Nikon 20mm F1 8S Lens For Nightscape Photography
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- Опубліковано 25 сер 2024
- Nightscape Online Workshop Guide: www.nightscape...
I've finally got my hands on the new Nikon 20mm f1.8S lens for Nikon Z cameras. As you may know 20mm is my favourite focal length for shooting milky way and nightscape images so I was very keen to put this new lens through it's paces. So this video is all about how the lens copes with the demands of low light and high iso photography .. in short .. it's amazing ..!!!
Website: www.nightscape...
Facebook: / nightscapeimages
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Photography
Nikon Z6 amzn.to/2LWpSvH
Nikon D750 amzn.to/34lhEn7
Nikon 20mm f1.8 amzn.to/2PlfqzG
Nikon 14-24 f2.8 amzn.to/34rYQTn
Nikon 24-70 f4S amzn.to/2EkWZF0
Sigma 35mm f1.4 amzn.to/35lOG7O
Nikon 50mm f1.8 amzn.to/2PmyD47
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Sirui W2204 Tripod amzn.to/2YTg2Qf
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Panasonic 12-35 f2.8 lens amzn.to/2PHrI4w
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Not a lens review you said:-) I think this is how a lens review should be. Your pictures really show what this lens is capable of when used by a master. Always looking forward to new videos from you. Stay safe. Greetings from Norway!
Thanks so much for having a look Jens, I certainly appreciate your insight and comments.
I just bought a Z6 and it is my first full frame and mirrorless camera and i love it!
It is a wonderful Camera, thanks for watching.
The other day I watched your 24mm F1.8S review & I knew 24mm wouldn't cut for your photography. I was decently surprised by the you-tube algorithm recommending your 20 mm f1.8S lens review. I cared less for the lens review, because I came for beautiful nightscape images. Great work!
Thanks so much for looking at the video kt cool, rally appreciate that.
I think you have answered all my questions. This is the kind of review I like. Great.
Thanks very much for watching.
I've had an order in on this lens foe quite some time, so I'm very glad to hear your positive review and to see some of your photos. Thanks, Richard for your generous help.
Hey Tom, thanks so much for checking the video out. I absolutely love this lens and in fact I reckon I've produced my best work with it in the fast few weeks.
Ha! What an epiphany regarding infinity focus! Thank you, Richard - this is brilliant!
Thanks for watching Chris, yes it's very interesting.
A tip to get rid of the focus bar... Don't set the lens to manual focus. If you disable focus activation on the shutter button it shouldn't be a problem. You just have to avoid pressing the AF-ON button.
Great video.
That's an awesome suggestion Tony .. I'll give it a try.
Thanks Richard, awesome review and the images back up everything you say about it.....
one shall be very soon winging its way in to my bag, thanks.
Thanks a lot for watching Ernie, really appreciated.
Absolutely brilliant review Richard! Interesting that the focus automatically goes to infinity when turning on. That’s actually a great feature I had no idea about. The coma isn’t bad at all. Of course a beautiful set of images! Looks like I’m going to have to pick this up for the z6!
Thanks heaps Mike. I had read about this "feature" but mostly people didn't like it. I've found it to be a very handy thing. I reckon it would really suit your vlogging at 20mm.
Thanks Richard, It`s great the have your videos to look forward to.
Thanks so much for watching the channel Glen, really appreciated.
My z6II and 20mm f1.8s lens have just arrived, I can’t wait to get out with it. Thanks for your advice, you helped me choose.
That's fantastic Ann. Can't wait to see what you get with it.
Just watched this one again. Love your passion for astro almost as much as your expertise.
Thanks so much Ralph, I really appreciate your encouragement.
I stumbled across your channel today, Richard, since I've got the 20 mm f/1.8 in my sites. You've really inspired me to spread out into nightscape photography.
Thank you so much for taking the time to follow my work Barry, I really appreciate that.
Richard, My kind of review! Real Imagery. Man, I would love to see a video on how you did the Milky-Way 3-Row Pano, especially what tools were used, and how you moved into positions, sequence, and amount of overlap and any special processing that was used. I think it would be well received. I just got the Nikkor 24mm f1.8 S lens for my Z6, kind of wished I would have waited for the 20mm. I do have a 14mm Rokinon that is sharp.
Good stuff Leon, thanks for watching my friend. I have a few videos on panos but I don't think I've ever actually gone into the post processing of them at this stage.
Stunning detail Richard, well impressed with the lens results. I doubt they'll ever bring out an upgrade f mount version.
Thanks for looking. No I think you're right.
Extremely well explained. Thank you Richard. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I'm so pleased you liked it Bjorn, thanks a lot for watching.
