Luke, I really enjoy the conversational style in all of your videos. Your strength is how you speaking to your viewer, not AT them. You emote friendliness and confidence not ego and snobbery. I see your personality being very attractive and reassuring to your clients. I shot weddings for about 15 years, stopping in 2015, but still enjoy keeping up with the business. The other thing about your videos is your commitment to getting value from your equipment, rather than needing the best, biggest, newest. I wish you and your wife the best of excess. Remember to enjoy what you do and the great privilege your couples trust you with to document the greatest day of their lives. Best to you both.
Wow, thanks George for that exceedingly kind comment - I really appreciate that! It was so encouraging! It really is a privilege to photography weddings! Thanks for watching and your comment!
Can you make a video where you compare the 50mm f1.2 vs 1.8 and explain a bit more with examples what makes the 1.2 so special…(from a nikon z6ii owner with a f1.8) 😊
I use the 105 Macro as a portrait lens and love it. You can't compare the resolution of the 105 with 70-200 on both infinity and close up though. 105 is not so great at infinity although it feels good. 70-200 at 200 is amazing at infinity and resolves amazingly. I am now using the 70-200 at 200mm for portraits and half body shots. I am very pleased with my results
For my time photographing events, i did so working by myself, that being said i used prime and zoom lenses depending upon what part of the event or wedding i was photographing ,also i found to photograph every thing i felt that needed to be photograph i used focal lengths from 20mm up to 135mm, to give me a better use of the glass I used i used a Pentax k3 and a K1 MKII. The last few years I used a Pentax k3 MKIII and the K1 MKII.
What Z cameras are you using now Luke? Do you find the Z6ii is still up there and good enough as your daily camera, or did you have to bale ship and get the latest Z8 or something? I'm a working photographer and still use my Z6ii's and still have no need to change at the moment.
When you have a second photographer you work with it makes life so much easier, I photographed different events over a period of 5 plus years, many events took place outside and some a combination of indoors and outdoors. I had a full time job, a wife, grand kids, a dog and cat so photography was always a part of my life, when I went digital it became a much bigger part. I printed my work with Canon Pixma pro printers and started sharing my work with family and colleagues and was asked to photograph the Memorial day event at the correctional facility that I worked at and after a few years was requested to photograph a wedding the year after that a few more, as time passed I got more camera equipment and a variety of glass and got more involved in event photography but had no specialty I did a little of everything as long as it was something that peaked my interest, I photographed a couple that renewed their wedding vows in a Halloween themed ceremony, they belong to a motorcycle club, so the first hour I photographed the club members and their motorcycles and the second hour was the wedding vows, it was something different from anything else I had done. I had a lot of unconventional weddings over the years that were interesting to say the least so it was a lot of work at times but it left me with a lot of good memories. I kind of started events late so this year I turned 66,I had some health issues early in the year so I stopped doing events and just went back to shooting for my self. Good luck with your wedding photography business.
Primes are the way to go for sure! My 50mm 1.2 (Canon) definitely allowed me to find my style, and I also complement it with the RF 28-70 2.0 which is the best zoom lens for weddings in my opinion, in terms of images quality like a prime.
Totally, I agree with you. Z 50 1.2S is the best that can do all the jobs in wedding day. In term of sharpness, image quality in all conditions and environment. 50mm 1.8S can do a good job too but in a wedding day 50mm 1.2 is the wise options. I going to to sell my sigma art 85 1.4 for Nikon 50 1.2S too. What do you think? Thank You!
Yes, I defintiely love the 50 1.2, but the 1.8 is remarkably good as well. It's hard to say the 85mm is such a different lens than the 50, but if you like the 50 then go for it!
