I use the Nikon Zf with cheap plastic lenses.

We head to the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade to shoot the fish...people. In this video, we shoot the Nikon Zf with three plastic lenses. Are they any good? Let's find out!
#coneyisland #nikonzf
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Is this your first time here? Hi, I'm Omar Gonzalez, a professional portrait and event photographer in the NYC/NJ area. On this channel, we discuss cameras, lenses, and techniques to improve our photography.
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ogonzilla
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[@BROTECT_ME_BRO]

Been a fan of your content for a long time. But what I really wanted to say is adding the live focus box in your POV and then snap into the actual photo is really next level. Love it.

[@ogonzilla]

Good to know!

[@davemil716]

I have the 40mm on my Z50 and love it for use when working with models. I want lightweight, fast... and the 40 is perfect for me. Of course, it is a 60mm equiv. on the Z50. I do hate when people put down the "plastic" mounts. In over 50 years of doing photography I have never met anyone that "broke" their "plastic" mount lens! Don't worry Omar, I love your channel! Thanks as always for such great content.

[@ericlarson6180]

I have had the 40mm f2.0 since it was first released. I love that lens. So light and small, and it takes beautiful images. I also have the 28mm f2.8, another must have. Amazing that two cheap plastic lenses could produce such amazing results. I just picked up the 70-180 f2.8. This lens is very impressive. I shot my son’s wedding reception with it on a Z8 and was extremely pleased with the results.

[@connorfernandes9439]

I’ve shot multiple weddings + jobs with the 40 f2 and it’s probably the best bang / buck lens Nikon has ever made.

[@nlcportraits]

Same here

[@apostraffstudio]

In my opinion, probably the best lens Nikon has ever made is the NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 (SE). Other probably the best lenses Nikon has ever made are the NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) and NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S. Best regards!

[@OnlyCitrus]

@@apostraffstudio Would put the 24/35/50 1.8 S in the mix too. The S line is stellar.

[@apostraffstudio]

@@OnlyCitrus Of course, these lenses can produce wonderful results, but the price/quality ratio is in favor of the options mentioned above.

[@babyboy1971]

@@OnlyCitrus 85 1.8 S is also stellar.

[@StillWinding]

That looks like a fun event. Well captured! I'm having fun with my Zf and the Voigtlander lenses.

[@mmn910]

Looking into buying a Voigtlander lens to compliment my kit. Which do you have?

[@StillWinding]

@@mmn910i have the 35 apo and just bought the 65 macro. Just read that the 35 and 50 apos are being discontinued for Z so grab one or both while you can!

[@mackie169]

Thanks for the delightful video Omar. It’s nice to see Coney Island getting some love. I really enjoyed some of the photographs and the characters within. I had no idea the 40mm f/2 was such a great lens. I agree with you, the rendition is excellent. 👍

[@oc2phish07]

Wonderful. That is one heck of a parade. Great video Omar.

[@ramboj7924]

Omar, you probably know of Nikon NX Studio but would be great to share your audience with and maybe do a video review for us? Completely free Raw/Jpeg editor and some say it's even better than lightroom for Nikon cameras old and new

[@victorlim5077]

Great video, Omar. I read the 40mm F2 has very few lens elements like the lenses of yesteryears. Maybe that's the secret sauce.

[@ogonzilla]

Interesting!

[@71whitey]

Always a pleasure and an education watching your content, mate. All the best from Down Under!

[@RussellHorton]

So many great images from that day! Thank you for sharing Omar. I've been watching you for a while now.

[@sebastianu9567]

Thanks a lot for the video! I have the zf 8 months and I have only the 40mm f2 lens. Love it ❤

[@VirtousStoic]

Happy 2 see y happy bro. Miss u when ur in this energy in ur videos keep it up happy for u lovely event and captures

[@estefaniaalmarte6924]

This was a very fun video to watch! The photos looked great and sharp. I loved the upbeat music in this video too. Please to more videos like this one! I'm a new subscriber and really enjoying your content ☺️

[@juliette-mansour]

I love this Omar because I am an official photographer for a funky marching band that dresses in costumes like those, so appreciated your perspective. I usually shoot with my X-H2S for those events but…..I have the Zf and the 40mm and love it … have been wanting a wider, cheaper option for street during the day. Thanks and love all the shots!

