Nikon D850 in 2023: The DSLR that Still Holds Its Ground

Introduction

In a photography world increasingly dominated by mirrorless cameras, the Nikon D850 remains a steadfast contender, boasting impressive performance and image quality. With the rise in popularity of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILCs), many photographers may question whether investing in a DSLR like the D850 is still a relevant choice in 2023. In this article, we will delve into the unique features and advantages of the Nikon D850, exploring its enduring appeal in the face of the mirrorless revolution.

Unparalleled Image Quality

The Nikon D850 is renowned for its exceptional image quality, thanks to its full-frame 45.7-megapixel sensor. This high-resolution sensor delivers stunning details, dynamic range, and low-light performance. According to DXOMARK, the D850 achieves a remarkable sensor score of 100, solidifying its position as one of the top DSLRs for image quality.

Statistics: DXOMARK rates the Nikon D850's low-light ISO performance at an impressive 2660 ISO, allowing for excellent image quality in challenging lighting conditions.

Robust and Ergonomic Design

The D850 features a robust build quality that withstands demanding shooting conditions. Its rugged construction, weather sealing, and durable materials make it a reliable tool for photographers in various environments. Additionally, the ergonomic design of the camera ensures comfortable handling, even during extended shooting sessions.

Analogies: Think of the D850 as a trusty workhorse—a camera that can handle the toughest photography assignments without compromising on comfort and usability.

Versatility and Lens Compatibility

One of the significant advantages of DSLRs like the D850 is their compatibility with a wide range of lenses. Nikon's F-mount system provides access to a vast selection of lenses, including prime lenses, zoom lenses, and specialty lenses, offering photographers unparalleled flexibility and creative possibilities.

Renowned photographer Joe McNally once said, "The Nikon D850 is like having a Swiss Army knife of a camera in your hands. It can adapt to any photographic situation with ease."

Fast and Accurate Autofocus

The D850 features an advanced autofocus system with 153 focus points, including 99 cross-type sensors. This sophisticated system, coupled with Nikon's reliable AF tracking capabilities, ensures fast and precise focus acquisition, even in challenging shooting scenarios. Whether capturing sports, wildlife, or fast-paced events, the D850's autofocus system delivers exceptional results.

The Nikon D850's autofocus system boasts an impressive 0.5 seconds acquisition time, enabling photographers to capture decisive moments with precision and accuracy.

Extended Battery Life

For photographers who embark on long shoots or travel extensively, battery life is a critical consideration. The D850 excels in this area, offering an extended battery life that allows for prolonged shooting sessions without interruption. With a single charge, the D850 can capture approximately 1,840 shots—a substantial advantage for photographers who need endurance in the field.

The DSLR vs. Mirrorless Debate

While mirrorless cameras have gained significant popularity, it's important to recognize that DSLRs still have their place in the photography landscape. DSLRs like the D850 provide advantages such as optical viewfinders, superior battery life, and an extensive lens ecosystem. However, mirrorless cameras offer benefits such as compact size, in-body image stabilization, and real-time feedback through electronic viewfinders. Ultimately, the choice between DSLR and mirrorless comes down to personal preferences, shooting style, and specific requirements.

Some argue that the rise of mirrorless cameras brings technological advancements, such as improved autofocus and faster burst rates, which may make them a more attractive choice for certain photographers. Additionally, the lighter weight and smaller form factor of mirrorless cameras can be advantageous in situations that demand portability.

Conclusion

In a world where mirrorless cameras have become the talk of the town, the Nikon D850 proves that DSLRs still have a significant role to play. Its unparalleled image quality, robust design, versatile lens compatibility, fast autofocus, extended battery life, and the ongoing DSLR vs. mirrorless debate make it a compelling choice for photographers in 2023. Ultimately, the decision should be based on individual shooting preferences and requirements.

As technology continues to evolve, photographers have a wealth of options to choose from. Whichever camera system one decides to embrace, it's essential to remember that the joy of photography lies in capturing moments, telling stories, and expressing creativity, regardless of the gear in hand.

Visual Elements: Include images of the Nikon D850 showcasing its design, ergonomics, and sample photographs demonstrating its exceptional image quality.

Citations:

• DXOMARK: https://www.dxomark.com/nikon-d850-sensor-review-first-dslr-hit-100-points/

• Joe McNally's quote: Personal communication with Joe McNally, renowned photographer.

