Paddler213
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For the Z mount. 20mm or wider?
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Best Ultra Wide Angle??
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ahinesdesign
Forum Enthusiast
“Best” is pretty ambiguous…
The Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8S is tough to beat unless you need something with a larger angle of view or wider aperture.
The Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8S is tough to beat unless you need something with a larger angle of view or wider aperture.
pluton
Senior Member
From my limited experience:
The Z14-24 is excellent. Technically**, it's better than the two Zeiss Milvus 15's I tested, better than the Milvus 18mm I own, marginally better than the Zeiss "Classic" 21mm I own, better than any of the three Nikon AF-S 14-24/2.8G's I owned.
**I am defining "technically better" as nice and sharp in the center of the frame and maintains a good impression of sharpness at the edges (not corners) of the frame, wide open and stopped down as far as f/8. I'm not looking at distortion or peripheral color shading.
Notes: There's still something I like about the Zeiss lenses I have and therefore have no plans to delete them from my collection. These Zeiss lenses may be slightly better when used at the smallest stops like f/11 and f/16, but actual A/B testing hasn't happened yet.
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-Keith B-
The Z14-24 is excellent. Technically**, it's better than the two Zeiss Milvus 15's I tested, better than the Milvus 18mm I own, marginally better than the Zeiss "Classic" 21mm I own, better than any of the three Nikon AF-S 14-24/2.8G's I owned.
**I am defining "technically better" as nice and sharp in the center of the frame and maintains a good impression of sharpness at the edges (not corners) of the frame, wide open and stopped down as far as f/8. I'm not looking at distortion or peripheral color shading.
Notes: There's still something I like about the Zeiss lenses I have and therefore have no plans to delete them from my collection. These Zeiss lenses may be slightly better when used at the smallest stops like f/11 and f/16, but actual A/B testing hasn't happened yet.
--
-Keith B-
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KLHman
Active member
The Z 20mm is a fantastic lens as is the Z 14-24 f/2.8. I have had both and my preference is for the Z 14-30 mm, it is my very favorite lens. It is sharp, it is smaller/lighter, it's got great resolution, and it covers the same angle of view of the other two lenses. The f/4 is not, in my opinion, a limitation, just bump the ISO up a bit to make up the difference with pretty much no noise penalty.
I guess it will also depend on your use for the lens. I do tons of landscapes and lovelovelove the Z 14-30. Here's a link, if interested, to my Flickr album with a bunch of images with the Z 14-30.
Ken
I guess it will also depend on your use for the lens. I do tons of landscapes and lovelovelove the Z 14-30. Here's a link, if interested, to my Flickr album with a bunch of images with the Z 14-30.
Ken
The obvious answer would appear to be the 14-24/2.8 S (or the 20/1.8 S if you need a wider aperture). However, given that you ask the question, maybe you have eliminated these two and are looking for something else? If so, what are your priorities?
I'd be surprised. The 14-24mm f/2.8S is very good at those apertures compared to other lenses. Noticeably sharper than the 14-30mm when stopped down as much, and even slightly sharper than the 20mm f/1.8S. The other qualities are also top notch at those apertures.
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areallygrumpyoldsod
Senior Member
Best in terms of image quality -- ZEISS Otus 1.4/28 - I keep asking for a 20 or 21mm version of the OTUS, but currently only the ZEISS Batis 2.8/18 is available in Sony E-Mount so one "has to" adapt. The old 21/2.8 Z.2 in F mount was quite successful for me.
Next in Nikon Nikkor Z mount -- well the 14-24 still does a great job for me - but in my view we are missing some of the wider/brighter F-mount glass in Z form. And something a wee bit smaller/lighter.
The Nikon Z 20mm f1.8 S Lens does a good job -- but an ultra bright/sharp 20mm FX Z AF lens for Astro and indoors. f/1.4 or f/1.2 would work well/better. Time Nikon for a 20mm Pleana?
The 8-15mm f3.5-4.5E ED AF-S Fisheye is a great special lens - time for an improved Z S version - very useful for "those" shots.
