This looks very exciting for those of us shooting landscape astro. The use case is clear.
After being burned by the ZhongYi 30mm I will wait to see reviews but this will probably be on my shopping list if coma performance is close to their marketing.
It's likely to be a rehoused version of the NiSi 16mm T2.9 65 prime (USD2800) which is already a known entity, but will wait and see.
Edit: it's already in stock here in Aus for AUD2099 (USD1470). I'm tempted since returns process will be easy in Aus.
After a week in the mountains, this is a cool bit of news to return to. I'm a little unclear on filters, is it only when stacking vignette is an issue? I would be curious to know if the Kase inlaid magnetic ring would work and stay with 82mm filters (which I already have). But hard to see from pics if it would hit the front element.
Buy it Thrice and report back, please!
SGinNorcal wrote:
After a week in the mountains, this is a cool bit of news to return to. I'm a little unclear on filters, is it only when stacking vignette is an issue? I would be curious to know if the Kase inlaid magnetic ring would work and stay with 82mm filters (which I already have). But hard to see from pics if it would hit the front element.
Buy it Thrice and report back, please!
I'm still considering it. From the sample photos it looks like it streaks the corners, which is something I really disliked about the 21mm Contax N Distagon and have found to be much less of an issue with more symmetrical lenses. I'm going to wait for a full review I think.
SGinNorcal wrote:
After a week in the mountains, this is a cool bit of news to return to. I'm a little unclear on filters, is it only when stacking vignette is an issue? I would be curious to know if the Kase inlaid magnetic ring would work and stay with 82mm filters (which I already have). But hard to see from pics if it would hit the front element.
Buy it Thrice and report back, please!
I use CPLs and dark CPLs for waterfall photography. It vignettes with a Polar Pro CPL as well as a Zeiss CPL (probably the thinnest screw in CPL I own). It also vignettes with my Maven magnetic filters using a Kase magnetic adapter (the Kase is thinner than the Maven adapter). I will try a Kase inlaid adapter when I get a chance, although Maven filters aren't optimal for that as the ridge on the back of the filter doesn't fit cleanly within the lens opening (Kase filters are better in that aspect I believe.)
tsdevine wrote: SGinNorcal wroteAfter a week in the mountains, this is a cool bit of news to return to. I'm a little unclear on filters, is it only when stacking vignette is an issue? I would be curious to know if the Kase inlaid magnetic ring would work and stay with 82mm filters (which I already have). But hard to see from pics if it would hit the front element.
Buy it Thrice and report back, please!I use CPLs and dark CPLs for waterfall photography. It vignettes with a Polar Pro CPL as well as a Zeiss CPL (probably the thinnest screw in CPL I own). It also vignettes with my Maven magnetic filters using a Kase magnetic adapter (the Kase is thinner than the Maven adapter). I will try a Kase inlaid adapter when I get a chance, although Maven filters aren't optimal for that as the ridge on the back of the filter doesn't fit cleanly within the lens opening (Kase filters are better in that aspect I believe.)
FWIW
Still vignettes with the Kase Inlaid adapter, a bit. I imagine the Kase filter would seat a bit better, but I'd still be a little skeptical that there wouldn't be any vignetting.
Explains why they include JetMag Pro adapter with it. I guess the next question is whether you can stack 2 JetMag Pro filters without vignetting, but I don't have any of those filters.
tsdevine wrote: tsdevine wroteSGinNorcal wroteAfter a week in the mountains, this is a cool bit of news to return to. I'm a little unclear on filters, is it only when stacking vignette is an issue? I would be curious to know if the Kase inlaid magnetic ring would work and stay with 82mm filters (which I already have). But hard to see from pics if it would hit the front element.
Buy it Thrice and report back, please!I use CPLs and dark CPLs for waterfall photography. It vignettes with a Polar Pro CPL as well as a Zeiss CPL (probably the thinnest screw in CPL I own). It also vignettes with my Maven magnetic filters using a Kase magnetic adapter (the Kase is thinner than the Maven adapter). I will try a Kase inlaid adapter when I get a chance, although Maven filters aren't optimal for that as the ridge on the back of the filter doesn't fit cleanly within the lens opening (Kase filters are better in that aspect I believe.)