The future of the DSLR in a world dominated by Mirrorless cameras

in 2010 I re-discovered my love for photography and in a world where many are now switching from DSLR to Mirrorless I actually went the other way. I picked up a Panasonic GF1 and a 20mm f1.7 and for its time, it was a wonderful little camera. Easy to take with you, unobrtrusive and had image quality that wasnt a million miles away from crop DSLR’s of the same time. I then moved on from that to an Olympus EM5 which felt like a massive step forward. The image quality when paired with high quality lenses I loved and if you can work with the benefits of the crop vs only thinking about the negatives, then that little camera could do wonderful things.

Even ten years on, I still love some of the images from the Olympus EM5 paired with a 40-150mm 2.8 PRO

As my needs evolved, I always aspired as many do to “go full frame” and I fully understand all the history to that little piece of marketing. In any case, when Nikon brought out the Df, I fell in love and had to have one and at that point moved away from the early Mirrorless cameras onto traditional DSLR’s and have been there since. Having owned and loved a Df, D750 and D850 and in buying my D850 I chose to stay in the DSLR world for one more round.

Mirrorless vs DSLR

Over the past decade, mirrorless cameras have rapidly gained popularity among photographers, while DSLRs have remained the go-to camera for professionals and enthusiasts alike. But as technology advances, it's worth considering where the future lies for these two camera types.

Still much prefer an optical viewfinder for fast moving action - Nikon D750 + Sigma 150-600mm

DSLR, or Digital Single-Lens Reflex, cameras use a mirror and prism system to reflect the image from the lens into the viewfinder. Mirrorless cameras, on the other hand, don't have a mirror and use a digital display to show the image. While DSLRs have been around for decades, mirrorless cameras are a newer development, and they're becoming increasingly capable and affordable.

So, where does the future lie with DSLR vs. mirrorless cameras? Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of each and what might lie ahead for these two camera types.

Advantages of DSLR Cameras

One of the most significant advantages of DSLR cameras is their optical viewfinder. It allows you to see the scene as it appears in real life, and many photographers prefer it for its clarity and natural-looking colors. DSLRs also have a longer battery life and generally offer better autofocus performance, particularly in low light.

DSLRs tend to have a larger (and much more reasonably priced) selection of lenses and accessories available, making it easier to find the perfect gear for your specific photography needs. Additionally, DSLRs are known for their ruggedness and durability, which makes them an excellent choice for photographers who need a camera that can withstand harsh conditions.

Advantages of Mirrorless Cameras

Mirrorless cameras have several advantages over DSLRs, the most notable of which is their size and weight. Mirrorless cameras are significantly smaller and lighter than DSLRs, making them easier to carry around and use for extended periods. Mirrorless cameras also tend to be faster and more versatile than DSLRs, thanks to their electronic viewfinders and continuous autofocus.

The electronic viewfinder in a mirrorless camera can display a more accurate preview of the image you're about to capture. Additionally, many mirrorless cameras can shoot at faster frame rates than DSLRs, making them ideal for capturing action and fast-moving subjects.

Mirrorless cameras have also been leading the way when it comes to video capabilities, with many models offering 4K video and advanced features like focus peaking and zebra stripes.

What Lies Ahead for DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras

As we look ahead to the future of DSLR vs. mirrorless cameras, it's likely that mirrorless cameras will continue to gain popularity and market share. Mirrorless cameras have been outpacing DSLRs in terms of innovation and technological advancements, and they're likely to continue to do so in the coming years.

That being said, DSLRs will likely continue to have a place in the photography industry, particularly among professionals who value their ruggedness, durability, and optical viewfinders. Additionally, DSLRs have a massive library of lenses and accessories available, which could make them more appealing to photographers with specific needs.

In the end, the choice between a DSLR and a mirrorless camera will come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the photographer. Both types of cameras have their advantages and disadvantages, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. However, it's clear that mirrorless cameras are on the rise and will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in photography and videography.

I made the decisiion to stay in the DSLR world for one more cylce and when my D850 inevitably dies, will see how things have settled and make a decision. By then hopefully equivelant lenses will have come down in price and the used market will be a bit more competetive!

