I really think the biggest thing is copy variation. It’s the one Z lens I’ve seen major differences copy to copy, with some being quite soft at the edges at 14mm.
A good copy is quite good at 14mm. Still not as razor sharp as the 14-24/2.8, but definitely good enough that it would be difficult to see any issues in any decent sized print. I did a quick comparison between my current (good) copy of the 14-30 and my 14-24, and the 14-24 is sharper at the wide end, but the differences aren’t very big.
Jman13 wrote:
I really think the biggest thing is copy variation. It’s the one Z lens I’ve seen major differences copy to copy, with some being quite soft at the edges at 14mm.
A good copy is quite good at 14mm. Still not as razor sharp as the 14-24/2.8, but definitely good enough that it would be difficult to see any issues in any decent sized print. I did a quick comparison between my current (good) copy of the 14-30 and my 14-24, and the 14-24 is sharper at the wide end, but the differences aren’t very big.
Yep, I think it's actually something common to most 14-24mm designs. It took me several tries to get a well-centered Sigma 14-24mm. The difference between a marginal and good copy is surprising.
Jman13 wrote:
I heartily recommend using a polarizer for waterfalls because it cuts the reflections on the wet rocks and very much increases contrast and improves color. I usually am shooting in the early daylight hours, so a polarizer plus the light that’s there usually means multi-second exposures. If shooting in bright sunlight, a 3 or 4 stop ND might come in handy
I would not bother with a separate holder, and just get the 112mm filters that work with the Nikon filter hood that’s included with the lens. I use a Haida 112mm circular polarizer.
This, for instance, was with the Z8, 14-24/2.8S and just a polarizer (3 shot stack) ...Show more →
Thanks Jordon I have a question you talk about using a C Polarizer when doing most of your waterfall shots to cut down on the reflections on the wet rocks and increases contrast. But you also talk about a 2-3 stop ND Filter.
When do you use the ND Filter? Is it just for times when you can’t get the shot you like using the polarizer? I’ve ordered both and have the lens also. Was going to visit a few water falls this weekend and play around and have some fun learning something new.
I think one issue with the 14-30/4 is that some testers evaluated the corner sharpness before distortion correction was applied, and this is not how the lens was intended to be used. After distortion correction, the most extreme corners in the image field are cropped out, and thus their softness does not end up contributing to the final image.
In my comparisons (I own both and used to own the excellent Sigma 14-24 f-mount), the 14-30 (after correction) does still have the weakest corners and edges compared to both the 14-24 f2.8S and the Sigma. The 14-24 f2.8S is simply amazing other than the need for the filter holder and huge filters. But the IQ is second to none.
I agree that the 14-30 f4S is still an outstanding lens. The IQ is still excellent and the size and filter system makes this lens a slam dunk for the majority of folks. I splurged for the 2.8S for astro as well and will use this lens when I want the very best image, but admittedly expect the 14-30 may be used somewhat more often due to its portability.
MKuran wrote:
Thanks Jordon I have a question you talk about using a C Polarizer when doing most of your waterfall shots to cut down on the reflections on the wet rocks and increases contrast. But you also talk about a 2-3 stop ND Filter.
When do you use the ND Filter? Is it just for times when you can’t get the shot you like using the polarizer? I’ve ordered both and have the lens also. Was going to visit a few water falls this weekend and play around and have some fun learning something new.
Mike
I use an ND very rarely. Generally only if I’m shooting im mid-day light. But I tend to do the VAST majority of my waterfall photography early in the morning when light is relatively low.
Jman13 wrote:
I use an ND very rarely. Generally only if I’m shooting im mid-day light. But I tend to do the VAST majority of my waterfall photography early in the morning when light is relatively low.
I have to goto Oregon around Sept-October for work but I’m going to take the Z9 & 14-24mm f/2.8 S and I will have a circular polarizer and a 3-4 stop ND Filter. Last time I had the D3S and a 24-70mm f/2.8 with a Singe Ray Variable ND Filter and could not get the whole waterfall. If anyone else knows of any other waterfalls around Multnomah would be appreciated. I was gonna look when I got closer. Thanks Ben!!!
Mike
Ben_Schade wrote:
For waterfalls like Multnomah Falls on your Z9, go with the Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S or Z 14-30mm f/4 S if you want lighter/slimmer.
14-24mm f/2.8: Pro-grade sharpness, great for long exposures (bring ND filters).
14-30mm f/4: More versatile (takes filters without adapters), lighter for hiking.
Both are stellar—pick based on need for speed (f/2.8) vs. portability (f/4).
This Ben account is a one day wonder. Registered 3 weeks earlier then made all 12 of his posts on the day he “sold” you something. A bit suspicious. I don’t see a related buy n sell. What happened?
I wasn't cautious...didn't check background. Trusted.
Bought a nikon FTZii adapter from "Ben." Said he'd ship on Monday. Nothing.
I looked into the account. PayPal payment name not Ben Schade...somebody else. Contacted PayPal and it's an overseas account, not verified.
I made the BIG mistake of not trusting and not checking Ben feedback. I had a "Want To Buy" post and I was contacted via PM. Discussed the part, traded a couple PMs.
Biggest mistakes on my end? Not checking feedback, and using PayPal friends family!
I don't know why I didn't check feedback. I never buy from a zero or low number positive feedback.
I'm out $110. Lesson learned. 😢
jpelt78 wrote:
This Ben account is a one day wonder. Registered 3 weeks earlier then made all 12 of his posts on the day he “sold” you something. A bit suspicious. I don’t see a related buy n sell. What happened?
Yeah, never ever use PayPal friends and family u less you are exchanging an item in person and you’ve seen and take possession of the item after verifying it works.
