My favorite lenses for the Nikon Z cameras.

In this episode, I briefly discuss which lenses I use for the Nikon Z50, Z7II and Z8. A bit different than a what's in my bag video. Smiles.
michael-cantwell.com
#nikon
#nikonz8
#photography
#infrared
#landscapephotography
#portraitphotography
#tamronlens
#voigtlander

[@fuzzytalz]

Thanks for taking the time to share your insights. Happy holidays!!!

[@MichaelCantwell]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching and happy holidays to you as well.

[@KungPowEnterFist]

The Z 20 f1.8S is not a "good" astro lens. It is the very best ultra wide to wide, prime or zoom, of any aperture, APS-C or FF, astro lens on the market, period, end stop. The only other lens that comes close is the Sony 20 f1.8G. Those two are far and away the best astro lenses currently available. I had the F 20 f1.8G lens, and it is a fantastic lens. But the S lens, wow, its just incredible.

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks for watching and commenting about the 20Mm lens. I heard it was excellent for astro but since I hadn't done it myself I'm glad you added your comment. Thanks.

[@petersuvara]

Sharpest on earth

[@bobmorse5896]

What a great video! I'm on the coast of Massachusetts in early September, 2024, while you're wishing us Happy Holidays at the end of 2023. Isn't KZbin wonderful. I'm a Nikon DSLR / Z6 shooter, with an occasional Lumix G9 tossed in for local color. At the risk of insulting you.....we're probably within a decade of each other. A lot of beach and grandchildren shots. Thanks for your input and non sales pitch presentation. I'm save this one.

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Bob. I've been around the block a few times, so you're probably correct. Good luck with your photography and don't let those grandkids wear you out too much.

[@dannesweden4166]

Nice video .❤️I have z 24-70/4 and z 24-200 z180-600 and the most recent 105/2.8 macro. My next one will probably be z 85/1.8 but a used one.

[@MichaelCantwell]

thanks for watching and commenting. Good luck with your photography. I had the 105 and sold it. I wasn't using it enough but it's a nice lens. I've thought about the 180-600. If I were to get another lens it would likely be that one but again, I'm not sure I would use it enough to warrant owning it. I already have too many lenses. LOL.

[@uscscjohnson]

I often play camera videos in the background while working just to hear what different people have to say about things. As you say, everyone has different use parameters so most comments by most people are too personal to be of general interest. You and I have far different use parameters but I was impressed by two things: (1) the Z system cries out for a zoom in the 24-120 / 24-200 range and the 24-120 is the FAR superior lens. Is the 24-200 "ok?" I guess it depends upon the Z you own. If you are shooting with the Z7ii, Z8 or Z9, the 24-200 will render those cameras impotent. The 24-120 with a constant f4 is an affirmatively good lens. (2) the Voightlander is designed to render images in a German, Leica-esk way. I was once a Leica shooter. I can look through 1000 photographs in my own "catalogue" and find the photos taken with Leica glass. I love that look. I remember each of the 7 spectacular lenses I sold when I left Leica with great sorrow. I cannot live without one lens that can give me that look and the Voightlanders do. (So do Zeiss Otus lenses.) But I don't think "pixel-peeking" is what sets Leica glass apart. They are not "as sharp" as some modern lenses. They "render" beautifully. I see no reason to pay Leica $ to put Leica glass on a Nikon. (By the way, the Nikkor Planar lens renders like German glass.)

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks for watching and your thoughts, Stephen. I agree about the Voigtlander lenses. I had them with my DLSR cameras and use the 50mm F2 with the Z7II and Z8. And yes, no doubt everyone has their own use case for lenses, and their ideas on what makes up a good lens. Nothing wrong with experimenting until you get the look you desire. I tempted myself and looked at the Q2 or M10 but I photograph too many different genres for those cameras. They have their place in the world, no doubt and after I win the lottery, my first trip will be to the Leica store. I'd still keep my Z8 though, it for sure has it's place in my photographic world too.

