My Go-To 28mm for Nikon Zf Went to Space | Nikon Zf POV Street Photography

[@jfleysh]

I've watched a lot of photography videos and not many can really showcase the beauty of vintage glass like you do. Please keep doing what you do!

[@BokehTherapy]

I am still quite new to vintage glass but I have loved shooting with them - thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@theoinstitute3036]

10k! Congrats Jack! 👊 Well deserved.

[@BokehTherapy]

Thank you - 10K is just a number, glad to connect with the community!

[@Dr.TWellbeingJourney]

@@BokehTherapy true enough for you. But as a fan, it's great to see your channel grow.

[@BokehTherapy]

@Dr.TWellbeingJourney thanks so much - more to come soon. Hope you’re doing well!

[@stevenaturner]

Re-watching your Zf videos as I contemplate plunging into Nikon world. ❤❤❤

[@BokehTherapy]

Haha the sales around this time of year are always tempting. Hope you’re doing well!

[@stevenaturner]

@ combine those sales with Scotland’s “ low to no “ light in December and amateur xt4 shooters like me are left practicing our manual focusing skills and dreaming of a camera system with excellent low light manners. I’m doing exceptionally well too, thanks for asking:)

[@babyboy1971]

I have the Zf and I highly recommend it. It punches way above its price range while retaining so many beautiful nostalgic elements. It’s quirky but so are the best things in life. I’m shooting professionally with it. Mostly portraits and families.

[@BokehTherapy]

@stevenaturner I would love to go back to Scotland for night time street photography! Last went 10 years ago for my honeymoon had a wonderful time

[@stevenaturner]

We’re a welcoming bunch and, it’s the only place I know where you can shoot urban unicorns. 🦄 surely there’s a science themed conference that you NEED to attend in 2025

[@mikewolfe9458]

Awesome video! I’m looking forward to the Df video, as I’ve been casually eyeing those for awhile now. All the best!

[@BokehTherapy]

Hello, Df video is in the works! Hope you’re doing well as the year ends!

[@juliette-mansour]

Another fabulous video, Jack. Your keen eye for obtaining the highest quality glass is admirable. I learn from you. I have always been one to embrace imperfections mainly because I was traumatized by perfectionists!! However, you're showing me "discernment" versus perfectionism and I thank you for that. P.S. I have the 28mm AI lens but haven't worked with it much. I love my imperfect z-mount 28mm and it's my favorite focal length! 😉

[@BokehTherapy]

Ah I wish I was a 28mm shooter, I am really working at it though! Hope you’re doing well as the year winds up Juliette!

[@Fritzystuff]

wow - blown away - I am enjoying your videos so much. And I even take a breath and don't rush the video to get the info like I normally do... I just relax, breath and enjoy your creative process. I am also glad to see that its not just me that struggles with a 28mm.

[@BokehTherapy]

I tried to slow this video down a bit more than usual - the POVs helped with the pacing I think. I really wish I was a 28mm shooter but it keeps me honest with how few keepers I get lol. Hope you’re doing well towards the end of the year!

[@Fritzystuff]

@BokehTherapy thanks man. Yes I am doing well :) Hope you too! O and yes, the POV cams do the trick 😀 I agree about the keeper rate on the 28mm. But I guess that is how we learn creatively.... out of our comfort zone :D

[@BokehTherapy]

Haha yes it probably reflects what’s really going on creatively better than other focal lengths lol

[@atxrich]

I owned the 28 f1.8G back when I owned a D810/D700. Loved it. It was a wonderful combo with the 50 1.8G and 85 1.8G

[@BokehTherapy]

Yes! I have the 50 f1.8G as well, not the 85 f1.8G. All great value on the used market

[@andylaurel]

I’ve been shooting with the 28/1.8G for many years. I have a love/hate relationship with it. I love that it can produce nearly medium format-esq images with its wide angle of view and somewhat shallow depth of field. But I hate that it focus shifts when stopped down, and has some wild moustache field curvature. Congrats on another great video. Regards, Tokyo based Queenslander

