If you want to see his earlier work, try digitalrev. I highly recommend it as this guy is really superb (but I guess you already figured that by yourself)
OMG. I had the exact same thought just watching the other video. I think it's the (british?) humor. "We tested the weather sealing this lens by giving it a light shower. And than we backed it in the oven" Literally goes on to put the thing in an oven xD I burst.
Thanks Kai, I’ve been dusting of my collection of Nikon lenses from lack of use. I was in a coma for a month and rehab for atrophy after that but I forgot how good some of my lenses are. I’ve collected just about every SP&G2 Tamron lens and I’m blown away by all of the and some are half the price of nikkor stuff. I love your work and I hope you do well in your new venture. Give Lambie a hug for me.
This is a nice overview of top Nikon F-mount lenses. The 85, 105 and 180-400 definitely fall into the Exotics class, like the 300/2.8, 400/2.8 etc. There is, however, one lens that lords over these, and has ruled the Nikon roost since its inception: The 200mm F2. Few people have reviewed it because of its rarity, but it remains the sharpest telephoto Nikon produces, even 11 years after it came out. The use as a portrait monster, or a sports weapon on DX, is mesmeric. Only really Kai should be allowed to review it, but there is a risk of mental collapse when he sees the bokeh. Perhaps if Lok is ready with defibrillator and smelling salts it might be alright. Is it now time for the life affirming 200/2 review ???
The best out of best (BEAST) of the lenses 1. Nikkor 28mm f1.4E 2. Nikkor 105mm f1.4E 3. Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8E VR 4. Nikkor 200mm f2G VR II 5. Nikkor 300mm f2.8G VR II 6. Nikkor 400mm f2.8G VR II
Best for walking around might be the 35mm f/1.4. The 24mm f/1.4 is amazing, but its uses are more restricted, when shooting people at least. But it does offer views no other lens can give you. I just bought the 85. Should be here tomorrow. So excited to finally have my own copy. It's my favorite lens. But I've never shot with the new 105.
I had the AFS 80-200 the first silent wave and the one prior to that . Used it in combination with F4s and Metz flash Fuji provia 100 for years. The image quality to this day has always astonished me. I shoot mostly Leica M glass purely for weight porpoise. I still daydream of the 80-200 Nikkor when looking at those slides. For portraits even on a F4s the autofocus was plenty fast. I hate the F5 and the rest for digitally cluttering the viewfinder and Matt screen. I truly believe if you go up from the 80-200 the telephoto lenses 300 45600 are all next level. The wider lenses are a bit soft, but the tubes are just gorgeous.
Kai was definitely playing a character on digitalrev. His natural voice tone is much lower. It was so evident in the beginning of this video. I was like "Woah digitalrev kai is back" then he switched to his real tone and it's much more deeper and manly lol
As far as my personal experience, I do think that the Nikon manual AI and AIS Lenses are one of the best lenses in the photo market. Not everybody would be able to spend loads of money for these lenses. I have been buying used lenses at very good and excellent condition. I have three Nikon automatic lenses and 7 Nikon manual lenses. 18-35mm, 28-105mm macro, Two 50mm, 28mm, 35mm, 70-300mm, 35-70mm, 200mm, and a 55mm Micro lens. I have a quite a small collection here. The 28-105mm macro lens was purchased brand new. Cheers!
Jason Levine there are multiple ways to determine the five best Nikon lenses. One is to rely upon a breadth of experience using Nikon’s glass produced over the last century. Another is to show up at a Nikon event and pick five of the assortment that are presented. That’s what we have here.
Have you never used the lenses in this roundup or are you just being a hater? I'm not sure how you can argue against any of these lenses. I've done direct comparisons between the AIS versions of some of these and the G versions and in my experience the G versions are far superior in every measurable optical and ergonomic way. The only advantage of the older lenses is the manual focusing is much easier on the older metal body lenses. But the auto focusing is so accurate and fast nowadays that it's much more practical than MF. Also, it's a Nikon event. Of course they have all of the lenses there.