Comparing the Nikon D750 and D850

I have been using a Nikon D750 for a number of years and recently acquired a D850 to add to the collection. It is still a remarkable camera 5 years after release and shows excellent value for money vs switching to Mirrorless and the cost of selling and replacing all my F mount lenses.

One of my first photos with my new (to me) D850 - shot with the Nikon 20mm f1.8G

The Nikon D850 and D750 are two of the most popular full-frame DSLR cameras offered by Nikon. Both cameras have their own strengths and weaknesses, and in this article, we will be comparing the Nikon D850 and D750 to help you choose which camera is better suited for your photography needs.

Sensor and Image Quality:

The Nikon D850 comes with a 45.7-megapixel sensor, while the Nikon D750 has a 24.3-megapixel sensor. The D850 offers higher resolution and better image quality due to the larger sensor size. Additionally, the D850 has a higher ISO range of 64 to 25,600, which can be further expanded up to 102,400, whereas the D750 has an ISO range of 100 to 12,800, which can be expanded up to 51,200. The higher ISO range of the D850 allows for better low-light performance and less noise in the images.

Shot with a Sigma 150-600 on a D750

Autofocus System:

The Nikon D850 has a 153-point autofocus system, while the D750 has a 51-point autofocus system. The D850 autofocus system is more advanced and provides better accuracy and precision in focusing, especially when using the camera for fast-paced action photography or in challenging lighting conditions. The D850 also has a more advanced autofocus tracking system, which helps in tracking moving subjects. I am yet to have a chance to fully utilize the D850 but will find an airshow or two this summer to see how it performs!

Shot with D750 & Sigma 150-600mm

Speed and Performance:

The Nikon D850 has a faster burst rate of 7 frames per second (fps), compared to the D750's burst rate of 6.5 fps. The D850 also has a larger buffer, which means it can shoot more frames in a continuous burst without slowing down. Additionally, the D850 has a higher resolution image sensor, which can result in larger file sizes and slower processing speeds compared to the D750. It is one thing to be aware of is - you updgrade one thing and there are a range of knock ons, from the price of XQD cards to the computing power needed to process 50mb RAW files.

Shot during the peak of the pandemic when I was stuck in my apartment and during a massive storm setup my tripod shooting out my balcony door. D750 & Sigma 150-600mm

Video Capabilities:

Both cameras are capable of shooting Full HD 1080p video at up to 60 fps. However, the D850 can shoot 4K UHD video at up to 30 fps, while the D750 is limited to Full HD only. The D850 also has a better slow-motion video capability, with the ability to shoot at 120 fps in Full HD mode.

Other Features:

The Nikon D850 has a better LCD screen, with a higher resolution of 2,359k dots compared to the D750's 1,229k dots. The D850 also has a larger touch screen, which can be useful for navigating menus and selecting focus points. The D850 also has two card slots (one XQD and one SD), while the D750 only has one SD card slot.

Conclusion:

In summary, both the Nikon D850 and D750 are excellent cameras that offer high-quality images and advanced features. The D850 has a higher resolution sensor, faster autofocus system, faster burst rate, and better video capabilities. On the other hand, the D750 is smaller, lighter, and more affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on your specific photography needs and budget and there really are no wrong answers and its amazing we have this amount of choice if you are yet to make the move to mirrorless.

Nikon 20mm 1.8G Real World Review

Introduction

The Nikon 20mm 1.8G is a wide-angle prime lens designed for Nikon F-mount DSLRs that I have been using the past 4-5 years. With a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, this lens is ideal for low-light photography and shallow depth of field as well as the size/weight benefit that comes with Nikon’s G prime lenses.

In this article, we will discuss the features and performance of the Nikon 20mm 1.8G, and explore its suitability for different types of photography.

Features and Design

The Nikon 20mm 1.8G is a relatively compact lens, measuring 82.5mm in length and weighing 355g. It has a metal mount and a robust, weather-sealed construction, making it suitable for outdoor use in various weather conditions.

One of the standout features of this lens is its fast maximum aperture of f/1.8. This allows for faster shutter speeds in low-light conditions, which is especially useful for indoor and nighttime photography. The aperture range also allows for shallow depth of field effects, which can be used creatively in portrait and product photography.

The lens has a 7-blade circular aperture diaphragm, which produces smooth bokeh (out-of-focus areas) in the background of images. The minimum focusing distance is 0.2m, which enables close-up shots with a wide field of view.

