Nikon D800E vs Nikon D800 Definitive Comparison with Leica 100/2.8 APO

It took me a grueling day to get the images I wanted. One cannot just “shoot a quick comparison”, an incredibly naive idea.

To achieve these results, considerable time and care were required. And don’t think for a minute that just any lens will produce quality this high, or that casual focusing will deliver the outstanding sharpness as shown. The images represent the very best that is possible from the D800 / D800E.

Using a nodal slider, I focus-matched the Nikon D800E to the Nikon D800, using the Leica 100 mm f/2.8 APO-Macro-Elmarit-R at a distance of ~195cm (1mm increments of focus).

The results

Now published in my review of the Nikon D800 / D800E in DAP is a comparison of the Nikon D800E to the Nikon D800.

The aperture series from f/2.8 - f/22 is shown in 1/2 stops for all the actual pixels crops from both cameras, so various types of interesting analysis may be done.

Also posted is a new ACR sharpening evaluation for the D800E and D800 with sharpening values for each camera of 0/10/20/30/40/50/60/70/80/90/100, so that one can assess the relative merits of different levels of sharpening.

The D800 / D800E both have me lusting after a future 50-60-megapixel DSLR. While very few lenses are up to even the 36 megapixels of the D800[E], a few certainly are.

Reader comments

Benoit D writes:

Lloyd, as you know I have been in my previous life a pro photo equipment reviewer in France, mostly for Reposes Photo and Le Photographe.

I subscribed to your excellent content online about 2 years ago, and I should say that you keep pushing the envelope toward excellent in type of questions you try to answer. The D800/D800E is a pinnacle.

Nobody Worldwide, and I know what I'm talking about since I'm in contact daily with the best digital photography experts in Japan, Europe, and the US has been able to truly assess the pro/cons of the Nikon D800/D800E... except you. Bravo!

Mark J writes:

Thanks for this fascinating work. To an extent, it's not what those of us who have ordered the D800E want to hear! In a landscape photograph with a D800, will the added sharpening look subtly over-sharpened; will the D800E photograph look more, as one might say, 'at ease with itself'?!

DIGLLOYD: This is a question I hope to address with a visit to Yosemite (high contrast features, e.g. granite faces, etc).

The main issue I see with the D800E is color aliasing (colored speckles on high contrast detail). In this regard, the D800 will look more natural, but since it requires a bit more sharpening, and some lenses might beg for more sharpening than is otherwise desirable, it is not an easy question to answer.

For an idea of color aliasing, see the crops in the aerial view example — on this crop at the very upper left. The effect is a much subdued version of what one might see with the Leica M9 or Leica S2 or other medium format system, none of which uses an optical low pass (anti aliasing) filter, and all of which can exhibit severe color aliasing, especially on certain types of high contrast details (e.g., snow).

Donald C writes:

Well, good work Lloyd. I'm glad someone went through the grief of setting up the D800/D800E test with that level of accuracy.

PS: Perhaps there's a market for a monochrome patterned fabric
with an occasional colored R, G, or B thread running through it.
Or, as above, purple and yellow.

DIGLLOYD: Indeed, the differences are modest when processed appropriately.

David W writes:

Lloyd, after reading your comparison of the D800 vs D800E using the dolls, I believe that I'm now going to purchase the D800.

DIGLLOYD: this is a choice that might be different for different users. My goal was to show the variations as precisely as possible.

Kenneth V writes:

Thank you for the excellent work you do, most recently with the D800/D800E.

DIGLLOYD: My pleasure.

David S writes:

Great comparison of the D800 and D800e. Breaking down the mythology surrounding anti-aliasing filtration is a step forward for all of us.

DIGLLOYD: I took the special care I did because I wanted there to be no doubt of the results, whatever they turned out to be. I am satisfied, but also a bit surprised. As an open question, I am not clear as to whether Nikon’s unusual approach with the D800E is equivalent to a camera like the Leica M9, which has only one thin layer of glass over the sensor. It’s immaterial in the context of D800E vs D800 of course.

Nikon D800E vs Nikon D800 Definitive Comparison

It took me a grueling day to get the images I wanted. One cannot just “shoot a quick comparison”, an incredibly naive idea.

But in the end, using a nodal slider, I focus-matched the Nikon D800E to the Nikon D800, using the Leica 100 mm f/2.8 APO-Macro-Elmarit-R. And I have the entire aperture series from f/2.8 - f/22 for both cameras so as to be able to show behavior between cameras and across the aperture range for each.

Surely the D800/ D800E both contain the same stunning sensor, as the actual pixels crop below shows.

But which is sharper? And are there other considerations?

I will soon publish a definitive study of the two cameras in my review of the Nikon D800 / D800E in DAP. I don’t think I can make a better comparison with a better lens. And I think the “answer” as to D800E or D800 will be as clear as it can be.

