So, since people are interested in MFD performance off axis, I did a quick test with the Z 35/1.4, the Z 40/2, and the Sony 35/1.4 GM at MFD (essentially), with the focus put about 85% to the corner.
A couple things:
1) the camera was obviously moved for the 40/2 due to its longer focal length and slightly longer MFD - almost identical magnification, though.
2) I tried to get focus on the same area, but you will see the Sony GM shots are very slightly focused in front of where the other two are (though we're taking a couple millimeters)...can still easily see the differences.
3) The Nikon lenses have fairly minimal focus breathing, especially the 35/1.4. The Sony GM has quite a lot of focus breathing, so at MFD, it's actually the longest of the three lenses...however it focuses closer than any of them, so ultimately, the magnification is a little larger on that lens.
Full shots at f/8 to see the FOV differences and where I focused. All shots are tripod mounted with the Z8.
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4:
Nikon Z 40mm f/2:
Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM:
And below are 100% crops of the focus area at whole stops between f/1.4 and f/8. As you can see, the Nikon 35/1.4 is the worst of the bunch, though the 40/2 also struggles at MFD off axis. The Sony GM is a bit soft wide open here, but it still has a semblance of detail, and sharpens up pretty quickly. The 40 is about a stop ahead of the Nikon 35 as to when it sharpens up. The GM becomes quite sharp by f/2.8 and razor sharp beyond that. The other two lenses never get as sharp as the GM is at f/2.8 (and maybe f/2)
Jul 24, 2024 at 03:17 PM
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