I'm Switching to Nikon G lenses for the Rest of 2023

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Hello my friends! Just wanted to drop a new video, give you guys a walkthrough of the new studio and talk about why i'm switching up my lens set up to Nikon G lenses for the rest of 2023 weddings. Wanted to remind everyone that i'm going to start doing Q&A's on the channel so send in any questions you have for me to my email or hit the dm. Hope this helps! - Will

[@MrAgentElsewhere]

Been on the verge of getting a 24-70 and this vid pushed me over the hump. That studio space is sick! Congratulations! Definitely would love to see vids about business and an in-depth vid about Focus modes for specific situations on the Z6ii would be awesome.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Perfect! You got it sir 🤝

[@hukmai]

The old 24-70 f2.8 g mount is amazing used it since I had the d800e only recently have I went to z mount only and this is the only reason is video/continuous auto focus the motors werent designed for that the Z mirorrless video capabilities

[@jurgendekeyser288]

Good luck with the new studio...and very happy to hear that the monochrome memoirs is back🙏

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks my friend!

[@jimmyhinAK]

Good to see you guys again!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Good to see you too buddy !

[@dolipops]

That's huge, man! Literally! I can't wait to see what you guys pump out there with this space!!!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Truly! Bigger than my first apartment haha. So grateful and PSYCHED to run YT tutorials out of here

[@vanlee0831]

Nice to see you ! Miss you a lot !

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks man! Now that I have a videographer on the team will be so much easier to push content consistently. We have tons of BTS footage we’re releasing as well so you guys can get a sense of how we work with clients. if you have any questions for the Q&A vids don’t forget to drop me a DM/email and I’ll answer on the channel 🔥

[@ck.standard]

G sells are an incredible value right now. I got a 50mm f1.4G for $89.

[@blubravery]

True on the monotony. I didn't realize until I was forced to shoot manual focus because my lense was a d lens. I didn't realize how refreshing it was to shoot manual until then.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Exactly! Something about switching up the perspective every once in a while really gets the ideas flowing again. Thanks for watching 🫡

[@csc-photo]

LOVE the new studio space, congrats! 🙌🏻 Always interested in photo business-side tips (in particular, best startup tips, procuring clients, etc.) but also love technique / art / gear chat. Currently I'm re-building my portfolio and looking to second-shoot weddings. Setting up business side along the way 😎📷

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you! Great suggestions surrounding biz questions. Will address them for sure!

[@artsilva]

The skin tone or color cast issue is a good point to consider. Prices are what is keeping me from jumping into the Z system. I do have the Z5 for casual use but I only have a collection of F lenses to use, but I also have four different F bodies over the years of shooting that I still prefer for my "quality" or important work. With F system gear dropping in price, it is a no brainer to revamp my lens collection to the top tier glass I couldn't afford before.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Truth!

[@russellwright9961]

This is me right now 100%! A great time to get top tier F mount glass that I couldn’t afford!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

@@russellwright9961 🔥🔥🔥

[@marcodibari5713]

Wooow , what a studio!! Congratulations guys, you really deserve the best!!!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you so much Marco! Really appreciate the support

[@marcodibari5713]

....Just got a question for the Q&A : how do you approach the scene with on camera / off camera flash during an event? Do you take a few tests shots at the beginning and you change and test them facing the different change of the scene? Do you use TTL , if so, when? Just asking as I don't feel very confident with it and no matter how many tutorial and video tips I saw, I can't find one that actually get me into it with confidence and a good idea. Sorry for the many questions 😅

[@photographybydash]

Congratulations on the new space!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you sir!

[@Nilly-tube]

The prices of Nikon F mount have really been amazing; two great examples -- I've been looking for a few years now for deal on a D4/D4S and recently paid under $700 for a D4S with a 60k shutter count! Also, my 300 f4 IF ED (my birding lens) autofocus finally died, and I found a 300 f4 PF VR for about $700, as well. Also - great to see more videos from you! That space looks sick.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

That’s an unbelievable deal! People have no idea how good it is on EBay right now. So much excellent excellent gear for rock bottom $, I’ll buy it all day. And thanks! Studio def is amazing, can’t wait to get everything set up and start cranking out MM vids

[@dance2jam]

As I've said before, great to see you back. Quick question: I shoot the Z9 for sports/action/wildlife - amateur photographer. I do not own a single native Z mount lens yet. That said, the majority of my lenses will look fine (i.e. the 105mm f1.4 - purchased used) when filling the frame with modern high megapixel sensors. How do you think those other G mount lenses - i.e. 24-70 non-VR hold up on higher megapixel sensors. I realize that if you post only to social media, it's likely not an issue. Not sure if your workflow is still shooting with Z6ii (if memory serves from a year ago - or if you have added a Z8?

