Video

Hi folks, I reached out to Tamron, and they said I needed to turn off the VR within the camera, because as they said to me in an email, " The VC has to be turned off - it is a floating mechanism and if the camera/lens is stable, it will shake and ruin your images ☹"

That’s a bargain! You’ll have a very capable system that can take some really nice images! Enjoy your new camera!

Hey Ramon, congrats on the new camera! I think you’ve pretty much nailed the 40mm f2. It’s built to a price and a size and has some appreciable strengths. The SE is optically identical to the regular 40mm f2. I think the SE looks the nicer of the two. Enjoy your new cam!

Hey James, it’s far from being bad but it does have some limitations. And as you say, there are some compelling third party alternates. Thanks for checking out the video!

Hey Emerald, I’m very happy you found some value in the video! And thanks for commenting!

Thanks for checking out the video.

Unless you really need the extra stop and a third of light, there’s little compelling reason to get the 24mm f1.7. Thanks for checking out the video!

Hey Fink, many thanks for your thoughtful comments. I think pretty much all products have pros and cons and it’s our preferences and tolerance to flaws that determine whether a product is right for us. A review should hopefully surface the strengths and weaknesses and then the user of the review can determine if they’re happy with a given set of compromises for their use case. I try to overcome my initial biases and preferences to look at the range of pros and cons. I’m very happy you find value in my approach. Thanks again!

Hey Michael, many thanks for your kind words. I’m very pleased you found value in it. Why are you looking to switch from Canon to Nikon?

@@jonneavehello John, you know the old saying - the grass is always greener... :) I’ve been an extremely happy Canon shooter and my R5 is the absolute best camera i ever used (Aren’t we spoiled to live in these exciting times where cameras have evolved this much?!) Then there are these relatively small and light Nikon super Tele lenses that I’ve been infatuated ever since I’ve heard about them. Since I’m shooting a lot of wildlife, such a portable option as an addition to something even larger and “faster” is a great offering. This is a perfect example of a first world problem :) And these small prime lenses along also sound very compelling (as does the 24-70 f4 for it’s apparent sharpness, size + weight. If I could afford it I’d have both systems or have them both for extended periods of time to really get a feeling if this all isn’t just too good to be true? I guess I’m somewhat polycamerous 🌈😇 With love from Vienna

Many thanks Michael! I appreciate the feedback!

Hey Plamen, many thanks for checking out the video. I’ve used the sigma 56m f1.4 on my micro four thirds bodies and I like it a lot. I think since you have the Z6 ii and the ZFc, the 28mm f2.8 may be the right choice, unless you’re looking to pair it with just the ZFc. What’s your intended use for a new lens?

Hey Ink, thanks very much for checking out the video. It’s been over a year and I think I’m still on that ultra wide journey! I do have both Nikon and micro four thirds gear. And I have both full frame and APSC Nikon bodies. I have found the autofocus on the fairly entry level Nikon crop bodies to be a bit easier to find and stay focused on subjects than my latest Olympus body which is the E-M1 iii. I have been shooting my kids skiing, mountain biking, playing soccer and softball with my ZFc and 50-250 when i want to go light. I have a couple of PL lens (50-200 & 100-400) which I’d love to use on a better AF performing micro four thirds body. And to that end, I’ve noticed that the O-M1.1 has dropped significantly since the mk 2 was released so I put an order in for that body which should arrive soon! I’m hoping the AF is a step up from my E-M1 iii and Nikon crop bodies and goes some way to closing the gap to that of my Z8….lets see! Thanks again for checking out the video.

Thanks for your perspective. It’s adds to the discourse.

@@jonneave I just saw that Viltrox has a full frame autofocus 40mm f/2.5 for Nikon Z mount. It may have been out for a while, I don't know. I haven't seen any reviews. It is a tiny bit larger and heavier. Not quite as fast but only $158! If it is no worse than the Nikkor it would be a compelling buy over the 40mm f/2. Thanks for your patience with us argumentative viewers. ;-)

Hey George, that’s not a lens I have used but it looks interesting for the price. I did pick up the V 20mm f2.8 for the Z mount as I didn’t want to splurge on a 14-30 at this point. For $158 the 20mm f2.8 is a pretty tidy lens. Great to have choices! And no worries about the back and forth! I learn something every time! Thanks again for taking the time to leave comments.

