r T p wrote:
how is your Nikon sponsorship discussion coming along? 


(https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thre … st19130340)

Benjamin Kanarek wrote:
Been to busy to even go further with them. Perhaps in the New Year.

ok.. just let *us* know if/when you officially start shilling for Nikon, on MM



   : )

Benjamin Kanarek wrote:
Oh no..it is not gimmicky. In fact it is a patented design that works. If I shoot at f/2.0 I set my lens blur control to match the f stop at 2B for (back) and the background goes even milkier.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/135mm-f2-dc.htm

Wow quoting Rockwell... I would have used this source: http://www.nikkor.com/story/0030/

Anyway, the 135DC has been on my possible purchase list for a long while. Good to see it discussed here!

r T p wrote:

r T p wrote:
how is your Nikon sponsorship discussion coming along? 


(https://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thre … st19130340)

ok.. just let *us* know if/when you officially start shilling for Nikon, on MM



   : )

If I was sponsored by Nikon, I am sure that there would be very strict protocol I would have to adhere to.

Robb Mann wrote:

Wow quoting Rockwell... I would have used this source: http://www.nikkor.com/story/0030/

Anyway, the 135DC has been on my possible purchase list for a long while. Good to see it discussed here!

The 180 and 135 are my favourite lenses right now and not necessarily in that order.

John Fisher wrote:

Silly me, I thought Ben was discussing focal lengths for fashion: (Quoting Ben) ".................as well as the wonderful Tamron VC 70-300 lens. If you look at my portfolio at different stages, I have used lenses as wide as 16mm. It is just not in Fashion anywhere right now."

Ben is currently shooting with Nikon cameras, he has used other brands before. But if it makes you feel more secure, Nikon is the best, their cameras are superior and their lenses are simply heads and shoulders above anything else available (except apparently, Tamron), and everyone should know this.

John
--
John Fisher
700 Euclid Avenue, Suite 110
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
305 534-9322
http://www.johnfisher.com

hehhehheh

Benjamin Kanarek wrote:
The great Nikon 85mm f/1.8 shot wide open at f/1.8. In fact the whole shoot was shot at maximum aperture.

For Harper's BAZAAR China Photo © Benjamin Kanarek 2014

I can't believe you'd actually dare to shoot @ 1.8 on a paying gig...    it scares the crap out of me. I love my 85, but it rarely sees any action at larger then a 3.2.   

Then again, I think I struggle with Nikon camera handling, always have.  To me, they aren't as intuitive as 'the name-brand we dare not mention on this thread'.     

I shoot 4 different brands of cameras, and while I prefer the Nikon's rendering of fashion, both for sensor and glass, I have to work for it, because I feel like I'm fighting the camera body. The 'brand we shall not mention' doesn't seem to call attention to itself as much, in terms of simple things like setting it up to focus.  But to be fair, I haven't really used primes much with the 'other' brand so it's possible I'd like it just as well. My lenses seem to dictate which camera body I use for what, rather then the other way around.

Smedley Whiplash wrote:
I can't believe you'd actually dare to shoot @ 1.8 on a paying gig...    it scares the crap out of me. I love my 85, but it rarely sees any action at larger then a 3.2.

Would have to agree with that.  No lens on planet Earth resolves it's sharpest images wide open.  I also have the 85 F1.8... love it for it's viewfinder brightness... but have never shot with it wider than F2.8... BUT... I do use F2.8 around 80% of the time...

Smedley Whiplash wrote:
I can't believe you'd actually dare to shoot @ 1.8 on a paying gig...    it scares the crap out of me. I love my 85, but it rarely sees any action at larger then a 3.2.   

Then again, I think I struggle with Nikon camera handling, always have.  To me, they aren't as intuitive as 'the name-brand we dare not mention on this thread'.     

I shoot 4 different brands of cameras, and while I prefer the Nikon's rendering of fashion, both for sensor and glass, I have to work for it, because I feel like I'm fighting the camera body. The 'brand we shall not mention' doesn't seem to call attention to itself as much, in terms of simple things like setting it up to focus.  But to be fair, I haven't really used primes much with the 'other' brand so it's possible I'd like it just as well. My lenses seem to dictate which camera body I use for what, rather then the other way around.

I had all of my lenses fine tuned by Nikon Professional Services. That is why I am confident with shooting wide open with all of my lenses. I bought them for that purpose when I shoot outdoors (wide open that is) unless it is a wide angle image I am after then the Nikon VC 24-120 f/4.0 lens works well for me under 35 to 50mm.

ShootRaw wrote:
Here is a shot I did of my daughter today.. 135mm DC @ F/2 using the defocus ring @ F/2...Butter....
My Princess by shapethelight., on Flickr

I Love this Capture!

Benjamin Kanarek wrote:
Another wide open at f/1.8 with the Nikon 85 f/1.8 G lens. Used the 5:4 crop mode (almost a perfect replication of the magazine format) and used the upper focus points induvidually.

So... at 1.8 on this shot, are you using reflectors, or some sort of hi-sync strobe fill?  That's one of the issues with shooting wide open, it's tough to sort out sync speeds and even consistent strobe output.

