p.34 #4 · Alt forum Nikon Z resource, discussion and image thread
In answering some other post in Nikon forum. I revisit the test results of 24-70S.
Since I have praised this lens after I got it and I have already spent the effort, why not post here as well.
here is the comparison with 24-70S: 55mm OTUS and 24-70S at 50mm f8.
I didn’t match exposure; I didn’t do any color tweak with linear profile. No contrast change. You will notice 24-70 images are slightly wash out. However, based on my experience with 24-70S, I don't think this is real and a concern. It was from worst condition you can expect for lens testing with sun at top mid-day without hood on it.
During test, OTUS had its awesome hood (big and effective) on it all the time. The hood of 24-70S stay in its box since new and I didn’t use hand to prevent light hit front element.
Do I see better contrast and resolution of 55OTUS? Yes! Keep in mind, OTUS will beat all 50mm I have tested on this test. Do 24-70S resolve Z7 45M sensor? Absolutely!
p.34 #7 · Alt forum Nikon Z resource, discussion and image thread
I don't remember if this has been discussed here, but wondering what you guys think about the 35/1.8S rendering relative to some Alt benchmarks, such as the various Zeiss 35s, 35 Sonnar in the RX1, CV35/1.7, etc.?
From the samples I've seen, background rendering seemed rather neutral. Could it approach the likes of the RX1's Sonnar?
p.34 #8 · Alt forum Nikon Z resource, discussion and image thread
rscheffler wrote:
I don't remember if this has been discussed here, but wondering what you guys think about the 35/1.8S rendering relative to some Alt benchmarks, such as the various Zeiss 35s, 35 Sonnar in the RX1, CV35/1.7, etc.?
From the samples I've seen, background rendering seemed rather neutral. Could it approach the likes of the RX1's Sonnar?
Hi, Ron, We two talked about this lens at very early stage of this thread. At that time I linked a few images from HongKong photographer with this lens before even Z was available to market. I mentioned I really love its rendering and feel it remind me RX1 but I also very surprised to see it has almost no LoCA in background region.(RX1 doesn’t free of loCA) You mentioned rendering is rather neutral like many modern well corrected glasses offered. I agree.
As discussed on many other threads, I feel most people are underestimating Z’s potential and real value. It really the first offer meaningful M glass performance. Its glasses are all top top performer. Sharpness is one thing they did right, however, it is only one of many features Z glass have. For example, the most impressive achievement for 24-70mm S Zoom is not just sharpness cross frame but astigmatism performance (enhance the neutral and smooth rendering) and better loCA performance (enhance better fidelity) that I found most zoom lacking include many pro-zoom I used. 24-70S also offers parfocal and focus breath compensation without even mentioned in their market material.
Now go back to 35S, I feel it is slightly under perform compare to its 50S sibling, but it is definitely one of best 35mm lens out there. I bet it will outperform 35 Summicron M in raw performance. I attached some real MTF measurement for both S prime from Japanese magazine; I also include one for Leica 50mm APO.
As you can see, 50S really offers comparable performance to 50APO at more than 10X price. 35S has very similar performance with minor degrade compare to 50S. Both S Prime show respectful astigmatism performance with segitall and tangential line close to each other (35 is slightly worse here, and 50S seems even cleaner than 50APO), this usually give smooth rendering without funky stuff. In addition, both S prime offer respectful CA corrections.
Now Cons: both have Onion Bokeh. I wish both can be lighter and smaller with fancier build quality and I prefer real focus ring than FBW. But, but, they are still smaller and cheaper than most competitions for their performance offered.
I have used 50S for many weeks on and off, I think it offers smoother background than almost all legacy 50 f1.4 or f2 glasses I had and extreme sharp at any aperture. I like it a lot. I may post some samples later.
The reasons I haven’t bought 35S are: I have awesome VC35f1.7 at 250g or so can be used for both M and Z. I have 28E for both Z and F. I might sell 28E and get 35S later.
Hope this helps. Ron, are considering Z? I’d say DO IT. It would awesome can see your Z picture here
p.34 #9 · Alt forum Nikon Z resource, discussion and image thread
Hi!
Finally I couldn't resist and bought the 50S (I found it at a good price in my hometown). I've had no time yet but to take some boring test pictures but... heck! This beast is sharp! But not just sharp. I do love the rendering, included the bokeh, that looks pretty good to me for a 1.8 fifty.
p.34 #10 · Alt forum Nikon Z resource, discussion and image thread
Hi Michael,
Thanks for the great summary! Your memory is obviously better than mine in regards to our previous discussion about the 35S. But now that you've mentioned it, I do remember. I had a look through DPR's Z6 & Z7 galleries for 35S examples and those generally confirmed my impression and what you described above.