[@Mr09260]

I am mainly Nature and African Wild Life and have 4x Z Lenses as a result to go with my Z8 coming next week after selling my Z7 . 1. Nikon 20mm f1.8 S for Milky Way >> Best Astro lens on the Planet . 2. 24-120 f4 S .. perfect walk around lens and long enough for Close up big African Animals . 3. Z 70-200 f2.8 S plus 1.4 x Teleconvertor >> SHARP!!!!! 4. Z 180 -600 f5.6 - 6.3 Lens = my General Wild Life Lens . I disagree with you re the Vioglander being better than the S 50 mm which is known as one of the sharpest lenses Nikon ever made. I am of the opinion Get S Lenses only to leverage the the Made foe purpose Z Mount advantage . I also will never adapt F Lenses either >> its like having a bath with your Socks on. I had the 50mm f1.8 s it once before my current lenses and I used to weep it was so Sharp. Good move re getting rid of the worst Z lens 24-200

[@MichaelCantwell]

It's one reason why lenses are so personal. Everyone has their favorites. Have you ever used the Voigtlander F2 APO? Yes, the Nikon 50mm F1.8 is an amazing lens. I don't question it's greatness. The Voigtlander has a different character to it compared with the Nikon. Most Voigtlanders have a slightly different look to them as opposed to the Nikon's for lack of a better term, "clinical" look. I don't really like using that word since I think it's an overused word, but it does explain the difference. The Nikon 50 F1.8 is almost too perfect at times. I do still use it. However, we are allowed to disagree..lol. I'd be hard pressed to tell someone not to buy the Nikon, it is that good. That we can agree one for sure. I just prefer the Voigtlander for the slightly different look you get. I will admit to being a Voigtlander fan boy. I've owned a few of their lenses and loved all of them. However, I am also loyal Nikon user. Good luck on your trip. Please share some images on my monthly video when you get back from your trip.

[@loufonolleras5544]

Michael, thanks for this discussion on lenses for your Z camera. A couple of the ones you talked about, I’m considering. The 24-120 is one that intrigues me..I have the 24-70 Z f2.8 S lens which is stunning…but heavy for my arthritic hands. Thinking of selling it and getting the 24-120 for that reason. The Voightlander sounds interesting to me.

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks for watching, Lou. My next video will be showing some of my favorite images from 2023 and many were taken with the 24-120. It will show it's versatility as a lens. I was going to show one image taken with the Voigtlander, but I had to limit how many I would show in the video. I love Voigtlander lenses. I have for many years. Yes, they are manual focus but are built so well they will last long past my time here on earth. Also, the image quality from them is outstanding. After looking through my images from 2023, the Nikon 24-120 was the lens I used the most. The Nikon 85mm F1.8 was second because of all the images I take of my family. The Tamron 70-300 was third, mostly because of photographing birds. The Voigtlander 50mm F2 was 4th and the Nikon 50mm F1.8 was 5th. I use the Nikon 50mm for infrared. It's an outstanding lens for infrared images. Thanks again for watching and commenting.

[@robyjacob]

Really good video , especially since I am looking to move to the Z system from F

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Appreciate it.

[@sealcove2698]

Thanks for this down to earth commentary on lenses. Really like your photographs.

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks for watching and the kind words.

[@deybir.deleon1363]

I’m so glad I found this video…

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks, then I'm glad you did too. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@IsaiahLegrant]

Very Helpful!

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@RBRowe7]

What a wonderful frank, well grounded and explained video! Thanks for sharing your experiences and insights. I'm wondering what smallish sling bag(s) you would use for a trip to Europe, or general walk around landscapes, if you were to carry your Z7, Nikon 24-120 f/4, and maybe also the Voigtlander 50mm f/2 APO along? Now that I am past 65, i am trying to plan a new Z system and bag combo that would not weigh me down too much or be too bulky and would therefore be more likely to be used often, even for casual walks.

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks for watching and commenting. That's a hard one for me to answer because when I usually travel it's me driving. I can take a backpack in the car and if I hike, I take the backpack. When on a cruise, I normally pick one lens and walk around with that and leave the rest on the ship. For Iceland, I had a car and took everything in the backpack. I do have one shoulder bag, but I don't often use it. I picked it up at Best Buy many years ago. I find at least for me, the backpacks are easier on the back if I'm taking more than one camera and lens. That's just me though. I know what you mean about not wanting to carry around a big kit, it's why I generally take one camera and lens when walking around a town if on a cruise and take a full backpack when I'm traveling in a car. Sorry I wasn't more help, but I rarely take a shoulder bag. I know they are popular with some people, but not me. Maybe some others can chime in and help you.

[@RBRowe7]

@@MichaelCantwell Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I definitely can understand that a heavy, bulky sling bag can get very tiring fast, and backpacks are better for aging frames. I love your channel--subscribed!.

[@MichaelCantwell]

@@RBRowe7 Thanks for subscribing. Hopefully I can keep your interest. The next video I think will be about my pal Henry... he's a bird. smiles.