FWIWStill vignettes with the Kase Inlaid adapter, a bit. I imagine the Kase filter would seat a bit better, but I'd still be a little skeptical that there wouldn't be any vignetting.
Explains why they include JetMag Pro adapter with it. I guess the next question is whether you can stack 2 JetMag Pro filters without vignetting, but I don't have any of those filters.
Thanks Tim, that's too bad. You have the Nisi 16/2.8 already?
SGinNorcal wrote: tsdevine wrotetsdevine wroteSGinNorcal wroteAfter a week in the mountains, this is a cool bit of news to return to. I'm a little unclear on filters, is it only when stacking vignette is an issue? I would be curious to know if the Kase inlaid magnetic ring would work and stay with 82mm filters (which I already have). But hard to see from pics if it would hit the front element.
Buy it Thrice and report back, please!I use CPLs and dark CPLs for waterfall photography. It vignettes with a Polar Pro CPL as well as a Zeiss CPL (probably the thinnest screw in CPL I own). It also vignettes with my Maven magnetic filters using a Kase magnetic adapter (the Kase is thinner than the Maven adapter). I will try a Kase inlaid adapter when I get a chance, although Maven filters aren't optimal for that as the ridge on the back of the filter doesn't fit cleanly within the lens opening (Kase filters are better in that aspect I believe.)
FWIWStill vignettes with the Kase Inlaid adapter, a bit. I imagine the Kase filter would seat a bit better, but I'd still be a little skeptical that there wouldn't be any vignetting.
Explains why they include JetMag Pro adapter with it. I guess the next question is whether you can stack 2 JetMag Pro filters without vignetting, but I don't have any of those filters.Thanks Tim, that's too bad. You have the Nisi 16/2.8 already?
Yes, I preordered it from B&H while I pondered the purchase. I need to remember there isn't a "mad rush" on niche 3rd party lenses for G mount....at least not as much as for E mount. It shipped Wednesday and I got it yesterday.
tsdevine wrote: SGinNorcal wrotetsdevine wrotetsdevine wroteSGinNorcal wroteAfter a week in the mountains, this is a cool bit of news to return to. I'm a little unclear on filters, is it only when stacking vignette is an issue? I would be curious to know if the Kase inlaid magnetic ring would work and stay with 82mm filters (which I already have). But hard to see from pics if it would hit the front element.
Buy it Thrice and report back, please!I use CPLs and dark CPLs for waterfall photography. It vignettes with a Polar Pro CPL as well as a Zeiss CPL (probably the thinnest screw in CPL I own). It also vignettes with my Maven magnetic filters using a Kase magnetic adapter (the Kase is thinner than the Maven adapter). I will try a Kase inlaid adapter when I get a chance, although Maven filters aren't optimal for that as the ridge on the back of the filter doesn't fit cleanly within the lens opening (Kase filters are better in that aspect I believe.)
FWIWStill vignettes with the Kase Inlaid adapter, a bit. I imagine the Kase filter would seat a bit better, but I'd still be a little skeptical that there wouldn't be any vignetting.
Explains why they include JetMag Pro adapter with it. I guess the next question is whether you can stack 2 JetMag Pro filters without vignetting, but I don't have any of those filters.Thanks Tim, that's too bad. You have the Nisi 16/2.8 already?Yes, I preordered it from B&H while I pondered the purchase. I need to remember there isn't a "mad rush" on niche 3rd party lenses for G mount....at least not as much as for E mount. It shipped Wednesday and I got it yesterday.
Thanks! And that explains that its not exactly inexpensive for a 3rd party MF nice lens. Anxious to here more about it.
SGinNorcal wrote: tsdevine wroteSGinNorcal wrotetsdevine wrotetsdevine wroteSGinNorcal wroteAfter a week in the mountains, this is a cool bit of news to return to. I'm a little unclear on filters, is it only when stacking vignette is an issue? I would be curious to know if the Kase inlaid magnetic ring would work and stay with 82mm filters (which I already have). But hard to see from pics if it would hit the front element.
Buy it Thrice and report back, please!I use CPLs and dark CPLs for waterfall photography. It vignettes with a Polar Pro CPL as well as a Zeiss CPL (probably the thinnest screw in CPL I own). It also vignettes with my Maven magnetic filters using a Kase magnetic adapter (the Kase is thinner than the Maven adapter). I will try a Kase inlaid adapter when I get a chance, although Maven filters aren't optimal for that as the ridge on the back of the filter doesn't fit cleanly within the lens opening (Kase filters are better in that aspect I believe.)