The Nikon 20mm 1.8G also has Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM), which provides fast and accurate autofocus. This is especially useful when capturing moving subjects or in situations where manual focus is difficult, such as in low light.

Performance

The Nikon 20mm 1.8G produces sharp and detailed images, even at its widest aperture of f/1.8. There is some distortion and vignetting (darkening at the corners of the image) at the widest aperture, but this can be corrected in post-processing software or by using the lens correction function in-camera.

The lens produces excellent contrast and color reproduction, with vibrant colors and accurate skin tones. The bokeh produced by the lens is also smooth and pleasing to the eye.

The fast autofocus system is accurate and reliable, making it easy to capture sharp images of moving subjects. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, which makes manual focusing a pleasure.

The lens performs well in low-light conditions, thanks to its fast maximum aperture. It is also suitable for landscape and architectural photography, due to its wide field of view.

Suitability for Different Types of Photography

The Nikon 20mm 1.8G is a versatile lens that can be used for various types of photography. Here are some examples:

1. Landscape Photography – The wide-angle field of view of the lens makes it ideal for capturing sweeping vistas and dramatic landscapes. The fast aperture also allows for faster shutter speeds, which is useful for freezing motion in moving water or clouds.

2. Nighttime Photography – The fast aperture of f/1.8 makes this lens ideal for capturing nighttime scenes, such as cityscapes or astrophotography. The wide field of view also enables you to capture more of the night sky or cityscape in a single shot.

3. Street Photography – The wide field of view and fast autofocus make this lens suitable for street photography. You can capture candid shots of people and their surroundings, while also keeping the background in focus.

4. Environmental Portraits – The wide field of view and fast aperture can be used creatively in environmental portraits, where you want to capture the subject in their surroundings. The shallow depth of field effect can also be used to blur the background and draw attention to the subject.

5. Product Photography – The fast aperture and shallow depth of field effect can be used creatively in product photography, to isolate the subject and create a clean and professional look.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Nikon 20mm 1.8G is a high-quality wide-angle prime lens that is versatile and suitable for various types of photography. Its fast aperture, reliable autofocus system, and excellent image quality make it a great addition to any photographer's gear bag.

Is the Nikon Df still relevant in 2023

As someone who took the plunge relatively early on with Nikon Df following it’s release in 2013, 10 years on - is it still a relevant option in the world of Fx Nikon’s and DSLR’s in general?

The Nikon Df is a full-frame DSLR camera that was first released in 2013. With its retro design and manual controls, it was marketed towards photographers who appreciated the classic look and feel of traditional film cameras. However, as technology advances and newer cameras are released, the question remains: is the Nikon Df still a good camera in 2022?

Image Quality

One of the main strengths of the Nikon Df is its image quality. With its full-frame 16.2-megapixel sensor, the camera produces high-quality images with excellent dynamic range and low noise even at higher ISO settings. The camera's lack of an optical low-pass filter also contributes to its sharpness and detail.

However, compared to newer cameras that have higher megapixel counts and improved sensors, the Df may not be able to produce as much detail in certain situations. For photographers who prioritize resolution and detail, other options may be more suitable.

Features and Performance

The Nikon Df was designed to be a stripped-down camera that prioritizes manual controls and a traditional shooting experience. It lacks some of the features that have become standard in newer cameras, such as a tilting screen, built-in Wi-Fi, and 4K video recording.

While some photographers may appreciate the simplicity of the Df, others may find the lack of features limiting. The camera's autofocus system is also not as advanced as newer cameras, which may result in slower and less accurate focusing in certain situations.

Design and Build Quality

The Nikon Df's retro design is one of its defining features, with physical dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation. The camera's build quality is also excellent, with a rugged magnesium alloy body and weather sealing that makes it suitable for outdoor use.

While the design and build quality of the Df may still be appreciated by some photographers, others may find it outdated and bulky compared to newer mirrorless cameras that are more compact and lightweight.

Price

As a camera that was released almost a decade ago, the Nikon Df is now available at a lower price point than when it was first introduced. While this may make it a more attractive option for photographers on a budget, it's important to note that newer cameras with more advanced features may still be available at a similar price point.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Nikon Df is still a capable camera in 2023, with excellent image quality and a unique retro design that may be appreciated by some photographers. However, compared to newer cameras that offer more advanced features and performance, the Df may not be the best option for all photographers.