[@ankurshinde223]

You are truly a brilliant photographer. Incredible stuff man.

[@ogonzilla]

STOP. (tell me more lol)

[@mikesbackyard6105]

I love the 40mm f/2. Every time it goes on the camera I'm always re-impressed with the images it captures. It punches way above it's weight class, for sure.

[@jakilahmoulien9070]

Ik it's kind of limiting but you'd make a good embassador. All your content preserves the Nikon flavours and I just love it.

[@ogonzilla]

I appreciate that!

[@ChrisMosner]

Loved this! Great event, great photos, and you did end up with a great theme. 😀

[@ogonzilla]

Thanks! Sometimes you don't know lol....Cheers.

[@MatthewMorse]

I kind of like the softness from the 24-50, personally. Especially when you throw a 'film simulation' on it in Lightroom or something and add a little grain, it sort of gives that really soft, filmic look. Great stuff as always, Omar!

[@tonyhayes9827]

When I bought the Z6ii I got the 50mm f 1.8 with it. Great lens. Then I bought the 40mm f2. The 50, technically, is better, but it sits on the shelf now and the 40 comes with me everywhere. Looked like great fun.

[@jokofsor]

XC 35mm F2 for Fuji is plastic as well! And I love using it!!

[@dennisg1045]

same as the XC 50-230mm fpr youth sports (soccer and football)

[@Weezot97]

This is what Maverick would call a 'target rich environment'... ! FUN... Just found out that Portland OR has its own Mermaid parade in July, I'll have to catch it next year... Thanks Omar!

[@rameshjn]

I just picked up the 26mm f/2.8. Planning to use 26mm and 40mm for the travel.

[@stephenbodi]

I was at the Z6iii test and try event at Unique Photo in NJ that that day. I was originally going to be going to the mermaid parade. A few of my friends were there. Kind of bummed out you didn't get any photos of them. Your mermaid parade photos are great!

[@alexrybin3798]

40mmF2 my fav lens all time. It's super light, and quality for price and weight is outstanding! Just love it.

[@jaysantiago-BX-NY]

Great content, as always! 🙄😂 I've learned a lot of great tips from your channel, thanks! 😬 I actually saw you at Yard House on Sunday. I wanted to say wasup, but I didn't want to disturb your meal. Keep up the awesome content brother! 🤜🏼🤛🏼❤️

[@ogonzilla]

Next time! Say hi

[@billsimmons1753]

Ah man, I was just up there in NYC on Saturday and didn't know about that parade. Looks like a fabulous time.

[@andersblomster]

Another great video Omar! I do agree that the 40 is a really special lens. It is glued to my Zƒ, and I'm definitely thinking of ditching the 70-200S for the 70-180.

[@ogonzilla]

I returned my 70-200. This fits in a tiny bag.

[@davidgaritta9195]

The 40mm F2 lens is such a good value lens. Although it's plastic and might deter consumers away due to the build, the size and the IQ are a bargain for the $$. The build anyway is pretty solid and doesn't feel all that "plastic-y". I was impressed of the IQ that came out of the lens and it's great for travel/start up prime.

[@sstarr1310]

What a fun video. Thank you Omar! ❤

[@erichramone7812]

That 40 f2 is a such a banger!

[@mmn910]

Couldn't agree more! I love my Zf + 40 f2 combo. I think the 28 f2.8 is worth a look as well.

[@Bloggerky]

The Zf + 40mm f/2 is my compact travel rig - it did a great job on a 10 day trip to Vietnam. Like an X100VI but with interchangeable lens versatility.

[@steveh8658]

Haha! Lots of great characters there! My fave was the sardines in a can! I think the Nikon 40 f2 is a real banger. I have the SE edition and it complements the camera so well. Looking to pair it with a 28mm and maybe the 135 or a longer zoom. Good video!

[@guyandrewphoto]

I agree the colors are on the cooler side. I've been trying to figure out how to get better jpgs out of camera and I think I'm pretty close to what I want. I use rich tone portrait with slight sharpening tweaks. Portrait impression balance with +2 brightness and around +1 magenta. Then I set the white balance pretty high. Around between 6k -9k depending on the scene. Hope that helps!

