A Perfect Lens? Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S 'Noct' review with samples

[@momchilyordanov8190]

That sharpness at 0.95 is insane.

[@asystole_]

Just incredible. What an achievement. Kudos to the designers!

[@aaronramos6056]

For real geeeeeez

[@Evgeniy87kz]

the price is insane too

[@ghas4151]

@@Evgeniy87kz not when you see how much Leica charge for their Noctilux.

[@stephensurgeon8091]

I laughed so hard at “Like a mosquito at a nudist beach.” !!!! I wasn’t ready. I spit coffee all over my carpet. Now I have to go watch a carpet cleaning KZbin review video.

[@TheAlexa12345]

Certainly caught me off guard 😂😂😂

[@ElGrecoDaGeek]

Epic

[@sethie_shots]

Same! I found your comment after I made mine. He’s normally so dry and info based, this was a nice unexpected treat 💥

[@71whitey]

When Nikon will lend you this lens, it is a clear sign of their respect for you as someone who truly knows and appreciates what they are doing. Thanks, Chris.

[@slr7075]

Or using him as free publicity.

[@71whitey]

@@slr7075 I’d rather look at the positives without the cynical edge. But hey, that’s just me🤷‍♂️

[@venom5809]

Nikon just wrote off hundreds of millions in debt, you really think they give a damn about this lens? 😂🤦‍♂️

[@la888alain7]

Im just glad he's reviewing nikon gears, It's about time.

[@dct124]

@@slr7075 meh hard to say they turned down the Angry Photographer 🤣 and he has way too much Nikon glass and gear.

[@rzlorlnd]

The image quality at f/0.95 is just mind-blowing!

[@patricksmith2553]

The only issue is lack of AF and the excellent 50mm f/1.2 S, which is just fantastic and has great AF on the Z9! I've always wanted a 58mm f/0.95, however I blew my budget on the 500mm f/4E VR FL. It is much more versatile and it's IQ is even higher than this Noct! it's MTF chart is near perfect, two straight lines across the top!

[@idkanymore3382]

@@patricksmith2553AF is for WEAK LOSERS

[@elise3455]

Holy crap; I did not expect it to perform that well at f/0.95 😱 Looks like you get what you pay for!

[@DaveMcKeegan]

"Like a mosquito on a nudest beach" ... Loving the analogies Chris, reminds me of Top Gear car reviews 🤣

[@DaveMcKeegan]

@@smh95826 We're in trouble if he starts ending his videos with "and on that bombshell" 🤣

[@hukmai]

Definitely "Noct" for everyone, however actually delivering 100% of the image quality is impressive nonetheless

[@cemoguz2786]

it is for everyone but the price is not.

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

They did it! A performance so spectacular that it doesn't really matter how expensive it is, this is 1 tier above the rest, affordable or expensive. This is a superlens.

[@TheMetalButcher]

I think it's a good value. It will basically never go down in value. When it's no longer a technically superior lens, the rarity will make it a collector's item. The low production will always keep the used market healthy. It's basically just an investment you can use. Better value than a Bond at least.

[@MichaelCortese1]

Finally, after all these years.... Someone who actually knows how to take a photo is reviewing this lens

[@MichaelClaesson]

I've watched several of your lens reviews over the years now. Never left a comment but just wanted to say that you're doing a brilliant job! Informative in all ways yet short and to the point. Soothing voice as well 😉Keep up the good work and thanks for an interesting video about this unique lens.

[@pamalkabodikotuwa5482]

By far the best review from the best lens reviewer i know. Kudos to Nikon...

[@1supertec]

Wow the box that the lens comes with is worth more than my entire lens collection 😂😜

[@jillianangell2570]

Saaame

[@Aturixios]

My lens collection costs just about the same as that box, oof...

[@evertonporter7887]

Just don't tell the flight attendant where you've put that case... 😂

[@creedolala6918]

I'd have been happy to see 500-800 bucks off this lens, and I'll bring my own carrying case. It's bulky for a 50 but anyone serious enough to own this would probably also own a bag made to carry multiple lenses and wouldn't want the hassle of a separate carrying case.

[@transcending_concrete]

My lens collection costs about 8K, but I only buy top tier lenses. Though this one is just insane, I could afford it but then again how often will I use it?

[@DirkDien]

Holy **** that sharpness at f0.95 🤯🤯🤯

[@gvader666]

"Step down to 1.4" - geez this even sounds epic ;)

[@zfreek98]

I knew this would be a performer. I did not expect to see what you showed, though. Good to know that it’s not entirely unjustifiably priced, though. I’m extremely interested in the 50mm f/1.2 reviews though. I’ve been trying to decide if I want to blow part of this year’s bonus on one or not. As always, thanks for sharing, Mr. Frost!

