Objectively I think you're absolutely right. And I remember my first film SLR. It came with a 50mm and the go-to 2nd lens was always a 28mm for that exact purpose.
Get the 40mm F2 next it’s AMAZING. The perfect compliment to the 28 and a brilliant focal length. Bit wider than a 50, and just slightly more pushed in than a 35. It’s probably the most versatile lens I own.
Haha, I just have! Found the SE version second hand in Japan for a good bargain and I love the form factor so I had to get it. So far I have to agree with you. I'm going to share some examples to the channel soon.
@@babyboy1971 Yes, a definite recommend. I don't think you could quibble about sharpness for the price. The f/2.8 lets in more light than most zooms and is great for the size - let's face it you're not going to want to get too much bokeh out of this unless you're shooting something else. It's really just a case of focal length and versatility. I'm going through my 40mm shots now and having a more standard length that can be used for both street and detail/portraits is really useful and I'm finding the shots equally impressive but different!
@@patternsinsand The RF28mm has mostly good reviews, for the Canon line. What is your opinion? I do use my Nikon Z5 more often, but still own the RP. For the Nikon, the 40mm and 50mm f1.8s are both great. For longer walks on the street, the 40mm may be better suited, for obvious reasons. BTW, great video, and the 28mm is not boring. Love the wide, until I don't, of course as it too has limitations -- such is life. If I lived in a big city, I would likely use wide more often. I live in a less populated city. Take care, Loren Schwiderski
@@lorenschwiderski I haven't used the RF 28mm but if I was into the Canon system I'd definitely get one. it looks to offer the same kinds of things as the Nikon and I think everyone needs a small lens at this focal length, though I do agree, 28mm can be more challenging in some situations. I'm looking at my 40mm photos now and love them. Haven't got the 50 1.8s, though I'm always impressed with the photos I've seen it produce. My Sigma (pre Art) 50mm f/1.4 does a great job for stills but is huge so the 40 is my more discreet standard lens.
Quite entertaining and informative ... thank you! I love 28mm and don't care about smartphones or zoom lenses. Sold my Leica Q2 and will now go with this one ha ha ...
My issue with the Z system is that it does not have a good selection of compact primes. The 28 in this video is an exception, but what about 24, 35, 50, and 85? The 50 1.8 is enormous. Just give me small, sharp primes. Maybe even all f4 if I must give something up.
Yes, the 40 is on my list but I agree. They're going for f/1.4 lenses as their cheaper 'character' line up but they still come in as to big for a discreet set-up.
Plenty of manual focus lens choices from Leica, Voigt, and Zeiss, but yeah, not much in AF. Viltrox and TTArtisan are putting out some decent small AF primes.
Love that smooth blur into the background. I like your post processing. It's a look I am trying to emulate. Also how consistent they are for each photo. Speaking of color.. I own a pair of Pantone 448 corduroy pantaloons
I started with a very basic free Kodachrome preset but heavily modified it to my prefence. Give it a go. Glad to hear about those cords. That colour will come in handy for those little 'accidents'
28 may be boring on FF, but what about on an APSC/DX sensor, now we're in 42mm territory but choking the light down to f/4.2. On something like the Zfc Im contemplating purchasing, would I be able to get any interesting depth of field, or am I going to be stuck with boring snapshots but less context? I here the 16-50 kit lens is a banger and does well in low light situations with the stabilization built into the lens.
It's a good standard lens. That f/4.2 equivalence will impact depth of field, for sure, though that's mitigated a bit at the close focusing distance and of course it's still the same amount of light. The lack of VR on the DX bodies is what is stopping me from investing in the system. I will admit, though, that I bought the SE version of the lens with a retro ZFC style body in my thoughts.
