Late Fall, Wine, and a superb combo - the NX300 & 16-50 f3.5-5.6 PZ

Hello to all...

I wanted to elaborate a bit further about my high degree of satisfaction with the 16-50 f3.5-5,6 PZ zoom lens - and in this case, it being attached to the NX300.  Now granted, my love for this lens in no way diminishes my "want" for the much more expensive 16-50 f2.8, but I'll save that for the future (i.e. getting either an NX1 or NX 400 within the next 6 months).  But let's face it, at a cost of only $350 USD, the PZ lens performs remarkable well, and is IMO, an exceptionally sharp zoom lens. It's really a shame to refer to this PZ zoom as merely another "kit lens," because it performs to a higher standard.   I currently have several of these types of pancake zooms (from Olympus, Panasonic, and of course, the Samsung), and I can easily say that the Samsung is the sharpest of 'em all.  And no, this doesn't diminish the relevance or performance levels of the Samsung 18-55 (I have the version III model).

So this posting will encompass two things: 1) Showing colorful samples taken by this combo, and; 2) To also highlight the remarkably fast growing wine industry in the state of North Carolina.

In my copy of this lens, I find it to be fairly sharp all across the veiw - from center to edge.  Notice that I stated, "my copy," because I realize there are (could) be unit to unit variations across all lens lines - it's just a fact of life.  But I must say that for those of you (us) who can't afford the much more expensive 16-50 f2-28 at the moment, this PZ zoom will put a smile on your face.  I really welcome the extra wide-angle reach and this really comes in handy for scenics, and indoor photos (i.e. architectural or large group portraits - especially in more confined spaces).  Additionally, the PZ zoom does not feel "cheap" at all.  I've experimented with a wide variety of ways to attach after-market lens hoods and it has really worked out superbly.

So a few weekends ago my family decided to make a quick weekend trip to the Yadkin Valley region near the Piedmont of North Carolina (the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains) to visit a half-dozen wineries and to eat in some outstanding bistros located in that area. I decided that photography-wise, this would be a "Samsung" weekend, so I brought the NX300/16-50 PZ combo and the awesome little EX2F (images of which I'll probably post in another posting later) along for the ride.

As a matter of quick background information, North Carolina - once a huge tobacco-growing state - has, over the past decade and a half, rapidly transitioned from that crop to a host of other crops (soy, corn, cotton, etc.).  And in many cases, these transitions have included the establishment of vast fields of grapes across the state.  It has been discovered that the soils once used to grow tobacco are uperbly rich and ideal for the growing of grapes.  As a result, the North Carolina wine industry has blossomed.  Currently, there are over 130 wineries throughout the state, with an average of 4-5 new ones coming on line every 6 months.  There are even investors from the Napa Valley, California investing in the North Carolina Wine industry. From the central part of North Carolina (i.e. the Raleigh area) west, one can find the European and French-American Hybrid varietals.  Some world class wines are now being produced in that region (i.e. Yadkin Valley).  East of Raleigh - mostly towards the eastern half of North Carolina, one can predominantly fine the Muscadine varietals (mostly sweet wines taken from the original grapes grown here for centuries).  So you have plenty of choices here.  The Yadkin Valley region (the most fertile area for the growing of grapes) has now been dubbed by many as the "Napa Valley of the east coast."  That region alone has a concentration of over 75 of the wineries and is an excellent destination point for wine lovers.

All of the images I captured with the NX300 and 16-50 PZ combo were shot in RAW, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode - usually from f5.6 - 6.3.  The ISO's ranged from 200 for outside scenes to 2000 for inside shots (all available light - no flash).  The RAW images were converted with Lightroom and then resaved as TIF Masters.  From there I added digital framing with a program called iDFramer.  For web purposes I then resaved the series as small JPG's (1200 x 828) at a 92% quality level and uploaded to Photobucket.  Unfortunately, when converting TIF's to JPG's, Irfanview (my preferred conversion program) strips out the Exif data.  I emailed the developer about this and he said it was an issue he's been dealing with for sometime.