Unfortunately, the D800 / D800E both have me lusting after a future 50-60-megapixel DSLR. While very few lenses are up to even the 36 megapixels of the D800[E], a few certainly are.

Sale on SanDisk at B&H Photo

A variety of SanDisk cards are on sale with discounts at B&H Photo.

Nikon D800E: Focus Precision Required When Testing Lenses

How precise does focus need to be with a 36-megapixel camera?

To Making Sharp Images, I’ve added a new case study: Focus Bracketing Study (Nikon D800 / Leica 100/2.8 APO).

Nikon D800E: Removing Color Moiré With Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4

To my review of the Nikon D800 / D800E—

I’ve added a page showing how to remove color moiré with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4. Also shown are the Nikon Capture NX2 Color Moiré Reduction results.

Nikon D800E: Worst-case Moiré

To my review of the Nikon D800 / D800E, I’ve added a page showing what I believe to be something like the worst case for moiré on the Nikon D800E. One can probably generate worse cases, but I had to work at it to find this strong an example, which I believe would also affect the Nikon D800 very similarly.

Included is a full aperture series from ƒ/1.4 - ƒ/16 with a very large crop so that the behavior can be seen across varying subject matter.

Reader Asks: Depth of Field

Reader Jim S writes:

I'm finding these articles very instructive. Many thanks Lloyd.

But please would you amplify the comment " (e.g. hardly any depth of field, in terms of sensor potential)."

I am not sure that I understand precisely what you are saying here?

DIGLLOYD: Depth of field (DOF) is an amorphous concept. What I meant is that full sharpness on a 36-megapixel sensor is strictly limited to a a very shallow zone (which is not necessarily a geometric plane). Moving beyond that shallow zone, there is increasingly lower resolution than what is in theory possible with a 36MP sensor.

Please see What Does Depth of Field Mean on a 36 Megapixel Camera?.

Making Sharp Images delves into depth of field and many other important topics.

Nikon D800 + Nikon D800E

Thanks to a generous reader, at long last I have a Nikon D800E on loan for a week or so. I am heading out to shoot, naturally!

See my extensive review of the Nikon D800, with many lens assessments.

I still have my very own D800E on order at B&H Photo, but when it will ship is up to Nikon delivering the goods to B&H. See my list of Nikon gear with in-stock status at B&H Photo.

The additional material I publish with go partly into DAP (camera specific coverage and a bit more), partly into my Guide to Zeiss ZF / ZE Lenses (Zeiss lens specific stuff) and partly into Making Sharp Images (general shooting tips applicable to any brand).

D800/D800E and other high resolution digital users should consider Making Sharp Images essential reading.

UPDATE!

I shot extensively today at Purissima Creek Redwoods open space, enjoying nice foggy overcast lighting. I might give a photo tour here sometime; it’s a very pleasant place to shoot, very soothing.

I am forming some D800E impressions, but I wish to shoot the D800 and D800E for at least a few more days before I am comfortable making the kind of firm statements I like to make, the kind that can be used for buying decisions. Also, it is not easy comparing two cameras with such exacting focus precision needed. Actually, it’s not easy comparing a camera to itself! (in terms of getting exactly the same focus).

But in one thing the D800 and D800E are alike: both challenge even the very best lenses, and demand technical perfection to realize their potential. And even then, reality bites (e.g. hardly any depth of field, in terms of sensor potential). It is best to think of both as “oversampling” devices, and to realize that technical perfection is not what makes an image successful. This is not a bad thing. It is simply that the general limit has been reached in the sense of the entire frame, kind of like scanning the best 35mm film at 8000 dpi— grain is all you get, not more detail. When and if we see a “true color” sensor, then another leap can be made in image quality by avoiding the Bayer pattern demosaicing process.

By the way, not a lot is written or said about the Zeiss 28mm f/2 Distagon (seems like it falls into a focal length that is not often discussed), but it is a worthy lens, albeit one with (useful) field curvature. I will be testing the new Nikon 28/1.8G, which is likely to be “different”. And I will of course be adding lots of new material to my Guide to Zeiss ZF / ZE Lenses over the next few months, using the D800/D800E to show the lens limits like never before.

Image below is in the AdobeRGB color space.

Canon Double Rebates w/ Body

There are Canon double rebates on lenses and flashes with a 5D Mark III or other bodies.

Three terrific for Canon (there are others):

• 8-15/4L fisheye zoom ($200 off)
• 85/1.2L II ($200 off)
• 135/2L ($150 off)

Apple iDevices Destroy Image Quality

Read about how Apple’s iPad or iPhone destroy image quality. Yes, including the new iPad with its fancy Retina Display. It’s iOS, so it affects all iDevices.

Example

Mouse-over or toggle the image below to see the version as displayed on the computer compared to the version displayed on the iPad.

The New iPad with its fancy Retina Display has obliterated the image quality (image shown is a portion of an actual screen shot).

