I believe everyone needs a "nifty fifty". My Z6 came with the Z24-70 4 /S lens, (an excellent lens). The first lens I purchased was the Z 50mm 1.8 / S. Great as an every day and portrait lens, It can also be used as a 75mm when you crop the sensor. This is a solid, well made, simple to use lens. Enjoy your choice.
You asked in another video what we would like to see you present on your channel. I would like to see a course on "Capture One" from down loading the pictures from the card, to how you save the final picture for social media or printing.
I agree that it has taken a while for people to appreciate the z cameras and lenses Being a real photographer you haven’t stumbled like so many desktop technicians You have an opinion...
G'day Peter, yep I have to agree with you, I have been frustrated too by the 'specticians' ( I made up a new word, shall we coin that today?) Coming soon a video about specticians, you have heard it here today. Why there has not been respect for the Z I don't understand. There has been so much focus on focus speed (pun), and 1 card slot single mindedness (lol), when everything else at the time of release was class leading and fully charged (don't talk to me about batteries - cause they are modular). So much photography is not about chasing birds or racing cars ..... Anyway I agree, and I will keep telling the story of the Z on this channel for as long as I can. Because I think Nikon got the first gen 97.5% right (and let us not forget, these are not the flagship models (2020 here we come, how long did it take Sony to release the A9?). Thanks sir. What might be your next lens? Cheers Matt
Hi Matt love the channel, great blend of technical and practical put together. Thank you for this video for the 50mm 1.8s lens. Cheers from Montreal Quebec, Canada
I shot with this lens today and I agree. The quality wide open is beyond anything I’ve seen from F mount pro zooms. The raw files look fantastic because you’re not getting a true raw file. A camera and lens profile is applied and it can’t be removed as far as I can tell. You’re not losing any of the flexibility that comes with raw but the starting point is like the jpeg preview. And to get a razor sharp image without a tripod at 1/10s is insane.
Indeed Phil, and I have opened that image in different software, and they each give me a slightly different outcome. I think in Capture One you can remove the lens profile data if you want to ... I do need to check that. What will be your next Z lens? Cheers Matt
With Nikon they have been slow to get going with mirrorless, but man it's worth the wait! Tried and tested gear that just does the job 100% again and again and again. Z series is a game changer.
From one loyal Nikon user to another, Thank you Nikon!!! Add in the new firmware upgrade! It 's great to see Nikon stepping it up. Truth be told , Nikon has always offered some decent 1.8 primes at decent prices. Great vid!
I am viewing this video four years later, in 2024, and it is so telling how deeply the pandemic affected all of us. Excellent review though and I have decided to buy this lens along with the 35 and 85, pairing them up with the Nikon Zf. I believe these are some of the best all round primes on the market today. Your reviews are very helpful to me and I thank you. For what it is worth, there are a few Tokyo photographers that you might find interesting to check out. One is Jason Halayko, a working photographer in Tokyo who has promoted the Zf and Lukas Palka of Eyexplore.
I decided to purchase a Z6 with the 50mm this past summer thinking it a good way to get back in the game. Needless to say after I looked at my first batch of images I couldn't understand the criticism... the images were exceptional. Looking forward to receiving my 85 and 24mm lens.
Indeed David, it does feel to me that there has been somewhat of a campaign against the Z cameras from all directions. And it is completely unwarranted. The Z6 and Z7 along with the Z mount. Is class leading on many fronts. Yet there has been endless dwelling on focus failings. Which is not accurate. Focus is great on the Z. It is just not quite as good as Sony in certain instances. Which may never matter to most people. I have to say as an outside observer who is not being paid to say what I think, I feel this has been a deliberate attempt to kill off Nikon. On my channel I have a number of instance where users have commented on an 'issue' which I ultimately say, send me a link with some info or examples, and then suddenly all their posts are deleted. This has happened 3 times since the Z was announced. There are definitely forces at work trying to convince us otherwise, but the Z mount is stellar. Yes the 85mm will be my next prime. How do you feel about zoom lenses? Thanks for joining the conversation David. Cheers Matt
Hello Matt, I don't typically use them but I do intend to check out the 120-300 on my z6 when it ships. I find the FTZ adapter to be exceptional as well. I've used it with the 300mm, Zeiss 25, 100, and 135mm and the results were excellent. I rented them for a couple of weeks. The zoom focus was fantastic. The vibration control inside the Z6 allowed me great flexibility in using the manual focus lenses, I had used them on a D850 and did pick up some shake tbere. I don't think I understand the rampant Nikon rumors about how they are going to fold. I also don't understand all the I influencers hammering away with such criticism. I do know Nikon is profitable and continuing to create fantastic gear. I am headed to Costa Rica soon and wonder which zoom to rent for wildlife, any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
On the verge of a Z6 purchase. Just deciding between the 24-70 f4 and this 50 f1.8 as my first lens. Think it is the 50. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, much wider aperture, less moving parts (some zooms I've found to get loose or water/grit being an issue extended), and CA not an issue. Thanks for the review!
I’ve only had the lens for about 2 days and haven’t put it through its paces yet but I took it out and snapped a few photos at night out on the street with my ZF and I literally said Wow haha. Low light images with this lens are so good wide open. I can’t wait to snap more photos with it.
As a low end Nikon fanboy (D5500) I was so pleased with your review and comments. And surely with today's high ISO's the need for 1.2 lens is less than it was. I hope Nikon keeps developing its Z range and its S lenses. I hope they get rewarded for jumping to the big mount, because I think the small F mount held the back.
Hey DigNap, thanks for joining the conversation. Yep I think Nikon have worked really hard with the Z cameras, with the mount and other aspects. And I think other online reviewers have either been after the click bait, or did not have the smarts to understand 1. That from a physics perspective this is the most versatile mount. And 2. Sony was hopeless compared to Canon and Nikon when the first Alphas came out, and it took two generations and over 5 years for them to reach the position they are today. Short memories. I would say it is going to take Nikon 2-3 years to get to the same place. With high ISO and IBIS, the strongest reason to have 1.2 is depth of field, but with basic photographic skill, you can create similar outcomes, with much much less cost. This is why all these 1.8 lenses are so interesting. I look forward to try them all out. Do you think you will go a Z sometime soon? Cheers Matt
The D5500 was the only F camera I kept after selling 30+ years worth of Nikon cameras and lenses. I'm now invested in the Z system. Z6 and a Z6ii along with half a dozen of Z primes. Enjoy yours....
Yes indeed, it makes you wonder how Sony with the much smaller E mount can develop in future. This is where Nikon and Canon probably benefit from decades of serving pro photographers. But how refreshing is it to see an up to date f1.8 50mm..???? The staple of so many SLR/DSLR cameras for years has become almost sneered at in recent times. How good to see the results of a half hour, off the cuff shoot yield such great images! Nice work Matt
Alan I have to agree with you. 7 years ago the E mount was a revelation, now Canon and especially Nikon upped the ante just that little bit. The Z mount being the shallowest and the largest of the FF mainstream mounts leads to lens design reimagined. And to be honest we have only seen 5-6 native Z lenses so far. From my perspective the Z party has only just begun, and it may be a few years before we really understand what is optically possible. And thanks yes, I love a quick off the cuff shot. Story of my life really. What is your favourite prime focal length? Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography I will probably say my favourite ff prime from days gone was the 85mm Nikkor. I used to shoot portraits for a living so no contest really. Oddly enough, NOW I would say something unexpected - the 25mm 7Artisans manual focus lens on my XPro1..! I must have got a rogue example cos it's razor sharp, If all of them are this good then more people should try them.