The images are in the next posting (so give me a few minutes to put them up).  Please note that the originals are absolutely superb, and even the greatly resized JPG's are great looking, but much is lost when you link to these files on DPreview.  IMO, quite a bit of clarity is lost and this has been a complaint of mine ever since DPReview went to their new image linking layout.  It used to be (prior to their new web layout) that when linking to photos at other hosting sites (i.e. I use Photobucket), the images would come across as exceptionally clear on DPReview.  But that's no longer the case and I'm surprised at how much clarity seems to be lost when one links images from their own hosting services (like I said, in my case, Photobucket).

The first winery visited was Sanders Ridge Winery in Boonville, NC. This winery is literally way back in the boondocks and features a mountain-style lodge building that serves both as the wine tasting area and a 4-5 star bistro known as the "Hearth side." The meals there are superb, although I find their wines just so-so. The setting is immediately relaxing and we often go there for the atmosphere (and the food). Here are some images from Sanders Ridge Vineyards and 'Winery (and restaurant).

We arrived at this winery around 5 PM (still some daylight left). The winery as mentioned, as a very rustic setting next to a pond and Gazebo (great location for weddings).

Another direct view of the winery/restaurant building.

You could just sit here for hours on end, sampling wines and enjoying the fine cuisine...and just stare out the windows.  Taken at ISO 2000.

This is the long stretch of road that takes you down to the winery building. In the original image, this entire image is crystal clear.

One last look before the sun went down.

The next day we visited a fairly new winery called Jones - von Drehle vineyards, and they are located in Thurmond, NC. The moment we arrived, it felt like I was in Europe (remember, I was born in the Bavarian Alps in Germany and this brought back memories). The investors put a lot of funds into the establishment of this place and they feature a variety of European wines that are world class and quite complex (my wife and I found these wines to be some of the finest we've tasted). We fell in love with this winery because it ticked off all the check marks for the senses - views, atmosphere, wine selections, and taste! Here are some images from that location:

When we were driving down the main road, we saw this sight and immediately had to stop to grab some shots. The setting was superb and the owners couldn't have picked a better place. A must see place if you are going wine hunting in North Carolina.

Going down the gravel road heading towards the winery building, Merlot grapes are planted to the right.

Yes, getting closer now...

The Jones - von Drehle winery building has this very inviting verandah which wraps around half of the building. From there you have views into the valley. On the weekends, they have a gourmet food truck there (looks more like a sophisticated, higher end RV) and the food is to die for. Eat right here on the Verandah.

The tasting room shot at ISO 2000 - the golden retriever dog on the left is the "winery dog" who greats everyone as they walk in (and of course, begs for food - isn't that what dogs do?).

I had to laugh - here's a shot of the winery dog - a female golden retriever - whining to get outside because she noticed somebody sitting on Verandah with food. We all cracked up when we saw this.

The next winery we visited was in Pilot Mountain, NC. Pilot Mountain (often referred to as Mt. Pilot) on the Andy Griffith show back in the 60's and 70's sits just 15 minutes south of Mt. Airy (where Andy Griffith was born and is the model for Mayberry on the show). The Vineyards are called Jo Lo Vineyards and they sit at the base of Pilot Mountain (which you'll see in the rear of some of the photos). The place is absolutely divine, features some nice wines, and has a higher end 4-5 star bistro that seats up to 24 people. We just loved this place because it also ticked off all the right check marks with regards to scenery and other views, atmosphere, wines, and cuisine. Make it a point to visit if you're in this neck of the woods. Here are some images from that locale:

Arriving at the front gate area of Jo Lo Vineyards, you are immediately reminded that you'll be in for a visual treat!

Image sitting here with a glass of your favorite red wine - the views were superb.

The wine tasting area - ISO 2000. My wife Jane enjoying the tasting.

Kick back and relax by the fireplace when you enter the main part of the building.  ISO 2000.

Here's an interior view of the "End Posts" restaurant. Featuring high-end cuisine and a superb environment, this place seats up to 24 (reservations obviously required).  ISO 2000.