I thought it was the location, when you were in Hong Kong, but all your videos still have that "feeling-at-home-relaxation", so it has to be your personality and the way it's put together then presented! :D
Kai!!! I had no idea you started your own channel mate! I used to religiously watch you back in the Digital rev days! Needless to say i just subbed to your channel! You're an absolute legend mate! Always make me laugh. Keep up the excellent work my friend.
The 70-200mm performed very well with water all over the glass. Glad you had a look at the 180-400. When I saw that on their website, I had a little accident.
As per my opinion best five Nikon lenses are: 1. Nikon 14-24mm 2.8 AF-S G ED 2. Nikon 24-70mm 2.8 AF-S E N ED 3. Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 AF-E N FL ED 4. Nikon 200-500mm 5.6 AF-S ED VR II 5. Nikon 50mm 1.4G ED
Wasn't into photography at all until I accidentally binge watched nearly all the DRTV videos! Didn't know a single photography term (including bokeh) until then! You and Lok totally inspired me to buy my first DSLR camera. Mentioned you guys in the B&H survey. Debated between crop sensors vs. full frame, mirrorless vs dslr, 4k vs. 1080p, autofocusing systems, etc.. Watching the "Pro Photographer Cheap Camera" and "Big Shot" challenge series really helped me stay on budget. If you're still in contact with the Pro's, it would be cool to see the series revived!
@fayensu As long as it meets your needs, go for it! I definitely prefer my 6DMKII or S1H over my phone. I think the Galaxy S23 Ultra is still far from the quality of the bigger cameras.
@@vincentvergara2728 Not sure if you are implying that the Fuji X-S20 is a phone. It is a 26MP APS-C camera. Agree with your comments about phones. Cheers.
You should also do a comparison of the: 1. Nikon 100mm f2.0 De-Focus AF-D Lens, does the De-Focus really help the Bokeh ? with the 2. Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro SD AF-D lens, because of the special aperture the bokeh is phenominal. with the 3. Legendary 105mm f2.5 mm AF-D lens, the lens formula is the same as the legendary MF lens. If you were to include the; 4. Nikon 100 f2.8 Macro, and the; 5. Nikon 105 f1.4 lens, You could label it the 5 BEST NIKON LENSES, by Order of Sharpness, Bokeh & Price !
Great Video, love your content. With your on screen presence and humor your sure to go far. Can't wait to see what's next. And personally doing a cheap lens video is a great idea! Can't wait to see it.
Pentax, go for it. I like all kinds of cameras and camera gear, even the whats in my bag stuff, makes things interesting. I as well many other people watch your videos for the entertainment value and of the course the review content.
"It's hard to define what is best" ??? That RED thing next to you is THE BEST !! Not hard to define. (All joking aside, that 70-200 f2.8 E FL is one very, very, VERY wicked lens. Love mine for sure.)
You should Compare the ; 1. Nikon 180mm - 300 mm F 4.0 ED, VR AFD lens w built - in 1.4 Tele Converter with the Older Tokina 100mm - 300mm f 4.0 SD AF lens & the Nikon 1.4 Tele Extender.
5 Best Nikon Lenses you cannot afford! When he pulled out the 300mm I thought man the 200 f2 deserves more than the 300mm to be in the list. But then he just smashed my 200mm fantasies with the 180-400mm.
Fine video. Thanks. Got to step out now for a winning lottery ticket, so I can get those high-dollar monster lenses. 😁 I actually have the 50mm f/1.8 and really like it, but I think I need either an 85mm or 105mm soon.
Timothy Ngo With the weight of the 70-200, you should never be holding the cam by just the body like he's doing. He's going to destroy the part where the body and lens connect.
I own a 85/1.4G and feel its CA and bokeh should have been better. In the circumstances of the video that may not become visible - higher contrast backlit and you'll see my point.
Hey guys, i want to ask you something. If you have to chose between smartphone huawei p20 Pro or Nikon d3400 what would you choose ? (i mean do Nikon d3400 with kit lenses have better picture quality from the huawei p20 Pro? )
How do you compare this with a 400mm f2.8? If i have the money to buy one of these two,you still recommend the 180? I am shooting a lot of low light movement and i might think that thw aperture on the 400 is better. Maybe they will come out with a 2.8 version later on
Your channel is the top gear for photographers. Been hooked for three days.
