Been using it for a few weeks now and I gotta say I am LOVING it. I think the sunstars are really nice but also there's just a quality to the images I can't put my finger on
Very nice to see you, Ken, on TH-cam. It's been long overdue. Is there any chance you will be covering film topics in the future for us Neanderthals stuck in the analogue age? On your recommendation, years ago, I had the Great Gus work on my Leica M3 double stroke and 50mm f/2 with goggles. It took forever but it was worth the long wait. I'm so happy with the rangefinder for normal use that I sold off all of my digital gear. My smartphone is the one digital camera I now have when I need one. Otherwise, it's 35mm roll film or 4x5 sheet film and life is so much better and simpler.
A couple of years ago, I gave an 85 1.8 G to a friend of mine and unfortunately, he put it down and forgot it for a period of time in a field on his farm. I didn’t realize at the time where Gus was locate, but he’s about a 40 minute drive from my friend’s place and I told him if there was anything wrong with the lens... give it to Gus!
Probably not. Any lens this wide will stretch out anyone on the sides and make them look fat. It’s not the lens, it’s that trying to fit everyone in like that won’t make a good portrait. Try not to go wider than 28mm and try layering everyone to get them to fit. Thanks!
Not unless you have your ear to it. Of course any slight sound would probably be picked up by any cameras built-in mic if you use it for video, I don’t.
Yes, but don’t get close otherwise faces look weird. You have to be a master to use this well for portraits. You have to know how to take advantage of how it distorts things. Thanks!
im debating between this lens and the 14-30mm. I mainly would do landscape however I really want to try out astrophotography and I am new at this hobby. Thoughts?
@@KenRockwellTV thanks for the feedback! For purchasing now do you think I should get the 20mm to start with since it can be used for both astro and landscape? How is it with long exposure? Which would you recommend getting first if you had a choice? Again, I might only do astro on limited occasions but I like having the option!
Nikon did state when they introduced the new line of lenses, that they wanted to get away from the "trophy syndrome", that had creeped into lens design, where the more silver and gold letters and rings you could put on a lens, the more "pro" it was. Also, they moved away from using acronyms like ED, SR, PF and IF in the lens name. I like the new minimalistic lens design. It works well together with the new modern design language they use on thier Z cameras.
I really like your practical common sense reviews and they are always spot on with my experiences with the lenses. I just picked up a used 20mm f1.8g and really like it. If I ever go mirrorless will just use it with the FTZ adaptor.
Ken, I watched your review of the 20mm 1.8 Sony lens and have been considering buying a 20mm prime since. I own a Sony a7iii and also a Nikon Z6 and I'm having difficulty deciding if I should buy the 20mm for the Sony or Nikon Z mount. I know you gave the Sony 20mm high praise, both lenses seem to be super sharp optically, seams like the Sony maybe has better distortion control, specially for tight interior spaces and architecture. Would you lean towards the Sony more because of that or would the Nikon be your preference? Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Both are similar. Real question is for you to get a grip on the best system for you. Personally I prefer nikon over Sony, but if you’re still growing your system I’d upgrade to Canon. See www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm
People say these lenses are plastic and parts are yes, but its as durable as any other brands. Also the focus ring, 1st inch of the lens & mount are metal. There's nout cheap about the 50 1.8 S I bought!
It’s in the formal written review at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/20mm-f18.htm the real issue is Nikon z cameras don’t have fast autofocus yet. Go Canon if you need that for action. Thanks!
Thanks! The Sony lens is much tougher, but I prefer the Nikon system to Sony. Hint: Canon is the best Mirrorless system. See www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm
@@KenRockwellTV I agree with you Ken The R6 was my first choice - but the way it switches from video to photo is a bit clumsy compared to Nikons. Bit frustrating at the moment as I want video backup - and nikon and canon dont seem to be able to do that.
Optics are as good. Easy question is do you need speed or do you prefer ability to zoom - or do you want a practical lens or a giant goofball thing best left at home? Get the 14-30 or 20/1.8; the 14-24 isn’t recommended for actual photography. Thanks!
Canon makes much better bodies. Just forget Nikon. The FTZ ant autofocus with half the lenses nikon has made as well as wont autofocus with many of the lenses Nikon sells today. Get out while you can before you throw even more money down the Nikon pit. It’s not 1987 anymore. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV ...or stay with all my f-mount lenses and D850 and never spend any more money. I cant see Nikon getting any more of my money - and neither will Canon (unless I buy a printer, lol).
Agreed. Tone to forget Nikon of you haven’t already. Cheap gear for the less professional hobbiest - for the same price as good gear from Canon. No thanks.
