Thom Hogan's article on Learn, Practice and Master

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jcgamble

jcgamble

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This is great article. https://www.zsystemuser.com/nikon-z-system-news-and/learn-practice-and-master.html
I took my UV filters off my 500 f5.6 pf, 24-70 f4 and 300 f4 pf. I haven't had time to check the sharpness, but the focusing with the 500 f5.6 is better. I would like somebody to confirm that there is significant change with no uv filters. I had never thought that what I put on for protection would be a problem for sharpness and focusing.
 
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I found his first paragraph very interesting. I have a Z9 and use the 500PF on it: I've only had the camera about a month and have not even looked at S lenses as I was not sure I would keep the camera (I am now sure that I will!). Having spent three weeks, not even back home yet, in Yellowstone and Grant Teton NPs I was able to get used to it and try out the various tracking autofocus modes. In reference to the first paragraph I met a young photographer in GTNP who was shooting fox kits alongside me with the same setup. I saw her later on at a bear shoot and asked how her fox kits turned out and her response was that they had not turned out very well. She had told me that she had problems getting things in focus. It was apparent to me that she was more of a beginner photographer who just happened to have really good gear...I'm thinking she bought into the Nikon fable of point and shoot with the Z9. In my experience, simply point and shoot for focus is far from the truth. My experience was more along the lines of what was stated in the article. I actually think there are too many focus modes to choose from. However, I have found the exposure system to be simply stellar, really well-exposed shots throughout the whole three weeks. I always used the auto-ISO setting, with a maximum ISO set that I never reached. I'm very impressed with the exposure capabilities of the camera but the focus system does take some getting used to: I'll have to devote some more time to that system and I hope that Nikon spends some more time working on actual eye focus.
 
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jcgamble said:
This is great article. https://www.zsystemuser.com/nikon-z-system-news-and/learn-practice-and-master.html
I took my UV filters off my 500 f5.6 pf, 24-70 f4 and 300 f4 pf. I haven't had time to check the sharpness, but the focusing with the 500 f5.6 is better. I would like somebody to confirm that there is significant change with no uv filters. I had never thought that what I put on for protection would be a problem for sharpness and focusing.
Click to expand...
My experience with filters echoes Thom's. There's disagreement, but to me there's no question that filters can diminish image quality, especially with long lenses. Don't get me wrong - I use filters, especially polarizers and ND filters, but I put them on for specific situations, and take them off otherwise. The only time I use a filter for protection is when there are emergents in the air that can damage glass, such as at the ocean or in thermal areas.
 
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Good article.

From the time I started trying to photograph wildlife until last June I didn't even consider buying a flagship camera as I kind of inched forward on understanding the gear and understanding what I wanted to capture and how to achieve it. Once I started figuring it all out the A1 allowed me take that experience and capture more consistently good (to me at least) photos than ever before.

For sure someone starting now can get there faster as modern technology does allow the camera to do a lot automatically that one used to have learn manually, but the work of understanding what the camera is and can (and can't) do and the work of learning how to achieve one's desired results (and what those desires even are) cannot be avoided.
 
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Viathelens said:
I found his first paragraph very interesting. I have a Z9 and use the 500PF on it: I've only had the camera about a month and have not even looked at S lenses as I was not sure I would keep the camera (I am now sure that I will!). Having spent three weeks, not even back home yet, in Yellowstone and Grant Teton NPs I was able to get used to it and try out the various tracking autofocus modes. In reference to the first paragraph I met a young photographer in GTNP who was shooting fox kits alongside me with the same setup. I saw her later on at a bear shoot and asked how her fox kits turned out and her response was that they had not turned out very well. She had told me that she had problems getting things in focus. It was apparent to me that she was more of a beginner photographer who just happened to have really good gear...I'm thinking she bought into the Nikon fable of point and shoot with the Z9. In my experience, simply point and shoot for focus is far from the truth. My experience was more along the lines of what was stated in the article. I actually think there are too many focus modes to choose from. However, I have found the exposure system to be simply stellar, really well-exposed shots throughout the whole three weeks. I always used the auto-ISO setting, with a maximum ISO set that I never reached. I'm very impressed with the exposure capabilities of the camera but the focus system does take some getting used to: I'll have to devote some more time to that system and I hope that Nikon spends some more time working on actual eye focus.
Click to expand...
Since I've been a photographer since HS and a Nikon user since the D70, I consider myself an advanced amateur. I'm about to pull the trigger and purchase the Z9, my first flagship model (currently using a D850 and D500). After reading the article and your response, I planned on using my 500PF for the immediate future (or sooner if I win the lottery). Did you find that you needed to AF Fine Tune your combo with the FTZ adapter? I've only found it necessary with the TC1.4
 
