LeonD60 wrote:
Let me start by saying that I am VERY sensitive to a mismatch in size between the body and the lens. I find the Zf/24-120mm combination nearly unacceptable for me. But I use it because of all the positive attributes of that lens. I think the Zf/Voigt 50mm APO is the perfect size combination.
All that said, I decided to give the 58mm a try on my Zf. I had already owned the 58mm twice in the past. Once on a D810 and once on a Z7. When I look at my photo catalog, it's the one lens I can pick out immediately (when used open) due to its rendering. And I really like the focal length.
Fearing the worst, I mounted the lens and gave it a try. Initial impression was that it wasn't too bad. Second impression was that it felt REALLY good! I was surprised and I think I figured out why it works for me.
I'm used to carrying the camera with my left around the lens. So normally, I'd be holding this camera/lens combination with a size of the 58mm's lens diameter. But in reality, I hold it around the FTZ II which is nice and small. I don't even notice the diameter of the 58mm.
I've had the lens for three weeks and it's been off the camera once. I needed the 24-120mm for some specific pictures. When done, the 58mm went right back on.
The only downside is that I like to control the aperture with the focus ring on the lens. And that's not possible with this lens. I'm slowly getting used to using the control dial on the back of the camera....Show more →
Always funny how subjective these things are. I love using the 24-120 on the Zf when I don't know what kind of photos I'm after and don't find the size or weight bad at all. I'm with the majority of folks that thinks a small f2 Voigt is just about the perfect lens for the Zf.
That said, I'm personally very sensitive to setups that are front-element-heavy, which many adapted primes can be with the FTZ in play. The Zf, even with a grip, doesn't have the heft to counter balance those lenses.
The sharpening and overall intelligence in its auto process gives more natural looking acuity. The 58 as you know has marginal resolution wide open but the DXO is better and more predictable than Lightroom or Topaz in its basic auto function for enhancement of marginal resolution (or high noise reduction) in my experience. I shoot in raw, develop in DXO which then sends to LR for final editing. I turn off noise and sharpening in Lightroom as the DXO wins hands down for these parameters. 58@ 1.4 Images never looked this good. This work flow is a real no brainer.
I have had a love/hate relationship with the 58 for years. Having owned a few copies. I sell when I get fed up with wide open performance. This review is legit: https://fstoppers.com/reviews/review-dxo-pureraw-5-698924 You will love it.
The DXO has solved the low res problem for me, without denigrating the out of focus charms of the lens. I also only use the 58 now on the 24MP Zf. That lens was not designed for high res sensors such as 45 MP which tended to stretch the lens a bit. I did like it quite a bit on the D810 however where it had more 3D rendering. But on the Zf, with the DXO, it seems to sing a bit more to me. No more selling.
I love the look of the 58mm f1.4 and it's one of the reasons I keep coming back to Nikon. What I don't like about the 58mm is the fact that I can't use the focus ring to control the aperture. My other favorite lens for the Zf is the Voigtlander 50mm APO. In addition to the images, I like the size, manual focus and aperture ring on the lens.
After thinking about it, what would be ideal for me is a Voigtlander lens with the rendering of the 58mm f1.4.
Is there a Voigtlander lens that comes close?
Attached is a few examples of the look I like from the 58mm F1.4. (Plus it's new kitty day at the house which is a pretty good reason to take some pics.)
Being a passionate contributor to this thread I have to say that 58/1.4 is one of the best lens I’ve ever had. Nothing might be compared.
But!
When I was shooting with 58mm my audience said “Nah! Not cool! We don’t like it” But I was happy! “Look guys! Here is the magic”.
Now I’m using Sony and G Master lenses. And my audience is saying “Cool! You’ve got a style! We like it!” I’m asking “What style?! The same but sharp!” But they are just happy. And I’m not getting this sterile technical approach.
But in real. Making the same pictures but with different technical level, less aberrations, much clear image, my work has started appearing professionally. My prints look better. I can create posters and sell them. That’s great!
But still. Having my 58/1.4 I was happy. With GMasters I’m happy too but not with the lenses… I’m happy cause my audience is happy. That’s strange.
that's really interesting. Your clients/audience can really tell the difference between the lenses. Could it have been the particular set of pictures that they preferred rather than the lenses used being the difference?
Mr Mc wrote:
that's really interesting. Your clients/audience can really tell the difference between the lenses. Could it have been the particular set of pictures that they preferred rather than the lenses used being the difference?
In my IG account there are mostly street photos. But I've got these reviews for my portraits/studio works at most. Honestly! I don't get! I can see the difference! Of course! In my opinion 58/1.4 was much more complimentary to skin. And the transition from sharp to bokeh much more interesting. But Sony 50mm f/1.4GM got much more positive feedback.
Unfortunately, I was unable to compare them side by side. But I know one family. They ask me for portraits every 6 months. So the same conditions the same people. And they said that with Sony and GM lenses (35 and 50) they are much happier with results.
Nikon for them like old style granny photos on films. Sony is like a magazine - rich, sharp, expensive. So it's just a matter of preference. People want to see themselves better )))
So I've started to think that my clients expectations and my own are two different things )))
Nikon for them like old style granny photos on films. Sony is like a magazine - rich, sharp, expensive. s )))
That is a good analogy of how people see the pictures from the two lenses, certainly in regards the Sony.
The old school film vibes did seem to become trendy again over the last few years but I guess more across the artistic community rather than the general public.
I love my 58mm 1.4g but I do also like the GM output too. I have been tempted to trade my Nikon 35mm 1.4g for the 35mm GM but just can't help feeling there is something special about 35mm 1.4g (aswell as the 58 1.4).
LeonD60 wrote:
After thinking about it, what would be ideal for me is a Voigtlander lens with the rendering of the 58mm f1.4.
Is there a Voigtlander lens that comes close?
The Voigtlander 58/1.4 SLII-S for F-mount is the closest I've found. It has a little better microcontrast and slightly busier bokeh. Stopping down to F2 or F2.8 improves the bokeh and color/contrast. I find F2.8 the sweet spot for the lens.
