Nikon's Hidden Treasure! 28mm 1.4E

Nikon's Hidden Treasure!
Nikon 28mm 1.4 E vs 35mm 1.8 S

[@wearetheunknown8162]

I found one second hand this weekend, never seen one in the wild. I have a Leica Q with a 28mm 1.7 which I love, and my favourite lens on my Nikon D850 is my 85mm 1.4. So I decided to jump at the chance to add the 28mm 1.4 in to my collection to shoot with, looking forward to the experience. Watching this video 6 months ago when I was looking at a 35mm 1.4 and 24mm 1.4 second hand, gave me the patience to wait to find a 28mm 1.4 one day. Thank you.

[@russandloz]

@@wearetheunknown8162 Great, let me know how you get on. It’s still my usual lens coupled with my 50mm

[@analogecstasy4654]

I use a 28mm f/1.4E - 58mm f/1.4G - 105mm f/1.4E combo and it ROCKS!! This is my favorite lens lineup EVER. I especially love the 28mm for portrait shots when I want to capture a subject in their environment, at normal distances I’ve noticed the effects of perspective don’t distort faces noticeably. Using a 24mm in the same scenario resulted in a tad too much perspective distortion for my taste.

[@russandloz]

Yea I have the same wonderful trio, but I do fine dealing with distortion an issue with the 28 and 58. Lightroom doesn’t seem to correct it very well

[@philippthonet825]

I am so with you. I am using the same lens combo and I love it!

[@cotswoldphotographers]

I’d love this lens as well and have heard so many good reviews. We’ve just pulled the trigger on the 85 1.2 so unfortunately the 28 will definitely have to wait 😁

[@theflyest203]

The holy trinity of F mount primes are the 28mm 1.4e , 58mm 1.4g , 105mm 1.4e best bokeh colors and rendering of all the F mount primes only other exception is the 200mm F2 but that’s a different animal

[@russandloz]

Yes, agreed, will be interesting to see if the new 85 1.2 will be nicer than the 105.

[@ericcantona3503]

Nice to see you outside lads! 😄

[@petergunndetective]

I've wanted this lens for a long time. So nice.

[@terrywbreedlove]

The wide and shallow Z mount really shows its advantages out to the edges on wide lenses.

[@russandloz]

Yes, very true, also on the 70-200 which is incredibly sharp across the frame

[@adamaufdencamp5080]

Two friends had the earlier version of the 28mm f/1.4. One had a copy for several years and sold it for a huge profit, something like $3000 around 2007. The other still owns and uses his copy with a D850. If the roadmap didn’t have a 35mm f/1.2, the E version of the 28 f/1.4 would be on my short list.

[@yoelrey]

I am still in the proces of getting used to the Z system (especially the EVF) . You are making me miss the F system even more now.

[@russandloz]

The z system is great, love the evf and smaller bodies. Sure it needs an update now but they will. Some F mount lenses do seem nicer though.

[@juliancresser7469]

Best lens I've ever used purely in terms of image quality

[@russandloz]

Yeah I can see with my use. On what body?

[@richardwanbon3087]

This really is a very, very special lens! Very sharp, nice bokeh for a 28mm and I have just fallen in love with the focal length vs 35mm. It works fantastic with the 58mm and 105mm, although the 28mm and 105mm are probably more evenly compared as the 58mm is not built for sharpness (but still produces magic). The colour coming out of the 28mm is fantastic I should add. Nice job highlighting a hidden gem......cost is likely the huge deterrent and the reason why I jumped for joy with a good used copy at a reasonable price.

[@russandloz]

Yes I fully agree, it's my favourite lens as it's so useful and artistic. I recently got the 58 and yes as you say, its nice but doesn't have the power of the 28/105. I hope z mount can make 1.4's one day

[@zollieuncle9647]

I kind of fell in love with the 28mm focal length and was struggling to make up my mind to justify the damage of this hidden treasure, till I tried the Sigma 28/1.4 art, which is a more modern optical design, flawless AF, matching IQ to the Nikon 28/1.4E and for one third of the price. Wondering if you considered that and if not, why.

