New Nikon 24mm f/1.4

[Liam Hall]

For all of you nikon shooters:

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/NT21113/?t=CM01&a=CM01

Might be nice on Epic/Scarlet. Ouch at the price though!

[Sanjin Jukic]

Interesting!

It took Nikon a couple of decades to make new 24mm @ f/1.4 FF35mm (http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2184/AF-S-NIKKOR-24mm-f%252F1.4G-ED.html) lens.

I have an old Canon 24mm f/1.4 FD (http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/canon/fdresources/fdlenses/24mm.htm)

that is a manual aperture lens with aspherical elements at FF35m for my R1

and also some reports claimed that is even better than newer EF Canon 24mm f/1.4 L.

Also reports said that brand new Leica Summilux 24mm f/1.4 ASPH (http://www.stevehuffphotos.com/Steve_Huff_Photos/Blog/Entries/2009/8/20_THE_LEICA_24_SUMMILUX_1.4_LENS_REVIEW.html) is a top notch lens for all FF35mm class lenses.

It will be interesting to read comparative tests between all those 24mm fast lenses.

[Andrew Walker]

That's kind of a high price for a 24mm 1.4. I really like the Canon 24mm 1.4 mk2 that I picked up back in October from Abelcine Tech. I paid about $500 less than what that Nikon one is going for.

[Daniel Browning]

I'm really glad to see this.



and also some reports claimed that is even better than newer EF Canon 24mm f/1.4 L.


I am highly skeptical of that.



Also reports said that brand new Leica Summilux 24mm f/1.4 ASPH (http://www.stevehuffphotos.com/Steve_Huff_Photos/Blog/Entries/2009/8/20_THE_LEICA_24_SUMMILUX_1.4_LENS_REVIEW.html) is a top notch lens for all FF35mm class lenses.


As it should be! The backfocus requirement is over 10 times shorter than what Nikon and Canon have to deal with. If the big boys didn't have a mirror to deal with, I bet they'd easily match or beat the Leica on performance, and several times over on value. But as it is, the Leica is indeed better in almost every way except vignetting. The Leica 20mm f/1.4 is even more telling of the advantages of a rangefinder. Canikon don't even have a comparable lens there.

[Lee Saxon]

The previous Nikon 24mm 1.4 Aspherical was one of their best lenses ever. Last I checked it sells for quite a bit more than it did new, and more than this new version is selling for. Hopefully this one continues that reputation.

[Richard Goodwin]

Just curious what makes this one cost so much. I realize pro lenses cost a lot. But the "comparable" canon is $1800.

[Andrew Walker]

Just curious what makes this one cost so much. I realize pro lenses cost a lot. But the "comparable" canon is $1800.

Yeah I can't figure it out either. I mean if it was a 24mm 1.2 or something like that, if its even possible, then I could see it costing that much. Of course the Lecia cost $6K.

[Jeff Kilgroe]

The previous Nikon 24mm 1.4 Aspherical was one of their best lenses ever. Last I checked it sells for quite a bit more than it did new, and more than this new version is selling for. Hopefully this one continues that reputation.

I own the previous version of the lens and it is amazing. I'd expect this new version to be every bit as good optically, probably even better for digital use. Only one tiny little complaint, no manual iris control. Not that I ever use it when the electronic control from the dial is available anyway. I don't have any answers about costs... The old model was even more expensive. We can compare Nikon to Canon all day, but that's pointless. BTW, can anyone tell me why the Canon EF 50mm f1.2L is $1600 and is such a piece of shit? My first one literally fell apart. Second one would not focus properly, I'm on my third one and it works, but it just feels fragile.

[Evin Grant]

I also have the 28mm 1.4 Nikkor and it's a stellar lens, it easily out classes the 24mm 1.4L Canon, especially wide open and I'd expect the new 24mm to be the best 24mm prime ever designed for a reflex camera. (The Nikon 14-24 f2.8 is sharper than the equivalent Master prime!) The Leica is extraordinary too but over twice as much. I'll probably sell my 28mm 1.4 Nikkor as I'm mostly shooting the M9 for travel and a D3 for low light and don't need the speed much but the new 24 looks very promising.

[Sanjin Jukic]

I'm really glad to see this.



I am highly skeptical of that.



As it should be! The backfocus requirement is over 10 times shorter than what Nikon and Canon have to deal with. If the big boys didn't have a mirror to deal with, I bet they'd easily match or beat the Leica on performance, and several times over on value. But as it is, the Leica is indeed better in almost every way except vignetting. The Leica 20mm f/1.4 is even more telling of the advantages of a rangefinder. Canikon don't even have a comparable lens there.

We are very close to Leica or CW-Sonderoptic (http://cw-sonderoptic.de/) with Band Pro announcement of brand new Mystery Primes.

Rumors said that those cine lens set will involve all the best of rangefinder aspherical lens design foundation and experience that was shared and implemented in cine lens design.

They are pretty fast (@T1.4), small, lightweight (titanium made shell and body), flat sharp (without distortions and aberrations) at all apertures in the center and corners.

About outstanding Leica look and feel we do not have to worry.

A lot of movies that shot with Panavision Primo L series (based on Leitz/Leica glass) made history of moving images from early 80s.

[Rick Darge]

I also have the 28mm 1.4 Nikkor and it's a stellar lens, it easily out classes the 24mm 1.4L Canon, especially wide open and I'd expect the new 24mm to be the best 24mm prime ever designed for a reflex camera. (The Nikon 14-24 f2.8 is sharper than the equivalent Master prime!) The Leica is extraordinary too but over twice as much. I'll probably sell my 28mm 1.4 Nikkor as I'm mostly shooting the M9 for travel and a D3 for low light and don't need the speed much but the new 24 looks very promising.

How you likin that M9 playa?

[Evin Grant]

Sooooooo sweet!
http://www.evingrant.com/pics/Bohdi2.jpg
http://www.evingrant.com/pics/incensedB.jpg
http://www.evingrant.com/pics/HKselColor.jpg

[Lee Saxon]

I own the previous version of the lens and it is amazing. I'd expect this new version to be every bit as good optically, probably even better for digital use.

JEALOUS!! I want one so much! If it turns out you're right about the new one being better can I have your old one :p


Only one tiny little complaint, no manual iris control.

You mean this new one, right? I thought the old one was a D model?

[OptiTek]

Only one tiny little complaint, no manual iris control.
One word for you
Prolock
Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeEOnklv7Z8
more info:
http://optitek.org/nikon-prolock.php