It's funny you mentioned the Z6 grip - I didn't like it due to the grip. I went mirrorless with an EOS R then R6ii, but I've recently gone back to a 90D SLR. I am now looking at swapping to a D780, likely with a Tamron 35-150mm F2.8-4 VC. I totally agree regarding 28mm - I don't much care for dedicated wide primes. I love the Tamron 35mm F1.8 VC on crop sensor though, or better yet, the 31mm Pentax on a K3iii mono body.
35-150 is certainly a more versatile focal length and my only real reason to switch to the Z6 from my D700 was the size of the camera and the dynamic range but yes, that grip, while great for holding the battery, does make it look a bit ungainly.
@@patternsinsand I rented a Zf, thinking I would love it, but found using any of the longer zooms too much of a challenge. Across all the options out there now, I actually prefer the ergonomics of the S5II.
Thanks for watching. I could make a whole video about learning Chinese but it'd be a bit off topic for this channel (if it's ever on topic in the first place). Long story short, I just started listening to those old 'learn Chinese in 24 hours' CDs borrowed from the public library while commuting to work. Learning to say 'where can I exchange travelers' cheques' wasn't particularly useful but I've developed a love of the language now, even if I can't read or write it.
Hi Mark, It is difficult for me to understand that after showing photos where a 28mm is well used, you maintain, and I want to believe that it is an irony, that the 28mm is a “boring” focal length. Just because people photograph stupid things with cell phones doesn't mean that the problem is the focal length. On the other hand, I don't know if it's an editing style but the photos you took with the 28 seem to have been taken with a cell phone, I say because of the look, they are very flat and I say this beyond the cloudy sky. They look very clear but they lack life. And yes, your photos taken on film look much better. I would have loved you to compare it with the “cheap” 28mm E line of the F mount. Maybe the world would have come out of the flat dimension.
I'm probably being too harsh, for sure. The look I was going for more more of a slide film style but I do think it tends to compress the tones a bit, particularly the shadows. I think part of the look is that the Nikon lenses are quite sharp and clinical. I agree a comparison with the 28mm E would be a good test. I have that lens so maybe there'll be a TH-cam video coming in the future!
Nice vid as always Mark. Just because everyone takes pics that epitomise a place doesn’t make your shots boring; they’re your memories of your experience in that place, and at least you know they’re AI… In the shopping experience, given no prices displayed, is the first price offered understood to be final price, or is there room for haggling? As for reviewing encyclopaedia; I admit I half tune out, wonder what other diecasts you have, and see if I can guess the moment when your final opinion becomes clear. I’d be terrible on a jury heavy with forensic evidence. ;-) (Looks like TheAlgorithm is pushing you out to new audiences; Mr What’s The Point is obviously new here….)
"Sweaty loincloth"... damn, I had to push my maple syrup-sodden pancake to the side of the plate 🥞😵💫 On a tastier note, I own both the 28mm SE and the 26mm - the 28's a nicer lens. Better bang for your buck, fer sherr 😉
Yes, in the end, I felt the size and build quality of the 26mm was it's real value and not one that I could realise on a now ageing Z6 that would justify the price difference. At least until I get a smaller and more svelte body like the ZF or ZFC.
@@patternsinsand Aye, the 26 looks nice on the Zf, but the lens hood is...weird, and best left in the box. Also, 7 diaphragm blades makes sunstars very 'mid', as the kids these days say. Bokeh's nice though (but not as nice as the Z 40mm f2 SE). Anyways, I appreciate the videos and your storytelling style - you've a real gift for it. Cheers! 🍻
@@WolfgangWhyte Thanks so much Wolfgant. Comments like that really encourage me to keep creating. I saw a 40mm f/2 in a 2nd hand camera shop in Bangkok today. Didn't go for it because it wasn't the SE version. It's now on the increasingly long wish list of lenses.