I like the selection you have made and your reasons are pretty clear. I tend to agree about zoom lenses. I prefer prime lenses. Re the 85mm: I waited for the 85 1.2 to come out, looked at its size, weight and price and then thought again. I bought the Z 85 1.8 because I realised that what I really needed was a good studio portrait lens. In my studio I like to use F4 or F5.6. I just didn’t really need F 1.2. If I want to do location shots I would probably prefer a longer portrait lens. I sometimes use the 105 M on the Z9 as a portrait lens. I just didn’t want to buy the 85 1.8 before the 1.2 came out and then find I wanted that instead. I immediately realised that what I really needed was the Z mount F1.8. It is a lens I have been absolutely delighted with. That was not the case with the F mount 85 1.8 ( I did sell it). The 85 1.8 S is perfect for the spot where I usually stand in the studio. I use it for head and shoulder shots and headshots for portraits. I can use a 50mm for groups of 3 or 4. I am thinking about a 35 F 1.8 for the rare occasions when I have groups of more than 4 people.
Oh interesting! I know, I don't know how much I would really use an 85 for what I shoot. But what can I say I'm addicted to 1.2 lenses. haha but I'm sure the 1.8 is an excellent lens. Thanks for watching and your comment!
Have you considered an adapted 1.4G-series 50mm as a backup instead of the 1.8S line lens with new smaller adapter? Pixel for pixel it won’t match up spec wise, but still a venerable lens at low cost. Edit- 24-120S would be amazing instead of 24-70 f4 as well. Almost same size.
It's a good thought. Since I already have it I'll probably stick with it. Yeah, I just don't need the 120, and its over an inch longer, and a little heavier, and that inch matters a lot, since sometimes the lens goes in my pocket.
Thanks Carey! That's actually a very valid point. To be honest, I didn't really even look at the 24-120 just because I didn't need something like a 120 at 4f. But if I had to buy it again, I would definitely have to consider the 24-120, because it would be a hard choice. Thanks for your great comment!
Great video! I was team prime when I was with the F-mount but the 24-70 f/2.8 is a game changer. Images look like they came from a prime and the versatility is key. But yeah, I love my 50 f/1.2 still 😂
I have both the 24-70 f4 and the 2.8 , the 2.8 just has a better look that might match your 50 1.2 vibe better. I also own the 58 1.4 and its great but your videos on the 50 1.2 is making me think about trading it out. Love your videos, can't wait for more!
Have you checked all of the pics you've taken on the 24-70 and seen which focal length on that you use most often? I feel like you could get away with swapping it out with a 20 or 24 if you do more frequently use it just @ 24mm and use your 50 @ a crop for tighter detail pics.
Yeah that's a good thought. I do use 24 a lot for room details, but actually I use 35 for group photos. I don't use 24 for people unless I HAVE to. And 50 is usually pretty good for most details, but somtimes I need more compression than 50 can offer, so it's not about cropping but the compression to fit more in, or to hide things I don't want in the photo.
Very informative!! The 40f2 is far from a workhorse however. It has a great film-like rendering, BUT the AF is not reliable, especially in dim light -> this would make it not suitable for weddings :)
Haha 85mm is my love, surprised nobody wants to buy it. On another Note, during the vowes, do you never want to have any wider pictures than the 50 or even 35mm?
Ha yeah I guess it is an older lens. I know! I thought someone would want it. I find a 50 is perfect! I usually just walk to the back of the aisle if I need a wider shot. Sometimes I'll take my 24-70 and do a 24mm shot at the back to get everything in.
The 40mm f2, while being a fantastic lens (I own it, use it, am familiar with it), is not close to the quality of the 50mm 1.8 (I own it, use it, am familiar with it). As crazy as that sounds, because the 40mm is a fantastic lens, but if you had both you’d always gravitate to the 50mm 1.8. I end is using the 40mm more due to the size, especially in the winter I can put the Z6ii and 40mm in a large winter jacket pocket. I think it’s a huge win for Nikon to have a non-S line lens be SO good, then compared to a S line lens, you’d want to S line every time (if monetarily possible of course). I was a prime-only shooter in the D750 days, but the 24-70 2.8 S converted me. My unscientific feeling on the lens is it’s sharper than any of my Nikon G primes for F mount. I’m sure there’s a chart that can prove me wrong on that statement, just how I feel. Just like the 40mm vs 50mm, I feel the same way about the 24-70 f4 vs the 24-70 f2.8. The 2.8 is just so much better in my opinion, better sharpness, better character. It hurts my soul that I enjoy the 24-70 2.8 S so much, because I hated the f4 version, and I was against (and still am) mid range zooms for my entire photography life so far (except for just 1).