I'm still on the fence about the Nikon Zs. As you know, other than Leica M, I use Canon DSLRs and have a large inventory of EF lenses. From the point of view of much of my work, it would make sense to stick with Canon, for now. My curiosity in the Z system is more for use with M and vintage glass but given the great price points of the 35S and 50S, I'd probably be tempted by those. I'll likely hold off until we have a better idea of how Panasonic's coming FF mirrorless cameras work with M lenses. I guess what I want is M friendly sensor stack and IBIS. Currently Nikon's Zs seem to be the best stock options. I haven't seen anything from the Canon R and M lenses, but suspect it won't be as M friendly and lacks IBIS.
p.34 #11 · Alt forum Nikon Z resource, discussion and image thread
Here are a couple of photos with the Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 180/4 on the Z7. As I noted in another thread, I find this combo a bit hard to use (very prone to motion blur and focusing errors) but when it's on, it's really awesome! Also posted are a shot with the Nikon 105/2.8 Macro (used as a general purpose lens here) and one from the 300/4 PF.
p.34 #13 · Alt forum Nikon Z resource, discussion and image thread
rscheffler wrote:
Hi Michael,
Thanks for the great summary! Your memory is obviously better than mine in regards to our previous discussion about the 35S. But now that you've mentioned it, I do remember. I had a look through DPR's Z6 & Z7 galleries for 35S examples and those generally confirmed my impression and what you described above.
I'm still on the fence about the Nikon Zs. As you know, other than Leica M, I use Canon DSLRs and have a large inventory of EF lenses. From the point of view of much of my work, it would make sense to stick with Canon, for now. My curiosity in the Z system is more for use with M and vintage glass but given the great price points of the 35S and 50S, I'd probably be tempted by those. I'll likely hold off until we have a better idea of how Panasonic's coming FF mirrorless cameras work with M lenses. I guess what I want is M friendly sensor stack and IBIS. Currently Nikon's Zs seem to be the best stock options. I haven't seen anything from the Canon R and M lenses, but suspect it won't be as M friendly and lacks IBIS....Show more →
I agree Z might be a little awkward for your situation. You can't just shift from Canon SLR to it as I don't feel its AF performance at the same level as top Canikon SLR, especially for pro. If it is purely for fun, you might as well wait a little for Panasonic S1.
Though, so far, only Nikon seems willing to introduce high quality f1.8 prime and f4 zoom. That is definitely an attraction for many people. Panasonic lens seems all quite big with unknown quality. (I would be surprised if they are not good though. )
I personally still prefer OVF shooting actually, however, the significant size and weight difference made my decision easier and I do feel Z glass is at top right now. I still feel there is a lot room for canon and Nikon to trim down their SLR body and keep high build quality. I will just keep my finger crossed for now. As much as I miss D850 for its awesome OVF, ergonomics and handling, I don't miss its size with a few prime or zoom. The feel is just different.
p.34 #15 · Alt forum Nikon Z resource, discussion and image thread
rscheffler wrote:
Hi Michael,
Thanks for the great summary! Your memory is obviously better than mine in regards to our previous discussion about the 35S. But now that you've mentioned it, I do remember. I had a look through DPR's Z6 & Z7 galleries for 35S examples and those generally confirmed my impression and what you described above.
I'm still on the fence about the Nikon Zs. As you know, other than Leica M, I use Canon DSLRs and have a large inventory of EF lenses. From the point of view of much of my work, it would make sense to stick with Canon, for now. My curiosity in the Z system is more for use with M and vintage glass but given the great price points of the 35S and 50S, I'd probably be tempted by those. I'll likely hold off until we have a better idea of how Panasonic's coming FF mirrorless cameras work with M lenses. I guess what I want is M friendly sensor stack and IBIS. Currently Nikon's Zs seem to be the best stock options. I haven't seen anything from the Canon R and M lenses, but suspect it won't be as M friendly and lacks IBIS....Show more →
Hard choice. I don't know (nobody does, actually) how long it will take until an effective EF to Z adapter is released (I mean as good as the current Metabones ones) and there is the chance that this will never happen, because reverse engineering is risky. I'm myself waiting for a smart EF to Z adapter. Smart enough to control the diaphragm, I don't care at all about AF since my Canon lenses are all TS-E. But if I were you, and assuming your funds are not unlimited, I'd rather see what Canon releases. The Canon R lenses seem amazing (I envy that 50 1.2) and the camera is also pretty good, even without IBIS or anything else people are criticizing about it, and I'm sure more great R cameras will come sooner than later...
p.34 #18 · Alt forum Nikon Z resource, discussion and image thread
Amazing image quality for a 30€ lens - consider me impressed. Shooting the Z6 with manual lenses is just pure fun!
Pentacon 50mm f/1.8 lens (made in GDR), minimum focusing distance of 33cm. (Didn't set the lens data correctly yet, photo was shot at f/1.8, ISO 2000.)
IBIS is really handy here. 
