Category Archives: Nikon

Review: Nikon 58mm 0.95 Noct-Nikkor – The Ultimate Lens?

November 9, 2024 BastianK 22 Comments

Introduction

nikon 58mm 0.95 noct nikkor arneo nano high resolution bokeh portrait sharpness resolution lateral ca chromatic aberration aberrations zf z6 z6iii z8 z9 z7 z7ii z6ii 24mp 42mp 61mp — Nikon Z 58mm 0.95 S Noct-Nikkor on Nikon Zf

When camera manufacturers introduce a new mount, they usually also announce some fancy new lenses, which were simply not possible to design for the previous one. Canon for example did that by introducing the Canon EF 50mm 1.0L USM when they made the switch from FD to EF mount in 1989. And when Nikon made the switch from F to Z mount in 2019, it led to the release of this Nikon Z 58mm 0.95 S Noct-Nikkor, to showcase the possibilities of the much wider Z-mount. This is not only a rare, expensive and quite unpractical lens, it is also the best f/0.95 lens ever made. In the manual Nikon even goes as far as calling it the “Ultimate Lens”. Is there any truth to that? Let’s have a closer look!

Sample Images

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camera, lenses, Manufacturers, Nikon, Nikon, Nikon Z, Review

REVIEW: Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S

October 27, 2024 Martin 17 Comments

Introduction

The Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S, designed primarily for demanding professionals and discerning enthusiasts, is one of the fastest autofocus lenses in the Nikkor Z lineup. While Nikon has a legacy of producing ultra-fast f/1.2 standard lenses, this is their first f/1.2 autofocus lens. Nikon’s history with f/1.2 lenses began in 1965 with the introduction of the Nikkor-S 55mm f/1.2. This was followed by the legendary Noct-Nikkor 58mm f/1.2 in 1977 and the AI-Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 S in 1981. However, after the 1980s, Nikon took a break from producing f/1.2 lenses until the advent of the Z mount system in 2018.

With the larger Z mount, Nikon aimed to overcome the limitations of their previous f/1.2 lenses by incorporating new technology. As a result, the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S was launched in September 2020.

But did Nikon succeed in meeting these high expectations? Let’s find out!

camera-icon2 I tested this lens on a 46 Mp Nikon Z 7II (Sample images taken with Nikon Zf)
You can see this review as a YouTube video here!

Sample Images

Nikon Zf | Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S | f/1.2

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Nikon, Nikon, Review

Review: Nikon AF-S 105mm 1.4 E

October 5, 2024 BastianK 9 Comments

Introduction

nikon af af-s 105mm 1.4 1.4E N nano ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance — Nikon AF-S 105mm 1.4E via adapter on Sony A7rII

The Nikon AF-S 105mm 1.4E was one of Nikon’s last fast primes designed for the F-mount. And when it was released, I felt like it is supposed to be the replacement for an 85mm 1.2 lens Nikon users never got. Is this the best portrait tele lens ever made for the F-mount? Let’s try to find out.

Sample Images

nikon af-s 105mm 1.4 e n ed sony 42mp 61mp a7rii a7riv a7riii a1 a9iii a7rv review resolution sharpness contrast bokeh vignetting coma z6 z7 z8 z9 — Sony A7III | Nikon AF-S 105mm 1.4E | Monster LA-FE2 | f/1.4

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Analogue, Nikon, Nikon, Projects, Sigma

Analogue Adventures – Part 34: Kodak Pro Image 100

September 17, 2024 BastianK 8 Comments

I thought I had already used all of Kodak’s color negative films still in production, but I somehow managed to miss out on the Pro Image 100. How does it compare to the readily available Gold 200 and the Portra 160? Let’s try to find out.
Processing (C-41) and scanning was done at urbanfilmlab in Germany, the pictures in this article are from one roll of film.

kodak pro image 100 professional review nikon f analogue film hamburg germany f80 — Nikon F80 | Kodak Pro Image 100 | Sigma 50mm 1.4 EX | f/1.4

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Nikon, Nikon, Review

Review: Nikon AF-S 24mm 1.4G – Outdated or Modern Classic?

September 13, 2024 BastianK 12 Comments

Introduction

nikon af-s 24mm 1.4 g n ed sony 42mp 61mp a7rii a7riv a7riii a1 a9iii a7rv review resolution sharpness contrast bokeh vignetting coma z6 z7 z8 z9 — Nikon AF-S 24mm 1.4G via FTZ II on Nikon Zf

The Nikon AF-S 24mm 1.4G ED N was a big deal when it was released in 2010 and it ended up being my most used lens on Nikon DSLRs from 2012 to 2014. Looking for a fast wide angle lens with AF in 2024, I decided to have another look at this one – instead of spending noticeably bigger money on the noticeably smaller Sony FE 24mm 1.4 GM. Was that an objective decision? Let’s find out together.