So all I can say is that the PZ 16-50 is staying on my NX300 - I'm very happy with it and I think you will be also. Take care....

Years ago, the general understanding was that for posting JPG's to the web, it was best to do so in the sRGB profile mode. But since then much has happened with browsers and how they display images (and color profiles). In the past, if you uploaded a JPG that had an Adobe 1998 RGB profile, the images would actually look a bit bland. However, if you uploaded one in sRGB mode, they looked just fine (just the reverse of what you'd see on your PC/MAC).

My question is, does this philosophy still apply to the latest browsers? I shoot all of my images in Adobe 1998 RGB mode and I've uploaded them to my Photobucket web hosting service (in the same profile). But somehow (perhaps it's just my eyes), the images don't have the "pop" that they did while looking at them while they were still on my PC.

Need your input and suggestions here...

I had wondered why the images I had initially posted (no longer visible in my reply above) looked horrible. Come to find out that things have been going downhill with Photobucket, which is the web hosting service I've been using for 7-8 years now. Sure, they are a very convenient photo hosting agency, but after uploading your images, they look diminished in clarity and overall look. And this began with their new webpage look (still in Beta). And of course, when linking DPReview to these photos, you get that new finished horrible look.

So I uploaded them to DPReview, and here are the images again - and yes, they are in Adobe RGB color profile and they look quite a bit better (but not as pristine as the originals). And again, I'm very impressed with the quality of the new Samsung 16-50 f3.5-5.6 PZ lens, as it punches far above its weight performance-wise. I can honestly say - without exaggeration - that this 16-50 PZ can compete with many a far more expensive lens.

The NX300 and 16-50 PZ samples:

Approaching the Jones von Drehle vineyards in Thurmond, NC (foothills of the Blueridge mountains). An enormously picturesque site, the complexity of the wines and atmosphere there are unrivaled. If in this area, you must make it a point to stop by. Shot in RAW mode, ISO 200, AWB, Aperture Priority mode, f6.3. All images were then converted using Lightroom 5.7 and converted to TIF Images within PS-6. TIF's were then converted for web posting using Irfanview (my preferred conversion software) at a 1200 x 808 image setting.

Same winery - now a closer view. Same shooting data as above.

Inside the Jones von Drehle wine tasing room we discovered that they had a "winery dog," and boy was she friendly (and begged for food). Here she noticed somebody going outside with a snack dish, and she was trying to motion to her owner to let her out. Shot at ISO 1600, AWB, RAW, Aperture Priority mode, f6.3.

This next winery is located Jo Lo Vineyards in Pilot Mountain, NC. A superb environment with much to see. They feature superb wines and have a 4-5 star Bistro inside of the building with well thought-out menu and an atmosphere that can't be beat. Taken at ISO 200, AWB, RAW, f6.3.

Imaging sitting here with some cheese and a glass of Cabernet - the fabled Pilot Mountain is in the distance. The town of Pilot Mountain (often referred to as Mount Pilot on the well known Andy Griffith show back in the 60's and 70's) is located just a 15 minute drive south of Mt. Airy, the town where the actor Andy Griffith was born, and it served as the model for the fictional Mayberry town on TV). Shot in the same settings - shot in RAW mode, ISO 200, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode, f6.3

Interior view (partial) of the Jo Lo Winery. Taken in RAW mode, ISO 2000 (available light), AWB, Aperture Priority Mode at f5.6

They have an absolutely wonderful bistro at Jo Lo Vineyards called the End Posts restaurant. It can seat up to 24 and features a small, yet very enjoyable menu (yes, a bit pricey but the cuisine is outstanding). Here's an inside ISO 2000 shot of the restaurant. Same data as in the previous photo.

The next winery/restaurant combination visited was the Sanders Ridge Winery located in Boonville, NC. Talk about being in the boondocks - this place is it. Here is the entrance. Shot in RAW mode, ISO 200, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode, f5.6.

