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The following opinions have been automatically translated with Microsoft Translator. | Nikon Z5 Pros: Value for money, format, stabilization, dimensions Cons: AF on very limiting people, Cover-viewfinder Opinion: Used socket (at half price compared to the price list) to use when I need to minimize the volume of equipment I carry with me (some travel, street photography), I love the fact that it is full-frame and stabilized at a truly unbeatable price. The dual SD slot helps and the autofocus in general seems great for the price range, even in low light (certainly do not expect performance from Z9 / Z8 or Sony). The main flaws I found are 2 and of both I do not understand the reason: 1) the Eye detect (and also the face detect) can be activated only by selecting as the focus area the largest one that holds the entire screen / viewfinder, so if it actually focuses correctly the eye everything ok, if you need to quickly focus on some other detail in the viewfinder or any occasion in which you do not want to use one of the features auto-selected by the algorithm, you have to change the focus area and move the new focus point by hand, it happens to me personally in 2 main cases: - it does not seem to me that the eye detected by the camera is in the correct position (or maybe it does not detect what I want because of the pose or accessories worn) - I have to take a series of shots in which I quickly pass from the eye to focus of the person portrayed to a detail, usually something he has in his hand For this reason I often find myself not using this feature and directly using the smallest area available 2) the viewfinder cover rubbers jumps off with disarming ease. It came to me without a viewfinder cover, I bought the official kit and 2 times out of 3 when I put it away in the backpack jumps away. I understand why I got without sent on August 24, 2023 |
 | Nikon Z 40mm f/2 Pros: Dimensions, Brightness, Tropicalization Cons: Nothing Opinion: Taken to use it in situations where I have to shoot with the least volume of equipment on me (some holidays, street photography) and I want something even smaller than 50mm or 24mm, I found it impeccable for what it offers. I don't think it's as revolutionary as maybe the 50mm f/1.8 G was when it came out for F mount (which had a very similar launch price and size), but I struggle to find faults for the range of use it covers. If you have the same requirements as me I find it better than the 28mm (I have not tried the 26mm which however has another type of price). If you care more about the final bare and raw yield and you can sacrifice a little space and a little more money, the 50mm f/1.8 (Z) is obviously a whole other world. sent on August 24, 2023 |
 | Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S Pros: bokeh, yield, maximum aperture, low vignetting Cons: Price not in line with competitors, light ghosting at MFD + TA Opinion: After 5 sets of portraits I can finally give a first judgment on this lens, the first of its kind for the Japanese house and if it makes you pay dearly (compared to the Canon version for example). However, if it can be useful, interesting or intriguing a lens for portraits with the maximum aperture at 1.2, it is worth every single euro. In my kit it replaced the Sigma ART 105mm f/1.4 and the 85mm f/1.8 and I do not regret having sold any of the 2 lenses, which are still excellent. In terms of resolution and sharpness you eat the 105 of Sigma which was the sharpest lens I had ever used, at the level of Bokeh, three-dimensionality and fall-off of the planes of fire is in an alloy alone (perhaps together with the 50 1.2 but I have never tried). The size and weight are not the best, but they are still more manageable than the Sigma and are in line with expectations for the quality obtained. The handling of chromatic aberrations and vignetting also seems class-leading to me for this focal length. The only technical note that can be improved can be found at f/1.2 shooting at 85cm (MFD) from the subject: on test charts there is a slight loss of contrast in situations of direct light, solvable by increasing the contrast in post-production with 1 click (the resolving power is not affected, nor the chromatic tones); I add, however, that in "real cases" of portraits this problem is not appreciable. It will be a lens that will have a fixed dwelling in the photographic backpack sent on April 18, 2023 |
 | Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Pros: all Cons: maybe the price Opinion: Perfect optics that take full advantage of the Z mount. If version 1.2 did not exist, this would probably be enough. Lens with sharpness, microcontrast and bokeh of a couple of classes higher than ever released on F mount by both nikon and tamron/sigma, so much so that any direct comparison would be embarrassing and I find it hard to believe that there are people who prefer the old versions. Instant autofocus in almost any light situation. This lens represents a generational leap between the old and the new and is felt everywhere, unfortunately also in price. In my opinion, however, it is definitely worth it. sent on April 02, 2023 |
 | Viltrox AF 24mm f/1.8 Pros: sharpness, price, size Cons: not perfect Z mount, no weather sealing Opinion: Taken in mid-2022, used on Z9, it is proving to be a lens to always keep in the bag. Reduced weight and size, as reduced is also the price, are combined with an excellent quality of yield both on sharpness and microcontrast. The autofocus is very fast even if in low light situations it is not instantaneous like some native Nikon lenses, however light years ahead of adapted F mount lenses. The diaphragm ring can be used or kept automatically (the only point where there is a soft-lock click) which seems to me a good addition even if I rarely use it. It behaves in all respects like a professional prime lens, too bad only for the lack of weather sealing that for landscapes would certainly simplify things. Only negative note: sometimes when I try to remove it it remains grafted even after turning the hook 45 degrees, but usually just re-insert it and remove it more gently to extract it without problems sent on April 02, 2023 |
 | Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Pros: Yield and autofocus Cons: size (more than weight) Opinion: Used on the D850 since mid-2018 and adapted to the Z9 without problems it is a perfect lens in terms of yield, bokeh, and performance. Unexceptionable. Bought specifically for the chance to shoot critical portraits with an optical perfection reminiscent of manual ZEISS has never disappointed me. The autofocus is also fast and accurate and beats any other F mount lens I've ever had. Despite this, and perhaps also due to the pandemic and work on the road before it, it is an optics that I have used very, very little. The thing that makes it unwieldy, more than the weight, is the fact that it is relatively short but wide. Without supports to unload the weight it becomes tiring quite quickly having to use it for shots that are not parallel to the floor. At 105mm focal length you also need more space (for interiors mainly) than the classic 85mm that is already narrow for many hotels and AirBnB (where I shoot the vast majority of portraits). However, it remains a perfect optics at a reasonable price sent on April 02, 2023 |
 | Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Pros: Yield, stabilization Cons: price Opinion: Used from mid-2018 to the end of 2022, it improves the performance across the spectrum of the 50mm f/1.8 G although not by much. The great addition is the stabilization, always effective (also adapted to Z mount) which contrasts with negative sides such as the size (and weight) almost doubled, the cost tripled and a focal length reduction of 5mm that does not affect too much on Bokeh and final result. Performance side is the Nikon 50mm but better, in everything: bokeh, sharpness and microcontrast. If stabilization comes in handy (D800/810/850), for me the price increase to have stabilization justifies the purchase, otherwise there are no stories and it is worth taking the Nikon version. Buying it in 2023 to adapt it to Z mount instead does not really make sense because at the same price you buy the 50mm f / 1.8 S that outclasses both lenses on any aspect. sent on April 02, 2023 |
 | Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Pros: yield, tropicalization, stabilization (F mount) Cons: stabilization (adapted to Z mount) Opinion: Bought at the beginning of 2016 and used until a few months ago, it improves a bit on everything compared to the Nikon counterpart (already excellent). In addition it offers stabilization, very useful with high MP cameras (used on D800 / D850) that justifies the price. The whole technical sector is impeccable, from sharpness to microcontrast and bokeh. The only sore point, the stabilization, once adapted with FTZ-II to Nikon Z, loses effectiveness, making photo shakes that with only the IBIS would be sharp, but unfortunately if you want to set you have to use that of the lens. On F mount remains unbeatable for the price, but if you use a camera with less than 35MP perhaps the cheapest Nikon is worthwhile, because the price difference loses justification. sent on April 02, 2023 |
 | Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Pros: value for money, overall yield Cons: Yield to f/2.8 can be improved Opinion: Purchased at the end of 2015 more because I wanted a 70-200 than for actual necessity, it is a lens that I used very very little. Like the 24-70 it is superior to the Nikon of the time in practically everything, price included, even if on the 70-200 the yield at f / 2.8, especially at minimum focus distance is not particularly stellar (I would say more in terms of contrast than sharpness). If it is used it can be a valid choice even today on F mount, especially if it is a support lens and not the lens with which you intend to take most of the photos, otherwise it is worth investing in the G2 version or directly in the latest Nikon (which however has another price). sent on April 02, 2023 |
 | Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Pros: yield, price, stabilization Cons: nothing Opinion: Bought at the end of 2015 and used until a few months ago, it shows how Nikon slept on its laurels on F mount lenses. Incredibly better on everything, price included, compared to the Nikkor version, it made it easier to access the standard zoom lens par excellence without having to faint about the original. Lens with which I took more photos ever, can be used for portraits without problems if you can carry only one lens and you are not sure you have enough space to shoot with an 85mm. Despite being indicated as not compatible if adapted on Z, my copy worked quietly even on Z9 (many, however, do not work), although after 10 years the optical quality of the new lenses fortunately improved and I then sold it for a 24-120 f / 4 S. On F mount this, or the G2 version if you want to have a little more security on compatibility for a future transition to mirrorless, It remains the best choice at any price range. sent on April 02, 2023 |
 | Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8 G Pros: Yield, price, size Cons: nothing Opinion: Purchased at the end of 2012 and used until the end of 2016, it was the portrait lens with which I shot the most in relation to the actual years of use. Practically perfect. Fantastic bokeh, precise and fast focusing, sublime rendering. All in a lightweight packaging at a competitive price. Unlike the 50mm it did not make the f/1.4 counterpart completely obsolete, but only because the 85mm f/1.4 is an almost perfect lens on the F mount. However, even this cheaper version had nothing to envy compared to its big brother, if not 1/3 stop of light. Superlative. Also replaced this with the Tamron version for a small gain in sharpness and the incredible usefulness of stabilization on the D800/D850. If the tamron had never come out, I would never have felt the need for an upgrade, at least up to 85 f/1.2 on Z mount. sent on April 02, 2023 |
 | Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8 G Pros: Yield, size, price Cons: nothing Opinion: Bought just released in 2011 and used as a standard lens of preference until mid-2018, it is one of the small jewels of Nikon's F-mount lenses in recent years. Smaller, cheaper and more performing than the 'big brother' f / 1.4 was in effect a must-buy for anyone using that focal length. Sharper at 1.8 than version 1.4, it made the more expensive version obsolete and even in the following years it was equaled or surpassed by very few alternatives, all much more expensive. Probably now it is no longer worth the list price, and on Z mount there is infinitely better (provided you pay the cost), but it remains the first lens to buy if you are new to the F mount world. I replaced it with the Tamron 45mm only and exclusively because the latter had the stabilization that helped a lot on D800 / D850 (the tamron also has a better yield but still cost three times and came out several years later) sent on April 02, 2023 |
 | Sony RX100 V Pros: Yield, functionality Cons: Menu, ergonomics, LCD screen Opinion: Bought at the end of 2016 and still in my possession, I took this camera as a backup when I needed a pocket camera, for non-critical shots but that could still generate quality portraits without the volume requirements of a DSLR / Mirrorless. The yield of the 1-inch sensor and the Zeiss lens were, for the time, fantastic. I took the most viewed portraits of my Reddit profile and generally I never had major problems (obviously adjusting the expectations to the size and price of the camera). If from the point of view of quality and performance I have never had anything to complain about, unfortunately I can not say the same of ergonomics (practically non-existent), menu (absurdly 90s, but unfortunately Sony will always be behind in this theme), and LCD screen, inscrutable outside in natural light situation. LCD screen that is also incredibly prone to scratches while keeping the camera in the same environments where I store the smartphone (trouser pocket or small backpack pocket). I fear that the entire range of these cameras is, in 2023, obsolete and I keep it more as a backup in case of emergencies than for actual necessity, although I think that now, apart from rare cases of shots at particular inclinations, a high-end smartphone (from Pixel 7 PRO onwards) does the exact same things at a lower price (and with all the features of a smartphone). In 2023 I would give up compact and bridge, even high-end. sent on April 02, 2023 |
