Category Archives: Nikon Z

Review: Mr. Ding Optics 50mm 1.2 Noxlux Z

Introduction

mr. ding optics studio 50mm 1.2 nikon z review m10 42mp 24mp sony a7rii contrast resolution bokeh coma noxlux
Mr. Ding 50mm 1.2 Z on Nikon Zf

The Mr. Ding Studio 50mm 1.1 Noxlux M has sadly been out of stock for quite some time, but in the meantime the manufacturer updated its design and the lens is now available as this Mr. Ding 50mm 1.2 Noxlux Z for Z-mount – with electronic contacts, still something rare to see among the manual focus lenses from China. Let’s have a look together.

This lens is in many aspects identical to the Mr. Ding 50mm 1.1 M and Syoptic 50mm 1.1, so I will reuse a few sections of my reviews of those lenses.

Sample Images

mr. ding optics studio 50mm 1.2 nikon z review m10 42mp 24mp sony a7rii contrast resolution bokeh coma noxlux
Nikon Zf | Mr. Ding 50mm 1.2 Z | f/1.2
mr. ding optics studio 50mm 1.2 nikon z review m10 42mp 24mp sony a7rii contrast resolution bokeh coma noxlux
Nikon Zf | Mr. Ding 50mm 1.2 Z | f/1.2
mr. ding optics studio 50mm 1.2 nikon z review m10 42mp 24mp sony a7rii contrast resolution bokeh coma noxlux
Nikon Zf | Mr. Ding 50mm 1.2 Z | f/1.2
mr. ding optics studio 50mm 1.2 nikon z review m10 42mp 24mp sony a7rii contrast resolution bokeh coma noxlux
Nikon Zf | Mr. Ding 50mm 1.2 Z | f/2.8
mr. ding optics studio 50mm 1.2 nikon z review m10 42mp 24mp sony a7rii contrast resolution bokeh coma noxlux
Nikon Zf | Mr. Ding 50mm 1.2 Z | f/4.0
mr. ding optics studio 50mm 1.2 nikon z review m10 42mp 24mp sony a7rii contrast resolution bokeh coma noxlux
Nikon Zf | Mr. Ding 50mm 1.2 Z | f/8.0
mr. ding optics studio 50mm 1.2 nikon z review m10 42mp 24mp sony a7rii contrast resolution bokeh coma noxlux
Nikon Zf | Mr. Ding 50mm 1.2 Z | f/5.6

Continue reading Review: Mr. Ding Optics 50mm 1.2 Noxlux Z

REVIEW: 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8

Introduction

The 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8 full-frame lens for E-mount was released on September 4th, and now the company has added L- and Z-mount versions. It follows their earlier 24mm f/1.8 full-frame lens, which was well received by photographers. At a launch price of $299, this new 35mm sits on the budget-friendly side of the lineup, and if it performs as well as its 24mm sibling, it should offer great value for money. Let’s check it out!

camera-icon2I tested this lens on a 46 Mp Nikon Z7ii (Sample images were taken with a Nikon Zf)
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!
Sample images in high resolution here.

Sample Images

Nikon Zf | 7ARTISANS AF 35mm F/1.8 | f/4
Nikon Zf | 7ARTISANS AF 35mm F/1.8 | f/1.8
Nikon Zf | 7ARTISANS AF 35mm F/1.8 | f/4
Nikon Zf | 7ARTISANS AF 35mm F/1.8 | f/4.5
Nikon Zf | 7ARTISANS AF 35mm F/1.8 | f/8
Nikon Zf | 7ARTISANS AF 35mm F/1.8 | f/1.8

Continue reading REVIEW: 7Artisans AF 35mm f/1.8

REVIEW/COMPARISON: Laowa FF II TS 55mm & 100mm f/2.8 Macro 1X

Introduction

Laowa FF II TS 55mm f/2.8 1X Macro on Nikon Z7II
Laowa FF II TS 55mm f/2.8 1X Macro on Nikon Z7II

UPDATE 20.12.2024:
Reworked the close-up sharpness section and added both 1:1 and 1:2 magnification test shots for both lenses.

The Laowa FF II TS 55mm and 100mm f/2.8 Macro 1X lenses are true macro lenses, offering 1:1 magnification along with tilt-shift functionality that enhances control over the focal plane.