I got the 50 1.8 in my trade of my Z7 for a Z6 and the store through in the 50 an 35. S lenses to join my 24-70 f/4 Right away the 50 revealed itself as the sharpest lens corner to corner I had ever used. I was not lacking Normal lenses, having 5 in the 50 to 58mm range but all the S lenses have been very surprising. The little, light, small 24-70 f/4, the perfect travel and walking around lens was better, noticeably better than either of the F mount 24-70 2,8 G and E versions. The E was really expensive and to be outclassed by a "kit lens" was amazing. I rented the 24-70 2.8 S for a week and decided in the first hour of using it, it has to be the most impressive zoom on the planet. It was better than most of my quality primes. The Z system has proven itself as a very competent rugged, comfortable body and lenses are the best or pretty darn close to the best at any FL. I am anxious to see the 85 1.8 in action and if it is as good as the 50, I am going to sell off all my lens collection and only collect Z native lenses. The size, speed, IQ, cost, weight and cost put them in a different league. All of them put the best F mount and E mount lenses to shame for corner to corner resolving power, contrast, color and lack of CA. Nikon was blasted for hyping the large flange and short flange distance but they were telling the truth.
Stan, I totally agree with you. The Z mount is a sleeper success. And the mathematics of its powers have been there from the start. I just think nobody wanted to just look at the physics of it. If you want to leverage optics, get the lens as close to the sensor as possible. And make it big. They did that. I agree on the 24-70 F4. And I agree on the 50mm. I was shocked with the images, how good they are, which of course inspired this video. I feel the Z's to be great cameras, and are currently being under estimated, and undermined by people who don't seem to understand what they have, and seem to be just focused on face / eye detect speed, when there is so much more to photography than a feature which has been invented in the last few years. Which seem to allow them to completely miss the wood for the trees. I too keenly await the 85 1.8. And will have to work out what I need to sell to get my hands on it. Thanks for sharing sir. Exciting times for the Z mount. And tell the Z24-70 2.8 was that amazing ... ? I would love one, but it is almost $4000 here, I'll have to save my pennies. Cheers Matt
Your review of the 50mm is very similar to Hughs' at Three Blind Men and an Elephant. I believe he called it the last lens you'll ever need or something to that effect. I'm sold and it's a great value. Well done.
Yeah the Z's are so great. :) So you can get the 24mm or 35mm 1.8 S now. And a 20mm is on the roadmap, any of those would be great. I suspect even the 50mm would be amazing, it is the sharpest lens, and very well priced? Which focal length would be of most use to you? Cheers Matt
own it, not quit different from standard 24-70 f4( both have far more pic quality than i need, unless you zomm in 200%), but with f1.8 you can shoot portrait with blur and night shooting. Most importantly, its very light and convenience, really match to mirrorless advantage, models would like to hangout with you and its easy to shoot all day hand hold outside.
I agree Zhou, it truly is a great all round lens at a great price, size and weight, Nikon have really hit it out of the part withe the Z mount. Which camera do you have? Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography z7 with 24-70f4, 50 1.8, 85 1.4, 70-200efl， it covers every single situation i need, except action and bird thing, anyway, nikon mirroless is very very bad on action or quick moving subject, even worse than dlsr I owned 6 years ago( canon 6d). lol
Looks great, Nikon produced a very nice lens here for sure. Not sure it's a lens I'd buy even if I were invested in the Z mount simply because I rarely use my 50mm f1.4 G anyway, I always prefer 24mm and 35mm primes. It will be interesting to see just how well the Z mount adapts to faster f stop primes in the future ( f1.4 and f1.2 ) so we can really see the claimed benefits of Nikon's wider and shallower mount. 😊
Indeed Monster, what do they have install for us with these new 1.4 and 1.2 and even the Noct (wonder where that has gone). I love all lenses really, but I was keen to see what this one was like, it seemed affordable, and very good quality. And I feel for those that actually gave it a chance, it really is as good as they say ...
Great review and now subscribed. I recently got a Z6 with 24-70 f/4 along with 35 / 85 S lenses. Considering the 50 because it appears to be a great lens, but not sure how much I would use it since I usually reach for either 35 or 85. I also picked up the AF-P 70-300 FX lens to hold me over for telephoto.
It's a fair point about the 50mm. And I felt the same, then I started using it, and realised that being the close to the focal length to the human eye, it gave it a special place in the lens line up that maybe only the 35mm has. Coupled with its small size and optical brilliance and low f - stops. Over the years has become a must to me. And this version of a 50mm fells like medium format it is that good. (I have a medium format digital Hasselblad 60MP) Happy New Year !!! Cheers Matt
Hi Matt. I've only just discovered you and am really appreciating your real life approach. l used a Leica M2 in my film days because l like what I want to be in focus to actually be in focus (and other reasons). This may sound strange comparing M series Leica with Nikon Z but I recall reading that one reason even older Leitz lenses were so optically brilliant compared to SLR lenses was the designers had no restrictions with the rear element to film plane distance. So I guess no one should be too surprised in the Z performance considering the design advantages together with technologies available to further enhance performance. Thanks for this review. You have just about convinced me to go Z6 plus 50mm!
Hi Matt. Very nicely done lens review! I am a Fujiflm X-System user, and have found the Fujinon XF80mm f/2.8 Macro lens to be the absolute sharpest lens I've ever used in my 40+ years of photography! When I combine it with an X-T3, a solid tripod, and good pre/post processing technique, I am seeing incredible detail in my product photography and macro images. With respect to bokeh, I require sharp detail throughout my product images, so I never shoot wide open, preferring the optimum apertures of f/8-11. And, if I need to use focus stacking to ensure maximum sharpness and detail, I am obtaining detail that would rival FF and possibly even medium format, IMHO. That said, do you think that I would see an improvement in sharpness/detail retention in a 24"x36" poster print from the Z7 System over my Fuji X-System? Thanks again, sir.
I got this lens a while back. It is light in weight and very very sharp. It is significantly sharper than 24-70 f4 yet i am used to using 24-70 f4 lens thats pretty sharp enough for my use.
Hey Zaf, Yeah I know exactly what you mean, the kit 24-70 also has impressed me. I am a fan of the extra depth of field and the extra light catching abilities the 50mm allows. I look forward to doing some ultra low light night work. Love it :)
"I'm not a pixel peeper" while you're pixel peeping 😁. Seriously, the 50/1.8 S is spectacular. Love mine too. It's my favorite lens of all time supplanting the Leica 35 Summicron, although the Summicron is creamier with the bokeh, but certainly not sharper.
Just checking this vid today as I'm thinking about the 50mm 1.8 for my Z6. It's on sale reduced $100. right now for Black Friday 2020. Looks damn good to me. Too many whiners out there. The 1.2 is nice if $$$ is no object. How much do we really need? I never really appreciated street or urban photography or thought of it as so beautiful until seeing your work. I love it!
Now if only cinema camera manufacturers can get over the whole Nikon for video stigmata and I can use the same lens mount on my photo gear as my video gear. A dream!!!
Yeah I agree Jamal, why are so many mounts for these things EF, should be more universal, alot of Cine cameras do allow you to change the mount ... What Cine camera do you want to use?
Matt Irwin Photography I’m liking the price/function ratio of the BMD cameras these days. I’m honestly waiting for a modular BMD similar to the new ZCams.
Cheers Jess, indeed, that is what it feels like with this lens. It is a good price, a good size, a good weight, and optically right up there. Seems to be a great allrounder and good example of what the Z optics can do.
Awesome again Matt. Beside the “specticians” vid could you do a vid about your opinions on the rumored new Nikon mirrorless cameras coming out and what they mean for Nikon. I personally am looking forward to the “Z 5.”
The Nikon Z6 I personally own is a great and nice camera. It is fun to shot with. I also own the 35mm and the 85mm S-line lenses. Your review of the 50 mm nikkor z-Mount is Great. I think I will buy it 😌🤔
@@MattIrwinPhotography Hello Matt, thank you for your response. I will buy it today. My local Photoshop, where I buy all of my gear, will have it on stock. Actually there are Nikon-Cash-Back options, so i can make a good deal!