Smedley Whiplash wrote:
So... at 1.8 on this shot, are you using reflectors, or some sort of hi-sync strobe fill?  That's one of the issues with shooting wide open, it's tough to sort out sync speeds and even consistent strobe output.

No strobe what so ever, not even a reflector. The skylight was quite directional between the buildings and just good old metering with the fabulous Nikon D800. The reflector was over my head in fact so I could see the images easier on my rear screen when needed. That is what my assistant did for this shot.

Another sample shot for Harper's BAZAAR China, again wide open at f1.8 on the Nikon 85G f/1.8 lens. Used a plastic EVIAN water, empty plastic bottle to create the soft vignette at the bottom of the image. I hold it as I look through the viewfinder.

Benjamin Kanarek wrote:

I Love this Capture!

Thanks again Ben..

Jerry Nemeth wrote:

You are nitpicking!  I understood that he was just talking about the focal length of the lens that he was using.  You are the one derailing the thread!

Me, too. We all use cameras right?

It has actually got me thinking if it's worth me getting an 85mm myself. Being a Canon user seeing examples like this is still very usable info.

John Fisher wrote:
I just wanted to say thank you to Ben for posting these images along with his discussion about what focal length lens he is using, and that he is shooting at minimum apertures! I usually bump my aperture up at least one stop over the lowest setting when shooting full lengths outside, but I guess i'll give this a try. I know my 70-200 f2.8 IS II is supposed to be very sharp at f2.8 and the longer focal lengths, I wouldn't know, I've never taken an image at that aperture.

I know my primes, particularly the 85 f1.8 and the 50 f1.4 should be sharp at the lowest aperture, but again, I wouldn't know (I shoot everything at f4, how boring)! I guess (thank you again, Ben) I'll find out soon enough.

It goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway), Ben, the images you have posted are striking. Wonderful styling (of the clothes and the shots) as well as brilliant photography. It's always a pleasure to see your work here.

John
--
John Fisher
700 Euclid Avenue, Suite 110
Miami Beach, Florida 330139
(305) 534-9322
http://www.johnfisher.com

The 85 f/1.8 G is F'ing amazing. Blew me away. But the 180 and 135DC are ridiculously sharp. But and this is the caveat, get the lenses fine tuned by Nikon or Canon if using fast Canon lenses like their 135 f/2.0 or their 85 lens and wide open for your bodies. What I tell Nikon Pro is the following; "I am not interested in what  these lenses can do stopped down. I know they work there. I want to work where very few people want to take them". They do that for me. Why I love Nikon Pro Services and NO I am not sponsored by them.

Both samples below shot wide open at f/2.8 with the Nikon AF-D 180mm f/2.8 lens.

Benjamin Kanarek wrote:
What I tell Nikon Pro is the following; "I am not interest in these lenses stopped down. I know they work there. I want to work where very few people want to take them". They do that for me. Why I love Nikon Pro Services and NO I am not sponsored by them.

"The Kiss", shot with the Canon 70-200 f2.8L, 145mm at f3.5 (getting closer to f2.8!)

It's worth emphasizing, Pro Services (either Nikon or Canon) are one of the reasons it's hard for working professionals to consider other brands. I always recommend that photographers look into joining NPS or CPS whenever possible. From the availability of loaner equipment to access to extraordinary fast, helpful, and often inexpensive repair facilities, NPS and CPS are a pro's best friend.

And no, I'm not sponsored by Canon Professional Services.

John

PS: It would now appear that Sony has also begun providing Professional Services (https://esupport.sony.com/info/1523/US/EN). I only know what I can see at this link. It might be a while before Sony offers the same level of professional services that are available through the legendary Nikon Professional Services, and the more recent but very competent Canon Professional Services, but this is an important step in the right direction for Sony, and should be applauded.
--
John Fisher
900 West Avenue, Suite 633
Miami Beach, Florida 330139
(305) 534-9322
http://www.johnfisher.com

ShootRaw wrote:
Shot with the 85mm 1.4G @ F/4
Untitled by shapethelight., on Flickr

f 4.0 is optimum aperture. What we are considering here is the paranoia of shooting wide open. I know that shooting at optimal aperture works.

Benjamin Kanarek wrote:
f 4.0 is optimum aperture. What we are considering here is the paranoia of shooting wide open. I know that shooting at optimal aperture works.

Just sharing... Is this better then? 135mm @ F/2.5
Untitled by shapethelight., on Flickr

Benjamin Kanarek wrote:
Even though I have several Nikon lenses, I am now so pleased that I have what I consider to be my "Three Lens Powerhouse" or Holy Trinity for my exterior fashion photo shoots. I am using the Nikon 85 f/1.8G the Nikon DC 135 f/2.0 (just purchased) and the incredibly sharp Nikon AF-D 180mm f/2.8 which I just purchased new today to replace my other 180mm Nikon lens. I like having 2 of them...

...