Nikon D800 Lens Evaluations— Limitations of a Planar Target

The survey of lenses in my review of the Nikon D800 utilizes a real-world, but planar target, which is also a proxy for landscape photography or similar in which subject matter is all at a similar distance (~infinity).

I urge readers of my lens survey evaluations in the D800 review to carefully read my lens evaluation notes *first*.

Evaluating a lens on a planar target (only) carries limitations of its own, which is why my in-depth lens reviews always use numerous field shots with a variety of subjects, especially near/far “3D” subjects.

There are many good lenses which might not perform so well on a planar target due to field curvature (though my personal criterion is that by ƒ/5.6 such issues should resolve).

For that matter, focus shift is an issue with some lenses too, and there a planar target becomes even more problematic. Focus shift and field curvature are covered in depth in Making Sharp Images.

See my list of Nikon gear with in-stock status at B&H Photo.

Lens evaluated

Can they deliver to a 36 megapixel sensor?

• AF-S 24mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 35mm f/1.4G
• PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED
• AI-S 45mm f/2.8P
• AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
• AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 60 mm f/2.8G macro
• AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
• PC-Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D.
• AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR macro
• AF-D 105mm f/2 DC
• AF-D 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF
• AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II and versus the 180/2.8D @ 185mm.
  
• Voigtlander 20mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar
• Voigtlander 40mm f/2
• Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 Nokton
• Voigtlander 90mm F/3.5 SL II APO-Lanthar

18-Megapixel Leica M Monochrom vs Nikon D800 Black & White

Pre-order the Leica M Monochrom at B&H Photo.

Leica has announced an 18-megapixel Leica M camera body with a monochrome sensor, the Leica M Monochrom (spelled “Monochrom” as this is the German spelling of the word). See my previous comments.

First, I don’t think the Leica M Monochrom will appeal to very many shooters, but I think it will appeal to far more than anyone expects. Second, it has a crummy low-res LCD. Third, I really want one.

I confess that after looking at the samples over at dpreview.com that I was (a) not at all happy that Leica did not deem me qualified to receive a pre-release camera, and (b) the images are stunning. So they’re black and white, not color. And that’s just fine for some subjects.

To my eye, the 18-megapixel Leica M Monochrom images have to be considered equivalent to ~30 megapixels with a color sensor, perhaps even 36 megapixels. Ultra-clean and free of Bayer pattern artifacts as with a color sensor.

Wither the D800 in black and white?

Will a 36-megapixel Nikon D800 image downsampled to 18 megapixels and converted to black and white achieve similar effects? Possibly. And maybe not. It is something I plan to explore when I can do a direct comparison.

But for NOW, I present six Nikon D800 images downsampled to 18 megapixels and converted to black and white. They look good. Really good.

So for $3K you can get a superlative black and white camera (the Nikon D800), with $5K left over for several top-notch Zeiss lenses. Or you can buy one Leica M Monochrom camera body without a lens and without Live View and with a low-res LCD and manual focus, etc. Its images will have to be really outstanding to justify the cost and lack of flexibility. And they might well be worth it. I look forward to finding out.

Reader Comments on Nikon D800 Lens Evaluations

Comments regarding my lens evaluations in my review of the Nikon D800.

Don H writes:

Does any lens longer than the Zeiss 100mm Makro-Planar show any promise besides the Leica 180/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R?

Are there any lenses in the 150mm range that could be a contender?

How about an 1.4 teleconverter on the Zeiss 100?

DIGLLOYD: Possible candidates (not tested) include:

• The Voigtlander 180/4 APO (maybe), but it is no longer made, and I was never happy with its lens coatings (contrast).
• The latest Nikon 200/2, 300/2.8, etc.
• The Nikon 135/2 DC might be fairly good, since its sibling the 105/2 DC performed fairly well.
• The Nikon 200mm f/4 macro.
• Teleconverter likely to not satisfy.

Thomas S writes:

Regarding the Voigtlander 90 3.5 for the D800, I have a 24 1.4 and 85 1.4 (Nikon) for my D800, now looking for a macro lens to take out for flowers or occasional close-ups (1:1 not required).

Is the Voigtländer a good contender or should one go straight to the Zeiss 100? Quality & Practicality is of concern ... price also a bit :-)

DIGLLOYD: The 90/3.5 goes to 1:3.6 which isn't terribly close, but the included close-up lens goes to 1:1.8 (I have not tested its performance there). The Zeiss goes to 1:2. When focused closely, effective aperture is darker, so the Zeiss would be easier to focus, with more flexibility. However if one is not going all the way to 1:2 or close to it, the f-number should not be an issue.

David S writes:

I just wanted to thank you for your ongoing lens tests on the D800, and especially your test of the 40mm Ultron. Your hard work will make my lens decisions much more informed.

I'm loving what that tiny little Voigtlander accomplished. Once stopped down, it looks at least as good as the Nikon 50mm G lenses, with less distortion too. It even hangs in there with the 60mm macro. Since most of my hand-held work is done at f5.6 and smaller, and I prefer the 40mm focal length, this is a pretty big deal for me. I'm looking forward to seeing how well the D800/40mm Ultron combo works out in practice.