[@alvarochan1829]

Thank you for your reviews. Actually, I rarely buy a lens if it is not reviewed by Chris. This 58mm is a dream and dreaming is free. For those who can afford it, please enjoy for the rest of us :)

[@tomcruz3774]

I've been really impressed by Nikon lately; this amazing lens and blackmagic raw and prores raw for Z6 and Z7

[@arunashamal]

I am super thankful for youtube, and reviewers like you. There was no way before for me to experience a lens like this without actually going to a store, even then I wouldn't have time to do a review and be amazed. Thanks to youtube, and you, I can be super satisfied like a peeping tom at a nudist beach.

[@jellesdejong]

I don't think the focus display is redundant if it's truly the king of the night, as it would allow you to see where the focus is in the dark when you're slightly blinded from looking through the viewfinder

[@Tinnntin]

Before I buy a lens or need info, i always watch your video. In my view you are the best, nice to listen reviewer of lenses on youtube.

[@peterebel7899]

Thank you for reviewing my next APS-C lens!

[@InterMaus]

THE NOCT REVIEW IS HERE!!!

[@MAPLEMEDIA]

Excellent review as per usual, keep up the good work Christopher

[@kjltube]

Nice review, I look forward to you getting hold of the Z 50mm f1.2 S. Mine is a beast, and great for video too.

[@Poli-IX]

Incredible performance at f/0.95!!! A great review, as always. Congratulations!

[@NVIK5]

Excellent review again. I expected a glowing review, but that highly recommended came as a pleasant surprise, given the price. Compared to some Leica lenses it is a bargain though :-).

[@psoon04286]

When my wife goes ballistic at me for buying this monster I'll just say that that Chris Frost guy highly recommends it!

[@stefanweilhartner4415]

nikon is doing crazy things here. at the end it is just a nice spec on paper, because if you can't afford it, it practically does not exist. nevertheless, nikon is showcasing what they can do. what counts are the 50mm and 85mm f/1.2 AF. these are the lenses where enough people can afford it and nikon will make money with it.

[@antonoat]

I'm completely flabbergasted at the quality of this review Christopher, thank you.

[@wtfgadget]

8:20 "just in case any apsc shooters might be interesed" no no no no no no no nononono...

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

Rich guys like Mr Beast would probably do it, just because they shit money.

[@dct124]

Why not🤣 sensor size really doesn't matter. The moment you crop in on an image it's the same thing. An 87mm .95 Noct isn't so bad

[@wtfgadget]

@@dct124 after deep consideration I think I'll grab some, probably two. thanks mate for the suggestion, money doesnt matter after all

[@dct124]

@@wtfgadget it's about as a good as Dogecoin 🤣

[@ianjohnson1203]

@@dct124 It is debatable but sensor size can matter. If someone were to buy an $8k lens I would hope that they would have the money for both a full frame and a crop sensor camera. Credit cards can be slippery slope though😆

[@pauldigiacomo134]

I’m hoping the f/1.2 version is close to this performance. Please review it :) it’s actually financially attainable 😆

[@opalyankaBG]

@@TigaWould You're saying this as if designing a lens takes 2 months :)

[@sethie_shots]

“Like a mosquito at a nudest beach, I don’t know where to start” just brilliant 😂 cheers

[@rchrdsn]

wow! i'm not into nikon, but this is a work-of-art. thanks for this review, man! god bless!

[@dallatorretdu]

Hey Christopher, I love the mitakon, I've been shooting 0.95 since 3 years ago! While I can't afford the Nikon one, I've heard LAOWA is releasing a 45mm and if you could give it a go when available I would be utterly grateful

[@dallatorretdu]

@Micopero yeah that bokeh reminds a lot of paintings, especially if you manage to find a background complex enough (no branches tho)

[@topg2820]

That sharpness (even) at f/0.95 is phenomenal! The colours and creamy bokeh are sumptuous too! Bit disappointed that the 'Noct' performance was quite bad tho with all that purple fringing, bad coma and flaring, reduced sharpness in the night shots Anyways I'm glad this lens absolutely splendid was made, it is a fantastic showcase of Nikon's capability and prowess of their Z-Mount and Mirrorless system

[@Magnetron692]

Hi Chris, thank you for this review! Laowa launches some nice lenses soon with the same aperture 0.95. They‘ll be available with Nikon Z mount as well. All the best Ralf

[@diegorivera2711]

An amazing lens, for sure. As the cheap chap that I am, the only way I found to get near those f-stops numbers are vintage f1.2 lenses, luckily I got my hands on two great contraptions: the minolta 58mm f1.2 and the Canon 58mm f1.2 FL. Maybe when I'm retired I could get a copy this Nikon, 50 or 60 years after it's release. Cheers.