FWIWStill vignettes with the Kase Inlaid adapter, a bit. I imagine the Kase filter would seat a bit better, but I'd still be a little skeptical that there wouldn't be any vignetting.
Explains why they include JetMag Pro adapter with it. I guess the next question is whether you can stack 2 JetMag Pro filters without vignetting, but I don't have any of those filters.Thanks Tim, that's too bad. You have the Nisi 16/2.8 already?Yes, I preordered it from B&H while I pondered the purchase. I need to remember there isn't a "mad rush" on niche 3rd party lenses for G mount....at least not as much as for E mount. It shipped Wednesday and I got it yesterday.Thanks! And that explains that its not exactly inexpensive for a 3rd party MF nice lens. Anxious to here more about it.
My first impression is that it is well made, meaning it has a quality feel to it. The focus ring is well damped and the aperture ring has noticeable feedback when hitting each stop. Maybe a little stiffer to turn would have been nice, but I wouldn't call it loose. Throwing in the 95mm JetMag Pro adapter was nice I guess, although if I go with 95mm filters, I'm not sure I'd go with NiSI. It was well packaged.
In my very informal test at f/5.6 seemed to show reasonable centering. I need to set things up a little more controlled to test wide open. Scares me a bit, seems like a pretty complex design with a lot of elements. I've had mixed success finding well centered G mount lenses (zooms at least).
Unfortunately I really don't do astro, so I'm not sure I'll be much help there. And I still have to contemplate the filters.
I may go out this weekend if I have time and shoot the Pennsylvania Capitol Rotunda. The widest lens I've used there is 14mm on full frame.
I have a 82mm Kenko ZXII Protector (same as the Nikon ARCREST II Protector) that is super thin. Still just a slight hint of vignette in the absolute deepest of corners. I mean you could probably just clone it out given how small it is. Would probably be easier than trying to pull up the exposure in such a small area.
The only thing I have that is 82mm that doesn't appear to vignette, is the Kase magnetic adapter. Which sort of makes sense, as there would need to be enough clearance to mount a step up ring (like the supplied 95mm JetMag Pro magnetic ring).
It's apparent that Nisi saw this as a dual opportunity.
1. Market their new crazy wide lens as 'compatible' with common 82mm filters.
2. When users realise the lie in point 1, they will resort to using the bundled jetmag adaptor and potentially buy into Nisi's proprietary filter system.
I'll probably skip this lens based on that alone and wait for a mark ii with an 86mm or 95mm filter thread built in. I can't stand being 'tricked' by manufacturers.
tsdevine wrote:
I have a 82mm Kenko ZXII Protector (same as the Nikon ARCREST II Protector) that is super thin. Still just a slight hint of vignette in the absolute deepest of corners. I mean you could probably just clone it out given how small it is. Would probably be easier than trying to pull up the exposure in such a small area.
The only thing I have that is 82mm that doesn't appear to vignette, is the Kase magnetic adapter. Which sort of makes sense, as there would need to be enough clearance to mount a step up ring (like the supplied 95mm JetMag Pro magnetic ring)....Show more →
It's apparent that Nisi saw this as a dual opportunity.
1. Market their new crazy wide lens as 'compatible' with common 82mm filters.
2. When users realise the lie in point 1, they will resort to using the bundled jetmag adaptor and potentially buy into Nisi's proprietary filter system.
I'll probably skip this lens based on that alone and wait for a mark ii with an 86mm or 95mm filter thread built in. I can't stand being 'tricked' by manufacturers.
tsdevine wroteI have a 82mm Kenko ZXII Protector (same as the Nikon ARCREST II Protector) that is super thin. Still just a slight hint of vignette in the absolute deepest of corners. I mean you could probably just clone it out given how small it is. Would probably be easier than trying to pull up the exposure in such a small area.
The only thing I have that is 82mm that doesn't appear to vignette, is the Kase magnetic adapter. Which sort of makes sense, as there would need to be enough clearance to mount a step up ring (like the supplied 95mm JetMag Pro magnetic ring).