@@patternsinsand Thanks for the content - and the humour. Lots of photography channels share good info, but are very dry in their delivery, and sometimes it can be a bit of a slog to sit through a half hour to hear what the vid title promised. I really do appreciate the personality and a few sly giggles mixed in with the info and slideshow. As for the 40mm f2, it's my understanding that the non-SE version is optically identical to the SE, but of course I understand the desire for the SE aesthetic. Best of luck in your hunt - if you find one and do a vid, I'll be here with my bell on. 'Till next time, cheers! 🍻
He was giving you the White man's price. Next time, bring a native Chinese with you to shop for a lens and you will get a better price. When I was in Shenzhen, I paid 100% more for items when I shopped by myself as opposed to when I brought my Chinese friend with me.
Point? I think you're asking far too much if you're looking for a purpose to this video beyond having fun playing with lenses and seeing the results. That said, I do think there is a legitimate discussion to be had around how certain dominant focal lengths have come to define their era (50 to 35 to 28). The zoom vs prime comparison was partly because I just wanted to see for myself. I was surprised how strong the 24-50 was wide open but also how the quality diminished when stopped down at that 28mm focal length. Thanks for watching.
Well done! Informative and funny. The travel footage adds real interest above the typical review-in-the-local-park videos. Subscribed!
Thanks for the comment! There’ll be plenty of suburban dog walks too but I guess one person’s local is another person’s exotic.
haha really fun and informative watch. thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment.
I Love this focal length great street lens and great for capturing candid portraits with background that tells a story about a memory in time.
Objectively I think you're absolutely right. And I remember my first film SLR. It came with a 50mm and the go-to 2nd lens was always a 28mm for that exact purpose.
Get the 40mm F2 next it’s AMAZING. The perfect compliment to the 28 and a brilliant focal length. Bit wider than a 50, and just slightly more pushed in than a 35. It’s probably the most versatile lens I own.
Haha, I just have! Found the SE version second hand in Japan for a good bargain and I love the form factor so I had to get it. So far I have to agree with you. I'm going to share some examples to the channel soon.
@@patternsinsandglad you like it. Would you say the 28 is as good, sharpness and color wise? Do you recommend the 28 overall?
@@babyboy1971 Yes, a definite recommend. I don't think you could quibble about sharpness for the price. The f/2.8 lets in more light than most zooms and is great for the size - let's face it you're not going to want to get too much bokeh out of this unless you're shooting something else. It's really just a case of focal length and versatility. I'm going through my 40mm shots now and having a more standard length that can be used for both street and detail/portraits is really useful and I'm finding the shots equally impressive but different!
@@patternsinsand The RF28mm has mostly good reviews, for the Canon line. What is your opinion? I do use my Nikon Z5 more often, but still own the RP. For the Nikon, the 40mm and 50mm f1.8s are both great. For longer walks on the street, the 40mm may be better suited, for obvious reasons. BTW, great video, and the 28mm is not boring. Love the wide, until I don't, of course as it too has limitations -- such is life. If I lived in a big city, I would likely use wide more often. I live in a less populated city. Take care, Loren Schwiderski
@@lorenschwiderski I haven't used the RF 28mm but if I was into the Canon system I'd definitely get one. it looks to offer the same kinds of things as the Nikon and I think everyone needs a small lens at this focal length, though I do agree, 28mm can be more challenging in some situations. I'm looking at my 40mm photos now and love them. Haven't got the 50 1.8s, though I'm always impressed with the photos I've seen it produce. My Sigma (pre Art) 50mm f/1.4 does a great job for stills but is huge so the 40 is my more discreet standard lens.
Nikon claims the 40 and 28mm have weather sealing, but I doubt this also as there is no rubber ring on the mount.
It's all a matter of degree. The tolerances of the lens mount are pretty tight already so it might offer a bit of rain resistence.
Quite entertaining and informative ... thank you! I love 28mm and don't care about smartphones or zoom lenses. Sold my Leica Q2 and will now go with this one ha ha ...
You can buy the 40mm f/2 and more with the spare cash. Thanks for watching!