If your experience with Z mount 24-70 is only the f4 version, then I highly recommend NOT trying the 2.8, because you’ll end up loving it, while hating yourself for loving it (just like me). It’s a complicated relationship I have with the 24-70 2.8, LOLOL
Thanks for your great comment Michael. And good thoughts on the 40mm f2. I liked the idea for the size of the lens for sure. I've heard really great things about the 24-70 2.8 so you may be on to something there! Haha I know how you feel about the mid range zooms feelings! Thanks for watching!
40mm f2 is really bad lens! I’m sorry saying like this, but I have, 20mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 70-200 All! Z mount and 40mm is the worst, the quality, construction, and the sharpness my god really bad!
Hey Luke, would you recommend the Z6ii for somebody looking to switch systems in 2024? I shoot hybrid 60/40 photo/video, so I'm looking for something that can quickly switch between the two, with reliable AF. Thanks! I have watched a few of your videos now, and you share some fantastic tips! Much appreciated :)
I started with a D5300 and a 50mm 1,8G and now i have 2 cameras , the D750 with the Tamron 1,4 and Z6II with the 85 1,8S, the 1,8S i have it for 2 days and cant w8 to start working with it
Haven’t you felt that the z6ii is coming short for you? I’m considering a zf or a z6ii but because it’s from some years ago I don’t feel sure about choosing it.
Respectfully, some of the images you took with the 50mm1.8 look better than those with the 1.2 but that may be just the way my senses see it. Also, I know two friends that shoot weddings with the 24-70mm 2.8 and the images look Fantastic! Can't ell the difference with the prime in most cases
Please create a new video with a whole lot less of all of the you and all of your voiceover with a whole lot of not you and a lot of what you are referencing in this tutorial - visuals to back up all of the extended language that you are talking about in this 5 minute video that is over 15 minutes in duration ....
Your lens selections are very good. The example photos that you use are not very good. They lack good framing, and composition. They are flat and dull looking and don’t show off the advantages of each lens.
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This channel is sooo clean! Nikon is SOO underrated and i love ittttt
thanks so much! Yes it is!
Luke, I really enjoy the conversational style in all of your videos. Your strength is how you speaking to your viewer, not AT them. You emote friendliness and confidence not ego and snobbery. I see your personality being very attractive and reassuring to your clients. I shot weddings for about 15 years, stopping in 2015, but still enjoy keeping up with the business.
The other thing about your videos is your commitment to getting value from your equipment, rather than needing the best, biggest, newest.
I wish you and your wife the best of excess. Remember to enjoy what you do and the great privilege your couples trust you with to document the greatest day of their lives.
Best to you both.
Wow, thanks George for that exceedingly kind comment - I really appreciate that! It was so encouraging!
It really is a privilege to photography weddings! Thanks for watching and your comment!
As a fellow photographer I must ask, how do you prepare yourself to sell your lenses? How do you deal with the emotional trauma?
I just switched to Nikon after years of Canon and Sony. I think the 50mm 1.8 is absolutely outstanding and possibly my favorite lens of all time.
I would suggest the 24-120 f/4 instead of the 24-70 f/4
Can you make a video where you compare the 50mm f1.2 vs 1.8 and explain a bit more with examples what makes the 1.2 so special…(from a nikon z6ii owner with a f1.8) 😊
I'll add it to the list!
I use the 105 Macro as a portrait lens and love it. You can't compare the resolution of the 105 with 70-200 on both infinity and close up though. 105 is not so great at infinity although it feels good. 70-200 at 200 is amazing at infinity and resolves amazingly. I am now using the 70-200 at 200mm for portraits and half body shots. I am very pleased with my results
Cool! Glad it works for you
For my time photographing events, i did so working by myself, that being said i used prime and zoom lenses depending upon what part of the event or wedding i was photographing ,also i found to photograph every thing i felt that needed to be photograph i used focal lengths from 20mm up to 135mm, to give me a better use of the glass I used i used a Pentax k3 and a K1 MKII. The last few years I used a Pentax k3 MKIII and the K1 MKII.
