Pancake, Plena, Packing Panic for Japan? | Nikon Zf Travel Photography | Viltrox 20mm f2.8

[@SingleTrack66]

Another great video Jack. And yes the 50mm 1.8S is not only sublime it’s also a bargain

[@BokehTherapy]

Somehow it’s the cheapest S Lens in my country? Unbelievable isn’t it

[@_TT90]

My Nikon gears are the Z6III, 26mm 2.8, 50mm 1.8S, and the 135mm 1.8S Plena. So cool you also have the same setup. Looking forward to see how you use them in Japan. The only other lens I’m eyeing is an autofocus Z 58mm. Hopefully Nikon release one down the line.

[@BokehTherapy]

You have made excellent choices! Haha I am hoping for a revival of the 58mm too, it is legendary. Thanks for watching!

[@mattjennings-y2w]

Well you have done it Jack! After owning my a7rv and gm glass for a few years I have found that I just don’t enjoy using it and because it’s so dam perfect it really is a soulless uninspiring experience to use, when I look back over my favourite images most came from my little x100f so the Sony has been sold and am awaiting the arrival of the Zf with the 26 and 40, which seem to be a perfect pair for family travel. How has your MF lens testing been going? Have you used the voigtlander 50 apo or the 40 1.2? I’m I mad picking one of these over the 50 1.8s ? I

[@BokehTherapy]

Hi Matt, great to hear and congrats on the Zf! We have very similar camera history and I don't think you're mad at all for considering the voigtlander 50 APO. I've owned the 40mm f1.2 in M mount, it is brilliant! The 50 APO is amazing but the 50 f1.8S is nearly as well corrected and it has autofocus... I'm going for character when reaching for MF glass. I'm deep in the rabbit hole of vintage AIS Nikkors, the next few videos are all about this... let me know when your Zf arrives!

[@mattjennings-y2w]

@@BokehTherapy I cant wait for it to arrive! Your right about character which is why im moving away from Sony. From what i have seen the 40 1.2 fits that unique character while the APO is maybe more clinical so if going MF the 40 makes more sense( just trying to justify it to myself :) ) Cant wait for these videos to come out, I'm intrigued to see if the 105 2.5 is in there, i am eyeing this up as a lightweight telephoto for travel as i cant justify the 85 or 135 for the minimal use they would get !

[@BokehTherapy]

There are so many great vintage options. The 105 f2.5 is on my radar, want to see how many exotics I can track down in Tokyo. More to come soon!

[@eldad4853]

"Because in Japan even the mundane has beauty" ... This is so true

[@BokehTherapy]

Back in Japan right now and it’s true as ever!

[@SantosGarcia]

Hey Jack, Watching from Japan! I'll be here for another 7 days-currently in Osaka for 3, then heading to Tokyo for the rest. I’m using a Nikon Zf with the 26mm 2.8, 50mm 1.8, and 85mm 1.8 lenses, and I’m loving this combo. Love the video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@BokehTherapy]

What an amazing travel kit - almost identical to mine! Have a wonderful trip, hope you share your photos!

[@Gajinagu]

Another great video! I got the 50mm 1.8S bc of your recommendation and it’s replaced the 40mm f2 for most situations.

[@BokehTherapy]

Glad my recommendation helped and that you like the 50! It really defined the Z system for me, thanks for watching!

[@Cariboukid]

That Plena is on my Wishlist. I think it's Nikon's most beautiful lens aesthetically and its rendering is just sublime; a world-class piece of glass!

[@BokehTherapy]

Hoping to capture all the night time cityscapes in Japan with the Plena -ones I haven’t captured before. Can’t wait!

[@Cariboukid]

@@BokehTherapy I'm looking forward to seeing the results!

[@mrdarryljones1]

Love the content!

[@BokehTherapy]

Thank you Darryl!

[@2Bad.]

Another great video Jack... love your topics/style/presentation. Cheers from Canada and have a great day !!!

[@BokehTherapy]

Thanks! You too!

[@gshocker77]

Another fun video and one that gives me pause as I plan what I will be traveling with myself for my Japan trip. I think I will be taking my Leica M11p along with my Nikon Z8. I do enjoy hearing your thought process as you pick both camera system and lens assortment to bring along. I hadn’t thought as much about not going Zoom lens other than the weight. I will probably watch this video a few times as it gives me some pause to what I will pack. Looking forward to your next video.. keep up the good work.

