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Nikon Owner Magazine Issue 78

Posted on April 14, 2023 by Katrin Ruckert

CONTENTS – ISSUE 78 2023

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT
By Gillian Greenwood
Nigel A. Ball talks to Gillian Greenwood about his latest photographic project, which is dedicated to monitoring and documenting the life-cycle and behaviour of butterflies, ultimately to ensure their conservation.

The NIKKOR Z 400mm F/4.5 VR S LENS REVIEW
By Simon Stafford
Simon Stafford reviews the latest addition to the ever-growing arsenal of lenses for the Nikon Z System.

CHINESE ICE SCULPTURES
By Heather Angel
Heather Angel travels to Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang, in the north-east province of China, to photograph their world-famous annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival.

A FORCE OF NATURE – NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2022
By Becky Danese
Becky Danese was invited to view the exhibitions and interview some of the commended and winning photographers who have made Nikon their tool of choice.

CHILE – THE WORLD’S LARGEST MAN-MADE HOLE
By Andrew Main Wilson
Born-to-roam Andrew Main Wilson has over the years pushed past boundaries of all kinds to complete his quest to photograph every single country on earth.

GRAHAM EATON’S LIVING LANDSCAPES
By Gillian Greenwood
Gillian Greenwood looks at the different ways the storyline behind a landscape can change and discusses the subject with Graham Eaton, whose image, The Sacred Garden, was the winning photograph in the Landscape Photographer of the Year Competition for 2022 in the Coastal Category.

TONY HURST GALLERY
Words by Gray Levett
I-Robot master photographer Tony Hurst creates a unique image of Nikon’s 1988 flagship model, the Nikon F4, a camera that was a huge technological jump ahead of its time for the period.

THE MUSICAL BOX OF MICHAEL PUTLAND
Words by Gray Levett
Peter Gabriel, a founder member and the lead singer for the Prog Rock band Genesis, created some remarkable and striking stage personas. He is captured live in concert by Michael Putland.

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NIKON IS SUCCESSFUL AT THIS YEAR’S TIPA WORLD AWARDS WITH THREE WINS

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Katrin Ruckert

Today Nikon is thrilled to announce that it has been successful across three categories at this year’s TIPA World Awards. The first product to take home gold was the Z 30, which was crowned the ‘Best APS-C Vlogger Camera’. In the lens categories, the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S was the winner of the ‘Best Supertelephoto Prime Lens’ award, while the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S collected the award for ‘Best Portrait Lens’. The three awards demonstrate Nikon’s continued commitment to producing innovative equipment that enables photographers to push the limits of what is possible both creatively and technically.

The TIPA jury praised Nikon for quickly responding to the ever-growing interest in vlogging and live streaming by introducing the Z 30, which is positioned as the perfect next step for content creators transitioning from compact cameras and smartphones. Meanwhile, the jury was particularly impressed with the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S, which was described as ‘a dream lens for wildlife photographers’. The NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S was successful due to impressive features such as its ultra-fast maximum aperture, beautiful bokeh, and precise autofocus.

TIPA comments on the Nikon Z 30, winner of the ‘Best APS-C Vlogger Camera’ award

TIPA editors note how Nikon has quickly responded to the ever-growing vlogging and live stream activities of content creators by introducing a solution that offers greater creativity and more recording options and represents a step up from compact cameras and smartphones. The Nikon Z 30 offers 4K video at 30p, slo-mo options of 1080 video up to 120 fps, a fully articulating 3-inch monitor and a stereo microphone built into its top plate. Specially dedicated vlogging and creator accessories, available separately or in kit with the Z 30, make putting together a ready-to-go setup easy. These accessories include a SmallRig wind muff and a Nikon Bluetooth remote control unit that can be seamlessly combined with the also-available SmallRig mini tripod/selfie grip. The Nikon Z 30 can be purchased as body-only or with a variety of kit lenses, and can also accept full-frame Z lenses (with accompanying crop) for those with other Nikon gear.

TIPA comments on the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S, winner of the ‘Best Supertelephoto Prime Lens’

A dream lens for wildlife photographers, the Z 600 incorporates a built-in 1.4X teleconverter that switches the lens to an 840mm f/5.6. Working outdoors often means challenging light and weather conditions, so a newly developed “Meso Amorphous Coat” offers the greatest antireflective performance from a Nikon lens while ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coats do their part to reduce ghosting, reflections and glare. AF is greatly enhanced with a “Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor” that uses magnets rather than gears to move focusing groups, benefiting both still and video recording. Vibration reduction with a lens like this is paramount, and here it’s up to 5.5 stops with compatible camera bodies. Atop a tripod, the build and design allow for a balance that makes panning smoother and more responsive.

TIPA comments on the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S, winner of the ‘Best Portrait Lens’

Portrait photographers will fully appreciate this classic focal length lens with its ultra-fast maximum aperture, beautiful bokeh, and solid construction, making it a perfect choice for capturing stunning fashion, wedding, boudoir and, of course, portrait images. Striking backgrounds can be achieved when shooting wide open, and at f/2 point light sources are rendered as soft and “dreamlike” orbs. As part of the Nikon’s premium S-line family, superior optics, operation and build quality are available for both still and video capture, aided by dual STM motors. Auto -Priority manual focus makes for an easy transition to manual during AF operation, while its programmable control ring allows for easy customization of operation to match each photographer’s individual style for every mood and scene.

The TIPA World Awards are universally recognised as celebrating top-class companies and the highest-quality products in the industry. It also serves to provide an important benchmark and guide for consumers when making their purchasing decisions.

Please visit the TIPA website for more information: www.tipa.com

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Nikon Owner Magazine Issue 77

Posted on February 20, 2023 by Katrin Ruckert

 CONTENTS – ISSUE 77 2023

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.

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Meet Nikon’s Smallest Z Lens!

Posted on February 7, 2023 by Katrin Ruckert

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.

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

Posted on February 7, 2023 by Katrin Ruckert

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

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