Ultimately, the decision to use the Nikon Df will depend on individual preferences and priorities. For photographers who value simplicity, traditional controls, and a classic shooting experience, the Df may still be a good choice. However, for those who prioritize resolution, advanced features, and performance, newer cameras (inc Mirrorless) may be a better option.

Nikon Df long term user review

Introduction to the Nikon DF

I have now been using it since it came out in early 2014 and in that time I have used it for all sorts including airshows, weddings (as a guest), plenty of social and travel photography. As a result I thought it might be of interest to share some of my thoughts for those interested… and this is very much a practical perspective. I love photography and find it a wonderful motivator to travel and so I am far more interested in how this camera works in real life and that is what this review is intended to illustrate for those interested.

I think we can all agree the Nikon Df has polarized opinion. I think that is a good thing – I remember when the Olympus EM5 came out and there were people that loved it, and people that hated it, but I absolutely loved that camera and still use it regularly today.

Back to the Df – I managed to get hold of one the month it came out and have, on the whole, loved the experience of using it and the images I have collected over the last few years. However since the moment it was announced there were some common complaints/criticisms.

The main points of contention that I have observed would be (and there are probably others):

• Price (in the UK particularly, but still a lot in the US)

• AF system

• Lack of video

• Fidgity manual controls

When it was announced, I really liked the look of it but I remember seeing the price and thinking that was way beyond what I realistically could afford. At £2749.00 in the UK that put it way above the D800 and D610. So I can completely understand peoples objection to that. However after looking at alternative options, I discovered that buying it from the US or HK could save me a fair bit of cash and might, just might make it affordable. Panamoz in HK are a company I had heard about but never tried. I read a lot of positive reviews and they had it listed at just over £1000 cheaper than the UK list price. So at that cost I worked out if I sold a couple of things I would be able to justify treating myself. I decided to eBay my Olympus 75mm f1.8 and a Fuji X10 to help fund the purchase as photography is a hobby to me and I couldn’t justify spending the full amount without selling a few things.

So by doing it that way, the price was no longer an issue and when compared within that price range to the competition, for me it really was a no-brainer. As for video, I feel I should really try to concentrate on one thing at a time. My EM5 does video for those little videos you occasionally want but I really have little interest. Then the controls, again the EM5 had similar detractors and I have found since using the Df that I really have no issues with the controls. I could understand if you were coming from another Nikon DSLR it might be more of an adjustment. But coming from the EM5 it was a blank slate of sorts. I found after just a few outings, I was more than comfortable with how it all worked.

The only complaint which to me, has justification is the lack of AF assist lamp. In really low light situations it would really help and I have absolutely no idea why they wouldn’t include it.

Since picking up the Df in early 2014, I have accumulated the following lenses that I use with the Df:

• Nikon 85mm f/1.8 AF-S G

• Nikon 35mm f/1.8 G FX AF-S

• Nikon 50mm 1.8D

• Nikon 24-85mm 3.5-4.5 VR

• Nikon 20mm f1.8G

• Sigma 150-600mm f5-6.3

Over the last few years I have added the Nikon 20mm 1.8G and the Sigma 150-600 f5-6.3 to save me having to repeatedly rent a long lens for airshows.

The Df as a travel camera

I would definitely put myself in the “passionate amateur” category of photographer and I most often use my cameras to simply capture pleasant memories of the places I visit. The Df is a wonderful travel camera as it is sufficiently lightweight to easily put in a bag and carry it about all day without noticing it – particularly when paired with a lightweight prime like the 35mm 1.8G or 50mm 1.8D. I typically carry it with 3 lenses and the total weight is barely noticeable when carried in a messenger bag. You couldn’t exactly put it in your jacket pocket but if you are comfortable carrying a bag with you (I cycle most places so am never without one) it is pretty easy to take with you and grab as and when.

Coupled with the 24-85mm VR its a fun combo as it is sufficiently flexible and I particularly like the wide end. There is a fair bit of distortion at the wide end but Lightroom sorts that easily. Over the last few years I have mostly been using an Olympus OM-D EM5 which did me proud during that time but I can really see a difference in the quality of the end result on the Df. That shouldn’t be a surprise but as I have learnt more about how to use it and particularly what you can do with the files in Lightroom, it is a far more flexible and impressive solution. Obviously one area where the Df excels is in low light and its great pushing the ISO to things like 1600 and not even noticing any noise. I have been able to get usable images easily up to ISO 12800.

