Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

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Archive 2009 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

allstarimaging
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p.1 #1 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

Hello,
I am looking for landscape photographers in this forum that are currently using the Nikon 14-24 AFS 2.8 on a full frame sensor. I am about to buy this lens and the most common negatives I read about it are the inability to use filters and that for some the lens is "to wide". If any of you are working with this lens I liked to hear your thoughts and perhaps share some images. Thank you
Jack
www.allstarimaging.com

Nov 22, 2009 at 04:09 PM

ckcarr
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p.1 #2 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

I have a bunch of them. True you can't use filters, but technically you aren't supposed to use filters with the other ultra wide angles at their widest. Of course we all do. I'm just more selective with what I shoot. My bigger concern is the gigantic, bulging piece of glass in the front. I always expect to hit it on something...
On the other hand I have the 10-24mm which I use on my D300 with filters occassionally. And I'm sure others are hand holding their filters if they are using Lee 4x6" or similar types...

Isn't there an ongoing thread in the Nikon forum for 14-24mm pictures?
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/829755

Nov 22, 2009 at 04:19 PM

parsons
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p.1 #3 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

here are two of my latest
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/837294/0#7795499

Nov 22, 2009 at 06:27 PM

Steve Perry
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p.1 #4 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

I'm not sure about "too wide" - There are times I wish it would go even wider than 14mm, however, no filers is sometimes no fun. Granted, 14mm is a bit awkward with a polarizer anyway, but 18-24 really isn't. Plus, no super long exposures with ND filters.

I am actually thinking about switching to a 17-35, but haven't done it yet (the 14-24 really is stellar). If Nikon were to come out with a 16-35 like Canon, that 1mm more would probably be just enough to seal the deal for me.

As it stands, it's a tough call, esp if you like filters.

Nov 22, 2009 at 06:36 PM

tkearney
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p.1 #5 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

Lee filters has a solution in the works that should be available next year. The downside is that for filters that size, it will get expensive.

Nov 22, 2009 at 07:41 PM

SHVv
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p.1 #6 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

and that for some the lens is "to wide". If any of you are working with this lens I liked to hear your thoughts and perhaps share some images. Thank you
*******
I made a DIY holder for ND grads. I would think that a polarizer at 14mm would give strange results.

As far as negatives with landscapes, IMO is lens flair with that huge front element.. The shade is very limited, otherwise it would cause vignetting.

Steve

Edited on Nov 22, 2009 at 08:13 PM · View previous versions

Nov 22, 2009 at 08:02 PM

luminosity
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p.1 #7 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

Steve: How about the Sigma 12-24? I've seen some spectacular shots with that.

Nov 22, 2009 at 08:12 PM

parsons
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p.1 #8 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

i previously has the sigama , not a touch on the nikon.

s

Nov 22, 2009 at 08:59 PM

luminosity
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p.1 #9 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

I wouldn't think so, but the 14-24 is a highly specialized lens.

Nov 22, 2009 at 09:03 PM

Fellglint
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p.1 #10 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

I don't think that Nikon intended the 14-24 as a landscape lens, maybe aimed more at photo journalists who don't need to use filters, I have the 17-35 and I'm very happy with it, plus I have the option to use my Lee ND Grad filters, the 14-24 is a fine lens though.

Tom

Nov 22, 2009 at 09:19 PM

lamonica66
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p.1 #11 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

luminosity wrote:
I wouldn't think so, but the 14-24 is a highly specialized lens.

specialized for what?

Nov 22, 2009 at 09:28 PM

millsart
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p.1 #12 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

Its in no way a fault of the lens, but I found that quite often when using the 14-24 with my D3 that I was happier stitching several frames together from a longer focal length to get the same FOV as the wider end of the 14-24, but with more resolution, whenever possible at least.

Taking in such wide vistas and only have 12 megs to work with often wouldn't give me the detail I was really seeking for larger prints and I found myself using my 24 PC-E and stitching more than I pulled out the 14-24.

As I said, its still an excellent lens, and the sharpest UWA I've ever owned, but, due to its wide FOV, subjects can get very small very quickly and you tend to lose some detail.