Nice video, Matt. I am most impressed with the images straight out of camera, minimal post processing. Assume this is the NEF rendered with a default C1 profile, yes? I know this video is about the 50 mm f/1.8 but I think you could also do an interesting comparison of the default renderings of the restaurant wall file by various software (e.g., Lightroom, Aperture, etc.) assuming you have 1) the time and 2) the various software. Also would be interested to know how the 24-70 f/4 at 50 mm compares - out-of-camera color and image detail. Any thoughts?
Hey Muvee, this is Capture 1 straight out of the box. I have made no adjustment to profiles. :) Great suggestions on looking at the different render engines and default profiles. I shall have a look into that. And yes too for the colour comparison between the lenses. I have been shocked by the 50mm colour rendering, but perhaps that was just the subjects, but I must say how surprised by how life like it is out of the box with both camera/ lens and software. That is why it is so amazing ... I shall pop you idea on my upcoming video list :) thanks sir. Cheers Matt
@@smkunder1 Great Steve, I was lucky enough to just start shooting with the 35 mm 1.8 S last night, and I am still to download, but it is looking like an equally lovely lens, I shall keep you posted :)
Really worthwhile vid., thanks. I have ordered a Z 50 S 1.8 as it is at a more reachable price than a wide prime for me. I have a Nikon Z6 with 24-70 f4 S, plus FTZ for my Nikkor 70-200 f2.8. I still hanker after a final (?) wide prime, but would definitely prefer a 28mm, (wide but not too extreme). I wonder when/if this will be designed. I suppose if it takes a few years it would give me time to save up!
Howdy Wills, there is a 24 mm now released www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1504350-REG/nikon_nikkor_z_24mm_f_1_8.html and there is a 20mm coming in 2020. Would the 24mm work for you? Cheers Matt
Just picked up the 50 mm z lens today for £309 uk pounds was £599 to start with. WOW what a bargain. I think this is one of the most overlooked lens there is hence the price drop...😃 The depth of field is so shallow at 1.8 on my z6 i don't see the point of a 1.2 or 1.4 ? For example i have a 50mm 1.4 D f mount and found it hard to find focus point with it on my D300S. And certainly don't think it is as sharp wide open. Though i will say on the z6 ftz adapter the 1.4 is much easier to focus even if it is all manual. Manual focus on D300S all most impossible wide open!! Great video, you and others made me decide to get this lens cool.
This lens will probably make me buy a Nikon Z7 over any other camera because it's the best ratio sharpness / price / weight by far. And 80% of my pictures are taken with a 50mm lens. And yet, I'd love to buy a SL2, the most accomplished body in my opinion...
I haven't bought into the Z series yet (still lots of mileage on my nikon Dslrs) However, having reviewed several of this lenses photo's, I'm blown away with the life like 3D punch, subtle as it is, it's highly desirable indeed, and with the release of the Z5 temptation is growing ! Nice review
It’s been two weeks since I jumped on the Z5 (got a FTZII also) and glad I did. Only my second full frame. I agree with the reviewer that for fast action dSLR’s still rule.
Hi I purchased the Z6 and the corresponding 50mm, 35mm. I thought they were both great and so much better than the F mounted versions, when the price of the 24/70 f2.8 S Z dropped in London I traded the 35mm to buy the 24/70. Once again it’s soooooo much better than the F mounted version. But I did have to add the £60 Meike grip to improve the handling. All in all Z camera and Z lenses 👍 😃
Awesome feedback Antony, I agree 24/70 2.8 is $$$. I plan on getting one, still using my D850 a lot of the time, which I have the 24/70 2.8 F version. So I am in that in-between space at the moment, where I need the investment in the F glass to go a little longer, as I slowly expand into the Z mount. I am interested in the 35mm Z. What did you think of it? Thanks for joining the conversation. Cheers Matt
Matt Irwin Photography, The 35mm Z was very nice lens just like the 50mm Z, I really liked the sunstars that the 35mm produced. I have no complaints, I just couldn’t justify £££ having the zoom and the prime. I don’t make my living from photography, so I put versatility at the top of my list. The 50 and the 24/70 will suffice for me. By the way your RUclips channel is really good and I like your frankness when discussing various topics.
Wow! Now I’m really wanting to buy this lens even though I don’t shoot 50mm often and satisfied with the 24-70 f4 covering it. Maybe in the future after I get the 20mm since I really want to do some Astro with it.
I bought a used Z 50mm, but did't buy a Z camera yet, they are so expensive. I thought about starting with the Z50 but since I used Nikon FX DSLR's I wonder if I could get used to it.
I shoot sports with Nikon D5 and 400mm f2.8 and 600mm f4 . I tried the z6/z7 mount on Nikon looks great for street and portrait but after trying out at a nighttime floodlight game its focusing during soccer international was ponderous. That 50mm f1.8 s lens is truly stunning and the exciting to see a 70-200mm f2.8S version but I would wait before changing to the new z mount because I want the new Nikon mirrorless whenever it comes to fruition to either emulate or surpass my Nikon D5 camera in build and durability before changing to the z mount.
Thanks AI M, yes fair call sports under lights would be a weak point of the Z right now. I think by sometime next year your prayers may well be answered. With the Sony A9 II probably not too far off, Nikon have to keep innovating. We all can't wait to see it. Cheers Matt
Hi Thom, ah yes, and your winters would be so much colder than here. I am looking forward to the warmer months, we will start to see signs of returning warmth in the next month or so. What sort of photography do you most like?
@@MattIrwinPhotography the Z6..and the Z50 with the 2 kit lenses, I have many prime f lenses that I would like to try with the adapter but I'm sure they will not perform like the native Z glass...your videos are an amazing resource for me thanks for all your time and hard work you are very talented...yes I need both 50 and 85mm that would be the best but can only get 1 for now
Love your passion 😀 These S lenses are enough to make you want to rob a bank and buy the lot of them. It’s funny because I remember reading a comment by someone saying this lens is really sharp yet very flat. I’m not sure they were correct.
Lazy Dog, I think the Z lenses are spectacular, I have the 35mm on the way, so I will do a review on that as soon as I can ... I think they are the opposite of flat, and are completely full of life. It is hard to know how many people who comment and review are actually marketing people for other companies .... because some of the statements just seem to be the complete opposite of reality ...
Matt Irwin Photography they certainly appear very excellent. The commenter was I think being a bit more specific to the 50mm S lens but the inference was that the S lenses are very sharp yet lack dimensionality. I know that lenses can be sharp yet lack dimensionality, probably too many elements. My old 180 f2.8 and 300 f4 from 30 years ago have great dimensionality. I think it’s difficult to make a lens with both sharpness, low CA yet retain dimensionality. Can get the 24-70 f2.8 S lens now for $2,450 at Michaels. A big drop from $3,500.
Matt, this was a great review. I’m an enthusiast using the Z6 and love it. Probably half of my shots are of my two young daughters. Most of my shooting is currently being done with the 24-70 f4S. I also have the 70-200 f4G. They serve most of my needs, but I’d like to add a native prime. Since I take so many pictures of my family, I am thinking the 50 1.8S or the 80 1.8S. Have you had any experience with the 85? Everything I’ve heard about the 50 makes me think that’s the way to go. It just seems to render scenes so crisply and beautifully. Now that you’ve had the 50 for a while, what are your long term thoughts?
