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Nikon D800E, AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED, 1/500, F2.8, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED

[Zoom] Wide-zoom | Standard-zoom | Tele-zoom | High-zoom
[Fixed-focal] Wide angle | Standard | Telephoto | Macro

The 20mm focal length captures moderately wider area than the conscious field of vision. As it's categorized as an "ultra" wide angle lens, it easily includes the sun during the daytime or emphasizes perspectives just with a slight change of camera's angle. You'll need some practice to master it, but it's such a fun lens to use because of the unique world captured. Plus, because this lens works with the FX format and has F1.8 max aperture, you can also use bokeh.

( Photography : Z II / Text : KIMURAX )

Nikon D800E, AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED, 1/160, F1.8, ISO 400, Photo by Z II

The hot water is being served carefully. As you see, shooting from a lower angle brought the strong perspective which adds to the presence of the pot and the hand holding it. Yet, because of the open aperture, the background is defocused and looks nice and smooth. As a result, the viewer's attention goes to the face. Sharpness is high wide open, but it's not overly high and I find the tuning perfect.

Nikon D800E, AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED, 1/160, F1.8, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

Using the 20cm minimum focus distance, you can shoot wide macro shots wide open at F1.8.

Nikon D800E, AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED, 1/320, F1.8, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

It nicely captured the facial expression of the driver as well as the atmosphere inside the car. And, the bokeh of the medium and long distance looks natural. Plus, even though it's an ultra-wide angle lens, the corners don't flow at close distance. The optical performance is impressive.

Nikon D800E, AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED, 1/100, F1.8, ISO 100, Photo by Z II


Nikon D800E, AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED, 1/400, F4.0, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

It clearly resolved the artificial lines when stopped down by 2 to 3 steps. This sharpness is unique to a wide angle lens.

Nikon D800E, AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED, 1/500, F5.6, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

Because it properly dealt with the high-contrast of the scene, the image looks exactly like what I saw. The definition to the corners and the tonal balance are just perfect. Resolution appears to peak at around F5.6.

Nikon D800E, AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED, 1/1600, F1.8, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

Nikon D800E, AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED, 1/1600, F4.5, ISO 100, Photo by Z II

It often captures the sun during the daytime, but the coating does an excellent job in reducing ghosts and flare. As long as you use aperture effectively, you don't have to worry about them.

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The aberrations such as distortion and color bleeding are well-controlled with this ultra-wide angle lens. In addition to the high basic performance, it's the F1.8 max aperture that best attracts the users because it allows shooting in lowlight conditions and using big bokeh unlike conventional ultra-wide angle lens. Looking into the bright viewfinder is already inspiring and I'm sure such lens will unlock your creativity.

( 30.10.2015 )