[@dr.sandipmehta973]

Nikon F mount 28mm 1.4 and 105mm 1.4 real gems

[@russandloz]

Just testing out the 58 1.4 to see if it fits the trio

[@kai-uwesachs317]

Hello, I am really looking forward to your contributions on youtube. My opinion is, that you should not compare sharpness of nikon z cameras/lenses in lightroom. I've used lightroom for years, but find that the nikon native program is so much better (by nikon z) than lightroom in terms of sharpness, colors, etc. unfortunately, the nikon nx studio is so much more sluggish and equipped with so few options as lightroom. the differences in the d850 are negligible, in the z6 significant. Many thanks again for your otherwise very entertaining and competent contributions. 👍👍👍

[@russandloz]

Thanks, yeah lightroom is my workhorse so that’s how I use it and most people do I guess. I wish Nx was better for mass editing.

[@chennytango9298]

I kept 4 F-mount primes which I consider very unique, this is one of them. along with 58 1.4G, 105 1.4E and 200 F2 VRii. The rendering are so special and work fantastic with my D5. I have the Z lens, while sharper and more modern look, they are too clinical to my taste due to optical precision and in my view, lack organic touch comparing to the F mount primes noted here. I love this lens as my street and walk around lens, the focal length is better than 35 and the color out of the lens is unmatched and looks like something from vintage camera like Leica.

[@russandloz]

Very true. But do you feel the ftz makes it too big for street, when you want to be discreet?

[@elliotswain8527]

You've confirmed my suspicions of my z 35mm 1.8. Thank you.

[@russandloz]

I find it under par but I have used it for several weddings and it’s been fine. But other lenses can be spectacular

[@parthibanarivalagan3119]

A 28mm f1.4 G lens & 28mm f1.2 D lens are the best for quick shots

[@jeffrey3498]

You found a gem in the F mount system 😎👍

[@russandloz]

Sure did, love this lens. Just wish for a z mount version now!

[@avinashrai11141]

Wow. This one looks like best lens for situations other than wildlife and sport. Now hunts begin.

[@Willymaze]

I had commented before in another of your videos but Tamron 35 mm 1.4 is a great option; can be bought new for less than a used 1.4 Nikon primebut with 2019 design and optics. Not to be dismissed.

[@russandloz]

Is the focus ok?

[@Willymaze]

@@russandloz Yes, Tamron’s software utility will let you calibrate the lens and not only that but make the lens prioritize certain distances, so let’s say that you’re a 35 mm close portrait photographer, the lens will be more responsive in those ranges

[@walliswizard]

Ironic that this video came out about half an hour after I'd ordered the 35 1.8 :D

[@henrikbridger8213]

28mm lenses are not recognized as much as 24mm and 35mm lenses obviously. This is really a pity as 28mm is the most used focal length today using your iPhone, which default focal length is 28mm. Nikon has a long legacy of producing amazing 28mm lenses, which is a hidden treasure to most photographers. For example, the legendary classic 28mm f/2.8 AI-s lens, which was the first SLR lens I purchased over 20 years ago still is available brand new from Nikon by special order. It’s an amazing lens, still today! Then we have the almost mythical 28mm f/1.4D, which from I understand is the ultimate of all! I do need to get this one for sure… Then we have the 28mm f/1.4E, which is the ultimate in the Nikon/Nikkor line ever and I never leave the house without it in my bag. Only other 28mm f/1.4 lens to challenge the Nikon/Nikkor D/E lenses is the Zeiss Otus 28mm f/1.4, which I also own and it is in a league of its own. It is pure perfection at any aperture!

[@russandloz]

Do these different 28’s have their own look? But you’re right. 28mm is more popular than people think. Also Leica Q fixed body range are 27mm

[@henrikbridger8213]

@@russandloz Exactly Russ and Loz! Bingo for mentioning the Leica 28 as it is also amazing. I have a friend who is a Lieca shooter, and swears by it.I have never used the Leica as I simply don't dare as Mrs. would probably strangle me if I purchased a bunch of Leica gear! The Zeiss Otus 28 f/1.4 has no competition in my humble opinion and is in a class of its own, but it is manual focus only. The Nikon 28mm f/1.4 E is probably 95% as good, but it is auto-focus, which is important so some of us obviously.

