I got the lens as soon it came out and it was complete love at the first click. It’s stuck to my Z9. The images it creates is so stunning and 1.2 is just fantastic.
Hi Neil - nice video. Its great to finally see 'Sony' guys recognizing Nikon - unlike many of your colleagues, your honesty and objectivity is very appreciated. That said, as you must realize, the weight of this lens wasn't a problem because of the superior ergonomics of the Nikon Z8 - its bigger more robust build and grip allow for better shooting experience with larger lenses than the competition. Also, as you no doubt know, the Nikon Z mount is the best mount in the business with its 55mm throat diameter and 16mm flange distance. It is poised to allow for the creation of optical designs that simply are not possible on the Sony E mount or Canon RF mount (like this 85 1.2 and the Plena 135 1.8 to name a few). Yes, the others might have or be able to make 1.2 versions of these lenses but they will not have the same edge to edge sharpness, focus breathing control and aberration control as the Nikkors - this is physics (see angle of incidence for a better understanding). Also the Z mount parameters allow for the adaptation of any other lens to the Nikon Z mount but the reverse is not possible, so with a Z mount camera one currently has access to Sony E mount lenses, Canon EF lenses , Fuji X mount lenes and Leica M mount lenses - all of which there are adaptors for that allow for near native to native functionality while on the Nikon body - this is an extreme advantage for Nikon shooters moving forward. I suspect that there will be an RF version soon. You are correct that to shoot a 1.2 lens stopped down largely defeats the purpose, however in this case Nikon has engineered this lens to not only shoot with extreme accuracy and sharpness at 1.2 as you have rightfully discovered, but to shoot with perfectly round bokeh balls across the frame stopping down only to F/2 - it is also a look that is worth investigating - especially for night environmental portraits in a city environment etc. You might consider moving to Nikon at this point as you can simply adapt your E mount lenses with near native to native functionality and then start getting the superior Nikkor lenses that are being designed with the full power of the Z mount parameters behind them. You say you like to shoot 85mm and 35mm at weddings - as do I. It should be noted that Nikon is poised to release a 35mm 1.2 this year - probably in the next 2-3 months so with the Nikon system you'd be ahead on both fronts. Food for thought! Thanks for the video and the honestly! -PD
WOW!! Neil that information is appreciated. Your photos are so outstanding. You have a way of really getting our eyes to get to the most important shot of the picture. Excellent job, love the way you enjoy your job.
Hey Neil You are such an amazing photographer, your videos are always so informative, I've been following your work for almost two years now never a dull moment, keep it up man I've learnt a lot from you Simon Nkanunu Cape town South Africa
One thing to note about the weight of this lens is that it's incredibly well balanced. I would say about 2/3 of the weight of the lens is located BEHIND the function ring (not the focusing ring). Keeping most of the weight near the camera body prevents the lens from being front heavy, which makes it less stressing on your wrist over long shooting sessions.
I just picked up this lens today. It’s been on my hot must have list for some time. You [and Belle] did a wonderful job showing off its attributes. Thank you…
Nikon makes f/1.8 lenses for Z mounts and they are very light, sharp and render beautifully but of course, this lens is in the league of it own. It is truly a beautiful lens when you pair wirh Z8 or Z9 or ZF...and when a pro lije you get to use it, the sky is the limit. Great work as always.
Neil , you know that Z8 is USED now !!! Don't you think it should be yours by now for 90% off !!! And the lens too! Its amazing and you LOVE it !! You're welcome Nikon for all your positive reviews! My heart would break saying goodbye ! Great video today !
You left Belle in the woods?? Seriously stunning model Neil and that f1.2 is a beast in both size and performance! Have you had a run out with the 85mm f1.4 GM? Not sure a 1.2 is on the roadmap at the moment.
Haha, I promise I didn't Carl! 😂 Thank you very much - and no I haven't but I probably should as I am sure I would really like it. I have just been hearing rumours of a Sony 85mm f1.2 for a while so have held off because of that. If I do buy the 1.4 you can be sure that is when they will release the 1.2 😂
I have the Zhongyi Mitakon Speedmaster 85mm f/1.2 (a manual lens), on my Pentax K3 III. But it’s so worth getting n far cheaper than the AF versions out there.
Seen it tested anainst a d860 with 85mm f 1.8 ? Budget lens , our test showed a d850 with 85mm f1.4 pro lens a total different story , the z owner blamed his z8 not having an update 😆
It's good that we are all different but I never use lens hoods. I prefer to put thing so close to my lens that it is almost touching - plus I like flare. And in all the years I have been shooting this way I have never had any issues. But always good to work however works best for you 😊
Thanks!
Awww, wow!! I think this may be my first ever super thanks - thank you so much!
I got the lens as soon it came out and it was complete love at the first click. It’s stuck to my Z9. The images it creates is so stunning and 1.2 is just fantastic.
I can see why! It is a fantastic lens so I can see why you love it 😊
Almost a match for 85mm f1.4 f mount , almost , thats why they compare with 85mm 1.8s? Shady
Hi Neil - nice video. Its great to finally see 'Sony' guys recognizing Nikon - unlike many of your colleagues, your honesty and objectivity is very appreciated.