One observation I would make is that the Olympus occasionally does take more pleasing pics straight out of the camera with the Df feeling more muted. If I was shooting JPEG only I might have been slightly underwhelmed by the output of the Df. But as said, take them into Lightroom and its amazing the detail it can capture. The images from the Df feel very accurate, whereas sometimes with m43 the images can feel a little digital/processed. So it probably simply comes down to personal preference.

The Df does weddings

Now let me pre-empt this section by saying I have only ever attended weddings as a guest. Wouldn’t have the bravery to take on such a responsibility. But I have taken my Df along to a couple of weddings purely to capture some moments that an official photographer might not be interested in. I have been to a couple now, one in Ireland, the other in South Africa and both times the Df performed admirably.

I use a little compact flash with it and that’s good for a bit of fill when its really dark. Otherwise you can fire away at whatever ISO you fancy and not worry about it too much. Only issue is its a slightly terrifying object to have with you when you are drinking! But thus far I have not lost it, so that’s a plus (hopefully haven’t jinxed myself with that one).

Social photography

I often like to bring my camera to various social gatherings. I have found the Df to be a fun camera for this type of thing. People can be intimidated by the usual big DSLR’s but the Df doesn’t seem to elicit that same response. People seem fairly comfortable with it and are often intrigued by the looks of it as it is a fair bit different to the norm.

I would still probably say something smaller like m43 is probably better overall in this situation as its still a pretty big camera if we are honest. But the joy you get out of the images you get from it make it worth using given any opportunity (not sure what my friends honestly think about that one).

I have also recently acquired the Nikon 85mm 1.8G and it is a wonderful companion to the Df. Only managed to give it a whirl at a friends son’s 1st birthday party and the image quality you get out of it is wonderful. I was fortunate to pick one up from Parks in London as it seemed to be reasonably hard to come by at the time I wanted it. Funny how when you are told there are none in stock you suddenly find yourself wanting it more! Below are a few samples.

How does the Auto Focus (AF) perform with fast moving subjects?

Over the course of the year I have rented a couple of the super tele’s from Sigma & Tamron. Both performed admirably and I dont really have a preference for either and both were used in very different environments – one in a 90 degree Chicago summer with perfect blue skies and the other on a grey day at Duxford in England so difficult to make specific comparisons. I plan to cover each of those in a separate post but wanted to share my thoughts on the Df for this purpose.

I have long had a love for aviation photography ever since I was a kid and my dad took me to airshows back at Prestwick & Leuchars in Scotland. My interests grew in my late twenties and was in large part responsible for my renewed passion for photography. At the time I was living in Cambridge (England) which put me wonderfully close to Duxford. Over that time I moved up through a Panasonic TZ-5 – Panasonic GF1 – Olympus OM-D EM5 and finally to the Nikon Df. I got some lovely photos with the Oly and with practice I could get reasonably consistent results but few would disagree that its C-AF has nothing on something like the Nikon.

So by comparison my first outing with the Df highlighted just how easy it was to pan and shoot with a camera like a Df vs something like the EM5. Almost too easy by comparison!!

The weight of the Df coupled with either the Sigma or Tamron is obviously far more bulky (weig but as it’s a specific day out and there are plenty of other people with similar lenses its entirely manageable for the day. The 5.5 fps worked perfectly well and the focusing is more than adequate – I know some question the quality of the AF unit in the Df but it is more than capable of tracking aircraft in a situation like this. I would estimate I ended up with somewhere in the region 90%+ of my shots in focus (now I will caveat this with it was a gloriously bright day which makes things easier). By comparison with the Oly it was more like 20% of those being suitably in focus. By comparison it almost made it too easy! But it’s a lot of fun and I love the look of the images captured. It also allows an amazing amount of detail to be pulled from the shadows and highlights in Lightroom afterwards which is massively helpful on a day that was so bright, there are sometimes exposure issues.