[@b0ddo]

I genuinely believe that if they take this optical block and make the lens bigger, more expensive, but have auto-focus, the lens will sell very well! Because when one pro has this and hypes about it, the market will demand tgis kind of look. Just see the trend of 50 1.2 nowadays.

[@hzubovi1]

Like a mosquito at a nudist beach. Well Chris, still loving your original one liners

[@NildoScoop]

As a Canon shooter i can only say this is an insane lens. 😍😍

[@bburchellphotos]

I'm surprised your table was strong enough to have that lens sit on it! haha

[@BrightExposure]

2:32 The contrast on the Noct at F/0.95 is unbelievable!

[@christianpetersen1782]

“Like a mosquito at a nudist beach . . . I’ve never seen anything quite like it”. A great review as always Chris. I’m surprised that Nikon who had been so quiet when Sony was romping away so well and for so long with mirrorless cameras and lenses, have all of a sudden blossomed in their design and production of fabulous cameras and lenses. Hare and the Tortoise?

[@GinoFoto]

Well, would be worth of experiment to put side by side small copy of the pictures without description on Instagram or somewhere, my thought is that Mitakon actually may win the subjective bokeh comparison, as its light balls are so pleasant and natural-looking

[@future62]

I am glad this lives up to the hype. I would never but they did great

[@papel_pe]

The "mosquito at a nudist beach" bit came put of nowhere jajajaja just TOO funny

[@Gamazigenz]

finally, criss..i have been waiting for .. thanks for review,

[@abdozagloul]

Man, I love your videos

[@theob3515]

This lens certainly is a masterpiece in lens design. Excellent vid as always!

[@CriticalTechReviews]

I do hope they release an even more expensive autofocus version with identical optics. I can't honestly aspire towards this knowing I wouldn't be able to actually make use of it. My shots are candid.

[@NathanBuildsRobots]

This is some spy plane level of optical performance. Simply incredible.

[@JoshuaFernandez11]

While the focusing distance ring display connection screen may seem redundant, its actually quite nifty for focusing in the dark. If I were a nighttime photographer i would find this incredibly useful, although I'm sure most would be looking at the back LCD screen instead.

[@iyzyz]

Stunning performance!

[@TR6Telos]

And to think, in 1970 my 127 Kodak brownie was all I had and enjoyed. This lens would sit idle as I am in bed by 8pm. Great review as usual Chris.

[@paulthomas8986]

People spend 8K on leica without fuss. Medium format is also quite expensive. However nothing can deliver what this lens does. Medium format images are not going to have this look. If I had disposable income like many do I would be all over this lens. It creates such unique and beautiful images. I imagine portrait prints from this lens would look simply glorious.

[@RFGfotografie]

A f 0.95 lens with no sharpness problems, WAUW. IT DOES EXIST.

[@AgnostosGnostos]

Recently Laowa has announced two f/0.95 full frame manual focus lenses for nearly all mounts. The Laowa Argus 35mm and 45mm F0.95 (full-frame) at reasonable prices. Lenses are a compromise of size, weight, autofocus performance and above all price. When a lens manufacturer isn't bothered with these compromises, excellent lenses can be introduced. That's the case with the full frame manual focus Zeiss Otus f/1.4 series of 28mm, 55mm, 85,mm 100mm lenses, the full frame manual focus Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH and the full frame manual focus Nikkor Z mount 58mm f/0.95 S. For the rest of us who can't afford such expensive lenses the full frame manual focus Mitakon f/0.95 isn't a bad lenses.

[@amermeleitor]

I didn't believe it would be possible such perfect sharpness at 0.95

[@MarkLewis-l3f]

You can get a TTArtisan Z mount 50mm F/0.95 with exceptional build quality that will produce quite comparable bokeh for the same price as the case for this lens costs. While it won't stand up to the $8K Nikkor on some things, it gets close enough to be in the conversation as a portrait low light specialty lens worthy of consideration with both the Nikkor & the $13K Leica Nocitlux M 50mm F/0.95. The images look damn good both wide open & stopped down with a few expected issues that can be fixed in post or by being aware of what you're shooting.