[@johnkwan2243]

same here, I will go to Japan in coming winter, I will be taking my leica m10 and zf, preliminary thoughts is either 35 or 50 on leica, and maybe a zoom lens(70180) on nikon for long distance shots given I will be going to Shirakawago and Amanohashidate

[@gshocker77]

@ I had considered taking a zoom lens for a single lens solution for the Nikon end of things. The f2.8 lenses are a bit heavy when out all day so considering picking up an f4 option. The Leica will get most of the day to day in Japan because of the compact size.

[@johnkwan2243]

@gshocker77 you make the point, weight matters! Especially I started this hobby from prime lens, kind of get used to light weight setup. I never want a zoom lens for travel becoz of the weight also the quality (prime does better), but this time I start struggling given the places I am going is more distant which might need telephoto lens, also the compression telephoto lens creates (I only have 20, 35, 50 prime)

[@gshocker77]

@@johnkwan2243 I can say that the trinity zooms are very nice and for some sessions the weight it well worth it. I am just not sure I want to travel with those. The 70-200 is an amazing lens if you can justify the weight. It gets you good reach and images are sharp as can be.

[@BokehTherapy]

@gshocker77 zooms make a lot of sense, I wish they worked better for my style of shooting! All the Nikon lenses are great which makes this problem harder lol. Can’t wait to see your Japan shots, think you’ll get there just before I do!

[@Ben_Stewart]

I am torn sometimes between the 40 and 35. I would chomp down on a 24mm 1.4 but the 1.8 would probably be better. Maybe a 1.2?

[@BokehTherapy]

I’ve heard lots of great things about the Nikon 24mm f1.8 S - haven’t heard anything about a f1.2 in development but you never know!

[@texturner5940]

Love the way you structure your videos, Jack. Keep up the great work. 50mm f1.8 would be one of my favourite lenses, bought it while I was on a trip in Japan. A lens I'll never let go of!

[@BokehTherapy]

Thank you Tex! That 50mm f1.8 S is a true standard that set the bar for the Z system. Still astounds me every time I shoot with it

[@stefanusadrian8398]

Do you prefer 24mm or 26mm focal length without considering its size and performance?

[@BokehTherapy]

I think I prefer 26mm because it’s closer to 28? 24 is really too wide for me

[@apostraffstudio]

Nikon Zf + 26mm 2.8, 40mm 2.0, 105mm 2.8

[@BokehTherapy]

Nice! Great set

[@MandrakeCigars]

You mention light room and presets for your workflow. I have used this in the past as well but recently I've been working with the Nikon picture control profiles and NX studio. I still use LRC for any heavy editing but when I want minimal changes or SOOC results, I utilize Nikon picture control with NX studio. There is a Fuji xpro1 Nikon Picture control profile that I use a lot. Wondering if you have ever used Nikon picture control with NX studio for your workflow and what you think about it.

[@BokehTherapy]

I haven’t played much with it - will need to do a deep dive! Changing post production workflows seems to be a big lift, need to make the time for it. Thanks for the tip!

[@janromo9753]

Love the packing rules. How often do you change them? Why is there no perfect camera and lenses… such a struggle

[@BokehTherapy]

Haha change them (or rather add to them) every trip? It’s always a struggle

[@RustyRoj]

It’s interesting seeing your process of choice and how much is dependant on editing workflow. Editing is my last consideration and mostly these days I’m editing on my iPad for my personal photography. I don’t use Lightroom, presets or even lens corrections. I lately like sitting with the imperfections from a lens. It’s similar to what you said about the meaning of the story in Pulp Fiction being different for each viewer. We have similar equipment but our philosophy and approach to the story we tell with that equipment is personal and the diversity in that is where the beauty lies. Great video, look forward to more.

[@BokehTherapy]

I didn't expect to turn out like this until I started planning the video. I spent a lot of time on the last few trips just making corrections in post to make the photos look consistent, when I'd rather be out there shooting. If all my lenses had the same imperfections it would be easier to get that consistency, but it's not the case with the lenses I love shooting most. Maybe next trip I'll go all vintage glass!

[@vinyalonde]

Great rationale throughout. I am using a similar kit for travel with the exceptions of using a 14-24 F2.8 Z mount lens for the wide end and an 85 F1.8 for the narrow end. I had thought of taking the 70-200 F2.8 but this would take my camera kit from being portable to transportable (in the sense that a piano is transportable). I think you make an excellent case for the 135. On one of my trips to Japan, I used a 300mm PF F4 on a D850 and while most times it was just too long a lens, it was surprisingly good sometimes, even at F4. Tokyo is so well lit at night. Just out of curiously are you using a small tripod for some of your work? I want to do some longer exposures and some time lapse shooting the next time I go to Japan

[@BokehTherapy]

I have a small tripod from Pgytech, but a lot of places outright ban tripods no matter how small they are lol. You’re right about Tokyo being well lit, I never had to worry about slower shutter speeds last trip. Thanks for watching!