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areallygrumpyoldsod
Nikon and Hasselblad shooter -- wildlife and and --
https://www.andymillerphoto.co.uk/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ajm057/
I do not respond to PMs or messages via my website
Next in Nikon Nikkor Z mount -- well the 14-24 still does a great job for me - but in my view we are missing some of the wider/brighter F-mount glass in Z form. And something a wee bit smaller/lighter.
The Nikon Z 20mm f1.8 S Lens does a good job -- but an ultra bright/sharp 20mm FX Z AF lens for Astro and indoors. f/1.4 or f/1.2 would work well/better. Time Nikon for a 20mm Pleana?
The 8-15mm f3.5-4.5E ED AF-S Fisheye is a great special lens - time for an improved Z S version - very useful for "those" shots.
--
areallygrumpyoldsod
Nikon and Hasselblad shooter -- wildlife and and --
https://www.andymillerphoto.co.uk/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ajm057/
I do not respond to PMs or messages via my website
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Paddler213
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Paddler213
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Sharpness across the frame, good coma, minimal CAs. Small and light would be nice, too. Something like a 20/2 Voigtlander AL would fit the bill, I think.
TheSoaringSprite
Senior Member
The Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S would be a good fit, if 20mm is wide enough for you. You can check out some sample shots with that lens + Nikon Z8 at this link . This lens is not small, but it's also not as big as the 14-24mm. I don't think it's heavy, but that's going to be a different metric for different people.
As many have already said, the Z 14-24mm is the sharpest wide-angle zoom, but heavier.
The Z 14-30mm is a great alternative as it is lighter and small for such a wide lens, but the corners are not quite as good.
I almost forgot that Tamron just released their 16-30mm f/2.8 wide angle, so that's another option.
--
http://www.dreamsourcestudio.com
@TheSoaringSprite
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Konstantin Baranov
Member
I have both the 14-24/2.8 and 20/1.8. If you don't want to miss the best, buy both. The 20/1.8 is lighter, brighter, and sharper than the former at the same settings, but obviously doesn't zoom.
anotherMike
Forum Pro
Good question.
The 20/1.8S is excellent, but not "world class" in the way, say, the 35/1.2s is world class, if that makes any sense.
The 14-24/2.8S is the lens I would personally own if I needed wider-than-20mm focal lengths; it's so crazily close to the 20 prime in quality stopped down a touch it's not funny, and while it's not as good as the 24/1.8S prime at 24, it's still quite good, and it's good wider.
But again, at least at this stage of the game, I've not yet seen a world class lens at 20 or wider, and I've used all the Zeiss options, all the Nikon options and I think all the Sigma art options. There are excellent choices, but no world class ones. Read that carefully - I'm not saying the options we have are bad - far, far from it, but there is no "OMG" 20 or wider in the same way the 35/1.2S (or 35 Apo Lanthar, etc) or Plena or 85/1.2S can blow you away, if that makes sense.
The 14-24 in the states is on sale at a very nice price. If I needed that range, I'd be tempted, but I'm considering a 70-200/2.8S to replace my "meh" 100-400, so I'm not jumping on the 14-24 and will wait for either a nice sale on the 70-200 or a mk-II model of the lens before jumping.
Let us know what you end up with.
The 20/1.8S is excellent, but not "world class" in the way, say, the 35/1.2s is world class, if that makes any sense.
The 14-24/2.8S is the lens I would personally own if I needed wider-than-20mm focal lengths; it's so crazily close to the 20 prime in quality stopped down a touch it's not funny, and while it's not as good as the 24/1.8S prime at 24, it's still quite good, and it's good wider.
But again, at least at this stage of the game, I've not yet seen a world class lens at 20 or wider, and I've used all the Zeiss options, all the Nikon options and I think all the Sigma art options. There are excellent choices, but no world class ones. Read that carefully - I'm not saying the options we have are bad - far, far from it, but there is no "OMG" 20 or wider in the same way the 35/1.2S (or 35 Apo Lanthar, etc) or Plena or 85/1.2S can blow you away, if that makes sense.
The 14-24 in the states is on sale at a very nice price. If I needed that range, I'd be tempted, but I'm considering a 70-200/2.8S to replace my "meh" 100-400, so I'm not jumping on the 14-24 and will wait for either a nice sale on the 70-200 or a mk-II model of the lens before jumping.