G'day Matt, thanks so much. I don't have the 85mm yet thus I can't say for certain. I understand that it is optically awesome like the 50mm. I do think the 50mm can probably be used more often. And considering how outstanding it is for the price, it is an amazing place to start with your primes. I continue to be very, very impressed by it. Also I have found the 35mm to be wonderful as well. Back to the 50mm. You just can't go wrong. Wait for a sale, which are on all the time, and you will be truly over the moon. :)
Matt Irwin Photography Matt, this video has been at the back of my mind recently. It snowed recently in Canada and as I was walking around looking for some color to include in a few pictures I remembered this video. I recalled being amazed at the vibrance of the reds in your images and how some of the images really do convey a 3D feel. I rewatched this again and it really is amazing. I know that you show what the images look right “straight out of camera”, but can you share what picture control you shoot with? I’ve been shooting in monochrome recently to try to gain a better appreciation for light and shadow, but would like to experiment a bit with color as a future theme. Thanks again for the great content. I’ve really enjoyed your channel. Matt
@@mattgrant447 Thanks Matt, yeah in regard to my settings they are as the camera shipped, I never change that stuff, for me I find once I have so many possibilities of permutations, I will never be happy, and I don't have the patience to go through them all to see which one I might prefer the most. Straight out of camera RAWs are awesome, and if I really want to tweak, then I do it in post. I shall make a video about it. Just checking my camera, the profile I have chosen is the FL Flat profile, and it is still at factory settings. Do you shoot manual exposure, or some PSA ? I discovered back in the film days, the best way to get rich colours, is to know which colour you are after, then expose for it. Cameras don't know what you are trying to achieve, so I am strong advocate of manual exposure ...
Matt Irwin Photography Thanks for the reply, and that’s great advice Matt. I don’t always think to expose for color, but that’s a good idea. I shoot mostly in manual, but do use A from time to time. Learning to use manual really is what made me think about how I wanted my photo to look. I toggle back and forth between matrix and spot metering, depending on the scene, so hopefully I can add exposing for a color into my process pretty easily. I’ve never considered using flat picture profile. But the Z6 and EVF is amazing. I just flipped through Standard, Neutral, Landscape and Flat while looking at my kitchen and watched the scene change before my eyes. The difference in contrast and saturation is incredible. I’ll have to think about which one helps me to see the scene more clearly.
i recogniced the 50mm 1.8 has massive color fringes wide open, didn´t expect this after i watched your episodes about this lens ! This is a hefty dissapointment for me, i even saw this in studio shots ! So i like your channel but it makes me start thinking about to stop what you tell in your videos! Its a no go for me so i sell this lens after 2 weeks of owning it and yous the F - Mount sigma Art 50mm 1,4 ! Its sharper and has les cromatic aberations and the focus it good enough for my portraits !
Thanks for sharing Günter, I have used this lens for a year, and I have not noticed fringing what you describe. Can you send me examples with metadata to hi@mattirwin.com. I would love to take a look. See if I can replicate your experience. Cheers Matt PS what body are you working with?
Hey Alfredo, thanks for letting me know, I only finished processing about 10 minutes ago, where are you in the world? I think it might take an little while for the 4k file to populate around the world onto all the different google servers. If it's ok come back in 20 mins or so. I too can only see it in 360. I am sure it will be 4k very very soon :) Cheers Matt
Dear Matt: A most enjoyable video. I don't know what your business model is for this channel, but have you thought or producing a zine featuring your photographs - a lot less expensive than your books, but it could expand your readership and viewership in an attractive way. Maybe "24 Hours In The Life Of An Alley" - some shots of the alley taken at different times of day; with or without commentary and explanation from you.
I was thinking of a printed zine, but digital is possible too. You already know about printing, and a printed zine might be an inexpensive introduction to your work. It could be for sale in your store; it would make a nice gift or Xmas present; viewers could buy it and there would not be much cost for postage; you could do a free digital zine; there could be a series of "A day in the life of..." of Melbroune, of Sydney, of the ocean, of the shore, of a bicycle, of a beer glass, or whatever. I think it depends on what your business model is - when I say "business model", I'm thinking along the lines of Strategyzer ideas.
Yeah Peter you are completely correct, there is some pre-processing applied by Nikon prior to working on the Raw file. I understand that there is vignetting and barrel distortion control, do you know of other adjustments ...? But regardless of this pre-processing, it does not change the stunning capabilities of this lens. What system are you currently shooting with Peter? Cheers Matt
Cheers Ray, good plan. Although at this price point it would be hard to believe that Canon could improve much on Nikon's offerings. And Canon need the sensors to match. Let's hope that is coming soon :) Which camera body would you go for?
I would go for the updated eos r which canon needs to produce soon if they want to be a contender in the mirorless war.they have got their lenses right although very expensive.if not I will stay with sony
Sorry Geoff, you can try out mine next week if you like? I managed to get it priced matched from JB HIFI for $870, give their city store a call, ask for Callum, and remind him of my purchase on the weekend. I reckon he will help you out :)
And 4 years later, Z lenses are still too expensive. $626 for the Z 50mm 1.8 vs $216 for the F mount 50mm 1.8. The Z mount was supposed to promise more light, wider apertures, etc. Instead we have small apertures and expensive Z mount lenses. The promise of the Z mount is unfulfilled. I will just continue to use my FTZ adapter.
@@MattIrwinPhotography It does everything i would like a camera to do. I use mostly 610s, 850s and 800s for work so this is my first camera with my own money. Were it not for the 85 1.8 release date I was getting annoyed with having to adapt glass because thats really asking people to buy lenses twice. I also wonder why they couldnt go ahead and push out a 70-200 F4 lens. before the 2.8. I think its a coiple more firmware updates away from being solid.
I believe everyone needs a "nifty fifty". My Z6 came with the Z24-70 4 /S lens, (an excellent lens).
The first lens I purchased was the Z 50mm 1.8 / S. Great as an every day and portrait lens, It can also be used as a 75mm when you crop the sensor.
This is a solid, well made, simple to use lens.
Enjoy your choice.
You asked in another video what we would like to see you present on your channel. I would like to see a course on "Capture One" from down loading the pictures from the card, to how you save the final picture for social media or printing.
I agree that it has taken a while for people to appreciate the z cameras and lenses
Being a real photographer you haven’t stumbled like so many desktop technicians
You have an opinion...
G'day Peter, yep I have to agree with you, I have been frustrated too by the 'specticians' ( I made up a new word, shall we coin that today?) Coming soon a video about specticians, you have heard it here today. Why there has not been respect for the Z I don't understand. There has been so much focus on focus speed (pun), and 1 card slot single mindedness (lol), when everything else at the time of release was class leading and fully charged (don't talk to me about batteries - cause they are modular). So much photography is not about chasing birds or racing cars ..... Anyway I agree, and I will keep telling the story of the Z on this channel for as long as I can. Because I think Nikon got the first gen 97.5% right (and let us not forget, these are not the flagship models (2020 here we come, how long did it take Sony to release the A9?). Thanks sir. What might be your next lens? Cheers Matt
Hi Matt love the channel, great blend of technical and practical put together. Thank you for this video for the 50mm 1.8s lens. Cheers from Montreal Quebec, Canada
I shot with this lens today and I agree. The quality wide open is beyond anything I’ve seen from F mount pro zooms. The raw files look fantastic because you’re not getting a true raw file. A camera and lens profile is applied and it can’t be removed as far as I can tell. You’re not losing any of the flexibility that comes with raw but the starting point is like the jpeg preview. And to get a razor sharp image without a tripod at 1/10s is insane.
Indeed Phil, and I have opened that image in different software, and they each give me a slightly different outcome. I think in Capture One you can remove the lens profile data if you want to ... I do need to check that. What will be your next Z lens? Cheers Matt
With Nikon they have been slow to get going with mirrorless, but man it's worth the wait! Tried and tested gear that just does the job 100% again and again and again. Z series is a game changer.
This video SOLD me on the 50mm 1.8 S. Good job Matt. Thanks!
From one loyal Nikon user to another, Thank you Nikon!!! Add in the new firmware upgrade! It 's great to see Nikon stepping it up. Truth be told , Nikon has always offered some decent 1.8 primes at decent prices. Great vid!
I am viewing this video four years later, in 2024, and it is so telling how deeply the pandemic affected all of us. Excellent review though and I have decided to buy this lens along with the 35 and 85, pairing them up with the Nikon Zf. I believe these are some of the best all round primes on the market today. Your reviews are very helpful to me and I thank you.