[@Brani1974]

Nice review thank you. I was really hoping for some night skies photos though 😳

[@teacherofteachers1239]

It was nice to find out about a lens at this price. This might be one of those pieces of kit that is usually rented, rather than owned, even by most professionals who have a purpose for it, which might be too occasional to justify the expense of purchase. It seems to be renting for $400/week. With purpose and planning, that starts to seem less luxurious (i.e., if one is making some money from photography).

[@zvxcvxcz]

I don't know. I'm failing to think of many specialist jobs where this would be the go to lens. I suspect it will mostly be held by wealthy hobbyists.

[@VictorvanDijkNL]

The Mitakon photo's appear 1/3rd to 2/3rd stops brighter than the Noct shots. If you correct for this, the shutterspeeds are much closer together. The f-stop is just specifying the size of the hole in the centre of the lens. The glass and coatings also have an influence on the light transmission of the lens. I would be interested in the T stop rating for both lenses.

[@livejames9374]

Yeah the mitakon shots looked slightly brighter although they also looked like they didn’t have contrast which makes it look even brighter

[@VictorvanDijkNL]

@@livejames9374 I don't see the contrast difference. The white balance appears to be different between the two lenses. That could also be a coatings/glass difference. Taking the shots with the same settings would be a better way of showing the real light transmission.

[@TechnoBabble]

It's a difference in contrast and colour rendering that's causing the Mitakon shot to look brighter. I took a frame from the first comparison photo into Photoshop and checked the values and the Mitakon shot is darker across the entire frame.

[@patrick.771]

Thank you for reviewing Nikon lenses! Will you also get the 14-30 F4 in your hands? :)

[@olesbadio1496]

Thanks for the great review. I will not be surprised if this lens can cope with a larger sensor size, as in Fuji, for example.

[@RobertSE6]

Thanks again - best lens reviews I've found on KZbin

[@wparo]

12:10 "Thou shalt not purchaseth a Noct lens"

[@peterpanimg]

Wow. That display will have some use when shooting in low light conditions

[@muratbasc8302]

What an amazing lens

[@johnft8746]

Hi Chris, great review as ever! How do you compare this lens against the OTUS 55... similar concept as high end manual focus lens but manual focus.... especially regarding chromatic abberation and lens flare....

[@ucNguyenViethp]

incredible lens

[@codygibson2809]

I want this lens on RF mount so bad.

[@kornasteniker3939]

Very nice Lens and good review as usual! What about stopless aperture movement? Is it possible or does the aperture make a stop each 1/3rd of a stop? Would be pretty cool for a hight quality video lens :)

[@eldindokara7868]

You can assign lens control ring to change aperture, so yes, you could use it

[@simon3461]

Nice little lens ! Everybody should have a cheap 50mm prime lens.

[@RealRaynedance]

$8000 does sound ridiculous, and yet Leica's 50mm Noctilux is $4500 more than that. You could get this lens _and_ a Z7II to put it on and still have $1500 left over.

[@carjac820]

or buy a special edition leica body and pair it with a cheap TTartisan 50mm f/0.95 and the Nikon Noct is still cheaper with all the current Z bodies included.

[@ramonarias1234]

absolutely incredible performance

[@e.wintertashlin2903]

Great review of a lens we’ve all been waiting to see, even if 99.9% of us wouldn’t buy one. I totally get why you wouldn’t buy one. Though I’m not Christian, I understand that perspective, not to mention avoiding motherly fury. Do you think there is a target market for whom this lens IS a sensible choice?

[@christopherfrost]

Professional portrait photographers, wedding photographers who are very experienced and skilled in manually focussing, and for specialist low light photography

[@vaibhavpisal]

If you want something special and price is not an issue. More of a collectors item. Takes awesome photos too so its a plus as well. I dont think professionals would flock to it. More like Leica owners and Ziess Otus fans. They do exist.

[@InterMaus]

@@christopherfrost How about astro photography? I've seen some youtube videos that used this lens for that, looked impressive.

[@pizzablender]

It may also be a "halo" lens. To show off the qualities of the system. TBH "halo" is the wrong term for lenses, but it's used for cars.

[@elise3455]

@@InterMaus Maybe, but it exhibited a bit of coma smearing at 0.95, which is normally not good for astrophotography.