Complimenti, foto fantastiche.Bravo.
Thanks so much for your kind words my friend.
Cant wait to see what you get in New Zealand mate. When you can get there that is. Its such a great place for photography, you will smash it with your nightscapes.
Thanks heaps Shayne, yes I think the NZ plans will be on hold for quite some time unfortunately.
Beautiful images Richard, and think you and I both agree, this is an outstanding lens. Stay safe, perhaps one day we can go astro shooting together, I have never done it before and would love to try. Cheers Matt
Good on you Matt, love your channel. Take care.
Excelent review! Thank you. Great to see many previous locations in one video.
Thanks so much for watching Paul. I really wanted to show as many images taken with this lens and so that's why there are lots of images. I'm pleased you like it.
Awesome review Richard. Especially appreciate the examples and coma feedback. As always, beautiful work. Thank you!
Thank you so much Lonnie, really appreciate that.
Very interesting video... love all those photos and sharper foreground subject.
Really appreciated as per usual Luis. Thank you.
No doubt Nikon put a lot of design work into this 20mm Great photos wonderful lens. Greetings from Seattle where there are no clear skies.
Thanks a lot Paul. Yes I agree . .it's a wonderful lens.
Wow.... what a great info about the infinity focusing and hope to try it out someday. :) Thank you so very much for sharing, Sir. Anyway I did share how you did all the stacking through the sequator on my FB but I can't find it now and maybe I have shared many of your UA-cam..... Now I need to search back..... :) Appreciate so much what you have done and thanks again, Sir.
Thanks very much for watching again my friend.
@@nightscapeimages.richard I am the one should thank you instead :).... most of us love your work very very much, Sir. :)
Thank you! I'm getting ready to purchase the z6 camera and this lens after much research.
You won't be disappointed Tina. Thanks for watching.
Excellent set of images you showed during this video. Glad that you are happy with the lens. Anything that improves your workflow is always appreciated, it is amazing how the small hassles using something adds to much to the frustration.
Thanks again my friend. Yes this lens is wonderful and the images I've produced here are certainly amongst the best of mine I feel.
I have this lens coming and looking forward to using it at night. Also looking forward to your online Nightscape workshop. Got the pdf file downloaded and sent something your way.
Really appreciate you having a look Carl, thanks so much for your support.
Nightscape Images glad I could help....
Hi Richard, love your channel. I thought I would share something you probably already know. Fly By Wire comes from the aviation world. Originally all air planes had mechanical connections to the flight surfaces and engines. When they started to use electronics for control them, they called it Fly By Wire. The term is now used everywhere it seams. Thanks again for all the great information, and encouragement.
Thanks heaps Chris, yes I had read that somewhere before .. .appreciate you filling in the blanks. Thanks heaps for watching.
Fantastic images... thanks for reviewing this lens
Thanks so much for watching Rakesh.
wow, fantastic pictures, you addressed all of my queries. Based on this review I just made an order for a copy of that lens.
Thanks very much for watching, you'll love the lens.
Absolutely outstanding pictures Richard!
Thanks so much for having a look Mr Frankie
I’m looking forward to get my hands on this lens. I am also transitioning to the Z system. I have the D810 with various Nikon, Tamron, and Sigma lenses. Recently purchased the Z6, and It is hard to go back to DSLR. The compactness of the Z system is ideal for those who hike with their camera for landscape photos. I have the Sigma 20 mm art lens, and that one is heavy. Plus, the bulbous glass required a special filter adaptor and 100 mm x 100 mm filter. This 20 mm f1.8 s is going to be my main lens for my adventures. Fast for nightscapes, and about the right focal length for vast landscapes. Thank you for the review.
Thanks a lot for watching George, yes this lens is a real beauty. It's awesome on the Z6.
@@nightscapeimages.richard I just got my 20mm f/1.8 s. Now, waiting for Pacific Northwest skies to clear up. I recommend a Bhatinov mask to make focusing on the stars a lot easier. They are really cheap. I have one attached to a cheap 77mm UV filter.
@@ThePinoyAggie Yes a few people have suggested the mask. I'm sure you'll love your new 20mm f1.8S.
Really nice video and excellent shots! The 20mm S looks great in terms of sharpness and coma. I have the Sigma 14 but I'd like something a little tighter to go with it. I think this 20mm might be the ticket. Thanks for the video!
Thanks very much for watching Marshall.
Wow, awesome results. I already wanted this lens, and your video definitely didn't quench that desire ;)
More importantly you made me want to run out and do more night photography with the equipment I already have.
Thanks a lot, keep up the great work :)
Thanks very much Torbjorn, really appreciate your comments as usual.
