Blog

Nikon Owner Magazine Issue 77

CONTENTS – ISSUE 77 2023

Nikon Owner 77

Why I adopted the Nikon Z System
By David Morley
David Morley tells us how he came to adopt the Nikon Z System.

The Z MC 105mm F/2.8 VR S Review
By Robert Thompson
Acclaimed close-up and natural history photographer Robert Thompson brings considerable expertise to his review of the Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens.

THE DEER HUNTER: 70-200mm F/2.8 S vs 100-400MM F/4-5.6 S, Nikon 100-400MM F/4-5.6 S
By Becky Danese
Becky Danese, Nikon Owner technical writer, live-stream queen, author, photographer, artist and musician explains why she decided to compare these two zoom lenses.

RWANDA – MEETING THE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
By Andrew Main Wilson
Andrew Main Wilson spends sixty magical minutes with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda.

THE NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S LENS REVIEW
By Simon Stafford
Technical guru Simon Stafford discusses the attributes of the Z 24-120mm and explains why it makes for a very compelling choice.

THE PHOTOGRAPHIC WORD
By Gillian Greenwood
Features Editor Gillian Greenwood examines the many ways photography has changed our viewpoint of the world, whether it unlocks the door to a breathtaking new realm or allows us to share a moment of collective empathy.

BECKY’S BOOK NOOK
Becky Danese reviews latest book The Real Deal.

POLAR BEAR AT SUNSET
By Heather Angel
Heather Angel captures an extraordinary image of a polar bear, the king of the Arctic, as it walks over ice-covered Hudson Bay in Canada in the setting sun.

TONY HURST GALLERY
Words by Gray Levett
Master photographer Tony Hurst presents his image of the Nikon F Photomic that was released in April 1962.

THE MUSICAL BOX OF MICHAEL PUTLAND
Words by Gray Levett
Music photographer Michael Putland’s archive includes an intimate study of Keith Emerson, keyboard player, composer, pianist and founding member of both The Nice and the enormously successful supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

Posted in Featured, Issue, Nikon Owner, Nikon Owner Magazine, Photography Magazine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Meet Nikon’s Smallest Z Lens!

THE NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 WIDE-ANGLE PANCAKE LENS

Z 26mm 2.8

Today, Nikon introduces the slimmest, lightest Z series full-frame pancake lens ever. With a versatile 26 mm focal length, short minimum focusing distance, and sharp NIKKOR Z optics, this wide-angle prime lens might be small but it’s ready for big ideas. Photographers will be able to capture standout shots from their own unique perspective.

Weighing 125 g (approx.), and just 23.5 mm long (approx.), this super-slim and lightweight wide-angle prime lens is brilliant for creative, on-the-spot photography. It’s so unobtrusive it gives discretion a new name. Even the included bayonet hood doesn’t add any real bulk, and the hood can be fitted with 52 mm filters for even more creative options. Despite its diminutive size, this pancake lens has a reassuringly solid build—the lens mount is metal, and the lens barrel and all moving parts are sealed to protect from dust and water droplets.

Equally at home shooting street scenes, landscapes, interiors, and more, the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 lets photographers turn every opportunity into a creative opportunity. The wide Z mount combines with the lens’ wide f/2.8 maximum aperture to deliver great low-light performance, and photographers can use faster shutter speeds to freeze action without sacrificing brightness. For closer work, focusing is sharp with the camera just 20 cm away from subjects—and bokeh can be accentuated at close distances for artful-looking background blur. Video shooters and vloggers can take advantage of the lens’ wide field of view and suppressed focus breathing to shoot great-looking footage, ideal for everything from sweeping wide shots to interviews that create a real sense of place.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager, Nikon Europe, says: “This brilliantly versatile pancake prime might be the slimmest lens in our current line-up – but its solid build is pure NIKKOR Z. Its compact dimensions and steadfast performance make it an attractive go-to candidate for photographers who want a discreet companion, and it makes an excellent walk-around lens. It represents great value for money and it’s an excellent addition to any kit.”