[@felixnurscher6017]

using the display for focus marks is not pointless - since it's f0.95 i expect you'd be shooting this lens at night when it's dark, where you can't read the printed numbers

[@ErhanGaming]

I was going to comment about the "Like a mosquito at a nudist beach, I don't even know where to start" but noticed there are other people commenting the same thing.... LOL

[@NikCan66]

Superb review

[@ricki-bobby]

If you ain't first you're last... Nikon needs to start living that and this is a good start

[@sfinnera1]

“Sucks in light faster than a black hole” love it

[@pyotrpig]

You're simply the best! -tam-tam-tam-tam- Better than aaaaaall the rest

Dear Nikon if you read this... please, i beg you, make a completely manual "cine" version of this, and if it is under 10k€ it will be a game changer and sold and rented like crazy ... all relevant Mirrorless mounts or PL mount that is easy to adapt and you will have a lens that kicks butt... like this, it is impressive but changing systems is not an option for me but i would rent or even buy it if there is a way to adapt it

two years later i am still shocked that nikon absolutely wastes this amazing glass, without af photographers will often not buy that thing so the market for it is already tiny, so why not making a fully manual one with focus gears. Nikon bought red, with glass like that it would be amazing for filmmakers

[@julianhieu5252]

Das mitakon lässt weniger licht rein, weil es eine Brennweite von 50mm hat. Die Blenden Zahl sagt nur, das Verhältnis zwischen Blendenöffnung und Brennweite. Das bedeutet: Nikon: 58mm × 1/0,95 = 61 mm Blendenöffnung. Mitakon: 50mm × 1/0,98 = 52,6 mm Blendenöffnung.

[@streetphotographychats6538]

Interesting review. Gorgeous bokeh @2:42. 😍And the sharpness @7:14. 🤯 Very low distortion @9:12.🤩 But 17 elements? Two kilograms?! I thought the whole point of mirrorless cameras was supposed to be that they were smaller and lighter? Like many expensive toys, not the most practical. I wonder what would happen if they used all ED and aspherical elements...🤔

[@joellinker9899]

Perhaps I could rent one. And the camera to put it on. But it sure looks like fun.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Unreal clarity, even wide open...

[@radimpalus]

Thanks for another great review! I just want to mention, that the comparison with the Mitakon doesn’t seem right to me, as the Mitakon images are visibly brighter than the Nikon ones. It would be more accurate to shoot such a comparison in manual mode with the shutter setting fixed and see the difference. From what I see, the difference in shutter speed corresponds to the difference in brightness.

[@pierrevilley6675]

They are on the same level of brightness on the comparison (maybe 1/10 or 1/20 stops brighter for the mitakon), nowhere near the 2/3 stops shutter speed difference

[@tor2919]

It’s quite good value compared to a Leica Summilux haha

[@STAR0SS]

Highly recommended ? Alright then, can't argue with that.

[@daniel635biturbo]

@1:34 Highly desirable, I see what you did there :) This is the first lens, I really understand the stupid large size, combined with that F stop. Because this one really delivers in image quality, many 50mm lenses are not so nifty anymore.

[@itzamna3080]

What an amazing piece of engineering. Too bad I shoot Canon... not that I can afford it anyways haha.

[@airb1976]

You obviously dont own a Canon. Their RF 50mm 1.2 is incredible too and with AF

[@itzamna3080]

@@airb1976 I obviously don't own a RF 50 1.2, tho I'm waiting for a refurbished to show up.

[@llewellynhall6265]

Hi there Chris, do you have anything to say about the sigma 80-400, I'm looking for a telephoto lens and I feel like my 70-200 isnt quite far enough. I'm working on a tight budget too , should I invest in a teloconverter, or are there any good lenses you could reccomend?

[@tkienly]

Where do you perform those lens flare test? Basement? Bomb shelter?

[@panmaew]

From this test there appears to be one aspect this lens can do worse than the original Noct-Nikkor 58mm f1.2 of decades ago and it is the resistance to comatic flare at the edges of the frame at the maximum aperture where the old lens does pretty good from my experience (though maybe because the pictures were all shot with film cameras, not on digital sensors).

[@Mionwang]

What a chungus of a lens! Hey If possible please review the Sony 24mm f1.4 GM.

[@edwinrg100]

When I look at the comments, I think a lot of us are looking for the perfect personal lens, one we could weld onto our mount & use only one. People are thinking about the noct, but also the Nikon & Canon 50mm 1.2's, the Sony GM 35mm 1.4, etc. Reminds me of the days of the old Argus C3, one camera, one lens.

[@SingaporeRealEstateHiFi]

This is an incredible lens although few can afford it. Really wish to see a comparison with the Canon 85 f1.2L.

[@moedergroe4239]

12:25 where in Wales is this Beach? It looks absolutely beautiful!

[@christopherfrost]

Aberporth