Excellent real world review. I'm sharing this video with my pals whom are into photography as well.
Thanks so much Pooja, I really appreciate that.
Gorgeous images, Richard. Thanks for this fantastic video. I'm waiting for my new Z6II and 20mm 1.8S
Thanks for watching. You'll love the 20mm and the Z6ii.
Awesome images Richard and full of great information all the best Phill
Thanks so much Phill
Great video love your photo gallery walk, looking forward to more photo from the new lens.
Thanks for your time , I've derided my 1300d for astro, the m50 for every day .plan to get a L lens was set for July ,corona has set this back
Thanks a lot Phillip. The L lenses are superb.
Greetings from "up over" in the Emerald Isle. Greatvideo, Richard. Greater still that you give the details of your exposures; ISO, f#, sec. Really helpful.
Really appreciate that John
Awesome video mate, beautiful photos.
Thanks a lot Brad
Love this review Richard, and the results you have achieved . This lens is likely to be the first native Z mount lens I buy. Only recently discovered your channel, curious if you have made a video on your star minimisation technique. Looking forward to working thru your back catalog.
Thanks so much for tuning in Greg. I touch on the star minimisation in this video .. nothing much different to what others are doing. ua-cam.com/video/zy3GY019jI4/v-deo.html
Hi Richard. Glad to see you have your latest piece of photography goodness :)
Several weeks back we discussed available lens options for nightscape shooting for my Sony as I wanted more than the 24-70 f2.8. Neither option was entirely what I wanted since Sony had no 20 mm f1.8 lens. I certainly agreed with your preference of the 2 possibilities and decided I would order a Sigma Art 20mm f1.4 despite the filter unfriedly convex lens front.
Funny thing is about 6 hours after you gave your recommendation (which I felt certain would be the most appropriate choice) Sony then announced the release of a 20mm f1.8.
Huh - timing is everything.
Put my order in the next morning. Have had it for 16 days now and early results look brilliant.
Yes I remember that discussion Simon. I'm really pleased you are happy with that new Sony lens .. I hear it's excellent.
Excellent images just brilliant 👏👏
I really need to get out but in these tough times it's virtually impossible for me the do so luckily your videos take some of the itch away 👍
Hey Keith, I feel your pain brother ..!!! Hopefully won't be too much longer.
Thanks Richard ..I have the 14-30 F4 S lens and took my first shot at the Southern Cross and related stars and the results wide open @ 20 secs @ ISO 6400 @ 20mm were GREAT for a first attempt at Astro. but with the 20mm I am sure they would be even better.
Thanks a lot for watching Peter. That 14-30 f4 looks like a great lens. I do like using my lenses at very wide apertures and this 20mm is awesome
Have been looking forward to your review on this lens - cheers
Thanks a lot for watching Brett
Thank you so much Richard, your review confirms exactly what I thought about this lens. I believe with the Z mount lenses Nikon are really ahead of the game. Waiting now to receive my copy of the lens and can't wait to test it myself out in the field.
Thanks so much for watching Thanos, I'm sure you'll really enjoy this lens.
Ahead of the game? I think they are way behind Sony and canon in terms of a lens offering, and I'm a royal Nikon shooter and have been shooting nikon for the last 25 years
i like your digital blending, great
Thanks so much for watching Marcus.
Very nice video!!! Would be nice to see the video on your milkyway editing workflow.
Thanks very much for watching Victor. I actually have a whole playlist of editing and post processing videos here: ua-cam.com/play/PLAYKmqkUeSM_ovfT8k7ifk26X4zjeqJWb.html
another awesome video mate and nonsense about gee the corners that you talked about i would love to have corners like that keep it goin mate
we will all get through this hiccup in time some of the lens that you talk about look so good will start to give MRS CLAUSE in the next room some hints take care mate catch ya in the future cheers bobby j.
Good on you Bobby, yes it's always good to give some hints to the "Minister of War & Finance" ..!!!
Awesome
Thanks a lot Spence
Love all your work !!!
Thanks again
What an awesome lens! Great review Richard. Looks great in the corners. I like gi-normous lens hoods, great in rain and yes stops the mist on lens at night. That's why I like the F mount 24-70mm F2.8 lens, it's huge lens hood compared to the 14-24mm you mentioned. Agree the native glass would probably be better on the Z series. Thanks for sharing the video mate.
Always appreciate you watching Adrian, thanks heaps mate. Loved your D850 video today ...!!
Allo ! I'm back !!! I was late listening to your great videos. Time to make it up.