[@emyoswald]

I saw some guy in the Nikon Zf group on Facebook who replaced the plastic mount of the 40/2 with a metal mount! The plastic mount hasn't bothered me at all, but it's a pretty simple mod if that's important to you!

[@stephenspiteri_zunkus]

I’m so glad you tried out the 40/f2 Omar and came to my own conclusions on it. I use it to shoot kids and it has such a great look, sharp too as you said. I was a bit disappointed that you didn’t include the 28/f2.8 as well which is quite similar to it. It is my go to for travel. Similar optics to the 4k so I highly recommend that you try it out. Same-ish price too.

[@andysmith7437]

I just switched to the zf from fuji and i gotta say the 40mm f2 has made me happy. I dont even regret losing my legendary original 35mm 1.4 fujinon.

[@kbstabs5982]

Some really great photos, Omar.

[@bijanfotografy]

Great images and very enjoyable narrative as usual ... hope you do a kind of review of the 70-180 ... will help people like me who is eyeing the lens ...

[@ogonzilla]

Will do

[@wheezzy101]

I love Nikons fantastic plastic lenses. I shot a wedding with the 28mm and 40mm SE lenses. I love the rendering, vintage highlights but modern sharpness.

[@SVFresh2Salty]

I got the viltrox 20mm for my z5 and it’s brilliant

[@jamespkuzman]

My street and travel kit is the Zf, 26mm f/2.8, 40mm f/2, and 70-180mm f/2.8. The 1.4x TC goes in the bag as well. There isn’t much you can’t shoot with it, and it all fits nicely into a medium size shoulder bag. These lenses make it possible to enjoy the performance of full frame in a kit only marginally bigger and heavier than many APS-C setups.

[@Jgheiler]

Hi Omar, I really like the 35mm FOV. is there anything on the smaller size you recommend? I have the 35mm f1,8S but for walkaround with family, it's a bit big. Any thoughts?

[@RobertVanderStelt]

What a cool event! Some of the costumes and colors!

[@GarryM66]

Fabulous photos 👍loving the patina starting to show on your zf 😍

[@ogonzilla]

Thanks 👍

[@HaiTomVlog]

The 28mm has been glued to my Z5 since I picked it up about two years ago. I love that lens. I also have the 50 1.8s, so I’ve talked myself out of that 40 - but I think I gotta have it…

[@soulhitlee]

Thank you for sharing this useful review. The lens of Z 24-50mm makes most of outdoor shooting more lightweight with reasonable image qulaity.

[@JohnCessnaComedy]

I just switched from Fuji to a Z8 and am shocked how bad the AWB is! You’re 100% right that it’s too cold and feels clinical!

[@ogonzilla]

All AWB is like that, even Fuji. It’s finding the true white point.

[@karlbratby4349]

Awesome.. have I missed in previous video what the grip you use on the ZF is? Thanks 🎉

[@Emulives]

I like very much 40mm f2

[@RobNotANumber]

Totally loved the vibe of this one.... re-subscribing

[@mr.foxwiz1653]

Very cool. Looks like a fun time 😊

[@rezzoc91]

Omar I was just wondering about the plasticky kit lens yesterday! You're a mind reader 😂

[@andyqbui]

I've shot tons of weddings with the plastic 40. Great lens!

[@IntrovertAmateur]

Can’t agree more Omar! For me the Zf is a bit too heavy and bulky, but love the combo with the SE 40mm f2 and 28mm f2,8 and image quality is awesome specially for this price. They are the only lenses I own and use with my Zf right now (ok except the old Nikkor 105mm 2.8 macro, but that I use only to scan my films 😊).

Great photos, Omar! PS: The day the Zf drops its price significantly (and for what it delivers I don't think it is expensive at all, but my D700, D810 and Z8 cover my fullframe needs), I might substitute my Z fc with a Zf as my walkaround camera.

[@DrewPera]

I grabbed a refurb 40 f/2 for my wife and it's been on her camera more than any other lens ever since.

[@ebedelohim514]

Hi Omar! I’m thinking about getting the FZ and I want to know if you can use the aperture ring on manual lenses (or AF-D) that have CPU contacts. I don’t seems to be able to do that in my Z6ii!

[@Abc1987]

I kept on doing double takes on my pics w this lens. I actually think I like it better than my manual focus voigtlander lenses (!) and to have fast/silent autofocus and so inexpensive it’s a great option

[@ogonzilla]

Same. Reminds me of the old Canon 50mm 1.8 when I used it for the first time.