For what it is worth, there are a few Tokyo photographers that you might find interesting to check out. One is Jason Halayko, a working photographer in Tokyo who has promoted the Zf and Lukas Palka of Eyexplore.
I decided to purchase a Z6 with the 50mm this past summer thinking it a good way to get back in the game. Needless to say after I looked at my first batch of images I couldn't understand the criticism... the images were exceptional. Looking forward to receiving my 85 and 24mm lens.
Indeed David, it does feel to me that there has been somewhat of a campaign against the Z cameras from all directions. And it is completely unwarranted. The Z6 and Z7 along with the Z mount. Is class leading on many fronts. Yet there has been endless dwelling on focus failings. Which is not accurate. Focus is great on the Z. It is just not quite as good as Sony in certain instances. Which may never matter to most people. I have to say as an outside observer who is not being paid to say what I think, I feel this has been a deliberate attempt to kill off Nikon. On my channel I have a number of instance where users have commented on an 'issue' which I ultimately say, send me a link with some info or examples, and then suddenly all their posts are deleted. This has happened 3 times since the Z was announced. There are definitely forces at work trying to convince us otherwise, but the Z mount is stellar. Yes the 85mm will be my next prime. How do you feel about zoom lenses? Thanks for joining the conversation David. Cheers Matt
Hello Matt, I don't typically use them but I do intend to check out the 120-300 on my z6 when it ships. I find the FTZ adapter to be exceptional as well. I've used it with the 300mm, Zeiss 25, 100, and 135mm and the results were excellent. I rented them for a couple of weeks. The zoom focus was fantastic. The vibration control inside the Z6 allowed me great flexibility in using the manual focus lenses, I had used them on a D850 and did pick up some shake tbere. I don't think I understand the rampant Nikon rumors about how they are going to fold. I also don't understand all the I influencers hammering away with such criticism. I do know Nikon is profitable and continuing to create fantastic gear. I am headed to Costa Rica soon and wonder which zoom to rent for wildlife, any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Love how you mix up your production, intros, music choice. Keeps me interested and you unpredictable.
On the verge of a Z6 purchase. Just deciding between the 24-70 f4 and this 50 f1.8 as my first lens. Think it is the 50. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, much wider aperture, less moving parts (some zooms I've found to get loose or water/grit being an issue extended), and CA not an issue. Thanks for the review!
I’ve only had the lens for about 2 days and haven’t put it through its paces yet but I took it out and snapped a few photos at night out on the street with my ZF and I literally said Wow haha. Low light images with this lens are so good wide open. I can’t wait to snap more photos with it.
Yeah it is a brilliant lens
As a low end Nikon fanboy (D5500) I was so pleased with your review and comments.
And surely with today's high ISO's the need for 1.2 lens is less than it was.
I hope Nikon keeps developing its Z range and its S lenses.
I hope they get rewarded for jumping to the big mount, because I think the small F mount held the back.
Hey DigNap, thanks for joining the conversation. Yep I think Nikon have worked really hard with the Z cameras, with the mount and other aspects. And I think other online reviewers have either been after the click bait, or did not have the smarts to understand 1. That from a physics perspective this is the most versatile mount. And 2. Sony was hopeless compared to Canon and Nikon when the first Alphas came out, and it took two generations and over 5 years for them to reach the position they are today. Short memories. I would say it is going to take Nikon 2-3 years to get to the same place.
With high ISO and IBIS, the strongest reason to have 1.2 is depth of field, but with basic photographic skill, you can create similar outcomes, with much much less cost. This is why all these 1.8 lenses are so interesting. I look forward to try them all out. Do you think you will go a Z sometime soon? Cheers Matt
The D5500 was the only F camera I kept after selling 30+ years worth of Nikon cameras and lenses.
I'm now invested in the Z system. Z6 and a Z6ii along with half a dozen of Z primes.
Enjoy yours....
Thank you MATT for your so impressive introduction on this phenomenal Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S.
Yes indeed, it makes you wonder how Sony with the much smaller E mount can develop in future. This is where Nikon and Canon probably benefit from decades of serving pro photographers. But how refreshing is it to see an up to date f1.8 50mm..???? The staple of so many SLR/DSLR cameras for years has become almost sneered at in recent times. How good to see the results of a half hour, off the cuff shoot yield such great images! Nice work Matt
Alan I have to agree with you. 7 years ago the E mount was a revelation, now Canon and especially Nikon upped the ante just that little bit. The Z mount being the shallowest and the largest of the FF mainstream mounts leads to lens design reimagined. And to be honest we have only seen 5-6 native Z lenses so far. From my perspective the Z party has only just begun, and it may be a few years before we really understand what is optically possible. And thanks yes, I love a quick off the cuff shot. Story of my life really. What is your favourite prime focal length? Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography I will probably say my favourite ff prime from days gone was the 85mm Nikkor. I used to shoot portraits for a living so no contest really. Oddly enough, NOW I would say something unexpected - the 25mm 7Artisans manual focus lens on my XPro1..! I must have got a rogue example cos it's razor sharp, If all of them are this good then more people should try them.
Yes I love my 85mm 1.4 too. Keen to see what the new Z 85 1.8 looks like, I have a feeling it will be on par with this lens.
I got the 50 1.8 in my trade of my Z7 for a Z6 and the store through in the 50 an 35. S lenses to join my 24-70 f/4 Right away the 50 revealed itself as the sharpest lens corner to corner I had ever used. I was not lacking Normal lenses, having 5 in the 50 to 58mm range but all the S lenses have been very surprising. The little, light, small 24-70 f/4, the perfect travel and walking around lens was better, noticeably better than either of the F mount 24-70 2,8 G and E versions. The E was really expensive and to be outclassed by a "kit lens" was amazing. I rented the 24-70 2.8 S for a week and decided in the first hour of using it, it has to be the most impressive zoom on the planet. It was better than most of my quality primes.
The Z system has proven itself as a very competent rugged, comfortable body and lenses are the best or pretty darn close to the best at any FL. I am anxious to see the 85 1.8 in action and if it is as good as the 50, I am going to sell off all my lens collection and only collect Z native lenses. The size, speed, IQ, cost, weight and cost put them in a different league. All of them put the best F mount and E mount lenses to shame for corner to corner resolving power, contrast, color and lack of CA. Nikon was blasted for hyping the large flange and short flange distance but they were telling the truth.
Stan, I totally agree with you. The Z mount is a sleeper success. And the mathematics of its powers have been there from the start. I just think nobody wanted to just look at the physics of it. If you want to leverage optics, get the lens as close to the sensor as possible. And make it big. They did that. I agree on the 24-70 F4. And I agree on the 50mm. I was shocked with the images, how good they are, which of course inspired this video. I feel the Z's to be great cameras, and are currently being under estimated, and undermined by people who don't seem to understand what they have, and seem to be just focused on face / eye detect speed, when there is so much more to photography than a feature which has been invented in the last few years. Which seem to allow them to completely miss the wood for the trees. I too keenly await the 85 1.8. And will have to work out what I need to sell to get my hands on it. Thanks for sharing sir. Exciting times for the Z mount. And tell the Z24-70 2.8 was that amazing ... ? I would love one, but it is almost $4000 here, I'll have to save my pennies. Cheers Matt
Your review of the 50mm is very similar to Hughs' at Three Blind Men and an Elephant. I believe he called it the last lens you'll ever need or something to that effect. I'm sold and it's a great value. Well done.