So.....imagine trying to properly center a shot in a rotunda (knowing you will fail), with a goal of not failing too badly (you will). Add in putting the camera as close to the ground as you can, which means it's hard to even see the LCD. Oh, and make sure you focus the lens properly. And try not to blow the highlights too much.
So this isn't perfect, and I had to do some corrections to get it "close-ish", but if you look closely, it's not that close. Also, I tried to correct for the bit of distortion inherent to the lens.
Processed in Lightroom, exposure and color tweaks in Photoshop and then sharpened pretty aggressively in Topaz Sharpen AI.
So this may not be a good representation of what images the lens produces SooC, but gives you an idea what can be accomplished with it.
GFX100S II + NiSi 16mm f/2.8 ASPH @ f/8 (as best as I can tell).
Corner sharpness and overall contrast looks good. How do you feel it compares to the 20-35?
tsdevine wrote:
So.....imagine trying to properly center a shot in a rotunda (knowing you will fail), with a goal of not failing too badly (you will). Add in putting the camera as close to the ground as you can, which means it's hard to even see the LCD. Oh, and make sure you focus the lens properly. And try not to blow the highlights too much.
So this isn't perfect, and I had to do some corrections to get it "close-ish", but if you look closely, it's not that close. Also, I tried to correct for the bit of distortion inherent to the lens.
Processed in Lightroom, exposure and color tweaks in Photoshop and then sharpened pretty aggressively in Topaz Sharpen AI.
So this may not be a good representation of what images the lens produces SooC, but gives you an idea what can be accomplished with it.
GFX100S II + NiSi 16mm f/2.8 ASPH @ f/8 (as best as I can tell).
Corner sharpness and overall contrast looks good. How do you feel it compares to the 20-35?
tsdevine wroteSo.....imagine trying to properly center a shot in a rotunda (knowing you will fail), with a goal of not failing too badly (you will). Add in putting the camera as close to the ground as you can, which means it's hard to even see the LCD. Oh, and make sure you focus the lens properly. And try not to blow the highlights too much.
So this isn't perfect, and I had to do some corrections to get it "close-ish", but if you look closely, it's not that close. Also, I tried to correct for the bit of distortion inherent to the lens.
Processed in Lightroom, exposure and color tweaks in Photoshop and then sharpened pretty aggressively in Topaz Sharpen AI.
So this may not be a good representation of what images the lens produces SooC, but gives you an idea what can be accomplished with it.
GFX100S II + NiSi 16mm f/2.8 ASPH @ f/8 (as best as I can tell).
Hard to say, I mean I was pleasantly suprised with how well it did shooting that rotunda. I've shot that with the Zeiss 15 ZE, Sigma 14-24 DG DN, and GF20-35. I actually processed one from the NiSi shot at f/5.6 and it's just as sharp into the corners. If it truly is just a rehousing of the cine version, I can understand why it's sharp into the corners in these shot, since that lens covers such large sensors.
I have to use it more to form a strong opinion, I haven't shot it wide open or at f/4 yet. But most of my shooting is more stopped down. I am a little bummed out about the filter situation, but I know even the GF20-35 needs a decently thin filter. So given this is wider, it's not a huge surprise I guess. Just not really looking into buying a larger filter system, although at some point I probably will.
So I'm keeping it, although it will be a sparingly used lens. I'm not sure it's much wider than my Sigma 14-24 though, but it's noticeably wider than the GF20-35.
Sorry, not much help here yet, just more initial opinions.
No need to apologise, this is the most useful insight I've had into the lens so far!
Frustratingly, what I really want is a 23/2.8 which is good in IR and visible, the 23/4 has a hotspot as does the 20-35. The f/2.8 aperture is attractive but I so rarely need wider than an 18mm equiv.
tsdevine wrote: thrice wroteThank you, Tim.
Corner sharpness and overall contrast looks good. How do you feel it compares to the 20-35?
tsdevine wroteSo.....imagine trying to properly center a shot in a rotunda (knowing you will fail), with a goal of not failing too badly (you will). Add in putting the camera as close to the ground as you can, which means it's hard to even see the LCD. Oh, and make sure you focus the lens properly. And try not to blow the highlights too much.
So this isn't perfect, and I had to do some corrections to get it "close-ish", but if you look closely, it's not that close. Also, I tried to correct for the bit of distortion inherent to the lens.
Processed in Lightroom, exposure and color tweaks in Photoshop and then sharpened pretty aggressively in Topaz Sharpen AI.
So this may not be a good representation of what images the lens produces SooC, but gives you an idea what can be accomplished with it.
GFX100S II + NiSi 16mm f/2.8 ASPH @ f/8 (as best as I can tell).
https://www.devine.photography/img/s/v-10/p1554162948-6.jpg Full SizeHard to say, I mean I was pleasantly suprised with how well it did shooting that rotunda. I've shot that with the Zeiss 15 ZE, Sigma 14-24 DG DN, and GF20-35. I actually processed one from the NiSi shot at f/5.6 and it's just as sharp into the corners. If it truly is just a rehousing of the cine version, I can understand why it's sharp into the corners in these shot, since that lens covers such large sensors.
I have to use it more to form a strong opinion, I haven't shot it wide open or at f/4 yet. But most of my shooting is more stopped down. I am a little bummed out about the filter situation, but I know even the GF20-35 needs a decently thin filter. So given this is wider, it's not a huge surprise I guess. Just not really looking into buying a larger filter system, although at some point I probably will.
So I'm keeping it, although it will be a sparingly used lens. I'm not sure it's much wider than my Sigma 14-24 though, but it's noticeably wider than the GF20-35.
Sorry, not much help here yet, just more initial opinions....Show more →
thrice wrote:
No need to apologise, this is the most useful insight I've had into the lens so far!
Frustratingly, what I really want is a 23/2.8 which is good in IR and visible, the 23/4 has a hotspot as does the 20-35. The f/2.8 aperture is attractive but I so rarely need wider than an 18mm equiv.
tsdevine wrotethrice wroteThank you, Tim.
Corner sharpness and overall contrast looks good. How do you feel it compares to the 20-35?
tsdevine wroteSo.....imagine trying to properly center a shot in a rotunda (knowing you will fail), with a goal of not failing too badly (you will). Add in putting the camera as close to the ground as you can, which means it's hard to even see the LCD. Oh, and make sure you focus the lens properly. And try not to blow the highlights too much.
So this isn't perfect, and I had to do some corrections to get it "close-ish", but if you look closely, it's not that close. Also, I tried to correct for the bit of distortion inherent to the lens.
Processed in Lightroom, exposure and color tweaks in Photoshop and then sharpened pretty aggressively in Topaz Sharpen AI.
So this may not be a good representation of what images the lens produces SooC, but gives you an idea what can be accomplished with it.
GFX100S II + NiSi 16mm f/2.8 ASPH @ f/8 (as best as I can tell).
https://www.devine.photography/img/s/v-10/p1554162948-6.jpg Full SizeHard to say, I mean I was pleasantly suprised with how well it did shooting that rotunda. I've shot that with the Zeiss 15 ZE, Sigma 14-24 DG DN, and GF20-35. I actually processed one from the NiSi shot at f/5.6 and it's just as sharp into the corners. If it truly is just a rehousing of the cine version, I can understand why it's sharp into the corners in these shot, since that lens covers such large sensors.
I have to use it more to form a strong opinion, I haven't shot it wide open or at f/4 yet. But most of my shooting is more stopped down. I am a little bummed out about the filter situation, but I know even the GF20-35 needs a decently thin filter. So given this is wider, it's not a huge surprise I guess. Just not really looking into buying a larger filter system, although at some point I probably will.
So I'm keeping it, although it will be a sparingly used lens. I'm not sure it's much wider than my Sigma 14-24 though, but it's noticeably wider than the GF20-35.
Sorry, not much help here yet, just more initial opinions.
That is something I'm getting used to. In E mount, I have to choose between a huge number of options in a given focal length. While in G mount it's often 2 or 3. Not a complaint, just reality.
One more thing that I just realized. The included JetMag Pro 95mm adapter is a bayonet mount, it's not screw-in. So I imagine it can sit more shallow than a conventional 95mm magnetic screw-in adapter.
So that's a new wrinkle. If I do buy a filter system, and it's not the JetMag Pro, I think I should test the magnetic adapter first to make sure it doesn't vignette. If I buy the JetMag Pro, I don't know if I can stack filters. I sent a message to NiSi, will report back when I get a response.
Note: NiSi US responded and said you can stack 2 95mm JetMag Pro filters on this lens without vignetting.