Due to videos like this, since last Saturday I am the proud owner of a Voigtländer APO Lanthar 35 F2 and a Nikon Zf combo... and boy, is it fun!! I intend to use it as a walk-about go-everywhere system. Just love it....
Nikon ZF has the thinnest sensor stack only beat out by Leica themselves. Also the Z mount is around 2mm thinner than any other mirrorless mount so it brings the lens closer to the sensor. That means it will have the best results with adapted lenses compared to pretty much any other mirrorless system.
John, as a working pro, 50 is and has been for the last 20 years my favorite portrait lens, and I've tried every focal length from 28 to 600!!!! I love that I'm closer to my subject and I can take a reasonable step back and go to 3/4 or full length quickly with great results! If I have someone who is more comfortable with space, I'll throw on the nikon z 85 f/1.8 and that's fine too, but a fast fifty is my thing. With the voigtlander 50 f/1 I have found my groove. Thanks, love your videos!
I’ve used Nikon since 1982. Never failed me once. Well, there was one time when my friend borrowed my F100 and then flew into the side of a mountain… he survived - the camera not so much.
I really like your style and the results you get. Your honesty is refreshing. I do indeed have three voigts in m mount that I switch back and forth between my Nikon and Canon. I also have a Viltrox 20mm that can be manually focused and uses the Nikon system. I get more in focus hits using the green box in the ZF. It seems that the m mount lenses focus mechanically to fast for me and I blow by the best focus point. So in the future as my budget permits I will be getting my trinity of voits in Nikon Z mount. Your enthusiasm for this product comes across as very genuine, much appreciated.
I can see the appeal of a handheld flash when using an autofocus lens. However, with the MF 50mm Apo-Lanthar (which I own along with a Zf) I would find holding the camera, focusing the lens, and also holding the flash a challenge to say the least. It would be less of a problem if I had a third arm.
What a great video 👏🏻 such a refreshing change watching your videos which are both educational and gear related too in an inspiring way rather than the rest of the RUclipsrs who are paid to talk crap
This is the exact combo I'm most interested in buying right now, thanks for the video! I'm currently on Sony (and will stay there) but I want a more fun camera than what that system can offer. The ℤ ƒ is absolutely there in terms of design and the Voigtländer 50mm APO-Lanthar is my favorite lens on E-Mount! I basically have it hot-glued to one of my bodies at all times ;) Even on 60MP, it will perform flawlessly, but never mind the performance, it just renders so beautifully, I absolutely love it. This is a circumstance where gear absolutely matters, in the way that it just excites me to go out and use the lens more than I would if I didn't have it.
Love the section with handheld flash. Want to try bare flash vs. the collapsible beauty dish I got after seeing your video about it. I’ve tried using handheld flash with a Rogue FlashBender, and was happy with the results.
I've watched this video multiple times now, especially since I just bought the Profoto a10, and have been using it with my Zf and that same Voigtlander lens (on camera and with the Profoto Connect, handheld). I haven't had a camera with a flash in a long time, and man...I forgot what I was missing. What a game changer. I do have a question though. I seem to recall that you had at least one of your flashes fitted so that you can use it with a strap, allowing you to let it dangle from your wrist while focusing, etc. If you've done so with the A10, could you share how you rigged it up? I'm struggling to come up with a way to securely attach the flash to a strap.
John - how does it compare with the Z50 1.8s? that lens has been compared with Leica lenses and some say it's almost as good. I have it and it's blazingly sharp - even wide open. I know you have this lens too - has does it compare with the Voigtlander. My eyes are not great, so I need the AF, so that's why I use the Z lenses.
Hmmm, excellent shots. Question...@ 6:23 compared to 6:33....what are you doing to the background lighting in editing? Or is that a flash technique compared to TTL? Sorry I've been shooting for about a year and am trying to understand. I can't imagine the handheld flash illuminating the background some 200 feet in the distance. Like how is the flash harder in the first examples with a dimmer background, yet the flash is less harsh but the background is more revealing in the second example?
So with a stronger flash, it is the main light and the ambient is not as relevant. When I turned the flash power way down in the second shot, I was able to bring in more of the ambient light- the flash just filled in the subject
@@kaskoPhoto I'll never see ambient light the same after this. Such a subtle detail and skill that completely transforms an image from bleak to golden. Thank you!