@@KenRockwellTV unfortunately I can’t, you’re reviews on the internet got me excited and into Nikon decades ago and now I’m heavily into Nikon, Leica and Fuji film, I need into a fourth system like a hole in the head. But it could eventually happen
Ken. To stay relevant, you need to get a proper studio setup where we can see you. This type of video is much below the standards we have come to expect from you... I know you've considered it, but you need to get it done... get a RED Komodo or one of the BLM cams and let us see those dusty, orange walls of yours.
@@JPStaats Just because the views. Because he's a "pro"-tographer that loves to hear his name and calls his youtube channel a TV and most probably his vlogs - a films, lol
Been using it for a few weeks now and I gotta say I am LOVING it. I think the sunstars are really nice but also there's just a quality to the images I can't put my finger on
Bingo! Thanks!
Very nice to see you, Ken, on TH-cam. It's been long overdue. Is there any chance you will be covering film topics in the future for us Neanderthals stuck in the analogue age?
On your recommendation, years ago, I had the Great Gus work on my Leica M3 double stroke and 50mm f/2 with goggles. It took forever but it was worth the long wait. I'm so happy with the rangefinder for normal use that I sold off all of my digital gear. My smartphone is the one digital camera I now have when I need one. Otherwise, it's 35mm roll film or 4x5 sheet film and life is so much better and simpler.
Yes! Best digital camera is iPhone. American innovation wins again!
A couple of years ago, I gave an 85 1.8 G to a friend of mine and unfortunately, he put it down and forgot it for a period of time in a field on his farm. I didn’t realize at the time where Gus was locate, but he’s about a 40 minute drive from my friend’s place and I told him if there was anything wrong with the lens... give it to Gus!
Is this lens good for large family portraits which we need to shoot within small space?
Probably not. Any lens this wide will stretch out anyone on the sides and make them look fat. It’s not the lens, it’s that trying to fit everyone in like that won’t make a good portrait. Try not to go wider than 28mm and try layering everyone to get them to fit. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV understood. Thank you for the comment. Your answer is simple and accurate. Thanks again 😊
One quick question for you. Does your make any noticeable AF noise? Thanks.
Not unless you have your ear to it. Of course any slight sound would probably be picked up by any cameras built-in mic if you use it for video, I don’t.
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks for your reply. I guess I've got a bad copy. It's as loud as any AF-S lens in poor light.
Sorry going to ask may be a stupid question , Can we use this lens for portrait as well
Yes, but don’t get close otherwise faces look weird. You have to be a master to use this well for portraits. You have to know how to take advantage of how it distorts things. Thanks!
im debating between this lens and the 14-30mm. I mainly would do landscape however I really want to try out astrophotography and I am new at this hobby. Thoughts?
As soon as you said Astro, you said 20/1.8. For everything else, 14-30. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV thanks for the feedback! For purchasing now do you think I should get the 20mm to start with since it can be used for both astro and landscape? How is it with long exposure? Which would you recommend getting first if you had a choice? Again, I might only do astro on limited occasions but I like having the option!
Nikon did state when they introduced the new line of lenses, that they wanted to get away from the "trophy syndrome", that had creeped into lens design, where the more silver and gold letters and rings you could put on a lens, the more "pro" it was.
Also, they moved away from using acronyms like ED, SR, PF and IF in the lens name.
I like the new minimalistic lens design. It works well together with the new modern design language they use on thier Z cameras.
Thanks!
Letters are for geeks. Gold ring looks nice though.
Good riddance, I have no need to tell people theres ED glass in my lens with a gold ring 😄
never understood y anyone cared about a gold ring. I prefer all black.
I really like your practical common sense reviews and they are always spot on with my experiences with the lenses. I just picked up a used 20mm f1.8g and really like it. If I ever go mirrorless will just use it with the FTZ adaptor.
Exactly! That's what I do, too. Thanks!
Nice review. You do things your way and are different from other youtube reviewers. They do much more "out in the field" videos.
Who wants to watch some kid walking around? I just share the hard facts. Thanks!
Or they talk for 20 minutes and show a couple pictures at the end.
@@KenRockwellTV Yes, I appriciate that. Keep up the good work please.
Straight to the point review . Thanks
Thank for noticing. I work hard to cut out the BS and fluff. Thank you.
Ken, I watched your review of the 20mm 1.8 Sony lens and have been considering buying a 20mm prime since. I own a Sony a7iii and also a Nikon Z6 and I'm having difficulty deciding if I should buy the 20mm for the Sony or Nikon Z mount. I know you gave the Sony 20mm high praise, both lenses seem to be super sharp optically, seams like the Sony maybe has better distortion control, specially for tight interior spaces and architecture. Would you lean towards the Sony more because of that or would the Nikon be your preference? Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Both are similar. Real question is for you to get a grip on the best system for you. Personally I prefer nikon over Sony, but if you’re still growing your system I’d upgrade to Canon. See www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm
Great Video Ken ..I need one for Astro
Thanks!!!!
