens is nearly 35 years old, my most used fisheye, and still operating silky smooth, like it was just retrieved form its factory box.

Its manual focusing on the D500 is positive and easy.

[Fons Baerken]

Actually I'm a bit surprised myself. The lens is nearly 35 years old, my most used fisheye, and still operating silky smooth, like it was just retrieved form its factory box.

Its manual focusing on the D500 is positive and easy.

Very nice, wow sharp too, it made me smile since it reminded me of a few images from last summer,

if you dont mind



D3 14-24/2.8

[Frank Fremerey]

A shot from earlier today, acquired with the 16/2.8 Fisheye-Nikkor AIS on the D500. The rear-mounted filter has been removed in order to allow some extra cm closer focus, yet the background appear reasonably well defined at the f/16 aperture setting.

Whilst the f/3.5 Fisheye is more than a tad sharper, I selected the f/2.8 because of its ability to focus closer (in particular after Erik worked his magic on it) strengthened by removal of the rear filter. The f/3.5 Fish uses an internal filter wheel thus one cannot play the same tricks on it. Also the f/2.8 is my preferred alternative for IR and IR false-colour shooting.
(16/2.8 Fisheye-Nikkor AIS, ISO 200, f/16 1/100 sec)

Why do these houses stand on stilts? Is it due to snow cover?

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Why do these houses stand on stilts? Is it due to snow cover?

It's a variant of the traditional Norwegian stabbur, a granary or storage-house for grain, dried meat, and other supplies. Built on pillars to avoid rodents, foxes, or wolves. Such buildings are seen everywhere in the countryside on older farms, typically constructed using whole timber logs.

[Krille]

I am curious to know how D500 balance heavier lenses like 300/2.8 +conv. 1.7 /2.0, 200-500?
Handheld, without monopod.
Krister