As we have seen so far from every Z-mount prime lens, Nikon has done an incredible job making each lens perform at the highest levels of sharpness and contrast, with very little sample variation. The Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S follows the same pattern, with superb overall performance. Take a look at the below Imatest MTF sharpness measurements: While optical performance is the same, this Nikon lens adds autofocus (the Zeiss is manual-focus only) and costs less than one-sixth as much. The ZEISS needs the FTZ Adapter while this Nikon Z lens works directly on Nikon's Z cameras. The Nikon lens is also much smaller and lighter. Nano Crystal Coat (N): Magic anti-reflection coating that has a variable index of refraction that's far more effective against ghosts and internal reflections than traditional multicoating. Beyond its hunter role, the Z-8 is also outfitted for SAR duty by way of hoist-and-basket, FLIR (Forward-Looking InfraRed), and powerful searchlight in the "Z-8S" variant. This allows the helicopter to operate over-water and reclaim downed pilots or seaman as needed. Stability by way of a steady hand at the controls and an effective autopilot system aid in these types of actions. This version appeared in late-2004 and remains in active service with the PLAN. The "Z-8K" and "Z-8KA' designations represent modernized SAR forms. The "Z-8JH" is a specialized MEDEVAC variant.

The lens focuses in around 0.3 sec from infinity to 0.29m (1:10 magnification), which is very fast. Hunting didn’t occur under the well-lit test conditions. The focus/control ring is 49mm wide. Its surface is not rubberized but as it moves super smooth and can easily be operated even with your pinky the finely knurled metal surface is well up to its task. But the ring now covers a dominant portion of the lens’s surface – as compared to the 30mm wide focus ring of the Sigma or the 24mm width on the Nikon AF-S 20mm f1.8G. This increases the risk of inadvertently turning the ring and changing focus, exposure compensation or aperture. I’m not overly happy with this.Optically, the lens is comprised of 12 elements in 8 groups, two of which are extra-low dispersion (ED) elements. Nikon did not incorporate any aspherical lens elements into the design, because they are known to negatively impact the lens’ bokeh performance. The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S is coated with both Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating to reduce ghosting and flare. There are nine rounded aperture blades, and the lens is fully weather-sealed, similar to other Nikon Z S primes. NIKON Z 7 + NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S @ 85mm, ISO 200, 1/2000, f/2.8 One of my favourite features of the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S is the ability to use the focus ring to adjust the exposure compensation or aperture setting. The 24mm Z Nikkor has a 10 degrees narrower angle of view and came Highly Recommended in my Nikon Z 24mm f1.8 S review. While I can see that the image from this 50 1.8 lens shrinks very slightly as focused more closely in the lab, there's no way this would be visible in actual use while you're trying to tell a story. S: Subliminally suggests sexual satisfaction. The "S" designation has no other purpose than subliminal seduction; Nikon and electronics and automobile and every kind of marketer have been using letters like "S" and "X" in model numbers since the 1940s for this same reason. Nikon called their first 1946 rangefinder lens mount the "S" mount, then went whole-hog to the "F" SLR mount in 1959, used "S" again when they updated their AI lenses to AI-"S" in 1983, created AF-"S" SWM lenses in 1998 and here it is again.

The Z-8 retains the form and function of its French counterpart. It is equipped with a radar fit for the ASW role where it is called on regularly to conduct submarine-hunting exercises. A dipping sonar also aids in this action. To engage a submarine or surface vessel threat, the helicopter can carry anti-submarine/anti-ship torpedoes externally. I know people who have gotten the GTX Z-8S, and in warmer climates they noted how they wished they went with the non-GTX ones. So be sure to know what you’ll be using them for mostly. There will always be a trade off between having a boot that can withstand deeper water and a boot that is breathable. The optical path is based on 12 elements in 10 groups, and includes four aspherical elements and an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element. The overall aim is to maximize sharpness and contrast while keeping distortions and chromatic aberrations to a minimum. Nano Crystal Coat is also applied to minimize ghosting and flare, and to help retain good contrast even when shooting into the light. As for the rest of the build quality features, I was happy to see that there are no external moving parts on the Z MC 105mm f/2.8 S, aside from the switches, buttons, and control rings that you move yourself. Plenty of macro lenses on the market (especially third-party lenses) extend as you focus to 1:1 magnification, so this definitely wasn’t a given. On top of that, the weather sealing on this lens is excellent. After taking it on several different trips across the US, from deserts to temperate rainforests, I never noticed any build quality issues.

Build and Handling

But for resisting wet weather, they’ve done an excellent job at keeping my feet comfortable. Hot weather, well they can get a bit warm, but that’s to be expected. Aside from effective protection, the LOWA Z8S C military boots in Coyote OP are fitted with LOWA Tactical Z Trac® soles for exceptional grip in all terrains. Fabric elements on the boot provide enhanced ventilation creating a highly breathable boot which performs as successfully in hot climates as it does in winter weather conditions. LOWAZ8S GTX Military Boots - Brown Go ahead and use your standard rotating polarizer and grad filters. You're not going to have any vignetting with any 62mm filter. Nikon's using a 62mm thread since the rest of the lens is so big and so it takes the same size filter as other lenses. I tried even 39mm filters, which also work without vignetting if you adapt them carefully to this lens. New is that the control ring is programmable. It defaults to Manual Focus, or make it control aperture or exposure compensation if you prefer.

In addition to enhanced brightness, the optical formula and larger rear element helps to realize beautiful, well-rounded bokeh throughout the entire frame, even from maximum aperture. The NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena also affords users outstanding sharpness and clarity, regardless of the shooting distance with a close minimum focusing distance of only 0.82 m/2.69 ft. This enables a fantastic dreamlike expression that combines delicate textures and beautiful bokeh in portraits, landscapes and more. Closest focus distance is 0.19m (0.6ft.) in manual focusing with a magnification of 1:4.6 and a working distance of only 7cm (3in.). A magnification of 1:10 is achieved at 0.29m giving a working distance of 13cm with lens hood attached. The F Nikkor achieves a slightly better magnification of 1:4 in manual focus, the Sigma 1:6.5. [0] Weight: 503g (17.7 oz.) plus 27g for the lens hood. The F Nikkor is 353g (12.5 oz.) + 23g lens hood, the Sigma 944g (33.3 oz.). Adding another 133g (4.7 oz.) for the FTZ adapter to use it on a Nikon Z camera the F Nikkor is still slightly lighter than the new Z Nikkor and the Sigma is almost 1.1 kg (38 oz.). But when you compare the weight of a Nikon Z 20mm f1.8 S plus Nikon Z7 camera against the Nikon AF-S 20mm f1.8G plus Nikon D850 you still save 200g with the mirrorless equipment.[0]

The Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S is the widest-angle Nikon Z-mount prime lens to date, combining versatility with top performance

Keep in mind that all tests were done converting RAW files using dcraw. If you use Lightroom or other similar software, you might not see any signs of aberrations, since specific corrections such as vignetting and distortion will be automatically loaded. Keep in mind that the angle of light and the position of the sun in the frame can certainly impact the way lenses handle ghosting and flare, but in the case of the Z 20mm f/1.8 S, it seems like the lens is protected well against any kind of flare, thanks to its excellent Nano and Super Integrated coats. Starburst Performance One thing that’s really impressed me about the Lowa’s is how well the boot as a whole has held together. Many times I’ve experiences the boots separate from the sole since it’s glued, but there has been no indication of the sole coming apart with my pair.