[@18yearsoldnot]

I’m planning to use f mount 58 on my sigma fp. I think they would balance perfectly with the Nikon warm lens vs cool clinical sigma colour

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Wait, where is the cigar lounge going to be?😉 That is going to be a great studio! It's always good to see you, my friend. 👍

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Haha shit who needs an editing room?!

[@jpdj2715]

Great to "see" you again.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching my friend!

[@brettryan3298]

Awesome work, I applaud your success and love your informative videos.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks Brett, really appreciate it 🤝

[@GetOffMyyLawn]

I got a refurbished Z7 to dip my foot in the Z-waters. I picked up a bargain mint 70-200 f/4 G and will be keeping all of my G primes. They all focus more accurately than on my D800. Even my 50mm 1.2 ais lens is easier to use on the Z7 than it was on the SLRs due to focus peaking. The G lenses may not be the best for video if you use an on camera mic but for me that is not a huge deal. Good luck with the new studio!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks buddy! Quick tip on the focus peaking (I also have a video on this): hold down the back button focus button (AF-ON) while turning the focus wheel on any lenses and focus peaking automatically activates

[@naten2462]

Thanks for the inspiration. I have a bunch of g lenses sitting around, I will mount them to my z6ii this weekend’s trip

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Sweet! Thanks for watching Nate

[@clementcabantous544]

Congratulations for this huuuuge studio !! Well deserved!! It would be amazing to explain how you color correct skintone on z system and lenses

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Great suggestion! Will absolutely make a video on this!

[@clementcabantous544]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs it would be incredible, im never 100% satisfied about my results ! Thank 🤌 You still have your street bob?

[@assists7]

Have been with 35/85 combo. Thinking to switch for 35/58 combo, maybe add 105 macro later. What do you think?

[@afterdarc]

I got my 24-70 2.8G during pandemic for $600 lol. It's my go to lens for studio work. I have every G lens from the 8-15mm fisheye to 70-200E FL. Only S lenses I have are the 20mm & 50mm 1.8.

[@alanrenwick1652]

Good to challenge yourself / switch things to avoid monotony, Idea for 2024, E lens challenge- Nikon 28mm 1.4E & 105mm 1.4E may be a great combo (especially as you have the 58mm to fit the gap in certain situations). And maybe Z 14-30 & Z Tamron 35-150 F2-2.8 for 2nd half of 2024. Looking forward to your videos.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

That 28mm 1.4 is such a great lens. shot with that for my wide at weddings for 2 years continuously! Just amazing with that little extra reach over the 24mm

[@philipsutton8921]

Glad you are still using the Z6ii. I shoot two of them for my weddings/gigs/events. I find them great and have no need to swap. Even though the AFC gets bagged out a lot online, but I can shoot a whole event with lots of people moving etc and barely get any missed AF. The cameras are light and small and I love the images they produce. It just seems that now the Z8/9 are out that most pro's have dropped them like hot-cakes and bailed out to shoot the newer models. I tried the Z8 but didn't like it at all. Body only here in Australia is $7,000 which is a heck of a lot of money. I found it much bigger and heavier than the 6ii's and for me I'd only be getting it to get them small increase in AF - for me it's not really worth it just for that. Also I just spent 2.5K on a new iMac and it is only just fast enough with Capture One 23, if I had the bigger files from the Z8, it would kill my workflow. I'm looking forward to you posting some wedding images and stories.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Glad to hear from you man! We are upgrading to Z8s throughout 2024 once we recoup the investment into the new studio and I’m definitely not looking forward to the upgrade in computers we will have to make in parallel. It’s a big cost for sure

[@theflyest203]

Awesome studio! Congrats! And I’m still on the 58mm 1.4g on my z6ii it gets the job done and beautifully for weddings haven’t had the need to upgrade to the 50mm 1.2s