Great interesting video... I use my 50mm 1.8z for much of my headshot photography on a Z5. Then I use the 40mm f2z on my Z50 for location work (which is 60mm equiv). I do like this general focal length for much of my model work. Hand holding a flash, nope can't do. Too old and shaky... But I agree the lighter the better!
Some say the M mount lens looks better on the M mount camera than it does when its adapted to another mount camera (Z in this case). Do you think that's true? I'm looking at adapting a couple of m mount lenses to my ZF using the same Urth adapter
@@kaskoPhoto Many thanks for your answer, do you mean your flash support remote focusing to the camera? What's that flash please? Brand and model ? Many thanks again!
Good morning, can you tell me what kind of flash you use and the type of radio trigger... I'm looking for information and I don't really know how to deal with it, and I also have a Nikon ZF. Thank you, greetings from Poland, Jarek
Is it just me or does your model look a lot like Reese Witherspoon? Fantastic video as always - I've been debating picking up the f2 APO, but 50 is a bit tight for me. Do you have any experience with the 35?
Sorry when I say looks better, i mean produce better image files than they do when adapted onto other mounts. Once adapted they produce files of lesser quality?
It works with all older Nikkor lenses via the FTZ adapter, which is very nice especially with the Zf, but you get a pretty nose-heavy system. The adapter is almost 3cm long. The longest lens I enjoy shooting with the adapter is the Nikkor 85mm f1.4 Ai-s. Lenses for the Leica M-mount such as the Voigtländer only need an adapter about 1 cm thick on the Zf, which feels more natural in the hand. In addition, most M-mount lenses are relatively small and light.
Rented the 50zAPO last weekend. It is “perfect” from f2 and so easy to focus. So good! I did order the 50z/1.0, though. I’m not looking for “perfect” and hoping to get some “character”.
Every photographer uses what they think works for them and their clients and if an APO lens works for you then all the better, but persoanlly I'd stay a mile away from any APO or ' Macro ' lens so far as ladies portraiture is concerned. I doubt if many female clients want to see every porse or blemish in their skin. I have used my 75mm APO Summicron M on female faces, and even wide open @ F2 it is razor sharp, too sharp and for this reason I'd rather use much older and softer Leitz lenses, they are just more falttering. But as I said you use what you think works for you and your clients.
Due to videos like this, since last Saturday I am the proud owner of a Voigtländer APO Lanthar 35 F2 and a Nikon Zf combo... and boy, is it fun!! I intend to use it as a walk-about go-everywhere system. Just love it....
Some think the 35 APO is even better than the 50. But I do love them both.
Nice, how is image quality from both?
Nikon ZF has the thinnest sensor stack only beat out by Leica themselves. Also the Z mount is around 2mm thinner than any other mirrorless mount so it brings the lens closer to the sensor. That means it will have the best results with adapted lenses compared to pretty much any other mirrorless system.
Well then that makes sense - thank you.
I've heard this before but never really understood how until reading this comment. Thank you for the explanation, I'll be buying a ZF very soon!
I like your anti-TTL recommendation. Looks fantastic.
Amazing lens and very good technique with flash. This makes me eager to try it. Thx for that.
John, as a working pro, 50 is and has been for the last 20 years my favorite portrait lens, and I've tried every focal length from 28 to 600!!!! I love that I'm closer to my subject and I can take a reasonable step back and go to 3/4 or full length quickly with great results! If I have someone who is more comfortable with space, I'll throw on the nikon z 85 f/1.8 and that's fine too, but a fast fifty is my thing. With the voigtlander 50 f/1 I have found my groove. Thanks, love your videos!
The Z mount is the best mount out there for so many reasons - only one of which is what you have discovered: you can adapt anything to it.
-PD
I can definitely agree with that.
So refreshing to hear that You (A Pro Photog. , putting out amazing work) Are Using a Nikon Camera!!!!!!!!!
I’ve used Nikon since 1982. Never failed me once. Well, there was one time when my friend borrowed my F100 and then flew into the side of a mountain… he survived - the camera not so much.
FANTASTIC video, really enjoyed this and informative
Thank you. Really appreciate that.