What Z cameras are you using now Luke? Do you find the Z6ii is still up there and good enough as your daily camera, or did you have to bale ship and get the latest Z8 or something? I'm a working photographer and still use my Z6ii's and still have no need to change at the moment.
When you have a second photographer you work with it makes life so much easier, I photographed different events over a period of 5 plus years, many events took place outside and some a combination of indoors and outdoors. I had a full time job, a wife, grand kids, a dog and cat so photography was always a part of my life, when I went digital it became a much bigger part. I printed my work with Canon Pixma pro printers and started sharing my work with family and colleagues and was asked to photograph the Memorial day event at the correctional facility that I worked at and after a few years was requested to photograph a wedding the year after that a few more, as time passed I got more camera equipment and a variety of glass and got more involved in event photography but had no specialty I did a little of everything as long as it was something that peaked my interest, I photographed a couple that renewed their wedding vows in a Halloween themed ceremony, they belong to a motorcycle club, so the first hour I photographed the club members and their motorcycles and the second hour was the wedding vows, it was something different from anything else I had done. I had a lot of unconventional weddings over the years that were interesting to say the least so it was a lot of work at times but it left me with a lot of good memories. I kind of started events late so this year I turned 66,I had some health issues early in the year so I stopped doing events and just went back to shooting for my self. Good luck with your wedding photography business.
Primes are the way to go for sure! My 50mm 1.2 (Canon) definitely allowed me to find my style, and I also complement it with the RF 28-70 2.0 which is the best zoom lens for weddings in my opinion, in terms of images quality like a prime.
Great video!. I shoot canon and primarily use 50mm 1.4 and 35mm 1.4 lenses. I also use 85mm 1.4 . I do have the canon 16-35 f4 for special use.
Totally, I agree with you. Z 50 1.2S is the best that can do all the jobs in wedding day. In term of sharpness, image quality in all conditions and environment. 50mm 1.8S can do a good job too but in a wedding day 50mm 1.2 is the wise options. I going to to sell my sigma art 85 1.4 for Nikon 50 1.2S too. What do you think? Thank You!
Yes, I defintiely love the 50 1.2, but the 1.8 is remarkably good as well.
It's hard to say the 85mm is such a different lens than the 50, but if you like the 50 then go for it!
I like the selection you have made and your reasons are pretty clear. I tend to agree about zoom lenses. I prefer prime lenses.
Re the 85mm: I waited for the 85 1.2 to come out, looked at its size, weight and price and then thought again. I bought the Z 85 1.8 because I realised that what I really needed was a good studio portrait lens.
In my studio I like to use F4 or F5.6. I just didn’t really need F 1.2. If I want to do location shots I would probably prefer a longer portrait lens. I sometimes use the 105 M on the Z9 as a portrait lens.
I just didn’t want to buy the 85 1.8 before the 1.2 came out and then find I wanted that instead. I immediately realised that what I really needed was the Z mount F1.8. It is a lens I have been absolutely delighted with. That was not the case with the F mount 85 1.8 ( I did sell it).
The 85 1.8 S is perfect for the spot where I usually stand in the studio. I use it for head and shoulder shots and headshots for portraits. I can use a 50mm for groups of 3 or 4. I am thinking about a 35 F 1.8 for the rare occasions when I have groups of more than 4 people.
Oh interesting! I know, I don't know how much I would really use an 85 for what I shoot. But what can I say I'm addicted to 1.2 lenses. haha but I'm sure the 1.8 is an excellent lens.
Thanks for watching and your comment!
Have you considered an adapted 1.4G-series 50mm as a backup instead of the 1.8S line lens with new smaller adapter? Pixel for pixel it won’t match up spec wise, but still a venerable lens at low cost.
Edit- 24-120S would be amazing instead of 24-70 f4 as well. Almost same size.
It's a good thought. Since I already have it I'll probably stick with it.
Yeah, I just don't need the 120, and its over an inch longer, and a little heavier, and that inch matters a lot, since sometimes the lens goes in my pocket.
So, now that the Nikon Plena 135mm f1.8 is out...did you end up getting it?
looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the new 85 1.2!