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

It’s just a timeless lens, so much character and damn, those skin tones are tight 🔥

[@blejerus]

Congrats! 🥂

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

🤝🤝🤝

[@johndaubney7311]

The new specs looks fantastic ! And I hear ya on the g lenses. You got me interested in that 58mm F1.4 maybe a year ago after seeing your review. And dam !!!! Your right there really is something special about it. I actually prefer it to the 85mm f1.4 G. Still use it but not as much. The 58 is just more versatile, rendering is surreal and the bokeh is just glorious. Your were absolutely correct ! It’s my favorite g lens

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

glad you love it as much as I do! totally agree, theres something special about the 58. There is a sweet spot for subjects ~6ft in distance from the camera, just hits perfectly

[@johndaubney7311]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs I remembered you talking about and suggesting that distance and you right. Bokeh is creamy and at that distance the rendering is almost 3D Perfect subject separation. Skin tones are gorgeous and it’s not overly sharp. I also use Z 50mm F1.8S. It’s so sharp, no aberrations, and just super clean. They both have a place in my bag but for that something special when shooting people it’s the 58.

[@Zakkiss]

Congrats to the new space! ;) About the G lenses. I bought 58/1.4 few weeks ago and I`m totally in love with this lens. It has very special look to me. After one wedding and few family shoots I know, this is definitely keeper. ;) I want to give a try to 105/1.4 and 28/1.4 ;)

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Absolutely! I’m also going to add a 105 1.4 too, prices on those are down like crazy also can’t believe it

[@sports_car_enthusiast]

Is this a slight tint from the lenses or the tint issue with Adobe in Lightroom, which is corrected by using the v2 profiles?? Don’t see any green tint issues on my z6.

[@DJSIC82]

I just picked up a mint Nikon 85mm 1.4g for $550 I was stoked. what's a good aperture to shoot this lens at?

[@ericthestone]

Some G lenses are fantastic. I love the 58mm f/1.4 and the 105 f/1.4 E. I used the 24-70 f/4 f/2.8 non VR for about a year before switching to Z lenses, apart from field curvature, it is an amazing lens to work on the Z bodies via ftz.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Truth

[@edduffy9366]

Great to see a new video. Is the person filming you using a G lens on a Nikon FTZ adapter? You can hear the zooming/ focusing noise quite a bit when you were moving around. Congrats on the up and coming bigger studio!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks buddy! He’s a canon guy but this was kind of an unplanned video and we didn’t have the usual mics so we had to use a hot shoe mounted one. Sorry about that haha, future videos will have a lav mic

[@shutterlag192]

Have many of the same thoughts. Went back to Nikon and G lenses from the canon r6 and actually using d750 right now while transitioning back. IQ is less but colors, skin, and even AWB are so much better. The new lenses and sensors are so harsh for portraits especially. Photos start to look like modern cgi movies, not in a good way.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

At Nikon you can use DSLR and Mirrorless cameras side by side simultaneously if you want using the FTZ II adapter. That's freedom of choice.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Sure can 🥂

[@SilverLarry]

Glad to see you putting out another video. Missed you. G lenses are way faster to focus on the Z8 and Z9 than all earlier Z cameras, as fast as they were on the D6, and in some cases faster. The S lenses on the Z8 or not all that faster. It's the Z6II that's slowing you down in that regard. That said, I have some favorite G lenses I'm always using on my Z6II.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Great to hear from you Larry! Yes totally agreed, it’s the body that’s putting the breaks on the Gs for me. Will be upgrading to Z8 bodies after the season is over and recoup the investment in the studio!

[@robertleidner9703]

Omg the green tint!!! Drives me nuts.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻 same!

[@robertleidner9703]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirsI haven’t found it as much on my 1.8 but the 50 1.2 I get it a lot. I also don’t love the Bokeh sometimes is a bit busy.

[@RoseGlen]

Cant wait to get busy in the studio 🎥

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Gonna be a big year for us!

[@jd5787]

Nice studio! I am not a pro but what would you recommend for a standard zoom f2.8 on f-mount please? Go nikkor or 3rd party like sigma/tamron? Thanks!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

With the prices for G lenses on ebay now I would DEFINITELY go with the 24-70 2.8 (non VR). It really is an excellent lens that will stand the test of time. Im still using it to make money in 2023

[@jd5787]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs thanks! I guess the D5 should be able to handle the non-vr :) thanks for the quick reply. All the best for the year, may it be bountiful! 😊👍

[@Capcity44]

Demonstrate using the ice light (Godox LC500R). I would love to see how you create images with it.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Noted!

