Jeremy, although the lens does contribute, the camera really determines low-light focusing ability. My D4s and D5 focus very well in low light with this lens.
Do you know what the aperture was set at in the second shot of the video? The day distant shot of the lighting setup? It seemed like a pretty far setup, but you and the girl were still in the DOF. Thanks in advance. Considering this lens for my video/photo work. Seems like it has all of the advantages of the 50 1.4 but better in every way and slightly more tele which I think is good in a lot of situations.
Great job jeremy! The production value looks huge on this video, really like the slider view and your comments when shooting was awsome! I would love to see more like that!
I am very torn with this lens because I love the focal length of 60mm-70mm but this particular Nikon 58mm is only sharp around F2 (I tested it). The 50mm 1.8g is shorter but perfect. The 85mm 1.8g is incredible too. Another amazing option is the Sigma 70mm 2.8 macro. It makes beautiful sharp portraits with great bokeh
Great lens review. We have both the good amont of technical details (without being too obsessive) and your impression and results (because at the end, we want to take pictures!). Really gj !
good show, mr smith. i too am not sure what to make of this 58mm lens. having said that, it does what it does well. in my view i can see many video guys using this lens. that bring me to my question. should i trade my 50mm 1.8g for the 1.4g version?
There isn't a noticeable difference between the 50 1.8G and 50 1.4G. I say keep the 50 1.8G, is the 1.8G a bad lens? Not at all...it's just that Nikon made the 1.8G so good. If the 1.8G had been around when I purchased my 1.4G I am sure I would have choose the 1.8G instead.
Jeremy Smith your advice and reviews have been spot on, mr smith. the 58mm lens could be the ideal prime for the d800. my associate and others say that the older 50mm lenses does not do the image ability of the 800 justice. i had the chance to test the 80 - 200mm 2.8d. i was pleasantly surprised by it. what say you?
I used to own the 80-200 F/2.8D, while I never tested it on the D800 or D600 (they weren't even available then) I was always happy with it. The biggest downside was the slightly slow focus speed and the tendency to back focus at close distance.
Jeremy Smith i tested one at the cinco de mayo festival. it did well there 90% of the time. it often struggled to keep up with kids running around. on my d600 it did not back focus. i found that my 50mm 1.8g it back focused at 1/50th and below when doing portraits. (was attempting blurred motion behind the subject). i spotted one for $600. i just had to pick it up. you could try it out again on your 600/800.
Very nice. I think that showing the same lens in both video and still format was really helpful. Because you said that the 58mm F/1.4 is good for video, but you probably would choose a different lens for photography I am curious to know what lens you would prefer. If you review another lens that you think is just okay are you open to also bringing and showing the lens you really like and shooting a few shots along side the review lens? This would be extra work, but a terrific time and place to show the strengths and weaknesses of the lens through direct comparison. Side note: If you need an extra person to carry your equipment please let me know. You have been a wealth of information for me and I thank you for sharing.
That's a good point; after this video was made I too thought of this. I wish I put a few sample shots in from the 50 F/1.4G. As I said I like the 58mm F/1.4G but the 50 F/1.4G is a much better cost to performance ratio.
As much as I love primes a relatively tight focal length combined with slow AF performance wouldn't make this lens my first choice. I would be likely to go for a zoom like a 24-70 f/2.8 or if I were set on a prime I would look at the less expensive and slightly faster focusing Nikon 50 1.8g.
Jerrell Trulove I do occasionally; I will be doing a lot more lighting tutorial videos in the future. Perhaps I should start by talking about why I rely so heavily on artificial light sources ;)
We used a Nikon D800 and 58mm f/1.4 lens to film the video. We were fortunate enough to have 2 copies of the 58mm f/1.4 so we were able to capture stills and video simultaneously.
Matt Granger said the same thing about the Nikon 58mm F/1.4. Its a weird lense, but it does have its place in the market you just need to ask your self do I need this lense in my camera bag?
Indeed it is; I do like that Nikon has been offering a lot of unique products these days. They seem a lot more willing to develop niche products which I consider to be a good thing. Now to get my hands on the full-frame 35mm F/1.8G :)
All of the newest models I would say. All the Nikon lenses today have the motor in the lens. Unless you have a really old Nikon camera maybe like a old auto focus camera from the 90's it won't auto focus or control the aperture.
Good review. Personally I would go with the 50mm 1.4g or 1.8 maybe even add a 85mm 1.8g. This lens is too expensive justify a purchase over rest of them. Nice model.
Yes it's a great lens and I used to own one, however as a photojournalist I need the autofocus and I got the 58mm 1.4G Nikon for $800. The Nikon lens is actually really sharp when stopped down a little. I just hate the Nikon 50mm 1.4 and 1.8 lenses. There is nothing great about them and this Nikon lens stands alone, because it can autofocus!