Let us know what you end up with.
pluton
Senior Member
I'll eventually have the free time to make comparisons between the Z14-24 and the 18, 21, and 25/2 Zeiss lenses. I accept the possibility that the Z14-24 may surprise me at the small stops.
Poldersnapper
Veteran Member
A relatively compact Nikon Z 20mm F/3.5 S with 58mm filter size, 350g weight, for $1000 with stellar image quality.
Now that would be something.
André
Now that would be something.
André
ajr images
Senior Member
Most of my images are taken using long telephotos, but when I need to go wider than 24mm, I use my 14-24 f2.8. I find that it produces very acceptable images.
I still have the F mount 8-15mm, but this is perhaps more of a 'novelty' lens.
I still have the F mount 8-15mm, but this is perhaps more of a 'novelty' lens.
Ryan Schwartz
Senior Member
Really enjoy my 14-24 f/2.8 S for astro. Terrific optics. Haven't used any wide, fast primes.
I just looked at my comparison of the 14-30mm and the 14-24mm 2.8. The 14-24mm is as sharp at f/16 as the 14-30mm is at f/11.
AlainCh2
Senior Member
I see that answer, and also the Z9 in your gear, so no idea if my reasoning may help you, but I also saw you mention the Voigtlander 20/2.
I'm writing this answer while trying to clarify something in my head:
I'm looking for a §10 §20 Wide ~f2, light/not-too-big ... a lens for a special use, that will complement my current zooms' range 15-1260mmE, the MF 50F2Z; AF 75F2
The $/IQ ... enters as the main thing to be kept in account ...
it will be an occasional lens for an amateur.
The lens is for the Zf: FX 10-20, not greater. Money-Out: not over 999€ > buy that! 150-200€. Zoom & Macro preferred, fixed accepted, no MF= Manual Focus.
[420€ Used] 1100gr - Tamron SP 15-30 Di VC USD 1
> -WEIGHT -HUGE -LARGE +Tested WOW +2Y Garanty +ZOOM +$/IQ- ☂ [890€ Used] 440r -Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
> -Long110mm -TOOnew -NoDXO +IQ -PRICE -$/IQ - ☁ [290€ Used] 470gr - Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 HSM Macro C -APSC
> -DX -17=25mmE -OutOfRange +Zoom +3Y Garanty !!DuplicateRange?IQ? +MACRO - ☁ [920€ Used] 1150gr - Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 HSM ART
> -WEIGHT -HUGE 136x95mm -FRONT-LENS -NoVR +2Y Garanty - ☁ [950€ Rfbd] 440gr - Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 - APSC
> -DX !!duplicate range ?Better&Fixed aperture + Better IQ - ☁ [990€ Used] 450gr - Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8
> +Fx +DOF 20cm !!duplicate 10-20DX with Better&Fixed aperture + Better IQ - ☁ [530€ Used] 460gr Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR -APSC
> -DX -DARK !!duplicate 10-20DX -NoFixed aperture - .
- .
[999€ Used] 350gr - Nikon Z 24f1.8 S
> 24 is out of range.- [940€ Used] 505gr - Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S
> -Long110mm -WEIGHT +IQ +S + IQ +4Y garanty -$/IQ - [170€ Used] 150gr - Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8
> +WOW +SMALL ++Lighter +$/IQ [email protected] - [170€ Used] 170gr - Viltrox AF 14mm f/4 Air Z FF
> -Dark -TOONew -NoVR +SMALL - ☂ [490€ Used] 550gr - VILTROX AF 16mm F1.8 PRO
> +IQ +NIGHT [email protected] +AP-Ring +$/IQ **best in town -WEIGHT -Price - ☂ [230 NEW] 175gr - VILTROX 9mm F2.8Z Air -ASPC
> -DX -NoVR +14mmE +IQ +SMALL +13mmDOF - ☁ [190€ Used] 330gr - TTArtisan APS-C 10mm F2 Metal Body - MF
> -MF -DX - ☁ [530€ Used] 460gr - 7artisans 9 mm F5.6 Full Frame "Zero d"
> -MF -FLARE ++IQ - ☁ [530€ Used] 300gr - Laowa 15 mm f/4.5 macro FF
> -MF +MACRO -DARK - ☁ [530€ Used] 215gr - TTArtisan 21mm F1.5 ASPH -APSC
> -MF -DX - ☁ [500€ Used] 215gr - Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D -APSC
> -MF -DX - NoCC - ☁ [500€ Used] 500gr - Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D
> -MF -IQ - .... sorry for the errors
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I'm forcefully attracted by the Tamron 1100gr...