Excellent. A couple more hours and it will be the fourth day - woohoo!
If you want to see his earlier work, try digitalrev. I highly recommend it as this guy is really superb (but I guess you already figured that by yourself)
Welcome to the club!
OMG. I had the exact same thought just watching the other video. I think it's the (british?) humor.
"We tested the weather sealing this lens by giving it a light shower. And than we backed it in the oven" Literally goes on to put the thing in an oven xD I burst.
One year after that guy, I’m 5 days in. Tonight’s already yesterday and I’m only just getting started with this binge watch..
Thanks Kai, I’ve been dusting of my collection of Nikon lenses from lack of use. I was in a coma for a month and rehab for atrophy after that but I forgot how good some of my lenses are. I’ve collected just about every SP&G2 Tamron lens and I’m blown away by all of the and some are half the price of nikkor stuff. I love your work and I hope you do well in your new venture. Give Lambie a hug for me.
The way you talk about Nikon in this video, makes me proud to own one.
"Squatting in random places is soo Chinese!" I died from that line from Kai 😂
Best cheapskate lenses for Nikon please!
Ali go Chinese
Is there such a thing?
get the Nifty fifty or the 35mm
50/1.8D 85/1.8D and G, 24mm, 28mm 1.8G.
Ali Plenty of old 35mm lenses for full frame. 80-200 f2.8, 28-85, 50 1.4, 35-105, great primes and alot more.
This is a nice overview of top Nikon F-mount lenses. The 85, 105 and 180-400 definitely fall into the Exotics class, like the 300/2.8, 400/2.8 etc. There is, however, one lens that lords over these, and has ruled the Nikon roost since its inception: The 200mm F2. Few people have reviewed it because of its rarity, but it remains the sharpest telephoto Nikon produces, even 11 years after it came out. The use as a portrait monster, or a sports weapon on DX, is mesmeric. Only really Kai should be allowed to review it, but there is a risk of mental collapse when he sees the bokeh. Perhaps if Lok is ready with defibrillator and smelling salts it might be alright. Is it now time for the life affirming 200/2 review ???
I love the 58 mm f1.4: you're not kidding about the bokeh.
It reminds of the old videos when you were in another channel. As a Nikon fanboy, Love it!
The best out of best (BEAST) of the lenses
1. Nikkor 28mm f1.4E
2. Nikkor 105mm f1.4E
3. Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8E VR
4. Nikkor 200mm f2G VR II
5. Nikkor 300mm f2.8G VR II
6. Nikkor 400mm f2.8G VR II
180-400mm is mental
Lashan it's great! I have it
Brent Panem What do you use it for? Curious. I can imagine it would be handy for portraits with interesting backgrounds, sports, nature, astro
ill take 2
all 5 of his choices are mental
i knew ud be here lol
Best for walking around might be the 35mm f/1.4. The 24mm f/1.4 is amazing, but its uses are more restricted, when shooting people at least. But it does offer views no other lens can give you. I just bought the 85. Should be here tomorrow. So excited to finally have my own copy. It's my favorite lens. But I've never shot with the new 105.
I'm surprised the Nikon 28mm 1.4e isn't on this list. Probably my favorite for Nikon.
I had the AFS 80-200 the first silent wave and the one prior to that . Used it in combination with F4s and Metz flash Fuji provia 100 for years. The image quality to this day has always astonished me. I shoot mostly Leica M glass purely for weight porpoise. I still daydream of the 80-200 Nikkor when looking at those slides. For portraits even on a F4s the autofocus was plenty fast. I hate the F5 and the rest for digitally cluttering the viewfinder and Matt screen. I truly believe if you go up from the 80-200 the telephoto lenses 300 45600 are all next level. The wider lenses are a bit soft, but the tubes are just gorgeous.
One of my fave lenses for my Nikon FX is the 85mm 1.8! It's super sharp, has lush bokeh and is only £400! It's my goto portrait lens. ^-^
Best reviewer for photography on the planet!