[@BokehTherapy]

Hello fellow Queenslander! I really like the 28mm f1.8G, focus shift seems to be an issue with a lot of DSLR lenses I’ve tried. Hoping for a mirrorless Z version sometime soon. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@EricWier]

It is awesome to see you still exploring the world of vintage lenses. They really still shine so many years later. Also, I did not realize they actually built the Razor Crest; that is right up my alley, ha ha. It is also fun to see they used an old AI-S lens to film some of it. Also, congratulations on getting the Df! I look forward to hear your thoughts on it. It looks like a fun camera and an excuse to buy even more lenses, as it has the screw drive AF motor in it, so you can get those older Nikkor AF D lenses. It even allows you to flip up the AI aperture coupling lever so that you can mount the pre Ai lenses. The Nikon F5 can't even do that!

[@BokehTherapy]

Oh preAI lenses is a whole other rabbit hole, as are AF-D lenses! Couldn’t believe the used market for lenses in Japan but couldn’t carry any more stuff back lol. Totally had your work in mind when I was researching this video, think everyone at ILM had a blast making the miniatures!

[@EricWier]

@BokehTherapy I hope to make my first trip to Japan in a year or two and know it will be difficult to not come back with an extra bag of lenses :D

[@BokehTherapy]

I packed my carry on full of gear on the return trip that’s for sure

[@gshocker77]

Looks like you had a great time in Japan. As usual your video has both excellent information tied to a good story. I am curious to see what you think of the Df. I sold mine about a year ago but did get good use out of it. Even grabbed the grip that was only available in Japan. Keep up the good work.

[@BokehTherapy]

DF is expensive for a 10 year old camera, hope you sold it for a good price! I shot almost exclusively with it in Japan, I really dig it! Hope you’re doing well as the year winds up!

[@gshocker77]

@ Doing well here going into the holidays. Happy Holidays to you and your family. I was surprised how well that held its value honestly after seeing so many mixed opinions about it. I am starting my adventure of picking gear for my March Japan trip now.. you know how that goes.

[@BokehTherapy]

Oh you’re going back again in March? I don’t have another trip planned yet, hopefully end of next year again

[@stefanusadrian8398]

This is the way

[@BokehTherapy]

lol sure is, hard to beat the magic of those first 2 seasons

[@mrdarryljones1]

Traded in my 28 1.8 G and am happy with my 28 2.8 mounted on my Zf. I like the compact form factor for just walking around. I’m not going for vintage looks but since you are you may want to try the original 35-70 2.8. Bloom, aberrations, sharpness and macro all in one! It can make your everyday look like Hollywood. 👍🏾 Keep making this fun content!

[@BokehTherapy]

Oh thanks for the tip - haha I am always changing my mind on what look I’m going for. Really appreciate how clean the S line glass is but also like to mix it up. Hope you’re doing well!

[@johnduke6438]

Love the shot at 10.23 People talk a lot about filling the frame in street photography but I love the way the wide field of view can create a sense of isolation between the two lonely figures in the city at night.

[@BokehTherapy]

That’s one of my favourites too! So close yet very far apart, Kyoto can give that vibe off more than the other cities I’ve visited in Japan. 28mm probably showcases this scene better than a 35mm. Thanks for watching!

[@loihpatli]

Can't wait for you to try 28mm f1.4 ED

[@BokehTherapy]

Oh nice - you recommend it? Will try to track down a good copy

[@loihpatli]

@@BokehTherapy haven't tried it yet, but as far as i understood from reading and watching alot of reviews, this is a gem. If you're still in Japan it probably will be easier for you to find used one with great quality fir decent price. Hope you'll find it and waiting for your review!

[@BokehTherapy]

Thanks!

[@lamddd]

hi jack! Great vid as always! was favoring ambient noise over the usual soundtrack an intentional decision?