Again, wonderful informations given and especially on the S-Lens which I don't have yet. I'll be following your advice, when time ($$$$) comes and buy the 20mm ! I sometimes find that the sliding of F-lens on the adaptor is not as smooth as it could be even if it works properly. I guess a native lens would do a great and better job. As for night photography of Milky Way, we are getting rid of snow and winter but it still difficult to go outside sometimes as the weather and clouds don't cooperate. Thank you again for all this great and wonderful information. Greetings from Québec !
I'm glad to see you back again Carole, thanks so much for watching the channel.
Nightscape Images
Wasn’t gone for long but enough to have missed a few videos! 😀😀
Richard, great information and pictures. This was a very timely video for me. I live in the USA and Milky Way season is just beginning here. I literally have no experience shooting the Milky Way and I am getting ready to purchase my first lens for that sole purpose. I have been a landscape photographer for 12 plus years and last August got rid of all my old APS-C gear and bought the Z6 and a used D810. I truly do not have any fast glass to shoot the stars. I went out last September one night at the end of the Milky Way season and used my Z6 and the kit lens and was fairly surprised at what I could capture. I have been looking at purchasing a Rokinon 14mm F2.4, Irix Blackstone 15mm F2.4, the older Nikon 20mm F1.8, the 35mm 1.8 Z mount Nikon lens, Tamron 15-30 A012 model, 24mm Z6 mount lens and a couple of others. I was really leaning towards the lens that I could put a filter on without having to buy expensive kits to use filters on lenses like he Rokinon and Tamron lens. Not having had experience at Milky Way photography I was worried about getting a really wide lens. I was even worried the Nikon 20mm lens was not wide enough, I can see the old FX 20mm Nikon lens has been one of your favorites. I was really leaning towards that lens or maybe the 24mm Z6 mount Nikon lens. At this stage I know that I don’t know what I don’t know. I have never owned a wide angle lens so I really don’t have the experience to know how much that will do for me. I just finished watching another video you did, Nightscapes Lens Focal Length Comparison. That left me wondering if maybe I was too worried about having a really wide angle lens? The thing is I live in Illinois and I won’t have a lot of great Milky Way places to shoot from. At least ones with great foreground objects in somewhat of a dark area. My ability to do Milky Way photography will be somewhat limited so I really see myself only buying one lens. In your humble opinion for most shots is 20mm wide enough? Do you think the old Nikon 20mm is pretty close to the new Z6 20mm? I assume the older 20mm shoots well on the Z6 using the adapter? Do you have any advice you could offer? I really appreciate it. Thanks, Jerry
Hey Jerry, thanks very much for watching the videos. I also appreciate your question as I think this will help a lot of people. I think that on a full frame camera 20mm is certainly wide enough to shoot great nightscapes. I don't like the distortion you get with ultra wide angle lenses and I find it's no where near as bad at 20mm. The older 20mm f1.8G is still a wonderful lens and I've been shooting with it for years.It's also nice and light weight as demonstrated in this video. I would choose the 20mm f1.8S over the 24mm f1.8S. I also have the 35mm f1.8S and it's great also.
@@nightscapeimages.richard Thank you sir I appreciate your insight, I do have one last question. Would I be smart to buy the Nikon 24mm F1.4 over the 20mm F1.8 for the faster aperture or would it really not make a difference.
@@jerrysanderfield No worries Jerry. The Nikon 24mm f1.4G has a lot more coma than the 20mm f1.8G. I'd go for the 20mm if you want to shoot a lot of nightscapes.
@@nightscapeimages.richard Thank you sir, greatly appreciated
Jesus christ that lens is incredible 👌 and those images wow 🤙🤙 cant wait to get out. I got a sigma art 24- 35 f2 iv never actually used it for night scape shooting. Iv normally used the 14mm Samyang.
Hey Gavin you should give it a go .. it's a great lens that Sigma.
@@nightscapeimages.richard hi mate. Yes il have to go out and use it soon as this is over with.thank you 👍👍
i love you youtube channel and your picture
Really appreciate you watching Raphael
@@nightscapeimages.richard Thank you for making such instructive videos, it is thanks to you and your knowledge that future generations have learned a lot about night and technical photography, so for their Thank you!
@@RaphaelFluctuant I really appreciate that.
Very cool, I love your videos. Been looking at that lens for my Z6. Your stacking is awesome, but seems really difficult. Looks like you can do pretty well with a single image and that lens
Thanks a lot Steve. The single shots are really good as well. The stacking gets easier with practice. Appreciate your comments.
Just ordered one today
You won't regret it John
I love your work, Richard. I just stumbled onto your channel because I was looking for a review of this lens. I shoot a Z6 as well. I absolutely love the dreamy look you are getting with stacking. Can you link me to a video to show how you do that?