Thanks Furkan! I appreciate the feedback and I’m glad it’s helpful. Thanks for checking out the video!

Hey Dunk. Thanks for checking out the video. This process allows you to select JPEG settings/develop the RAW on your computer like other RAW development apps. But it hands off the processing back to the camera’s processor to speed up the RAW processing rather than relying on the computer’s processor. Does that better explain it? Best.

@@jonneave Thanks Jon, I think I missed the point. I understand that you would do this if the in-camera JPEG settings were not right at the time of capture and needed reprocessing from the RAW. If the RAW processor can recover highlights and shadows, you wonder why these tools are not present in the camera. I guess we will see in-camera RAW processing equivalent to what can be done of the PC at some stage - as computing power seems to be increasing every iteration

@MrDunk66 Well as it happens a few camera brands allow you to process a RAW file in camera as many times and in as many ways as you like using the picture styles/picture controls that you’d select when typically shooting JPEG, using the cameras JPEG engine and saving the files to the memory card. Obviously this isn’t as flexible as a standalone editor but being able to process a RAW file in the camera a few different ways (eg flat, vivid, monotone) can be helpful when you dont have access to a computer but dont want to initially capture a JPEG. And some brands allow picture-style bracketing - think exposure bracketing but instead of adjusting the exposure automatically, you’re applying every picture style to the RAW and saving all of those files to the memory card. This could be useful in say high contrast situations for instance when having a range of styles to chose from might be helpful. Thanks again for checking out the video.

Hey George, thanks for checking out the video and for taking the time to comment. I think for many/most people your sentiments ring true. Others may frequently shoot in a style that runs into the limitations of the lens (eg portraits, wide open & close up) and will end up disappointed. I can understand the views of both camps. Thanks again.

@@jonneave Agreed. My point is that it seems that this level of disappointment is disproportionate to the cost and design of the lens (plastic mount, six elements!). One wonders what those folks were expecting for $226 (US), new. Anyway, I appreciate the thorough review but I also think reviewers need to keep things in context. I would reference Christopher Frost's balanced review of the lens which is generally positive and concludes: "There's not much more you can ask from of lens of this price point."

Hey George, thanks for the thoughts. I feel I explained the pros and the cons of the lens as I see them. I like Chris Frost though he is often reviewing a lens that he only has for a short while. I think this must preclude anyone from really knowing a lens the way you do if you shoot a lens over a longer period of time. I’m very much a longer focal length shooter and if I’m shooting wide, I am generally up close on my subject with the aperture wide open. When you take pictures in this manner with the 40mm f2, especially portraits, there are significant limitations. Is this unreasonable for a $300 lens, you’d have to answer that within your reference frame of value and priorities. When I initially bought the lens, I shot it a few times and thought it was disappointing. If you only shoot close up wide open, I think it would not be good value at any price. When, a year later, I used the lens further for other roles, it performs quite nicely. I think my review speaks to the overall performance of the lens and doesn’t seek to prioritize one use case over another, as I know folks have different preferences. But it’s all good that we have different preferences, priorities, perception of value and of balance. I appreciate your thoughts.

@@jonneave I think 10 years ago complaining about the performance of a $300 lens would be perfectly legit. Now, not so much since there is literally no other option for a lens of similar size for that price, which, by the way, is now $226, not $300. The ancient comparable F lens is the AF 50mm 1.8 is now $130! The AF-S version is $200. When someone, maybe Sigma, maybe a Chinese company, comes out with a small light cheap fast 40mm that outperforms it, then we'd have something to compare it to. Until then, comparing it to a faster, heavier, sharper and more expensive lens is like comparing a Miata to a Ferrari. I like your reviews but if they lack context then they run the risk of lacking real world application. Would I recommend it for someone who only shoots up close and wide open? Of course not. But I would wonder why they expected such a lens to do so to begin with.