[@BokehTherapy]

Hello! It’s my first time using a lot of POV footage so wanted the edit to be a bit more minimal. Which do you prefer - music or ambient noise for POV?

[@themattiemisfit]

Looking forward to the DF video as I just picked one up myself haha

[@BokehTherapy]

Nice one! They’re still too expensive but I am loving mine so far

[@stephan2774]

Good video. Beside my old Nikon lenses I also kept my DSLR when I moved to the Z - system. Using an AIS 50mm pancake with an adapter feels somehow strange, to say at least. As for image quality between new sensor versus old sensor, I am still using a 12 megapixel sensor today. Its different, but not automatically bad. Same as using vintage lenses😊

[@BokehTherapy]

The 16 megapixel sensor in the DF is really beautiful - I have some very organic looking shots from it, more in the coming videos. Thanks for watching!

[@seha2306]

Vintage glass makes a lot of fun! If you want better night footage, try out the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. I was using the Action 4 before, but because it only has electronic stabilization, low light gets a lot of motion blur on bright spots. The Pocket 3 looks better but might be tricky to mount. Don’t worry, though-your shots with the Action still look great!

[@BokehTherapy]

Hello! I had the Osmo pocket 3 as well but it is hard to stay in the moment shooting street with it. Easier with the action 5 on a chest mount. Glad the footage turned out ok, hope it wasn’t too jittery or full of flicker!

[@I2ecreate]

What are you using to record your PoV walks? Love the content, instant watch when I see your videos pop up!

[@BokehTherapy]

I use a DJI action 5 - hope the footage turned out OK? Thanks so much for watching!

[@babyboy1971]

@@BokehTherapy I love my action 5! Looks great!

[@BokehTherapy]

@babyboy1971 I am happy with the image quality for an action camera. Hope the next one comes with IBIS and gets rid of the jitter once and for all!

[@babyboy1971]

@ I have the jitter solution: Jitter has to do with slow shutter speed. Action cameras (all of them) use aggressive EIS (electronic image stabilization) which fights with the shutter speed to create stability. This jitter and ghosting happens in bright light also (but it’s harder to see.) Cameras like the AcePro series and the Action 5 use Ai to offset this (super night and pure video). But you are better off dialing in manual settings. Here is what I am finding best: 4K 30 (30 lets in more light than 60), EIS at Rocksteady (not +), Shutter 1/100-1/8000 (this is very important, you can also use quadruple your frame rate to 30FPS at 1/120, 60 at 1/240, etc. (FORGET the 180 degree rule with this camera, and with all action cameras), Texture at -2 (-1 is ok too), Noise Reduction at -1 or -2. In super night mode, you can’t adjust ISO but you can adjust these settings and should if you want better footage. In normal, all these settings apply but make sure ISO is 100-25600 at night, 100-3200 in sunlight and 100-12800 at dusk. Shutter at four times frame rate (1/120) or 1/100-1/8000. If still get jitter, up the ISO and get your frame rate to 1/200 minimum. Should help! No more jitter!

[@BokehTherapy]

@babyboy1971 thanks! I manually set SS to 1/200 and shoot in 4k25 with ND filter if needed during the day. All looks OK but there is some flickering I can’t get rid off when I’m near LED lights. I like that better than the jitter though

[@babyboy1971]

Amazing video! Man, I’m torn. I recently acquired the Nikon Zf and so far I have the 40mm f2, the 50 1.8S and the 85mm 1.8S. Now I’m saving for a wider angle. The 35mm f1.8 and 1.4 both look lovely, but that 28mm SE is calling to my Zf. I should also mention I shoot with a X100V which has a lovely 35mm equivalent focal length. Should I go for the 28mm or 35? I shoot portraits and headshots and occasional family sessions many of my clients request environmental portraits. Is 28 too wide for that?

