I had the F 20 f1.8G, and it is a fantastic ultra wide prime. But then I got the Z 20 f1.8S, and, well, it is out of this world good. The S lens is better in every way except size, weight and price. The S lens is almost as sharp as the incredibly sharp Z 50 f1.8S. The S lens is sharper at every aperture in the center, mid and corners vs the G lens, but it is much sharper than the G lens at f4 or faster (cent, mid, corner). The S lens has far less CA. The S lens has well controlled coma up to f2.5, whereas I had to stop the G lens down to f3.5 to get the same level of coma control. I also found that the S lens is a true f1.8, whereas the G lens is a good 1/3 of a stop slower in reality given the same aperture setting. Bring it all together, the S lens is the best ultra wide to wide prime or zoom lens of any aperture on the market.
I am keeping all of my 1.8G primes for my Z7, and I added the 40mm Z. The other 2 F mount lenses i am using regularly on the Z7 are the 70-200 f/4G and 200-500 5.6. The only one I would consider upgrading is the 200-500 when the 180-600 Z becomes easier to get a hold of. The resale price of my D800 is so low, it makes no sense to sell it... it's nice to have lenses that work on both cameras.
I put away 3 Z lenses and brought back my old AIS trilogy of 28mm f2.8, 85mm f2 & 105mm f2.5 to use on the Z8. Bliss I’m back when the world was young once again and time was yours…
Find my 20mm Z is great for shallow depth of field and low light photography. It is a light lens and a good alternative/companion to my 14-24mm when needing that extra light through the lens. The image quality is outstanding too
I love 20mm lenses and my 20mm f/1.8 G is of my favorites. The Z version of course is by far a better choice for all the reasons we all know (sharper, less coma, better af etc.) but there is only one reason why I am keeping the G version and that's the amazing sun-stars that the 7-blade diaphragm produces.
I'm in the same boat. I picked up a copy of the 1.8S but returned it after not seeing the sharpness being tremendously different at the apertures I use for landscapes. Most of the benefit, I believe, is at the lower apertures which I don't use much. Astro would be the biggest benefit over the 1.8G I think.
When I first switched to mirrorless I used a Z mount and two F mount lenses. I got frustrated trying to manage all the lens caps so now have all Z glass
For my use case, I almost always turn to zooms and my f2.8's and f4's are quite usable with a slower shutter speed and a slightly higher ISO. In fact, the only prime I currently have is the Nikon Z 105mm f2.8 S Macro lens. I have considered the Nikon Z 20mm f1.8 for astrophotography, but that's not a priority for me yet. Here in Northern California, crisp clear nights don't come around very often. Your video has me thinking about, though. Good review.
I use the F mount 20mm f1.8 a lot on my DSLR. I only use zooms for over 100mm usually. I love the sharp star effect it produces from street lights which many lenses don't. For a more compact light weight camera last year I got a Fuji XS10 and XF23mm f2 lens. I was not able to get a sharp star effect on street lights from that and have yet to make a sharpness comparison between the 2 but with the XS10 being image stabilised I was able to get very good stable shots with the camera held high on a monopod.
I own 200 and 135 plena. The 135mm autofocus lens is incredibly crisp and speedy. It is suitable for use in any location. Photos taken at 200mm have merit. You can't compare these two lenses. Because these lenses have vastly different focal lengths. The 200mm lens can provide a far greater comparison than the 135mm lens.
i'm a 35, 85 shooter mainly, but now with the z8, i'm selling my 85 and 35 and getting 20 and 50. With 2 bodies i have 20, 35, 50 and 75 ( full frame mode and 20megapixels crop mode) That's the best combination for me. Not changing lens on a location and having 4 primes on me.
Hinton Ampner next? Wasn’t always a Yorkshire dweller! And Eltham Palace - closer to the shop? Hope Kon can keep up the National Trust vibe, perhaps with Tilly. The lady I rang to cancel my NT subscription was so lovely I felt guilty.
This is a 4 month old vid now, but if you do see this comment, I would like to suggest another wide angle lens for you to test: (assuming you can get your hands on one...) the Venus Optics Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Autofocus Lens (Nikon Z). I have an interest in this lens as I already own the 20mm f/1.8 S. I'm heading to Alaska in June so for all those magnificent mountain ranges, will the Laowa 10mm do them justice? Love your vids and I just subscribed.
I own the Nikon 16-35 f4.G. & to be honest I’m not overly impressed with the image quality. I’ve been thinking of selling it & purchasing the 20mm 1.8 G. Any thoughts?
I am already super happy with the G version. For me there is no reason to change. On top I compared with a friend the sun stars and tell you that I definitely prefer the ones coming from the G. But hey, all a question of taste😉
The only problem with the Z 20mm is that (at a glance, in the camera bag) it looks like all of the other, fixed Z lenses. I often reach for the 20 and end up with the 85mm... or the 50, or 35. 😞 It can be a little frustrating to have to read the lens inscriptions to know what you've got in your hand... First world problem.