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I have not AF Fine Tuned my combo. I rarely use the TC1.4. This fly was take today with the combo in DX mode.

20220607 130.JPG
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There have been several tests of the impact of UV filters on optical performance. In general, high quality multi-coated filters usually have very little adverse impact. The problem is many people end up unknowingly buying discount filters or generic filters without lesser quality coatings. Price alone is not an indicator. These filters can have a major adverse impact on focus, resolution, and image quality. There is also some indication that filter coatings deteriorate over time, so a filter purchased 8-10 years ago may no longer be the right choice for a high quality optic with the latest coatings. Beyond that, the reason for the filter is often related to protecting the lens element. For protection, a hood and regular use of a lens cap are probably more effective and remove the risk of adverse impact on image quality. Finally - many long lenses have big hoods to help prevent flare and artifacts from direct sunlight hitting the front lens element. If that lens element is recessed and sun hits a filter but would have missed the lens element, you could be adding potential for flare and artifacts.
 
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I stopped using UV as well as 81A filter a long time ago. If anyone wants some and is willing to pay shipping, let me know.

Originally I bought into the notion that a filter could protect my lens but after 10+ years I never had a filter save a lens. But I did occasionally notice a bit of flare (even though I did buy high quality, B+W, filters. IMO a lens hood offer more protection than a fitler.
 
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fotogrob said:
Since I've been a photographer since HS and a Nikon user since the D70, I consider myself an advanced amateur. I'm about to pull the trigger and purchase the Z9, my first flagship model (currently using a D850 and D500). After reading the article and your response, I planned on using my 500PF for the immediate future (or sooner if I win the lottery). Did you find that you needed to AF Fine Tune your combo with the FTZ adapter? I've only found it necessary with the TC1.4
Click to expand...

Fine tuning is not something I am familiar with so have not done this but the shots are turning out really nicely when the focus kicks in.
 
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I have read the post. It is interesting. I largely agree with the content about filters, and lenses.
My long F-mount primes (300 &500) don’t need adjusting or fine tuning. I have not checked my 70-200 F 2.8 but plan to after I found its focus performance in poor lighting conditions to be less than perfect. The observations about taking the time to learn about how best to use the Z9 apply to all new cameras but I also agree that the Z9 is quite demanding for some subjects.
I have had my Z9 since mid-March and I am constantly reviewing and refining my approach to it. My Z-mount lenses have turned out to be very strong performers. The 50mm F1.8 is a delightful lens. The 24-70F4 which came as a kit lens with the Z6ii is excellent value. The 105 F2.8 macro is very sharp but can be slow to respond in some circumstances which means you need to patient with it if you try to use it as a portrait lens. This didn’t happen with my old F-mount 105.
I do, however, find the tone of the post rather unfortunate and unhelpful to otherwise good advice.
 