Summary of key features: NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8

26 mm wide-angle pancake prime lens: versatile 26 mm focal length (39 mm equivalent on DX-format cameras) with fast f/2.8 aperture. Shoot with clarity and sharpness in low light or freeze action without sacrificing brightness.

The slimmest full-frame wide-angle lens in the Nikon Z line-up: weighs just 125 g (approx.) and measures 23.5 mm (approx.) long.

Excellent close up: the minimum focus distance of just 20 cm allows for close-up shooting, and the wide aperture lets users accentuate bokeh for beautiful background blur.

Tough: the metal lens mount gives this thin pancake lens a reassuringly solid build. The lens barrel and all moving parts are sealed to prevent dust and water droplets from entering the lens.1

Great for video: the wide field of view and suppressed focus breathing ensure users can shoot great-looking footage with ease.

Customisable control ring: the smooth, silent control ring can be set to control ISO, aperture, exposure compensation, and more.

Filter ready: 52 mm filters can be attached to the included bayonet lens hood.

PRICE: £529
SALES START: Early March 2023

FOOTNOTES

1 The lens is not guaranteed to be dust- and drip-resistant in all situations and under all conditions.

Posted in Featured, Nikon Equipment, Nikon News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

THE NIKKOR Z 85MM F/1.2 S PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT LENS

NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S

Today, Nikon expands its range of high-performance S-Line lenses with the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S. With its ultra-fast f/1.2 maximum aperture, exquisite bokeh, and incredibly precise autofocus—this Z series mirrorless lens is the ultimate portrait prime.

Optimised for the remarkable light-gathering capability of the Z mount, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S offers incredible brightness and detail. It opens up new possibilities for aesthetic control, giving photographers the chance to reimagine what a portrait lens can do.

The spectacular resolving power of this professional portrait lens allows for the masterful reproduction of skin tones and fine details in clothing or make up. Combined with the lens’ ultra-shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh, images take on an almost three-dimensional quality. The bokeh itself is nothing short of sublime: perfectly round, smoothly graded, and with no discernible fringing even around point light sources. For those whose creative vision includes dramatic backlighting—ghosting, reflections, and flare are all thoroughly countered. Even when shooting straight into harsh light sources, the lens enables you to achieve sharp and clear results.

Autofocus is meticulous, enabling photographers to confidently meet the challenge of shooting at f/1.2 and working with a razor-thin focal plane. The lens’ controls are fully customisable and easy to reach, which is ideal when wanting to shoot without breaking eye contact with a subject. In addition, the solid body is extensively sealed to ensure that photographers can work without worrying about the lens—even in dusty locations or changeable weather.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager, Nikon Europe says: “This 85 mm portrait lens is a true landmark in our growing portfolio of exceptional f/1.2 Nikon Z mount lenses. With its ultra-wide aperture and incredible resolving power, this is the kind of lens the Z mount was made for. It’s always hard to judge by specs alone, but I’m very excited to see the undoubtedly amazing work the masters of the craft will produce with this lens in the years to come.”

NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S image

Summary of key features: NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S

Classic 85 mm focal length: for fashion and fine-art portraiture, as well as editorial and event portraits.

Ultra-fast f/1.2 maximum aperture: allows superb aesthetic control in any light. Photographers can work with an ultra-shallow depth of field and isolate even the tiniest details.

Sublime bokeh: the 11-blade rounded aperture and advanced optical design result in large, soft, creamy bokeh, that’s perfectly round and smoothly graded, with no fringing—even around point light sources.

S-Line optics: phenomenal resolving power for detailed, accurate reproduction of skin tones, patterns, and textures. The clarity of colour and contrast throughout the frame is exceptional.

Liberating clarity: specialised lens elements and Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat control light dispersion and prevent ghosting, reflections, and flare.

Pin-sharp multi-focusing system: two groups of lens elements move in precise synchronisation to keep the intended point of focus sharp, even when subjects move freely.

Captivatingly cinematic: when filming, the ultra-shallow depth of field and stunning bokeh make this portrait lens the perfect choice for close-up shots. Video shooters get quiet autofocus and stable aperture control.