Love my Z6, only have the 24-70 f4 but interested in a useful prime for wide and astro as opposed 14-30 f4. Your images very sharp
Yeah the Z's are so great. :) So you can get the 24mm or 35mm 1.8 S now. And a 20mm is on the roadmap, any of those would be great. I suspect even the 50mm would be amazing, it is the sharpest lens, and very well priced? Which focal length would be of most use to you? Cheers Matt
Matt Irwin Photography thanks Matt, I do mostly landscapes and seascapes so the additional fast prime would be mainly astro or street type shots.
own it, not quit different from standard 24-70 f4( both have far more pic quality than i need, unless you zomm in 200%), but with f1.8 you can shoot portrait with blur and night shooting. Most importantly, its very light and convenience, really match to mirrorless advantage, models would like to hangout with you and its easy to shoot all day hand hold outside.
I agree Zhou, it truly is a great all round lens at a great price, size and weight, Nikon have really hit it out of the part withe the Z mount. Which camera do you have? Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography z7 with 24-70f4, 50 1.8, 85 1.4, 70-200efl， it covers every single situation i need, except action and bird thing, anyway, nikon mirroless is very very bad on action or quick moving subject, even worse than dlsr I owned 6 years ago( canon 6d). lol
@@MattIrwinPhotography and try 85 1.4 with z7, thats my favourate comba. not quit heavy but superb blur and melting background.
Looks great, Nikon produced a very nice lens here for sure. Not sure it's a lens I'd buy even if I were invested in the Z mount simply because I rarely use my 50mm f1.4 G anyway, I always prefer 24mm and 35mm primes. It will be interesting to see just how well the Z mount adapts to faster f stop primes in the future ( f1.4 and f1.2 ) so we can really see the claimed benefits of Nikon's wider and shallower mount. 😊
Indeed Monster, what do they have install for us with these new 1.4 and 1.2 and even the Noct (wonder where that has gone). I love all lenses really, but I was keen to see what this one was like, it seemed affordable, and very good quality. And I feel for those that actually gave it a chance, it really is as good as they say ...
Love my 50 1.8s! It's a beast!!
Yeah the 50mm is outstanding, truly a revelation from Nikon, I try to use it all the time. What other glass do you have? Cheers Matt
Great review and now subscribed. I recently got a Z6 with 24-70 f/4 along with 35 / 85 S lenses. Considering the 50 because it appears to be a great lens, but not sure how much I would use it since I usually reach for either 35 or 85. I also picked up the AF-P 70-300 FX lens to hold me over for telephoto.
It's a fair point about the 50mm. And I felt the same, then I started using it, and realised that being the close to the focal length to the human eye, it gave it a special place in the lens line up that maybe only the 35mm has. Coupled with its small size and optical brilliance and low f - stops. Over the years has become a must to me. And this version of a 50mm fells like medium format it is that good. (I have a medium format digital Hasselblad 60MP) Happy New Year !!! Cheers Matt
Hi Matt. I've only just discovered you and am really appreciating your real life approach. l used a Leica M2 in my film days because l like what I want to be in focus to actually be in focus (and other reasons). This may sound strange comparing M series Leica with Nikon Z but I recall reading that one reason even older Leitz lenses were so optically brilliant compared to SLR lenses was the designers had no restrictions with the rear element to film plane distance. So I guess no one should be too surprised in the Z performance considering the design advantages together with technologies available to further enhance performance. Thanks for this review. You have just about convinced me to go Z6 plus 50mm!
Hi Matt. Very nicely done lens review! I am a Fujiflm X-System user, and have found the Fujinon XF80mm f/2.8 Macro lens to be the absolute sharpest lens I've ever used in my 40+ years of photography! When I combine it with an X-T3, a solid tripod, and good pre/post processing technique, I am seeing incredible detail in my product photography and macro images. With respect to bokeh, I require sharp detail throughout my product images, so I never shoot wide open, preferring the optimum apertures of f/8-11. And, if I need to use focus stacking to ensure maximum sharpness and detail, I am obtaining detail that would rival FF and possibly even medium format, IMHO. That said, do you think that I would see an improvement in sharpness/detail retention in a 24"x36" poster print from the Z7 System over my Fuji X-System? Thanks again, sir.
I got this lens a while back. It is light in weight and very very sharp. It is significantly sharper than 24-70 f4 yet i am used to using 24-70 f4 lens thats pretty sharp enough for my use.
Hey Zaf, Yeah I know exactly what you mean, the kit 24-70 also has impressed me. I am a fan of the extra depth of field and the extra light catching abilities the 50mm allows. I look forward to doing some ultra low light night work. Love it :)
Oh I forgot to say, which Z do you have?
50mm 1.8 i got it very cheap.:)
@@zaf9834 Awesome Zaf, and which Z camera?
Its the z7
Ha! I've shot those very laneways lots of times. Nice to see others do too.
"I'm not a pixel peeper" while you're pixel peeping 😁. Seriously, the 50/1.8 S is spectacular. Love mine too. It's my favorite lens of all time supplanting the Leica 35 Summicron, although the Summicron is creamier with the bokeh, but certainly not sharper.
Love the shots in red from the lane way - superlative.
Thanks Geoff. :)
Just checking this vid today as I'm thinking about the 50mm 1.8 for my Z6. It's on sale reduced $100. right now for Black Friday 2020. Looks damn good to me. Too many whiners out there. The 1.2 is nice if $$$ is no object. How much do we really need? I never really appreciated street or urban photography or thought of it as so beautiful until seeing your work. I love it!
if i have to live my life with just one lens, this will be the one
A very fine choice :)
Now if only cinema camera manufacturers can get over the whole Nikon for video stigmata and I can use the same lens mount on my photo gear as my video gear. A dream!!!
Yeah I agree Jamal, why are so many mounts for these things EF, should be more universal, alot of Cine cameras do allow you to change the mount ... What Cine camera do you want to use?
Matt Irwin Photography I’m liking the price/function ratio of the BMD cameras these days. I’m honestly waiting for a modular BMD similar to the new ZCams.
@@warner6495 Yeah BMD are great ... I wonder if they will do that, so like the Z and the Reds, that would be cool :)
Looks like a great lens, who cares about f.1.2, because its small and light and good 👍
Cheers Jess, indeed, that is what it feels like with this lens. It is a good price, a good size, a good weight, and optically right up there. Seems to be a great allrounder and good example of what the Z optics can do.
Awesome again Matt. Beside the “specticians” vid could you do a vid about your opinions on the rumored new Nikon mirrorless cameras coming out and what they mean for Nikon. I personally am looking forward to the “Z 5.”
Cheers Hassan, yep I shall do some research and come back to you on that :) thanks for the idea. Cheers Matt
The Nikon Z6 I personally own is a great and nice camera. It is fun to shot with. I also own the 35mm and the 85mm S-line lenses. Your review of the 50 mm nikkor z-Mount is Great. I think I will buy it 😌🤔
You and I have the same set of lenses Stefan. Yes I truly love the 50mm. Did you end up getting it? Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography Hello Matt, thank you for your response. I will buy it today. My local Photoshop, where I buy all of my gear, will have it on stock. Actually there are Nikon-Cash-Back options, so i can make a good deal!
I just ordered the 50mm s lens and the waiting is killing me!
Nice video, Matt. I am most impressed with the images straight out of camera, minimal post processing. Assume this is the NEF rendered with a default C1 profile, yes? I know this video is about the 50 mm f/1.8 but I think you could also do an interesting comparison of the default renderings of the restaurant wall file by various software (e.g., Lightroom, Aperture, etc.) assuming you have 1) the time and 2) the various software. Also would be interested to know how the 24-70 f/4 at 50 mm compares - out-of-camera color and image detail. Any thoughts?
Hey Muvee, this is Capture 1 straight out of the box. I have made no adjustment to profiles. :) Great suggestions on looking at the different render engines and default profiles. I shall have a look into that. And yes too for the colour comparison between the lenses. I have been shocked by the 50mm colour rendering, but perhaps that was just the subjects, but I must say how surprised by how life like it is out of the box with both camera/ lens and software. That is why it is so amazing ... I shall pop you idea on my upcoming video list :) thanks sir. Cheers Matt
Love your enthusiasm, just bought the Z6 yesterday, trying to learn all I can.