[@henrikbridger8213]

@@russandlozThe Zeiss Otos 28 f/1.4 and the Nikon 28 f/1.4 offer a bit of difference IMHO. Both are perfect obviously! Zeiss can be shot at f/1.4

[@stephenspiteri_zunkus]

I seriously think that if Nikon makes an f-mount retro mirrorless a lot of Nikon users would be waiting at the shop to open. The f mount lenses are still very relevant. You’d have the benefit of not having to use an adapter so things will be smaller and with today’s technology the thing would just be so awesome. Would you buy one?

[@russandloz]

Yeah I might well do, though very much doubt they will now. I’m not sure what it’d be like using a dslr again

[@stephenspiteri_zunkus]

@@russandloz I think you misunderstood. What I wish for is a retro looking Z8 with an f-mount flange. How cool would that be?

[@russandloz]

@@stephenspiteri_zunkus oh right. That would be cool. As I feel the z8 feels like a computer atm

[@alanrenwick1652]

Once the Z 35 1.2 comes out, it would be an interesting comparison. Im trying to hold out until its here and reviewed, with my backup plan to buy the 28 1.4E if the Z 35 1.2 doesn't have enough "character". Would also like to see how the 28 1.4E compares against the Tamron 35mm 1.4 as a budget alternative.

[@russandloz]

Yeah I’m sure the 35 1.2 will be fantastic quality but will be a lot heavier and expensive. Also I need a wider so 28 is better for me.

[@alanrenwick1652]

@@russandloz Follow up comment, I got the Tamron 35 1.8 VC (cheap 2nd hand), really good 0.4x macro close up bonus feature, good VC but i never was happy enough with images/focus on D800 (focus was great on Z6 II but too long/front heavy with FTZ, and to use TAP IN would require a manufacturer/fixation free firmware update). Sold 1.8 and got Tamron 35 1.4, absolutely stunning! still want Nikon 28mm 1.4E but this was a good compromise and much cheaper.

[@kaminobatto]

Interesting, I never even knew this lens existed It has piqued my interest already. Anything between 14mm to 35mm is particularly interesting for me, and within the 20mm to 30mm both 20mm and 28mm happen to be my favorites in the range. I just checked where I can get one, and it seems Amazon is the only place where I can order one here for around $1,700. While not cheap, it's definitely worth the price based on your tests.

[@russandloz]

Yes. That’s what I paid. It’s a perfect combination of sharpness and character sometimes missing from modern glass

[@Olivier_Debats]

Thank you both for this informative video! I'm going to Japan for 3 weeks next April, and I'm hesitating between this 28mm and the 24mm f:1.8 in Z mount. My question : Does the autofocus via the FTZ 2 adapter ring work as fast as the 35mm (z mount) mentioned in this video?

[@russandloz]

Yes it does, only issue is the imbalanced weight using the ftz. Much more expensive too

[@Olivier_Debats]

​@@russandlozMany thanks ✨👍

[@jallen418]

The 35mm lens is S class. Is it possible you just got a bad copy?

[@TheStephenHaley]

How do you do a field curvature test?

[@russandloz]

Take a photo of a something with lots of texture like a carpet, then use photoshop tool Find Edges, then all it leaves is whats in focus and sharp.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

Do clients notice the sharpness difference between the 35mm f/1.8S and 28mm f/1.4E?

[@russandloz]

Not without cropping. But when I crop in to make different compositions then they would I think.

[@MichaelAres]

If Nikon gave us a 24mm 1.2 S lens....oh my! I believe it can happen!

[@russandloz]

interesting, what particular use?

[@mvedda65]

@@russandloz astronomy would be a good use case

[@johncooper9746]

You gotta stop doing this to me Russ . Im still breaking in my 105 1.4 ,which I love, and you drop this in my lap. I didnt know it existed. It looks like a great wide , wide/normal

[@russandloz]

Sorry but yes. It’s the same glass as that wonderful 105 1.4e. Special lenses

[@johncooper9746]

@@russandloz Ive been sitting on the fence for awhile , The only thing I care about mirrorless is ibis, is that worth the current Z autofocus? I have no issues with size and weight of a dslr. No z9 only looking at d850 vs z7 maybe z8 but...

[@russandloz]

@@johncooper9746 the evf is worth it for me. Though I’d be tempted to wait for the next body

[@CurtGodwin]

Great comparison... I'm surprised at the relative poor performance of the 35mm, which has been widely lauded.

