GeorgeBo wrote:
For shooting the lunar eclipse, I called an audible at game time (3am) and went with the GFX 50S and Reflex 1000mm. Needed the moveable EVF on the 50S for viewing and focusing.
I have a lot of images to sort through and cull this weekend, but posting one this morning.
Edit - replaced with one shot at ISO 1600. Less blown highlight and purple bloom
Thought it was time to give the nikkor O 35mm f2 a little love. It was a bargain from Treviso, here in Italy, but it arrived at the same time as the 28mm f2.8 and I neglected it to the back of the cupboard while I played with the 28mm. I think the 28mm is sharper, actually much sharper, but I guess we all knew that. Still, it's a nice lens, and this version is very easy to focus.
bruni wrote:
Thought it was time to give the nikkor O 35mm f2 a little love. It was a bargain from Treviso, here in Italy, but it arrived at the same time as the 28mm f2.8 and I neglected it to the back of the cupboard while I played with the 28mm. I think the 28mm is sharper, actually much sharper, but I guess we all knew that. Still, it's a nice lens, and this version is very easy to focus.
ben
That is one tiny vehicle. I like how you kept a glimpse of light on the drivers face.
bruni wrote:
Thought it was time to give the nikkor O 35mm f2 a little love. It was a bargain from Treviso, here in Italy, but it arrived at the same time as the 28mm f2.8 and I neglected it to the back of the cupboard while I played with the 28mm. I think the 28mm is sharper, actually much sharper, but I guess we all knew that. Still, it's a nice lens, and this version is very easy to focus.
ben
yeah, they're tiny, but they're really useful for getting around the very narrow streets in the centre of Rome, plus, they're all storage at the back. Petrol's expensive here, this ain't the US.
Really nice light and shadows on the church entryway shot Laura. Dynamically angled as well!
Beautiful mini transport light and shadow Ben. Hopefully, but doubtfully (unless converted) that's electric. A lot of times, gas powered small vehicles get older less efficient engines and the savings are in the older tech, and smaller body to save costs. Some larger ones as just as fuel efficient in terms of MPG (or perhaps KPL). Of course, going down narrow roads, short term parking, and the like matter a lot more in the European cities. I remember seeing some really short cars backed into parallel parking spots (and they fit just fine!) in Rome when I was there in 2012.
GeorgeBo wrote:
Thanks! I really like the size and absolutely love the controls. But to be honest, I almost sold it because I really didn't like the DX sensor size with the manual Nikkors. Lose a lot of character in my opinion. The 16-50mm kit lens that came with it is really good IF you shoot in good light. But at f/6.3 you will not be getting much bokeh and low light capability. BUT it is a great travel anywhere snapshot kit.
Like everything there are trade offs.
Now with that said, my urge to get rid of it went away this week when I picked up a Metabones Speed Booster. That gets me back to almost full frame equivalent field of view on the Zfc now. But that has limitations too with some lenses with large or deep rear baffles that prevent them from mounting on the adapter due to the adapter optics. But so far my favorites mount with no problem. I plan on going through the lenses I have and will post a list of those that will or won't mount.
For me the Zfc will be my main hiking, biking, throw in the day pack type camera and for that I usually shoot normal to ultra wide. So having the Speed Booster will solve that issue.
It took me 3 tries to get a Speed Booster that did not have serious QC issues. Metabones is typically better than that. But was no issue returning.
I still want an FX version of the Zf with IBIS, but this combo will keep me going until one comes out. Hopefully.
The Z9 had me drooling too, but who knows how long it will be until mere photography mortals get one. With the NPS orders and I am sure the Winter Olympics will get their share. I figure it will be well into mid/late next year before they will be generally available. Heck, I am still waiting for the 28mm SE lens for the Zfc that I ordered in the summer. Plus you can get 5 1/2 Zfc bodies for the Z9
I know this is a long answer that is all over the place, but I am good... For now....
I do tend to agree that DX wouldn't be my first choice for trying to get classic MFNG looks, but there are some nice options for building out a DX kit. If I'm not using the 17-55 or 70-200 on the D500, then it's probably the 28/100 Series E combo or the 35-200. I'm happy with those on DX, but I do prefer them on FX and I would welcome the flexibility to use a speed booster with them. In fact, just today I got a pre-Ai lens and I sure would like a ZFC with a speed booster laying around to try it on...
That said, a significant aspect of the ZFC's appeal on my end is the smaller size with native lenses, specifically for the kind of shooting that you describe. The 16-50, 28 SE, and 40 f/2 are awfully tempting, as is the seemingly-competent eye AF which is something I've never used. For day-to-day family photos, I imagine that's a nice amenity. Credit to Nikon as it does appear that they did a good job with the ZFC, between the capabilities, value, UI, and initial lens options. As for the Z9, the cost is a little bit breathtaking but it does look like a meaningful shove forward for Nikon. It's not something I need now, tomorrow, or next year, but I'm sold for whenever it's time to upgrade.
pbraymond wrote:
Really nice light and shadows on the church entryway shot Laura. Dynamically angled as well!