DIGLLOYD: There are many considerations in choosing a lens, including size and weight, ergonomics, and the style of image rendition. Sharpness isn’t everything for every subject, and the D800 can produce gorgeous results when downsampled.

Nikon D800 Lens Evaluation—
Nikon 45mm f/2.8P

Just posted in my review of the Nikon D800 is an evaluation of the Nikon D800 Lens Evaluation—
Nikon 45mm f/2.8P on the Nikon D800.

The Nikon 45mm f/2.8P is no longer made, so an alternative for those looking for an ultra-compact lens would be the Voigtlander Ultra 40mm f/2 SL-II.

See my list of Nikon gear with in-stock status at B&H Photo.

Lens evaluated or soon to be valuated

I evaluate the performance on the Nikon D800 of these lenses in my review of the Nikon D800. Can they deliver to a 36 megapixel sensor?

• AF-S 24mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 35mm f/1.4G
• PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED
• AI-S 45mm f/2.8P
• AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
• AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 60 mm f/2.8G macro
• AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
• PC-Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D.
• AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR macro
• AF-D 105mm f/2 DC
• AF-D 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF
• AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II and versus the 180/2.8D @ 185mm.
  
• Voigtlander 20mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar
• Voigtlander 40mm f/2
• Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 Nokton
• Voigtlander 90mm F/3.5 SL II APO-Lanthar

Nikon D800 Lens Evaluation—
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II @ 70mm, 135mm

Just posted in my review of the Nikon D800 is an evaluation of the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II @ 70mm, 135mm on the Nikon D800.

At about $2400, the Nikon 70-200/2.8G VR II is a major investment, the lens to have for certain types of shooting (sports, action, perhaps portraiture). But it’s never been my favorite for landscape or similar and the results on the D800 show why.

See my list of Nikon gear with in-stock status at B&H Photo.

Lens evaluated

I evaluate the performance on the Nikon D800 of these lenses in my review of the Nikon D800. Can they deliver to a 36 megapixel sensor?

• AF-S 24mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 35mm f/1.4G
• PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED
• AI-S 45mm f/2.8P
• AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
• AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 60 mm f/2.8G macro
• AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
• PC-Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D.
• AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR macro
• AF-D 105mm f/2 DC
• AF-D 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF
• AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II and versus the 180/2.8D @ 185mm.
  
• Voigtlander 20mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar
• Voigtlander 40mm f/2
• Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 Nokton
• Voigtlander 90mm F/3.5 SL II APO-Lanthar

Nikon D800 Lens Evaluation—
Voigtlander Color-Skopar 20mm f/3.5 SL-II

Just posted in my review of the Nikon D800 is an evaluation of the Voigtlander Color-Skopar 20mm f/3.5 SL-II on the Nikon D800.

At about $549, the Voigtlander 20/3.5 is not inexpensive, yet its performance has some severe limitations. It is also available from Stephen Gandy over at CameraQuest.com.

See my list of Nikon gear with in-stock status at B&H Photo.

Lens evaluated or soon to be valuated

I evaluate the performance on the Nikon D800 of these lenses in my review of the Nikon D800. Can they deliver to a 36 megapixel sensor?

• AF-S 24mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 35mm f/1.4G
• PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED
• AI-S 45mm f/2.8P
• AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
• AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 60 mm f/2.8G macro
• AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
• PC-Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D.
• AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR macro
• AF-D 105mm f/2 DC
• AF-D 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF
• AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II and versus the 180/2.8D @ 185mm.
  
• Voigtlander 20mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar
• Voigtlander 40mm f/2
• Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 Nokton
• Voigtlander 90mm F/3.5 SL II APO-Lanthar

Nikon D800 Lens Evaluation—
Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f/1.4 SL-II

Just posted in my review of the Nikon D800 is an evaluation of the Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f/1.4 SL-II on the Nikon D800.

At about $489, the Voigtlander 58/1.4 might be worthwhile for those looking for a classic portraiture or similar lens, but it’s not going to win any converts in the sharpness department. If anything the Nokton 58/1.4 is the “anti Summilux”. It is also available from Stephen Gandy over at CameraQuest.com.

See my list of Nikon gear with in-stock status at B&H Photo.

Lens evaluated or soon to be valuated

I evaluate the performance on the Nikon D800 of these lenses in my review of the Nikon D800. Can they deliver to a 36 megapixel sensor?

• AF-S 24mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 35mm f/1.4G
• PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED
• AI-S 45mm f/2.8P
• AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
• AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 60 mm f/2.8G macro
• AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
• PC-Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D.
• AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR macro
• AF-D 105mm f/2 DC
• AF-D 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF
• AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II and versus the 180/2.8D @ 185mm.
  