[@russandloz]

Yes me too. Although it seems others have found this performance too. I was hoping it would be as good as the 50 1.8.

[@WizardOfCheese]

I dont know if anyone pointed this out but you used a 50mm f1.2 for the shot at 11:50

[@russandloz]

Oh yes, we’ll spotted. In some shooting distances they have a similar look

[@Bethos1247-Arne]

I have this lens, and 50 and 85 mm 1.4 Nikkor F-mount lens.

[@russandloz]

@@Bethos1247-Arne still happy with them?

[@Bethos1247-Arne]

@@russandloz getting those was influcenced by lenses I already have. If creating an F-mount line-up from scratch I probably go with 24 or 35 1.4, and 58 1.4. But I got what I got. Using the lenses quite often. The 28 1.4E has bad chromatic aberration, taking a bit work in post. Otherwise, the lens is of course very good. Not cost-effective as for its price one could also get 24-70 2.8. Or two times the 24-120. Still using the 28 1.4 a lot, getting results. Would even consider it a portrait lens, for certain kinds of portraits.

[@russandloz]

@@Bethos1247-Arne Yes it also has bad distortion close up. Even though it can do portraits at 1.4

[@Bethos1247-Arne]

@@russandloz I took portraits (which include a lot of environment) also stopped down. Having a lot of chromatic aberration is my main gripe with this lens as it means to spend more time in post. The other stuff, distortion, heinous light falloff towards the corners wide open, the compromized close-focus performance unless stopping down quite a bit, is all forgiven because if used right, the images have this, how do I call it, this look. Sharp (in the center) but graceful, unnecessary good bokeh if you need it, very good contrast. Colors might be a tad too cool for my taste but this can be addressed in post. Images have an almost 3-dimensional look. Backlight is handled very well. And if stopped down further, sunstars are excellent. It does need quite a bit of practice to use this lens right but when I manage, the nuance I get, the options I have, all that allows me to tell my story in photographs.

[@ericcantona3503]

That is probably my dream lens... but not at €2k.

[@russandloz]

Yes there are always deals on f mount if you wait and make sure you test!

[@tommyxia9489]

Thank you for another great review! Just got a used one for $700, hope it's a good copy! I'll try to compare it with my 20mm 1.8 Z for some night cityscape photography

[@russandloz]

Thanks. Would be worth checking for field curvature issues like mine had.

[@chrispeden979]

I find your 35 suspect. My copy is stupid sharp even wide open. But let’s be clear sharpness is not the end all be all.

[@russandloz]

I’ve seen other reviews showing the 35 at 1.8 is soft then really sharp at 2.8. But sure, it’s sharp enough I guess. (Photography life review)

[@koenpijpersphotography]

@@russandloz the 50 is sharper, although i now own the 35mm because its more usable (for me), looks like a great lens the 28mm. But unfortunately I don't even own a FTZ adapter any more. Only Z lenses.

[@russandloz]

@@koenpijpersphotography Its a difficult balance as z lenses are lighter and nicer to use, but lack the warm character for me

[@Arne.B.]

@@russandloz Does the 50 1.2 Z also lack the warm character? thanks

[@russandloz]

@@Arne.B. It has more character. Expensive glass tends to have it where as cheaper lenses don’t

[@robertleidner9703]

The 35 is for sure the worst of the 1.8s primes.

[@russandloz]

Yeah it’s also the oldest z lens. I’m sure the 35 1.2 will be incredible though.

[@robertleidner9703]

@@russandloz but even at as the worst it’s not like I’ve ever delivered a picture from it and had issues. Also as a wedding photographer I really don’t want a full bag of 1.2’s. I wish they would make some small 1.4 lenses. That the best balance of both bokeh and size.

[@russandloz]

@@robertleidner9703 yes exactly. I see there are some brands developing 1.4’s with autofocus

[@billmoyer3254]

You missed it. The 35 is tack sharp at 2.8...it's easy to see in your photo, and you clearly do not acknowledge it.

[@russandloz]

The 35 does jump a huge step at 2.8 to equal the 28mm. But I often shoot at 1.8 or below.

[@billmoyer3254]

@@russandloz I'll admit the 28 f/1.4 E is special. It is a shame Nikon did not produce at least a 1.8S lens.