This Sanders Ridge winery/restaurant is in a more rustic location, but the atmosphere is unbeatable. As I mentioned, the NC wine industry is breaking new ground with so many choices, you will have plenty to see. This winery features a post and beam style tasting and restaurant structure situated on a pond with Gazebo and nestled far back in the woods. Shot in RAW mode, ISO 400, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode, f5.6. They have a huge zip line here also, plus cabins, hiking travels and an organic farm - something for everyone.

Here's the main building (wine tasting area and 4-5 star restaurant called the "Hearthside Restaurant." Shot at the same shooting data as the previous image.

Inside of the restaurant area looking to the wine tasting area of Sanders Ridge Winery. Image shot at ISO 2000, RAW, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode, f5.6. Does this place convey a warming mountain style atmosphere, or what?

When visiting the famous Yadkin Valley region of NC (for wineries galore), you'd be remiss in not stopping by the historical town of Mt. Airy (referred to as the real Mayberry). This is where the famous actor, Andy Griffith was born and it was Mt. Airy that served as the model for the fictional town of Mayberry in the TV series. And of course, this town makes good use of that connection for business and tourism purposes. Here is a view of main street. Taken in RAW, ISO 200, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode, f6.3.

Don't forget to stop by Barney's Cafe while walking along Main Street. Same shooting data as in the previous image.

Many old time side view streets in this historical town. It's like they don't wish to come out of the 1950's or 1960's and I'm all good with that. Same shooting data as in previous image.

In the green building on the right (situated at the corner of Main and Oak streets), lies the Main-Oak Emporium, which is a 3-story shopping center inside featuring a dozen different stores. You could spend hours alone in this building and they feature a wonderful little restaurant in there called "Trio." Same shooting data as in previous photo.

Inside the Main-Oak Emporium is the Trio restaurant as I alluded to in the previous photo. Here's an inside view (taken at ISO 2000) of the restaurant just prior to opening for evening dinner. Image taken in RAW, ISO 2000, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode, f5.

The entrance area to Trio Restaurant inside of the emporium. ISO 2000 - same data as in previous photo.

The next day we found ourselves visiting a relative small new winery/vineyard complex - called Medaloni Cellars in Lewisburg, NC. They had a very contemporary setup, and although a very small environment, their wines were very complex and superb. We got there just as they opened, thus we were the only folks there (nice). Shot in RAW mode, AWB, ISO 200, Aperture Priority mode, f6.3.

Inside the wine tasting area of Medaloni Cellars Winery - very contemporary. Shot in RAW mode, ISO 800, AWB, Aperture Priority mode. f6.3.

Wine tasting area - again, very contemporary, but oh those wines!!!! Shot at ISO 1600, RAW, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode, f6.3.

Later on - early evening, we visited one of our favorites - the fabled Rag Apple Lassie Winery in Boonville, NC. This used to be a dairy farm and the winery was named after one of their prized heffers, "Rag Apple Lassie." When the owners decided to convert to growing grapes and began a winery, little did they realize at how popular this place would become. Nothing to look at, that's for sure, it nevertheless has a wonderful atmosphere. This is the winery building (has a huge basement where the tastings and wine-making are accomplished. Shot at ISO 400, RAW, AWB, Aperture Priority Mode, f7.1

Out in front is a metal cutout of a cow holding a bottle of their wine (empty of course) and a wine glass. Many a group photo has been taken with that cow. Same shooting data as in previous photo.

The stainless steel tanks holding the wine to be had in the future at the Rag Apple Lassie Vineyards. Taken in RAW, ISO 1600, AWB, Aperture Priority mode, f5.6.

And yes, they have plenty of wine for sale and they feature the most unique bottles in the industry.

When all was said and done, we headed back to the hotel (Fairfield Inn in Elkin, NC), and as always, this hotel decorates to the maximum - taken in the lobby.  RAW, AWB, ISO 400, Aperture Priority Mode, f5.6.

The restaurant breakfast area - again, a wonderful environment - that's why we keep coming to this Fairfield Inn in Elkin, NC.  Great breakfast menu also - all part of the room price.