Stitching isn't always the solution, and in many cases might not work, but before spending $1800 on a lens like the 14-24 I might suggest people give stitching a try, because it can give great results, all the resolution you can dream of, and save you a ton of money, especially if your not usually in need of such a wide FOV for your shooting style

Nov 22, 2009 at 10:15 PM

santaliqueur
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p.1 #13 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

I never understood why people said the 14-24 was specialized. To me, PC-E lenses are specialized, not something like the 14-24.

I rented the 14-24 for a couple weeks, and it was a huge mistake, because I am convinced I now NEED it. It was amazing. I didn't think it was too wide at all, and I found myself wanting to get extremely close to my subject. When I would get very close to an object, I would think I had plenty of room left to get closer, but the lens would be nearly touching the object.

I'm very happy with the 24-70, but I think if (when) I get the 14-24, it will get lots of use. I think I am a wide-angle junkie without a wide-angle lens yet

Nov 23, 2009 at 07:28 AM

Tim Ernst
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p.1 #14 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

I use the 14-24 for landscapes at any time I need a view wider than 24mm, with a polarizer or not. I use a polarizer at 14mm with fullframe with no issues (a special Schneider pola made for the movie industry that is 6.6" square). Some folks seem to think that using a polarizer is limited to only views that include skies (which do cause issues with wides), but I use a polarizer for about 75% or more of my images that don't include skies - if you are not then you are missing out on a lot of nice rich colors that are often blocked by glare on leaves, rocks, twigs, etc. I also use the 14-24 as my main star lens when shooting a sky full of stars since it is pretty nice wide open, and when doing pinpoint stars and the landscape below you need the shortest exposure you can get in order to keep the stars as points and not streaks. (20 seconds is about max time with the 14mm).

Nov 23, 2009 at 11:55 AM

Steve Perry
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p.1 #15 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

Tim Ernst wrote:
I use the 14-24 for landscapes at any time I need a view wider than 24mm, with a polarizer or not. I use a polarizer at 14mm with fullframe with no issues (a special Schneider pola made for the movie industry that is 6.6" square). Some folks seem to think that using a polarizer is limited to only views that include skies (which do cause issues with wides), but I use a polarizer for about 75% or more of my images that don't include skies - if you are not then you are missing out on a lot of nice rich colors that are often blocked by glare on leaves, rocks, twigs, etc. I also use the 14-24 as my main star lens when shooting a sky full of stars since it is pretty nice wide open, and when doing pinpoint stars and the landscape below you need the shortest exposure you can get in order to keep the stars as points and not streaks. (20 seconds is about max time with the 14mm).

I agree. Actually, blue skies are about the least of my reasons for a pola. My main use is to knock reflections of of leaves, grass, even rocks. Like you say, all the colors look richer with a polarizer.

Now, my question - is there anywhere the average guy can order a polarizer like you describe?

Nov 23, 2009 at 12:34 PM

Rooster L200
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p.1 #16 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

yeah would like to know about thatbig pola too.....

Nov 23, 2009 at 03:59 PM

thedruid
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p.1 #17 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

www.Filmtools.com in Burbank is da place for many goodies, all you need is buckaroos$$$$

Nov 23, 2009 at 04:44 PM

bobbytan
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p.1 #18 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

It's a UWA zoom, so it can't be too wide - definitely not in places like Yosemite Valley. The lens is so highly coated (like Leica lenses) you don't really need a polarizer - which does a lousy job with UWA anyway. I prefer to use the graduated filter in Lightroom as it allows you so much better control in terms of tilt and density. The 14-24G is a terrific lens as it is literally 4 prime lenses for the price of one. And I am endorsing this lens as a Canon shooter!

Nov 23, 2009 at 05:35 PM

mrkon
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p.1 #19 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

I rented one this weekend and it's freaking fantastic. Best UWA zoom I've ever used.

Nov 23, 2009 at 05:50 PM

Shane Psaltis
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p.1 #20 · Nikon 14-24 and landscape photography

The lens is awesome but I have to have my 24-70 also because the 14-24 is a little wide. here is a photo with the 14-24. hope this helps.

lens is super sharp and heavy.

Shane

Nov 23, 2009 at 06:49 PM

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