I really like your style and the results you get. Your honesty is refreshing. I do indeed have three voigts in m mount that I switch back and forth between my Nikon and Canon. I also have a Viltrox 20mm that can be manually focused and uses the Nikon system. I get more in focus hits using the green box in the ZF. It seems that the m mount lenses focus mechanically to fast for me and I blow by the best focus point. So in the future as my budget permits I will be getting my trinity of voits in Nikon Z mount. Your enthusiasm for this product comes across as very genuine, much appreciated.
Once you use them it is really hard not to be enthusiastic. Thank you
I can see the appeal of a handheld flash when using an autofocus lens. However, with the MF 50mm Apo-Lanthar (which I own along with a Zf) I would find holding the camera, focusing the lens, and also holding the flash a challenge to say the least. It would be less of a problem if I had a third arm.
😂 third arm aside, it really isn’t that bad.
Your model is amazing! She should be a movie star. I love the nifty fifty also. don't leave home without it. great lens, use it all the time :)
She is really special on camera.
What a great video 👏🏻 such a refreshing change watching your videos which are both educational and gear related too in an inspiring way rather than the rest of the RUclipsrs who are paid to talk crap
Thank you. And thank you for taking the time to watch.
This is the exact combo I'm most interested in buying right now, thanks for the video!
I'm currently on Sony (and will stay there) but I want a more fun camera than what that system can offer. The ℤ ƒ is absolutely there in terms of design and the Voigtländer 50mm APO-Lanthar is my favorite lens on E-Mount! I basically have it hot-glued to one of my bodies at all times ;) Even on 60MP, it will perform flawlessly, but never mind the performance, it just renders so beautifully, I absolutely love it. This is a circumstance where gear absolutely matters, in the way that it just excites me to go out and use the lens more than I would if I didn't have it.
Excellent video. You know how to use flash and equipment with great results. 👍👍
Thank you. I appreciate you watching and for the comment
You could even use the Techart PRO Leica M - Nikon Z adapter and then you get a M-lens with autofocus.
I do want to try one of those. But I actually like manual focus.
Love the section with handheld flash. Want to try bare flash vs. the collapsible beauty dish I got after seeing your video about it.
I’ve tried using handheld flash with a Rogue FlashBender, and was happy with the results.
Those things are amazing and really useful.
Great video
I've watched this video multiple times now, especially since I just bought the Profoto a10, and have been using it with my Zf and that same Voigtlander lens (on camera and with the Profoto Connect, handheld). I haven't had a camera with a flash in a long time, and man...I forgot what I was missing. What a game changer. I do have a question though. I seem to recall that you had at least one of your flashes fitted so that you can use it with a strap, allowing you to let it dangle from your wrist while focusing, etc. If you've done so with the A10, could you share how you rigged it up? I'm struggling to come up with a way to securely attach the flash to a strap.
Any cold shoe with a 1/4”20 on the other side. Then just connect a closed loop (d-ring) 1/4”20 amzn.to/3Y1n0D1
Nice, and very good tips.
I really like the results with the hand held flash dialed down. Could you tell me the flash unit you used here?
Profoto A10
@@kaskoPhoto thanks 🙏
great video! question, which one of these would you prefer for portraits and street? the voitglander 40mm f1,2 or the 35mm apo-lanthar f2?
40 f/1.2 for street - gives you that beautiful 1.2 rendering and very sharpe stopped down
John - how does it compare with the Z50 1.8s? that lens has been compared with Leica lenses and some say it's almost as good. I have it and it's blazingly sharp - even wide open. I know you have this lens too - has does it compare with the Voigtlander. My eyes are not great, so I need the AF, so that's why I use the Z lenses.
I love the Z 50 1.8 and will continue to use it. But the APO is near perfect.
Yes, I was also wondering if the NIkkor Z 50 f/1.8 S is sharper than the Voigt APO...(I've heard the former compared to the Zeiss Otus!)
Hmmm, excellent shots. Question...@ 6:23 compared to 6:33....what are you doing to the background lighting in editing? Or is that a flash technique compared to TTL? Sorry I've been shooting for about a year and am trying to understand. I can't imagine the handheld flash illuminating the background some 200 feet in the distance. Like how is the flash harder in the first examples with a dimmer background, yet the flash is less harsh but the background is more revealing in the second example?