Beautiful mini transport light and shadow Ben. Hopefully, but doubtfully (unless converted) that's electric. A lot of times, gas powered small vehicles get older less efficient engines and the savings are in the older tech, and smaller body to save costs. Some larger ones as just as fuel efficient in terms of MPG (or perhaps KPL). Of course, going down narrow roads, short term parking, and the like matter a lot more in the European cities. I remember seeing some really short cars backed into parallel parking spots (and they fit just fine!) in Rome when I was there in 2012.
ha ha Ray, that made me laugh, no, it's not electric. You can't really compare them to cars, they only have a 50cc 2 stroke motor. Most lawn mowers have between 140 - 190 cc. The really short cars you're referring to have about 500 - 700cc, motors, the Smart even goes up to almost 900cc. But they're cars, real cars, this is something else. This is like a little moped, but with 3 wheels instead of 2 and a cabin. They're designed to comply with stringent EU emission requirements and you can drive them from age 14 without a full licence. They say they have a maximum speed of about 60 kmh (37 mph), although you'd want to be going downhill with the wind behind you for that, certainly over any distance. I've never seen one going anywhere near that speed. You see lots of them in Italy, and they're OK over short distances, at a pinch, but they're bloody uncomfortable.The appeal is that they are very cheap to buy and very cheap to run, but of course, that means they come with very serious limitations.
This is not really a pic, it's just a test shot to show the flare on the Nikkor O 35mm f2. I like the colour but I'm not too keen on those 7 sided shapes. Does everybody else get a similar result with this lens?
Ben, Like the composition, but not digging the hexagons. Pro tip: use your hand as a shade next time - you should have one with you at all times. If you are drinking - then set the drink down first.
Jim
bruni wrote:
This is not really a pic, it's just a test shot to show the flare on the Nikkor O 35mm f2. I like the colour but I'm not too keen on those 7 sided shapes. Does everybody else get a similar result with this lens?
bruni wrote:
Thought it was time to give the nikkor O 35mm f2 a little love. It was a bargain from Treviso, here in Italy, but it arrived at the same time as the 28mm f2.8 and I neglected it to the back of the cupboard while I played with the 28mm. I think the 28mm is sharper, actually much sharper, but I guess we all knew that. Still, it's a nice lens, and this version is very easy to focus.
ben
Ben, this Piaggio Ape shot is outstanding. Did you enlighten the driver's face ?
James Markus wrote:
Ben, Like the composition, but not digging the hexagons. Pro tip: use your hand as a shade next time - you should have one with you at all times. If you are drinking - then set the drink down first.
Jim
Very funny Jim. I wanted the flares. I purposely shot into the sun to see how they would look. My favourite for flare is still the 20mm f3.5UD. I don't like these hexagons either, well, except the colour. I prefer this orange to the blue of the 20mm.
OffTrail wrote:
Thanks for this thorough response, George.
I do tend to agree that DX wouldn't be my first choice for trying to get classic MFNG looks, but there are some nice options for building out a DX kit. If I'm not using the 17-55 or 70-200 on the D500, then it's probably the 28/100 Series E combo or the 35-200. I'm happy with those on DX, but I do prefer them on FX and I would welcome the flexibility to use a speed booster with them. In fact, just today I got a pre-Ai lens and I sure would like a ZFC with a speed booster laying around to try it on...
That said, a significant aspect of the ZFC's appeal on my end is the smaller size with native lenses, specifically for the kind of shooting that you describe. The 16-50, 28 SE, and 40 f/2 are awfully tempting, as is the seemingly-competent eye AF which is something I've never used. For day-to-day family photos, I imagine that's a nice amenity. Credit to Nikon as it does appear that they did a good job with the ZFC, between the capabilities, value, UI, and initial lens options. As for the Z9, the cost is a little bit breathtaking but it does look like a meaningful shove forward for Nikon. It's not something I need now, tomorrow, or next year, but I'm sold for whenever it's time to upgrade. ...Show more →
Funny you mention the eye AF. I used it for the first time this past week and wow it works great!. I picked up the 40mm (you should see Colin’s work with it over on the AF thread). Amazing stuff. Looks like the 28SE is finally getting ready for release. I got an in stock and soon shipping notification from Nikon yesterday. That kit should come in really handy for street and for general family shooting for the upcoming holidays.
bruni wrote:
Thought it was time to give the nikkor O 35mm f2 a little love. It was a bargain from Treviso, here in Italy, but it arrived at the same time as the 28mm f2.8 and I neglected it to the back of the cupboard while I played with the 28mm. I think the 28mm is sharper, actually much sharper, but I guess we all knew that. Still, it's a nice lens, and this version is very easy to focus.
That is one tiny vehicle. I like how you kept a glimpse of light on the drivers face.