Thanks so much Steve. It's also the star minimizing that creates that dreamy look. Check this video: ua-cam.com/video/3uXHTmwcaFM/v-deo.html
Thanks Richard for your 2 cents. I am looking forward to replace f mount lenses with Z versions slowly. Not that f glass is bad, but simply because of usage (transfering adapter from one to another lens). Hope you can go out and do things you like the most soon. Keep safe!!!
Thanks again for watching Milorad. Yes that's exactly what I'm doing.
Great video, just got this lens. I can't wait to try it out
You'll love it
Thank you - excellent video!
Thanks so much for watching
Nice video saving my penny's for a new lens think of the 30mm art for Pentax or 18-35 both are 1.8 later mate.
They sound like ripper lenses Jeff. Thanks for watching.
Richard you mention in this video a 21 image panorama. I would love to see a video on how you shot the images (specially how you manipulated your tripod) and how you stitched all the images.
Thanks so much for watching Glidden. I don't have a video on this particular location but I do mention some of the steps in the following videos: ua-cam.com/video/SAIg6p1o_Qc/v-deo.html and this one: ua-cam.com/video/mRWMsJJJTMM/v-deo.html
Thanks for that real world overview what that lens can do. 😍 WOW 😍, specially for that image at 24:00. Can you please make a video of that workflow? Or do you already have one you may link to?
Thanks very much Roland, I appreciate your kind words. The image at 24 minutes is simply a blended sky with a couple of foreground light painted images. This workflow is explained in a lot of my videos. See here: ua-cam.com/video/zy3GY019jI4/v-deo.html or here: ua-cam.com/video/fq0r33y-IPU/v-deo.html
What a beautiful lens and review! I want it... Is your Z6 astromodified? Your pictures are so beautiful... Thank you!
Thanks so much for watching Mira. I actually have 3 x Z6 cameras and I did recently get one of them modified. However none of the images you saw in this video were shot with that one.
Hi Richard - wow - stunning images! Just moved up to full frame to Z6, and the 20mm 1.8S is particularly attracting me. Will be shooting Northern Lights later in the year, and in the past used a Tokina 11-16mm on cropped frame Nikon - what is your comment on a prime lens at 20mm full frame for this subject?
Thanks so much for watching. Yes I've shot plenty of auroras at 20mm. But if you want to capture more sky then you can always do a simple panorama to extend the field of view. The big advantage of the 20mm is the wide f1.8 aperture. You won't always need it . .but when you do it's a life saver.
Sensacional, parabéns ! ! ! ! ! 👏👏👏👏
Thank you
fantastic review - as allways ;o) thanks..... I gotta have this lens :o)
Thanks so much for watching Michael, you won't be disappointed with this lens tha'ts for sure.
I just saw this, this is great - please tell us how you stacked the images.
Thanks for watching. I used Sequator to stack the images. See here: ua-cam.com/video/3uXHTmwcaFM/v-deo.html
Thanks for the nice review and I would suggest to use both the 20mm F1.8G and 20mm F1.8S on the same location, with Z6 mounted to your tripod so you can just change out the lens, focus to infinity but leave every camera setting the same as a side by side comparison of the RAW photo. In this case, camera setting remains the same but just swap the lens, then compare the outcome of the RAW photo among them at F1.8 :-)
Yes that's a good idea Steven. However this lockdown has made further testing more difficult. Thanks for watching.
Tempted to trade my 14 to 30 f4 for this lens
That's a tricky one Jake, I reckon the 14-30 is a fantastic focal length range .. it's a pity it wasn't an f2.8. Thanks for watching.
Nightscape Images I know. It pretty much lives on my Z6. Hard decision and still unsure. I’ll wait for this virus to bugger off before I do anything
Love the video. Can you talk about star minimization?
Thanks for watching Bob. Star minimization is a process whereby you give the brighter stars in the image more prominence by reducing the lesser stars. I go into the method in this video as well as a few others: ua-cam.com/video/zy3GY019jI4/v-deo.html
Great as usual, thanks! I’d rather die than go back to Manfrotto plates. Arca Swiss ones are sooo much better and easier.
Thanks for watching Dominic. I've not had any issues with the Manfrotto plates. They are certainly quicker to release and attach. I guess it comes down to what we get used to.
Thanks for sharing your first images with the new lens! I've been waiting for the lens myself. Ever since buying the Z6 last year I've been shooting astro with my 24-70 f4, which is ok, but not great. Another big plus with the native Z lenses which I don't think you mentioned is the low flange distance and the large mounting diameter, which make it far superior to F mount lenses.
Can't wait to get my Z 20mm and get some shots like yours!
Thanks a lot for watching Alpha. Yes the f1.8 makes a huge difference for nightscapes. Really appreciate your comments.