Me too! haha who knows what those thoughts will be. :)
Great video ! one thing has me curious why pick the 24-70 F4 when the Z24-120 f4 is a S lens that is better in every way?
Thanks Carey!
That's actually a very valid point. To be honest, I didn't really even look at the 24-120 just because I didn't need something like a 120 at 4f. But if I had to buy it again, I would definitely have to consider the 24-120, because it would be a hard choice. Thanks for your great comment!
Awesome! Thanks for making this video :) And yes, the 135 f1.8 is on Nikon's upcoming lens roadmap!
Thanks for watching! Ooooo I'm excited. I'd love something like that.
Great video! I was team prime when I was with the F-mount but the 24-70 f/2.8 is a game changer. Images look like they came from a prime and the versatility is key. But yeah, I love my 50 f/1.2 still 😂
Is the 24-70 as good as everyone says? I’m thinking about upgrading to it soon due to its weather sealing, however I’m unsure of how it renders.
I haven't used the 2.8 myself, but yes I've heard great things!
Have you now considered the 85 1.2? Or sticking with existing?
Ha good question! Video coming about that.
I love the new 85mm f/1.2 and the pancake 26mm f/2.8
Awesome! I'd love to get the pancake one.
@@lukewtcleland Yeah it's really not like taking an extra lens :)
so dreamy! are you using your own presets?
Thanks! Yes, I use my own presets.
I have both the 24-70 f4 and the 2.8 , the 2.8 just has a better look that might match your 50 1.2 vibe better. I also own the 58 1.4 and its great but your videos on the 50 1.2 is making me think about trading it out. Love your videos, can't wait for more!
Thanks Brian! Yeah, I have thought that. Maybe down the line I'll test out the 2.8 and see how it could fit in.
YES! The 1.2 all the way! :)
Have you checked all of the pics you've taken on the 24-70 and seen which focal length on that you use most often? I feel like you could get away with swapping it out with a 20 or 24 if you do more frequently use it just @ 24mm and use your 50 @ a crop for tighter detail pics.
Yeah that's a good thought. I do use 24 a lot for room details, but actually I use 35 for group photos. I don't use 24 for people unless I HAVE to. And 50 is usually pretty good for most details, but somtimes I need more compression than 50 can offer, so it's not about cropping but the compression to fit more in, or to hide things I don't want in the photo.
Very informative!! The 40f2 is far from a workhorse however. It has a great film-like rendering, BUT the AF is not reliable, especially in dim light -> this would make it not suitable for weddings :)
Good to know!
@@lukewtcleland you convinced me on the 50 f1.2 though! order is in!
A 1.2 lens has a very small dept of field. How do you get sharp en crispy photo's ?
The small debt of field is not a problem unless you are extremely close to
Haha 85mm is my love, surprised nobody wants to buy it.
On another Note, during the vowes, do you never want to have any wider pictures than the 50 or even 35mm?
Ha yeah I guess it is an older lens. I know! I thought someone would want it.
I find a 50 is perfect! I usually just walk to the back of the aisle if I need a wider shot. Sometimes I'll take my 24-70 and do a 24mm shot at the back to get everything in.
The 40mm f2, while being a fantastic lens (I own it, use it, am familiar with it), is not close to the quality of the 50mm 1.8 (I own it, use it, am familiar with it). As crazy as that sounds, because the 40mm is a fantastic lens, but if you had both you’d always gravitate to the 50mm 1.8. I end is using the 40mm more due to the size, especially in the winter I can put the Z6ii and 40mm in a large winter jacket pocket. I think it’s a huge win for Nikon to have a non-S line lens be SO good, then compared to a S line lens, you’d want to S line every time (if monetarily possible of course).
I was a prime-only shooter in the D750 days, but the 24-70 2.8 S converted me. My unscientific feeling on the lens is it’s sharper than any of my Nikon G primes for F mount. I’m sure there’s a chart that can prove me wrong on that statement, just how I feel.