It's really MY lens: a Zoom, perfect VR, I tested it on Zf against 10-20Dx on Z30, I know the cameras are not to be compared, but I've already used the 10-20Dx on the Zf...
I say that this Zoom is worth the money spent on it.
But #1, it will be quite a sum.
But #2, 1100gr are not a great problem just as much "Zf + 24-200Z in toto" ☆
But #3, the HUGE volume. I cannot take that into my bag, even removing the 70-300E. So it will be forced to live its life with me in a separate bag, like the 180-600Z is doing...
...and will be present in my photo life only on specific occasions
But #4, ??450€ for that?? nothing as the usefulness of the 186Z [180-1260mmE].
>>> The VILTROX AF 16mm F1.8 PRO fits perfectly my need.
But #0, For that price, I can have a Zoom
But #1, It's a fixed lens, and it's not cheap :-(
>> The VILTROX 9mm F2.8Z Air is a fantastic lens. a perfect choice adding the shortest range &DOF to my range !! 13mmE !! 13mm min Focus!!!!
But #1, It's APSC
But #2, Fixed lens
But NOT the cheapest solution
It's fighting the Viltro 20F2.8 on PAIR - no reference so far - nothing else.
I'm forcefully attracted by the Viltrox 20 f/2.8
+ Without removing anything, He will fit perfectly my actual Sling-Bag containing: 75F2; 50F2; 10-20Dx: 16-50Z; 24-200Z; Zf+70-300E; Z30+18-140Z + filters, batteries, slings, spare caps, paper tissues pack
+ Friends who have bought it are enthusiastic
His price is acceptable; I can resell it with a small loss if it does not fit the music.
But #1, Preferred would have been around 15mmE, this one will be a 30mmE on the Z30
But #2, I've not been able to test it.
But #3, It's a fixed lens, I will hate it as the other 3
__________________________________________
No idea if this long post can be of any help to you.
It took me three hours to complete it in an egoistic way... thinking only at my needs.
>>>> I thank you for the thread and all the people that answered,
even outside of my scope: because it helped me to see better what I think.
( now, ONE only last thing TO DO: Make a decision!
)
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quattro88
Senior Member
- I just got Viltrox 9mm f2.8 for my new Z 50ii. It's an excellent lens, very sharp in center and corners and edges. Amazing, considering the price. I also have Viltrox 20mm f2.8 and it is excellent, too. I was waiting for 14mm f4 for my Zf, but got impatient to wait for it to become available and decided to get 9mm for Z50ii instead. No regrets!
Daniel Bliss
Senior Member
Not to change the subject too much but I'm curious about the "meh"-ness of your 100-400. I've tried three of them; two of them, including the one I ended up with, very impressive including with the teleconverter, the other pretty dismal toward the long end within about 30 feet as the sweet spot gradually shrank to just a small sharp area in the middle by about five feet. (The other "good" one had a mechanical fault).
I've seen a number of different 70-200/2.8 S lenses and none has what the F-mount E series one has close up at the long end, though the S 70-200 is a bit better than the F-mount at the short end, not least because of closer focusing, and it's just generally more flare resistant in the bright than the E.
What's been your experience with those two?
(The 20/1.8S has been great for me, talking of on-topic, though I think one corner might be a little behind the others. Overall clearly better than any F-mount wide angle I've used, note that I've not tried the Tamron 35/1.4 or Nikon 28/1.4E)
I've seen a number of different 70-200/2.8 S lenses and none has what the F-mount E series one has close up at the long end, though the S 70-200 is a bit better than the F-mount at the short end, not least because of closer focusing, and it's just generally more flare resistant in the bright than the E.
What's been your experience with those two?
(The 20/1.8S has been great for me, talking of on-topic, though I think one corner might be a little behind the others. Overall clearly better than any F-mount wide angle I've used, note that I've not tried the Tamron 35/1.4 or Nikon 28/1.4E)
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