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jcgamble said:
This is great article. https://www.zsystemuser.com/nikon-z-system-news-and/learn-practice-and-master.html
I took my UV filters off my 500 f5.6 pf, 24-70 f4 and 300 f4 pf. I haven't had time to check the sharpness, but the focusing with the 500 f5.6 is better. I would like somebody to confirm that there is significant change with no uv filters. I had never thought that what I put on for protection would be a problem for sharpness and focusing.
Click to expand...
Good quality filters are usually not a problem as long as you also use a lens hood...🦘
 
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jcgamble said:
This is great article. https://www.zsystemuser.com/nikon-z-system-news-and/learn-practice-and-master.html
I took my UV filters off my 500 f5.6 pf, 24-70 f4 and 300 f4 pf. I haven't had time to check the sharpness, but the focusing with the 500 f5.6 is better. I would like somebody to confirm that there is significant change with no uv filters. I had never thought that what I put on for protection would be a problem for sharpness and focusing.
Click to expand...
Some 20 years ago I took off all of my filters and my image quality jumped immediatel. I use my lens hood to protect my front element. To me it is well worth the removal of the filters.
 
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It depends on your situation.
Any filter will degrade an image slightly - especially without a lens hood.
I've seen people scrubbing the coating off their front element with a micro cloth.
A good quality filter is safer to be cleaned than the front element of a lens...🦘
 
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Viathelens (and anyone else), it sounds like your experience to-date with the Z9-500PF combo has worked well for you - is that correct? I ask because I have the 500PF that I plan to use with the Z9 when I receive it. Hoping to confirm that it's the way to go, at least for the foreseeable future.
 
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It is an incredible combination. I got some shots with a Pileated Woodpecker flying directly at me from 40 yards away. My D500 would not have gotten a single one. Half of what I took at 15 fps had the eye in focus. This was in DX mode and slightly cropped.

20220611 152.JPG
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jhorsch said:
Viathelens (and anyone else), it sounds like your experience to-date with the Z9-500PF combo has worked well for you - is that correct? I ask because I have the 500PF that I plan to use with the Z9 when I receive it. Hoping to confirm that it's the way to go, at least for the foreseeable future.
Click to expand...
The Z9 is the only Z camera body that Autofocuses AFS glass at least as fast as a DSLR...🦘
 
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RichF said:
I stopped using UV as well as 81A filter a long time ago. If anyone wants some and is willing to pay shipping, let me know.

Originally I bought into the notion that a filter could protect my lens but after 10+ years I never had a filter save a lens. But I did occasionally notice a bit of flare (even though I did buy high quality, B+W, filters. IMO a lens hood offer more protection than a fitler.
Click to expand...
In the last 22 years I have had a UV filter save a lens from damage caused by stupidity--- a blown over tripod and handing a camera/lens to someone. The filters were destroyed and lens survived. They can work but a lens hood is a better choice for protection, or remove the filter when actually shooting and replace it for transport.
 
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gKhan said:
In the last 22 years I have had a UV filter save a lens from damage caused by stupidity--- a blown over tripod and handing a camera/lens to someone. The filters were destroyed and lens survived. They can work but a lens hood is a better choice for protection, or remove the filter when actually shooting and replace it for transport.
Click to expand...
A good quality filter and a lens hood will not degrade the image as much as the gain in protection and not needing to scrub the coating off the lenses' front element to keep cleaning it...🦘
 
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jcgamble said:
This is great article. https://www.zsystemuser.com/nikon-z-system-news-and/learn-practice-and-master.html
I took my UV filters off my 500 f5.6 pf, 24-70 f4 and 300 f4 pf. I haven't had time to check the sharpness, but the focusing with the 500 f5.6 is better. I would like somebody to confirm that there is significant change with no uv filters. I had never thought that what I put on for protection would be a problem for sharpness and focusing.
Click to expand...

For 20 years and especially on the 150-500 Sigma taking of the UV filter was so obviously better, so many people found the same......
 
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Roy said:
I watched people destroy their lens coating with microcloths - A UV filter is a better compromise...🦘
Click to expand...
Hear you, i only use the the pro lens cleaning fluid and the super soft paper tissue that comes with it. Or my breath with a soft cotton cloth never micro fiber
 
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