This lens is terrific. I love mine. I didn't used much the 18-55 III because of its size. But this 16-50pz is awesome. Do you mind if I post here some pictures that I've taken with it?

tnsantos wrote:

This lens is terrific. I love mine. I didn't used much the 18-55 III because of its size. But this 16-50pz is awesome. Do you mind if I post here some pictures that I've taken with it?

Out of interest I wondered if any of you had updated to the latest firmware for the lens.

I got the 16-50 PZ lens with my new NX1 and have been very impressed with it, I noticed when I connected to the I-launcher software there was a new firmware for the 16-50 PZ which just said improvements for the NX1 and nothing else.

So please post yours (and others also).  This is the poor man's 16-50 (price-wise that is, but definitely not lacking in the IQ department).

...any differences.  So it can't hurt, I suppose, because you never know when the manufacturer throws in something extra with a firmware update.  I know in the past - with some cameras and/or lenses (various brands) - some manufacturers added certain fixes or improvements (that were never advertised) with a particular firmware update..

I should have added "Yet," because over the past 16 years (since 1998), I've been quite a camera whore.  The only other PZ style lenses I have are the Panny 14-42 (equivalent to a 28-84), and the Olympus 14-42 PZ.  I love the Panny for ergonomics and looks, but this Samsung version bests them all where it counts - clarity, sharpness...whatever you want to call it.  Would I have liked f2-2.8?  Hell yes, but right now not at the 3-4 times the price of what the PZ costs.

Some random pics taken with nx300 + 16-50pz. Only pp was highlights, shadows, blacks and whites.

I think that shooting kids at low light you must use a flash. When I'm shooting my kids playing, I do use f4 and up with flash.

It is very easy to get out of focus pictures of kids playing with f 1.8 due to shallow depth of field.

Others have suggested the 45mm due to fast focusing, but if you use fast appertures you will have the dof problem.

I'm very happy with my 16-50 pz. I'm thinking about buying a good external flash.

IMO, lenses are one thing, and the camera is the other.  The question about taking photos of fast moving kids indoors has been that is constantly being asked on all of the forums.  But it's both a synergistic thing between a camera (that can handle fast AF in lower light scenarios) and a good lens.  Of course, if you have a camera capable of very fast AF, then putting on a slower lens doesn't really become an issue, unless wanting "f2.8 boket scenarios" is what you're looking for.

Heck, I'd love to get the 16-50 S lens right now - but on the NX300 it would look ridiculous and not ergonomically sound, and I just can't afford it right now.  Which camera would you be using the lenses on?

As for the PZ lens, it fits/matches the NX300 beautifully and I've been nothing but impressed with the images the combo is capable of achieving.  I've done indoor scenes (nothing special as far as content is concerned) with this combo and I haven't had an issues so far - but then I'm in my 60's and I don't have any grand-kids running around either.  Heck, I would imagine getting the NX1 with 16-50S combo would be the thing you are looking for - but that would result in your lugging around a DSLR-sized outfit (heavy).

I own somezoom lenses right now (not necessarily in the Samsung brand) that have given me near prime lens results (i.e. Leica Vario zooms for my four thirds cameras).

The only two lens I have right now in the Samsung line are the 18-55 III kit lens and this 16-50 PZ lens.  As for lens recommendations, I'm afraid I'm more of a zoom person.  I rarely use primes with the exception of the Panny 20 MM f1.7 which I keep on the Olympus E-P3, where the combo is absolutely superb!

But I noticed that your requirement for a smaller-sized zoom lens implies that you are in fact leaning towards getting the PZ version of the 16-50.

I've only recently have come to Samsung (a year ago), and I'm a strong user of both Four Thirds, Micro Four Thirds, and the Fuji X line of cameras (even have a Canon EOS M).  But the more I use Samsung cameras (currently only have the NX300 and the EX2F), the more I'm drawn to the way they handle colors.  So eventually the NX1 will be in that collection (meaning I'll have to sell off some stuff - actually, lots of stuff).

I hope that somebody else - with more experience with various Samsung prime lenses can chime in and help you here.  Perhaps you should start a whole new thread on that subject as it will generate the most attention (and opinions).