While major camera and lens manufacturers like Canon, Sony, Nikon, Leica, Panasonic, Hasselblad, Sigma, and Tamron have largely overlooked this niche in mirrorless cameras, Laowa has stepped up to fill the gap. Their lenses, available in almost all major mounts, feature tilt and shift capabilities that open up new creative possibilities for photographers.

The tilt function allows precise control over the focal plane, enabling photographers to either extend or limit the in-focus area. This makes these lenses perfect for capturing intricate product details or adding selective focus for artistic compositions. With such versatility, Laowa’s lenses offer greater creative control over depth of field, making them a valuable tool for specialised photography needs

Since these two lenses are almost identical in shape, build, and handling, and were released simultaneously, I decided to combine my review of both. This way, I can avoid repeating the same points and provide a direct comparison, so you can see them side by side.

camera-icon2I tested these lenses on a 46 Mp Nikon Z7ii (Sample images were taken with a Nikon Zf)
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!
Sample images in higher resolution here

Sample Images

Nikon Zf | Laowa FF II TS 100mm f/2.8 1X Macro | f/11
Nikon Zf | Laowa FF II TS 100mm f/2.8 1X Macro | f/11
Nikon Zf | Laowa FF II TS 55mm f/2.8 1X Macro | f/5.6 (Shift panorama)
Nikon Zf | Laowa FF II TS 55mm f/2.8 1X Macro | f/5.6 (Shift panorama)
Nikon Zf | Laowa FF II TS 55mm f/2.8 1X Macro | f/2.8 | Tilted
Nikon Zf | Laowa FF II TS 55mm f/2.8 1X Macro | f/2.8 | Tilted
Nikon Zf | Laowa FF II TS 55mm f/2.8 1X Macro | f/2.8
Nikon Zf | Laowa FF II TS 55mm f/2.8 1X Macro | f/2.8 No Tilt
Nikon Zf | Laowa FF II TS 100mm f/2.8 1X Macro | f/2.8 | Tilted
Nikon Zf | Laowa FF II TS 100mm f/2.8 1X Macro | f/2.8 | Tilted

Continue reading REVIEW/COMPARISON: Laowa FF II TS 55mm & 100mm f/2.8 Macro 1X

Travel Diary: An Arctic Trip (Day 4)

Nikon Z6 | Nikkor Z 24-70/4 S | f/11
Nikon Z6 | Nikkor Z 24-70/4 S | f/11

This diary entry covers our fourth day of the trip. For details on previous days, see the ‘Further Reading’ section at the end of the article.

Youtube small iconSee the video of An Arctic Trip; Day Four on YouTube
Sample-Image-iconSample images in high resolution here.

On the fourth day of our trip, the weather was clear and at sunrise a beautiful light fell on the snow, so I went out alone to take pictures.

Nikon Z6 | Nikkor Z 24-70/4 S | f/8
Nikon Z6 | Nikkor Z 24-70/4 S | f/8

Nikon Z6 | Nikkor Z 24-70/4 S | f/8

Nikon Z6 | Nikkor Z 24-70/4 S | f/8

Nikon Z6 | Nikkor Z 24-70/4 S | f/8
Nikon Z6 | Nikkor Z 24-70/4 S | f/8

Continue reading Travel Diary: An Arctic Trip (Day 4)

Review: Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S

Introduction

Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S | Nikon Z7ii
Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S | Nikon Z7ii

The Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S is a short telephoto lens that delivers excellent background blur thanks to its large aperture. While it’s ideal for portrait photography, it can also be effectively used for landscape and street photography, thanks to its relatively wide field of view for a telephoto lens. This professional-grade lens is designed for both professionals and enthusiasts. From 2019 to 2023, it was Nikon’s only 85mm option for professional use on Z cameras, until the introduction of the 85mm f/1.2 S. Let’s take a closer look!

camera-icon2I tested this lens on a 46 Mp Nikon Z7ii (Sample images were taken with a Nikon Zf and Nikon Zfc)
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!

Sample Images

Nikon Zf | Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S | f/2
Nikon Zf | Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S | f/2
Nikon Zf | Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S | f/1.8
Nikon Zf | Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S | f/1.8
Nikon Zf | Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S | f/6.3
Nikon Zf | Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S | f/6.3
Nikon Zf | Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S | f/1.8
Nikon Zf | Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S | f/1.8
Nikon Zf | Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S | f/11
Nikon Zf | Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S | f/11
Nikon Zf | Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S | f/8
Nikon Zf | Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S | f/8

Continue reading Review: Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S