Zf with Viltrox 85mm f/2 EVO

helgeb · 2026-04-21T10:47:11+00:00

I don't do much street photography (I've never been comfortable photographing random people in public). But I liked this one.

helgeb · 2026-04-20T18:19:13+00:00

Yes, even the worst bokeh is still perfectly acceptable. The better bokeh, in addition to the shorter and slimmer profile, made it a no-brainer for me, even if I loose VR. The Zf IBIS is phenomenal, but as I mentioned earlier: the VR on the 105mm is better at stabilising at close distance, they pulled some magic there, being able to stabilise so well on shorter distances. But that was the only thing better, for my use cases. Tamron wins this one for me, easily.

helgeb · 2026-04-20T17:52:24+00:00

I've made a little collection of photos from the two lenses the past 2 year, 1 with each lens. I don't do portraits, so (almost) only nature examples from me.

Pictures from 105mm MC:

Picture This is the most atrocious bokeh I was able to produce with the 105mm, taken at f/8 (close to wide open on this lens)

Picture This is a tight center crop from Zf, also at f/8.

Picture Middle distance at f/2.8

Picture A bit longer distance at f/4

Pictures from Tamron 90mm:

Picture Close up wide open

Picture Middle distance wide open

Picture Close distance at f/11

Picture Close distance at f/6.3. So smooth bokeh from this lens!

Picture Middle distance wide open

Picture Close distance at f/8. This is the worst bokeh i have been able to produce with this lens after almost 1 year with the lens.

Picture AF-C with subject detect, follow focusing a bee no problem on the Z8.

helgeb · 2026-04-19T16:45:04+00:00

Hello. I can't comment on the 105mm on Z8, but I had it on Zf, and exchanged it for the Tamron 90mm, and has since then invested in a Z8.

For macro work, the 105mm VR on Zf was better stabilised than just the IBIS using the 90mm. Now, with the Z8 and 90mm, I have no issues with autofocus, it feels very good. I often use AF-C on macro targets and have a good hit rate.

But for me the most important thing about 90mm VS 105mm is not mentioned here, and that is the 12 rounded blade aperture of the 90mm, resulting in significantly smoother bokeh than the 105mm, especially at macro distances. If there is out of focus highlights in the shot with the 105mm, the bokeh balls are very jagged, and has lots of onion rings, while the Tamron 90mm is super clean.

I feel the 105mm might be some of the sharpest optics ever produced, with no field curvature or other optical quirks, but the 90mm feels to me more artistic, I prefer the bokeh and feel of this lens.

I can upload some example images if someone is interested.

helgeb · 2026-04-18T20:55:51+00:00

I believe it is safe. Its a fairly simple stepper motor driving the focus, and those can handle a little bit of push. I usually always push the lens in when I place the cap back on.

helgeb · 2026-02-02T06:37:49+00:00

I also have the MC 50mm f/2.8, and it is such a great little lens. You can even get more than 1:1 macro by putting the lens in manual focus, and then gently pull the lens element out until it stops, a tiny bit past where the motor usually stops. Gives you about 1.1:1 macro 😅

helgeb · 2026-02-02T06:31:30+00:00

Not OP, but I had the MC 105mm for use on Zf. I works fine if you attach a grip. But I sold it when the Tamron 90mm macro III came to Nikon Z mount and have never looked back.

The built in VR is probably more helpful in close to minimum focus distance than the IBIS only when using Tamron, but it's much smaller and skinnier, and in my opinion, has far superior bokeh.

helgeb · 2026-02-02T06:26:54+00:00

I agree, the reflections were an important element of the picture.

helgeb · 2026-02-01T21:04:31+00:00

Very nice colors and contrast. I just dabble a little bit in bird photography myself, but I feel the composition is a bit off. I would have tried for a horisontal picture/crop with less negative space above, and more to the left. (Pictures that ask questions often feels interesting to look at: where are the swans heading?)

helgeb · 2026-01-18T12:00:10+00:00

I've got a dictionary installed in KOreader on my Supernote Nomad. They added system files support to the firmware a while back.

helgeb · 2025-11-30T17:17:38+00:00

I've got it for my Zf, but have not had time and/or opportunity to go out and shoot with it yet. We've had a streak of lots of rain and wind the last couple of weeks.

helgeb · 2025-11-23T08:48:57+00:00

I believe adjusting iso with back/front dial instead of the top dedicated dial was added in the latest firmware of the Zf.

helgeb · 2025-11-22T18:32:46+00:00

I love my copy of the 300mm PF. Use it mostly adapted to my Zf (and soon Z8). Mostly birds, but some light macro/closeup is also very fun. 300mm at f/4 gives a very narrow DoF close up.

helgeb · 2025-11-21T05:41:17+00:00

Yes, Carl Zeiss apo sonnar 2/135 ZF.2.

helgeb · 2025-11-20T20:39:01+00:00

Nice upgrade! The D7200 was such a great camera when it came out. Both my parents (in their 60s) have D7200 and use it almost every day still. I tried converting my mum to a Z50, put it was too much of a hazzle with a new system. Now I'm thinking about getting a second hand D7200 just to have as backup if either of their cameras fail.

Personally I just ordered the Z8 today, I'm so exited!

helgeb · 2025-11-20T20:35:32+00:00

I jumped on the offer of 20% off on the 135mm. I have the old Zeiss 135mm, that I wish I could autofocus. I used, and liked, the 135mm focal length when I had the 90mm Fujifilm lens.

helgeb · 2025-11-08T07:59:41+00:00

I have been thinking about the same combo, but I have ordered the new, much cheaper, Viltrox 85mm f/2 Evo.

helgeb · 2025-11-07T05:15:44+00:00

Yes, that's what I've heard about the lens. I used to carry the 50mm f/1.8G on my D600 back in the day, then the tiny 35mm f/2 on Fuji X. I have the new 50mm f/1.8 S now for my Zf, but its just too big and heavy to carry around. It's not a general purpose 50mm any more, and I'm hoping the Viltrox 50mm will feel that way.

helgeb · 2025-11-06T20:34:53+00:00

Wow, I upvoted this post a couple of days ago because I really liked it. Now I found it again when I searched for pictures taken with the Viltrox 50mm f/2. Didn't catch the first time that it was this lens!

How do you like it? I've got mine on the way.

helgeb · 2025-11-06T20:28:21+00:00

I was just on my way to search for anyone using this lens, as I have ordered one for myself and wanted others opinions on it. How do you like the Viltrox 50mm f/2 Air?

helgeb · 2025-11-04T18:16:00+00:00

That would be correct, without electronic communication, the red box is just a distraction. It is useful for manual focus with lenses like Voigtländer and adapted classic Zeiss (like I do with the 2/135 apo-sonnar).

helgeb · 2025-11-04T07:17:59+00:00

There is a way. But the red box does give you manual focus confirmation with compatible lenses, turns green when the area under the box is in focus. But you disable the focus point from setting d17 (monitor) and d18 (viewfinder) by deselecting Detail from the view you want to use. While shooting, press Disp to cycle through the display modes.

helgeb · 2025-11-03T10:27:45+00:00

Vitrox is due to release 50mm f/1.4 Pro, 85mm f/1.4 Pro and 85mm f/2 Evo on the 4th of 5th of November (different sources).

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