[@71co0k]

Omar, did you mention your aperture for most of these? I may have missed it. Great video!

[@mick1967]

I use the 40 f/2 and the 28 f2.8 often with my Z8 and I love them both. I am a little bit in a dilemma with the 70-180mm. My hope is that Tamron will release the G2 version for the z-Mount like they did it with the 28-75 f/2.8.

[@Willymaze]

When shooting with Auto White Balance did you choose the A1 or A2 setting? Because A2 keeps the warm colors. I prefer A1 that keeps the Overall atmosphere and I think does a great with my Nikons.

[@petergreen-gh2hm]

Like a Fuji on steroids , nice video Omar.

[@LOLA6ifyable]

I bought the SE version 40f2 , looks so stylish on the ZF. Just wished they'd upcale the build quality a bit for the SE, bought it mainly for it looks but it suprised me how good it is and so small

[@jazzgtrs1243]

SOLD! I’m buying plastic lenses on line as I write this! Thanks, Omar!

[@ogonzilla]

Links in the description lol

[@CarlosAlvaradoPhotography]

Thought about you today using my 40mm! LOL!! Another great video!

[@ogonzilla]

It’s the bomb as we say in NJ

[@rdog77]

The look of those images!!!! 🥰🙌

[@meabster]

I'm using the Megadap ETZ 21 Pro Sony to Nikon Z Adapter, which is super thin, combined with the Sony Zeiss 35mm f2.8 lens, which is very compact and has the Zeiss magic! This adapter enables full functionality, as if using Z lenses. The adapter isn't cheap but you only need to buy it once and it opens up the possibility to use a huge range of Sony/Zeiss lenses.

[@ogonzilla]

My megadap broke in the middle of a shoot. 👎For me.

[@HR-wd6cw]

The 40mm Z lens (I have the non-retro looking version though because I was cheap), and the Viltrox 20mm 2.8 are the two "cheap" plastic lenses I love using, particularly on the Zf. Just waiting for Nikon to make a 35mm pancake although I doubt this will happen since we have the 28mm and 40mm pancakes, unfortunately (would really like a true 35mm but not the $850 one).

[@ogonzilla]

Brah. I'm as cheap as you. Non retro lol

[@macmac6479]

I recommend the 26mm 2.8 Z-it is very sharp and contrasty and very compact. It is superb and suited to the zf! An aperture Ring would be nice but it is too small for that.

[@vindelossantos2908]

That 40mm F2 has a unique look. 😊

[@pmolanes]

hi! love your content, you have a new suscriber. may i ask where do i download the "camera rich tone portrait" profile?

[@weiyang6417]

Love my cheap plastic lens like 24-200mm and Viltrox 20mm. The non SE 40mm is best bang for buck lens you can buy. Got mine for 150.

[@lionheart4424]

Great pics! Loved the one of the girl with red attaire at 5:35. Do you still use the Zf for weddings and profesional work or is it now your personal use camera?

[@ogonzilla]

Video coming soon 😎👍

[@marcusbraun8889]

26mm, 28mm, 40mm, 50mm MC - all great lenses, light and fairly compact. Love'm. I hope Nikon will add something wider and longer to this series, like a 18mm and a 90mm perhaps, or thereabout.

[@victorlim5077]

Yes. I think an pancake 18mm F2.8 will definitely be welcomed. 18-26-40 sounds like a great 3 lens travel combo.

[@bananaman-zd4lq]

if you use NX Studio you can still get nikon colors to show off what nikon jpegs are capable of

[@romanpul]

Also since the latest NXStudio update you can now apply Nikons upgraded picture control profiles to the ZF (and probably most other Z cameras) RAW files. I just had a quick go at it and it’s absolutely awesome. I hope they‘ll add in-camera support for it in the Zf soon. This feature seems like it was made for the Zf

[@bananaman-zd4lq]

@@romanpul Thanks for letting me know, I had no idea it was already available. I just tried it out and it's awesome, hopefully it'll come to older cameras like the Z6II also

[@berniestang2616]

Zf is a beauty !!!

[@ogonzilla]

It is. ❤

[@marqman05]

Nice photos and edits! reminds me I have work to do. Love it.

