- Location
- Switzerland
- Name
- Matt
For each camera system, there's always talk about a "Holy Trinity" of primes the existence of which can actually define that system. Well, Nikon has done a fabulous job providing a solid set of affordable (though not exactly cheap), sufficiently compact primes, all of which share a maximum aperture of f/1.8.
The next point is certainly subjective; some would argue that a "Trinity" consists of certain focal lengths. In the past, my setups always evolved around 35mm lenses. But most people would say that the core of any such set has to be a good normal lens, and we're certainly in luck when it comes to the Z system: The Z 50mm f/1.8 S is an unassuming lens, yet a fantastic performer. For what it delivers, it's small and really quite a bargain.
Another easy choice is the - so far - only tele lens in the line-up, the Z 85mm f/1.8 S. Nikon has a history of producing very good 85mm f/1.8 primes, and this latest edition marks the pinnacle of that tradition.
On the wide end, things get a bit more difficult because there's already a choice of three very good lenses. Luckily for me, I followed a hunch (and some reviewers I can usually trust) and invested in the Z 20mm f/1.8 S. While its two longer siblings deliver wonderful images, this was the lens that surprised me the most: It's a stunning performer - and that even extends to bokeh, something I certainly hadn't expected.
All this means that for the first time, my favourite three-lens setup doesn't contain a 35mm lens ... Does this mean that the Z 35mm f/1.8 S (which I also own) is a bad lens? Not at all - it's just that its stable mates are even better! As a single-lens solution, I still prefer the Z 35mm f/1.8 S over the Z 50mm f/1.8 S, but only just (and I'm still hoping to see the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 C in Z mount because I like that lens over both the Nikons, in spite of them being clearly better when it comes to their optical prowess). But whenever I have the time and leisure to take my Trinity along, it's now fully established.
I'm really happy about how things have turned out.
M.
The next point is certainly subjective; some would argue that a "Trinity" consists of certain focal lengths. In the past, my setups always evolved around 35mm lenses. But most people would say that the core of any such set has to be a good normal lens, and we're certainly in luck when it comes to the Z system: The Z 50mm f/1.8 S is an unassuming lens, yet a fantastic performer. For what it delivers, it's small and really quite a bargain.
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Another easy choice is the - so far - only tele lens in the line-up, the Z 85mm f/1.8 S. Nikon has a history of producing very good 85mm f/1.8 primes, and this latest edition marks the pinnacle of that tradition.
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
On the wide end, things get a bit more difficult because there's already a choice of three very good lenses. Luckily for me, I followed a hunch (and some reviewers I can usually trust) and invested in the Z 20mm f/1.8 S. While its two longer siblings deliver wonderful images, this was the lens that surprised me the most: It's a stunning performer - and that even extends to bokeh, something I certainly hadn't expected.
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
All this means that for the first time, my favourite three-lens setup doesn't contain a 35mm lens ... Does this mean that the Z 35mm f/1.8 S (which I also own) is a bad lens? Not at all - it's just that its stable mates are even better! As a single-lens solution, I still prefer the Z 35mm f/1.8 S over the Z 50mm f/1.8 S, but only just (and I'm still hoping to see the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 C in Z mount because I like that lens over both the Nikons, in spite of them being clearly better when it comes to their optical prowess). But whenever I have the time and leisure to take my Trinity along, it's now fully established.
I'm really happy about how things have turned out.
M.
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