[@BokehTherapy]

Ah I am a sucker for 35mm, but there is room for both a 28 and 35 in your collection! For your style of shooting the 35mm would be a better fit? I really struggle with 28mm myself so always reach for the 35

[@mynameisnotcory]

Get the 35 1.8s TRUST ME

[@babyboy1971]

@ ok. I’m actually saving for an affordable and ergonomic backup body to my Zf and one more lens. Likely a Z5 and that 35 1.8S. I think that would do me fine for portraits and street both.

[@rhyno23rjr]

I just picked up the Zmount 28mm thought I needed a wider focal range on my tirip. I kind of stuck to the 40mm for the most part. If I needed wider I just used my Ricoh GR3, it was easier than carrying and switching lenes.

[@BokehTherapy]

The 40mm is fantastic - love the form factor and sharpness. I still don’t get along with 28mm that well and need to work really hard to compose with it. Thanks for watching!

[@eldad4853]

Same here! Out of curiosity - you own any other Z lenses?

[@rhyno23rjr]

@@eldad4853 No, just the two. I adapt a lot of older F mount glass. I don't own the SE versions either as there's no optical difference between the two.

[@casamino]

Jack, another good one! Question: Do you have a preference between Ai and Ai-S or do you choose Ai-S for the shutter priority capabilities in older Nikon cameras? So far I’ve been collecting just Ai for the longer focus throw and cheaper price!

[@BokehTherapy]

Hello! I have been prioritising AIS only because less time has elapsed and I’m less likely to get a damaged copy (in theory!). Lots of great AI options, including a 105mm I’m trying to track down - which AI lens is your favourite?

[@casamino]

I think so far my 85mm f2. I got a very clean and smooth copy that focuses wonderfully. I recently got a 135mm f2.8 which is great but the copy has a very stiff focus ring.

[@wiingus]

@@BokehTherapy 105 2.5 sonnar or gauss?

[@BokehTherapy]

@casamino oh nice! I almost bought an AIS 85mm f1.4 but it’s too big I think. Will have a look at the f2 version

[@BokehTherapy]

@wiingus still deciding! Lots of options in the 105mm space. The f1.8 looks good too

[@henrylin4744]

I saw the shoten adapter in the video. Just want to ask how to you think about it? thank you

[@BokehTherapy]

It’s really nice - built just like an AIS lens!

[@jeffmerheb3182]

I thought you decided to take the 26mm f2.8 instead of the 28 for this trip no?

[@BokehTherapy]

Haha yes I took both, and the 85mm even though I hadn’t planned to. You know how it is

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

Rumor says there will be an AF-D to Z adapter next year.

[@BokehTherapy]

I saw that rumor - hope it’s true!

[@philipsutton2316]

Jack, oh Jack - the quest for the 'right' 28mm for me has driven me bonkers and cost a blasted fortune, and I'm still not there. When I travelled to Japan last year, I took the 40 and 28 plastic Z lenses. The 28 images were OK, but with the 2.8, I couldn't kill off backgrounds like I wanted. My Z 24mm 1.8s is nicer, but too big, heavy and too wide. Ditto for the 35 (too big and not wide enough). For all my paid gigs and events in Australia, I use my gorgeous Z24-70 2.8s (best lens ever, in 35yrs as a photographer). I don't mind the size and weight because it's a paid gig, I'm setup for it, and I even put the grip on my Z6ii and Z7ii (plus a flash on each body). However, when I travel it must be small and light and 28mm. I even spent a fortune to import from Japan a mint AFS 28mm 1.4E lens, with the FTZ adapter. Absolutely brilliant lens - gorgeous bokeh, it kills the background perfectly, has that special sauce - but with the adapter it is a brick and useless for travel. I'm in New Zealand as I write this for 5 weeks holiday over Christmas new year. Out of desperation I rushed in and bought the Z26mm 2.8 pancake. I'm still not there yet - it's small, light and gorgeously sharp, great rendering and very good contrast wide open (worlds better than the plastic Z28). But it's still a 2.8, and I still can't kill the backgrounds. Jack - what shall I do?