[@jonathansasin1276]

Hi great location yes I kept hold of most of my g lens but haven't got 58mm 1.4 but have 2 off the 1.4mm voiglander manual focusing which are heaven would love u to do a comparison cheers Jonathan ps can't wait to see your pictures when you start using the position at that amazing window with natural light 👌

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching my friend!

[@n1ngnuo]

I'm thinking to get some more G-lenses as well, some of them are really really good, and it's not all about clinical sharpness. It's the way they render.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

100% facts. Plus the sharpness of todays lenses is overkill for skin. It’s literally TOO sharp and brings out too many details in the skin which I spend a lot of time correcting.

[@micheldroguett]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs"Haven't you tried a mist filter?"

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

I haven’t but just looked it up and damn I have to buy one now. How do you find the final image to be? Are there any drawbacks?

[@micheldroguett]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs The only drawbacks of using the mist filter are that the sensor receives slightly less light and suffers in low-light conditions that I remember.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Will definitely be picking one up and resting. Thanks for the recco 🤝

[@vincentwong2793]

Agree, I bought the 58mm/ f1.4G & 105mm /f 1.4E lenses for my Nikon Z family 😊

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

💯🤝

[@joshuameadows4165]

Congrats on the studio upgrade! What program do you use for your RAW conversions? I've not had any issues with a green cast from my S-lenses (if anything I've found them slightly warm / magenta) when using Capture One. Don't get me wrong use the workflow and glass that works best for you, I'm just curious. Related one of my fav. lenses is the Sigma 105mm art, it's a bit slower when compared to my 85mm 1.8 / 105mm 2.8 Macro s lenses.

[@andersblomster]

Still miss my 24-70/2.8 that I used with my D3 for years. Might get one again even though I have the excellent 24-120 S.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Prices are just too hard to ignore these days!

[@thomasfox5476]

Congratulations🎊

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

🫡🫡🫡🫡🔥

[@JacobLuevano]

Yes, there's something about those G lenses.. In the process of selling all of my new tac sharp lenses. It's the weirdest thing they render color, different in the edit process as well.

[@gingrai00]

I have been tempted to sell my 58 1.4G many times but I can’t do it. It makes images that I absolutely love. I did sell my 35 1.4G and 85 1.4G and I do miss them.

[@camilo8cheryl]

I haven’t bought the 24-70 2.8 Z lens yet cause my old 24-70 non VR from my D700 days still rocks till this day, its just longer cause of the F mount adaptor..

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

100%! I used mine today at a shoot, such a pleasure to work with

[@carlosandreviana9448]

No coming back to G. Just got the 70-180 and it is so light. For events, Z lenses are a better choice. For sessions, any lens can be used. Even aps-c ones No problem with skin tones by the way

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Hell yeah man glad you’re loving them 🔥

[@CraigTravis]

Yeah it's all fun and games now! It hits home when you have to hoover the fu*king place! 😅 Seriously though, congratulations guys! I bought the 50 1.2 again recently and I've shot a few weddings on only that but I keep going back to my 28 1.4 + 85 1.4 combo.... I don't know.... I like both and whichever I pic I miss the other and if I take everything, I end up with option paralysis... Nikon should just release a 14-400 f1.2 Z lens and be done with it 😜

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Hahah Nikon releases that lens and I empty the bank account immediately. Pretty sure I could live off bagels for at least a year

[@maeu59]

Do the g lenses have to be calibrated on mirror less cameras?

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Nope!

[@dylanjames2213]

I have like the exact opposite preference; trying to go full Z glass because I prefer the skin tones, haha. Unrelated question - you still running continuous lights? I'm really wanting to go that route, but would love to hear your experience. Looking forward to more videos. 🤙

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Excellent topic for a video! We just ordered the Aperture 60x’s for weddings in the fall. Our videographer is going to be with us so wanted to keep the light consistent instead of speed lights mixed into the video work. Will 100% be posting reviews of them

[@dylanjames2213]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs awesome! Looking forward to your thoughts and review!

[@firehorseweddingphotograph3995]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirsditto. I have been running a pair of them all season as a hybrid shooter.