Hey Alan, thanks for taking the time to comment and for the kind feedback. I’d guessing you have the 14-30, 24-120 (or 24-70) and 100-400? There’s definitely a trade off in size and speed between the zooms and the muffins but with the 24-70 in particular, I find the flexibility of the zoom more appealing than the smaller size of the 28mm and its one stop advantage. The 40mm does give you a couple of stops which is very useful in low light but the close up wide open performance is not good. That said, it’s nice Nikon has given us a number of options at different price points. Thanks again.

Hey Camedia. Thanks for checking out the video. As long as the top retaining lug is retracted before you push the camera plate into the clip I found it goes in quite happily. There is enough slack around the plate and the clip that it wiggles just a little. How/where are you finding it sticking?

Thanks Jon. I was finding it sticking the same way you mentioned in the video on the V1. Basically just requiring perfect alignment. Also I’m talking about the base plate that I put onto a tripod. You do make a great point that I hadn’t thought of that it makes sense to be tighter on a tripod.

Ah, I follow! The plates that attach to a tripod are definitely tight just like the v1 backpack clip. I understand why this is but it can be awkward. I think I recently saw a glimpse of a video where the F38 plates would push down into the base rather than slide in. That way you get the benefit of a tight interface but without having to take undue care lining things up. I hope they release this type of base soon. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

I think it comes down to budget. The 200-500 can be had quite cheaply second hand but it’s a good bit larger. I’ve not tested it, but I’d guess it’s a little less sharp but plenty of people like the results of the 200-500. Thanks for checking out the video.

Sir, I shall gratful to you if you upload a video on CZcams about the comparison between the tow lenses

Sadly I dont have the 200-500. It didn’t factor into my decision to buy the Tamron 150-500 due to its larger size and it required an FTZ adapter which further increases the bulk. If I had an FTZ adapter and wanted the cheaper option, I’d have gone with the 200-500 or stuck with my old Tamron 100-400 F mount lens. Best.

Hi James. I used to the own the 40-150 f2.8 pro lens. It’s a really nice lens. It bigger than the PL 50-200 and obviously shorter in reach, but has a fixed aperture across the focal range. I liked it a lot and was very happy to shoot it wide open at any focal length. I’m not a fan of teleconverters. I’ve had three 1.4x converters (EF, Olympus, Z Mount) and never found them useful. They decrease resolution and light gathering for little tangible benefit. Cropping the image is a cheaper way of getting to the same place while retaining a stop of light. YMMV. Thanks for checking out the video.

It’s definitely one of my favourites in the µ4/3 system. A get compromise between focal length, aperture, build and image quality. We have some great choices. Thanks for checking out the video.

We have some great options at a variety of price points! Thanks for checking out the video.

Hey Harip, it was on a Z8 with the 24-120 f4 at 4k/30 and AF-F. I’m at around 40mm focal length give or take. Thanks for checking out the video.

Yeah it’s nice pulling the camera from the bag just once when you’re out and about and then rapidly attaching / detaching it using the clip. Thanks for checking out the video!

It looks like you have a second base mount for the F22/38 GoPro. Which one is that adapter for the F22 to fit snug on the F38?

Hey, thanks for checking out the video. If you’re referring to around 5:50 in the video, that’s a screen grab from Ulanzi’s website. I think that set-up is a regular F38 plate screwed into the Ulanzi 2554 Falcam F22 & F38 Quick Release Ball Head for Action Camera. Per their website, it looks like the 2554 will mount directly into the v1 clip but it appears it needs the F38 plate for it to work with the v2 clip. www.ulanzi.com/products/falcam-f22-f38-quick-release-ball-head-for-action-camera-2554 Let me know if you need any further clarification. Cheers.

@jonneave funny. I came up with that idea on my own when I saw how the fit was loose. The F38 base to adapt it works great and feels secure. Too bad they discontinued their F38 Action Camera base.