Just like the 40mm vs 50mm, I feel the same way about the 24-70 f4 vs the 24-70 f2.8. The 2.8 is just so much better in my opinion, better sharpness, better character. It hurts my soul that I enjoy the 24-70 2.8 S so much, because I hated the f4 version, and I was against (and still am) mid range zooms for my entire photography life so far (except for just 1).
If your experience with Z mount 24-70 is only the f4 version, then I highly recommend NOT trying the 2.8, because you’ll end up loving it, while hating yourself for loving it (just like me). It’s a complicated relationship I have with the 24-70 2.8, LOLOL
Thanks for your great comment Michael. And good thoughts on the 40mm f2. I liked the idea for the size of the lens for sure.
I've heard really great things about the 24-70 2.8 so you may be on to something there! Haha I know how you feel about the mid range zooms feelings! Thanks for watching!
hahah I will try to stay away from it as long as possible. LOL
40mm f2 is really bad lens! I’m sorry saying like this, but I have, 20mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 70-200 All! Z mount and 40mm is the worst, the quality, construction, and the sharpness my god really bad!
@@cristianperaltafoto interesting! good to know!
Hey Luke, would you recommend the Z6ii for somebody looking to switch systems in 2024? I shoot hybrid 60/40 photo/video, so I'm looking for something that can quickly switch between the two, with reliable AF. Thanks! I have watched a few of your videos now, and you share some fantastic tips! Much appreciated :)
Wait until next week, then I can answer that better. Haha the 6III is apparently coming out, and I'll be doing a reaction to it.
@@lukewtcleland oh brill! thanks :)
10:18 DId you ever get to try the 135?
Love my 50 1.8. I’d would have stayed with it if it was a 1.4. I kept it for walking around when I shoot f8
totally, 1.4 would be really nice.
@@lukewtcleland it’s the best balance for bokeh, weight and size.
Hello bro i can use 50mm in wedding the entrance?
You could use any lens you want!
Since this video, Nikon did release the Plena !!
Great info, thanks a lot.
You’re welcome! Glad you like it
I started with a D5300 and a 50mm 1,8G and now i have 2 cameras , the D750 with the Tamron 1,4 and Z6II with the 85 1,8S, the 1,8S i have it for 2 days and cant w8 to start working with it
Amazing! Great kit to work with.
Haven’t you felt that the z6ii is coming short for you? I’m considering a zf or a z6ii but because it’s from some years ago I don’t feel sure about choosing it.
I would buy that 85mm if I was in the US!
ahhh to bad!
Great information. Thanks. I'm a hobby shooter, Panasonic m43. toronto
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
135 1.8 is out now 💪🏼😄
👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻
Is your 85mm still listed? :)
Not anymore! Interested?
@@lukewtcleland perhaps! I'll email you.
I'm just waiting on the 135mm I have no need for the 85mm 1.2 as I have the Sigma 85mm 1.4 and Nikon 85mm1.8
But the 135mm will be the last...
Ooo yes the 135 would be amazing. Yes I've used the sigma 85 1.4 before and that is a great lens for sure.
What is a ZET lense?
Do you mean a Z lens? Haha probably because we say “zed” here instead of “zee”
Respectfully, some of the images you took with the 50mm1.8 look better than those with the 1.2 but that may be just the way my senses see it. Also, I know two friends that shoot weddings with the 24-70mm 2.8 and the images look Fantastic! Can't ell the difference with the prime in most cases
Oh yeah, I don't think the photos on a 24-70 would be bad photos, I'm sure they are fantastic! It's just not my style! :) Thanks for watching!
i can buy your 50 mm 1.8
I'll keep you in mind if I end up selling it!
Why you people make tutorials only for pictures lens not videos
Because I'm a photographer!
Lot of open doors🙄
Please create a new video with a whole lot less of all of the you and all of your voiceover with a whole lot of not you and a lot of what you are referencing in this tutorial - visuals to back up all of the extended language that you are talking about in this 5 minute video that is over 15 minutes in duration ....
24-70 has no characteristic , a very boring len.
Get's the job done I need!
Your lens selections are very good. The example photos that you use are not very good. They lack good framing, and composition. They are flat and dull looking and don’t show off the advantages of each lens.
Cool 👀 😎