[@BokehTherapy]

haha oh my, you have been on a quest alright! Where I've landed is waiting for Nikon to release a Z mount 28mm f1.8 or f1.4. They have such a history with great 28mm lenses, how can a fast 28 not be on the roadmap? Hopefully sometime in 2025.

[@shadowfox032]

The background music seemed oddly very quiet in this video. Was that intentional? It seemed different from your previous ones where the music helped you tell your story. Otherwise, the video was very good.

[@BokehTherapy]

Hello thanks for your feedback! I was editing in new location so have no idea how the sound mixing turned out in the end lol

[@shadowfox032]

@@BokehTherapy Ah ok, that makes sense. Been loving your content since the beginning. Your videos, hands down, are the best "review" of products while never feeling like you are reviewing anything at all. Just amazing story telling. Keep up the great work! Also, your videos was one of the biggest reasons I got back into photography and get myself a Nikon Zf. Photography is fun again after following in your footsteps of playing with vintage lenses on a modern camera.

[@BokehTherapy]

The Zf is a wonderful way back into photography - I think my shots have gotten better since using it more regularly? Probably because I like shooting on it so much. Great to hear from you, let me know if there are any topics you’d like me to cover on the channel!

[@PnevmoSlon-wu1fs]

Since I brought Nikon Zf I can't stop searching for a good setup of lenses, which will match the Zf both estheticly and by quality. Already bought rollei Planar HFT 50mm f1.8, auto chinon 55mm 1.7, yashica Ml 50mm f1.7, minolta MD 35-70mm f3.5, old zuiko 135mm f3.5 at the thrift store for 10€ each.. I think I have to stop 😅

[@BokehTherapy]

Haha oh no, there are a lot of vintage options. I had to stop looking in Japan, my carry on was too full!

[@Ba143Sa]

Love Nikon too but Sony 24 1.4 is the goat

[@BokehTherapy]

I do like that Gmaster but 24mm is not 28mm? Hope Sony has a 28mm GM coming out soon

[@flixbert]

I feel like a 28mm f2 is much more versatile as an f2.8. On paper it doesn’t look like much but portraits for example look a lot nicer wide open with the f2.

[@BokehTherapy]

Yes I agree! 28mm really needs a bit extra to give it a different look. Surely a 28mm f1.8 is coming from Nikon!

[@MaWiS-d8n]

Not bad! 🤘📷🤘

[@BokehTherapy]

Thank you!

[@scautphoto]

Great photo at 10:24

[@BokehTherapy]

Thanks! Really not a lot of keepers for me shooting 28mm, keeps me honest

[@scautphoto]

@@BokehTherapy Yes you definitely have to work for a good 28mm photo. I feel the same. But when you nail it it's very satisfying as you appreciate the effort involved.

[@timgimbert3073]

It is weird that with a zoom when I am doing events I am wide a lot of the time and shooting people the new Nikon 50mm 1.4 is amazing. However when I am shooting for me I can't get away from the 40mm. The missus might balk at the Leica Q3 43 though.

[@BokehTherapy]

The Q3 43 is nice! Pity about the single card slot though, can’t justify it as a work expense lol

[@timgimbert3073]

@BokehTherapy the single card slot is only a minor barrier compared to the Missus.

[@BokehTherapy]

Haha too right!

[@cinemaheist8]

I think the z 28 2.8 punches above its weight, but man does that is 28 f2 have some magic sauce

[@BokehTherapy]

I was really surprised - everyone raves about the AIS 28mm f2.8, but this f2 is something special. Thanks for watching!

[@marcinkosowski4807]

I guessed it! Maybe that was because I've also recommended this lens to you few weeks back ;)

[@BokehTherapy]

Definitely - you had insider knowledge ahead of time haha! Thanks for stopping by, hope you’re well!

