Jason_Brook wrote:
It can be tricky, not hard or impossible.
From the few shots I took yesterday, even the sharp areas have a really unique rendering to them. Almost a grainy look. I had to look at my ISO a few times to see where I was shooting. Chromatic aberration out the ASS, is that also normal?
The DOF feels thinner than an 85/1.4 as well because of how fast it creams everything.
These aren't complaints, but this is like no lens I've ever used before. It's more like my ancient 50/1.4 pre-ai; tons of character that you need to know how to use.
I cannot wait to get outdoors with this things...especially in the woods....Show more →
All reasons why I sold mine. I miss it very much. But for professional work this lens was too much of a risk. I'm speaking about moments where you get one chance to nail it. Just not the lens for that. I've said many time if I was a hobbyist, or a prosumer, the 58 would be the only lens I owned. Mounted on a Df. Didn't care for it as much on my D800. I've spent the last several months with the 50 1.8G and it really is exceptional for the price. I'm dissatisfied with the lack of flare, haha, I happen to shoot for flare pretty often. The 50 1.4G really flares up so next up I'm going to try the Sigma Art. If I don't like it, back to the 50 1.4G for me.
Let's keep in mind that sample variations DO exist. I've owned two 85 1.4G's and one was significantly better than the other. My 58 is very reliable focuser, especially on the D800E. I've shot 1 wedding with it so far and it performed flawlessly. I won't hesitate to use it for pro work.
It's a different story on Df though. Under bright daylight, it's fine. But once it gets dark, the Df autofocus simply struggled. I know, I just tried last night. I don't understand why Nikon decided to put killer low light sensor in this body and then use a shit AF. Good thing I bought the Df to mainly shoot MF Nikkor glass, so the subpar AF is not that much of an issue!
My 58mm isn't the most accurate focuser on my DF. I currently have it fine tuned to +19 (all my other lenses have about +6). I'm probably going to send my lens to Nikon for adjustment since my DF body needs some work.
Importing pics now from shooting the girls in the backyard.
Shooting this lens on the DF was almost enough to make me launch both into the cornfield. This may be the first time I send a lens+body to Nikon for tuning. Anything other than the center point...forget it.
Edit - This is NOT the lens. It is the joke of an AF in the DF.
Okay, now that my bitch fit is over about the DF... it actually did really well with AF. I dialed in a +5 and it seems to be on the money. Outer points are still sketchy.
I am in love with this lens My wife was a lovely AF fine tune candidate. She was just sitting there, then she turned and propped up the funbags. I asked if she was posing for crackers. Her response was "well, I may as well give you something to look at". .....and she knows how much this lens cost
Everything looks great to me Jason. I appreciate the honest comments about the Df. Since we left Canon I can't imagine EVER owning a body that won't focus. Just not going to happen. I think half the reason I LOVE weddings is because I trust my equipment.
ohsnaphappy wrote:
Everything looks great to me Jason. I appreciate the honest comments about the Df. Since we left Canon I can't imagine EVER owning a body that won't focus. Just not going to happen. I think half the reason I LOVE weddings is because I trust my equipment.
The DF's only shortcoming is the AF. There is a STEEP learning curve when you're used to pro AF systems, but once you learn the quirks it's very capable. It is such an amazing camera that when I went to sell it because of the AF, I couldn't. It's a wonderful beautiful machine. The only times I just absolutely cannot stand it is when I'm trying to tune a new lens.
Good stuff, Jason. Looks like your 58 is spot-on now. Awesome!
One redeeming character of the Df, IMO, is the color and "pop" of the images. This is something I don't see on my D800E. The Df/D4 images just have that certain vibrance that looks very crisp.
DontShoot wrote:
Good stuff, Jason. Looks like your 58 is spot-on now. Awesome!
One redeeming character of the Df, IMO, is the color and "pop" of the images. This is something I don't see on my D800E. The Df/D4 images just have that certain vibrance that looks very crisp.
Thanks. That's one of the big reasons I hang onto the DF and the biggest reason I bought it. I love fat light sensors.
I woke up this morning and thought "I spent $1400 on a glorified 50", then I got to work and looked at my pictures. I think lots of crazy things when I first wake up
Haha, yup, that's what I'm planning for this weekend as long as it doesn't rain.
Those pictures from last night were with terrible overcast light and it still held its own. Usually that area of my yard is filled with golden sun scattered from coming through the trees.
so next up I'm going to try the Sigma Art. If I don't like it, back to the 50 1.4G for me.
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