Thanks Ken! Great review. I just picked up a 20/4 AI for my D700 a couple of weeks ago and I’m playing around with it. Neat focal length!
I love mine, here s its review www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/20f4.htm
People say these lenses are plastic and parts are yes, but its as durable as any other brands. Also the focus ring, 1st inch of the lens & mount are metal. There's nout cheap about the 50 1.8 S I bought!
thanks!
Thank you for changing your stereo mic to mono.
Anything for you guys. Thanks for listening!
Autofocus performance test can be a nice addition to your review.
It’s in the formal written review at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/20mm-f18.htm the real issue is Nikon z cameras don’t have fast autofocus yet. Go Canon if you need that for action. Thanks!
Great review. Thx
Thanks for watching!
Thanks!
Thank YOU!
Thanks Ken - a tale of two lens - I watched your Sony 20mm f1.8 lens review as well. 👍
Thanks! The Sony lens is much tougher, but I prefer the Nikon system to Sony. Hint: Canon is the best Mirrorless system. See www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm
@@KenRockwellTV I agree with you Ken
The R6 was my first choice - but the way it switches from video to photo is a bit clumsy compared to Nikons. Bit frustrating at the moment as I want video backup - and nikon and canon dont seem to be able to do that.
The composition is not metallic, but then again the Z lenses are quite a bit lighter than the older heavily metallic lenses.
Yes, thanks!
Wanna see Nikkor z 1424 2.8 Vs 20 1.8 Lens
Optics are as good. Easy question is do you need speed or do you prefer ability to zoom - or do you want a practical lens or a giant goofball thing best left at home? Get the 14-30 or 20/1.8; the 14-24 isn’t recommended for actual photography. Thanks!
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks!!
Almost went and wasted extra cash on the 14-24.. Thanks Ken!
14-24 is lately obsolete; came out in 2007. I use the 16-35 BR instead. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/16-35mm.htm
How about Nikon making camera bodies and Canon making the lenses?
Canon makes much better bodies. Just forget Nikon. The FTZ ant autofocus with half the lenses nikon has made as well as wont autofocus with many of the lenses Nikon sells today. Get out while you can before you throw even more money down the Nikon pit. It’s not 1987 anymore. Thanks!
Unbelievably biased comment.
@@KenRockwellTV ...or stay with all my f-mount lenses and D850 and never spend any more money. I cant see Nikon getting any more of my money - and neither will Canon (unless I buy a printer, lol).
MONDAINE!!!! FTW!!!
Yes. Thanks!
Has Jared Polin launched any of his barrage of salvos at you, lately? RAW vs JPEG? LOL
That was 15 years ago. No one cares. Thanks!
All plastic, made in China for real cheap. Nope, it’s not like the 35mm DX lens that was actually a great performing lens at a great price.
Agreed. Tone to forget Nikon of you haven’t already. Cheap gear for the less professional hobbiest - for the same price as good gear from Canon. No thanks.
Nice review as always
Maybe we have to get used the made in China as we have had to get used to vast amounts of plastic these days
NO WAY!!!!! Go Canon. Usually made in Japan, and if not, made in Taiwan, a free democratic and independent country.
@@KenRockwellTV unfortunately I can’t, you’re reviews on the internet got me excited and into Nikon decades ago and now I’m heavily into Nikon, Leica and Fuji film, I need into a fourth system like a hole in the head.
But it could eventually happen
@@ronaldsand3000 Likewise. I'll still be shooting my collection of f-mount lenses for a long while to come.
Ken. To stay relevant, you need to get a proper studio setup where we can see you. This type of video is much below the standards we have come to expect from you...
I know you've considered it, but you need to get it done... get a RED Komodo or one of the BLM cams and let us see those dusty, orange walls of yours.
Oh yawn, do you folks really want to see me blab? I’m just one guy; formal you tubers all have staff to run cameras for them. Thanks!
More plastic, more expensive! Yeh, just what we needed. Why not make an f1.4? Nikon got cheap. 😂
Agreed. That’s why I went Canon in 2013. Thanks!
Why even review Nikon products then? You seem hellbent to contribute to their “imminent demise”.
@@JPStaats Just because the views. Because he's a "pro"-tographer that loves to hear his name and calls his youtube channel a TV and most probably his vlogs - a films, lol
Tube sock, you will get lint in the lens. 🧦 .
I wash my socks; no more lint. Thanks!
Gotta wash them inside out.
First??
First and foremost. Thanks!
Thanks!
Thank YOU!