The F38 action cam base would simplify it for sure. I think I have three layers of quick releases on one of my tripod/head/camera combos - I may have over thought it! Great products and versatility!

I was going for a Ralph Fienes but happy to come off as Liam Neeson! Thanks for checking out the Oscar nominated video.

Many thanks Che - and thanks for checking out the video!

Hey Jose - thanks for checking out the video. I think you’ll very much enjoy the Nikon Z system. Which camera body did you buy and which lenses do you have already?

Hey Intrinsic, thanks very much for checking out the video and for taking the time to comment. I would say the lens is less compelling than most but it generally adequate if unspectacular. I haven’t checked out the Viltrox 28mm f1.8 but I bought the Viltrox 20mm f2.8 which is very compelling for the money. Thanks again.

Hey Jo Jo, you are very kind - I’m very glad you found it helpful. Thanks for checking out the video.

Thanks for checking out the video. I agree it’s a great lens. I think you’re trading compact size and lower price for a little more reach, better VR and maybe slightly better IQ. Good to have choices!

Many thanks Marco - I’m glad you liked it! Thanks for checking it out.

Any plans on reviewing the Z 26mm f2.8? I’d be very interested in that!

Hey Marco, I’m not compelled to buy the 26mm f2.8. I really like the compact size but it’s expensive for a lens that doesn’t stack up to S line quality as nearly similar prices. I have been known to change my mine though….!

Thanks for checking out the video - I am glad you found it helpful!

Many thanks J Wu! I’m glad you liked the video.

Hey Scott, thanks for checking out the video and for your thoughtful comment. I am not getting compensated for any of my reviews. I approach them from a perspective of what would I have wanted to know before I bought the product. Naturally, somethings are relevant to some individuals and not to others but I try to pull out the spectrum of pros and cons so people can make their own assessment of whether the product is appropriate for them. Thanks again.

Hey, the extra ‘reach’ with the DX crop works well with the Tamron. A full D500 mirrorless successor would make a lot of people happy, though I’d largely be content with an upgraded Z50 body with an Exspeed 7 processor. IBIS would be nice but not a deal breaker for me. Thanks for checking out the video and fingers crossed for some new DX bodies!

@@jonneave The future "Z90" may have a 33 megapixel sensor which would have a greater pixel density than the DX cropped 18 megapixel Z8 and Z9 images. It will be interesting to see what Nikon will release in the future.

I hope we get to see it!

Hey there, thanks very much for the thoughtful comment. I did the test a couple of times and with multiple photos on each lens/aperture/focal length in short order to control for the impact of atmospherics. Plus it was very cold which does somewhat limit those impacts. But I think you’re right that a shorter distance would be informative and better control for atmospherics. Maybe I’ll grab the 50-200 and one of the other telephotos are see how they perform at a 20-40m range. Stay tuned and thanks again for the feedback!

Definitely a solid choice if you are shooting both full frame and DX. Thanks for checking out the video.

@@jonneave right now i use z50. the problem with z 28 is i got z 35/1.8s too. thats huge problem. the IQ of s prime are no jokes. 2 weeks. i sold my z28 lol

i got the z 28 bnib and z35 second hand at 600 bucks

That’s a great deal. How do you like the 35mm focal length?

Hey Vincent, thank as for checking out the video. In the video I explain and demonstrate the functionality of pixel shift. The functionality is identical between the Zf and the Z8 except the Z8 will produce higher resolution images than the Zf. I own the Z8 but sadly dont own a Zf. Maybe one day when they’re on a refurb sale….! And more sadly (for me at least) the Z8 hasn’t been updated with the manual focus functionality of the Zf. Maybe one day…! Thanks again for checking out the video!

Hey Colin, thanks for checking out the video. Let me know how you get on with the lens - would be great to hear others views of it as our use cases and styles vary and impact our perception of the tools we use. Thanks again and enjoy your new lens!

Thanks for watching video Michael. It’s a fun lens if you’re not shooting portraits close up wide open. Enjoy!