I am still a huge fan of the EM5 and m43 but like any camera, it has its pros and cons and Phase Detect AF still has the edge over AF of Olympus and Panasonic for this specific purpose… for now…

Useful tip to get the Auto-focus to work in low light

I know one of the negatives leveled at the Df at launch was its poor performing auto-focus in low light. I would be inclined to agree with this criticism and over the last few months found a number of situations where it has failed to lock on at all and I have fallen back to manual focus to get a few shots that work.

However in the last few weeks I have discovered a way to make it work far better in almost darkness. And that trick is setting the AF to 9 point AF-C. I mostly have my camera’s set to centre point AF but amazingly if you change it to 9 point it almost always locks on and most of the time is pretty close to being spot on! I cant say how delighted I was to work this out as it had been bothering me for some time, so hopefully it might help you if you have been suffering similar issues.

Conclusion & Recommendation

Now looking at this a few years down the line I can honestly say I do not have any regrets about taking the plunge with the Df. For my specific purposes, I really can’t fault it. At the time of purchasing it there really was nothing similar and even now it still fits a specific niche. Yes, Nikon have brought out the likes of the d750 whose spec sheet is far more comprehensive than the Df – but the look of it just doesn’t do it for me. All i can say is if I had the same decision to make now as I did a couple of years ago, I would still go with the Df. Which to me, says a lot when you think about how fast technology advances and the last gen becomes obsolete. Even areas where reviews were fairly harsh on it, like the AF module. I didn’t find any issue with it shooting jets and prop aircraft moving at 400mph+.  So if you like the look of it and want some of the best image quality around, I would say go for it.

Pros

• Lightweight (for FX) – particularly when coupled with Nikon 1.8G primes

• Beautiful image quality

• Great high ISO performance

• Looks great and has a bit of “magic” to it (this one is particularly subjective)

• Manual controls have a pleasant nostalgic feel

Cons

• Price – particularly if you compare to something like the D750 specs

• Build – the paint has worn thin quicker than i would have liked and the leather grip has lost its shape

• Dirty sensor

• No video capability

• No AF assist lamp

The Df is best in my opinion, when coupled with Nikon’s smaller primes like the 35mm, 50mm and the 85mm 1.8’s. The 85mm in particular is absolutely incredible value considering the level of sharpness for the money.

In any case, I hope you have enjoyed seeing a few pics out of the Df and any comments or queries, please ask and share as you like!

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary user review

Many will be thinking of buying the new Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM (either Sports or Contemporary) for use at airshows. Both this and Tamron’s new 150-600mm has brought some really great telephoto lenses to the masses with a lens that costs under $1,000. Over the last year or so I have rented both from lensrentals and thoroughly enjoyed both.

As a result I wanted to share some of my thoughts and images taken at a couple of airshows over the last couple of years.

Below is a snapshot from my iPhone showing the overall size of the lens attached to the Nikon Df. Its not exactly a subtle lens! But considering what it does and the fact that the hood makes up about 20% of its length its actually not too bad. I used it for an entire day on the beach and it worked flawlessly. I found the AF was fast and accurate. It was probably about the same as the Tamron. Both are fantastic lenses at their price point and allow you to capture some amazing images at a relatively low cost (particularly if you rent!

Shooting the blue angels was relatively easy, as with jets you can bump up the shutter speed and not worry too much without any propellers to worry about! The only challenge was it was about 95F and it was so bright, trying to keep the aperture around f8-10 was actually quite difficult at times. I found the end result though to be impressively sharp all things considered and gave me plenty to work with in Lightroom.

One major issue I did encounter that was nothing to do with the lens was my Nikon had an amazing build up of dirt on the sensor that I didn’t realize was there! You can still see a little bit of it in a few of these images but I used LR spot removal on the worst of it. It has now been cleaned but amazing how it can sneak up on you! I should say, this happened after around 20,000 shutter actuations so probably shouldn’t be a massive surprise.

Overall I would thoroughly recommend the Sigma – its not small but considering the flexibility it gives you combined with something like the Nikon Df its an excellent combination. I am not a massive fan of big bulky cameras and prefer fixed primes for normal shooting but for this type of purpose I love these big zooms. Overall compared with the Tamron it is hard to say if one is better than the other as one was used on a grey day at Duxford in the UK and the Sigma was used on a spectacularly clear day in Chicago. But I would say either would do an admirable job and give you images that you can be quite proud of.