Kai was definitely playing a character on digitalrev. His natural voice tone is much lower. It was so evident in the beginning of this video. I was like "Woah digitalrev kai is back" then he switched to his real tone and it's much more deeper and manly lol
Sometimes my underpants ride up a bit too high, that's all.
I was thinking it was just the different audio setups
As far as my personal experience, I do think that the Nikon manual AI and AIS Lenses are one of the best lenses in the photo market. Not everybody would be able to spend loads of money for these lenses. I have been buying used lenses at very good and excellent condition. I have three Nikon automatic lenses and 7 Nikon manual lenses. 18-35mm, 28-105mm macro, Two 50mm, 28mm, 35mm, 70-300mm, 35-70mm, 200mm, and a 55mm Micro lens. I have a quite a small collection here. The 28-105mm macro lens was purchased brand new. Cheers!
What a coincidence that Nikon just happened to have the five best lenses right there!
Isn't there some youtube rule that says you have to disclose if you're being paid to advertise wares?
Jason Levine there are multiple ways to determine the five best Nikon lenses. One is to rely upon a breadth of experience using Nikon’s glass produced over the last century. Another is to show up at a Nikon event and pick five of the assortment that are presented. That’s what we have here.
Feel free to jog on
Have you never used the lenses in this roundup or are you just being a hater? I'm not sure how you can argue against any of these lenses. I've done direct comparisons between the AIS versions of some of these and the G versions and in my experience the G versions are far superior in every measurable optical and ergonomic way. The only advantage of the older lenses is the manual focusing is much easier on the older metal body lenses. But the auto focusing is so accurate and fast nowadays that it's much more practical than MF.
Also, it's a Nikon event. Of course they have all of the lenses there.
Michael Mangold Agreed, but the 70-200 is top notch - so fast to focus.
Fantastic shots Kai! All that yummy nummy Nikkor glass goodness is just so...expensive 😑 (Sigh) COME ON POWERBALL!!!
obsidian00 ahaha
Can’t wait for that 600mm f4 PF. That’s going to be a field operators dream.
I have a 400mm 2.8 and a 200mm f2, and a 50mm 1.4G, these are really excellent lenses :)
My favourite lens is the 28-50mm f3.5 macro. Versatile and sharp as a tack
I thought it was the location, when you were in Hong Kong, but all your videos still have that "feeling-at-home-relaxation", so it has to be your personality and the way it's put together then presented!
:D
I'm a Sony A7 III user and would consider myself a fanboy, but I admire the lens selection and prizes of Nikon. There are lenses I can only dream of.
Best outright videos on RUclips!!! Your monologue cracks me up! Awesome editing too! Thank you to both you and your amazing team :)
I'd choose the 24mm 1.4G over the 58mm for the 2nd spot any day. Love it!
I shoot Nikon..and approve of this Video.
Kai!!! I had no idea you started your own channel mate! I used to religiously watch you back in the Digital rev days! Needless to say i just subbed to your channel! You're an absolute legend mate! Always make me laugh. Keep up the excellent work my friend.
This is the best video that I’ve seen in the past 20 mins 😲
The 70-200mm performed very well with water all over the glass. Glad you had a look at the 180-400. When I saw that on their website, I had a little accident.
I just bought the 105mm f/1.4. Such an amazing monster!
This is one of your best videos why are the views so low😠😤😤
As per my opinion best five Nikon lenses are:
1. Nikon 14-24mm 2.8 AF-S G ED
2. Nikon 24-70mm 2.8 AF-S E N ED
3. Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 AF-E N FL ED
4. Nikon 200-500mm 5.6 AF-S ED VR II
5. Nikon 50mm 1.4G ED
This video makes me think that when Nikon enters the mirrorless world and given that all of these lenses are compatible, they'll surely make a splash.
Wasn't into photography at all until I accidentally binge watched nearly all the DRTV videos! Didn't know a single photography term (including bokeh) until then! You and Lok totally inspired me to buy my first DSLR camera. Mentioned you guys in the B&H survey. Debated between crop sensors vs. full frame, mirrorless vs dslr, 4k vs. 1080p, autofocusing systems, etc.. Watching the "Pro Photographer Cheap Camera" and "Big Shot" challenge series really helped me stay on budget. If you're still in contact with the Pro's, it would be cool to see the series revived!