[@juliette-mansour]

Hi Jack! I’m just now starting to catch up on your content. I just bought the Viltrox lens for group shots with my Z6iii but also put it on my zf for walks. I love it!! So light and capable. I totally relate to the pre-travel camera stress. I like your choices because the Plena is going to match the vibe. I’m looking forward to living vicariously through you. Safe journey ahead! ✈️

[@juliette-mansour]

P.S. the problem with primes is you end up with more but think about the weight of zooms. It all ends up being more weight than we want! I took a Pentax67 and three lenses in a pack and hiked Yosemite for a week. I’m convinced that insane move messed up my shoulder for life but the exquisite film prints on our walls are worth every tendon tear! 😅

[@BokehTherapy]

Thanks Juliette - that Viltrox is another one that matches the Zf perfectly. You've got a Z6III now as well? Congrats!

[@juliette-mansour]

@@BokehTherapy YES! I have the perfect set up now for my events. The Z6iii normally has the 17-28mm for the action while the Zf has the Viltrox on it. When the action starts to die down a little, I put the 50mm f/1.8 on the Zf. I haven't missed a shot yet!

[@BokehTherapy]

I really like the Z6III even though the Zf is my go to. Glad to hear the two work for you too

[@Drehirth]

I love the storytelling in your videos! I also loved the ending being about the 50mm 1.8( I just bought it- my first lens other than the 40mm that came with my zf). Any reason in particular you like to have 2 camera bodies for travel?

[@BokehTherapy]

Just as a backup, and don’t have to change lenses as often? I’ve never had a camera break while travelling but it’s only a matter of time. Thanks for watching, the 50mm is my favourite - happy shooting!

[@fajar13k]

My favorite combo is Viltrox 20/2.8, Z 40/2, and F 105/1.4. As much as I love my bulky 105, tiny lenses are fun to use, I even use them for my paid works sometimes, with the price of their weather sealing. I have 24-70/4 S for studio works. I'm glad Nikon is picking the middle path of here's the expensive 1.2, fairly budget 1.4 alternative for hybrids, great 1.8s like how Zeiss made it.

[@BokehTherapy]

Sounds great - travel versus studio work is a dilemma for me, but it’s an ongoing struggle to refine the kit lol

[@natehynson1081]

Hi Jack. Another great video for those of us with analysis paralysis when it comes to lenses 😂 When will you be in Tokyo this time?

[@BokehTherapy]

Hi Nate! Will be in Tokyo late November and trek through to Kyoto and Osaka in early December. Just a 2 week trip, hope to spend more time in Osaka, street photography has a very different vibe there

[@gtam3habitat]

I found the Tamron 20-40 adapted from E mount on my zf fixes my issue of which primes to carry (wide to “standard”- yea missing 50… but I gain so much flexibility).

[@BokehTherapy]

I had a great time with the Tamron 20-40, but found I mostly shot it at 40 because I love 50! Glad you’ve found a lens that works for you

[@EricWier]

Another very thoughtful video! It is great to see how you travel with your camera, as it is something I am always second guessing myself with. Being very purposeful with it, like you discuss, is good and something I will strive for too. Also, it is incredibly exciting to see you got your first classic Nikkor lens, a 50mm f1.2 AI-s (I think it is an AI-s and not the earlier AI, based on the rear aperture ring f16 being colored orange)! I have really been enjoying using classics like this, both digitally and with film. I know you will enjoy it too. Happy shooting!

[@BokehTherapy]

Hi Eric, it is the 50mm f1.2 AI-S, you’ve done your research! I am having a blast and testing out different adapters. I wish I didn’t need to overthink it but packing can quickly spiral out of control lol

[@EricWier]

@@BokehTherapy I look forward to hearing about your experience with adaptors! I have the original FTZ adaptor I got used. It is nice enough, but doesn't really do more than a metal spacer for AI-s lenses sadly.