I'll take the new Sigma 50 f1.4 Art lens over this any day, sometimes I scratch my head over what Nikon puts out, mirrorless cameras with tiny sensors, an over priced 58 f1.4 lens that under performs, the Nikon DF that doesn't have video, or really anything modern about it, but does look nice, Common Nikon you can do better than this, personally I am hoping for a pro mirrorless camera from Nikon, like a D7100, D600, D800e, DF, mirrorless
Not the fastest lens for autofocusing?? Seriously, it's not designed for speed shooting to begin so why make the comment! The lens is geared to creative photographers for sensational portraits with its ability to produce a 3D aesthetic. For you to suggest your not impressed with the individual specs is completely meaningless. It's how the lens performs as a whole that counts here and as someone who actually owns it, the 58 1.4 does a great job for those who've had the opportunity to refine their skills in using it. It's not a lens you can easily assess for purpose of merely 'testing' it for the first time against another lens. This is a lens which takes time to master.
you should use strobes not hot lights/LED's plus you need to use a reflector under the model. Lighting is not good. This is all photographer error the lens is fine, but its only as smart as the photographer
Is this a review of the lens shooting stills or lens for video use. The video shows you shooting stills. the example of the stills are not professional quality and it is clear who ever this photographer is does not know how to use it. The review is not accurate or helpful short of never picking up a camera for the uninformed.
Jeremy, although the lens does contribute, the camera really determines low-light focusing ability. My D4s and D5 focus very well in low light with this lens.
Do you know what the aperture was set at in the second shot of the video? The day distant shot of the lighting setup? It seemed like a pretty far setup, but you and the girl were still in the DOF.
Thanks in advance. Considering this lens for my video/photo work. Seems like it has all of the advantages of the 50 1.4 but better in every way and slightly more tele which I think is good in a lot of situations.
It was all shot between f/1.8 and f/2 :)
I like your new format. Glad to see you out on a shoot for a change instead of behind that desk time after time. Nice pics
Great job jeremy! The production value looks huge on this video, really like the slider view and your comments when shooting was awsome! I would love to see more like that!
Love the new format man. Much more upbeat. Jason did a good job with video as well.
I am very torn with this lens because I love the focal length of 60mm-70mm but this particular Nikon 58mm is only sharp around F2 (I tested it). The 50mm 1.8g is shorter but perfect. The 85mm 1.8g is incredible too. Another amazing option is the Sigma 70mm 2.8 macro. It makes beautiful sharp portraits with great bokeh
Great lens review. We have both the good amont of technical details (without being too obsessive) and your impression and results (because at the end, we want to take pictures!).
Really gj !
thanx for posting this video.. hey whats that box to the right of the model?
Great video and nice to see you use a model to see what the lens can do. She has a nice smile and good format.
Love the new format it looks great! keep up the good work!
good show, mr smith. i too am not sure what to make of this 58mm lens. having said that, it does what it does well. in my view i can see many video guys using this lens. that bring me to my question. should i trade my 50mm 1.8g for the 1.4g version?
There isn't a noticeable difference between the 50 1.8G and 50 1.4G. I say keep the 50 1.8G, is the 1.8G a bad lens? Not at all...it's just that Nikon made the 1.8G so good. If the 1.8G had been around when I purchased my 1.4G I am sure I would have choose the 1.8G instead.
Jeremy Smith your advice and reviews have been spot on, mr smith. the 58mm lens could be the ideal prime for the d800. my associate and others say that the older 50mm lenses does not do the image ability of the 800 justice. i had the chance to test the 80 - 200mm 2.8d. i was pleasantly surprised by it. what say you?
I used to own the 80-200 F/2.8D, while I never tested it on the D800 or D600 (they weren't even available then) I was always happy with it. The biggest downside was the slightly slow focus speed and the tendency to back focus at close distance.
Jeremy Smith i tested one at the cinco de mayo festival. it did well there 90% of the time. it often struggled to keep up with kids running around. on my d600 it did not back focus. i found that my 50mm 1.8g it back focused at 1/50th and below when doing portraits. (was attempting blurred motion behind the subject).
i spotted one for $600. i just had to pick it up. you could try it out again on your 600/800.
I have not had one in quite a while; the 70-200 VRII took it's place. A friend of mine just sold his to get the Tamron 70-200 VC.
Very nice. I think that showing the same lens in both video and still format was really helpful. Because you said that the 58mm F/1.4 is good for video, but you probably would choose a different lens for photography I am curious to know what lens you would prefer. If you review another lens that you think is just okay are you open to also bringing and showing the lens you really like and shooting a few shots along side the review lens? This would be extra work, but a terrific time and place to show the strengths and weaknesses of the lens through direct comparison.
Side note: If you need an extra person to carry your equipment please let me know. You have been a wealth of information for me and I thank you for sharing.
That's a good point; after this video was made I too thought of this. I wish I put a few sample shots in from the 50 F/1.4G. As I said I like the 58mm F/1.4G but the 50 F/1.4G is a much better cost to performance ratio.
sorry so which one is the best n sharpest one between 58 nano & 50 f1.4 for nikon dx body d7000?
Hey mate would you prefer this lens to take pictures of kids running around .?