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Will, great congrats on new inner spaces! The visualness of this video is wow luscious. I’m becoming seduced by black & white monochrome video. Your craft is beauty! Question: can your gift for monochrome video be learned?

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Great question Glen! Will address this in a video for sure!

[@tommyxia9489]

personally I feel like Z lens are more geared towards landscape and video formats, and really excel on wider focal lengths. 14-24 2.8 S is considered one of the best lens every made, and my 20 1.8 S and 50 1.8 S beat every old F lens I've had. For longer telephoto lens the improvements seem less significant, my F 105 2.8 G and super telephoto lens would do equally well, although much heavier with the FTZ. And for the 50 1.2 S I definitely noticed a lot of green tint in some of the reviews. But yeah can't go back to F mount bodies for autofocus anymore 😂

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

100% agree!

[@JiiV3e]

Man, that 58mm lens is so fucking awesome. Sucks that it does not have weather sealing.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

It really is such a beast. But yeah it’s built kind of like a toy lol

[@greenmedic88]

Great space; can't wait to see it when finished. Maybe don't use G lenses for video. I don't know if it's my imagination, but I'm hearing G lens motors crunching away in this video. Or just boom the mics off camera.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Yes was wondering if people were going to pick up on that! My videographer is a canon guy but we forgot the lav mics so had to use a camera mounted mic for the vid. Will be micd up right next time!

[@northofbrandon]

New cameras are also BSI / Back Side Illuminated sensors. They get more light just due to that, at every aperture. I had a ton of F mount lenses and, for me, the biggest downside is some of their NOISE while focusing. My god, the Z/S lenses are silent. It's hard to go back. For skin tones..... i'm inclined to believe that is post pixel processing, but I guess it could be coatings. Did you try turning off auto-corrections that are applied to Z/S lenses? I've never seen any issues on skin tones from their modern glass personally. In fact, the new lenses I would argue have MUCH less work to get to where you want vs G, because they are so corrected. /DevilsAdvocate

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Truth. And yes the S lenses are basically silent which is amazing. But for me unless I’m doing video not a huge issue!

[@northofbrandon]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs The Z/S lenses are so much better for video due to the enhanced focusing and quiet, agreed. I mostly had F-Mount when I was photo centric, but since doing more hybrid work have moved to mostly Z/S. Miss those 1.4's tho !

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Once Nikon comes out with the full line of 1.2s is when I’ll mostly leave the G lenses behind for work purposes!

[@northofbrandon]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs I feel ya, but also the rendering is just... different. I want to try a 1.2 with the corrections OFF. BC I haven't been impressed with the 50 or 85's rendering... the bokeh is intense and beautiful but just... lacking some hard to pin down magic sauce (optical 'flaws' ??). I have everything crossed that the 35 is a smokeshow, I've been missing that focal since I sold my Sigma.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

@@northofbrandon yeah the technical achievements of the S line are really great but there is “something” missing when it comes to character. Idk maybe I’m just getting older and am used to a certain feel, def could be the issue lol

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

It was quite a shock to find out my old 70-200mm f/2.8 G lens is only worth $300 now. I see no reason to sell it for that since I still shoot my D750 at times. The FL 70-200mm is worth $700 and is pretty much just as sharp as the Z lens on a Z camera. But I bought the Z lens for better autofocus speed and image stabilization.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Yes can’t beat the AF speed of the Z lenses, it’s truly amazing. Can’t believe how far the FL lens price has dropped. That thing is a classic

[@beardedbokeh]

Love the videos and enjoy the space but the mech noise in the background was killing me while listening on headphones at work. Not sure what it is, but otherwise can agree more with the comments.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Yeah sorry about that! This was kind of a shotgun video while we were having a meeting and left the lav mics at home, had to use a hotshoe mounted one this time but audio will be 100% in the future

[@shadyninja1]

Where have you disappeared to mate. We haven't heard from you for a while.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

I think there is an inverse correlation to the amount of work a photographer does to how many videos they post on KZbin 😂. Seriously though have been very busy with work but now that we have a dedicated videographer on the team it will be MUCH easier to put out consistent content 🔥

[@Old-School-Liberal]

The 24-70 is not a good lens I owned and couldn’t wait to sell it. I hate this zoom lens and 24-70.