The Medieval Z team

I am doing a personal project which concerns Romanesque architecture in Northern Italy. When I can use a tripod my D850 with my four shift lenses an 70-200 F4 is the tool of choice. But for more famous monuments where tripods are banned, the Z7 with 24-200 and 14-35 F4 make a good versatile kit. Sometimes I adapt a shift lens too.

This set shot in the Baptistry and Cathedral in Parma, were shot hand held with the two Z lenses. I manage to get along fine with the 24-200 as the in lens VR added to IBIS makes up for the lens speed. The 200 end is really useful for details. To be more nimble I have a body for each lens.

The Cathedral and the Baptistry rival Modena as a masterpiece from this period, each with its own school of sculptors ( the Sculptor was the name given to the master builder who supervised and took part in the whole building process, not just the sculptures. He was expected to lead by example.). Antelami at Parma, comes a little later in time than Wiligelmo at Modena. The Cathedral dates from the late 12th century and the Baptistry dates from the first years of the 13th century. The Cathedral was decorated with frescoes in the 15th century, and is far more colourful and joyful than the stark bare brickwork of Modena.

The Cathedral is free to visit, but by putting €2 in a slot machine, you can illuminate the place, which is well worth it. The Baptistry is a bit expensive to visit by Italian standards: €12, or €10 if you are over 65. But it includes the small Diocese museum.

Duomo

Baptistry