p.27 #1 · Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Image Thread
eskimochaos wrote:
None of your images are loading for me, in any browser.
I'm sorry, but for me and apparently other users, the images are visible on all three browsers I use.
Unfortunately, I currently have no other web space available to post images, as Flickr recently only allows postage stamp formats without Pro, and I have to find another alternative.
I wanted to post the Plena pictures in particular a bit larger to really show some of the flattering look and rendering of this lens, which is absolutely counterproductive in mini formats, at least on a large 4k monitor, to really show the qualities of the lens.
Alistair1 wrote:
Looks like he is coming out of my screen. Shockingly good!
Yes, the Plena really is an absurdly good lens, which really helps you deliver due to its exceptional rendering aesthetics.
I used four different lenses for the ceremony, mostly with the Z 24-120/4 S due to its flexibility and the lack of the option to change lenses during the actual christening ceremony.
Then I used the Z 50/1.8 S, a few shots with my old Canon FD 85/1.2 L, and of course the Plena, but the results with the Plena are simply in a league of their own, especially under difficult conditions (poor backgrounds, lots of potentially distracting elements in the background, sometimes harsh midday light).
Not that the images with the Z 50/1.8 S are bad, or with the Z 24-120/4 S, on the contrary, but the number of keepers is simply so much higher with the Plena, because it is able to deliver something special through rendering even from very simple and difficult situations.
This isn't solely due to the greater potential for isolating the subject.
A rendering like the close-up headshot with an aperture of f/4 is simply not possible with the Z 24-120/4 S, as good and versatile as it is.
p.27 #6 · Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Image Thread
Outstanding wrote:
I got Plena today, what a beautiful lens design.
My biggest complaint is that Nikon dropped the ball when it comes to designing the hood. It's so cheap, thin sharp plastic, weighs nothing. My cheapo $200 M43rd lenses have better hoods. My Samyang 135 F1.8 has 10 times more premium looking hood.
Another bummer is lack of a focus distance limiter switch, it comes in so handy on a longer FL Prime. What a miss Nikon. Another win for Samyang.
A light plastic hood is IMHO the best possible design.
Nikon just implemented focus distance limits control on the Z8. That will be more flexible than a preset hardware one on the lens.
But it will probably be possible to use the lens fct button to activate the function. At least I hope it will.
Just my personal preference/opinion, but I find the selective coloring in this photo distracting, especially her eyes which look unnaturally red. Maybe it's just in contrast with the B&W tones around them, but I'd be curious to see the full color version.
p.27 #14 · Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Image Thread
I liked it as a detail during the development process.
But sometimes when you're developing, you can't see the wood for the trees.
The eyes, however, weren't supposed to be red; I only preserved the original color information there through masking.
So it should be her natural eye color, brown/amber, at least that's the case on my monitor.
I also made a version with the eyes also in black and white, and I think you're right; the color in the eyes is rather distracting, and it's more harmonious without it.
I also reduced some of the contrast/harshness in this version.
I haven't developed a color version of this yet, but with the same development, it would basically look like the second image in post p.27 #9.
Only the facial expression is different in the photo.
p.27 #15 · Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Image Thread
Vento wrote:
I liked it as a detail during the development process.
But sometimes when you're developing, you can't see the wood for the trees.
The eyes, however, weren't supposed to be red; I only preserved the original color information there through masking.
So it should be her natural eye color, brown/amber, at least that's the case on my monitor.
I also made a version with the eyes also in black and white, and I think you're right; the color in the eyes is rather distracting, and it's more harmonious without it.
I also reduced some of the contrast/harshness in this version. https://s1.directupload.eu/images/250620/8wm7k63q.jpg
I haven't developed a color version of this yet, but with the same development, it would basically look like the second image in post p.27 #9.
Only the facial expression is different in the photo....Show more →
Very nice, I like this version! I went and looked at p.27 #9, and like that one as well. The eye colors do seem different, so I wonder if it's a result of different WB or possibly just the angle of her eyes relative to the light source that causes it. Either way, nice work all around and the Plena is brilliant as always.