I absolutely love your videos - GREAT One more idea for filming in official English weather conditions: Put an official English light, the Rotolight NEO, to light yourself a little bit
Still need to add it to the stable. But I have to choose between the 14mm Sigma Art or this one. Wet and dreary you could be here well minus the trees and grass 😉 Have a great week the both of you. 📷☕️
But what about sun stars 😂😂😂. Oh I miss England. Thanks for this review. I had been thinking about this because a good used copy of the F is about half the price of a Z. In the end I just went with the z and it is great. Just wish it had an aperture ring now that I am in Zf love.
The huge size of these Z lenses have me turned off. I agree with the point here that the only reason to go with the Z is if you’re going totally to the Z system.
They made the bodies smaller but the lenses bigger. The lense mount is much nearer to the sensor, so they have to move it back out on the lense side. The bigger diameter does give more possibilities for collapsible lenses though.
The old 20mm f1.8 g was exquisite. The new Z is probably better but how ugly it is with its size. It s just like they added an f2z adaptor inside it. If you have and old G keep it use it with an f2z adaptor and use your money flip or better stuff.
Love this lens, only complaint is that it is ugly!! The long barrel combined with the wide glass just gives it an unappealing look for me. Doesn't really matter but it does bug me sometimes lol
I had the F 20 f1.8G, and it is a fantastic ultra wide prime. But then I got the Z 20 f1.8S, and, well, it is out of this world good. The S lens is better in every way except size, weight and price. The S lens is almost as sharp as the incredibly sharp Z 50 f1.8S. The S lens is sharper at every aperture in the center, mid and corners vs the G lens, but it is much sharper than the G lens at f4 or faster (cent, mid, corner). The S lens has far less CA. The S lens has well controlled coma up to f2.5, whereas I had to stop the G lens down to f3.5 to get the same level of coma control. I also found that the S lens is a true f1.8, whereas the G lens is a good 1/3 of a stop slower in reality given the same aperture setting. Bring it all together, the S lens is the best ultra wide to wide prime or zoom lens of any aperture on the market.
Z20mm is just a fantastic lens. I bring this when I don't think I need the wide end of my 14-30 or when I need the low light capability and sharpness.
I am keeping all of my 1.8G primes for my Z7, and I added the 40mm Z. The other 2 F mount lenses i am using regularly on the Z7 are the 70-200 f/4G and 200-500 5.6. The only one I would consider upgrading is the 200-500 when the 180-600 Z becomes easier to get a hold of. The resale price of my D800 is so low, it makes no sense to sell it... it's nice to have lenses that work on both cameras.
Well this should be an easy test, the 20 S is easily the best wide prime I’ve used. Been a 20 prime fan forever 🙂
I put away 3 Z lenses and brought back my old AIS trilogy of 28mm f2.8, 85mm f2 & 105mm f2.5 to use on the Z8.
Bliss I’m back when the world was young once again and time was yours…
Find my 20mm Z is great for shallow depth of field and low light photography. It is a light lens and a good alternative/companion to my 14-24mm when needing that extra light through the lens. The image quality is outstanding too
I love 20mm lenses and my 20mm f/1.8 G is of my favorites. The Z version of course is by far a better choice for all the reasons we all know (sharper, less coma, better af etc.) but there is only one reason why I am keeping the G version and that's the amazing sun-stars that the 7-blade diaphragm produces.
I'm in the same boat. I picked up a copy of the 1.8S but returned it after not seeing the sharpness being tremendously different at the apertures I use for landscapes. Most of the benefit, I believe, is at the lower apertures which I don't use much. Astro would be the biggest benefit over the 1.8G I think.
@@richardwanbon3087 Yes! Exactly!
When I first switched to mirrorless I used a Z mount and two F mount lenses. I got frustrated trying to manage all the lens caps so now have all Z glass
The S Lens is way better than the very Good G which I used on the D850 but my S 20mm goes on my Z8 now for Milky Way >> best for M Way on Planet Earth
For my use case, I almost always turn to zooms and my f2.8's and f4's are quite usable with a slower shutter speed and a slightly higher ISO. In fact, the only prime I currently have is the Nikon Z 105mm f2.8 S Macro lens. I have considered the Nikon Z 20mm f1.8 for astrophotography, but that's not a priority for me yet. Here in Northern California, crisp clear nights don't come around very often. Your video has me thinking about, though. Good review.
I use the F mount 20mm f1.8 a lot on my DSLR. I only use zooms for over 100mm usually. I love the sharp star effect it produces from street lights which many lenses don't. For a more compact light weight camera last year I got a Fuji XS10 and XF23mm f2 lens. I was not able to get a sharp star effect on street lights from that and have yet to make a sharpness comparison between the 2 but with the XS10 being image stabilised I was able to get very good stable shots with the camera held high on a monopod.
Great review thank you. A big ask can you compare the F mount 200mm f2 with the Plena please
I own 200 and 135 plena. The 135mm autofocus lens is incredibly crisp and speedy. It is suitable for use in any location. Photos taken at 200mm have merit. You can't compare these two lenses. Because these lenses have vastly different focal lengths. The 200mm lens can provide a far greater comparison than the 135mm lens.