So with a stronger flash, it is the main light and the ambient is not as relevant. When I turned the flash power way down in the second shot, I was able to bring in more of the ambient light- the flash just filled in the subject
@@kaskoPhoto I'll never see ambient light the same after this. Such a subtle detail and skill that completely transforms an image from bleak to golden. Thank you!
Great interesting video... I use my 50mm 1.8z for much of my headshot photography on a Z5. Then I use the 40mm f2z on my Z50 for location work (which is 60mm equiv). I do like this general focal length for much of my model work. Hand holding a flash, nope can't do. Too old and shaky... But I agree the lighter the better!
That 40 and 50 fit the bill for light and compact.
What would you choose between 40mm F1.2 Nokton vs. 50 F2 Apo on Nikon ZF?
You are one of mg favorite youtuber. You speak facts. By the way, are there difference between 50mm APO from different mounts? (Sony, m, z)
I can only tell you that the Nikon and M mount is spectacular. I haven’t tried others.
So would I be better to find this as a vintage lens or is it available in Zmount. Great video
I really like the adapted lens but I don’t think you can go wrong either way. Not sure if the have a Z mount yet available
Some say the M mount lens looks better on the M mount camera than it does when its adapted to another mount camera (Z in this case). Do you think that's true? I'm looking at adapting a couple of m mount lenses to my ZF using the same Urth adapter
I got it
How did you focus while holding flash with one hand please?
Used the same hand as the flash. Index finger.
@@kaskoPhoto Many thanks for your answer, do you mean your flash support remote focusing to the camera? What's that flash please? Brand and model ? Many thanks again!
Good morning, can you tell me what kind of flash you use and the type of radio trigger... I'm looking for information and I don't really know how to deal with it, and I also have a Nikon ZF. Thank you, greetings from Poland, Jarek
That was the Profoto A10 with the Profoto Connect remote.
@@kaskoPhoto dziękuję :-)
Is it just me or does your model look a lot like Reese Witherspoon? Fantastic video as always - I've been debating picking up the f2 APO, but 50 is a bit tight for me. Do you have any experience with the 35?
Yes. As a matter of fact, many think the 35 is even better. It is a little longer but the results make the size not an issue.
Sorry when I say looks better, i mean produce better image files than they do when adapted onto other mounts. Once adapted they produce files of lesser quality?
Many of the M lenses I’ve tried on other cameras are not as good as they are on the Leica.
Do you know if this will work with my old AI Nikkors from the early 80s with an adapter?
I believe so. But I personally haven’t tried it.
It works with all older Nikkor lenses via the FTZ adapter, which is very nice especially with the Zf, but you get a pretty nose-heavy system. The adapter is almost 3cm long. The longest lens I enjoy shooting with the adapter is the Nikkor 85mm f1.4 Ai-s. Lenses for the Leica M-mount such as the Voigtländer only need an adapter about 1 cm thick on the Zf, which feels more natural in the hand. In addition, most M-mount lenses are relatively small and light.
👍
What adapter are you using?
I’m using the Urth adapter
@@kaskoPhoto 👍🏼. Great. Appreciate the help
@@drwatsonismine very welcome. It’s a solid adapter
@@kaskoPhoto looking in to it… I appreciate you so much…..
Rented the 50zAPO last weekend. It is “perfect” from f2 and so easy to focus. So good!
I did order the 50z/1.0, though. I’m not looking for “perfect” and hoping to get some “character”.
Just feeding the algorithm
😂😂 thank you
@@kaskoPhoto well someone else mentioned the tech art to z adapter and I had nothing. I have a contax that autofocuses manual lenses. It a fun trick
Are the results with the leica M11 not as good as the Nikon ZF with this lens?
They are perfect with the M11 and just as good with the ZF - just the obvious resolution drop
Great way to use a flashlight 👍👏
Thank you. Love easy and compact.
Every photographer uses what they think works for them and their clients and if an APO lens works for you then all the better, but persoanlly I'd stay a mile away from any APO or ' Macro ' lens so far as ladies portraiture is concerned. I doubt if many female clients want to see every porse or blemish in their skin. I have used my 75mm APO Summicron M on female faces, and even wide open @ F2 it is razor sharp, too sharp and for this reason I'd rather use much older and softer Leitz lenses, they are just more falttering. But as I said you use what you think works for you and your clients.
I like the 50 Summicron and Summilux for client portraits and as I said, the APO is used for my commercial work. Agree with the skin with an APO