"Debated between crop sensors vs. full frame, mirrorless vs dslr, 4k vs. 1080p, autofocusing systems, etc." So what did you end up buying?
@@fayensu I ended up buying the 6DMKII first and still use it to this day. The second camera I got was the Panasonic S1H.
@@vincentvergara2728 Great choices. A lot of people still love their DSLRs. Thinking of getting a Fuji X-S20 as my first camera.
@fayensu As long as it meets your needs, go for it! I definitely prefer my 6DMKII or S1H over my phone. I think the Galaxy S23 Ultra is still far from the quality of the bigger cameras.
@@vincentvergara2728 Not sure if you are implying that the Fuji X-S20 is a phone. It is a 26MP APS-C camera. Agree with your comments about phones. Cheers.
Are you planning on doing your own AnalogRev at some point?
Gonna do more film stuff, yep
Kai W Yessssss, always thought the best pictures you took in videos were on film, especially the XPan video
AnalRev*
Kai W would really love that !
Been waiting over a year for more of The F Word. Chop chop Kai.
I like the look of the 3rd to last lens. It looks Amazing visually.
Summer 2024 and my brand new D780 just arrived 😊
Nice collection of classic cars. Nice collection of lenses. I have the 58mm. Love it. Wonderful video.
Whoever is your camera man needs to remember to give the lens a bit of a wipe between shots :)
You should also do a comparison of the:
1. Nikon 100mm f2.0 De-Focus AF-D Lens, does the De-Focus really help the Bokeh ?
with the
2. Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro SD AF-D lens, because of the special aperture the bokeh is phenominal.
with the
3. Legendary 105mm f2.5 mm AF-D lens, the lens formula is the same as the legendary MF lens.
If you were to include the;
4. Nikon 100 f2.8 Macro,
and the;
5. Nikon 105 f1.4 lens,
You could label it the 5 BEST NIKON LENSES, by Order of Sharpness, Bokeh & Price !
Kai is wearing GLOVES?! In May?... I don't even live in the UK and I miss Hong Kong
Kai, nikon glass, and air force 1. Brilliant!
15:03 That Pentax shade though. :D
Please make one - I'd love to watch.
I shoot Pentax and not looking to switch anytime soon.
Great Video, love your content. With your on screen presence and humor your sure to go far. Can't wait to see what's next. And personally doing a cheap lens video is a great idea! Can't wait to see it.
Hi Kai, love ur videos...why not try the oldie but goodie nikkor 80-200 f2.8 ED? 😅
I really liked this video. Nikon do really have great lenses. The 85mm and the 58mm took my interest.
This episode is a true Top Gear show~
Kai, I think that the 'P' in 'PF' stands for "Phase". So the full acronym represents 'Phase Fresnel'.
Got all the lens right beside the 180-400, I thought the 200mm f2 would score on this list
Absolutely epic! Thanks Kai! Come shoot in CA!
Pentax, go for it.
I like all kinds of cameras and camera gear, even the whats in my bag stuff, makes things interesting.
I as well many other people watch your videos for the entertainment value and of the course the review content.
For the first time Kai's images look good
Why there is not wide angle lens in list like 24-70,14-24,16-35,prime 24 etc...
Exceptionally done, as always, Kai...
"It's hard to define what is best" ??? That RED thing next to you is THE BEST !! Not hard to define. (All joking aside, that 70-200 f2.8 E FL is one very, very, VERY wicked lens. Love mine for sure.)
You should Compare the ;
1. Nikon 180mm - 300 mm F 4.0 ED, VR AFD lens w built - in 1.4 Tele Converter
with the
Older Tokina 100mm - 300mm f 4.0 SD AF lens & the Nikon 1.4 Tele Extender.
CORRECTION 180mm - 400mm f4.0 LENS.
Those cars are gorgeous. Nice lenses too.
That last lens was impressive how quickly you could auto focus.
Almost no rain and you need to bag your camera ? is Nikon weather sealing that bad ?
Where’s the Canon strap, Kai?
Kai whats the name of the North Face jacket you are wearing. Cant see the jacket on the North Face website.