As much as I love primes a relatively tight focal length combined with slow AF performance wouldn't make this lens my first choice. I would be likely to go for a zoom like a 24-70 f/2.8 or if I were set on a prime I would look at the less expensive and slightly faster focusing Nikon 50 1.8g.
do you ever shoot strictly with natural light? if so a sample video would be great
Jerrell Trulove I do occasionally; I will be doing a lot more lighting tutorial videos in the future. Perhaps I should start by talking about why I rely so heavily on artificial light sources ;)
This is a wonderful review, and the video and stills you showed were excellent!
+PeterPhamWesley Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Wow! Excellent video! I want more like this!
Thanks Jeremy! I'm subscribed!!
Really nice video review!
Regards from Lima - Perú!
Jeremy this is one of the best videos
What camera/lens did you use to film this review?
We used a Nikon D800 and 58mm f/1.4 lens to film the video. We were fortunate enough to have 2 copies of the 58mm f/1.4 so we were able to capture stills and video simultaneously.
FANTASTIC JOB! SUBSCRIBED! Keep up the good work :)
Really enjoyed this video food for thought as considering this or the 85 1.4
I'm curious what lights you used in this video...?
+Andrew Herman A no-name LED light panel and a Westcott Ice Light ;)
As usual a well presented video .I dont think ill be purchasing one ,my 50 1.4g is sufficient .The 85 1.4g is next on my list.Thanks Jeremy !!
Matt Granger said the same thing about the Nikon 58mm F/1.4. Its a weird lense, but it does have its place in the market you just need to ask your self do I need this lense in my camera bag?
Indeed it is; I do like that Nikon has been offering a lot of unique products these days. They seem a lot more willing to develop niche products which I consider to be a good thing. Now to get my hands on the full-frame 35mm F/1.8G :)
Jeremy Smith what nikon camera's is it compatible with
All of the newest models I would say. All the Nikon lenses today have the motor in the lens. Unless you have a really old Nikon camera maybe like a old auto focus camera from the 90's it won't auto focus or control the aperture.
Love the new format.
Hi What. Lighting did you use sir? Thank you
I used a Westcott IceLight and a generic LED panel.
i liked the new video format. great job
Cheers to the model for freezing for the cause!
Nell is awesome! 😃
Good review. Personally I would go with the 50mm 1.4g or 1.8 maybe even add a 85mm 1.8g. This lens is too expensive justify a purchase over rest of them. Nice model.
Wow great video. Make more professional ones like this
I liked this video. Keep'em coming! :)
Hello and thank you for this share, your work is as great as this lens, i like the video and photo quality. do you make photoshop tutorials ?
Thanks! I don't currently do Photoshop tutorials but plan to as soon as time allows. Be sure to subscribe to get all the latest updates!
Nice work man
nice job Jeremy
Got new sub bro very clear and consist thanks
No video shoot??!!
Obviously this is primarily a stills oriented review but as mentioned the video is also shot with the lens.
Best 58mm F/1.4 is the Voightlander 58mm
Absolutely 3x the quality around. The new lens
Yes it's a great lens and I used to own one, however as a photojournalist I need the autofocus and I got the 58mm 1.4G Nikon for $800. The Nikon lens is actually really sharp when stopped down a little. I just hate the Nikon 50mm 1.4 and 1.8 lenses. There is nothing great about them and this Nikon lens stands alone, because it can autofocus!
nice information. cool sharing.
I'll take the new Sigma 50 f1.4 Art lens over this any day, sometimes I scratch my head over what Nikon puts out, mirrorless cameras with tiny sensors, an over priced 58 f1.4 lens that under performs, the Nikon DF that doesn't have video, or really anything modern about it, but does look nice, Common Nikon you can do better than this, personally I am hoping for a pro mirrorless camera from Nikon, like a D7100, D600, D800e, DF, mirrorless
I love your vids.
Not the fastest lens for autofocusing?? Seriously, it's not designed for speed shooting to begin so why make the comment! The lens is geared to creative photographers for sensational portraits with its ability to produce a 3D aesthetic. For you to suggest your not impressed with the individual specs is completely meaningless. It's how the lens performs as a whole that counts here and as someone who actually owns it, the 58 1.4 does a great job for those who've had the opportunity to refine their skills in using it. It's not a lens you can easily assess for purpose of merely 'testing' it for the first time against another lens. This is a lens which takes time to master.
Honestly: the bokeh of the 50mm f1.4 AF-S lens is in my opinion pretty lousy and the 58mm f1.4 looks great. It's a night and day difference for me.
It would be fun to do a new video using the Z 50mm f/1.2 S, maybe I can make that happen in the future.
you should use strobes not hot lights/LED's plus you need to use a reflector under the model. Lighting is not good. This is all photographer error
the lens is fine, but its only as smart as the photographer
+Simon Bear Oh yeah I should have...those strobes work so well for shooting video...
Is this a review of the lens shooting stills or lens for video use. The video shows you shooting stills. the example of the stills are not professional quality and it is clear who ever this photographer is does not know how to use it. The review is not accurate or helpful short of never picking up a camera for the uninformed.
Lenses are like brushes to a painter, there is no bad ogood is juat who perform for the task in mind.
Well said!