Nice to see you both visiting Polsden Lacy, which is probably my nearest NT mansion 👏👏
i'm a 35, 85 shooter mainly, but now with the z8, i'm selling my 85 and 35 and getting 20 and 50.
With 2 bodies i have 20, 35, 50 and 75 ( full frame mode and 20megapixels crop mode)
That's the best combination for me. Not changing lens on a location and having 4 primes on me.
Hinton Ampner next? Wasn’t always a Yorkshire dweller! And Eltham Palace - closer to the shop? Hope Kon can keep up the National Trust vibe, perhaps with Tilly. The lady I rang to cancel my NT subscription was so lovely I felt guilty.
This is a 4 month old vid now, but if you do see this comment, I would like to suggest another wide angle lens for you to test: (assuming you can get your hands on one...) the Venus Optics Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Autofocus Lens (Nikon Z). I have an interest in this lens as I already own the 20mm f/1.8 S. I'm heading to Alaska in June so for all those magnificent mountain ranges, will the Laowa 10mm do them justice? Love your vids and I just subscribed.
I own the Nikon 16-35 f4.G. & to be honest I’m not overly impressed with the image quality. I’ve been thinking of selling it & purchasing the 20mm 1.8 G. Any thoughts?
I have combined
the 14-30 and this one to the 14-24 2.8 S but I still miss this one.
Any reason why the Z version is so much bigger for the exact same FL and aperture? It looks huge.
It's long and has a wide lip to fit lens warmers for astro and timelapse photography.
I love my 20mm for Astrophotography. I think another review of the 24-200 would be a good update.
Any chance that Nikon will think about ultra wide fast aperture lens like 14mm 1.8, 12mm 1.8?
Like always, very informative. Thank you!
This is the lens I want. Landscapes and astro all in 1.
I love my 20mm 1.8 G on the Z8, would never sell it....
Try the S 20mm and be very happy
I am already super happy with the G version. For me there is no reason to change. On top I compared with a friend the sun stars and tell you that I definitely prefer the ones coming from the G. But hey, all a question of taste😉
The only problem with the Z 20mm is that (at a glance, in the camera bag) it looks like all of the other, fixed Z lenses. I often reach for the 20 and end up with the 85mm... or the 50, or 35. 😞
It can be a little frustrating to have to read the lens inscriptions to know what you've got in your hand... First world problem.
Thanks. Wished someone would do the 24mm comparison. Pretty I know the answer
which camera was used with the lens?
I absolutely love your videos - GREAT
One more idea for filming in official English weather conditions:
Put an official English light, the Rotolight NEO, to light yourself a little bit
👍
Glad to see that replacing my 20mm F lens does not have to be a high priority.
Well I upgraded because I saw another review! Also, with the FTZ they are much the same length...
@@dominiclester3232 It would be worth doing not to have to faf around with the adapter, but not high on my particular priority list.
Still need to add it to the stable. But I have to choose between the 14mm Sigma Art or this one. Wet and dreary you could be here well minus the trees and grass 😉 Have a great week the both of you. 📷☕️
It's a lovely lens, and nearly as sharp as the 50/1.8. Now, what would fit nicely between them...a 35, no a fast 35, say a 35mm f1.2?
A Plus for the 20mm G is the comparatively nicer and cleaner sun stars, imo.
Excellent video, thank you!
But what about sun stars 😂😂😂. Oh I miss England. Thanks for this review. I had been thinking about this because a good used copy of the F is about half the price of a Z. In the end I just went with the z and it is great. Just wish it had an aperture ring now that I am in Zf love.
The huge size of these Z lenses have me turned off. I agree with the point here that the only reason to go with the Z is if you’re going totally to the Z system.
They made the bodies smaller but the lenses bigger. The lense mount is much nearer to the sensor, so they have to move it back out on the lense side. The bigger diameter does give more possibilities for collapsible lenses though.
informative content.
I've got the G version, and I'm not getting the new one no matter what. 🤷🏾♂️
Z 20 is a great astro photography lens
Wow! Daffodils in December! lol
I believe this video was filmed back in February this year. 😅
20 - 35 - 85 -- my prime set...
The old 20mm f1.8 g was exquisite. The new Z is probably better but how ugly it is with its size. It s just like they added an f2z adaptor inside it. If you have and old G keep it use it with an f2z adaptor and use your money flip or better stuff.
But compare with F mount adapted on Z.
❤❤❤
Okay, I‘ve done everything the right way….😂
Comparing Z and N lenses, really? I wonder which will win...
You will be surprised how many times we’ve been asked to do such comparisons
Love this lens, only complaint is that it is ugly!! The long barrel combined with the wide glass just gives it an unappealing look for me. Doesn't really matter but it does bug me sometimes lol
sigma 20 mm f/1.4 art ...........
Nikon is well known for their ultrawides.
I have both lenses - they are both really great - the Z lens maybe very slightly better ... 🦘