I want one now. Thanks Richard. Was thinking about the Samyang 14 2.4 XP for a while but I want as much Z glass as possible, as they are awesome I got the 14-30 f/4 and the 24-70 f/4 and they are amazing. I want a 14 or a 20 for Astro. Currently I have the Samyang 24 1.4 F mount which is also amazing btw. The 50 1.8 20 1.8 and 70-200 2.8 z are on my to buy list.
Yes you can't go wrong with the native Z glass. Not a fan of Samyang lenses myself.
@@nightscapeimages.richard the 24 1.4 is a pretty good cheap solution until I save up for the 20mm 1.8 though. You must have seen the 14 2.4, which is also pretty fantastic although it lacks weather sealing.
@@koenpijpersphotography Yes I've used the new 14-24 f2.8. It's good but very expensive.
@@nightscapeimages.richard current update. Got this lens and wow. Another leap in quality.
@@koenpijpersphotography Yes it's wonderful isn't it ..!!!!
Woud be nice make a rewieu of the 14mm samyang for users in no budget :). Your job is amazing .thanks
Thanks a lot Insider. I have had 2 copies of that lens and I wasn't really impressed. I think it's ok until you see the results from a better lens. There are heaps of reviews of that lens on youtube.
@@nightscapeimages.richard thanks! good quarantine :(
@@nightscapeimages.richard only a re edited stuck photo in Quarantine times
500px.com/photo/1013121726
Hi Richard, many thanks for a great review. It was particularly interesting as it shows the lens in real world situations. The result was only to be expected, I too have a number of S lenses and all are super sharp in comparison to the old F-Mount. I only need to wait for it to be released here in europe, it was supposed to be in March but seems to be delayed. There are only a few examples around, mainly owned by reviewers. Question : could you publish a screenshot of the corners of an F-Mount pic and a Z-Mount at 100% for comparison purposes - in the video it is difficult to see any differences ?
I look forward to your new video series.
Thanks a lot David. Yes it is difficult to see any difference on the video. I'll see what I can do. Generally I don't have the exact same image which would make it a bit easier to compare.
@@nightscapeimages.richard I don't think it has to be exactly the same image, it is just to see how th coma and sharpness looks. It would suffice if there were just a number of stars in frame.
Hello from Lithuania! Thank you very much for the interesting review! I am also looking forward to my 20mm 1.8s for astrophoto. I want to ask two questions. The old 20mm 1.8g has a well-seen coma even with f / 2.8. What 20mm 1.8s aperture has such a coma? How much light can you have?And have you noticed more vignetting on the new 20mm 1.8s than on the old. According to tests, the new Z lenses have more vignetting.
Thanks so much for watching my channel, really appreciate that. There is certainly some coma on this new lens but I would suggest it's pretty much gone by f2.8. The old 20mm f1.8G has coma as well as you have suggested but to be honest it isn't a deal breaker for me especially when stacking for noise reduction. I have found that the stacking software helps remove coma. In that case you can shoot this lens wide open at f1.8. As far as vignetting, yes it's there but again this is not an issue for me as I really like the slight fall off towards the edges of my nightscape images. Hope that's helpful.
Thank you Richard, I’m about to get this lens, and can’t wait to use it to shoot the sky! Do you happen to have a video on stacking the 10 shots that you typically do? I’ve only done single exposures before.
Thanks a lot Thomas, really appreciate it. See this: ua-cam.com/video/zy3GY019jI4/v-deo.html
@@nightscapeimages.richard thanks for the reference! Is there anything similar in Lightroom though? Or do you have to perform this step in Photoshop?
@@thomaswandachen2306 You cannot stack images in this way in Lightroom unfortunately Thomas
Stunning details really good lens. I really miss my photography. Richard how far you have to go from your home to avoid light pollution and also the location to shoot milky way?
I can see the milky way from my back yard. It's Bortle class 4 at home. 15 minute drive away from town I'm in Bortle class 2 skies.
@@nightscapeimages.richard 15mins wow lucky man :D
Hello Richard and thanks for the video and tutorial and as usual it was very informative and entertaining. I would like to make a suggestion why not take a small strip of your gel that you use on your flash light(aka torch)and tape it to the screen using a matte version of scotch tape. I have found the tape non destructive and and have actually used it to remove light finger prints off glossy photographs with no issues if done gingerly. Talk with you later and thank you again. Tom
Hey Thomas that's a great idea. I haven't actually taken the gel off my torch since I bought it but I can see good value in your suggestion. Thanks for watching.
@@nightscapeimages.richard I am always trying to reinvent the wheel but can never make any money doing it, also check out Chris at cathingphotons and I also pasted the Magellanic Tractor video on his comments section. Spread the Wealth!
