Tag Archives: reviews

The Image Doctors #189

Hands-on with the Nikon Z8 mirrorless camera

This week, Jason took delivery of a Nikon Z8 mirrorless camera. The Z8 has been described as a “mini Z9,” so we’ll present hands-on first impressions of this new Nikon camera, and who should consider getting one.

The Image Doctors #110

AI Noise Reduction Software Review

This week, we look at three AI-based noise reduction tools and look at how they stack up against each other. We tested:

We found that although all three of these programs did a good job removing noise, there were some significant differences in workflow between the products. Listen to hear which of these tools came out on top, and why!

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Nikon Z 24-200mm Lens Review

The all-purpose zoom lens that’s perfect for travel and walkabout photography

The Nikon 24-200mm f/4-6.3 lens (left) isn’t much bigger than the 24-70mm f/4, but packs an 8.3x zoom range that is perfect for general-purpose and travel photography.

Earlier this year, Nikon announced the 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR zoom Nikkor for full-frame (FX) Z-mount mirrorless cameras. Despite its variable aperture design, I was intrigued by the idea of having a native Z-mount lens for travel and general purpose photography. During my international photo tours, I typically used my 24-120mm f/4 VR zoom Nikkor as my primary lens.

When I moved to the Nikon Z mirrorless camera system last year, one of the challenges I faced was coming up with an appropriate travel kit. When I’m traveling, especially internationally, the size and weight of my kit are more important than superior optical quality. The Nikon 24-70mm f/4 S lens, which is the Nikon Z “kit” lens, is very good but has a limited zoom range, meaning I’d need to add a longer telephoto zoom to my bag.

I considered using my 24-120mm f/4 with the FTZ lens mount adapter, but I found that it was a little clumsy to use and frankly, quite heavy. That left me with the following travel kit:

This kit worked well on my photo tour of Scotland in the fall of 2019, but it was still a bit cumbersome compared to having a good all-purpose zoom lens. With the addition of the 24-200mm to the Nikon Z lineup, I could theoretically have a two-lens kit, with the 24-200mm being my go-to lens in most situations. This change would save me nearly a kilogram of weight from my bag!

Continue reading Nikon Z 24-200mm Lens Review

Nikon D850 Hands-On Review

The Amazing Nikon D850

My hands-on, non-techincal, totally subjective review

Nikon D850 Review
Sunset at Bandon Beach, Oregon captured with the Nikon D850

I’ve had the Nikon D850 for about a month now, and I’ve been able to use it on two of my landscape photo safaris so far. I figured then it’s time for a Nikon D850 review! I want to briefly present my impressions with this camera based on my experience in the field. I’ve previously shot with both a Nikon D800E and Nikon D810. This is my subjective review of how the Nikon D850 DSLR camera has impacted my photography. I’m sure others will post detailed technical reviews of noise, dynamic range, etc. I’ll leave that to the technical geeks and instead focus on my personal experiences with this new camera. Continue reading Nikon D850 Hands-On Review

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

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