My issue with the Z system is that it does not have a good selection of compact primes. The 28 in this video is an exception, but what about 24, 35, 50, and 85? The 50 1.8 is enormous. Just give me small, sharp primes. Maybe even all f4 if I must give something up.
Yes, the 40 is on my list but I agree. They're going for f/1.4 lenses as their cheaper 'character' line up but they still come in as to big for a discreet set-up.
Plenty of manual focus lens choices from Leica, Voigt, and Zeiss, but yeah, not much in AF. Viltrox and TTArtisan are putting out some decent small AF primes.
There is the 26mm 2.8 pancake, 28mm 2.8, and 40mm 2.0. there are quite a few quality 3rd options like voigtlander.
just got 2 SE lens for Nikon zf, 40mm and 28mm, It is perfect for my skinny shoulders :D
Just got the 40mm myself. They're a great pigeon pair.
Love that smooth blur into the background. I like your post processing. It's a look I am trying to emulate. Also how consistent they are for each photo. Speaking of color.. I own a pair of Pantone 448 corduroy pantaloons
I started with a very basic free Kodachrome preset but heavily modified it to my prefence. Give it a go. Glad to hear about those cords. That colour will come in handy for those little 'accidents'
Very nice sharing video❤
I comment too early,
you are the most funny photographer that I know, nice photos and jokes😂
Thanks so much for the encouraging comment!
beautiful photos and intresting journey!
Thanks for the comment and for watching.
28 may be boring on FF, but what about on an APSC/DX sensor, now we're in 42mm territory but choking the light down to f/4.2. On something like the Zfc Im contemplating purchasing, would I be able to get any interesting depth of field, or am I going to be stuck with boring snapshots but less context? I here the 16-50 kit lens is a banger and does well in low light situations with the stabilization built into the lens.
It's a good standard lens. That f/4.2 equivalence will impact depth of field, for sure, though that's mitigated a bit at the close focusing distance and of course it's still the same amount of light. The lack of VR on the DX bodies is what is stopping me from investing in the system. I will admit, though, that I bought the SE version of the lens with a retro ZFC style body in my thoughts.
Not choking the light, just the depth of field
It's funny you mentioned the Z6 grip - I didn't like it due to the grip. I went mirrorless with an EOS R then R6ii, but I've recently gone back to a 90D SLR. I am now looking at swapping to a D780, likely with a Tamron 35-150mm F2.8-4 VC. I totally agree regarding 28mm - I don't much care for dedicated wide primes. I love the Tamron 35mm F1.8 VC on crop sensor though, or better yet, the 31mm Pentax on a K3iii mono body.
35-150 is certainly a more versatile focal length and my only real reason to switch to the Z6 from my D700 was the size of the camera and the dynamic range but yes, that grip, while great for holding the battery, does make it look a bit ungainly.
@@patternsinsand I rented a Zf, thinking I would love it, but found using any of the longer zooms too much of a challenge. Across all the options out there now, I actually prefer the ergonomics of the S5II.
The images were great!
Thanks!
Lovely pictures though! And footage too! 👍🏻
Thanks for the kind comment.
Thanks for this, Mark. And how the heck did you learn Chinese?
Thanks for watching. I could make a whole video about learning Chinese but it'd be a bit off topic for this channel (if it's ever on topic in the first place). Long story short, I just started listening to those old 'learn Chinese in 24 hours' CDs borrowed from the public library while commuting to work. Learning to say 'where can I exchange travelers' cheques' wasn't particularly useful but I've developed a love of the language now, even if I can't read or write it.
Hi Mark, It is difficult for me to understand that after showing photos where a 28mm is well used, you maintain, and I want to believe that it is an irony, that the 28mm is a “boring” focal length. Just because people photograph stupid things with cell phones doesn't mean that the problem is the focal length. On the other hand, I don't know if it's an editing style but the photos you took with the 28 seem to have been taken with a cell phone, I say because of the look, they are very flat and I say this beyond the cloudy sky. They look very clear but they lack life. And yes, your photos taken on film look much better. I would have loved you to compare it with the “cheap” 28mm E line of the F mount. Maybe the world would have come out of the flat dimension.