@@SuperBuickregal Thanks heaps Thomas.
This was such an amazing review, thanks for sharing/ I am planning to buy a lense but confused between Nikon 14-24 F2.8 & Nikon 20mm F1.8, though 14-24 gives me a zoom option but then i am loosing F stops on that when compare to 20mm, your thoughts & also i will be shooting with D500 which is a cropped sensor
Thanks very much Sunny. I think on the D500 you may be better off with a wider angle lens. For general landscape the Nikon 14-24 f2.8 is wonderful. There are other options for nightscape photography such as the Sigma 14mm f1.8, Samyang 14mm f2.4, Samyang 16mm f2, Tokina 14-20 f2. Hope that helps.
@@nightscapeimages.richard hey thanks for your prompt reply, so you are saying i should go for a wider focal than 20 if i am using it on cropped sensor
@@007sunnyoberoi Yes I do because on your D500 the foca length becomes 30mm and that's a bit tight for a lot of shots.
This lens is definitely on my wish list. Thanks for a fantastic review of this lens for the particular use case. I'm also someday coming in one of your workshops -probably would have been this year, but there you go. Tell me, is the Z6 (I or II) or Z7 (I or II) better for astro? I have the Z6, but am considering adding a Z7 II.
Thanks a lot for watching Geoffrey. I think the mk 2 version of these cameras will be better overall .. but from what I see the sensor is the same so probably no better image quality. Most likely improvements in ergonomics and 2 card slots etc.
Fortunately Nikon has come out with the FTZ II without the tripod mount that was more often a liability rather than an asset.
Yes it is a better design for sure.
Hi Richard I wish that i can afford to buy those kind of lenses and cameras,but its hard with one small pension. Stay safe and thanks for the info.
Yes I completely understand Mario. Maybe as time progresses these things will come down in price.
Wow, love your work and it has inspired me to give it a go,
I stumbled on your channel the other day and can't keep away,
Would a cree L2 tactical zoom torch be suitable to use for basic light painting?
I'm in the UK but luckily away from the big cities to avoid excess light pollution,
shooting on a Nikon D700 with 24-70 f2.8 lens, that be an acceptable set up to try what you are a master in,
thanks Alan.
Thanks so much for watching the videos Alan, I really appreciate it. I'm not so familiar with that particular torch but you can use most torches. I don't like extra bright torches as they easily blow out the subjects if your not careful. The other thing to consider is that most LED torches cast a very blue coloured beam. That's why I usually use a 1/2 cto gel on the front of my torch .. to balance the colour back to normal. You should be fine with the D700 and 24-70 f2.8 Alan.
Another great video, thankyou. I am starting out doing Astro timelapses on my Fuji XT20. I am looking to upgrade to full frame for the low performance and dynamic range. I am undecided between Nikon z6 & 20mm 1.8 and Sony A7iii & 20mm 1.8. I see you use the Nikon z6 to create your work. Could you offer any advise on why you chose the Nikon z6 route?
Thanks for watching Martin. Both the Z6 and A7iii would be exceptional cameras for nightscapes .. . very similar performance. I have always had Nikon cameras so it was a natural choice to go for the Z6. I think it comes down to what feels best ergonomically for you. I love the Nikon menu system but I'm sure the Sony has other features which are excellent as well.
Debating going with the 14-24 2.8 or this 20mm 1.8 for nightscapes... If I had to pick one do you think I’ll miss the benefit of being able to shoot at 14 mm? Or do you think being a new lens and being a 1.8 is better? Thank you for this amazing video.
Hey Charlie. I have the Nikon 14-24 f2.8 and hardly use it these days. I much prefer the 20mm focal length. Having said that, I do a lot of focus stacking and blending in my images and this helps alleviate any soft focus issues you may have with the slightly longer focal length at 20mm for subjects that are close to the camera. The 14-24 is an awesome lens but now that I'm using the Z cameras I much prefer their native "S" lenses. As yet they don't have an f2.8 wide angle so I'll wait and dee down the track. I really love the ability to open up to f1.8 .. it really makes a difference.
So my Milky Way photo’s definitely dont look as amazing as yours . Im in Minnesota., probably not in the darkest skies ., is there an edit video strictly for the Milky Way ? I love yours. And truthfully, I am new to this & pretty much assuming my editing is VERY primitive … 😵💫.
Thank you for all your amazing work ., I am blown away !!!!!