[@ogonzilla]

Thanks! Easy edits with the Nikon.

[@marqman05]

@@ogonzilla I rented and loved that zf.

[@dangilmore9724]

I'll occasionally use the Canon EF f/1.8 50mm "Plastic Fantastic" on my Canon 5DSr, 5D MK III and 5D MK IV and the results are as good as, if not better, the L series f/1.4 even when shooting on a 50mp full frame sensor. The best part is that you can pick up the "Plastic Fantastic" for $20 to $30 US. Also, don't count out vintage film SLR lenses if you can get mount conversion rings and don't mind manual focus. The vintage lenses for film tend to brighten up you colors for that old Kodachrome look.

[@nh-ss5pw]

Wow, spot the pro event shooter. Bam. Bam. Bambam bam 📸

[@sramabadran]

I bought the 28mm f/2.8 as my emergency wide angle. It arrives today. Hope its good!

[@bronzepodcast]

This camera is still the best bang for buck in the Nikon line. Really on the fence to pay €700 more for the Z6III without any stills benefit (or not that much for event photography). GLAD I'm not the only one with the 24-70 2.8 on the ZF. Great Combo

[@DanFarrar]

Thanks Omar! Good fun.

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

Rumor says that 70-180/2.8 is made by Tamron. I use Tamron 24-70/2.8 G2, 70-200/2.8 G2, and 150-600 G2 on D850 and with FTZ II on Zf, and they have been great. I use 24-70/2.8 more than Z mount 24-120/4 S. I recently got an electronic adapter from F to GFX mount, and surprisingly all of them work on my GFX 50S now. At some focal ranges, there are black corners that cannot be recovered in post which is understandable, but the usable area is still bigger than full frame sensor size.

[@TMM6900]

I love 24-50 kit. The quality on the z mount lenses. Even on the kit is amazing

[@johnyoung1606]

Fun, Fun, Fun !!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the "INEXPENSIVE" Lens Shoot !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jonathantee1880]

glad to see I am not the only ex fuji user that fights everytime with lens caps and mounting on the ZF

[@lelandfitz1762]

I would ad the 28-400 (which is only 14cm) and the 24-200 (only 12cm). Especially the 24-200 is IMO a great Kit-Lens, covering a lot.

[@tonytfuntek3262]

That was fun...thanks

[@rayrayg9]

Which Picture Control profile (and tweaks) do you use for the SOOC jpegs?

[@rayrayg9]

I prefer 28 + 40 combo rather than the 24-50 + 40. I personally think the 28 and 40 are must haves, especially if the 1.8s are not attainable.

[@BigWhiskey91]

Man I would love to see your thoughts on some of the Sigma contemporary F2 primes on the ZF (via adapter). The 35mm f2, 50mm f2 and 90mm f2.8 :D

[@ogonzilla]

those are crop lenses, I believe.

[@TCMx3]

40/2 is good because making a good double gauss/planar lens in 2024 is trivial even for almost no money. I dont really dig the tele zoom shots but that's probably more to do with my preferences re compression. I have a few S lenses for the Z system but most of the time I stuff the 28 and 40 with the zf into a tiny, tiny A&A bag and just dont bother with anything heavier. Or I take a Leica, but that's not always what Im in the mood for or what the situation calls for.

[@_cyclofob8990]

How do you manage the the choice of the AF-Field?? The Zf cannot know, which of the hundred persons you want to be in focus.

[@stefanusadrian8398]

as we know that 70-180mm nikon is rebranding from tamron. does it have some color science or skintone with native nikon lenses like 40mm? on sony system, tamron and native sony lenses have different tones

[@almostinfamous42]

Would you think about putting the nikon 40 against the viltrox 40 ?

[@erichramone7812]

Hey Omar! Did you hear about the new Mint (Rollie 35 AF) 35 mm film camera 📸?? This camera is the one I want! Blows the Pentax 17 out of the water I think

[@andkwiat]

While technically identical, the SE retro style edition feels even better!

[@timgimbert3073]

I find the 40mm a little soft wide open. I suppose you could call it character. Love the focal length though.

[@steveh8658]

Maybe it isn't soft, maybe it's 'sufficiently sharp' hehe

[@sanghyuk2seo117]

I want to know your Lightroom preset omg so looking good