Steve you will be very happy, outstanding camera. What is the first lens you are after?
It will probably be the 50, maybe 35. I have the 24/70 f4s that came with the kit.
@@smkunder1 Great Steve, I was lucky enough to just start shooting with the 35 mm 1.8 S last night, and I am still to download, but it is looking like an equally lovely lens, I shall keep you posted :)
Really worthwhile vid., thanks. I have ordered a Z 50 S 1.8 as it is at a more reachable price than a wide prime for me. I have a Nikon Z6 with 24-70 f4 S, plus FTZ for my Nikkor 70-200 f2.8. I still hanker after a final (?) wide prime, but would definitely prefer a 28mm, (wide but not too extreme). I wonder when/if this will be designed. I suppose if it takes a few years it would give me time to save up!
Howdy Wills, there is a 24 mm now released www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1504350-REG/nikon_nikkor_z_24mm_f_1_8.html and there is a 20mm coming in 2020. Would the 24mm work for you? Cheers Matt
Great review Matt two thumbs up thanks for sharing
Cheers Ray, always a pleasure. :)
Hi Matt, I got the lens and I'm worry that something is wrong since the noise when zooming. I can clearly hear the motor or gear when start and stop
Hi there, the 50mm 1.8 can't zoom ... do you mean when focusing? Cheers Matt
Just picked up the 50 mm z lens today for £309 uk pounds was £599 to start with. WOW what a bargain. I think this is one of the most overlooked lens there is hence the price drop...😃
The depth of field is so shallow at 1.8 on my z6 i don't see the point of a 1.2 or 1.4 ? For example i have a 50mm 1.4 D f mount and found it hard to find focus point with it on my D300S. And certainly don't think it is as sharp wide open. Though i will say on the z6 ftz adapter the 1.4 is much easier to focus even if it is all manual. Manual focus on D300S all most impossible wide open!!
Great video, you and others made me decide to get this lens cool.
A decent prize for excellent glass💯💯
This lens will probably make me buy a Nikon Z7 over any other camera because it's the best ratio sharpness / price / weight by far. And 80% of my pictures are taken with a 50mm lens. And yet, I'd love to buy a SL2, the most accomplished body in my opinion...
I haven't bought into the Z series yet (still lots of mileage on my nikon Dslrs) However, having reviewed several of this lenses photo's, I'm blown away with the life like 3D punch, subtle as it is, it's highly desirable indeed, and with the release of the Z5 temptation is growing ! Nice review
It’s been two weeks since I jumped on the Z5 (got a FTZII also) and glad I did. Only my second full frame. I agree with the reviewer that for fast action dSLR’s still rule.
Hi I purchased the Z6 and the corresponding 50mm, 35mm. I thought they were both great and so much better than the F mounted versions, when the price of the 24/70 f2.8 S Z dropped in London I traded the 35mm to buy the 24/70. Once again it’s soooooo much better than the F mounted version. But I did have to add the £60 Meike grip to improve the handling.
All in all Z camera and Z lenses 👍 😃
Awesome feedback Antony, I agree 24/70 2.8 is $$$. I plan on getting one, still using my D850 a lot of the time, which I have the 24/70 2.8 F version. So I am in that in-between space at the moment, where I need the investment in the F glass to go a little longer, as I slowly expand into the Z mount. I am interested in the 35mm Z. What did you think of it? Thanks for joining the conversation. Cheers Matt
Matt Irwin Photography, The 35mm Z was very nice lens just like the 50mm Z, I really liked the sunstars that the 35mm produced. I have no complaints, I just couldn’t justify £££ having the zoom and the prime. I don’t make my living from photography, so I put versatility at the top of my list. The 50 and the 24/70 will suffice for me.
By the way your RUclips channel is really good and I like your frankness when discussing various topics.
Great lens choice Antony, and thanks for the feedback on the channel, means a lot. What would be you next Z lens?
Wow! Now I’m really wanting to buy this lens even though I don’t shoot 50mm often and satisfied with the 24-70 f4 covering it. Maybe in the future after I get the 20mm since I really want to do some Astro with it.
can you compare nikon 50mm f1.8 s vs sigma 50mm 1.4 art?
I jumped from a D300 to a z6 and with the 50 mm i couldn't be happier
I bought a used Z 50mm, but did't buy a Z camera yet, they are so expensive. I thought about starting with the Z50 but since I used Nikon FX DSLR's I wonder if I could get used to it.
I shoot sports with Nikon D5 and 400mm f2.8 and 600mm f4 . I tried the z6/z7 mount on Nikon looks great for street and portrait but after trying out at a nighttime floodlight game its focusing during soccer international was ponderous. That 50mm f1.8 s lens is truly stunning and the exciting to see a 70-200mm f2.8S version but I would wait before changing to the new z mount because I want the new Nikon mirrorless whenever it comes to fruition to either emulate or surpass my Nikon D5 camera in build and durability before changing to the z mount.
Thanks AI M, yes fair call sports under lights would be a weak point of the Z right now. I think by sometime next year your prayers may well be answered. With the Sony A9 II probably not too far off, Nikon have to keep innovating. We all can't wait to see it. Cheers Matt
Great seeing the video production from far away here in Dublin Ireland as the winter in coming back with its usual vengeful response.
Hi Thom, ah yes, and your winters would be so much colder than here. I am looking forward to the warmer months, we will start to see signs of returning warmth in the next month or so. What sort of photography do you most like?
Matt Irwin Photography I like action sports from Athletics to ZUmba bit a close 2nd is Architecture then Landscape in that order.
this lens is crazy good!!!
Matt if I had to invest in one lens right now should it be the 50mm or 85mm for cinema and photography with my Z system???
I’d go the 50mm. Great price astonishing optics. Can be used for portrait if you DX crop. In a perfect world I would have both. Which Z?
@@MattIrwinPhotography the Z6..and the Z50 with the 2 kit lenses, I have many prime f lenses that I would like to try with the adapter but I'm sure they will not perform like the native Z glass...your videos are an amazing resource for me thanks for all your time and hard work
you are very talented...yes I need both 50 and 85mm that would be the best but can only get 1 for now
This video convinced me to choose Z6ii over R6
Awesome Paul. Is the 50mm 1.8 your fav Z glass to date? Cheers Matt
@@MattIrwinPhotography yes, along with 85 1.8 - Matt, what Z lens do you recommend for sports?
Love your passion 😀 These S lenses are enough to make you want to rob a bank and buy the lot of them. It’s funny because I remember reading a comment by someone saying this lens is really sharp yet very flat. I’m not sure they were correct.
Lazy Dog, I think the Z lenses are spectacular, I have the 35mm on the way, so I will do a review on that as soon as I can ... I think they are the opposite of flat, and are completely full of life. It is hard to know how many people who comment and review are actually marketing people for other companies .... because some of the statements just seem to be the complete opposite of reality ...
Matt Irwin Photography they certainly appear very excellent. The commenter was I think being a bit more specific to the 50mm S lens but the inference was that the S lenses are very sharp yet lack dimensionality. I know that lenses can be sharp yet lack dimensionality, probably too many elements. My old 180 f2.8 and 300 f4 from 30 years ago have great dimensionality. I think it’s difficult to make a lens with both sharpness, low CA yet retain dimensionality. Can get the 24-70 f2.8 S lens now for $2,450 at Michaels. A big drop from $3,500.
wow....like this !
Matt, this was a great review. I’m an enthusiast using the Z6 and love it. Probably half of my shots are of my two young daughters. Most of my shooting is currently being done with the 24-70 f4S. I also have the 70-200 f4G. They serve most of my needs, but I’d like to add a native prime. Since I take so many pictures of my family, I am thinking the 50 1.8S or the 80 1.8S. Have you had any experience with the 85? Everything I’ve heard about the 50 makes me think that’s the way to go. It just seems to render scenes so crisply and beautifully. Now that you’ve had the 50 for a while, what are your long term thoughts?
