Tag Archives: Nikkor

Gear, Reviews

Nikon 180-600mm Tests: Wildlife Images

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Backyard wildlife images with the Nikon Z9

I got my hands on a Nikon Z9 to do more testing with the Nikon 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Z Nikkor lens. With the Z9, autofocus is very fast and accurate (much faster than my old Z6). More importantly, animal eye-detection makes focusing on wildlife a breeze. You can get my wildlife and bird photography settings for the Z9 and Z8 cameras here.

I chose to leave these images un-cropped so you could get an idea of the framing. All of these subjects were within 5-10m from me. I shot all of them at 600mm and wide-open at f/6.3. Click any image to enlarge it.

One thing I will say about this combo, the Z9 and the 180-600mm have a combined weight of over 7lbs (3,300g). If you’re not using a monopod, hand-holding this lens will get tiresome after awhile. With a the Nikon Z8, you’re still dealing with a 6.3lb kit. (I certainly noticed it, although I was also at 9000′ (2743m) elevation…

Check availability of the Nikon 180-600mm Z Nikkor lens here (doing so helps support this site)

Least chipmunk (Tamias minimus) having a snack. 1/2500s f/6.3 ISO 640 (auto) @600mm Nikon Z9
Chickadee waiting its turn for the feeder. 1/2500s f/6.3 ISO 4500 (Auto) @600mm Nikon Z9
Up close with the Least chipmunk (probably about 4m away). 1/2500s f/6.3 ISO 800 (Auto) @600mm Nikon Z9
Podcasts, The Image Doctors

The Image Doctors #106

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Nikon MC 50mm f/2.8 macro Z Nikkor Review

This week, we spent some time handling the new Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens, and we’ll give our impressions of the “other” macro lens for Nikon Z-mount.

Software updates

Both Capture One and Luminar AI got updates this week, and we’ll tell you what new features you’ll get when you upgrade.

Podcast (image-doctors): Play in new window | Download

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Gear, Reviews

Nikon 14-24 f/2.8 Shootout

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Comparing the Nikon 14-24/2.8S with the legendary 14-24/2.8G

When Nikon introduced the AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED zoom Nikkor in late 2007, it was quickly hailed as a “legendary” lens. In fact, some reviewers said that its performance at 24mm was better than many 24mm prime lenses. In fact, even Canon users hailed this lens and would frequently use it on their cameras via a mount adapter. I purchased this lens and found it to be stellar on my full-frame Nikon DSLR bodies.

Fast-forward to 2020, and Nikon has just released a new 14-24mm f/2.8 lens; this one is designed to work natively on Nikon’s mirrorless Z-mount bodies. Earlier, I reviewed this lens and found it to be simply outstanding. I also made comparison shots with both the 14-24mm f/2.8G and the 14-24mm f/2.8S lenses. You can check out my evaluation video to see how these two lenses compare in terms of sharpness, contrast, and flare resistance. Thanks again to B&H Photo for providing a test copy of the new 14-24mm f/2.8S. Check availability & Pricing

Gear, Reviews

First Impressions of the Nikon 8-15mm Fisheye Zoom Nikkor

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A fun fisheye zoom that will spark your creativity… just be careful not to photograph your feet!

The Nikon 8-15mm Fisheye zoom Nikkor is a fun way to get creative with your photos.

I received a production copy of the new Nikon 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5 E ED Fisheye Nikkor from B&H Photo to test and review.

I’m still playing around with this lens, but so far, it’s been fun! At 8mm, you get a circular fisheye with a whopping 180° angle of view when you mount this lens on a FX-format Nikon DSLR. Point this lens straight up and you will get subjects both in front of you and behind you in the frame! Yep, you’ll want to be careful of getting your feet or tripod legs in the shot with this lens. Continue reading First Impressions of the Nikon 8-15mm Fisheye Zoom Nikkor →

Gear, Reviews

Nikon 105mm f/1.4E vs. 105mm f/2.8 AFS G VR Macro

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As you may know, I’m testing the new Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED Nikkor portrait lens. One of the main questions I’ve been asked over on my Facebook page is, “how does it compare to the 105mm micro-Nikkor?”

It’s a fair question, as I’ve long listed the 105mm f/2.8 AFS G VR micro-Nikkor as an excellent portrait lens. For this purpose, at least to me, there are really only two discriminators: VR (stabilization) and aperture.  Continue reading Nikon 105mm f/1.4E vs. 105mm f/2.8 AFS G VR Macro →