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 p.2 #18 · Nikon 28mm f/1.4E ED Image Thread | |
I posted a few thoughts on the idea of purchasing this lens in Corey's discussion thread a few weeks ago. I am borrowing some of that info and adding a few new ideas here in Elijah's, as there have been a few good points made by forum regulars.
Title: I feel that 28mm is probably the most versatile WA for a portrait/wedding shooter
20mm is too wide to shoot portraits of humans regularly, obviously.
24mm is interestingly wide but it'll never be wide enough to be a professional's only WA. it is not the best FL for humans, more distortion than most people want to see.
35mm is where a lens on FF becomes absolutely perfect for humans. it's not always wide enough for "getting ready" or "ceremony" time, and groups.
28mm is better for humans than 24mm. so it becomes a compromise between 24/35. good for groups. it's more of a swiss army knife.
@Elijah and I shoot weddings together occassionally. And you may have noticed that we flip flop gear a lot. Lately, our theme has been "less is more". Meaning, we want to select few excellent tools and just focus on the people we are working with and our job, rather than wondering what tool to grab next. Or feeling pressure to use all of these $1,500 to $2,795 tools on a regular basis - to warrant their term in our bags.
Ironically, my setup from a year ago was 20 28 58 105... plus my two wedding zooms (24-70 70-200 f2.8) which are for backup and assistants to rock. Now today, I'm back to considering 28. Albeit an upgrade from G to E.
Granted, most of us don't/won't use the 20 much. but it's cheap and light, and takes up little to no room. It was a great kit. But I find that I prefer a 2 prime setup (aside from the 20). I dual wield, and I just don't want to change lenses.
On a personal note:
I have since sold my 105. I just flat out prefer 85mm. When Nikon makes an 85mm E, which will be upgraded to better compliment our larger sensors of today, I'll probably get it. I am loving 35/85 right now. Current prime collection is 20 35 50 58 85 (all nikon, 1.4 where available). The 50mm 1.8G is a lens that everyone should own. Either, as a backup. Or as a lens that you throw on when you're out with your family. On FF, it's just a dream FL for ME. And the lens is fast, sharp, and makes nice bokeh. I have not used my 58mm for two months, since going back to the 85. It's been by design to see if I'd miss it, before selling it. And honestly, I don't miss it at all. When I officially decide if I'm getting the 28, I'll decide my next move. I will sell a prime or two.
What I'm trying to say is that for a wedding or portrait shooter, who dual wields... having a 35/85 or 28/58 or 24/50 or 35/105 (whatever your thing is) on you at all times, you will never have to look for your bag or desire another lens all that often. 99% of the day can be shot with these two "fighter lenses", whatever the FL are for YOU. When I look at these FL options (for pairings), if I were to design the best pairing for ME, I think my summary that the 28mm is the most versatile WA for a portrait/wedding shooter - this hits home! The key being that it's wide enough for 99% of the "getting ready shots" and the groups!!! There are many times that I have to back up far too much with a 35mm, when shooting groups. the 28 will be better here. Will 28/85 leave too much gap? Maybe, maybe not, we are shooting with 24-36mp, we can crop. You can get very close to your subject with the 28mm. It's sharper than the gang. And it's designed for our larger sensors. I am leaning towards ordering one, as I type this out!
Obviously if I get the 28mm, I will sell my 35. They are too close, too expensive, and too heavy to own both. Less is more, remember.
In the end, I may end up with 20, 28e, (and either) 58/85.
So, two "fighter primes", and the 20 for special needs. And the nifty fifty for backup, casual days. And then my zooms. 70-200 24-70 12-24.
Remember this, from the other thread:
if you don't already own a 28 1.8g or have never owned it.... do not rush out and get the 28e.
more importantly..... don't get a 28e and fund it by selling your 24 and or 35. if you get a 28e, keep the others in case you don't fall in love with 28.
28 is tough. MANY people can not find a way to use it. and not find a way to fall in love with it.
2k is a lot of coin to have invested in a FL that you don't love.
so if you can't afford to get it, while keeping your wide angle prime(s), wait and rent it first.
cheers
p.s. Interesting here, my new lens arrangement could all be 77mm!
did you realize the 70-200 2.8G & E are both 77? same for: 85 f1.4, 28 f1.4, 20 f1.8!
so dual wield 28/85
then the 20 and 70-200 in a small bag. done.
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(this should stir some pot)