[@eltinjones4542]

I've the 20mm and the 24-120mm for my Nikon D800 and I use the 70-300mm (Nikon) on my D7200, all F mount of course Can't justify the expense of going Nikon mirrorless but I've noted your choice 📷👍

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I never encourage anyone to buy something they can't afford or feel they need. I only went mirrorless because I knew it would be the last investments I made into my camera gear. I can't see myself ever switching to a different system or changing out too many of my lenses in the future. Sure, I'm always tweaking my kit some, but I'm done with any more major moves with my camera gear.

[@marcusgrandon3640]

Thanks, Michael. Great video! Hey, so if I participate in your monthly photo display video, do you accept nice shots from iPhones? Or do they have to be from 35mm cameras? Oh, and I did just get my Z8! Oh yeah! Took it for it's inaugural spin around town last night. I could get you a shot from that session. Hmmm. . .

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks Marcus. I sent you a note.

[@lorenschwiderski]

40mm is great for street. Very short and light in weight.

[@MichaelCantwell]

I used to own the Voigtlander 40mm, so I know what you mean. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@dougkolb3706]

Love this episode and agree with whatever fits you. I have the Z8 with 14-30 f4 S, 24-120 f4 S, 100-400 4.5-5.6, 180-600 5.6-6.3 and the105 2.8 S macro. Mostly wildlife and Landscape. Next will be picking a couple of primes.

[@MichaelCantwell]

I had the 105 macro and wasn't using it enough to keep it. I had actually ordered the 100-400 when I was told the company had one in stock. After a few days of it not being shipped, I checked and they fibbed. It was still on backorder, so I ended up with the Tamron instead. I don't regret it, but I will admit there are a few times I wish I had the 100-400. I went back and forth between the 20mm and the 14-30. If there was no 20mm prime, I would be happy with the 14-30. I only try to be honest and let people know, lenses really are a personal choice. It's difficult to tell anyone what lenses they should own or not unless they are very specific about what they photograph and want some advice. Otherwise, I stay away from it. I really hope one day I will settle on 3 or 4 lenses and not be bothered to look at any others. I think I'm getting close to that day. Well, until the new lenses come out. LOL. Thanks for the kind words and watching.

[@paulwbakerphotography]

I think I am going to enjoy this channel :). I used to have the 50mm and the 35mm lenses but sold them, I know I regret that now! I always have in my bag the 14-24mm F2.8 24-70mm F2.8 70-200mm F2.8 and the 100-400mm F4.5 - F5.6 lens. I also own the 24 - 120mm F4. Camera wise I vlog with the Z30 using the 16-50DX or the 12-28mm 3.5-5.6 Lenses. The camera I currently use for photography is the Z7ii but I am upgrading to the Z8 and will probably sell the Z7ii. Just amazing Kit.

[@paulwbakerphotography]

PS - travelling to Sarasota in October :)

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks, Paul. I have both the 35 and 50 Nikon lenses. I occasionally use the 35mm for infrared outings, but I might sell that off eventually. I film with the 50mm, so it will stay for now even though I prefer the 50mm Voigtlander for stills. However, as I'm sure you know the Nikon 50mm is a fantastic lens. I ordered the 100-400 when it was new but I got impatient after being told it was in stock and never arriving. I picked up the Tamron 70-300 instead. There are times I wish I had the Nikon, but my back appreciates the Tamron. Keep in touch and thanks.

[@PureMonochrome]

Thank you for a really useful round up... and for showing some great photos. Like the idea of your trio of 50 APO, 85 and 24-120. For Z7 and ZF been looking at the great offers on a used or new Milvus 50mm 1.4 but maybe the Voigtlander 50mm APO is the more sensible choice. Thanks

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks for watching and the kind words. Lenses are such a personal choice based on the photographer's genre of images. For my use those were the ones I seemed to use the most. I did a roundup of my photos from 2023 and the 24-120 was the one I used the most. Then the 85mm, the Tamron 70-300 and then the Voigtlander 50mm F2 Apo. I could live with only those 4 lenses and be happy. Years past, the 20mm F1.8 would have made the list and it might again in 2024. Take care.

[@jacksmith-kw9ex]

nice video and really helpful. Thanks!

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad you found it useful.

[@josephinevera9966]

Have you had the chance to test out the voigtlander 50 f1? I am torn between the 50 f2 Lanther and the 50 f1 aspherical.