Thanks, Kai. Love the Nikon stuff :)
5 Best Nikon Lenses you cannot afford!
When he pulled out the 300mm I thought man the 200 f2 deserves more than the 300mm to be in the list. But then he just smashed my 200mm fantasies with the 180-400mm.
What kind of strap is on your Nikon?
I want to know that, too.
How about that start model?
Bicester heritage?? Nikon and Amy Shore day?? Looks mega!! That 58mm!! And 85!!!
drooling for the 85mm
That G at 6:04 makes me think that you are a big fan of One Piece (Lao G) LOL
Thank you for the great videos, Kai!
Hey Kai!!! Please please please please do a video on best lenses for nikon dx cameras, we so need it!
Oh shit son, I have never touched a nikon, ill watch anyways.
Did you find the ejector seat button?
Bill Ferris lol, this made me laugh
Fine video. Thanks. Got to step out now for a winning lottery ticket, so I can get those high-dollar monster lenses. 😁 I actually have the 50mm f/1.8 and really like it, but I think I need either an 85mm or 105mm soon.
I would select these lenses personally:
1. Nikkor 600mm 4.0 FL
2. Nikkor 200mm 2.0 VRII
3. Tamron 70-200mm 2.8 G2
4. Nikkor 24-70mm 2.8G
5. Laowa 12mm 2.8
Now that you mention Pentax. I'd like to see a good review of the Pentax KP.
You are a hell of a strong little man Kai,if can hold 180-400 with one hand .
Kai whips out his 70-200mm and gets right into the cars like no one's buiesness
Timothy Ngo With the weight of the 70-200, you should never be holding the cam by just the body like he's doing. He's going to destroy the part where the body and lens connect.
Is there any good video that explains and compares all those special lens elements? Like AS or ED?
I'd really love a new (ahem D1g1t4lr3v-style) Pro Photographer Cheap Camera challenge! Not sure you'll find a real pro in the UK, but there you go.
Kai, what’s the glove you’re wearing ? Better for grip ? Or did you just have a cold right hand ? 🖐🏻
Great video! I would disagree with the 105mm f/1,4E though.
Love the way you explain things 👍🏻👍🏻
Por favor un video para lentes DX , please a video for DX lenses, saludos desde Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
What do you think is better the Canon 70-200mm 2.8 L II or the new Nikon 70-200mm 2.8?
I have a 50mm f1.8 and i'm looking into getting a 35mm or 85mm, which should i get next?
Macro shot of the wheels - SPOKEH!
Kai,where did you find the Nikon raincoat,please need to know.?
Thanks for your blogs most enjoyable.
LOVE to see that they have a HONDA in the collection!
Can somebody tell me where to get the camera strap which Kai uses on his Nikon? This thing looks good! 🙂
should I wait for canon 90d or just getting 80d for now as a newcomer in photographer???
Sold my wife and kids to get the 70-200 totally worth it
Great, Kai! Very nice machines and lenses.
I own a 85/1.4G and feel its CA and bokeh should have been better. In the circumstances of the video that may not become visible - higher contrast backlit and you'll see my point.
Kai is your shoulder bag the limited edition Billingham Hadley Pro Camouflage or just just a different manufacturer.
I just watched this video and thought it was funny AF and wondered why he only had 891 subscribers ! Fetch me my glasses. "K"
Great video, Kai. Does anyone know, whats the strap he is using? I dont like my original D500, or any other nikon strap, it bruises neck :) Thanks.
Are you not working with Digital Rev anymore??
Hey guys, i want to ask you something. If you have to chose between smartphone huawei p20 Pro or Nikon d3400 what would you choose ? (i mean do Nikon d3400 with kit lenses have better picture quality from the huawei p20 Pro? )
You were the reason I watched digitalrev - now, you have our channel to do your thing. Keep it up, get your sponsors and continue your reviews.
The titles for the different sections of the video are wrong.
How do you compare this with a 400mm f2.8? If i have the money to buy one of these two,you still recommend the 180? I am shooting a lot of low light movement and i might think that thw aperture on the 400 is better. Maybe they will come out with a 2.8 version later on