That said, as you must realize, the weight of this lens wasn't a problem because of the superior ergonomics of the Nikon Z8 - its bigger more robust build and grip allow for better shooting experience with larger lenses than the competition. Also, as you no doubt know, the Nikon Z mount is the best mount in the business with its 55mm throat diameter and 16mm flange distance. It is poised to allow for the creation of optical designs that simply are not possible on the Sony E mount or Canon RF mount (like this 85 1.2 and the Plena 135 1.8 to name a few). Yes, the others might have or be able to make 1.2 versions of these lenses but they will not have the same edge to edge sharpness, focus breathing control and aberration control as the Nikkors - this is physics (see angle of incidence for a better understanding). Also the Z mount parameters allow for the adaptation of any other lens to the Nikon Z mount but the reverse is not possible, so with a Z mount camera one currently has access to Sony E mount lenses, Canon EF lenses , Fuji X mount lenes and Leica M mount lenses - all of which there are adaptors for that allow for near native to native functionality while on the Nikon body - this is an extreme advantage for Nikon shooters moving forward. I suspect that there will be an RF version soon.
You are correct that to shoot a 1.2 lens stopped down largely defeats the purpose, however in this case Nikon has engineered this lens to not only shoot with extreme accuracy and sharpness at 1.2 as you have rightfully discovered, but to shoot with perfectly round bokeh balls across the frame stopping down only to F/2 - it is also a look that is worth investigating - especially for night environmental portraits in a city environment etc.
You might consider moving to Nikon at this point as you can simply adapt your E mount lenses with near native to native functionality and then start getting the superior Nikkor lenses that are being designed with the full power of the Z mount parameters behind them. You say you like to shoot 85mm and 35mm at weddings - as do I. It should be noted that Nikon is poised to release a 35mm 1.2 this year - probably in the next 2-3 months so with the Nikon system you'd be ahead on both fronts. Food for thought!
Thanks for the video and the honestly!
-PD
WOW!! Neil that information is appreciated. Your photos are so outstanding. You have a way of really getting our eyes to get to the most important shot of the picture. Excellent job, love the way you enjoy your job.
Thank you very much Todd, I really appreciate that 😊😊😊
Hey Neil
You are such an amazing photographer, your videos are always so informative, I've been following your work for almost two years now never a dull moment, keep it up man I've learnt a lot from you
Simon Nkanunu
Cape town South Africa
One thing to note about the weight of this lens is that it's incredibly well balanced. I would say about 2/3 of the weight of the lens is located BEHIND the function ring (not the focusing ring). Keeping most of the weight near the camera body prevents the lens from being front heavy, which makes it less stressing on your wrist over long shooting sessions.
FANTASTIC!!!!!! Great showcase of an amazing lens and camera.
Very kind - thank you very much!
I just picked up this lens today. It’s been on my hot must have list for some time. You [and Belle] did a wonderful job showing off its attributes. Thank you…
thank you so much Craig, I really appreciate that. I am sure you will LOVE this lens, it is absolutely amazing - enjoy!
Nikon makes f/1.8 lenses for Z mounts and they are very light, sharp and render beautifully but of course, this lens is in the league of it own.
It is truly a beautiful lens when you pair wirh Z8 or Z9 or ZF...and when a pro lije you get to use it, the sky is the limit. Great work as always.
Thank you very much! I agree, the Z lenses are definitely very impressive!
Wow!! Those images are beyond beautiful!
Thank you very much!
Really enjoy your video Neil..thank you for sharing..
My pleasure, thank you
Neil , you know that Z8 is USED now !!! Don't you think it should be yours by now for 90% off !!! And the lens too! Its amazing and you LOVE it !! You're welcome Nikon for all your positive reviews! My heart would break saying goodbye ! Great video today !
Haha, yes, I should have pointed that out to them! 😂 thank you very much for the kind words
Wait until you try the 135 Plena.
Wonderful Portraits
I actually use a Nikon 50mm 1.4 lens on my Nikon D5500 which is a crop sensor camera so the 50mm is a 85mm equivalent
You left Belle in the woods?? Seriously stunning model Neil and that f1.2 is a beast in both size and performance! Have you had a run out with the 85mm f1.4 GM? Not sure a 1.2 is on the roadmap at the moment.
Haha, I promise I didn't Carl! 😂 Thank you very much - and no I haven't but I probably should as I am sure I would really like it. I have just been hearing rumours of a Sony 85mm f1.2 for a while so have held off because of that. If I do buy the 1.4 you can be sure that is when they will release the 1.2 😂
@@NeilRedfern tell me about it! I love the a7iv variangle screen, but it's mostly turned inward to protect it!
I love your photography ideas
Thank you so much!
That lens is very good. I would choose it over the 50mm f1.2.
I agree, I am a bigger fan of the 85mm focal length than the 50mm
@@NeilRedfern thats whats up. nice work, btw.
I have the Zhongyi Mitakon Speedmaster 85mm f/1.2 (a manual lens), on my Pentax K3 III. But it’s so worth getting n far cheaper than the AF versions out there.
Seen it tested anainst a d860 with 85mm f 1.8 ? Budget lens , our test showed a d850 with 85mm f1.4 pro lens a total different story , the z owner blamed his z8 not having an update 😆
Get video, question, you said you use a len 85 f1.2 and a 35? F?
Thank you! Yes, when shooting weddings I primarily use a 35mm f1.8 and 85mm f1.8 😊
It hurts my eyes when I see that no lens hood is used
Why?
its a 3500€ Lens between the branches. A lens hood provides a little extra protection. I own this lens and i love it @@NeilRedfern
It's good that we are all different but I never use lens hoods. I prefer to put thing so close to my lens that it is almost touching - plus I like flare. And in all the years I have been shooting this way I have never had any issues. But always good to work however works best for you 😊
It is not the best portrait lens in the world, its not even close - however it is probably Nikon's best portrait lens
It’s all opinion.