[@MichaelCantwell]

I have not. I'm just as curious as you are between the 2 lenses. I do own the F2 and love it. I don't do enough low light situations to shell out the extra cash for the F1. I think. However, if you give me the right numbers for the lottery, I'd happy to buy one for you and me to test them both out. Thanks for watching.

[@nicedward7544]

They are totally different. The f1 is basically a vintage lens. It has a unique character and will come with some CA and won't be razor sharp corner to corner but it has beautiful character. The lanthars are ridiculously sharp wide open to the edges with no CA. Still have character and pop but not the crazy unique character of the f1. Their 65 f2 is one of my favorite of all time

[@lulitaviolino]

Thanks for the info!

[@MichaelCantwell]

You're welcome and thanks for watching.

[@robertcrcify]

nice.... :-)

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@carternewton7465]

Love the video !

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks for watching and your kind words. Keep watching others too :)

[@jhendex]

Thanks for the video Mike. Did you have to convert one of your mirrorless cameras to infrared? If so, Which one? I'm interested in getting into infrared photography.

[@MichaelCantwell]

Hi Jason, at first, I tried the Hoya infrared filter. The problem with the filter (it does do infrared great) is that it's like using a 10 stop filter on your camera. Your shutter speeds are much slower than you might like. If it was a static subject, then the filter works great. However, if you need a more normal shutter speed of say, 1/250 or 1/500 ect to stop some movement or even 1/4000 to really stop the action, then you need a converted camera. I bought a Nikon Z50 already converted from a guy off Ebay who lives in Europe. He had converted many and had a good reputation, so I took the chance. It worked out. There are a few good companies here in the US that do a good job converting cameras. They even sell cameras already converted from their sites. I've enjoyed it but for me, it works best with blue skies or partly cloudy. We get them a lot here where I live. :) I've not had much success on cloudy days shooting infrared. Maybe others have done it well, I've had issues with gloomy skies and infrared. Thanks for watching. If I can help more, let me know.

[@jhendex]

awesome, thanks mike! @@MichaelCantwell

[@MichaelCantwell]

YW@@jhendex

[@gabrieltomsic]

I love watching you better than lenses. Because you look really handsome.

[@MrModerate_kane]

nice info well done.

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Good luck.

[@NetvoTV]

What do you think of Nikon Zf plus TTArtisan 50mm F1.4 Tilt lens?

[@MichaelCantwell]

Sorry but I have not used the Nikon ZF or any TT Artisan lenses. I wouldn't mind trying a tilt shift lens but so far I haven't used one in years. Maybe someone else can help.

[@D.Trider]

I own the m lenses and they’re fantastic. If I didn’t own them, I’d definitely get the native Voigtlander for the Z mount.

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Which M lenses do you own?

[@D.Trider]

@@MichaelCantwell 28mm summilux, 50 summilux and 90 summicron. Also just picked up a 40mm 1.2 Voigtlander that is sweet on the ZF.

[@MichaelCantwell]

@@D.Trider thanks

[@MichaelCantwell]

I find it funny when asking Leica camera owners about using an M lens on a Nikon mirrorless for the most part laugh and say it's a waste of money to put it on a Nikon camera. If you ask a Nikon shooter almost everyone of them will tell me that it works great. One of these days, I might try it for myself. I love my Voigtlander lenses, it's the only thing that has stopped me so far, but I am curious about that 90mm summicron and the 28mm summilux. Thanks for the reply. I might rent one just to see.

[@D.Trider]

@@MichaelCantwell the 40mm Voigtlander m mount is my favorite. The 28 lux is also amazing. M glass is just far superior. The 90 is just okay- hard to use m glass at the longer focal lengths!

[@AlanBallPhotography]

loved the run down on the lenses..

[@MichaelCantwell]

Thanks and thanks for watching.

[@TillmanTech]

Thank you for this video!!! I apologize if this information is available in another of your videos, but whom do you recommend converting cameras for infrared? I was considering having MaxMax doing it. Thank you again

[@MichaelCantwell]

I don't know that I can recommend one company over another. I bought mine already converted. There are a few companies with good reputations. I think there are a few good videos about it on KZbin. I think when I was considering having one converted before buying mine, I had decided on Kolari after doing some research, but again there are a few companies with good reputations. Good luck with your choice. I'm enjoying infrared more and more lately. I thought I would only use it for black and white conversions, but I'm doing much more with it. Your bigger choice will end up being what type of conversion you prefer over what company does it, I think. Thanks for watching and commenting. I wish I could help more.