• Voigtlander 20mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar
• Voigtlander 40mm f/2
• Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 Nokton
• Voigtlander 90mm F/3.5 SL II APO-Lanthar

Reader Comments on Nikon D800 Lens Evaluations

Comments regarding my lens evaluations in my review of the Nikon D800.

Mikko H writes:

Are you planning on testing Nikon 24/3.5 PC-E on D800?

There has been mixed feelings about that lens performing badly on D800.

DIGLLOYD: I might get to the 24/3.5D ED (would have to rent it), but I never found it to be a good enough performer when shifted to be interesting to me, even on the 24MP megapixel D3x (see the test of the 24/3.5D ED on the Nikon D3x in DAP). I also never liked its build quality, the reasons which I document in my shift lens reviews of Nikon (build quality is “ok” but well below what is possible, e.g. Canon and Schneider).

To expect the 24/3.5D ED to be interesting in terms of performance on the D800 is not realistic (in terms of getting D800 resolution).

But those are my considerations, and its tilt/shift functionality might make it perfectly worthwhile for some shooters. The 24/3.5D ED is a quite expensive lens (about $1999). For my purposes, I’d much rather use those funds towards the superlative Zeiss 15mm f/2.8 Distagon (about $2950), and crop if need be.

Graham L writes:

I see similar problems on the right of my 70-200 VRII. I wonder if these issues are influencing the way the AF is performing?

DIGLLOYD: The asymmetry I see with some lenses like the 70-200/2.8G VR II is an almost inevitable fact of life with a lens having 21 elements in 16b groups. I had to get a 2nd sample with Nikon because the first one was really bad, with Canon’s 7-200 it was 4 samples.

The 70-200 zooms are fine for what they are intended to be— sports and action lenses. Whether the symmetry seen on a planar target is a factor in autofocus, I don’t know, though I’d expect the AF to focus wherever it is set; the resulting slightly skewed plane of focus would simply be skewed forward or back as it happens.

Murray O writes:

After reading your results from the 70-200 @ 185 and the 180 ED, you've kind of boxed yourself into bringing out the Leica 180/2.8 Elmarit-R APO for a spin before your 800E arrives.

DIGLLOYD: I have a D800E coming on loan this coming week and the Leica 180/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R is on the menu to compare the D800 to the D800E.

Nikon D800 Lens Evaluation—
Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2 SL-II

Just posted in my review of the Nikon D800 is an evaluation of the Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2 SL-II on the Nikon D800.

At about $449, the Voigtlander 40/2 might be worthwhile for those looking for an ultra-compact pancake lens. It is also available from Stephen Gandy over at CameraQuest.com.

See my list of Nikon gear with in-stock status at B&H Photo.

Lens evaluated or soon to be valuated

I evaluate the performance on the Nikon D800 of these lenses in my review of the Nikon D800. Can they deliver to a 36 megapixel sensor?

• AF-S 24mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 35mm f/1.4G
• PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED
• AI-S 45mm f/2.8P
• AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
• AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 60 mm f/2.8G macro
• AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
• PC-Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D.
• AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR macro
• AF-D 105mm f/2 DC
• AF-D 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF
• AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II and versus the 180/2.8D @ 185mm.
  
• Voigtlander 20mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar
• Voigtlander 40mm f/2
• Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 Nokton
• Voigtlander 90mm F/3.5 SL II APO-Lanthar

Nikon D800 Lens Evaluation—
Nikon AF-D 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF vs Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II

Just posted in my review of the Nikon D800 is an evaluation of the Nikon 180/2.8D ED-IF vs 70-200/2.8G VR II on the Nikon D800.

It’s clear how both lenses perform on the D800. Bummer. Makes a good case for the lower resolution Nikon D4 for sports shooter.

See my list of Nikon gear with in-stock status at B&H Photo.

Lens evaluated or soon to be valuated

I evaluate the performance on the Nikon D800 of these lenses in my review of the Nikon D800. Can they deliver to a 36 megapixel sensor?

• AF-S 24mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 35mm f/1.4G
• PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED
• AI-S 45mm f/2.8P
• AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
• AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 60 mm f/2.8G macro
• AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
• PC-Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D.
• AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR macro
• AF-D 105mm f/2 DC
• AF-D 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF
• AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II and versus the 180/2.8D @ 185mm.
  
• Voigtlander 20mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar
• Voigtlander 40mm f/2
• Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 Nokton
• Voigtlander 90mm F/3.5 SL II APO-Lanthar

Nikon D800 Lens Evaluation—
Voigtlander 90mm F/3.5 SL II APO-Lanthar

Just posted in my review of the Nikon D800 is an evaluation of the Voigtlander 90mm F/3.5 SL II APO-Lanthar on the Nikon D800.

Anyone looking for a very high performance lens at relatively low price which is compact and lightweight should take a look at the 90/3.5. It is a manual focus lens, but is “chipped” for electronic aperture control.