G'day Matt, thanks so much. I don't have the 85mm yet thus I can't say for certain. I understand that it is optically awesome like the 50mm. I do think the 50mm can probably be used more often. And considering how outstanding it is for the price, it is an amazing place to start with your primes. I continue to be very, very impressed by it. Also I have found the 35mm to be wonderful as well. Back to the 50mm. You just can't go wrong. Wait for a sale, which are on all the time, and you will be truly over the moon. :)
Matt Irwin Photography Matt, this video has been at the back of my mind recently. It snowed recently in Canada and as I was walking around looking for some color to include in a few pictures I remembered this video. I recalled being amazed at the vibrance of the reds in your images and how some of the images really do convey a 3D feel. I rewatched this again and it really is amazing. I know that you show what the images look right “straight out of camera”, but can you share what picture control you shoot with? I’ve been shooting in monochrome recently to try to gain a better appreciation for light and shadow, but would like to experiment a bit with color as a future theme.
Thanks again for the great content. I’ve really enjoyed your channel.
Matt
@@mattgrant447 Thanks Matt, yeah in regard to my settings they are as the camera shipped, I never change that stuff, for me I find once I have so many possibilities of permutations, I will never be happy, and I don't have the patience to go through them all to see which one I might prefer the most. Straight out of camera RAWs are awesome, and if I really want to tweak, then I do it in post. I shall make a video about it. Just checking my camera, the profile I have chosen is the FL Flat profile, and it is still at factory settings. Do you shoot manual exposure, or some PSA ? I discovered back in the film days, the best way to get rich colours, is to know which colour you are after, then expose for it. Cameras don't know what you are trying to achieve, so I am strong advocate of manual exposure ...
Matt Irwin Photography Thanks for the reply, and that’s great advice Matt. I don’t always think to expose for color, but that’s a good idea. I shoot mostly in manual, but do use A from time to time. Learning to use manual really is what made me think about how I wanted my photo to look. I toggle back and forth between matrix and spot metering, depending on the scene, so hopefully I can add exposing for a color into my process pretty easily.
I’ve never considered using flat picture profile. But the Z6 and EVF is amazing. I just flipped through Standard, Neutral, Landscape and Flat while looking at my kitchen and watched the scene change before my eyes. The difference in contrast and saturation is incredible. I’ll have to think about which one helps me to see the scene more clearly.
i recogniced the 50mm 1.8 has massive color fringes wide open, didn´t expect this after i watched your episodes about this lens ! This is a hefty dissapointment for me, i even saw this in studio shots ! So i like your channel but it makes me start thinking about to stop what you tell in your videos! Its a no go for me so i sell this lens after 2 weeks of owning it and yous the F - Mount sigma Art 50mm 1,4 ! Its sharper and has les cromatic aberations and the focus it good enough for my portraits !
Thanks for sharing Günter, I have used this lens for a year, and I have not noticed fringing what you describe. Can you send me examples with metadata to hi@mattirwin.com. I would love to take a look. See if I can replicate your experience. Cheers Matt PS what body are you working with?
The 50 1.8 looks simply astonishing ! This might be my next Lena to go along with my 24-70 F4 S and 35 1.8 S . Love my my Z6 !
Cheers J, yes the 50mm is a real revelation when it comes to the Z mount and its potential. Did you end up getting it? Cheers Matt
Matt Irwin Photography not yet , I need a backup body first for my portrait work . Having a tough tine deciding .
very timely with the milk crate
LOL, how do you mean mate?
I've worked it out, yes they do like to follow me around. Or maybe I like to follow them around ... :)
How does the 50mm f1.8 S work on a NIKON Z50
Hi Matt, love the channel. BUT this video is being displayed in 360p and you talk about the 4K playback, not sure if you know. Keep up the good work.
Hey Alfredo, thanks for letting me know, I only finished processing about 10 minutes ago, where are you in the world? I think it might take an little while for the 4k file to populate around the world onto all the different google servers. If it's ok come back in 20 mins or so. I too can only see it in 360. I am sure it will be 4k very very soon :) Cheers Matt
Ok I can now see it 1080p, we are getting there :)
@@MattIrwinPhotography I Matt, I am in Australia. NSW
@@alfgmail2008 Awesome, well I still can't see the 4k, I am sure it will be live any moment. : ) What camera are you currently creating with?
@@MattIrwinPhotography Nikon D7000, looking to move to the Z6 soon. Been a bit lazy with upgrading...lol
Dear Matt: A most enjoyable video. I don't know what your business model is for this channel, but have you thought or producing a zine featuring your photographs - a lot less expensive than your books, but it could expand your readership and viewership in an attractive way. Maybe "24 Hours In The Life Of An Alley" - some shots of the alley taken at different times of day; with or without commentary and explanation from you.
Thanks so much John, what a great idea, when you mean zine, do you mean a printed one or a digital one? Cheers Matt :)
I was thinking of a printed zine, but digital is possible too. You already know about printing, and a printed zine might be an inexpensive introduction to your work. It could be for sale in your store; it would make a nice gift or Xmas present; viewers could buy it and there would not be much cost for postage; you could do a free digital zine; there could be a series of "A day in the life of..." of Melbroune, of Sydney, of the ocean, of the shore, of a bicycle, of a beer glass, or whatever. I think it depends on what your business model is - when I say "business model", I'm thinking along the lines of Strategyzer ideas.
Straight out of camera doesn't mean what it used to. Did you shoot raw? Jpeg? Both are pre-processed.
Yeah Peter you are completely correct, there is some pre-processing applied by Nikon prior to working on the Raw file. I understand that there is vignetting and barrel distortion control, do you know of other adjustments ...? But regardless of this pre-processing, it does not change the stunning capabilities of this lens. What system are you currently shooting with Peter? Cheers Matt
Stick with the a7r3 for at least another year,then a will i look at the canon I think their lenses will be the best.
Cheers Ray, good plan. Although at this price point it would be hard to believe that Canon could improve much on Nikon's offerings. And Canon need the sensors to match. Let's hope that is coming soon :) Which camera body would you go for?
I would go for the updated eos r which canon needs to produce soon if they want to be a contender in the mirorless war.they have got their lenses right although very expensive.if not I will stay with sony
@@raystark5992 Good call I reckon Ray. Remind which Sony are you on at the moment? CHeers Matt
The a7r3 and 5 g m lenses
Well you have the good stuff, which glass?
You could be costing me another grand. Stop it.
Sorry Geoff, you can try out mine next week if you like? I managed to get it priced matched from JB HIFI for $870, give their city store a call, ask for Callum, and remind him of my purchase on the weekend. I reckon he will help you out :)
And 4 years later, Z lenses are still too expensive. $626 for the Z 50mm 1.8 vs $216 for the F mount 50mm 1.8. The Z mount was supposed to promise more light, wider apertures, etc. Instead we have small apertures and expensive Z mount lenses. The promise of the Z mount is unfulfilled. I will just continue to use my FTZ adapter.
Rendition is far more important than soft bokeh.
How do you mean sir?
@@MattIrwinPhotography I am just totally agreeing with your lens priorities.
ruclips.net/video/3qclYeNa5J0/видео.html
Are you related to Mr Bean? ❤
85 1.8 first....
Good call. I would too. Just too impatient. Do you have. Z6 or 7?
@@MattIrwinPhotography Z6
Awesome sir. What do you think of it? I love my 7.
@@MattIrwinPhotography It does everything i would like a camera to do. I use mostly 610s, 850s and 800s for work so this is my first camera with my own money.
Were it not for the 85 1.8 release date I was getting annoyed with having to adapt glass because thats really asking people to buy lenses twice. I also wonder why they couldnt go ahead and push out a 70-200 F4 lens. before the 2.8. I think its a coiple more firmware updates away from being solid.
At $600+, there is no "above".
There is 'above', just don't look it the obvious places.