I'm probably being too harsh, for sure. The look I was going for more more of a slide film style but I do think it tends to compress the tones a bit, particularly the shadows. I think part of the look is that the Nikon lenses are quite sharp and clinical. I agree a comparison with the 28mm E would be a good test. I have that lens so maybe there'll be a TH-cam video coming in the future!
Nice vid as always Mark.
Just because everyone takes pics that epitomise a place doesn’t make your shots boring; they’re your memories of your experience in that place, and at least you know they’re AI…
In the shopping experience, given no prices displayed, is the first price offered understood to be final price, or is there room for haggling?
As for reviewing encyclopaedia; I admit I half tune out, wonder what other diecasts you have, and see if I can guess the moment when your final opinion becomes clear. I’d be terrible on a jury heavy with forensic evidence. ;-)
(Looks like TheAlgorithm is pushing you out to new audiences; Mr What’s The Point is obviously new here….)
Thanks for the comment and I think you make a good point. Good to remind myself that they are a literal snapshot in time and memory.
Good on you for learning some Chinese for your holiday. Your pronunciation wasn’t too bad!
Thanks for watching. It's a challenging language but that's what makes it fun.
"Sweaty loincloth"... damn, I had to push my maple syrup-sodden pancake to the side of the plate 🥞😵💫
On a tastier note, I own both the 28mm SE and the 26mm - the 28's a nicer lens. Better bang for your buck, fer sherr 😉
Yes, in the end, I felt the size and build quality of the 26mm was it's real value and not one that I could realise on a now ageing Z6 that would justify the price difference. At least until I get a smaller and more svelte body like the ZF or ZFC.
@@patternsinsand Aye, the 26 looks nice on the Zf, but the lens hood is...weird, and best left in the box. Also, 7 diaphragm blades makes sunstars very 'mid', as the kids these days say. Bokeh's nice though (but not as nice as the Z 40mm f2 SE). Anyways, I appreciate the videos and your storytelling style - you've a real gift for it. Cheers! 🍻
@@WolfgangWhyte Thanks so much Wolfgant. Comments like that really encourage me to keep creating. I saw a 40mm f/2 in a 2nd hand camera shop in Bangkok today. Didn't go for it because it wasn't the SE version. It's now on the increasingly long wish list of lenses.
@@patternsinsand Thanks for the content - and the humour. Lots of photography channels share good info, but are very dry in their delivery, and sometimes it can be a bit of a slog to sit through a half hour to hear what the vid title promised. I really do appreciate the personality and a few sly giggles mixed in with the info and slideshow. As for the 40mm f2, it's my understanding that the non-SE version is optically identical to the SE, but of course I understand the desire for the SE aesthetic. Best of luck in your hunt - if you find one and do a vid, I'll be here with my bell on. 'Till next time, cheers! 🍻
He was giving you the White man's price. Next time, bring a native Chinese with you to shop for a lens and you will get a better price.
When I was in Shenzhen, I paid 100% more for items when I shopped by myself as opposed to when I brought my Chinese friend with me.
Yes, I think I was paying the tourist tax.
Boring lens...? Is it not enough entertaining... or...?😄
True. It can't tell a good knock knock joke
Some People like a 28mm Prime or Primes in General and others favour a Zoom with 28mm in the scheme of things. Whats the Point of this Video
Point? I think you're asking far too much if you're looking for a purpose to this video beyond having fun playing with lenses and seeing the results. That said, I do think there is a legitimate discussion to be had around how certain dominant focal lengths have come to define their era (50 to 35 to 28). The zoom vs prime comparison was partly because I just wanted to see for myself. I was surprised how strong the 24-50 was wide open but also how the quality diminished when stopped down at that 28mm focal length. Thanks for watching.