At about $549, the Voigtlander 90/3.5 offers tremendous value in terms of image quality and compactness and size/weight. It is also available from Stephen Gandy over at CameraQuest.com.

Get one while you can, because it is apparently discontinued.

Given its high performance, this is one lens I’m likely to re-test on the Nikon D800E.

See my list of Nikon gear with in-stock status at B&H Photo.

Lens evaluated or soon to be valuated

I evaluate the performance on the Nikon D800 of these lenses in my review of the Nikon D800. Can they deliver to a 36 megapixel sensor?

• AF-S 24mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 35mm f/1.4G
• PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED
• AI-S 45mm f/2.8P
• AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
• AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 60 mm f/2.8G macro
• AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
• PC-Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D.
• AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR macro
• AF-D 105mm f/2 DC
• AF-D 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF
• AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II and versus the 180/2.8D @ 185mm.
  
• Voigtlander 20mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar
• Voigtlander 40mm f/2
• Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 Nokton
• Voigtlander 90mm F/3.5 SL II APO-Lanthar

Reader Comment: Nikon D800 Lens Testing

David W writes:

Thanks for the thorough testing of the Nikon primes on your new D800. It's very interesting to see how these lenses stack up against each other on the camera, and to also see how capable they are of withstanding the torture of having 36MP of resolution sitting behind them.

Now that the Nikon primes are largely complete, when do you expect to start producing results for the Zeiss and Leica APO lenses, and also (hopefully) the Nikon 14-24?

Thanks again for your continuing great work and non-biased objective testing - it's much appreciated by many.

DIGLLOYD: It’s been a bit exhausting doing all these, but I figure it’s worth the investment to give a really good sense of how the D800 behaves.

I hope to add most of the following lenses. Zoom lenses are like testing 3 lenses; they need testing at short/medium/long focal lengths. Thus, they are triple the work of a prime.

• Voigtlander 40/2 SL II
• Voigtlander 58/1.4 SL II
• Voigtlander 90/3.5 APO
• Nikon 45/2.8P
• Nikon AF-D 180/2.8 ED-IF
• Nikon 14-24/2.8G (requires special attention due to the headache of focus shift as documented in the case study in Making Sharp Images).
• Nikon 24-70/2.8G
• Nikon 70-200/2.8G VR II

As for Zeiss, the results with the 100/2 Makro-Planar are already clear from the comparison of the Leica S2 to the D800. It is my intention to use the Nikon D800E for testing the Zeiss line, as I expect the higher micro contrast of the Zeiss lenses is best shown by the D800E. But I might have to ditch that idea if a D800E doesn’t show up sometime soon. I will test the entire Zeiss ZF.2 line, with the possible exception of the 18/3.5, which I do not have. And I might have to test the 15/2.8 differently, simply because it is so wide a field of view.

I also intend to add many field shot examples with the D800/D800E with Zeiss lenses, but these will take time over some months and will go into my Guide to Zeiss, not DAP (DAP has a huge amount of coverage already, and general Zeiss work belongs in my Guide to Zeiss).

Finally, I have a lot more planned that I have not yet presented. The D800 and D800E present some new and unique opportunities for exploration, especially for my Making Sharp Images, which is essential reading for anyone using high resolution digital of any brand or format.

Nikon D800E: RAW File Support Still Pending with Aperture, Lightroom 4

RAW file support for Nikon D800E files is still shaky. I’ve had no issues using any form of D800E RAW files in ACR within Photoshop CS5 or CS6, but there are apparently some limitations elsewhere.

Apple Aperture

According to reader McLean A, Apple Aperture does not support D800E files, though my understanding is that it does support D800 files.

Adobe’s tech note about Lightroom 4:

This is a strange one that affects Lightroom 4. From the tech note:

Issue

When attempting to import camera raw files from the Nikon D800, D800E, or D4 into Lightroom, you receive the following error message: "The file is from a camera which is not recognized by the raw format support in Lightroom."

Solution

Do not shoot images with "Live View" mode enabled on your camera.
This causes the raw files to use a special image compression method which is not readable by Lightroom. Please review your camera's documentation for information about enabling and disabling "Live View" mode.

DIGLLOYD: why would the D800E use a different image compression with Live View? This seems at odds with the compression choices made by the user. I shoot 14-bit Lossless-compressed NEF.

Eric C writes:

FYI, the tech note is limited to version 4.0 only.

I strongly encourage users of these models to use the latest Lightroom 4.1 Release Candidate (RC) 2 version available from Adobe Labs. It can read these files.

(The technical issue is that in LV Video Mode, the NEF file that is written is 16:9 aspect ratio, not 3:2 aspect ratio. So the actual # of pixels recorded is different than normal LV Stills mode, or non-LV mode.)