[@BokehTherapy]

FTZ becomes a very expensive dummy adapter for AI-S lenses doesn’t it - lots of testing to come but I think two adapters (F to E mount adapter K&F concept) and the Neewer E to Z Autofocus adapter brings all the focusing assist features to manual F mount glass. It’s somehow thinner than FTZ even though it’s two adapters?

[@EricWier]

@@BokehTherapy wow, that is crazy! Might have to give them a try, as I have a bunch of old Nikkor lenses now.

[@BokehTherapy]

It’s working so far, lots more testing to be done for that video. There are so many adapters out there

[@michaelherskovitz4203]

Choices, choices, choices….yes it’s always a tough decision to decide what to take as gear and lenses. Interesting choices for your current trip, especially the 135. One benefit of traveling to Japan though is that you can easily find a new lens if you need it ! Did you check out the new Nikon museum ? I’d also recommend the Museum of Photography in Tokyo.

[@BokehTherapy]

Nikon museum is on the list, will now add the photography museum you mentioned. Thanks for the tip!

[@kravyadas]

Hey Jack, have you tried before the 20mm 1.8 S Nikon with the Zf?

[@BokehTherapy]

Hello! No I haven’t tried the 20mm S lens, it’s a little too big for me given how little I shoot wide. The reviews look amazing though?

[@macmac6479]

Yes! I did similar things on my trip to France and Holland. Ok, I took the Plena plus the 24-70mm 2.8 plus the 26mm. On a recent trip to Berlin it was the most compact Nikon Setup: ZF plus 26mm and the 40mm 1.2. I need the latter for night shooting. The 26 makes the ZF and even the Z8 a better street setup and there is no compromise on IQ in good light. It is simply superb engineering. And yes, the 50mm 1.8 remains a go to lens despite all the quality NIkon has released since. It is the best value for money still and is forgotten often because it is one of the oldest Z lenses and the 50mm 1.2 is a tiny bit better.

[@macmac6479]

I meant the Voigtländer 40mm 1.2 by the way. Thanks for another superb video and keep on doing this. The Plena shots are superb by the way, especially the guy on the scooter.

[@BokehTherapy]

That sounds like a great setup! The Voigtlander 40mm is one of my favourite lenses, wish they would release the 50mm f1.2 in Z mount. Thanks for your feedback, I like that scooter shot too!

[@ezekielkokspeaks]

Nice shots as always bro! Gosh 15x to jpn?? They must know you buy now lol

[@BokehTherapy]

lol well it’s an annual family trip. Not that crazy until I added it all up

[@annijoshle-th8kp]

Did you buy the lenses in Japan?

[@BokehTherapy]

All bought in Australia, will look at some vintage camera stores when I land in Tokyo

[@timgimbert3073]

I can't think of anything recent that I have taken for myself that wasn't shot with the Zf and the 40mm f2 and I have a lot of Nikon gear that I use professionally. If Nikon would bring out an f1.4 it would really excite me.......and let's not talk about the Leica Q3 43.....

[@BokehTherapy]

The 40mm is great - I was surprised when I saw how many keepers I’ve got over the past year with it too. The Q3 43 is beautiful but not what I need for now lol

[@timgimbert3073]

@BokehTherapy it is more of a want than a need.

[@BokehTherapy]

For sure right - it’s what a lot of us have been waiting for

[@rayrayg9]

Awww man I was hoping you would throw in a surprise third by the end and you did not disappoint! Although I do disagree, it's not the "nifty fifty", rather it's the "standard". The 40mm is slowly growing on me but the 50mm f/1.8 sits firmly in the throne, for now.

[@rayrayg9]

Also, a Japan trip just begs for fast primes, specifically for those buttery crisp nigthscapes. During the day stop down, use the 135mm to compress and take in all the detail-oriented scenes

[@BokehTherapy]

I love that - will start calling it “the standard” too. Glad I’m not alone in loving that 50. I can’t wait for those night time cityscapes. Thanks for watching!

[@craigcarlson4022]

Jack, I may be about to speak blasphemy for street photographers, but why not go with a quality zoom lens like the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 G2? Its weight is only about 125 grams more than the Nikon S primes, and it is fairly compact. I have tried to do/enjoy street photography using primes. But i miss so many possible shots when i’m fussing changing lenses. So i fall back on zooms. (I do have the 28 and 40mm lenses when i want to go super light). Craig

[@BokehTherapy]

Hi Craig, it’s been a while! Glad to hear you’re getting along with your Zf, the Tamron zooms are pretty great. I really like the 20-40mm f2.8 for Sony e mount, hope they port it over to Z mount soon

[@craigcarlson4022]