Thanks again for watching. I have many editing videos. See this playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PLAYKmqkUeSM9eXVRj3boNPWRTSgYIShUh.html and also this one: ua-cam.com/play/PLAYKmqkUeSM_ovfT8k7ifk26X4zjeqJWb.html
Hey ritchard, another great review, I have a question regarding the 20mm 1.8g lens, is there a great deal of quality difference between the 2, I'm getting the z6ii very soon, but I'm debating what to do for the best, do I purchase the 20mm 1.8g, or hold out for the s and keep saving, I'm leaning towards the 1.8g for the time being, but if it's a huge loss in quality I may hold off. Cheers.
The 20mm Z lens is a lot better on the Z6ii but you'll get away with the older 20mm G lens for a while. That's what I did initially.
Great stuff Richard. Quick question; why do you prefer 20mm over 14mm? Wouldn't you fit more of the Milky Way into your shots? Cheers.
Thanks for watching Andrew. Yes you are correct, you will fit more in with a 14mm and there are plenty of times where that is important .. however I really like the faster aperture I can get at f1.8 to the majority of 14mm lenses .. also there is far less distortion and therefore my foreground objects look much better. That's another reason I really like the 35mm and even 50mm focal lengths. Appreciate your comments.
Hi. You consider the 20mm focal lenght ideal for make shooting stars timelapses? Its so wide? or is not enough?
I want to buy sigma 14-24 lens but is so expensive, my system is Sony E and Is also consider 20mmf1.8G lens but my main goal are astrotimelapses of shooting stars
Thanks for watching. I'd generally go for a wider focal length for shooting time lapses as you are usually cropping the image to a 16x9 aspect ratio. Most of my time lapses are shot at about 14mm focal length.
Hi Richard, lovely images and a great video to match. I'm currently using the Nikon Z5. I've had some great results during the day with the camera but the noise on the screen for anything Astro related is so annoying. I can't focus properly on a star due to the noise issue, have you experienced anything like this or have you any tips that could solve the problem moving forward? Thanks in advance.
Thanks so much for watching. What lens are you using to shoot astro with the Z5 ..?? Also what settings do you normally set .?
I'm using an F-mount 14mm 2.8, 20 sec shutter speed , ISO 3200 and opened up to 2.8
Ok, that should be fine. Noise is something we have to get used to with astro photography. You can use de-noise programs like Topaz with good results. Have a look at this video regarding focusing. ua-cam.com/video/lqYf2w_BAQ8/v-deo.html As an aside to all of this I've had the best experience seeing the screen clearly with the Nikon Z system using the native Nikon Z f1.8 prime lenses. @@ogie7488
Very interesting feature the focus on infinity at startup ! Do you investigate more on this ? Is it very accurate and precise ?
Thanks !
Thanks for watching Ivoyger. Put it this way, I haven't had to focus this 20mm lens on infinity for any of the shots I've taken this year . .and that's a lot of images.
Great video!! What do You think of the Viltrox 20mm 1.8 for astro? Seems like a good cheap entre option...
Thanks for watching. I've not used the Viltrox 20mm so can't really compare. But the Viltrox lenses I have used .. 24 and 35mm are really quite good.
Great video! How does the Z 20 1.8 S stack up against the Z 14-30 at f:8 or f:11 is their a difference?
Thanks for watching. Unfortunately I don't have a Z 14-30 so I can't test.
Thanks for the review Richard, since I don't know much of the performance these lenses should have, do you consider the astro performance is good? Is the elongation of the stars due to coma or just the exposure time (star trailing) in this case? Do you think the Sony equivalent is any better?
Greetings from an Argentinian in the Netherlands! :)
Thanks a lot for watching Santiago. I think the performance is really good. I haven't used the Sony equivalent but I hear it's also very good. The reason we look into the corners is because that's where you'll see any imperfections in the glass. It may be very sharp in the centre but not so good on the outer edge. Sometimes you see slight trailing on the edge even when the lenses are sharp in the middle. All in all the astro performance of this lens is excellent.
Fantastic images Richard. I have the nikon D750 am I right in saying that this lens fits on without any adapter?
Thanks so much for watching Janette. No this 20mm f1.8S lens will not fit the Nikon D750 at all. It's only made for the mirrorless Z mount cameras. The other lens I show in the video will fit the D750 without any adaptor. Nikon 20mm f1.8G.
Great video, how does the Z 20mm f1.8 compare to the Sigma art f1.4 20mm f mount? I have the sigma and about to join it to a Z6ii. Is there much improvement with the Nikkor for astrophotography?
Thanks for watching. The Sigma 20 is a good lens. You will see coma wide open at f1.4-1.8 but after that it's quite good. The Nikon S lens is considerably lighter weight and being native to the Z6ii will perform better. The sigma lens needs the FTZ adaptor which adds to the weight especially as it tips the lens further forward.