There are two Live View modes on these models: a stills mode, and a video mode. I'm guessing you've only tried the former ... which makes sense, as it's for taking still images. That is indeed in 3:2 mode, and works correctly with Lr 4.0 and 4.1. However, if you set the camera to "video mode" for Live View, the aspect ratio changes to 16:9. You can take both videos and still images (e.g., NEFs) while in video Live View mode, but these NEFs are 16:9 and will not open in 4.0 (but will open in 4.1). Just FYI.

DIGLLOYD: would be helpful if Adobe mentioned 4.1 RC1 in the technote.

Jeroen B writes:

I can report that D800E-files are fully supported by CaptureOne Pro 6.4, I've found no issues yet.

DIGLLOYD: all variants?

Nikon D800 Lens Evaluation—
Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED

Just posted in my review of the Nikon D800 is an evaluation of the Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED on the Nikon D800.

See my list of Nikon gear with in-stock status at B&H Photo.

Lens evaluated or soon to be valuated

I evaluate the performance on the Nikon D800 of these lenses in my review of the Nikon D800. Can they deliver to a 36 megapixel sensor?

• AF-S 24mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 35mm f/1.4G
• PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED
• AI-S 45mm f/2.8P
• AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
• AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 60 mm f/2.8G macro
• AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
• PC-Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D.
• AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR macro
• AF-D 105mm f/2 DC
• AF-D 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF
• AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II and versus the 180/2.8D @ 185mm.
  
• Voigtlander 20mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar
• Voigtlander 40mm f/2
• Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 Nokton
• Voigtlander 90mm F/3.5 SL II APO-Lanthar

 

Fun With Squares

Remember the Mamiya 7 II anyone? Well, it was a pretty awesome film camera, with a huge image size (56 X 70mm actual image on film). And the camera was incredibly compact for what it was. I still consider it a masterpiece of the film era.

Why not that in digital?

Namely, a digital rangefinder utilizing an EVF like the Sony NEX-7, but with a 42 X 42 square sensor of about 40-50 megapixels. Classic Hasselblad type square format. Along with four prime lenses equivalent to 18mm, 25mm, 40mm and 80mm.

Mike writes:

I use NEX for my "small format" digital system, but still use my Mamiya 7 and Hasselblad cameras for commercial work in LA or when I go off to Death Valley or some vista-spot. One thing you may want to note in your article - the Mamiya 7 has _unparalleled_ ergonomics.

DIGLLOYD: Yes, the ergonomics of the Mamiya 7 II are very nice.

Billy J writes:

Ideally with native EOS mount, so that practically every brand of lenses will fit via adapters.

DIGLLOYD: Lenses designed for a 36 X 24mm frame won’t cover a larger sensor. Only medium format lenses would (some), and those aren’t EOS mount. And the beauty of the Mamiya 7 II is its compact high performance lenses for a highly portable very compact camera.

Sale on SanDisk at B&H Photo

A variety of SanDisk cards are on sale with discounts at B&H Photo.

One day sale.

SKU: SAECF16GB SAECF32GB SAEPCF128GB SAEPCF16GB SAEPCF32GB SAEPCF64GB SAEPSDU16GB SAEPSDU32GB SAEPSDU64GB SAESD128GB SAESD16GBQ SAESD32GBQ SAUSDU32GB

Reader Comment: Arca Swiss Cube Geared Tripod Head

Michael writes:

Just a quick thank-you for your well written and researched articles. I have been reading a lot of your reviews in DAP lately.

After discovering the Arca-Swiss Cube on your site and reading even more reviews I purchased one through your link yesterday.

The Arca Swiss Cube is exactly the tripod of head I have been looking for. It will go on my Really Right Stuff tripod which I purchased after reading your articles. As well as their ballhead and pano gear.

Even though I'm in Australia I buy a lot of gear through B&H and will make sure all purchases go through your links from now on.

DIGLLOYD: Yes, B&H ships overseas, and I really appreciate use of my B&H links.

The Arca Swiss Cube (about $1699) remains my all-time favorite tripod head. I use it a great deal, using something else only when I want a smaller and lighter tripod setup.

I use a Really Right Stuff clamp on my Cube; the Arca Swiss clamp is not only fiddly and wimpy, but incompatible with some camera plates.

Jeff s writes:

Just wanted to mention I liked the Cube head as well from Arca Swiss when I got it a year ago, but returned it and ordered the D4 new head from Arca Swiss at the time. It took almost a year to get to me, but got it through Rod Klukas the US rep here. I have had it for a couple of months now, and can say it is the finest head I have ever used-being 1.7lbs, geared, and yet free movements-it's awesome! think you will love it, if you haven't had a chance to use it yet??

DIGLLOYD: I have not tried the Arca Swiss D4 head. Sounds interesting. B&H does not seem to carry it.

Rod Klukas (US rep for Arca Swiss) writes:

You are correct that it requires adjustment for plates from various companies. However if the owner is consistent, buying all one companies plates, they will have no problems once adjusted. Anyway, also the price is $1739.00.