@@BokehTherapy Jack, Actually, I sent the ZF back during the return period. Even trying two different grips, i didn't take to the ergonomics (and sense of dense weight). So I'm back with a Z6ii and my Z50 and Z30...all with essentially the same control layout, and I am at peace with myself (but considering that Tamron 28-75 G2!) ;-) Have a great trip to Japan. Craig

[@BokehTherapy]

Oh glad to hear you have a stable setup - I do like the Z6 body controls and ergonomics a lot

[@thisisbenji90]

On the 85 vs 135, I also have both and feel like if there's not enough room for the 135 there's also not enough room for the 85. I much prefer the rendering from the 135, so my choice between the two is the 135 90% of the time.

[@BokehTherapy]

Great to hear I’m not alone in that assessment - I love 85, but never knew I’d like 135 this much

[@casamino]

I see you have a 50m 1.2 AI. I recently got the 1.4 AI and been really loving it. Looking forward to your review.

[@BokehTherapy]

Yup tracked it down last month, in excellent condition. I’m having a blast!

[@casamino]

@@BokehTherapyThe 1.2 was the one I had quested for but a 1.4 came up in great condition and I’m happy. I can’t imagine there’s a world of difference but ultimately I can live with it!

[@BokehTherapy]

Yup both are great, and such good value for the experience you get. Deep diving into the best adapters now, sad that FTZii is not the best option

[@casamino]

@@BokehTherapyYes I regret having bought mine since I only use manual lenses after all. Did you check out the Shoten FZ1 mount I sent awhile back? It’s a perfect stylistic match for the Ai lenses.

[@BokehTherapy]

Shoten make great adapters, I am just using a K&F concept one right now. If I tape over the lettering it looks OK lol

[@MadefromJava]

Your trips to Japan sound like my trips to Singapore lol After my last trip, I've come to the conclusion that 50mm is the only focal length I need for photography. I'm ok with missing the shot, and just satisfied with being in the moment. Looking for to the next one.

[@BokehTherapy]

50 is my favourite for sure - do you get to visit Singapore often? It’s beautiful!

[@MadefromJava]

@ so far we’ve gone each summer for the past 3 years

[@BokehTherapy]

Nice I haven’t been back in a few years. Climate is almost identical to Australia in the summer months so it feels like home

[@MadefromJava]

@@BokehTherapy I’m guessing northern part of Australia, must be a lot of Indonesians there lol

[@ronboe6325]

Classic case of use case dictates the tool. I don't do street photography so it's zooms for me. And now the Plena too......

[@BokehTherapy]

Glad to hear zooms work for you, my life would be easier if I got along with them. Happy shooting!

[@nickthaskater]

Voigtlander 50 f1 where?

[@BokehTherapy]

Still out of stock in my country. The f1.2 is pretty great and a little easier to find

[@MusabTahaTarik]

troubles of rich people 😎

[@BokehTherapy]

Haha no matter how little gear you have packing photography bags for travel is still hard

[@klinkhamerphoto]

Zooms are superior for travel photography. Get the 24-70mm f2. 8. Case closed

[@BokehTherapy]

Haha amazing. You are right of course, just a different workflow for me. Happy shooting

[@SamBugas]

Love the way you structured this one Jack. Such a fun way of going through your kit without doing a typical overview. Just good fun!

[@BokehTherapy]

Thanks Sam - as is evident in my gear choices I am an overthinker lol. Glad this video made sense!

[@SamBugas]

@ I’m absolutely with you. Primes add to that quite a fair bit, but they are so worth it. I’ve shot mostly on zooms, but recently been accruing some primes (perks of having a KZbin channel), and I’m loving the way they change your work. I’m working on my review of that 75mm f2 soon, and just love the length.

[@BokehTherapy]

Nice one - didn't realise you had a channel, just subbed! My life would be a lot easier if I got along with zooms but I love my primes

[@SamBugas]

@ thank you! Suppose there’s no right or wrong haha, just whatever gets you out shooting 🤙🏻 cheers

[@andretim75]

after 5 min. I was really about stopping watching this video. I really think photography is not so much about "light-room-workflow", adjusting sharpness or the degree of getting rid of purple fringing etc. I thought it was more about good pictures, the perfect moment, the soul of things captured in a photo.All these technical "first world problems" being rolled out here make me shake my had and leave this train.

[@BokehTherapy]

Keeping things consistent on the post production side means more time out there shooting! Thanks for stopping at this station for as long as you did