You can laugh if you want to but I'm budgeting and trying to decide among some Nikon lenses. My hope is to rent first to test drive. This one sounds interesting to me Nikon AF-D 180mm f/2.8

I really like your shared image!
Jen B

Benjamin Kanarek wrote:
Close up with the 180...shot at f/2.8.

Thud, me falling over in like!

Figures Jen B wrote:


You can laugh if you want to but I'm budgeting and trying to decide among some Nikon lenses. My hope is to rent first to test drive. This one sounds interesting to me Nikon AF-D 180mm f/2.8

I really like your shared image!
Jen B

I got the 180/2.8D recently and it hardly ever leaves my camera. Did a shoot with it recently (pending publication can't show) and it really is terrific. Got mine for $200, and see them regularly on ebay for low, they fly under the radar over there.

-JAY- wrote:

I got the 180/2.8D recently and it hardly ever leaves my camera. Did a shoot with it recently (pending publication can't show) and it really is terrific. Got mine for $200, and see them regularly on ebay for low, they fly under the radar over there.

$200? They average at around $500 used on ebay...Ones with dust,fungus,scratches average at $350...You got a steal..

-JAY- wrote:

I got the 180/2.8D recently and it hardly ever leaves my camera. Did a shoot with it recently (pending publication can't show) and it really is terrific. Got mine for $200, and see them regularly on ebay for low, they fly under the radar over there.

Great deal...I own two.

ShootRaw wrote:
Here is a shot I did of my daughter today.. 135mm DC @ F/2 using the defocus ring @ F/2...Butter....
My Princess by shapethelight., on Flickr

OH! MY goodness!

I'm trying to hold off before upgrading but butter indeed!!

-JAY- wrote:

I got the 180/2.8D recently and it hardly ever leaves my camera. Did a shoot with it recently (pending publication can't show) and it really is terrific. Got mine for $200, and see them regularly on ebay for low, they fly under the radar over there.

I'm loving what "fastglass" as you call it does. Granted, it is the person using the glass but, still wowsa!!

Figures Jen B wrote:

I'm loving what "fastglass" as you call it does. Granted, it is the person using the glass but, still wowsa!!

Especially if fine tuned to your camera bodies correctly.

Figures Jen B wrote:
I'm loving what "fastglass" as you call it does. Granted, it is the person using the glass but, still wowsa!!

Benjamin Kanarek wrote:
Especially if fine tuned to your camera bodies correctly.

Thanks for sharing this vital tidbit regarding shooting so wide, Benjamin. You've really opened my eyes to consider shooting wider open outdoors. I shoot at f/4 in my mixed-lighting studio, but need to shoot slightly wide then do a light vignette control & slight crop-in to dodge the telltale dark corners   So out of habit, I was shooting at a very "safe" f/3.5-f/4 outdoors as well   I'll ask my guy at my main camera store about fine-tuning my 135 & my 85. I find my 85 is pretty damned good already! I'll open-up to f/2 with it, but only f/2.5 with my 135. (Btw, in Canada our 135mm f/2 has settings of Rear defocus & Front defocus, no "back". If it was a typo, I think we all got what you meant 100%)

For anyone considering the 135mm f/2D DC: why are you still only "considering" it??? Lol!

DBIphotography Toronto wrote:

Figures Jen B wrote:
I'm loving what "fastglass" as you call it does. Granted, it is the person using the glass but, still wowsa!!

Thanks for sharing this vital tidbit regarding shooting so wide, Benjamin. You've really opened my eyes to consider shooting wider open outdoors. I shoot at f/4 in my mixed-lighting studio, but need to shoot slightly wide then do a light vignette control & slight crop-in to dodge the telltale dark corners   So out of habit, I was shooting at a very "safe" f/3.5-f/4 outdoors as well   I'll ask my guy at my main camera store about fine-tuning my 135 & my 85. I find my 85 is pretty damned good already! I'll open-up to f/2 with it, but only f/2.5 with my 135. (Btw, in Canada our 135mm f/2 has settings of Rear defocus & Front defocus, no "back". If it was a typo, I think we all got what you meant 100%)

For anyone considering the 135mm f/2D DC: why are you still only "considering" it??? Lol!

Yes I meant Rear and Front.

Dan Saul Knight Imagery wrote:

My camera shop has asked me a few times about buying a used 180 from them, but I've always passed. It piqued my interest in the lens, however. This example-photo combined with your opinion has furthered my interest! I have a Sigma 150 2.8 (non-OS version), and that's the lens is change-up for the 180. You've renewed my interest in it!

EDIT: I traded-in the 150 2.8 today for some studio-gear I needed, a Beauty Dish, a good Head, and a boom-style extension for lighting/reflecting/cutting from above my subjects. The 180 2.8 is still on my list!

IMHO alone;

Ðanny
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DBIphotography Toronto (Blog On Site)
       
“The vilest deeds – like poison weeds – bloom well in prison air; it is only what is good in man that wastes & withers there.”
~Oscar Wilde

This whole shoot was shot exclusively with the Nikon AF-D 180mm f/2.8 all at wide open f/2.8

http://www.benjaminkanarekblog.com/2014 … n-kanarek/