DIGLLOYD: Great tripod head with a wimpy and badly designed clamp, and not just because of plate compatiblity (and I am not interested in throwing away plates I already have); the Cube clamp design literally fell apart on me as I tried to adjust it. If that happened in the field, the head would become useless. Therefore, I cannot advise anyone to use the Arca Swiss clamp, as there seems to be no mechanical prevention of this fatal flaw. Only one caveat to that: I have the original version of the Cube. The current version looks the same, I suppose the design could have been changed, I don’t know.

I advise my readers of what makes sense. Being forced into a limited selection of lens plates serves no one well. To my knowledge, only Really Right Stuff offers the depth and breadth of selection and the quality that I am looking for.

I quote the street price at B&H. MSRP is not my interest, nor that of my readers, except perhaps in a formal press release.

Leica Stuff

A Nikon D800/D800E is not a Leica S2. But it also costs about $10K for a very nice kit with Zeiss lenses, compared to $50K for an equivalent Leica S kit. There are a lot of Leica S2 bodies showing up for sale. I wonder why. Oh well, I had the S discussion with Leica 18 months ago. I have Served.

But that’s just the beginning. If we don’t see a 50-megapixel or more full-frame DSLR within a year, well then I promise to drink Chardonnay instead of Cabernet once or twice. Which might reduce my spelling eerrors.

Meanwhile, Leica wants $8K for a Leica M Monochrom camera body, with no lens. Wait— I can get a good 50/2 for $7200. OK, problem solved, I’ll just sell one of my kidneys on a trip over to China.

Earth to Planet Leica: make your money on your world-class lenses, and stop charging the price of a good used car for a camera with a shitty 2005 LCD that is inferior to a $129 point and shoot camera LCD. WTF. Still, I want an M Monochrom (great idea to omit that 'e'). It’s just that the retro LCD really irks me. I want leather to smell like leather, not a diaper, if you know what I mean. Especially for $8K. Maybe Leica got confused on the Euro vs US$. Or maybe there is a stock of those vintage LCDs that needs to be used up, or maybe that’s part of the Leica mystique to have a low-res display, heck maybe they should just omit a display. Oh well, I’m such a whiner.

PS to Leica: please send me the press release BEFORE I read about it on dpreview.com (I did ask a month ago).
PPS to Leica: I’ve helped sell a ton of your gear. Would be nice to see the Leica M Monochrom before 20 other reviewers.

Scott M writes:

When I read the specs of the M-M, it struck me that putting a
*sapphire* cover over the same old 230,000 dot monitor (when they had a chance to upgrade it without pissing off M9 owners by introducing it in a "new" model) is evidence that either:

a) the guys at Leica have a somewhat warped sense of humor, or
b) the guys at Leica have little respect for their customers' intellect, or
c) the guys at Leica exist in a different world to all other camera
designers and users.

Either way sticking with this screen is, as they say on Facebook, an "Epic Fail".

The specs and MTFs for the new Summicron look amazing... but the
price... eye-watering. Which leads me back to a), b) and c) - though
at least if this is really the ultimate normal lens it ought to be
actually *worth* something (unlike the sapphire cover over the LCD).

DIGLLOYD: The LCD screen can be a serious aid for serious photography. But not at 230K pixels and not when zooming produces a badly enlarged image anyway, which it does on the M9.

Alfred writes:

Well said, even with spelling errors ...

I threw in the Leica M towel yesterday. Enough is enough. Not buying the MM ... D800E plus SFX-2 = magic, comfortable, fast, versatile, rugged, "cheap" magic.

The only good news to me, being the owner of ALL H-Lenses was the fully functioning adapter for the S-System. First because I thought it must be possible to manufacture one, second because now, with hopefully a 60Mp S-3 coming, I can re-use some of my gear and complete where Leica Lenses do make a huge difference.

DIGLLOYD: [SFX-2 = Nick Filters Silver EFX 2] When Leica M fans with a closet of Leica gear say such things about Leica M, Leica had better pay attention.

Leica S customers do have some things to celebrate. But it’s hard to justify buying a new Leica S body at 36MP.

Nikon D800 Lens Evaluation—
Nikon AF-D 105mm f/2 DC

Just posted in my review of the Nikon D800 is an evaluation of the Nikon AF-D 105mm f/2 DC on the Nikon D800.

See my list of Nikon gear with in-stock status at B&H Photo.

I evaluate the performance on the Nikon D800 of these lenses. I hope to do more soon.

• AF-S 24mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 35mm f/1.4G
• PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED
• AI-S 45mm f/2.8P
• AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
• AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
• AF-S 60 mm f/2.8G macro
• AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
• PC-Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D.
• AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR macro
• AF-D 105mm f/2 DC
• AF-D 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF
• AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II and versus the 180/2.8D @ 185mm.
  
• Voigtlander 20mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar
• Voigtlander 40mm f/2
• Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 Nokton
• Voigtlander 90mm F/3.5 SL II APO-Lanthar