 | Nikon Z9 Pros: Flagship at a reduced cost compared to Nikon DSLRs and Mirrorless competitors, virtually every other feature Cons: Memory Door Release System Opinion: First flagship I buy, I had to wait until July 2022 despite the preorder, for me it was the first Nikon mirrorless worthy of being bought to replace the D850. The improvements (some also given by the fact that it is precisely a flagship, as well as mirrorless, therefore a different performance range) are countless: AF system finally on par with competitors (and with facial recognition), practically unlimited battery (even on days of 1000 shots, however, consumption only 1 notch of battery), finally IBIS (shooting with sigma 105 ART at 1/20s and not having shake was moving), No risk of front/back-focus and having to calibrate every lens, yield quality and dynamic range further improved. All at a price that yes, is definitely higher-end than the D850 when it came out (even taking inflation into account), but remains inferior to previous Nikon flagships and competitors in the Mirrorless world of Sony and Canon. The only thing that can be improved is the fact that it takes 2 hands to open the memory compartment, when a simpler system would have been enough. It doesn't impact my use cases. sent on April 02, 2023 |
 | Nikon D850 Pros: Worthy heir of the D800, state of the art in the DSLR world for portraits Cons: XQD you could skip Opinion: Used from late 2017 to July 2022, the D850 represents the state of the art in DSLR photography for portrait painters. It further improves the performance of the already excellent D800 which, however, began to make its age felt. The lack of IBIS makes the problem of shake remain if no remedies are implemented in this regard, but after 5 years of D800 many have become accustomed to shooting better so it is not a problem that occurs so often. The initial adoption of XQD proved to be, in retrospect, short-sighted but, given that many camera bodies were sold with a 64GB XQD bundled, I don't feel like penalizing it too much. If I were forced to stay in the DSLR world, it would still be the reference camera. Unbeatable sent on April 02, 2023 |
 | Nikon D800 Pros: Technological advancement, yield, construction, ergonomics, battery life Cons: micro-blur if you do not pay attention to the shooting technique Opinion: Purchased in mid-2012 and used until the end of 2017, the D800 was the turning point at Nikon of my photographic era. Industry-leading and unparalleled camera, it finally offered high resolution in a Pro body without compromising for a portraitist (compromises were certainly felt in other fields of photography). Battery of remarkable duration, especially if combined with a second in battery grip, sensor and sharpness leader for the time, it was still a pro body, a body not at all light and a very dense sensor. The main negative point was given by the fact that all these things left the photographer a flawless shooting technique or the use of very conservative shutter speeds to avoid shake. In retrospect the only better choice I could have made at the time would have been to take the E version. sent on April 02, 2023 |
 | Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S Pros: Yield on all fronts, an all-rounder who does not miss almost anything Cons: lacks stabilization (I would avoid using it on bodies without IBIS), market price Opinion: I waited to find it at 1000 euros to buy it, but now that I have it I don't regret it at all. For an all-rounder that you can take on vacation or when you want to go out with a single lens is perfect on Full Frame: the yield is unparalleled even compared to older lenses but brighter / more expensive and the only contender is the 24-70mm 2.8S which, however, costs more than double, and in any case it is not that far from that either. I don't feel the missing stabilization at all since I use the in-body one, but it could be a problem on APS-C. It replaces very well my tamron 24-70 (which was not giving me big problems adapted but still does not come close to this at all). If you could only use one lens for the rest of your life, this would be the most versatile contender. sent on April 02, 2023 |
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