[@marcinkosowski4807]

​@@BokehTherapy Timing on youtube may be tricky ;) What I meant was that I've recommended this lens commenting on you last video with some AF-D lenses, probably at that time you were already in Japan ;) Anyway, the 1.8G version of 28mm never got much attention, but I always liked it, it allowed nice separation at 1.8 with a fraction of the price of the mighty 1.4E. It's plasticky yes and as you've said a bit clinical but in the realm of AF-D lenses it was much superior than most of them (in terms of optics). Funny how people in the older days were seeking optical perfection and now, when we have S line lenses they suddenly look for more "character" :D Thanks for the video and all the best to you!

[@BokehTherapy]

Different looks for different moods! Haha yes rather than chasing new character lenses it’s more fun to dive into the archives

[@jean-claudemuller3199]

At night scenes the video lens gets much more flare and ghosts than the Nikkor's Also the AI-S lens having big coma aberrations on corner lights

[@BokehTherapy]

Yes - vintage glass is full of optical compromises, some people love it though. Thanks for watching!

[@ezekielkokspeaks]

I guess you took the 28mm f2 vintage. Im still at the 5.28 mark now. Its funny but im more comfy using my ricoh grd and its 28mm. Allows me to go closer to my subjects. Thats the beauty of 28mm n a pocket camera.

[@BokehTherapy]

28mm is still not my strong suit but it keeps me honest. Most shots shouldn’t be keepers and need to work harder to get the right composition. Hope you’re well!

[@cronufc]

What a cool video

[@BokehTherapy]

Great to hear from you as always - hope you’re doing well!

[@Ben_Stewart]

Maybe we'll see that Z 28mm f1.4 instead of the 24mm.

[@BokehTherapy]

Maybe! Would make a lot of sense given their history with 28mm

[@mrrolandlawrence]

i just wish it had an aperture ring and a metal body.

[@BokehTherapy]

Yup, why I love the AIS nikkors. Haven’t played much with the AF-D lenses, seem to be best of both worlds?

[@sanjayp2683]

First of all great videos my friend! But I wanted to ask why you don't expose for the highlights at night? I noticed (correct me if I'm wrong) but your overall night images are exposed across the scene. May I ask what ISO you used?

[@BokehTherapy]

Hello! At night I tend to expose to the right, under exposing creates more noise in the shadows. Japan is so well lit at night that the ISO tends to be between 1600-3200 at most. Thanks for watching!

[@roybixby6135]

Love those old lenses. I use Z for work and Ais for fun ..🦘

[@BokehTherapy]

@roybixby6135 AIS lenses are so much fun!

[@roybixby6135]

@@BokehTherapy As years passed and technology passed couple of dozen were relegated to the cupboard. Now I'm having a great time re-discovering them ..🦘

[@olo5881]

Music?

[@BokehTherapy]

It’s all from audiio? I used to use Artlist until they started offering AI voiceovers, a bit much for my taste

[@_Just_Some1]

Second.

[@BokehTherapy]

Thanks for watching!

[@_Just_Some1]

No no, thank you for creating these videos that we love. Thank you.

[@BokehTherapy]

My pleasure - hope the year’s winding down where you are right now. I have a couple more videos planned for the rest of the year, see how the production schedule lines up

[@MadefromJava]

First lol

[@BokehTherapy]

Hope you're well!

[@MadefromJava]

@ I’m doing well Jack, how about you? I thought I could tell which lens you were using at 4:16 . And then came the wild card at the end.

[@BokehTherapy]

Just got back from Japan and way behind on editing… haha usual end of the year stuff. Trying out POV with the DJI action 5 in this video, hope it turned out OK!

[@MadefromJava]

@ I understand being behind on editing, I haven’t completed my Singapore trip videos lol The action 5 footage turned out well imo. What stabilization setting did you use? I tend to end up with jittery footage in low light

[@BokehTherapy]

I used 1/200 SS at night, hence the flickering lights in some shots. Think I’m prefer that over the jitter?