Customisable: functions can be assigned to the L-Fn button and clickless control ring.

Tough: the solid body is extensively sealed at the barrel joints and buttons—and a rubber gasket prevents dust, dirt, or moisture from entering the lens mount.1

PRICE: £2999.00 inc. VAT in the UK

SALES START: Late March 2023

FOOTNOTES:

1 The lens is not guaranteed to be dust and drip resistant in all situations and under all conditions

Posted in Featured, Nikon Equipment, Nikon News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

NIKON ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF TWO NEW NIKKOR Z LENSES

Nikon is pleased to announce the development of two new NIKKOR Z lenses: the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S, a fast mid-telephoto prime lens, and the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8, a slim, wide-angle prime lens, both compatible with the Z mount system.

Part of the ever-growing S-Line1 NIKKOR Z lens series, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S offers a superior rendering performance as well as large and beautiful bokeh. Expanding the possibilities of portrait photography, the lens is particularly well suited for wedding and fashion photographers.

The NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8, the second high-performance lens to be announced, has an incredibly slim and lightweight body, ideal for amateur photographers looking to take their cameras with them on the go. The prime lens is the perfect photography companion; ensuring shooters never miss an opportunity to capture beautiful imagery.

Nikon is committed to leading imaging culture and developing products that not only meet their users’ needs, but empower them to reach their creative and technical potential.

FOOTNOTES:

1 The S-Line is a grade of NIKKOR Z lenses that demonstrate outstanding optical performance, adhering to a high standard of design principles and quality control.

Posted in Featured, Nikon Equipment, Nikon News, Photographers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

NIKON ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF YOUTUBE SERIES ‘NIKON SESSIONS’

Nikon Sessions

Nikon Europe has announced the launch of its brand new YouTube series, ‘Nikon Sessions’. Hosted by Ricci Chera, Training Specialist at Nikon School, ‘Nikon Sessions’ will encompass everything there is to love about photography and the whole process of image creation.

The first season will consist of six episodes featuring an array of guests including some of the best Nikon photographers, educators and staff, providing thought-provoking and entertaining discussions.

Episode topics range from music, urban and street photography, to news, portraiture and the practical art of editing. Not only will viewers receive numerous pointers and tips, but shot setups and equipment needs will be examined and debated – considering the personal style of each creative.

Releasing episodes fortnightly, the ‘Nikon Sessions’ schedule features:

  • Episode 1: Music Photography with Scarlet Page, Shirlaine Forrest, Conor McDonnell and Pep Bonet
  • Episode 2: Urban & Street Photography with Leon Neal, Ben Moore and Perry Gibson
  • Episode 3: Lindbergh with Tara Florence and Harry Skeggs
  • Episode 4: Editing with Carolyn Mendelsohn, Harry Skeggs and Pep Bonet
  • Episode 5: News with Leon Neal and Lucy Young
  • Episode 6: Portraits with Carolyn Mendelssohn and Tara Florence

Ricci Chera, Training Specialist at Nikon School says: “We are delighted to introduce a new way of sharing knowledge within our community with the launch of ‘Nikon Sessions’. It’s not often you get multiple experts across different genres to be in the same place to discuss their shared passion of photography, which is what makes this series so special.

We hope that by engaging in some of the conversations, photographers of all levels, ages and interests will be inspired to pick up a camera and start shooting with some of the advice in mind.”

Stefan Maier, General Manager of Marketing at Nikon Europe comments: “At Nikon, we’re always looking for new ways in which we can inspire and excite photographers. Whether they’ve just started shooting or are fully-fledged professionals, having the opportunity to learn from leading names in the industry can be invaluable. These sessions will also offer photographers a glimpse into genres of photography they may never have considered – increasing their knowledge and helping improve their existing skills.”

Episodes will be uploaded regularly to the Nikon Europe YouTube channel. Subscribe to stay updated at: https://www.youtube.com/c/NikonEurope/ 

Episode 1 on Music Photography is already available to view! Watch it here

Posted in Featured, Nikon News, Online Training, Photographers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment