tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51804190150862142602024-02-02T23:22:35.509+01:00Xtend your Fuji systemAll about add-ons for the Fuji X camera systemRene Delbarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801589074738767200noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180419015086214260.post-75947876390496634292016-01-10T22:26:00.001+01:002016-01-10T22:34:28.975+01:00More hoods: the case of the XF 35mm f/2 WR<h2>Dressing up the new compact standard lens<br></h2> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DjUCX1zhnE_YyQ0Yh6iibGY4cyIskuTZLgJkwOkjKE4TeKWFii1SH1jkVwqxh0ZiwWDQFK2mKZLsUUB4QVYFDBBE0a4h9gGWsZJQ3SPTCObXHwkbma7gxz0AycE8gXtso1ZPfcQYvAQ5/s1600-h/XF35WR_unboxed%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="XF35WR_unboxed" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="XF35WR_unboxed" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgh_HvEnYkaT-mvoW-kT1lfB2klZiDuu-xY1xpJYLsV_cimDJe2p39VgEwU3XUqvbgteMb5l_ufO81FsGVuFDiS-r_1Y9ba9AK6VDpWoPvIc-zWJsVm9tYXOuovIy4_qvqxChldbDI9nG/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a>All in the box…</em></font></span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">Not too long ago, Fujifilm added a <strong>35mm f/2 WR</strong> (Weather Resistant) model to the line of excellent XF lenses. Already owning the ‘original’ 35mm f/1.4 since early 2012, I was decided to let this one pass. Until I put a trial copy on my X-T1…</font></span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">The 35/2 is compact, light and more importantly has a very fast AF. Sharpness is very uniform across the frame. And of course it is weather resistant. All that makes it a lens that will almost always find its way into my bag when I venture outdoors.</font></span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">I will keep my 35/1.4 as well though. It has the extra stop for low light shooting, a pleasing bokeh and sharpness fall-off towards the edges at wide apertures, a shorter minimum focus distance and a more generous manual focus ring. That makes it great for portraits and close-ups.</font></span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">As shown above, the 35/2 comes standard with a front lens cap and a tiny plastic screw-on lens hood. My copy easily gets loose or – when tightened more – becomes very hard to unscrew. With its short 12mm depth it probably does not catch much stray light, but it does protect the front of the lens from banging against stuff. And, when used with the optical viewfinder (OVF) of the X-Pro1, it does not block the finder view at all, even at the closest focus distance.</font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsFBqNpqcNIWRPRHzi1xE_2b6N3uPIDEiuM7hFNU2ylJBTzvxDt6I-FuPblHdIrQWJZtPz1x4NfYmCDFx2-D_q2fssdHGPfcTrHTELUxxMIdnPuBY9Fgll8PRUViGn-2e75606I7lXDl5/s1600-h/XF35WR_XPR1%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="XF35WR_XPR1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="XF35WR_XPR1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ5h_dlz7D1Ua6XA-0rTkJqRzVFlgPNiKnceFbIEAe8QKVtKbww3gl3jkhzc80LlcKdeKRaVM1sK_AUaY_MAMgqOcUmQzkteExzb5b6onjNIi67GEuyo2DMKvOK4xXnx2iHErBacAVNDv/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a>The tiny included lens hood does not obstruct the OVF image</em> </font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">Fujifilm also announced the LH-XF35-2, an optional metal bayonet hood with a retro-styled vented design. That one comes at a price though: €69 list, €59 retail (in Belgium). I have not yet seen this hood, and do not plan to order a copy (unless it gets a lot cheaper).</font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGUlqfGh7INZGAUtAC6k4KRdTZjGNYylYFSqZkPp7c43DQuCVGw9WkSIpGDye2uW2e0CLS1gGSono6Zq2HALMFnLsmpfI69gibYqL6M0Np1Paz02VprjouY8zp01hRxiolxVQNg3AMguN/s1600-h/LH-XF35-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="LH-XF35-2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="LH-XF35-2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7CJemQ5VhctMZlT81FvhIO4MzR0auzyf7h9NAeOvHmteZsQDgt8_hWT6-gwQQHEHnTwlYq_JJGTIRQ2qICB-ubvkAVKGZO2xT9smjkgcFJkN8sAfWgH29ttRFIZODsQGa3x5kKCB9QFZ/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="284"></a>Fujifilm’s standard and optional lens hoods for the XF 35mm f/2 WR</em></font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">Note that both Fujifilm hoods allow for mounting the lens cap directly on the lens, inside the hood.</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">If you read my earlier <strong><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2015/08/all-about-that-hood.html" target="_blank">All about that Hood</a></strong> article, you know that I use alternative lens hoods on virtually all of my other XF lenses. So what are our options for the 35/2?</font></span></span></p> <h2>Three-in-a-row</h2> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNV1MEXbUfQRzyhHG3xu7uIIpN1Cl_cSxDs-pgTiT4SMBn4mzyd2lcLNHDTzVoPD-QchoLtzJ9UypozJ6P3CaZwh4rm-M8yq5u3C3v_OsuVczFsc0lj6peZ4juyqHd3H7Ev1pXTgHIPbc/s1600-h/XF35WR_hoods%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="XF35WR_hoods" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="XF35WR_hoods" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUR_jxOokenr_GIj2nZGbRA9rSQ-6tf77laIdPXdsHnUmIsxNfeggxTEwv67Gw1u_EXRA8t7dCG9hyL-lNZR5Y8zq0ol-sSciCIsxVDHzFjk1ILlf5mxreIgbsm9DixQv18t2LHIiEqNbd/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="198"></a>Fujifilm’s standard lens hood, and two eBay alternatives</em></font></span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">As soon as I had decided to get the 35/2, I ordered a couple of alternative hoods from my trusted Hong Kong based eBay vendor <a href="http://www.ebay.com/usr/gadgetworldexports"><strong>gadgetworldexports</strong></a>. There’s a ‘normal’ and a ‘vented’ one, both made of light metal and sharing the same 43mm screw mount with the default hood.</font></span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">The <strong>normal</strong> lens hood (above in the middle, US$3.99 incl. international shipment) is about 27.5mm long, and should offer maximum protection against stray light. It makes the 35/2 look a lot longer. It clearly obstructs the view through the X-Pro1’s OVF, but doesn’t make it unusable. The front of the hood should take a 46mm pinch-on cap, but I don’t have one on hand to verify.</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">The <strong>wide</strong> lens hood (above at right, US$3.99 incl. international shipment) shares the vented retro design with Fujifilm’s optional hood. Just under 20mm long, it offers a nice balance between bulk and protection. I prefer such a screw-on mount over a bayonet one, as the hood attaches more solidly to the lens; it does of course take longer to mount or remove. Because of the three open ‘vents’ the OVF image is not affected very much. You can mount a 52mm pinch-on cap on the hood for further protection.</font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DObqmw3sM9FH3F30IA2lwxgg_8kRLRhr7N1q3yEGtWK3LpquaXz5Qj8fJj2gxBwKGHY-263rbI5BECXeOGoLhWNNTOKuNWi-Be_wzsK5icqNvOKe66XkXezFNEYN5XdvYhdh8HjNG3yn/s1600-h/XF35WR_with_hoods%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="XF35WR_with_hoods" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="XF35WR_with_hoods" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7N_FGet6Btx4ZzZeSSoWMgeqyiHim6Ymn0nBiN4p8tTALbLqFPez1DjzFK8v9An9AzBuGO-Cg9fIC9WHfLfDXAVcX83QSig62ykv3zUVul8bIPIWtMimS43TddH_U2fdMyeinG-2V8eK_/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="277"></a>The XF 3mm f/2 WR ‘naked’ and with assorted lens hoods</em></font></span></span></p> <h2>Which lens hood to use where and when?</h2> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">With that many choices, picking a lens hood for the 35/2 becomes a matter of personal preference. The small Fujifilm one comes standard in the box, and the pair of eBay alternatives costed me less than US$8, so there’s little reason not to have all three around…</font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYPR3sHqFzsThkiSOTLurYm9-VFvq_jj9xSA1Ywru5F2yJIzPX2uvtDLAUsLi1i8wjGNiwJBrp1f896ETYQMrgo9pA0bPUMKmJwaR7Lq2Cce_ttaWMhu8rNImRs7ydyh_zDMozjTLbszy/s1600-h/XF35WR_XE2_std%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="XF35WR_XE2_std" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="XF35WR_XE2_std" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXUIgvRDsdKNDLdlQw-tkDglzMQ7RehCC8vgStXTknslIO0GzIeWR5cCPjeqTnCcdADYjdACxVJIyqSjxqIuSNd3N2qXMxwLD0-g47hoM2BeFYJUHaD_rPobP2UK7pAu96KBOdBj-cyhyphenhyphen/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a>X-E2 with XF 35mm f/2 WR and standard Fujifilm hood</em></font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">The Fujifilm plastic one is the most compact and discrete. It looks very well on an X-E1 or X-E2 body, and probably with an X-T10 as well.</font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDxoU45e2CE5307Stu-l5GIeF3_GuT35Njrl1riz6bayFa8rePVbk0nkw4s_1DEKyT8qe3bxs78qsIEHQV0NSXjrqgiP2HS1Z-gJV9Ww04UG1RP9WPOViyhcETNS9RBR1tiH9ayj19g9L/s1600-h/XF35WR__XT1_normal%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="XF35WR__XT1_normal" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="XF35WR__XT1_normal" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoiThulP9tH0wtPVyV25BPD1KestsIrcoj3ZGjewhNo0gZTGDnG7BlUESiywuFVsoMGMrqe0KNa1hxL80tpTlNFbGq6rFc1o9UVDUOfZnTd0SMYz5DQadT5_Q_uMaJnwODIUoDu_1BiGt/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a>X-T1 with XF 35mm f/2 WR and standard metal hood</em></font></span></span> </font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">The </font></span></span>standard metal one offers maximum protection from stray light, so use that one when you want to avoid flare. I use it when shooting portraits or close-ups.</font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9qR_MfF8KkYYUnjetHpnJdMzQzZqmY08q05lFiP5yrCAbOKo8NBAjWD5DInsGKm2TScFtNC2MfEfaNuAH119W4MVzkdZ6nRmMfus72GtOc77SfIbS3omE9svaf4NTiC83olOPFQCZmQ0/s1600-h/XF35WR_X-Pro1_vented%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="XF35WR_X-Pro1_vented" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="XF35WR_X-Pro1_vented" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzv0uPsOAjWyTu3wGDIMPPsuP8udFXRAjjyDUtsAiGNPT9YRuhPVo7xxrFrZsletCLVnziotrJfMVbEt_ykJHqWEGfoy8OqAKG942fEZAZLTxWZMgux3p6_le29KbLT_mZ2nkmK2aQiiB/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a>The classics: X-Pro1 with XF 35mm f/2 WR and vented metal hood</em></font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">The wide vented one fits the style of a retro body, so it becomes my preference on the X-Pro1. Unless you want a completely unobstructed OVF image: that’s where the tiny plastic one shines.</font></span></span></p> <h2 align="left">To conclude:</h2> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">Here’s an update of the overview table from my earlier <strong><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2015/08/all-about-that-hood.html" target="_blank">All about that Hood</a> </strong>post on alternative lens hoods:</font></span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiba7Vs7ZfYe4EqUGfeB6Dzsg3iwWcVZXhVDu1INbDI75LjsFHFpr_1Zcuhfj7HCHPSL46TqW3IW_zZCZDF5WKsU9NkiWtTCQj6mh5QMYCk2B1n9glEQ3fEWdrHro-5lLrdysdD2NwRUAWX/s1600-h/XF_lens_hoods_012016%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="XF_lens_hoods_012016" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="XF_lens_hoods_012016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b0ptLlQ0NIgauRj7tkED7-MCv0ESPl-nt4ZFORl72SGwxdQOGkjivRrpL8Tilwnw8HbWKAmDKOGg9CWBe_6kKxNq928p_ZrXv2njA8I-sa1yroCT8WRiVsTVJa6shz2arGIOc3AJLPCd/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="430"></a></p></font></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"> <p align="center"></font></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p>Rene Delbarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801589074738767200noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180419015086214260.post-89526038613880358382015-12-21T22:58:00.001+01:002015-12-22T17:28:32.421+01:00Because we can!<h2>When total strangers meet…</h2><br> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-Plrjnt1MSEHC0Hr491tChjpoweHgpJiyUI-y1KRdwVJ9bFB1UXRbbBCd4Dt9tjTf0SjpJ8t_fD3x8Rt4fnldU-afkxpripJw9w7xp7GK6f0JmAP8X3YwbIkim0d95-wvVhFUXucawNn/s1600-h/TC_MBF_180_combo%25255B10%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="TC_MBF_180_combo" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="TC_MBF_180_combo" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlP9hz22ejsaTr7HB-qF8GcKnkyEEx_LDK1ff7Wi56dFagHUjwWJdCKElr26h6zR9ZuoXkNNa_lFxxeqaqgY4EmJzEtdl6Y5RzGc7krkOPIZR0gmFtHcYsUnw8kZ8C_vb4MFfRawto411/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">What can you possibly expect when hooking up a camera, a lens and some accessories that were never intended to even meet? It would be rather foolish to presume that their individual designers worried for a moment about possible incompatibilities and unwanted interactions…</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">And yet, once in a while, the unexpected happens and you’re left with an intriguing combo to explore and enjoy!</font></span></span></p> <h3>Stage left: the Fujinon Teleconverter XF 1.4x TC WR</h3> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8E5pmNsX6vZmYEfQMQmOKkRvzkvslu1XuzmJzwTXpCwIG3zEvuzCf5TFQYU54GaDh-uF-fihMX6RQauMGcKfJd8bLHHv6uv9cPfAl_gP0AcgBWbB0tME_UEHD-0uI1jX_5zH0yCJlNYb/s1600-h/XF_1.4x_TC%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="XF_1.4x_TC" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="XF_1.4x_TC" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3ZW0ZwxJ1y7W9mAPr3O8Q-37eetn9QIh2qnX6bkDsbFtsYBC3FHlWPN3Kuxyj9TenaPRgqofH5zxOaUL7expe1dTwDhb1YrxlF9ag0qksK0WVpAuXJ-Tsr_6_KUCbaHOFzWQ7G-xsSJ3/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></font></span></span>Last October, Fujifilm announced a 1.4x teleconverter adapter, a high-quality and high performance optical accessory that multiplies the focal length of the attached lens by 1.4x. As the imaging circle is enlarged (its surface area doubles) there is a one stop loss of light transmission. A series of firmware updates for the various X-bodies ensures that the recorded EXIF information reflects the actual aperture and focal length when the TC is used.</p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGc82KljmU8dgbNlSFDUeng0w5fVfH-CaO76LOOM2gcjr7I8qP0bIg4kEa-BPCjIwYwIb9SEJRrf7Uw-lFKPIpCgvhFnJ5T-nG5426Pvf8Xhw_rcttlzu3_2z6PF2ExdkZLm1Ee2nmG2mC/s1600-h/TC_1.4x_factor%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="TC_1.4x_factor" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="TC_1.4x_factor" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5ZRvzAXb9KmykRH_5jkN7irEgDhRNp3sqM4OvOp2CO_LNpo26Z1eZL4InvTBvOHjEms_C5Rb0rAJXziOwR8RiyN9nG9gExP_gks_zE-si8iPbFOjij28yogw-RDw5soTvfe1_iaP3BS9/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><em>A 1.4x crop may not seem much, but all help is welcome with a 16Mpx sensor…</em></font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">The combination of the 1.5x APS-C sensor crop factor and the 1.4x TC magnification results in a final ‘35mm FF equivalent’ focal length of 2.1x the original lens value.</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">At this moment, the XT 1.4x TC can only be used with the XF 50-140mm f/2.8 zoom. The combo becomes a 70-196mm f/4 zoom lens (covering the same angle of view as a full-frame 105-294mm lens). </font></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">We can however expect additional compatibility with the </font></span></span>XF 100-400mm super-tele zoom and XF 120mm macro lenses that will challenge our lens lust (and bank accounts) sometime during 2016.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwcZb51LKfEHDB2fn72piyEQNkwk-QAWlnmZEtUwg0GhuF4pYsAR_FbdsJKycjFcomJ8rcLC70V1D9F8fO3lHXwv1rkzcRLqmufSzOPi2uNpIwFKevXmEyI_XcY7kaaGprJjXJLbKPWoq/s1600-h/XT1_TC_50-140%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="XT1_TC_50-140" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="XT1_TC_50-140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvl2CX01ilWu2_2yxnN4Bh0wVZeJC9633Zu0jtqAeU-8fWmUeTM9u4SsW9UrFnrbCnN1CGFRfxdgIZsPpFU6hiZNHyJotZpLQgDYqMqopBThgcQ7Z_RFFrGOMmVyFdUtq0YPqTV-0SBvpf/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><em>The XF 1.4x TC sitting where it currently belongs: behind an XF 50-140mm tele zoom</em></font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">There are countless reviews documenting how well the TC 1.4x/50-140 combination performs optically. Suffice to say that my own quick-and-dirty tests fully confirm this.</font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgpi-_akiS-VB6vMg758pqBzdzbWVbsOyP_wzZjLUj-Gwqs0U6NsfVK7wqXuhyphenhyphen4J7UuVVBKDO2C2KoVut3YGp_vmAm9e45cCjacKUcCjrn3xcSVZvicEOVZjau6aCIz8KfDBBWLQkeFrY/s1600-h/50-140_TC_100%252525_compare%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="50-140_TC_100%_compare" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="50-140_TC_100%_compare" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPiU5IiGDc-zj79N2LEdJynmVlcjRmP6z3kKy91rPmk-rKkGqw0i-eP6BrCHDLvqMPoRu75kEZU85DT4SpAzfRt7Z6oHjXECKZ8IikDLHlJmZ8NfozNLX3AKR2o60rEMfd3jMXhelc4FF/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="300"></a><em>100% center crops with and without the 1.4x TC (click on image for larger version)</em></font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">Besides any possible optical considerations, it is physically impossible to mount the TC to any other current XF lens. The front part of the TC extends significantly forward from the lens mount, and requires some ‘opens space’ at the back end of the to-be-mounted lens. Obviously, the design of the XF 50-140mm accommodates for this (and so will – at least – two of the future ones) but </font></span></span>none of the other available XF lenses will work…</p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VyOSZJr5XQnaKF-BtcmMts2i5G94LGoy8vDdbbn0P4rvsteDFyJh-nazocHF018mgU8SSyIHHvdkSkWsE4XFnO_tgMRzDFU-gxbTbdq_hJx9xnwQvhZGP6Qq4NO67crFv-zi_Cvm78SV/s1600-h/TC_fit%25252950-140%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="TC_fit)50-140" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="TC_fit)50-140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KZma6nT3Vieg3OfXP7GXRQxIcb8BsFlJGJ-gK7LiQ63wzu5g6K7dKF7sSq1RhXzuCIJNx9YwrRDuC2GI3unCbCEpKV4MQN83G_68NkJS0lNkM0Ef4cdBZU_Ih2E7eFPUcjXD29Oqm1PH/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a>Now, if any other lens came with both an XF mount AND sufficient open space at the back to receive the TC’s protrusion, would it then be possible to make use of the teleconverter…?</font></span></span></p> <h3>Stage right: an adapted legacy lens</h3> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">When I first saw images of the XF 1.4x TC and noticed its unusual shape (compared to traditional TC designs), I vaguely remembered a post I stumbled upon a few months earlier on a Micro Four Thirds forum. The Olympus M.Zuiko MC14 indeed has a very similar construction.</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">Ever since acquiring a Fujifilm X-Pro1 in early 2012, I have used a number of F-mount lenses collected over 40+ years of shooting with Nikon SLRs and DSLRs. In case you are interested: more info on this <a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/08/the-fellowship-of-rings.html" target="_blank"><strong>introduction</strong></a> to adapted lenses, and this <a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2015/07/metabones-nikon-f-to-fuji-x-adapters.html" target="_blank"><strong>full overview</strong></a> of Metabones adapters.</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">A mount adapter enables the use of ‘legacy’ lenses on recent system camera bodies. The classic (D)SLR design requires a fairly large flange (i.e. film/sensor-to-lens mount) distance to make room for the reflex mirror box. With mirrorless cameras, the lens mount sits a lot closer to the sensor. A basic lens adapter compensates for the difference by providing additional spacing between the respective lens mounts. For a Nikon F to Fujifilm X mount adapter, that distance must be exactly 28.8mm.</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGw6KJaIckFeAKhoQrp10LvsETtc8dsbkDtsFSByXToxK73YrUcIrsvRGG3OmlBXK1ZcyXd0GnK3eA4sPS9qblmvMWiTIjLq_rzoYqUqJjugjUVNnUQUxyWHE7GQZ92rKqiX2McDMUmEN/s1600-h/TC_MBF%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="TC_MBF" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="TC_MBF" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-H00nVC_t5xral_932QuN4ppWzfSsLM-mZJIpAg3rwkyumTFiYhu5L2eyc1q0kLaLyhWnjNfvyqoerrew1EpOXAfCKZ1kT15lecb7iTKHMWG7fzf8Hi6KKEI_RVmzXveSyGE99N0K1bgZ/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="600"></a></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">The above image clearly shows that the (otherwise hollow) adapter provides ample space to accommodate the TC’s extending front section. Once the adapter is attached, the TC sits well behind the F-mount and does no longer requires a specific lens construction.</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXlpnbpkDSshQTcqS7a-RKzxI4vH79CxqDYBW_b87Zcd4OcqaB6VMtSdJjWjPsUjJ13TKMOlIOdzu7R4xJG0HXW_isRMF8BgvGkQxdBezruYY4dn17EtYzd0-AU7lTtTJiqLHjoBrL98E/s1600-h/TC_MBF_combo%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="TC_MBF_combo" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="TC_MBF_combo" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q1Cg-oFhra3WEcCJ6cjGd94I9eopS5b6jMDaotI33rfJGS7rmDWcgLsBBRRsYDFpYHWy11k2kEUug6FP3i3hc9I6VSfQJ-aKYtofEZB6q-5JrU5kNeuO2DLhCr8YHn_dXKgFf_o3C-YM/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">Obviously, there will be no electrical communication possible between lens and camera body, and we will not have any actual lens and aperture information embedded in the EXIF data. Nothing different here compared to the ‘regular’ use of such a lens adapter. However, metering in A and M modes as well as all forms of manual focus assistance remain fully operational. Great to discover that a camera-with-TC does not get confused when no XF lens is attached!</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">Solving the mechanical compatibility of course does not guarantee that we can expect a great or even acceptable optical performance. We are combining components that were originally designed for use in totally different circumstances. I don’t know of any teleconverter design that was not optimized for a specific and limited range of (mostly tele) lenses. And I am pretty convinced that none of the Fujifilm engineers even for a brief moment worried about such an exotic line-up!</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">With that in mind, I was more than curious to have a look at my first test images. <br>All ye who enter here, abandon hope…</font></span></span></p> <h3>First test: some ‘normal’ primes</h3> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%">I honestly did not have any expectations at all for this initial quick assessment. We all know that TCs are traditionally intended for use with tele lenses. So why even bother to snap on a cheap mid-80’s Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8 (pre-D) and a slightly more recent Nikon AF-D 85mm f/1.8?</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><strong><em>Surprise!</em></strong></font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">Have a look at these images and 100% center crops, shot in my familiar light tent studio, at distances around 70cm resp. 100cm. For all of the comparison shots following, both versions have been processed with identical Lightroom settings. <em>(click on any image for a larger version)</em></font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKWPXOdg6YVUhvvgg2Zjgcf5g6UI9ZjmUHsQgsyyLY9OFHy1qTXoSsa-6NXvEesBN3xBink0j-4us29SfOlI5wnW5wShgubifjUhobDtLz4d5aWHsiQUavDRUvXJf9Za94YFte2vBXsPI/s1600-h/50_TC_sample_4%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="50_TC_sample_4" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="50_TC_sample_4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xmrAkHlxf2b-nEAoIKMrHt1oh7N3bNcnmXGrSNOKa_YWbrXvrjQ6s6r7j8DZ89xqUwBfmaw-mbHH9kQddSKVgd4hcz6M6J9ee_HACo0bCJBPyTPCyyilwAMG-FYuo9MXTRmbaT06fsbn/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8 with XF 1.4x TC</em></span></span></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em></em></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiYFi-CYczftEOy7GL_NFnCAx_f2LXAyVC2Yrn78xkB-ezZ2v_akROSI-UZO_nh5NQ4lS_JTJ-IU-kU8FtkNGmYKpwrrl_nEKyDW5GvZe5U4jp7_M1mFmejdDiLsGFuoaLxZvlSfkWfSn/s1600-h/XF%252520TC%25252050%2525201.8%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="XF TC 50 1.8" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="XF TC 50 1.8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfTGnvWtvEgzCko8K-cBZNsk17G9-7Y67cAm5RyITyknSFWjujSXAmyl7PzoyxSsMkS95utC2Xzy2htDqYDmybV8fMkBLwGQljU8lv50H6AF7M2GYQEeG1CH9wMFceLkYR-cQ_vmYPGN8/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="300"></a><em>100% center crops with TC, at f/1.8 resp. f/4</em></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLE1YfPAUtcSFtkAakGlvr1GJ8Lt2o0l8d5JrQplHEhg23VEP_Fe6XGhoJzmO1ABv6dioDKsEqSIf-ej1Qi_KHX4aEPRSueXyuQwVBz83HxX_uLP-nHNn1_ld2F8o0AR63CAkTLAcPBdy/s1600-h/85_TC_sample_4%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="85_TC_sample_4" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="85_TC_sample_4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRFbLhEa6qC6_os3W-GYgm4sJ1-tk4IOAf2SM3Ea6m6xZujiXHKt2yEB07DgKiMdmLJe5KFUX0GSfQvfgW4QiSFbcfqQNHXLEYPQIs0Oj0tHCPH_4DFu6VfZ-cruyenkVoeftuxYhjneh/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>Nikon AF-D 85mm f/1.8 with XF 1.4x TC</em></span></span></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em></em></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcTSQdBilQFmFRbaVuaguHc-jHPgcwogu0hUowlquDv53zPOn2SMyN2QVAEvk1o4ii8Fy3VRhVLOcC6LJlQTPyw5BLM0uJ9t7cTIdxY6SEZwvtpCKxNnCsKbNrFKRW-wZqpSmCTktyObr/s1600-h/XF%252520TC%25252085%2525201.8%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="XF TC 85 1.8" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="XF TC 85 1.8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqnk_PD1568acSAsWWKSQx6aY-lmvqx2IOvblvcSvWFQ3q5ilmsgx6Ws36W0C0EqNQIqMHbHwx31djyt35phYDZhLMN0gPvAWqKq6Vi_xwyU0jPpwolATlurTE8m52_VendVAOQVDm1Rp/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="300"></a><em>100% center crops with TC, at f/1.8 resp. f/4</em></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><em></em></font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">With a little stopping down, you get perfectly useable image quality (remember for exposure calculation that with the TC the actual aperture is one stop slower than set on the lens). <br>No visible signs of vignetting or aberrations, in fact a very similar optical performance as the original ‘naked’ lens.</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">As the available range of Fujifilm XF lenses grows (with some additional gap fillers from third parties), my regular use of adapted lenses has substantially diminished. Except for a few ones, for which there are still no alternatives with an X-mount. So let’s have a look at two more legacy primes that frequently find themselves onto my X cameras.</font></span></span></p> <h3>Second test: a trusted macro lens</h3> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">I bought a <strong>Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di Macro</strong> lens (with Nikon F-mount) in 2004, </font></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">and have used it extensively ever since. It is an extremely sharp lens, that offers a generous working distance even at extreme close-up range. </font></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">The longer focal length, the 1:1 capability and the generous manual focus ring are three reasons for giving it ample show time next to my beloved XF 60mm. The only X-mount alternative is the Samyang 100mm f/2.8 Macro, but that one does not offer enough value added to consider a switch. So, for now the Tamron 90mm it is (until perhaps I give in to the XF 120mm?).</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">If this lens would still perform in combination with the XF 1.4x TC, it would bring an increased 1.4:1 magnification without sacrifying shooting distance.</font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlD80vAf3cCybMxvS6pqvK722b7U5LGMO56z-540wJGO0oJd6bs7E19KWpV5_GJDKcbm9I8REVARcMKS-QUsjxeFgpRidoEjiDH5zUjqfK_MXuS9hmILQEkg7PqzQMew3Ky8j15AJ1uSTl/s1600-h/XT1_TC_90%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="XT1_TC_90" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="XT1_TC_90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YvgF5oUKq8htWVtaSZvaAkdueV-g96GClmLWRulMzRmXaCDbvEE_lthbGMafDq0VJgWupLHJX52Ke0w-kf72g5k9N3id0NGuTKc7X-1fKoKDJbAciFC00CzOkBQlGvIwYgM8fJjf6bjk/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><em>The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di Macro ready for action</em></font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">I will let you be the judge on the results of a quick macro test. I used reasonable care to make good shots (solid tripod, manual focus assist, electronic remote, self timer…) without spending too much effort. My subject was a 29mm x 25mm postage stamp; the actual width of the word ‘BELGIË' is 7.5mm, </font></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">the circle around the ‘1’ has a 4mm diameter. </font></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">As always, clicking on an image presents a larger version in a separate window.</font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPF_EmMfjlRSjwAuYCnKOZpwxLyvUE45xy6yJvlu7ZlnLwatGZCDYuq13FHKtlAMm_ApVFB5exUw8pBbn6oGYnMrmBktG_nJjEbNwfhu3gtBVv5eW1yz-CoLO81d4ztKP6uMeE8Svmqgg/s1600-h/90_noTC_macro_8%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="90_noTC_macro_8" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="90_noTC_macro_8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkPZCIw6lCvmp2J4juJStG84eoz2r80RAjGoFziH5X_t8jUw2OzANLHDFvdDAzMI2-jLTa6-1NJYxRFfZSiCiKEK4XSvpRNGWJLTlK2YqEdxHAuszugBvo3Y873M_L70e6J-RlwmbihCa/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>Full image without TC</em></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KB2Ul27g-_thpH6fL1VJEWF99_7toK2ART89wBVztcGFJe4csbMN4ZCjR6yzmfwTqDVz5poICwUJg7JoeqD82AG1MhRJ-kq3WI-c9QWNBDw8aMitHe0fkYVPltlefEVrhwfyfgwiv-0R/s1600-h/90_TC_macro_8%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="90_TC_macro_8" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="90_TC_macro_8" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBkZKft-Xbz-MxLY8PMPw2-hwIRJgE4fYw2n4BnK8nSd_rIJuqUFDkdt-cl270nbWwyVYIUPAtGXaX1MskglGx1cyfElSuPxt8gjXxkieLMXYTUrrGuY7bHkGmk7jhVsQZLIdGBQ04-Er/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>Full image with TC</em></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0YAYNsrdbe-K6Lk4Ag_D001Jnv_hV6wWu1p_k-v6hN9EpiHn5qiIointD7q86yiF4bA6d3vAh6SwlElzemeoO8oJEJ1rnNDc3hGk4DIyg4zv1nPoFqklf71GUt_EDA0wQxHowmUSNvJi/s1600-h/XF%252520TC%252520macro%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="XF TC macro" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="XF TC macro" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQc-iv_SQGwT5J2WZCsC9jSPeogyyPGn8DPAyvFwzqNrolBxvc0d8krSeVlIju1zDKlOKidbMnxPDl8ROWp1vz1BszjwgdSc_Y50LPpyhXKGbW5ZnY2az98pqBYuZaFxXQ8qHkcAwuqiy/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="300"></a></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>100% center crops compared</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%">There is a little loss of micro contrast, requiring nothing more than a small nudge to the Clarity slider. No sign of visible vignetting or serious corner sharpness degradation. My conclusion: whenever I hit the need for the extra magnification, I will not hesitate to put the XF 1.4x TC behind this lens!</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%">I also did a quick test on a distant subject (about 150m from my shooting position):</span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwuvDAQ5doDi3BvzXZcQ6i9sBDBSnWJHEqZ5ZNz5-BOCSIrJFSxLADvGod4Bu0o6nuac6c5afKwMj6LYGvkzH99tevDILraMdLDaPN4FqmA8ACt_YptGfxzGCZnHi9Njd0Hhr-642CFVp/s1600-h/90_noTC_sample_4%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="90_noTC_sample_4" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="90_noTC_sample_4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmzUj3BOCzMLDZs_ghJGbLL1ej090jGFnpFBwVxutpnnqTNUFsvTPVIZiBIr9ZVfLCZWv3wrDea27g0V6hYlbJGcAMAmhRb_lCWAc3JrxBE0ypLaGzFl1NlMYWDLJdznKFRrLdHhytCen/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>Full image without TC</em></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLrsU2KjXiRGnqar_J_bGXwXu8st87-8COd7nMcIzDdfJECfG_YdgauI_q5Ux7PzoEx8dbCNwxgqLFWv17f_1eaKkeBrRFtutlpX8iTxLEylAdKzLoM1Jiv3JZPN6PILhRyujphhBNkul/s1600-h/90_TC_sample_4%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="90_TC_sample_4" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="90_TC_sample_4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AR0iKX_q7JLppf_nyKcDjIomw_sBodEJV70yISlEEW9eOIsNxTlHI2S0Nw16g-2-Eo2oXlRMEZ889FqPuTNm2Tkqh3HpEIAE9yQ-HoySp2Clmy_d5rIMYF-9Szv29jPTBxrGKLPcbQEl/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>Full image with TC</em></span></span></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iLuKsA6tY1wVtYf7k0UlDb-ugMZjY5h1nhOvuT3f-ut8Zhi1d6zJDOpLU6Pyu1ASiP6741d76odegiYn2T4aMT62rHa6RYYaYlysB_Zt9oVvNBr6sNc-dOL7nl1QOBmGUEtKtrBo42mP/s1600-h/90_TC_100%252525_compare%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="90_TC_100%_compare" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="90_TC_100%_compare" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5uDfHV-uro3cyaDbSOB5PRn9fukH2lhshrTRCLX9qAW2LTD-l59Nj-jpZZTKSHJJObON7_n_sNHLMSa1uZJoQYBgovqLAihYkLNqg2s8Re-NXOgh0tSa1Gu2MCHCK2YQJcB6Ut7KhIgQ/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="300"></a></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>100% center crops compared</em></span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%">A nice result as well.</span></span></p> <h3>Third test: a classic tele</h3> <p>I have always liked Nikon’s <strong>AF-D 180mm f/2.8 IF ED</strong>. I owned a neat second hand copy, sold it later (as I felt I wasn’t using it often enough on my D700) but ended up acquiring another used copy, one in even better condition. This medium tele lens is tack sharp even fully open, and has a nice micro contrast.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVmzCjaIoFvTHa9R_OEUvQB3f21VMGVkxmqXMTh0MGUGUQMC1aM9Ne45JkQcKXuEh-bEG-DJNpPkAHryN97COfduLZDLMXpN1d9malxC1zQGwEuXYZlEO_NcgQb7PAn2tGDMc15r5veuu/s1600-h/XT1_TC_180%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="XT1_TC_180" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="XT1_TC_180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eim2C7qfMP4pa0lBuFF-tn8TjlqmqaRaQl5L3So3OySduz6Tl9BYCvlgLuP73_2hMPmeMeoA-H6HY7CwIfeSE-q73LtiRUnajow9v171zv0XFn3yd2tofDfXm9LYjfTjgS3f_quienmQ/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></p> <p>I started taking a look at the same distant subject as above:</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0-KhS4GAzZiOVLLXhp11JX80j5QB6BytRVBep2k5IapCfmmytg9Cx2JuYS5RW3MIoOKenILgLmrbFl4yAvpxAcXVwLtShiZ7DlfgiiQN-sZIOdC_ZT6GQuFP6GE6iOsFi3RhphdbUpuO/s1600-h/180_TC_100%252525_compare_a%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="180_TC_100%_compare_a" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="180_TC_100%_compare_a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7GDez2u1aG3wCxVsKbY6ojsNTYgkXtx3s1Xtw_uqU17hY_E6-iQH_378yiry8d9504Sd2bBiP63smWPcdplZg4KQPVe9A7HlAunTTKtQaqNfxYjWhGkToJXxUopZBAMnur1amQXzSp7t/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="300"></a><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>100% center crops (without and with TC) compared</em></span></span></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtHHCqPyqTG9zsOIcYLspnW87i6eqJ1Ojk2QrZkXKpU6_TSYeuJhu1gfsLr7Ui-eRMuVLXSFQQi4IILblN2vjuTOmTO8ogzJP984_9nxTtRfC8qgv7bmLqPWU14gXgzM8xnaZ5YqEyD_0/s1600-h/180_TC_100%252525_compare_a_fstop%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="180_TC_100%_compare_a_fstop" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="180_TC_100%_compare_a_fstop" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8Fi8NPIt6AvDE0MPfgiTTM6EG_1X3Fx05k4Gbc0bKixcDHLGUNoyfoE8OFFWntYrIF9Ytfe_gjGLygYjhDorOavhwTSblTyoW9mx7fn6D0p7NId6EDQhEr12hWPjglwbRuVkM1zAa_aH/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="300"></a><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>100% center crops (with TC and lens set at f/2.8 resp. f/5.6) compared</em></span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%">The 180mm + TC on an X camera delivers an angle of view close to a 400mm f/4 lens on a full-frame body. <span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%">As expected, a stopping down 1 or 2 stops and adding a little Clarity leads to more than acceptable results. At f/2.8 this lens shows visible chromatic aberration; adding the TC makes it a little worse; by f/5.6 it is already significantly reduced. Again, nothing that Lightroom cannot easily correct for. </span></span></span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%">I next pointed my camera towards a subject at medium distance (some 25m):</span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OHhPezaDphfOaYyN2OJGrD5dYjTgAc1neuOHekmob7ilRIcVQsi1kd0kzIhxoBvclKulF2Ss8iG7hRsCEFv9noKbKjyzQaiXDqydo2hUbcOEMUEXdDs7iOjs4KA9T0r8_k52dK9s5aoF/s1600-h/180_noTC_sample2_5.6%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="180_noTC_sample2_5.6" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="180_noTC_sample2_5.6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBf6gg6h5m2wWOg-xIgWZ-2XcPVTnmJIQWV3zCIVSdA7bovv2lYqpctnC_X_0DdaFXVZYzrEPthCrPqCQSeDyJrr6-AMoS2n5g6EiTFmIDUrITk-yaSTu60DxKu5tp-VYu_Y98vM2omNwa/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>Full image without TC</em></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em></em></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9szkTEwv9msWrIRO4xVFPzY29G70ZhhnAcuLl_fivuAx3eks1c-yaweuRcLiWDZM07JjIyZtWf-M_WPisOhtP_2Cbbx2G_-gt5mpCRG2yABFEmeu_qAYGv3WfcQ7SuiUF_Ig_akDFSPTs/s1600-h/180_TC_sample2_5.6%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="180_TC_sample2_5.6" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="180_TC_sample2_5.6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBi35wi68SdTpRCTG-jpOfFihQaiD4Ob_DIyM5bMfecuZLVNqEq7U4GZbziV4sWfxW5Ab86wViz-Er3XO_4_1HEPtfWSlFHTHoJanSWV1aEOuae8xbi_eg43Tv95ZRMhFf0SPaIpMsAV7i/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>Full image with TC</em></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em></em></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC6sMW7eoQk4WdgyCkoSu7VGGE1Aafsyd3xe8SPGdJcJC2Ij_XzH43ApQ9bvmhFBwuTgOc6NoFHhuLICtfh0mPel2_KE7mxTBjizKb1tV6oiY7GA9kmYPmPfwQWiQsqXjxg-ic27fdnTU/s1600-h/180_TC_100%252525_compare_b%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="180_TC_100%_compare_b" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="180_TC_100%_compare_b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANBY5KDdB25FTrejNurcvA-Z3bfG6Ob4xenO6QXMRFSM6rayDqPVRK3JuvrHJxCRUQCqdEoU3nMi0uuKObNS8sOABneONyN-dNOakHLmunMiaSM-CW6sNDplTUz7zzj412R5aPZ4FU4Rs/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="300"></a></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>100% center crops (without and with TC) compared</em></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em></em></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXphLmQDeVQE_Ax290cijSN5wQ_fISfVXC50-fGIm2VRll2R13jJ9kQl2BheHcj_D1MKtadW0aGFTcigh6RuO3FUeagFrlP2eoEy7vSGnSQnyHH4txDcTRmmz_eja1nINvCVi4Eq6xdzu/s1600-h/180_TC_100%252525_compare_b_fstop%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="180_TC_100%_compare_b_fstop" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="180_TC_100%_compare_b_fstop" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskNzu6iLkyZI_kbJmAk136wkcjMcOVixCIuAvSjpfSM-HfFiE4cpLacxATRsH4uOCf2GbjQCDMPe3MX0xwk_S5NgV6WD8CNWz95m5hEu9EapWzJCD7534ol7iURd84fODYD37iXAe4y3a/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="300"></a></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>100% center crops (with TC and lens set at f/2.8 resp. f/5.6) compared</em></span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%">Finally, I was curious about the close-up performance of the 180mm + 1,4x TC combination. I took the following shots from about 1m distance:</span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIowPzndNbvWTqhKQQWrIgJHEFeiaB-yO6s-_92cyKy9vlb6mtSLg7WrBD56uY3c4YfV24jYoLQa5S7gfnG4PcQl7i4F7GRCNZVJlbUhvQ5KSACPNDKqr0dtfp-ojCJ1Pl4fiPNUiHJLl/s1600-h/180_noTC_sample_5.6%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="180_noTC_sample_5.6" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="180_noTC_sample_5.6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNitG1l-GECcC4is45PdZ1me9d1AD2COZzdWXT75A-of4I3UF35i293zPRklumR83w2L8HrtbEC79IAsPKfvUJubuxW9legzZa-4SKoZIq08_8bZ3iEDWv65G-E2HS-s5uLu-QlH5rb2Ku/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>Full image without TC</em></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em></em></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMHtaftdH5fTk0r-Q-YJlRmY5Hum1RvVO-immWhZM7J5J7fcXh1H-mOcqdEJMcJTBZqSNEAusPndWNOuAxZ6zCXQUkcWHyjiHzE7bXYL_1vx40CzMwqa4GID8k3EeuCrtGZGJMBeM8Zds/s1600-h/180_TC_sample_5.6%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="180_TC_sample_5.6" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="180_TC_sample_5.6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB04EL4ULHSwE8P8cL-kvPzLeXp7BRbs_Bw1d3ar8IXUU7BTsUqjPVBbJjhc5fOCjrX8zVvZwXs-JIgubs7m1u9WFMq6j1bGbX49LvlNQtpUA3KQZyMBocqZf6a_IHxG_DiVn0DCc5x0uC/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>Full image with TC</em></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em></em></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXSaGrApRMAqCFFb7gGaIxGV9gtkOusr1pTc6mBir6aGxv2U4KD3HU6wk9sysepAmOPtAvtszahUeSVDOAE0TJ1qYFgb5AFyeNVUzNJVpTvlRkAeyM53spUApAMh2S79szi63bC4ikGwM/s1600-h/180_TC_100%252525_compare_c%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="180_TC_100%_compare_c" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="180_TC_100%_compare_c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTKLFeqKkOwd6cXxHqWBuUO3SpOoruEyQ-JMVBTaLCcjnjSC1KlrTWxLlzaRwwlxzami1z6HqQWF5lvgtew29EPlqBQn6Cz0F9cY5voxDkGe58fG_uWLtncNvCQFulSUKjHyOTAApLb2H/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="300"></a></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>100% center crops (without and with TC) compared</em></span></span></p> <h3 align="left">Conclusion – and why bother?</h3> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%">All of the above is far from a stringent, carefully controlled optical test. Frankly, the whole idea of using the XF 1.4x TC in combination with an adapted legacy lens is a bit ‘exotic’ to begin with… and therefore perhaps not worth much more effort <font face="Wingdings">J</font></span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%">My experiments indicate that more than reasonable image quality can be obtained with a broad range of non-Fujifilm lenses. That by itself is a remarkable outcome, and probably points at a very ‘robust’ optical design of the teleconverter. If true, that offers the perspective for many more useful (and designed for) lens combinations in the future. How about that?</span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%">Beware to extrapolate my findings to any other TC/lens combinations! Please do realize that any decent result is nothing more than a collateral by-product of the TC ‘s design targets.</span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%">If you happen to own an XF 1.4x TC, as well as some legacy lenses and an adapter with sufficient physical depth, please go explore! You may discover a handy stopgap solution here and there, while we wait for an even more complete XF lens line-up. I have little doubt that I will still use these legacy lenses once the 120mm macro and a 100-400mm tele zoom become available (and part of my glass collection): in the long term autofocus and image stabilization will prevail, even when coming at the cost of one f-stop or so. But until then…</span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%">So why again do we even bother testing these weird combinations? Because we <em>can</em>, of course, and because it’s a lot of fun as well!</span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p>Rene Delbarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801589074738767200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180419015086214260.post-1844162347105872282015-08-11T18:23:00.001+02:002015-11-03T19:02:30.634+01:00All about that Hood<h2>Pimp your XF lenses!</h2> <p align="center"><em>Thanks for the many comments and suggestions! I have (twice now) updated this post <br>with a quick overview table (at the end), and added a few clarifications here and there.<br></em></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1nSywRbxOmhsY7BgI1Nh7xikUjA-F5tof5fchHXsSCxYyP5SvFvBS_GR_snUahxU9LEPVdmWbVrnZWQQd9mSwxEIXvJ41zBdYD4R17jMcjgrM9GthWOpqZCeMSiluNOYxU3HVMTRjprw/s1600-h/Lens-shades-125w3.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Lens shades-125w" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Lens shades-125w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHMDr2NFy5Yy4_MJ6tsVMUErqOQ3_ojeTSTxZo4gjVsAL7h41pL8yg1PeadixRwcarNnkUNkPKgxgQChSvUx-cJ3akEChKsULCZ2wwTmQms-Ygz3hkxQ31Zp48UxjMnUhA_9wAXY9m4_O/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br>Let’s be honest: next to the ease-of-use of the Fujifilm X cameras, the advantages of their sensor, the performance of the XF glass and the resulting image quality, many X-shooters just <em>love </em>the retro design and handling of the bodies. Right from the start, with the original X100, we got a compact tool to <em>completely </em>enjoy taking pictures. If you’re old enough to have started photography with roll film or 35mm cassettes: just add “again” at the end. </font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">In order to augment the “old days” experience, we’ve been adding leather carrying and wrist straps, half cases, thumb grips, soft releases, old-fashioned cable releases… In the end though, you can’t but ask yourself: </font></span></span></p> <blockquote> <h2><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><em>Why didn’t Fujifilm bring us sexier lens hoods?</em></font></span></span></h2></blockquote> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">It started rather well actually. The X100’s fixed 23mm lens comes with a nice metal vented release. That comes handy when using the optical viewfinder, as less of the field of view is obstructed (as long as the openings are well aligned, hence the bayonet mount).</font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVb_EMvkKbvb57yVhJiXOuoQjH3xS6jHeR1Le5T4EX5nWH-_Bp6_DJ62g92BrS21sFWNxpAZqM0vLs9tc31iT_cnq5BSttAsHGUc0ejSKksbNr1FlJsKu4BdzWFxH-N6IhwuMgiy5IvIS/s1600-h/Lens-shades-141w3.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Lens shades-141w" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Lens shades-141w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GbY38cHQPkOXufLfPaIkriOkYLnDs1XAJUn7qSU5TTV4ODx7ViwUU1iedyfWau-kg3sK8MZ50s-obT3x4EMHh7PR33f10V2ll6Yn6RuaM4xKRgXHnzNck2qGuIeSVCfZMf0yXIs4y-UO/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"></p> <p></font></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYewG4fsRON__5pIoVlEnsgZfSTHMLpwt1X4ulJolb1Vm6FDVBw9p-LO3HdI3ZpIt3VhgVZi1MdAir_IU_DzBonqXtyr68PgWXrzmspfcJdQUhkf0plernWuoz3X0LljEsGQAkdxnzExh/s1600-h/IMG_1028w3.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="IMG_1028w" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1028w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJ5fl1KGHKg-3_pOPvedTSsQLMaN4y8YxYnpXhyjbOaaCtzeWrN1fDqEs-6AHe3C2MSpBEuJRpb-rM7VAK7ib9k2oqzLIHrZJsUy8BDu17nz2PQ5wN6WmEa85pH7tMHa1uNJ3udGaB12k/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450"></a></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">Then, the XF 18mm f/2.0 and XF 35mm f/1.4 (both part of the X-Pro1 release wave) came with somewhat classy rectangular metal hoods, alas also with horrible rubber front caps. </font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">After that, sadly, we saw the typical petal shaped or (rather oversized) cylindrical lens hoods coming over from the (D)SLR market…</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTU0PVowrmUP4JV3Z3PunYAf2t58rbBWCEOokVSyh-61-rTwfseCY9e6g3CWpU_RhmCMXiqpNSyGXX2MH1kTBoE-6VXPInVVn9T1iYHY8P8-sdyyngHN5AovhPgEKzK55Sk1Tt2klmH0D/s1600-h/Lens-shades-117w3.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Lens shades-117w" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Lens shades-117w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcikVG4EOvrOu7ueyhOTfRhIusWUiVzvG8ms-WHI18byKvj_4D3JARvWK4nCyk4IsrcOARN6dHvSc8rPxe-23klkoa3Z4lRsO-8-UguLiPd4WV3l9Jq3Sthxiit_uTsnH_0-rr53XC39bE/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></span></span></p> <p>There’s a lot of good things to say about the Fujifilm lens hoods though. They do come included with the lenses, and provide more than adequate light shielding and protection for the front lens element. They can be mounted reversed to save space in your bag, and are made of solid mass-colored plastic to resist dents and scratches (the 18 and 35 metal ones are the exception for both last attributes).</p> <p>But they remain cumbersome, tend to come off or knock loose when banging around in crowds, are a pain to mount/unmount when changing lenses, and look quite a bit, well… boring.</p> <h2>It’s not all that bad, is it?</h2> <p>Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives available. Some come from traditional third party accessory brands, others spawn out of Chinese workshops courtesy of eBay.</p> <p>As I was gradually building up my lens collection for the X-cameras, I constantly looked for and experimented with alternative and mostly classic-styled lens hoods. The ones that I have and use are all sturdy one-piece metal designs, with a screw mount in the matching filter thread size. Screw-on hoods have the advantage that they stay firmly in place even when things go hectic around your camera. Read: street photography, event coverage, reportage…</p> <p>These hoods are anodized black, with a satin finish on the outside and a grooved matte finish on the inside, the latter to reduce internal reflections. They have proven to resist well against dents and scratches, I cannot see much wear other than along the front outer rim: in that they perform at least as well as any other metal hood I used throughout the (many) years.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA4yvjWll1xEj4CIZW1skLkBIER9DnNp02sMchQN4SpMvjeEwqFaJjfgeoU3QtKGPNs77f7-KBS2q6AmYASi6YXab73B2gUoidH9I8u6CoOhyphenhyphenvY-H_lzZEp14uRMkiHNQWkGz-tyrNgzr/s1600-h/Lens%252520shades-071w%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Lens shades-071w" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Lens shades-071w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOP5FwI_-6_MmjCFvXE_AhzaqWj2w2u573YhoY-21yz8ZyfP5YZj6hgf55JUnPqzCWIeDVsjUZXmGk-wStcOwLFhT59IY5JwTkVe73nzTCUucF_dFH5C3jdy8VIf9f8EXIUpbBN20ktwE9/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></p> <p align="left">As you can see above, the hoods come in different versions, each available in various sizes:</p> <ul> <li> <div align="left">a <strong>vented</strong> design, approximately 18mm long, with three* slots (model MH-<em>xx</em>);</div> <li> <div align="left">a <strong>standard</strong> cylindrical one, approximately 20mm long (model MH-<em>xx</em>S);</div> <li> <div align="left">a <strong>tele</strong> cylindrical one, approximately 35mm long (model MH-<em>xx</em>T);</div> <li> <div align="left">a <strong>wide</strong> tapered version, approximately 18mm long (model MH-<em>xx</em>W).</div></li></ul> <p>I order my lens hoods directly from Hong Kong based eBay vendor <a href="http://www.ebay.com/usr/gadgetworldexports" target="_blank"><strong>gadgetworldexports</strong></a>. They have proven to be very reliable, supplying correct information, and offering free and fast standard shipping (about twice as fast to Belgium as any other HK/China outlet I ordered from). Never had any issue whatsoever.</p> <p align="left">After a lot of small yellow packages in the mailbox, I now have a broad collection in thread sizes from 39mm to 72mm (the ‘xx’ in the model designation). Unit prices ran between USD 3.49 and USD 5.99, shipping included – so nothing to break the bank. No fear for damaging or losing.</p> <p align="left"><em>* A keen observer on some of the images that one of the vented hoods shows not three but five “vents”. The very first vented hood I purchased (early 2012, a 52mm model to go on the XF35) indeed came from a different eBay vendor and has a slightly different design.</em></p> <h2 align="left">More form than function</h2> <p align="left">I don’t want you to get all carried away, now… Remember that the length of any symmetrical lens hood should not exceed the minimum depth of the Fujifilm petal hoods, or else corner vignetting may pop up (after all, that’s what the originals were dimensioned for). </p> <p align="left">Also, whereas screw-on filters can be added without changing the position of a bayonet mounted hood, they will take up space between the lens thread and the screw-on lens hood: that too may lead to vignetting. Take this into account when combining screw-on hoods with screw-on filters!</p> <p align="left">Finally: you can put lens caps on the hoods for extra dust or impact protection, e.g. inside a carrying bag. I recommend to use appropriately sized snap-on or pinch-type caps attaching to the front of the hoods. Such caps are readily available from various sources, including the eBay vendor I use. You can even ‘re-assign’ some of the supplied Fujifilm caps from one lens to another (e.g. use the 52mm cap from the XF18 or XF35 with a 39mm vented hood). The quick overview table at the end of this post lists the required cap sizes.</p> <p align="left">Some people may prefer to use the supplied Fujifilm cap by mounting it deeper inside the hood. Installation and removal however becomes cumbersome, takes time and requires proper care. <br>The vented hoods perfectly accept the original caps: they get to sit halfway into the hood, past the vents, so the space immediately in front of the lens is sealed off. I found that the wide hoods simply will not adequately hold the caps. With cylindrical hoods, the caps fit but do not stay firmly in place. In addition, inserting or removing the cap may scratch the grooved interior, potentially exposing bare metal and causing reflections. Therefore I prefer using front-mounted caps with both wide and standard or tele hoods.</p> <p align="left">Enough caveats: let’s have a closer look at my choices and findings for the various XF lenses.</p> <h2 align="left">Very wide primes – 14mm & 16mm</h2> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84aVjtJHJKd0HOXk_Sp1Pc8ahQE6eEKouplj27_qHI3h1BjuiMTt78fNt0fI7U1x0GvqXcgjckPS5pnWaGt3H_OLQ1uHV6z-hCNrtp__WYPE_9RMhjRuFgcll2So-1v2davHWqU12Bo9z/s1600-h/shades_14_16_1024%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="shades_14_16_1024" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="shades_14_16_1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmz-tS_z0eXoDn3WrqhLsnJPaAkxrVDUZcKa8FU8fzCs5pSnpCzAQ-jq2GiFGrJAjh7G-0iLt7Cf4Oa7YMATUGjSUDFPcsEuhg8UYZBxclORah1_LnX2mcTDXhvgMZFyl7w-JH0caA7Z6e/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="432"></a><br>Only one viable choice here, the <strong>wide</strong> model, as a vented hood will cause vignetting in the corners of the frame. Required thread sizes are 58mm (XF14) and 67mm (XF16).</p> <p align="left">The lens+hood combo is shorter than with the Fujifilm shades, but wider at the front. That is not am issue with my (ThinkTank Retrospective) camera bags. The front lens element remains adequately protected. And the whole screams <em>power</em>!</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQ5vUmyr8YWnja7e7tiQC7rUIHosgPmVIPEoh1fVgwQUDz5dw_hz8uKsRczjm_UVO25CqQ-zyAGU2sxUqmNRHLQkUFJLJfhlXztLbPkQaGmbOLW3snETbxEwG-Jd4RWMOvOR82o0sH3TT/s1600-h/Lens%252520shades-064w%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Lens shades-064w" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Lens shades-064w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-kgpQ6D4sgLUYEZ1t8oFV2z-RbgJb7XxYh7lEI7Ub8jatTUHEHwQpglfhtfWaFEiMidGwwgdalCYnuk798URX4cJNLFhBsXf1AwCwoHZUFv5uE9bYKwTQE6fcM_ZnQQC1Uuavdkprcdo/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></p> <h2 align="left">Wide primes – 18mm & 23mm</h2> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoBrmDIlwwTWf3bRmHD25D901Qw2QC3fYA4shDU8fBSwzCT0ij-NQjIsGWgGdXzIRociJpJAsWhdzNYHAKZT4QTaSvgs4LD8w7PqKzj4WaMEXHvj2WDJ29SEJFKv0aatJllmFH-DMMoGT/s1600-h/shade_18_23_1024%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="shade_18_23_1024" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="shade_18_23_1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03sHLdWgZ05zAd0-4zdLYHlK85FcK_D7DHs9P2ztVDVo4QT0ckLCsZntUetMYJLtfV9Tu0Mr8JlswFI6yDHggoSqsbRkdqVZK241ukAF1KeZgD1DOH6AqZQKuoMV_Q1O5mQHGXH_DJQIl/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="461"></a></p> <p align="left">Here I prefer the <strong>vented</strong> variants (thread sizes 52mm and 62mm respectively). The lenses now take on the look of their classic counterparts and the overall bulk is reduced, especially with the 23mm. Have a look at my preferred street shooter setup:</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3czAwR6kLYtfnY6rsVxH6pO67B8zDgqFy9a8-ostpMQVeAbkZ5sRGS3qmOiTR2jmmAE6eFe7iARZWCBf_tgJ8Mnp1B9RrCRGV7AiD2n0Jib3GKU5MStEZ7K5XHwNCKEs5aCAVTAZ6XjfW/s1600-h/Lens%252520shades-061w%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Lens shades-061w" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Lens shades-061w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelysVuzjAHVO_RJFP6A8VoCd0k62PQR0baQ1xZ4KPJsuxW99_VwzTr5Z_f_AjYUaxDsc_EIbWfz8B7oJRhMewvifN_ZqRC61KZhJ5URl7tbsvZ-e_PcoMGu5oVtO6bHuZ6ZPjCe-v39M6/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></p> <h2 align="left">Standard primes – 27mm & 35mm</h2> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhMLnwgOD7Cp62C-17c5-9BYA87ew4E1IuEqdHE-YRb-gIHXaocNst56GgWU9RALQWmwX7rUA1pfp-X-LHO8dH1D-Hr-KiT8QYFhd_2vTBPlLjTqxqKWHV2oaE2Vzh_3xS05yNHN-4zwN/s1600-h/shades_27_35_1024%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="shades_27_35_1024" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="shades_27_35_1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSczelTW6JynQ7dxEBSr96ds8ZDU-QpssNxu_1caju_b_mE9Lgr2B0xFW1ZrcISdzHwtXWOnAwSDhJ_eT5fWCiosxlYIG9MURX96LTpUDDNs5hi4ZVStwxwl4Hje0QiovRQcHtaQrhAfaS/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="386"></a></p> <p align="left">This time we get some choices. The XF27 looks great with a <strong>vented </strong>hood, but a <strong>standard</strong> cylindrical one will no doubt do as well (39mm thread). But in this case <em>ANY </em>hood will defy the compact pancake nature, so mine usually goes out ‘as is’: bare naked.</p> <p align="left">The XF35 then looks great with both the <strong>vented</strong> model and the <strong>standard</strong> design (52mm thread). The decision becomes a matter of taste (and mood): I find myself alternating…</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52308QGcR3FqzFyQS1bhMOHN9NwVX2VaIGc9wmQH63IQuEes0X6ouafxTILwcJCYR_sDl9bFOnF56fOdrJ069wR20-3DPaLaqkQ6GZRi-atk5c5MhzBp9yfKel7iZ7ft6UMQTdrGKcM_a/s1600-h/Lens%252520shades-077w%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Lens shades-077w" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Lens shades-077w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4wBUeZOJjRjMRQq2iQx-N9ZekLkSckecSzByi-o3hE93sARWHv0trbGHnKqzzQXoKORvhPyRhNeiPSFnmbRdiphXfHO7Q8j0KG3FomwlNGr0J5BAQFpZFQj4jdJ3mztoZ8sAoAp4HNQe/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></p> <h2 align="left">Short tele primes – 56mm & 90mm</h2> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6Kq0nM_Ofwfo8YEzzy6ci-qhtu9ic1bYHyLT6e-z6mxraUrWb_XchqAknjnG1Fl4zkGpkf4qMYC4g58fa887sDwMrZJXnwK9YICRc-FbzElPkbWHk2Vixi8enbXn7_Mb2RZRubbBIxCQ/s1600-h/shades_56_90_1024%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="shades_56_90_1024" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="shades_56_90_1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7I6c0KVUokVePXthihAciESW-iZIL3aMs-ZshgIDOYqiDDudsu-7bmNLnQntZgN0mpngSni1p5d3RAexJJ2q1wfRJMkzZvaTsyvpJUz5nWzCcuaithHWL04nF7T-lCqWN1WEjRgxoU1pS/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="562"></a><br>My preference goes towards the sleek look of a cylindrical hood. Both the <strong>standard</strong> and the <strong>tele</strong> sizes will do on either lens, so I decided to split my options. Kudos to Fujifilm for the common 62mm thread size!</p> <p align="left">Don’t you agree that the 56mm looks quite ‘sharp’ on the outside as well in this ‘dress’?</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDOTgG5w38M94BBdY17rv_bwxB6Lwm28_RMQINlJQsimgAkL8oN1pLBu-x0MiFOJh4AIcXRohCY1tjaxp-Q_KoJr2iJyN0uub3nkXlMzyOkL_jWKGiebbilfx_leBfj29Ui6xh91sw0km/s1600-h/X-T1_546_1024_4%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="X-T1_546_1024_4" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="X-T1_546_1024_4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEsYJI0Q4N-IsFuagKYlQ2w-J2wlcChuxsXjwVTw4mth-b9b5dcH8CwgKEsxUtipDjJ6-KX5ZX7LEkkH-S_sOKaiRM1OH7dVX831E9VQgXBnftg-BlFqrPMieMv9UgvWgpA-6Q3OZHHRz/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></p> <h2 align="left">What about the 60mm macro?</h2> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4Qb2dfLE4V9kcPSR17IcyNgoFtwY5rfagpyW8-1hWU4IW6G0bDZGcnjtX3B0xaopvHD5zVggVwFV5zIuG-k48GYinnRxM5lAXd9AKKk64qf_xtExcFlUUJdYQqLwMTzqtyYX0fP7aoU8/s1600-h/shades_60_1024%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="shades_60_1024" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="shades_60_1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMj7QUXvvX0BPAbloyR6vLklY0wR4x2EQJQQgTFRU0bZkfkpxtEGfna_UHPO67V22hO4wko56SzdoaXSvQVV-hZAaPDKEpJaoCxBCuxaknYPwtXVO0cp7b-ZQcNUeK9EjJ3wiuQloP1xN/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="469"></a><br>Good question. My XF60 doesn’t venture outdoors a lot, I mainly use it for product and close-up shots in the studio, where the default lens hood does well. Furthermore, the lens is known not to like stray light. If you find the original Fujifilm hood too large, be aware that the Fujifilm bayonet shade for the XF35 fits equally well (above right).</p> <p align="left">A <strong>vented</strong> hood with 39mm thread is another option, without disturbing the autofocus operation (something the XF60 is notorious for). I am sure a <strong>standard</strong> cylindrical hood would work too, I just never got one of those in 39mm thread (yet).</p> <h2 align="left">The ‘convenience’ zooms – 18-55mm, 18-135mm & 55-200mm</h2> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuNvw9KP3-q7VymA-AsJOWOcVx7PAIjcH746fEqvhaQO45_9BHGtCm43XRDzUDfjhMgiqIO4cxq7nZqsB7xjOFcG1mlnN1PxINYBteujE_pWRu21UlDHwVE7VkSu-xPNKhOTlhl5KvuRs/s1600-h/shades_zooms_1024%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="shades_zooms_1024" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="shades_zooms_1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddTWZUHzxt3CNvOSTmhow6nPEKQgCSJGgWWOodRxCvGfgKE_w0VLhfbxtkN-LUnBNDD1BX1M9nbLc0XFytCNQjr4lXr0dLb6j4HGZlirJMrXqoWQboEq3roQ-sHJBv8Yxy_sXdLa7yCtn/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="390"></a><br>It’s a bit of a stretch to strive for a classic look with <em>zoom</em> lenses, but al least the XF18-55 is compact enough to pass for a longer prime – as long as you drop the default petal shade. And although my primes see ‘action’ more often, I do use my lighter zooms in similar situations, where a screw-on lens hood will stay on solidly and provide better physical protection.</p> <p align="left">My choices went towards a <strong>vented</strong> hood for the XF18-55 and XF-18-135 (58mm and 67mm threads respectively), and for a <strong>tele</strong> cylindrical one on the XF55-200 (62mm thread). Again, the resulting combination is more compact than with the Fujifilm hoods.</p> <h2 align="left">The ‘serious’ zooms – XF10-24, XF16-55 & XF50-140</h2> <p align="left">These excellent lenses come with a heft that in no way you can ‘camouflage’ as a prime… <br>Also, in my case, those are the optics I go to for ‘serious’, more deliberate, top quality work. So here I prefer to stick with the original Fujifilm lens hoods, that provide good shielding against stray light across the zoom range, and – when mounted in reverse – take up little extra space in the bag.</p> <p align="left">Anyway, I doubt that the XF10-24 would stay free of corner vignetting even with a wide model hood, looking at the minimum depth of the original shade. So I did not even order an alternative in 72mm thread (yet). Same for the XF16-55, where in addition a wide hood would considerably add to the already significant 77mm front diameter. </p> <p align="left">The only exception: the XF50-140. Here, a <strong>tele</strong> cylindrical hood (72mm thread) works just fine and – as with the 56 and 90 siblings – delivers that sleek and slim appearance.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLC1cZZyitMR-8GdFDbwWl4Iz1HtuFQVXE-DUQBtQ1-3D2cMQHlOJyB1OEGrUPHH2CKccVmwtrhulF5hXZ7pZp5yAq95qEXGhlQAjUmkPucblnPJrwtHs94obJ2wiah6GcQZDpiGxW_38X/s1600-h/shades_50-140_1024%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="shades_50-140_1024" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="shades_50-140_1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIg1YI4lMBu0ycNNCXFlcqxD8cmCEfLrvCO8Y-qsCIbSFmIGdCssaJFwfC_apO_SD3-qj2fhoOvl7IYVhFSK5jI0MXxW0J_LnAUeAQ-ZvPcjNz8qKMiAyLZEyyJxOIuu_PgtmC-H8PSrQ/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="423"></a></p> <h2 align="left">Time for a little recap</h2> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWg-jbMetlbhBlrUc4qORMaZTCzSYYBlUMGOpMQFZEsm_LStyLxLXSKf5YAKvQpEZinjddtpq_BCP_dC483R4N6NFwbW4k0Xlkau3wQrWmD3z3LyezOnp0mxhmAwXtZDfX52iSMLo66vuh/s1600-h/full_family_1024%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="full_family_1024" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="full_family_1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-jZsRS4O_VAYOk3YgZZCBYxReQz4mww3dhh5xmzmBD9fGqolkiAIQQi4_D_DAB71LIkIjjk1otj7WB4dW-CSYpydBmHLizWbkATeBewGt_FL9JqH4g1pymS0HJeC4evQRfzcEoQEgniG/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="294"></a><br>Here’s a quick overview of the models and sizes I am using with each of the XF lenses:</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_35k2CJ7LkTDAhaX2-MiAbRDeMcSMkxUCv7Cp5H52JWJyigb1NFuwbChtviqxJf3tGY0SIDz4Z61dnloZhLmnmJoiDGocHvj3jmQYInccgY-Pp-TQRD4roINMXjn6TDYcYK9xtz-5-AeK/s1600-h/alternative%252520hoods%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="alternative hoods" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="alternative hoods" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRC0KTzhGKCt1dAHq8ehmgicbb9CdYhgL2diKEaHvcRzV806LLOcpgNTkIJ4J4v4HMj4xa-8EG0I5ruWEC749kDhbjS4Za8pRn3Edm2AP_Ks-c_8lydW7PpO_TXZlEvy5Qf22lqDtGETQ/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="491"></a>I have added the appropriate sizes for pinch style lens caps should you want to add these on top of the hoods, for extra (dust) protection.</p> <h2 align="left">Had enough of it? You bet!</h2> <p align="left"><font color="#444444">Hey, guys and girls, don’t take all of this too serious! It’s only lenses and hoods, after all… Looks and style may be pleasant and fuel good discussion (preferably around a table, after a shoot!), but none of that pimping will improve your skills or get you better images.</font></p> <p align="left">So, take away from the above whatever you like, and keep up the good photo fun!</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9t3DDCHy0Jwcr8iwbfylnrqn_NghUkjV6CvaHC4KHk3B0gMasFF32FcMAUpjvBMnqnmWX0rTmo3Xu4crdosZhBMsc7ruGEoXiqyXCgzmwtD2HB29EgXcF5rm-QdrQpodV-fRohi5uoOSc/s1600-h/Lens%252520shades-123w%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Lens shades-123w" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Lens shades-123w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichPcjbO41TrGyj9ljoSyM2wafCE_X8VU-OKHGuUuVEOiFjAdC5f0mDPvPNvlhaCtosNxqMKUXVwz7tDG3gKZzl-0xsb3m0h7BYpAT7kA6yVsjWyuzIBwdJFd_2cRh9vFnFFZBW9PSakAc/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="460"></a></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> Rene Delbarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801589074738767200noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180419015086214260.post-66068278535139942062015-07-28T23:40:00.001+02:002015-07-28T23:40:39.857+02:00Metabones Nikon F to Fuji X adapters – UPDATE<h2>Two years later: where do we stand?</h2><br> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkeVce4A0Q_pdHWSVKiowGxe1yUfuWSJeH5lojKPS9SqWWH_za8MQwINed_NMvNjr8wwQftbel-AxHHOcGb3QqTaEuJK3eYkzBKriCjACDVLkV9l9DHhEh6OLo4jdXMBIac4wFzq1z9IN/s1600-h/Metabones%252520updates%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Metabones updates" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Metabones updates" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZQKE8bB7-3XXmDgjG5zQU9WibPAEeSwiPoLNwupS9Kp5M2Co6S-kwG_GjcMyoWxoWXepAukX7ohSxsqHg3KStmN-qFqerT-Ysg_C-G8q0OH-lbLVdUfAqnYONpRsv4MmuaUdMnzKYBqx/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="267"></a> <p>In August/September 2013, I published an extensive review of the <strong>Metabones</strong> adapters for mounting Nikon F-mount lenses onto Fujifilm X camera bodies, including the <strong>Speed Booster</strong> focal reducer model, as a series of eight blog posts: <ul> <li><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/08/the-fellowship-of-rings.html">Introduction to lens adapters</a> <li><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/08/metabones-nikon-f-to-fuji-x-adapters.html">Metabones Nikon F to Fuji X adapters</a> <li><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/08/metabones-nikon-f-to-fuji-x-adapters_31.html">The Metabones Speed Booster</a> <li><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/09/metabones-nikon-f-to-fuji-x-adapters.html">The Metabones approach to aperture control</a> <li><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/09/metabones-nikon-f-to-fuji-x-adapters_27.html">Speed Booster image sharpness evaluation</a> <li><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/09/metabones-nikon-f-to-fuji-x-adapters_4907.html">More Speed Booster sharpness tests</a> <li><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/09/metabones-nikon-f-to-fuji-x-adapters_28.html">Other Speed Booster image quality tests</a> <li><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/09/metabones-nikon-f-to-fuji-x-adapters_2749.html" target="_blank">Metabones Nikon F to Fuji X adapters – Conclusions</a></li></ul> <p>This July 2015 <strong>update</strong> covers some relevant developments since that time.</p> <h3><font color="#0080c0">Speed Booster ULTRA</font>: improved optical performance</h3> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2T3pva2VA9J29AoMxHCNpVegHdu3tWkGd7BgE_XYiiNirNTHFQhNbz6BJpR7Nn47iy6hXDNPtpBgG6fLAaiaYbVJnfio_etFEUb3ozIzWHzMHaMpbFbzDNc8Q991gkDpU6ErELLZqgBP/s1600-h/SB%252520Ultra%252520NF-X%252520new%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="SB Ultra NF-X new" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="SB Ultra NF-X new" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cMblsvMXw7hBZ60mhpKhDo3AR02mUvBtm9T7ru3044KXyJ_3HRm7t-_Am8zSXzzUk7owsgcn7yCNk4tg6bmsNEjGlDTlDvMS1AzEDt0x9z-FgY4wVc9mAaELNjw8EQdZdr8u9E6KcFft/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="333"></a>In September 2014, Metabones announced an ULTRA version of its APS-C Speed Booster models with a new optical design - 5 elements in 4 groups - incorporating ultra-high index tantalum-based glass to achieve improved corner sharpness, distortion and reduced vignetting. </p> <p>The original Metabones Speed Booster, announced in January 2013, counted 4 elements in 4 groups. Both versions share the same 0.71x magnification, and so reduce the crop factor of Fuji X-mount cameras from 1.5x to 1.07x. </p> <p>The new optical formula significantly improves corner sharpness and reduces vignetting when using lenses with a longer <em>exit pupil distance</em>, such as ultra-high speed (f/1.2 and below) primes and pro-grade f/2.8 zooms. </p> <p>Simply stated, the exit pupil is the virtual image of the aperture stop as seen from behind the lens. The distance between the exit pupil and the sensor plane determines the range of angles of incidence of the light rays hitting the sensor. The closer the exit pupil to the sensor, the higher the angles of incidence at the edges of the field, and the higher the risk for pixel vignetting. Note that exit pupil distance and focal length are completely unrelated: all depends on the specific optical design.</p> <p>Most classic SLR lenses have an exit pupil distance in the 50-90mm range. The original Speed Booster gives excellent results with exit pupil distances up to 100mm. The ULTRA extends the exit pupil range out to about 150mm, and delivers visible improvements from about 90mm onwards. Popular Nikon lenses that will benefit from this include the AI-S 50mm f/1.2, the AF-D 105mm f/2.8 Micro and the ‘holy trinity’ zooms (AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G, AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G and AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR types I & II).</p> <p>Note that my <a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/09/metabones-nikon-f-to-fuji-x-adapters_28.html" target="_blank">earlier tests</a> clearly demonstrated this significant pixel vignetting effect with the AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR (type I).</p> <h3><font color="#0080ff">All N/F-X adapters</font>: improved aperture control mechanism</h3> <p>One review section, <a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/09/metabones-nikon-f-to-fuji-x-adapters.html">The Metabones approach to aperture control</a>, dealt with the operation of the aperture ring available on some adapter models - including the SpeedBooster version - to control the shooting aperture when using G-type lenses (the ones that don't come with their own aperture ring). <p>As noted in the review, the original mechanism does not provide a linear control action: (half) steps on the aperture ring do not correspond to equally spaced changes in the lens aperture. This significantly complicates the process of manually setting a precise aperture value. <p>With the release of the SpeedBooster ULTRA version, Metabones has changed the aperture control mechanism and the control ring marking on both the Speed Booster ULTRA and the ‘glassless’ Nikon-F-to-Fuji-X adapter. The image below shows the original version of the latter at left, and the updated version at right. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Nnx2iJNiuV2W_effxGznTUswhx-8EN3481ldjlIBRuWdh58PsJEEi0y-mX8dyoqFPzHSpZYd_1ghem0fS571NIqtIS0ptPMo1VmcK6Sjp0HOwJK3oMYNV0D33a7h9WLGclYqIR4QlQHU/s1600-h/_XT10794w%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_XT10794w" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="_XT10794w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXPUv_AcaYTXEXK1OH1rMACrsJ8s_BHn1FrivRqfde2bwMK1S5bo-wfRmYWiaXa-tpLnMdZ9GeWtpiI0lGOosvEVT824GcsIoFMWhmpOpjTgEaIotKEMkFVjJRu-VBwTCsr_CgZh8ZpOO/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="300"></a> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">It is immediately clear that the </font></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">aperture scales have changed. For some reason, the lettering moved from ‘F-2-3-4-5-6-7-8’ to ‘F-1-2-3-4-5-6-7’. Perhaps this is an attempt to more clearly indicate the amounts of f-stops down from the fully open aperture position (but, as we will discover, that doesn’t hold…)?</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">The original version has 15 well-defined click stops. The revised version no longer has discrete click stops, no doubt to facilitate the continuous aperture changes desired by videographers. The unit however is shipped with the necessary extra hardware parts to ‘install’ a click system should the user so desire (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0RRj-46tNw" target="_blank">instruction videos</a> are available on YouTube).</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">More importantly, Metabones radically changed the mechanism that drives the aperture control lever at the back of a Nikon F-mount lens. </font></span></span>The original rotating actuator is replaced by a sliding tab, that provides the linear motion AI-S and later Nikon lenses expect: the aperture lever travels the same amount for every f-stop. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HtTkknHi6FrCoIQ-mzt_uEYcnZV6HW7bxi0BUmjuoBmJTx-t-5wm9ejCnvb5363XLZu4pFx2zK58LpL9kkjGoFRlLkPUGNp2ZfbATnu4gDhRQisSMRzkJtyM8-jd1sBCcZV-eEx8nxiw/s1600-h/clip_image001%25255B2%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="clip_image001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="clip_image001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oaawK64wmq6d2UIERcIiOlMCep0Is2Txl6rFtCvMKCCMjgzM69xoLk6AI2tGVpju9X2mS2i9Po4CEX_a75G4gZUsvFyKCp7Kv-6MbJn-_huNVIj52lX11h58kL_bF2Asu9cygEGzaYag/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="249"></a><em><font size="2">old at left, new at right</font></em></p> <p><font size="2">The difference in operation is best shown by this stop-motion animation:</font> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoN9crvwgUmpXjS6-KSOMVQw9OH-sS0w7kB85j9093JB2_apcPWGbMQVLxoz7UwEjbXxjA6a_ZvKVUPr6xAUaKhA9ka0Rq8Hnd10LrSXFLE-rgT-I49AgltaWTWCwuU0XI7QnEE-Dy6IGQ/s1600-h/G-type_animated_2%25255B2%25255D.gif"><img title="G-type_animated_2" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="G-type_animated_2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyemX0g-UUn5eMZ5sxw83cFqtEybJuWIynSz9o3igyEJ05tdtXphMSnwORYI5zw71gxSdVm7cMYYmtIBxd9Ny_39tGMsHr7TBdk6HthK-EpGHnQ2u1WacexXdKo185roYI24rS5k7CeAYH/?imgmax=800" width="322" height="420"></a> <font size="2"><em>old above, new below</em></font> <p><font size="2">I had the opportunity to have a thorough look at the new design, as one of my friends kindly loaned his copy (thanks, Wim!).</font> <p><font size="2">I measured the effect of the adapter’s aperture ring position on the lens aperture using both the old and the new Metabones adapters, using four prime lenses (Nikon 50/1.4, 50/1.8 and 85/1.8 AF-D’s, and my trusted Tamron 90/2.8 macro), with the following result:</font> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrwWRAScViL2HpZMwu6u7kEVXv6z-6ZCVLrds4Qh3jZ_RT03PX60Esr3U5T7tf358Y_x8MZ9b1YVZXZt10iauDr5Qd4wYAovmT4MznwuRNjN8tfTHJo1I3lTXhwwEFjT9H84dU9IUirvD/s1600-h/lens%252520curves%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="lens curves" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="lens curves" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRaxzlKvxyaM54QUeB6vOo_WV8lC4P2Z8Wws31yaQ2uPeP8S9OB21aOHC-HFyjIikvUwxu_gbSSP9S2PlugnQ_b96AdzqF7gNxeNyR3rynhbEQiG9PXXTH-kmkIr13TmxDl32oeUPZeWy/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="317"></a> <p>Note that some of the jitter of the ‘new’ curves may come from the fact that it now is harder to precisely set (or repeat) an aperture value, due to the now click-less control ring. <p>After averaging each set of curves, we find the following: <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFh-G5YVzIUKjtd-SFke25GyfczqkZ5RsI3NvgReWR1vLyA6fugfJ81UaRINjmBJfBLqCdWYr5I320GzCNRsuahQ9yS-_KzweNM9VQgAbGNBSQIBMv_vWbdpSALB-naQGUGuwIWKjzTcsD/s1600-h/ring%252520curve%252520averaged%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="ring curve averaged" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="ring curve averaged" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKk5Zcat5LNxDRDdubSJXbhUETqe995BmNfpRf7rDpe5KCFKKBjPjhjBYiOjAWSbZgn9hm-CfmGFFuCAEFP3sJdO7NSCYKfK66r_JeTmi8hK9zgzw9jLs-I36AKE15uyT-G4aNMD4nJ1e/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="321"></a> <p>It is more than clear that the new aperture control design results in an almost perfectly linear action, with a maximum of about 6 f-stops down from the fully open value (which of course depends on the attached lens). There is still the half-stop ‘loss’ at the beginning of the curve. <p>The linear behavior makes it a lot easier to work with G-type lenses (without aperture ring). Of course, I still prefer shooting with older lenses that have their own aperture ring.<br> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> Rene Delbarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801589074738767200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180419015086214260.post-61007470862109020312013-09-28T13:27:00.001+02:002013-09-29T12:32:43.146+02:00Metabones Nikon F to Fuji X adapters – Conclusions<h2 align="left"><b><i>Three steps to heaven – and a few pitfalls along the way…</i></b></h2> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em></em></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJaDm8iKefjuW7lGWd6uZufglsL69F8OaNpD8jp08cpMYoshOUN3OPHBpOEje8WA32PrXt_R2Ojasjtk09GzVhJ3rDr8790huzP1N7jTRusqxKgZayO84UWwvT_PEjm5sHMBur-lfEmyH/s1600-h/clip_image002%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="clip_image002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="clip_image002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3GTG162Gc9g_YkfWKKD3dnpDUZaaT1REGXvniyetVR8ESA0kJeANODty74wXvnqSKH8rnlugaXzqwDTV5ZgKqlJuHJrzpYCYMVScb7Adg0GGhjB3tuwjbxXp8nlTMsQ6MkBC4FyXLzPk/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="401"></a></p> <p>Over the past few weeks, I took an in-depth look at the various Metabones lens adapters for Nikon lenses, and at their remarkable Speed Booster model in particular. What started as a simple evaluation – do these lens adapters live up to their claims and to my expectations? – ended up with a comprehensive series of test shootings. <p>More details can be found in the following earlier blog posts: <ul> <li><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/08/the-fellowship-of-rings.html" target="_blank">Introduction to lens adapters</a> <li><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/08/metabones-nikon-f-to-fuji-x-adapters.html" target="_blank">Metabones Nikon F to Fuji X adapters</a> <li><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/08/metabones-nikon-f-to-fuji-x-adapters_31.html" target="_blank">The Metabones Speed Booster</a> <li><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/09/metabones-nikon-f-to-fuji-x-adapters.html" target="_blank">The Metabones approach to aperture control</a> <li><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/09/metabones-nikon-f-to-fuji-x-adapters_27.html" target="_blank">Speed Booster image sharpness evaluation</a> <li><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/09/metabones-nikon-f-to-fuji-x-adapters_4907.html" target="_blank">More Speed Booster sharpness tests</a> <li><a href="http://fujixtras.blogspot.be/2013/09/metabones-nikon-f-to-fuji-x-adapters_28.html" target="_blank">Other Speed Booster image quality tests</a></li></ul> <p>My experiments are limited to the combination of Nikon (and a few third-party) F-mount lenses and a Fujifilm X-mount camera. Note however that the Speed Booster optics tested here are identical to the Sony NEX version, as both cameras use APS-C sized sensors. <p> <h3>What did I learn from my test images?</h3> <p>To start, a number of positive conclusions that confirm the manufacturer’s claims:<br><br> <h2>1. Using a full-frame lens on a Fuji X (APS-C) camera, the Metabones Speed Booster nearly restores the “original” field-of-view and depth-of-field experience of working with a full-frame camera</h2> <p>The final overall crop factor is reduced from 1.5x to <b>1.07x </b>(rounded), meaning a 50mm lens on a Speed Booster will deliver the field-of-view equivalent to a 53mm lens. The corresponding shallower depth-of-field and bokeh rendering are available again as well. <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqR4Bgf9oZfbLUwTvdVZLYGw3AP-IP40CCheJN3-7mW_VqXyrSvMdbdXuauf1-oCRJsWUJQP42vjBcA7a8IZtewJMCBOYWFJtUQIBa-UxfzZqjNP3YBApOlBlEqkCNb4hG4yUw6e_i6Ht/s1600-h/_DXE4882K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXE4882K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="_DXE4882K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwjBeuhFFWjW-g_lcaWp8UuuHiVmBF3pIXfnUl03aLHHTEm8JinXdEQI4ED35i2TzXYwQ3PvIMVq0dpyoLDvGMePmE6PiV0FL2aDbZzpvTslo60b_ggjFoQbVxw8LrybxCi7UoKfbnPq8/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><i>X-Pro1 + Speed Booster + AF-S 50mm f/1.4G set to f/1.4<br></i><i><br></i> <h2>2. The Metabones Speed Booster adds one full f-stop in light capturing performance</h2> <p>A 50mm f/1.4 lens becomes a 36mm f/1.0; an 85mm f/1.8 turns into a 60mm f/1.3, a 180mm f/2.8 acts like a 128mm f/2.0… Great news for low-light shooters! <p>A discussed later however, with some lenses the available f-stop range may end up slightly reduced. <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrVMwr2n13P7yoOEF-pQeRXx803_dAt_Zd9RUnG0ATzAnz7cz3WQEuHYCZNwpXcnqri7ksvVaR0fvY5pOSww4SYy8J63R9cVQ-GL8A9t00NaXQGfGsJZJr-yct38xQimxdKofiLRIYHjc/s1600-h/_DXE6620_HDRK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXE6620_HDRK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="_DXE6620_HDRK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJHCX-52i9JMV4S2tlBB_9990v1lRGPUjlvWRQMHqz3PBynkXk_LyWAtdzztT_X2tmlHHY6z02ngr-IliLoHdOGO6dDdNumLZqHDSiQhnfWzYvYQdK-gUKjoHkY2g7FIKrBVFoOevpzQJ/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="600"></a><em>X-Pro1 + Speed Booster + AF-D 20mm f/2.8 set to f/8<br></em><em><br></em> <h2>3. The Metabones Speed Booster delivers excellent image quality</h2> <p>A large selection of lenses likely to be combined with a compact system camera shows a similar to slightly better optical performance in the center of the frame. The corner performance turns out to be similar to slightly lower (especially at wider apertures), and varies more with the specific lens itself. <p>All things considered, I can only conclude and confirm that the Speed Booster does not significantly degrade the performance of the attached lens (as some forum and blog posts sometimes suggest). This holds true for sharpness, vignetting, bokeh rendering, color fringing… <p>The characteristics of the lens attached of course play a big role, and so does its condition when it’s an older, well-used copy. Furthermore, you need to compare apples to apples: it makes little sense to put side-by-side images shot using the full-frame area with others from a crop sensor using only the center area of the lens, or with pictures made on a full-frame camera with its built-in image correction features enabled. <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iQqUjpIYJqWSFDaODWlvi0ETohnNsgC2ViMK95d6k8fGI68MykBveIKRrb8NLRCWq5DliIS_OiFRe6Y-6HGDE4K-LN-eiwey1Y2Cb6uaqyEGKXCRLgc7zSvw22sDQE6-H2DCP7EXHJaL/s1600-h/_DXE4902K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXE4902K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="_DXE4902K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8RtxkubJH6s6Db2ORw2XNUPQYPVTsQ67zFSzdjIlIoYtmAMxbEtDGZsUKuVTH8rNQPTYFOr7U-P_KnlG-7JH-l16TXQZrmrQJKknxkYhPpwzNUPfchvdRyEFzTE885Iy2kyivzUK25iy/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><em>X-Pro1 + Speed Booster + AF-D 180mm f/2.8ED set to f/4</em> <p>There are also a few minor negative remarks, all related to the operation of the aperture control ring shared by the Speed Booster and the Nikon-G-to-Fuji-X adapters:</p> <h2>4. The aperture ring scale is neither linear nor uniform with respect to actual f-stop settings</h2> <p>The Metabones website claims:<i> “Industry's best aperture ring covers an 8-stop range with half-stop markings, clearly indicating actual number of f-stops. No more guesswork!” </i> <p>In reality, you do get 15 clicking positions, but not 15 half f-stop settings as the wording may suggest. The aperture increments are not equally spaced across the available f-stop range of the lens: the step values are bigger at the open aperture end and decrease towards the smaller apertures. <p>You can use my “magic numbers” scale to perform the translation: <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3zPH8FYbAT6gQSyBC6GeQaDEwGQNmLfCk_eR6YZ8hPoGju9fnGBrks3X7pkaGmXw8Gs1xcSmW5GwIT5BM2xamSqEz2sdxyZ49uAHaIyzKpI30jZVQuRwt7_D6sfyQ_Ds4nLX4IILeYY0/s1600-h/adapter_settingK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="adapter_settingK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="adapter_settingK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9F_CxdhwqdsyJPbBJaOjdt99Waog12Ki3DXpWHzbcxWPtV0NgWHJOX-xsxesfL1j05wxmQbrt85-UfHa9sKDfWSk6DIj7em1EKm8hKK6-XaeCPun6VYyxJk4uF70bRRte2slECVP99vgH/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="134"></a> <h2>5. <b>You may not be able to use the full aperture range originally offered by the lens</b></h2> <p>The aperture ring design limits the control span to about 6 f-stops only (starting from fully open). If your lens offers more, the smallest f-stop(s) will no longer be available. <p>In addition, with some lenses (or lens/adapter combinations?) the fully open iris position may not be reached, losing ⅓ to ½ stop at the wide open end. That takes back a little from the one f-stop gain, at least for who is looking to shoot with a minimal DOF. Note that this is often also the case with other adapters equipped with a different form of aperture control mechanism. <p>If – like myself – you mostly have F-mount lenses that do have an aperture ring, you might have preferred a Speed Booster version <i>without </i>aperture control on the adapter… <p>Both “negatives” will likely not have a major impact on real-life use, as the smallest aperture settings are generally avoided, in light of diffraction effects. <h3><br></h3> <h3>Are the Metabones lens adapters worth the investment? </h3> <p>The manufacturing quality of the Metabones adapters is simply best-in-class. Each adapter is precise, well-finished, robust, and a pleasure to operate. The Arca-compatible tripod mount is a nice feature, certainly with heavier or longer lenses. <p>Looking at the Speed Booster, the resulting images come very close to the “experience” obtained with a full-frame camera, and the image quality of the attached lens is largely preserved. The extra f-stop is a welcome addition to that. The Speed Booster helps to fill gaps in Fujifilm’s current XF lens line-up, at least until new lenses are added to the roadmap and become available (and the extra cash is spent). <p>In the end, the added value of a Speed Booster will vary from user to user. How extensive is your Fujifilm XF/XC lens collection, and how wide and fast will you let it grow in the future? How many Nikon F-compatible lenses do you already own, or do you plan to acquire some mint used copies to extend your lens line-up? Questions only you can answer for yourself… <p>The three Metabones lens adapters have found a warm place within my X-camera system. I use them on a regular basis with primes between 17mm and 180mm. The Speed Booster has opened up interesting opportunities, especially with fast lenses in the normal to short-telephoto focal range. Some of that may change when Fujifilm releases new XF lenses – the XF 56mm f/1.2 comes to mind immediately. But I guess all three adapters I acquired – and the Speed Booster in particular – will see plenty of action in the coming months. <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"></font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> Rene Delbarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801589074738767200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180419015086214260.post-65756943386417426692013-09-28T00:47:00.001+02:002013-09-28T12:21:21.088+02:00Metabones Nikon F to Fuji X adapters – part VI<b><i> <h2>Image quality reporting continued</h2></i></b><br> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> <p><b><i></i></b> <h3><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-T9QvLTS-nKSXlobS9EW0CUeXxGv7qLUjZaMpdUH1yLT2tFT9xyUI0Q9cx_VwfWjtLDqWomvhXSHyPGt8F18v_XtfFPNk28nFTcaPc39Uy0XymWkiR-x0ekiKuCK_V0yrMxF2D963MhL/s1600-h/Tests_cover_imageK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Tests_cover_imageK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Tests_cover_imageK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3zlQU-rA5DuqIlG6Vwu_WU5U2o-uW-Eu4FzZbXKjr8M8FGwd-50xKD6kVYubV5WrfO7tpo1z1ACGhFVXT4SdNcn460KfyjVofsDcrYYQCETqNIVHwXvdu7zOZ9vcGan3llH6BiwC9Jui/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></h3> <h3><br></h3> <h3>TEST THREE: vignetting</h3> <p>Does a Speed Booster cause a visible increase in lens vignetting? <p>Most lenses show some noticeable level of vignetting at open and wide apertures. We all know that, and this effect was clearly present in the samples presented before. Furthermore, fast (f/1.4) lenses are known to suffer from vignetting more than others. <p>When (Nikon) lenses are mounted on lens adapters, there is no information about the working aperture passed on electronically to the camera. As a result, there is no in-camera image processing to compensate e.g. for vignetting, nor is any information included in the associated EXIF data to control compensation in post-processing software. In other words: the correction of vignetting, distortion, chromatic aberration and any other undesired effect is fully left with the photographer. <p>Today we all are used to cameras and workflows that silently take care of these matters – directly, or in post. And indeed, so do Fujifilm X-cameras when coupled with XF/XC lenses. So we easily forget that our DSLRs as well include some corrective image processing that we take for granted. <p>A Nikon camera like my D700 has a built-in vignette compensation that impacts the RAW (NEF) files. To make camera-to-camera comparisons a bit fairer, I have disabled this function on my D700 for these vignetting tests. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sxKpHJ3NeTVvG2HR6ZoOnMPdMENhEQyfLftQ_WcP8Esay-4jp8ShjzIPFai3f8Ste3VM-2Waw6On0PLcxrJlX2XMt3dJ0KEaYliGJarpsZQ51QE1Qz2DihyhjAp2sAyLg7SlCWhyAA0o/s1600-h/vignette_compare_D700K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="vignette_compare_D700K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="vignette_compare_D700K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0exkt-VsxOrd1coXwSBaF1Jn5HoG7WLaHzdCeYYucwglW6Z_zeDP-s20pAZ1y7ZMZljnUNRf1MBYxUIzjvoEvX8C-B6kdgFhu35WCrii9BvsBM0DOXXLZ2-IhHyT350miVEB1tL47Gvj/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="399"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGF5NNOeaW2xUZBxH5tnz5v1MZDHjBTxgNhh59U9xdd5N8w7LSrbo3xZ_Wn13it6CMVIJubA7yGpgbDN0T908rlifTm7sAehDeJLBfRgTZvwjOJB0F6S6zfFBXl7IsWAxX_4csVp7eMLw7/s1600-h/vignette_compare_SBK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="vignette_compare_SBK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="vignette_compare_SBK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLS92iqfzbZgxZDkiQyEhgJUBYzgwLC0BdiqajeL-93SeLZ8cvtOgiA5k0Z7G5WLXs4qfzgjz0MYmrr2JMrau_3I85sjEDlK-MLcis-NNzE1oYdW_u4VIOQE1FJ4t52HEqOk51Dji68CiZ/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="399"></a><br>Images from various test series indicate that the level of vignetting with the same lens attached to an X-camera with Speed Booster or used directly on a DSLR (with vignetting control disabled) is very comparable. The composite image below shows the corner shading of the AF-S 50mm f/1.4G at various apertures on both camera configurations, and again illustrates the virtually identical vignetting effect: <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVXaPmpXL5Rl8KrCl0w8wWztZU1UmQXaGBYBWlIqw3LBAXcw8aXOOkxhypXkOczX9TXIwn2WF3mAAFDPPywjAgIMO9-I3Ym3yZpJ2aYNfLKMQFM8hR6IspaHI_kRjtytumdqjug0SF3Wn/s1600-h/50_1.4G_vignetting_compositeK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="50_1.4G_vignetting_compositeK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="50_1.4G_vignetting_compositeK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRV7SmIjPbqxV31TycuCIGPCl9U4B7h9jQNOHKLRGDo8FyXR3PxsBKibhjTwDqQTnSSY4EViwZxbhBLnWpqXWh4OhWXLGlg6F2zlsAB64v1x9j34LNYiU9_VCJFhg2v5oT-zrwqpndCKAS/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="320"></a>We can conclude that – at least with <i>this</i> lens – the Speed Booster does not introduce any significant additional vignetting. That also means that whatever corner shading remains can easily be eliminated (if desired) through normal post-processing actions. <p>In the Speed Booster white paper and in follow-up discussions on forums, Brian Caldwell explains that the corner performance of the Speed Booster depends on the exit pupil distance of the lens. The exit pupil is the virtual image of the iris opening in an optical system as seen from whatever comes behind it. The exit pupil distance is not directly related to the focal length, and – unfortunately – is hardly ever documented within the lens specifications. <p>The optical design of the APS-C Speed Booster (shared by the Fuji X and Sony NEX mount versions) is optimized for lenses with an exit pupil distance in the 50-85mm range. This is perfect for most wide-angle, normal, and some short telephoto SLR lenses. Lenses with exit pupil distances beyond 100-110mm can be expected to show weaker corner performance. Here we can start seeing "hard" vignetting in the extreme corners, especially at small apertures. Longer telephoto lenses usually fall in that category, but there are also some examples at shorter focal lengths. <p>Only one lens in my test set showed a severe problem: the AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR (first generation). The collection of test images below shows dark areas in the corners that do not disappear when closing the aperture, but rather become more sharply delimited. The effect is visible at all focal lengths across the zoom range, and does not seem to vary with the focus distance either. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhDK5FzomwwkOfKvoM644aB5VMasZjYTzVYPxGBlY8LznrEAlTcIeMIhiGvi5iy6geUZDliIdkwozVBvFnQ5CJX1w0lb34ZUge3t0ibQqw8wr-CuMp9gUIssT3vWjLvMgfFJgJWx7QFKY/s1600-h/70-200%252520issue%252520compositeK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="70-200 issue compositeK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="70-200 issue compositeK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeGVbGV1jC7aB-aCkQ8mTzv4To6QlcvHJ61Zmp3z9XgCzLL0MSNIwO48fuDKeVYy9ZRuXju1phcx_mV76ylu_5-w1OHlGq_TDiifgB-XcwEiG2eNcFMVO47j7hm9mK4KxATL_SmGR1Zpe/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br>It is possible that with the 70-200mm something is blocking part of the exit pupil image to properly hit the Speed Booster optics. The rearmost optical element of that lens indeed lies rather deep into the barrel. But no visible corner clipping occurs with the AF-D 180mm f/2.8ED, even though its rearmost element lies even deeper.<br><br> <h3>TEST FOUR: bokeh</h3> <p>One of the more attractive benefits of the Speed Booster is restoring the narrower depth-of-field (DOF) as experienced with full-frame lenses with full-frame sensor cameras, and with that the creation of a pleasing creamy bokeh in the out-of-focus areas. <p>What is the effect of the Speed Booster optics on a given lens’ bokeh? I have evaluated this using another simple but colorful test scene, with plenty of reflective materials. <p>Here are the results (and 100% crops) comparing the bokeh of a number of lenses when used directly on a D700 to the bokeh obtained with an X-Pro1/Speed Booster combo, starting with the AF-D 50mm f/1.4: <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcHbbBZy1oFNK2HY1aj7USLJ1NNCSGhco03qnlj98LlyY0fJpluFj6SMblXZyl2qJ55nkl9CAKu7fktp1oiVSzoTBTc_TNE5tvFo4FLzTd6AkNlwQy_CwY12G8PwWM10wSX4qvgYYNE_t/s1600-h/SB_bokeh_compare_50_1.4D_1.4K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="SB_bokeh_compare_50_1.4D_1.4K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="SB_bokeh_compare_50_1.4D_1.4K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BpztRECsMsVHXfe7MyN14qMWCbgkJtYq36_qD9yZNDdjLW_hYYEqqiiplzPhZMC9qvFAauIeQ3SnuHi4zSXOcGdfdvmp46UuLFok-V4cuSARPthFUE4EItEWMDVgQx8Zpd8S9sEE-xps/?imgmax=800" width="451" height="600"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSi7B7ickThRt5undKgWR8eh53P940DpOGIsHvXsImExYTXf2Pn15qbGnG96qrGlvjf-d1zp3pSM2e99mgvTbdXtGDXkWtKs1NhY9hphc6-uOPe2MwtvzDpkI4sbyIvNUP34Bg_SQLORV9/s1600-h/SB_bokeh_crops_50_1.4D_1.4K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="SB_bokeh_crops_50_1.4D_1.4K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="SB_bokeh_crops_50_1.4D_1.4K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-a-aFwyRKzFANQ7RE9MjULugYw3hr5fsZfKsFlCS5HxRRdG56-DIre_wr0Ok6wo6Y4SUqn3jn1PEPWpf_6q1BBT7QxPrQEkeYKgVn3mlip1VKSL1WURdb9WePfGF_vYgJGkMrAcmtFoE/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkCOQwImpxTACL0eA5VizuvX24DqmK9tTwzZX1EL0vDFff0ci6Qb4JFsIgzGgmyiLBcjAm1NNhqGFf-wA2fLkgbGtJSBUK0tf0DjjfjpA5cJk2Eh09Nl6pLVbODAMTDU-L4jlHXVl1S4F/s1600-h/SB_bokeh_crops_50_1.4D_2.8K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="SB_bokeh_crops_50_1.4D_2.8K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="SB_bokeh_crops_50_1.4D_2.8K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIVNrl5jE-WTDc3llfKCIjAB3oh0wyojjCu5pHj5PjT2glaNdgnDCzjqx_YyA-YsmlV_rnHERuYziLPPs2YhjKxZ1zw1cz9a036_-0f3nHuJLeV7yUGa8xN2EkMWocjHG_zE08WZEuvz2/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>Next, looking at the AF-D 85mm f/1.8:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDScbXHGUL4oWJYoXtu0TuCwiQyJVnKsPIfDXJ3w0Ij129g9307kquVRCYej7BWgTxUsUO-2rcuO7f2WKhs0GlV4-iNo1ZBDClbApnwbnhyphenhyphenI_AhPmneudEel1URlursx_qFrSSIAUNg7tm/s1600-h/SB_bokeh_compare_85_1.8D_1.8K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="SB_bokeh_compare_85_1.8D_1.8K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="SB_bokeh_compare_85_1.8D_1.8K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTbc5z6RyId1Wo4k3EiXFYWhWLeLT1x1E8kglCEjdyvozyPigRfEjwJZaV_TaQ9IHnVTsuElctdxhIhGasGTSAx8flkhcUTsDIAiYSBjPhwKvFYWLjHs6tbkq_CXr0wDWfz-TcFq78BNe/?imgmax=800" width="451" height="600"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0tfPwWfQFTJQWSh6uXIP6Xt-HN18RH0qylLnk33eCdJ90CHMIhtwgpl0H3ysAAiyAcabbKicmHcKUqDGDHMKbxPWXzauaqNlM4So8P8HY-iZNRVKFq8EMPmARs8EfoLFuYmvuCwXaFFJ/s1600-h/SB_bokeh_crops_85_1.8D_1.8K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="SB_bokeh_crops_85_1.8D_1.8K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="SB_bokeh_crops_85_1.8D_1.8K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdd_2aeJ7_qnPlczImT-_xqTjGurtPceBpiJIKM3_UB7L4L8HJKVuT4Fqw8ngN6PsylOIHmg8LIbC1o6Wi4gf1KfOF_Z4PZbbFlDPpjhyphenhyphenpiARbCsmGj0FyJxXqYaxhJsd9c3_WqK8Odi4/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VxunvZRDHrUJ7pr1DZbX_3cYQO_3IvEg07RMKLheQTbIvTOgX-Oj8grWUs23vabc19NAJD9gGqs-raB31SzNhg4w-JZ1Z4D2x5mPBxaj7Pzy_1F9AJlbmDUSJQphkZapu-2tU5naPWoq/s1600-h/SB_bokeh_crops_85_1.8D_4.0K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="SB_bokeh_crops_85_1.8D_4.0K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="SB_bokeh_crops_85_1.8D_4.0K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwzBLkoNTjknJX3w6cWJjA4ji1M6wFGaRF-ZG9kOcHq1pSgnvPxOuZNkvAmMz2BgHsgtYjlYiEdk8q9oNZ0CQMq2shKh-O5lmzUKpidp209YrzR8nnBfHeC6fB763IHaa7KP3m0aihbKt/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></p> <p>And finally the results for a longer telephoto lens, the AF-D 180mm f/2.8ED:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYiPeDZ-sz8t4TYhOetHtGRvyEaUvnIHB_lJBxl2Jk9-rao6PyZwKIq6AYTIDyjwlaWVOPqgUp_2Wo2FOeF3yEfPl4JvSdTYTocOAFvuqbO7NRmCD3DrT0tgOI9KXoNJkovbzWfxkNedi/s1600-h/SB_bokeh_compare_180_2.8D_5.6K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="SB_bokeh_compare_180_2.8D_5.6K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="SB_bokeh_compare_180_2.8D_5.6K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLw3Gh3QejPRmxZ-4qVimI4RaLrneeSxMH5by1zfoRIK-oZfWNMC9m-RhPjpsznpdvbpzp5mk3JyH0NdNzgckVibuQPS0AXAPBqs-dyoZnJR1K6qCu0gVjqudUyRKNnJn2W9SxXGjECpTW/?imgmax=800" width="451" height="600"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4F4uJMkeEA1YrGp0-ZaSN36FJFtBVazdmsnQVhSqDgrcVaoiqZycjHjTq8iEZOFF7qQC4cNPizItY8-syJGs_Ofg_yHBqTiJAIfm2DbO9_m65BdSjzU0X2LoNI5Dy4u8i9PWYZQTvAhJF/s1600-h/SB_bokeh_crops_180_2.8D_2.8K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="SB_bokeh_crops_180_2.8D_2.8K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="SB_bokeh_crops_180_2.8D_2.8K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_IK-vEwxwuOv3C6tcKaRVlrb8oy8NLrcVVTH_QhkZ-AmCkk9jHfl3N4DP_7Y-kUnLoM8SiNiBJxebzspbTEKTx5h3M9_JC4bmLbx2cY-kZa3EVZdL3GRC_Xa28v7BWt3IoogUuX23zyJX/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></p> <p>Conclusion: there is no significant change to the bokeh rendering of (at least these tested) lenses when used with a Speed Booster.<br><br> <h3>TEST FIVE: bokeh fringing</h3> <p>Bokeh fringing is caused by longitudinal chromatic aberrations (non-coinciding focal planes of the various colors) and is a common issue with relatively fast glass. The halos surrounding out-of-focus hard edges have different colors - magenta in front of the focus point and green beyond. <p>To learn more about this type of potential image degradation, I captured images from a SpyderLENSCAL autofocus alignment target for just a few lenses. The camera position was changed for each half image in the pair to have the same area reproduced in the crops. Only the center of the frame was examined. Note the shallower DOF in the Speed Booster images (left parts). <p>The results speak for themselves: no significant (center) quality loss from the Speed Booster. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hv_PxkHUh1IDKJyIIsxlznXqdgpeDDFOMQi0kG-hrt48gZcqp3RHt8RM00q1wYAmTOlX4nyqJTpzNdK_6v-hauLzuxCvYjx6b0T4SL8J0n7H8e3rrE-D0bP9cJdbU9oxtj80hyphenhyphenNoUT1D/s1600-h/finging_50G_cropsK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="finging_50G_cropsK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="finging_50G_cropsK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfHEYhU14rgKx6xR5TSeV-np7LgLQEXikWHt2piPsWA8FMoiyJKustxvJD1LlU6QT9DEQxhtN59g8w8HdOPK8fFUmLtXeyYq-X7W9IMxUUdNSrMU4P1IQmP5jr9oPo45xI2s4XLKoehjf/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7x5pX6n19S4XrFknAQhlGY4XEW9LetH3-qTeB4P_KvFkwKYFwYr_36IOy1gyqGxbX2tf9Df060yWKS64VMYLHuyzMMXqd2d2kOWz0aioY5Tg-LKDi29JHH2NKyZ90Xoj6TowilmUEw1q/s1600-h/finging_85_cropsK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="finging_85_cropsK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="finging_85_cropsK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Sz_2I77XMjhH85NO39jGFeFQAOanTiFhmcO6F9lNVDNrrNBR64cvFpcWUdm6GBO3AyDi9zjiU9K1nv4sa__hkWtUlokehmcmAWXg_hW8_yZa6QD5wc5ejDahCZrJi8VJzzuxgDJBlVHA/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujN83CWGV4G3DYNAA9jHrdywH4FiUQrzHf1ho7-FHIRyW1aOIjbM8MeKo890fYk5t1OWQvvv-H76EQUt9KGzJe5sO2NxrvFiZgc1jfy-NHLEQqW504__EbmlOlnPDu6eXQq9UgZXecsEk/s1600-h/finging_90_cropsK-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="finging_90_cropsK-2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="finging_90_cropsK-2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDjcYP5XXHypji8d6a2alfp_-ACqBCaeLUELXHJB_fj6EnUl7YkSFd8v8rex63WfqvZVQ_ZbyZSIKW5OrmlXrgX3HFyiD6Q_RoMCRKpo4UGpUX73pId57zFGA6BVS6RlAqEgya5x_Uwsu/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br> <h3>TEST SIX: color reproduction</h3> <p>Every optical element we add to the system may alter the color reproduction characteristics of the overall system. I captured an X-Rite ColorChecker Passport target with and without the Speed Booster. White balance was taken from the left image, and the color temperature and tint values were transferred to the right (Speed Booster) image. <p>The Speed Booster introduces a very light orange cast. In Lightroom, it takes just a -50 temperature, -3 tint adjustment to optimally white balance the Speed Booster version. No obstacle in any post-processing workflow! <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30tgDAwp2rcw82bVjh-xaFlQHMWmNyclT3OPfs2fbFgr50iTE-UHnM7oTh-OeImbzN6Okn6aEmw0Wd7KoAwnPas6cgDN3018qRPtblmQb7blsp-qTXZAOSAwgISajVh8w07nacD524wMr/s1600-h/SB_color_differenceK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="SB_color_differenceK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="SB_color_differenceK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinR_bYK-RGLGe4tuc1FMFSz65AXRJVsNt4rVqbPFnnE4Qf2HwVvJ8HeA0bK8A9eBBEu2g-OiI-g0UAl9Xl4t-WA6TLELDiGPK7bJl5TG3DF81lDKNHN6Q5h_vie4qUt8NdVtS3mcBnF8Qn/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="418"></a> <h3> </h3> <h3>TEST SEVEN: infinity focus</h3> <p>It is very important that a lens adapter offers an absolutely correct (and uniform) flange focal distance. If the register distance is too long, it will no longer be possible to focus a lens at infinity. <p>The presence of optical elements in the Speed Booster potentially could further introduce problems. <p>I have not found any issue with any of my 20+ lenses checked. <p>(Note that it is important not to confuse matters here: infinity focus problems mean that you cannot anymore obtain a sharp image from very distant subjects. It does NOT mean that you can simply align the infinity symbol to the focus mark on your lens and count on having a sharp picture. Many lenses – and certainly older ones – may have their true infinity position before or even beyond the infinity mark.) <p>Even if an issue would be found, the Metabones web page describes a procedure to manually adjust infinity focus for a specific lens (risking however to make things worse for most if not all others…): the Speed Booster optics can be moved inside the housing after loosening a locking screw. Only for the brave of heart! <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXD45utUhwO-sUPtGRVYPrBHtXGU54s3NM1GNgRbYahKofq7hqXsG63Gp3M-rlHtvnZdUWh0rjzhIEOXvjnug3kqRxsyGBSZ65X9A5Hf40kKuqQCb4HSEoyYZ1amoJKa3pZQXsnODgh7s/s1600-h/Infinity-01K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Print" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Print" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfXl0foiRQfpZZFaCmDRKXPKj-mk4YAkw0QUvAbDS9gIx8g7557UQkUdY5IPYvYPGP0Co_mIRlgwMaJ-b-bCMp7o7LPy1p5cofUKKsXtij4NBjv00JSDF4YRmd60YBMPm2fDwzSYOdTN6/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="409"></a> <h3> </h3> <h3>NOT TESTED: distortion</h3> <p>In a forum post, Brian Caldwell indicated that the APS-C Speed Booster adds about 1.5% of barrel distortion. That is not a lot, but if the attached lens already has barrel distortion things obviously gets worse (if the lens has pincushion distortion, the Speed Booster may actually correct it). <p>I did not come up with a simple test to verify this statement. <p align="center"><i><strong>NEXT</strong>: The Final Verdict on the Speed Booster</i> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"></font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> Rene Delbarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801589074738767200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180419015086214260.post-65162946706219241742013-09-27T22:04:00.001+02:002013-09-28T01:01:11.286+02:00Metabones Nikon F to Fuji X adapters – part V<h2>Playing like the big boys…</h2><br> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> <h3><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sAHiHaInwXaLNdw8_6BA6ybH5TOkBok3dDxNbA8kV3Qy9cNULQAw6Y99hh_CSFx96WFt7u8k1DY5HTtc6afQ_I1lx0WhjWEFSKMSb07orV24Irz1fNpx5NgjRHR4Yrzqz10OLOZQ6Laj/s1600-h/Tests_cover_imageK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Tests_cover_imageK" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Tests_cover_imageK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinEfQdEkn3cLAYvmZejFOfxfZvGtUFSk-B5eBAWzSvT2rnzgb3yD5_bM3RBPMn1ZfW0_CurOu1kmqPKBQLlQnfmffa9cS7Wz814BoHcWBnJaFtqUdzu35nzuUj_zW_ojXRYCNBiiee_cK/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></h3> <h3> </h3> <h3>TEST TWO: image sharpness – the hard way</h3> <p>“Natural” scenes, like the one in our first test, do not always have very sharp edges or high-contrast areas. That is why professional testers use dedicated high-resolution test targets, such as the widespread ISO 12233 chart. <p>I do not have a full-size “original” for this target, but some wed searching led me to a 18688x1168 pixel file: good enough to make an A4-sized print on photo paper (with my modest HP Photosmart office printer). Obviously a target of this size, resolution and quality will not allow to capture a lens’ true performance “by the numbers”, but it might do a reasonable job when comparing images shot with the Speed Booster, with a regular F- or G-adapter, or with a D700. <p>The (too) small size of my ISO 12233 copy forced me to at very short subject distances, with a narrow DOF, with hard to control parallelism between sensor and target, and suffering from the not-so-flat flat field reproduction by many lenses. Most lenses (unless designed for repro or macro photography) furthermore will not reach their optimal performance at nearby shooting distances. <br>So I limited myself to comparing two local areas, one in the center and one closer to the bottom left corner, as indicated on the target image. I also opted to shoot each lens at one f-stop down from fully open, to reduce some of the effects mentioned. <p>For this test as well the camera was repositioned when changing lens and adapter configurations to keep a more or less equal subject area covered. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdHL5p_Q38a6F4p1nYfw1xn-RzC4PjEtNiDbw-MHL6tdB-QLvvNNwR3jASTv29Aq_sZHGdzlUZBZyWTRLpslKcu3nJguUZaBJYj1WO-9yqs9t2ZnrVwh5eTh8GsFip1-GqSKN4FdHPCLI/s1600-h/ISO_12233_targetK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="ISO_12233_targetK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="ISO_12233_targetK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAvC8JLKUvrF1cXLAw6etz3NXpa_wtrklVUeTfCnQfSY8u-wODkyCXAWWZ8o7Z6OaHEF8hCEvT6S4nWMGI5AnjMlIudw3rKD7SD4vDxu0pW0171U55kXG1RLDrN7RxcEjGI-xZsY3vfVR/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="375"></a> <b><br></b> <h2>Testing the Nikon AF-D 50mm f/1.4</h2><br> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFkYKOi4RnvH3kmhblseybmrRQWx-enncWt2w80kdqVe3-TBPpdTpejOp3nVr-SJIiyZh3V8aK-mrfomyjADYQvO7XT6Tak9MKbyUKSxAUMrdMTiHa0XGZpb4VVf2hnNcdk3ZvGRUG_B7/s1600-h/ISO_50_1.4D_center_v3K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="ISO_50_1.4D_center_v3K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="ISO_50_1.4D_center_v3K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7t0mtlmBnBDQImXiqHt0t-NYeik_Q86XWOtWzg0O-fWXGS802T1bFmqfjTTMgYcQlx_OWPWGkcnqJkjxwScEeKNxiwr3f1DEZPuZ4tBNqFg37bmmetTI7WbhkEILuxckizZ6iFHJfeWw/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjA8wjfSHjg2wnYlYKIM3NOL-8d4V4Qpg-cFfMNOdYhLcLHooXKoyBQJLlblRFz8FQfaQAH0IBzSX-THbiABctSRsxfJJemg6w1uqx-R6BZv3LYtUGMsGnSJfDrQnFQkj4OPTeO7A-L4b/s1600-h/ISO_50_1.4D_corner_v3K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="ISO_50_1.4D_corner_v3K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="ISO_50_1.4D_corner_v3K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmmzVQnyI6xdmv3Qw2TTmi3tHdkSjrjQcdDSi63lXcU8aFd44FNshVFLge0vwX_lb-yOndjXbpK7gAdCpC7twvzeVqgnzhUuBmfLPFuDV2NY5S9HL4x4JSMTWjC16Fb9MwZWJ7OQnVkJ2/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>Not too bad… we surprisingly see an improved performance with Speed Booster also in the corner.<br><b><br></b> <h2><b>Testing the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G</b> </h2> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_JFeCmNKn9AVWvozYUXG8ggK1gf6bBkn8oBPvqFzMcoZ5pXDSmry44JJaBQ9cxcFCNYzykrGZH8uDrMYYIhRB8HocXlGA5WH-xHnH8hXSa1UjmBSAK84nQ-AN1a2J4FWv7sHr730vQpN/s1600-h/ISO_50_1.4G_center_v3K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="ISO_50_1.4G_center_v3K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="ISO_50_1.4G_center_v3K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvDw-1G7SCNd_VZEq0luBpVk4TDB7lgdIXfyGG7m-zREupNAPTjXlt55mPh8Wfjk9s7ij5EXuG1dIQC_TDXzjQdWe3vjSdNmNlYRZ-6Z5BjtOYc-XRtbM53oaGMMRiVpL05zpERQgCJbK/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGcRcvtCtSx05AC0jL2PklZJ-wPO4OnjYuCp3SXe5gXxdf0HwwUEaeObEEfgx4yqfmCMLOKAesY8NukPkrvMyzMOZURNsWoHA-Zp2ujlMy0BfkYaiM08HatUxY5gVWOOwCckcxPz_ESZH/s1600-h/ISO_50_1.4G_corner_v3K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="ISO_50_1.4G_corner_v3K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="ISO_50_1.4G_corner_v3K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcvq2d8lJlOf8pHbBahBUfBIU9dCA9FHXVpnvUB8_D3wyzlW6OsetvkU7eL6uIN-IuIqI2llQjWyuMO_krgINSL_VQGWq6bu8GwDAlHGOPB6VviJEvh9AkWt9jqczdVYz9jXbqmtyMoyu/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>Same finding here: about equal in the center, improvement in the corner. <br><b><br></b> <h2><b>Testing the Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8</b> </h2> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaiqXpO7EEGNmFhYGuwtgo9FWDpiRLDh80HBmuY_dtoa0qDAn9nRkREPk-CMkie2NrF_8hHlI1S9wWTuLL6imaw6giwh2ohMaYq23zfIz39Gx3SA81A2o7t3Kvh79IxAw9Wwa8J7OqXCwX/s1600-h/ISO_50_1.8_centerK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="ISO_50_1.8_centerK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="ISO_50_1.8_centerK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtfWmUXEPaackRvKDS4Jp6hdNIrEbDSbvAsILOPajur29xTeiee9htCSo0ho254nW3bYwWgJ8ZzQDk1uq3iuSK228BAjQuPYVI2EoCHVNGDVoTQIXlnFZyesuizcTXnbli5SaZx0qtQ_L/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXqteIPyAOFBiKcNkbqF5gviae6sYjfhePDRlqq-J6yUAYWSGBRKE_vllXDGk7o1xPXelRRoPQx134j-zt4TzETUxbGSs7mFU_cIiXNiNlETEkrV97Zraj5ze7BI1TDpHOuBoB54yahJR/s1600-h/ISO_50_1.8_cornerK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="ISO_50_1.8_cornerK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="ISO_50_1.8_cornerK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGqGV1_YR5MCTYnz0pKPyh9vWcOmg71SgUQHmYBFvnGll7uJEg39KJ_phxTju1b6GKwnSbNk5buFqb2yLDDQ0ir31rq3_b5J2bmyMrdWtWzu4YkwCieh6mknO22f9vAY78epMs7dhEAiQ/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>I also compared with the image quality when using this lens on a D700:</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xPS4VRGUA5kgJlTVR9LJp53Wz8mGJQre2a4mSBLWzsuIig7XVWdQ7lDjMo6kusKT32mDNjE7WqHT1t6f8pJHiugNGKDQYdl76YsRJ9HK3hiohuHkEjgmJHvKAj-3oqnKSR7kz7tZ29qZ/s1600-h/ISO_50_1.8_vsD700_centerK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="ISO_50_1.8_vsD700_centerK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="ISO_50_1.8_vsD700_centerK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUy5IEiHjFlJ4EERzmxcH47CNEF1xEs7p50XTJeKcaJNXAhINtkv0CI-k3T16YrQQFsG2UQG_38n0JtQwVhs5MFzb6y-V63KvPyzyGNTHXwsykBA0uiwiWjl1nPwJyZGZClewJXxKJA_X/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br> <h2>Testing the Nikon AF-D 85mm f/1.8</h2><br> <h4><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsirbXWkNbNQfmlNUGFETLB2PVHCvBArHt7yVvKFrb8RmTX5tX8yrOZwTaG3dW1fFOIcTZFor4Q5i8hNnOZH8EljO_d-jOAk6WeStBZrE0dpSWYwziWUsMsT2Wjgc5nvSPCVyd31QLBA2/s1600-h/ISO_85_1.8_centerK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="ISO_85_1.8_centerK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="ISO_85_1.8_centerK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9ZI7PkAxHMfrBnZkSh1fmFAx8XrW4ILBxtKLonP7cUqWie_AF6DvC4KGOEGrqnUHmsozYy2UMvO6ye08R6amcYTgGdkgFy7KuYVneLCRCAwsP8rQcKqhhlHbfvWtMHMYRH7T9nf0K2oz/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></h4> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXCOS8enb69atOHeQRxiIZfaYwdl2dzO_c1KEua2yYimY5gav3msvYGJjaXU6DYhQ3j5RRFuX6n26xeE67fbutm_-pTmM-WYPiqF2nEczXpTquEh5LnNKQrJyhJDy6cIYxIBsNVDpyi_j/s1600-h/ISO_85_1.8_cornerK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="ISO_85_1.8_cornerK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="ISO_85_1.8_cornerK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9WsDopJviiKT3Vt2poJkB6lJ8a70Rbpcom0I1dHwLUI5xw_O-YY5ysgkWdzNsK34xo7KPl0MVUqYL71rw4Bq_OHaNCphKd5clPv33xTBIccm5G8butAoQOWklkmekXEjbrMxHk24WeoB/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><b></b> <h2>Testing the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di Macro</h2> <p>I was curious to try my favorite macro lens: I know it has excellent sharpness across the frame at close distances, but it also has a very flat field reproduction. And that shows in these samples: <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PX-hONDCtJUALLDRYO547LhiMmcaJadQkM7Fy-rXtnhAAmkEPTKW2gKflAj_PH8_KpTuiQDyYHD9G6s4uyi0COmSSPwG7arbGaXosps1sgKklzGls89kaXTjM4gMQUIWttC9Gb1RFOsd/s1600-h/ISO_90_2.8_centerK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="ISO_90_2.8_centerK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="ISO_90_2.8_centerK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGunY9vRUHK4AXVUcjAlPL4ga-cCV87ocOlROOZiiNuTDV7UXblqqq7nhw5yPi6Ty-e4P0n3gWa7gR-Q5UDXs_FWiSJHOOzhRNGP8XXs7te_nSKboKnI2-zR2DMDPrUnx_Y5SKrFDyK_t4/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5oavY5-lPNtywfbPk64LG66p2dYLSJp-qIhI6KE0OOAwUMupVVSD-JbcSEVRzK0VlJhqSnJWMMcDDAnR8QVRE5RNpeLqcf6GqhuNvSrBmZWbZbFLdl60MjDtbrwzs6nxz8jtMfwZ-xIo/s1600-h/ISO_90_2.8_cornerK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="ISO_90_2.8_cornerK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="ISO_90_2.8_cornerK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9Ypxs91JRcdJ1K40JkZ9MpYgVlkJjEYguwPMR7tELjS8kfgRe9gDWA0M3I31z9u6-s5SwM-wj0h6zvEein6AOauKCS31hEPWSnv-QwZXOLsGKllALPgCSL8Y7ro71xgXi4Igam3w2B_h/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVO8vBZFwt8HTBeJiBNEsFu2NV_d_c8rXM6Xugh80tur5oqaRjkWpOOZHtpj3itcm2rJvpjofNRFNun7aRZVBtj78spHCoCpZJn5brVkRf9Y8Gt1zm7Z2JbVuDZr1Y12aGaIKPA_4WVZvr/s1600-h/ISO_90_2.8_vsD700_centerK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="ISO_90_2.8_vsD700_centerK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="ISO_90_2.8_vsD700_centerK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IcRXQZbcWrsnsNo1BvZXtyUTdOt4RoKg40hAID9pezyFsI9S8lEhzTkIsq3v47w4Ad-2dyZj8UF6GVtoB7Zq1QiSlYSzLPr6rM03vuOkEoHmt-5dxCq98JSnJFU9jU04zSyBYST25GL7/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9fgtglyCQ0sy8o7f6Kt7TqNH-efutqJeIynvwZ1Cb_v9UjxT_rbktE6swjc0dDGOPTKMpVqdgdqRyiEq0vEG0hd8sXqcXR9BzFpOGh_n1-jCEXyWFKPcddaBfiRQQxwxOJli40SXfqYf/s1600-h/ISO_90_2.8_vsD700_cornerK%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="ISO_90_2.8_vsD700_cornerK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="ISO_90_2.8_vsD700_cornerK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQ55BGnigE5RkVTTvpo769sNHc7Hbj-kLZb2YAagAIOgkEuXiAhmDy_QfoCATf3uogu4Srt_og19CseNYBOZPUu7xGZNnCSg2OD7IHzHMr5CmHWXWDvwbcqxTHUgqGZ_W8thp_k57Aya_/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br> <i><strong>NEXT</strong>: More and different image quality tests</i> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"></font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> Rene Delbarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801589074738767200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180419015086214260.post-42590074970326734562013-09-27T19:31:00.001+02:002013-09-27T22:07:14.442+02:00Metabones Nikon F to Fuji X adapters – part IV<b><i> <h2>Bring on the magnifying glass…</h2></i></b><br> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em><br></p></em></span></span><br> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUt8tYf0miwF9HUgsd98J1rsisg-O0SQvmWc2RiKCWysfu4T-MBp6JjhKQBjiW7C_ejjjEQBYeN7JBPlhZhu0VqcVMFJpEKBu9OJ7760WJw-CrThjvmCvb6vCKl0i7UJsVCJaStKl6T4gX/s1600-h/Tests_cover_imageK%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="Tests_cover_imageK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Tests_cover_imageK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-feSHAJ_RYDSP_iovsPlO2xdOtuTDcZHaqrxLIQqp1-xyxnSAMPz2gZvlxoUWdRWNHTa0zV57Dydut3bc1mdUS7MXkIui_8edMwmk1HE9tWQ0T920kBpehIDwIiYKaLOQybW05Zv5zbn/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>Time to share my findings on optical performance and image quality. <p>I told you before that I am not at all into pixel peeping, but rather want to find out where and how I can make best use of my lens collection. Even so, I slowly slid into the trap of chasing details and worrying about test outcomes that did not always match up well with other results… So here comes a load of test results and sample images, collected during a few weeks of image quality evaluation.</p> <h3>One more time: caveat emptor!</h3> <ul> <li>I am not equipped, qualified nor experienced for in-depth image quality testing. So take my attempts for what they are worth: a good swing at discovering whether the Metabones Speed Booster lives up to its manufacturer’s claims; <li>Lacking the tools and skills for real optical measurements, I focus on comparisons between different camera/lens setups under similar conditions. That means however that each of the alternatives compared may suffer from its own inaccuracies and so lead to conclusions that may be influenced by less-than-ideal test conditions; <li>Everything is based on sample-of-one testing: one camera, one lens adapter, each lens… only.</li></ul> <p>So I urge you to look at my test results <b>NOT</b> as an absolute measurement of the Metabones Speed Booster’s capabilities, but rather as an indication of what it <b>CERTAINLY</b> <b>CAN</b> achieve! <p>I include some information on the test setups and on the processing of the results, so that you can make your own judgment on the outcomes as presented.<br><br> <h3>Common test conditions</h3> <ul> <li>Test scenes were built inside my familiar light tent, with continuous fluorescent bulb lighting providing a (verified) stable light intensity and color temperature over time; <li>“Best efforts” were used to maintain proper alignment between camera and subject; <li>The cameras (X-Pro1, D700, occasionally X-E1) were mounted on a sturdy Manfrotto 190PROB tripod with 3-way head; <li>The X-cameras were triggered by a cable or remote , with additionally a 2 sec self-timer setting; <li>Focus was always done manually at maximum lens/adapter aperture, using the back LCD with 10x magnification; focus peaking was on or off dependent on the subject (whatever felt more reliable); <li>For the D700, Live View was used at maximum magnification, triggering by MC-30 release; <li>Exposure in aperture priority mode, matrix metering with exposure compensation added for an optimal histogram; <li>F-mount lenses were mounted on the X-cameras using either the Speed Booster, or via a Metabones G- or F-adapter (depending on lens type); <li>Aperture setting was done on the lens if an aperture ring was available; with G-lenses I set the aperture via the adapter ring following my “magic number” scale described earlier; <li>Vignette Control set OFF on the D700 (it <i>does</i> affect NEF files!); <li>When a 12Mpix D700 image is compared to a 16Mpix X-Pro1 image, the latter image is scaled down to the smaller pixel dimensions before extracting 100% crops, to keep the represented image areas alike; <li>All images were shot in RAW using AdobeRGB space and a fixed custom white balance setting; <li>Post-processing in Adobe Lightroom 5.2RC using 2012 (Current) process, Adobe Standard profile, all settings on default, no image adjustments other than specifically noted with each test.<br><br></li></ul> <h3>TEST ONE: image sharpness</h3> <p>I assembled a small colorful scene in my familiar light tent. The center resp. (lower right) corner focus areas are indicated by the white center mark symbols. The grey card in the background was used to “equalize” the individual shots with respect to exposure and white balance (the D700 images have a different color rendering, due to in-camera processing or post-processing?). <p>A series of lenses was tested across a range of apertures (typically fully open through f/5.6). The camera was repositioned between shooting with and without the Speed Booster, to obtain a comparable reproduction size (no excessive effort was applied beyond being reasonable...). <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ8lsGiyv1ktdXdyGhMssM9xTSfc6OO8NUAqYQj5UbGfWq0FUqPbxyPX8tXV_R6b5C0iFjMgurL-CikO8gztt8FaGwwv8P8aIp59Ns8b64aPRxfXNJx1Hc4tQt0QEcKHTLDxJg7JzU8hl/s1600-h/_DXP6969HK%25255B4%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXP6969HK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="_DXP6969HK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdptRX06YHpJeaAfIucydZGhvSulhKtCX7BBiWmbGqtZtK8GnYTNHNSjLMV7oHaqN-WV14f61yQDRMLACu5oocGLye3SpsTmZdStJ-wr58fctusCyKVDNHTWrwtp4vAJYbhwzo1tU9CQbZ/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>The size of the scene was relatively small and the shooting distance (with 50mm lens on Speed Booster) around 50cm only. Shallow DOF, imperfect alignment, field curvature etc. all make this test rather difficult to execute well, and thus more subject to human error. <p>Because of the shallow DOF and the possible field curvature, the lenses were focused separately for the center and for the corner targets. Focus was left untouched when changing aperture. In some cases, multiple series were captured to select the images with the best focus. <p>Metabones and Brian Caldwell claim equal to better image sharpness in the center, and a slight degradation in the corners. Roger Cicala’s measurements largely confirm this. Both sources remark that the results may vary with individual lenses. Let’s find out for ourselves.<b><br></b> <h2>Testing the Nikon AF-D 50mm f/1.4</h2> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQK1TDeJB1lFEtRYvaRFpGQgdYkF9kGdx7BDtKn2RqkTdSADa5_MkHEhuhqJOHzYbQytF9lHAqggr_81lYJ28-q-X2nKa8FhATTlp76E96sejUNWWk7TpTk6RrDKlhHOoQpNZw3UanSbu/s1600-h/annotated-29K%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="annotated-29K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="annotated-29K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bGpvsZlW_1afJsBeGJ8_nwuSxOUYHikINesu31dHQrQ7ydhHn3XYIVsXmYZN1h4RJKq31FbdsR2NSMMtCm6cdU8rJx21vA0fNOIDlbruVZWe_akak8r21SFDE9uBjtpcO2EKT95btcC2/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="422"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUSDsa-t6CeNLQIHfD5obR9xgL2E1m_adjJDHf9juFISYkn4gJtBWlZYhJlE0gAVbp_-zNtKZFext1yIsDSizgH_pCSag3gLnC_p8asm4yMusDREWmPHryhl-1MwB-RjWRrDEfY-PCZ1g/s1600-h/annotated-01K%25255B11%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="annotated-01K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="annotated-01K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCz4IsK5lJGts08wJ5x89w3f0WgwzxkZJ42dxuqCELLDvo9Q8nofsVq9r99zdCD4V_-c4fCShbDiYnMyEWGcp_R_Zt1IloqoN1QgO0NUih3Szd2ZXYhWVJExlQfr-3jqoQt0SIIDjHNOcT/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="422"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyy1cbsfiwwKFc5RySSALdgLjpAkkKw9wKbo9DKu9TmJZ25tq5PBGbtFun7lXvW5aHR2rL9PVkOTZV_GtAjNINTL8kHMnVpuF75te4-MVNppicxwWeBfp-Y7Eu-Won2MCAm4rsnMSxicF/s1600-h/annotated-62K%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="annotated-62K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="annotated-62K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARtkZYmE87zha0SNKgviKUF2PLqcmJEUAXrvoRzUUaq8uSjWIn2UIfikYoK7Ddyn1anM1jBVEynu646i2M2n8GlJBnZraEbpJE8OgebJjHm1nVjV888GSqIAB06lQNDbQBENGTxrB-DMq/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="422"></a> <p>It might be more relevant to compare using 100% crops: <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOS3esRpT73LjkANiIlOI0nxxmtG0PuNqJOz5rWaVqEmvs4d4SKAoAxX06yT8tqOAhP60dNVCwS8ySg8Dq5EilfQS4DFR3_NHq1OVXqkI2k-o8ltPpdV6r4aQ0VHKgDtvoBPE5pb0GO9k/s1600-h/scene_v3_crops_50_1.4D_1.4K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_crops_50_1.4D_1.4K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_crops_50_1.4D_1.4K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaRvZmjCqserVaURLV7yq-C4UQoClk5YXJ3n26HHJwOl4GTqRzuqXr2RQ75XCh2FSaTftYwynz3TYKUpFLEDxljVwXh7vHrKCEIR1fChi3cB0t49NP9CkX09xWVxRJJKfkcdUuAgrKeG9/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1_jnXRpUjPzXFxxV-pFm6ezVUi2NArc_QkqewKTx4E3aqJ4IoPWOICuBGTbpHKd9DNXbi6Hn3rG9OV9_l3iHhenlmxaJriFut-n9kNf1w38PsL6DhRGcx-G9B02Z5d5bg2b9hC_D-e1U/s1600-h/scene_v3_vsD700_50_1.4D_1.4K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_vsD700_50_1.4D_1.4K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_vsD700_50_1.4D_1.4K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToby0_E3jueY1ftCnXkKlW8SQyATKUv0Yu7eAP-Qnmi7pCHTLfFDahmRu-5hXtKyb1a0vfVC_TmgoDi6UqI9LiGU1khRPfrYU_WDkYoiuKNay9YZ1Z6SPV36hK4mSgNQNOLtpvAaWn63C/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p><i>(The different size of the 100% crop area is a result from the downscaling of the 16Mpix X-Pro1 image, to end up with the same pixel dimensions as the crop from the 12Mpix D700 image)</i> <p>The result fully open is not worse with the Speed Booster compared to without, and seems slightly worse compared with the D700 shot (manual focus error?). <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaM7HzxerWJaMqS1eoirewWzdWsxdfE0yyYcAapzK-gDP_x6cSBeJ_UKmGWiurPm-1hxaqBpxIJJ9p_lmE-SRZL0lB72TRructrGYn-8zJXVXc1DjVtsZ1VPwuK60UrFXK04SPF4xmTSBp/s1600-h/scene_v3_corners_50_1.4D_1.4K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_corners_50_1.4D_1.4K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_corners_50_1.4D_1.4K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVxdLQAR-ddB_TMc_htE1xqf3wFqIlJCKChQU63rGMTn5hHoTk50nQLjvQkZ4XkjzsnwgBodqfh4bK_8ZJQeFqkI3nFAtp02VmgF1QS-z1t1ThJbU-XMVDeGvisxpEkuXG49_DWOFHHlc/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>Nikon’s 50mm f/1.4 lenses are not exactly known for their corner sharpness wide open; we see the predicted minor degradation when looking at the corner crops, though the result is certainly not bad at all! (remember that a separate series of images was shot, with adjusted focus, for center and for corner sharpness ) <p>The relative differences still hold at f/5.6: <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOD3l32jsl9bzI3JE0gjz3XHk11YlM69jnYCeFvxUSO-Ugl32rS2HeF_xZg0L0qj_UmkWgv3Zo8skPGreJsXlzdbbQGz5crrLyDvaXLvhPMyXOLawe9IzcprK2-CqFytiGHl1kKXUH2e6U/s1600-h/scene_v3_crops_50_1.4D_5.6K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_crops_50_1.4D_5.6K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_crops_50_1.4D_5.6K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wIVpoSUkvHEGzKQlhePLhzp0Y2N-5JO-agM2ktrxwa2lp7opsBKa8wNStdfoPIdeJ9h4Ri4-_u-9bRoSMhzn8HdEXtcXg_NpHzdsexC-Ac7kyEzScEd5uTtev5vvsPyD1-sigrhE1Fmi/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmI3Q9rhxzJWd_DfYXXeZZtHoqKCd-I7Xw2iPf3N3AHoD0Og2v6-MqbMFFkxdVlBMukrPZBoqBwc2kM8uaCbPWUmSRXlUqRH25g5IK28AJH1CW31GbJqADpn46HzkKNHpPjLcRqaHEM0M/s1600-h/scene_v3_corners_50_1.4D_5.6K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_corners_50_1.4D_5.6K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_corners_50_1.4D_5.6K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgysUnDNaNgmwR7yG6y3wEGHSxY2rUKvHcFxopi4rixYmHbapUvOQdw6a4ENL6nZF0RAxk2BTVv4raqf5KKZGmDOuKQevx6Es6_CkwD_WwvKFZ-frejFIugC0-dmCq8nHLsJAcwPWh3p4S/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>Note how using the Speed Booster – as expected! – reduces the DOF. <p><b></b> <h2>Testing the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G</h2> <p>This more recent 50mm lens is generally said to be slightly better than the AF-D 50mm f/1.4 in both center and corners, but still far from perfect. This lens reaches its maximum performance only around f/5.6. <p>For some reason I kept having problems to achieve acceptable focus in the corners, and I did not bother to completely redo the test for that. So center crop comparisons only… <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KUGbmERemC86OYY1rsCCbUA6zd2_cxGKW9Kc2d88cuLrzAWsmr48YmHJOHxQome0ZRhLlEh8ERcbOrv9NroGum091Uq5BgdLIvghdZu819lANGa2yBYS6Ms4LJkrhjlMtpX-U489ic-J/s1600-h/annotated-52K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="annotated-52K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="annotated-52K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Rsfsd0xL-BCupOmWtlBAXheaqOFz8SACMOZSpr9D4p34gzlShvSQvtGGRtZBl25LkANn_N6z3mTxrxKLHG6SI1Q4DYOK8Cpsm7hQAR9uraAddg918Y6_br1DYjQTcnMKzD9a7sIsFxvO/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="422"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vqpTgaN-Noad-5lth40TlWGDCosDU6PRBw-xTWdwWPstPgpP_upMdom2RYixyHHv8GDx5t9cyPYOhHuPOVGIgL4V-0j0fr8IcYAKbofhXJaprx4Y0KGWoNb5HtHGU6kuPAH7ALLjnrX7/s1600-h/annotated-11K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="annotated-11K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="annotated-11K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA51Zbf-dTvtXk-y85JBTLXYUeXswNxOWkGuzEJW4Pdiz5v7RXBCsQDVOwqLAzTkwJ-LDO6b2SCDq6Wsy7WWut6FNeZ1hc6oBko0NgQwzvnZT3a0x0Zop5SuVhcBx2DrfeaVH-MF8HDgwE/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="422"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7phXEia4FrjTYqaPidPzxq50M7ZzKxWmy4Se2uMKa3pi0OT_115fN-94xUgtVe33ey2cGJitJXAflaPXG8rpEJPNVp8Syf9AIi5EcBVIJ99_0hfP7TDyLNgE3IXNjlnr_UW9L1IedIMD0/s1600-h/scene_v3_crops_50_1.4G_1.4K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_crops_50_1.4G_1.4K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_crops_50_1.4G_1.4K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1JRNVpQaKXG6SHJOYmpvxDkG-A1OZXnwCMSveJvR5C1Tt2j_KGhGkW_QRbLv6SstN-jta6hHsbQJDxcs157FvFAy9Lotau27j9DZgyTlVHKbA5xknUtD7Oc6_MUZ8YvWhIMsf87IPhL7/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>Similar observations as before, also at f/5.6: <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOf3_-Twzs55BE_iVXnD1WcFC0NtPRzeGXDVkrBcebpAqE5FFOFaPZIMh6STAMjovdSgfn_4zdhSvcNonx1-ZIHkRA1TTKuxX-GUlEYJmozSJG4cs8eCDXOeAxPnsADCHXO-6EKqngOB0n/s1600-h/scene_v3_crops_50_1.4G_5.6K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_crops_50_1.4G_5.6K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_crops_50_1.4G_5.6K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxlQBumgJQIGb2i0WI8IyNOjfN0ez8gYGAON82QBmxqAQatLA8qSwZF0mrzNMYpcn0j8TTVQ5vi8o1yjJY8GUneJN-pS4G0L2v6gF4Z0KfQ9KbAaohkupB8VMYxJjIn_DIQnTQm5eJDvD/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>Slight advantage to the Speed Booster image for center sharpness.<br> <h2><b><br>Testing the</b> <b>AF 50mm f/1.8</b></h2> <p>A Nikon classic, and usually a solid performer. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JiDqyrjYRfxsdwCI2xc6WAgcpOyKLw6Ec_uEDy613cYwJ2jIAVV6sZz2mouv_7-ZxQSQXx33b-9AC8adbZ_n6EWH7XoC7KLWf1DpyGOFQQMVA003K9RgfCYbDAYvdmgGLIDCWhetXSdm/s1600-h/annotated-34K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="annotated-34K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="annotated-34K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hxOeCxOAmpaAF5NxR3W0lnGStKPMd6yKtLHi9DzXbaeN8Kb4tU3QxhLl2CqdFq4PPjk5axiCtIx2OHDNOn3-U08Gin2G4rmbC120ZeWAFTh9R5LCP1-xFQ1n68OEotyeT5JmaODow-vB/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="422"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKgaE3Iicz6JETG48hDbVMNUv7Lk16zgLEs3VOo68Cl5kGpxLMWsyCNX_netl-I6OqL8KdC0zDg1qeWJ47-kGKZ5Fl2LRelScJe3H4HguISat6XciY1h4mO13LmmIfXgXxjBpwu3ZJ2sE/s1600-h/annotated-06K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="annotated-06K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="annotated-06K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYs-94H3CjyrSugTHAis_x6MTuFktl6badbcJEdXXowjn7kQS5KUosolgvcpYSXIorkeya7utSqqlUlRDUh0-OyUzR9NkwjHTLQhlEq1TkmFiETskhpC6JXCYPVqZH0lYtZ322UsyVPUAj/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="422"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-7vJpAVa6GL6sLuQVsXqkXnWhJ8HSS6A-lCffhJDhFJAbiRE734nINGcUPoTovaFOv-gdsrdwIKBH1uardfV7dV45sbuwD7QZchyphenhyphenGiINO0LyeNenOgCjmi0VFUW9JX1D56pG0oI38yTE/s1600-h/scene_v3_crops_50_1.8_1.8K%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_crops_50_1.8_1.8K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_crops_50_1.8_1.8K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRUoXoYvmhg7RC79wV6YewhNQFonN3yFpy3tgLYmIGp5G2zf_nT8d627_BEgmufKIdVMj99ezPH-aP8jUggyLjLqUraAMBPr9EMA0P3br7etTk63ovR5AhzpW0dQn77K_fuaOYVjLj-9u/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQvETRchF3OWfCufBu_EDKVW94aMwuuF78g5hnvCexhix6lHuFufIbBmRQPQL8j402CaaIq_KXFB4Otx8H7FUIekUo-dvYocyIQqZMQwHn5NykHoYEe9BWo-8xuvXpQsu2T6obRSOyNS5/s1600-h/scene_v3_vsD700_50_1.8_1.8K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_vsD700_50_1.8_1.8K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_vsD700_50_1.8_1.8K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF994fUvuWmm0OqA9T6gcGl0ZG8DTNM9O1IxCB_QmrvvO8jPQlaGWpet9HCEV_h0PZ6WECcotWB4Fz1v_VIkQjs2mWJ1CrrrLQYVfM3eyHFvm6n2dRD9nTt6Vl9jJ8toD45JBy4Qut1SMs/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4QLwV0A3SaigsDVPitwfSvnkTd1OvAc15WzUFAPLBnFTL9SZxrr6wKnQTE5S9S5s4Q7say7EsJ9cJHcosvrpj2rYhZq5NPkevXxk_0eWFfK6X62ws5R1JiD8SQX3kjDz2fjjYZWMNYB_/s1600-h/scene_v3_corners_50_1.8_1.8K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_corners_50_1.8_1.8K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_corners_50_1.8_1.8K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcvXsQ8VCRhDnkuMSxqgcKckVqrVesfcoB2j1HWcV1U7DmVYqEaYS8gm6scYmoIpbMamEMAcI042vBy0-7DUC8p4EXqFCUsfhYBiNpeyzRA9RTuSlZhQQizSDDsasClYnvwqbgsQ3Y0Nr/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>Similar behavior in the center, slight degradation in the corner, almost gone by f/5.6: <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1snBDLv25ncVGY0rwJnEF7q0y6XwTfbZuuDm-9_SXH2Dazicw4SJ4sUMngbKvbTMA6ycTwinnfNScrCUDqOBaJ5l-FF_sr2A0GiABB9scX929Izgk_7Qo5plEaKDqr1YhUsDuTrzB6bI/s1600-h/scene_v3_corners_50_1.8_5.6K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_corners_50_1.8_5.6K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_corners_50_1.8_5.6K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5KWxhhQSP3btqFmbmC6-g0mPbuF4MPbuw5J13Yn-T1QL2EWlP5ipyoEDpEuGQlu7ymaFfsbUxYRpawrxb9WHlWoFLHN26DQRaURsQtbU3iZ3RFww-f65YuPWib6LAnUge5TTPrFtgSFp/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <h2><br>Testing the Nikkor H·C 50mm f/2.0</h2> <p>How will this pre-AI fully manual lens from the early 70s hold its ground with the Speed Booster?</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDX6oaEyQSEVgx6XFAqBa2Uy_zsuEmWMnnDyy70jgtCzaksZ139zwYdUDFyeB0i_V6DslEhEN0YVIVvH5Ro3tvugJCStNx7wQVp5MQOFWWlnt2dRZegAFmXhpQtHsv_dLj4d-oEz0_dI7t/s1600-h/annotated-39K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="annotated-39K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="annotated-39K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsMbtH9jX-XhzyamuhCZtd-cK_SgxMBt4MTNe9Fvo09irVC6YgVxz_Hpndi9EnWsGhGXmleWpHepEWY0jWX_g26NvhOTB2ftXrw8NR7L4qO-bwRrjdRAS0xXzz-PNI32qc26eU7UIjUGJ/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="422"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyok6uAGsR74QPWt63GvhX1x1JpHlk7VfcC4oH-vdEfl2oZgxxT20Rh-tXrtX8ppUJdS2VwrvLkgCy01v6mD50zQgJCLvoDWI4dCAyId0sd63AxFbm3Ej-RE8yvpI2-PvDCW2K9jxMvZfS/s1600-h/annotated-16K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="annotated-16K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="annotated-16K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipx_KT_Ple6XoMU0uMQh4gkWJ9yOI_MHy2jmRRmyXtiY3h6enRVPTh_WMYvZ8iUJOKDSHelfTS78cFH6Mv7-TzLb9Rlly9Ixk4w3WuAU8g6ZpNQb3zZM35nQl8apeO_AF_udUnk-Vfrypk/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="422"></a><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLM_IRB2Ygipw9MIUs1m6BDs5e_x52Mx79TXfcwtM1gZDUZQOCEF2Maz1d-W422w0ZI8b0tY70N13_4r6s2zn8twBs6kQfIbH40tpC5T9zZESrBr_weUOI4g2k55BrP4HgmZPOeI9Xy2ck/s1600-h/scene_v3_crops_50_2.0_2.0K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_crops_50_2.0_2.0K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_crops_50_2.0_2.0K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJJxIauBJ79ZcuArQR_Hi1DqqjIzXs4rV_fFHV0iFpLdCe-5DeAxArtaWXgDD3LMs7ldLrg8j-2GoKkBs_mNb382tyxis3bIQJtba0onUoBeQYf0qci3IiSHyqHTJWYfVKNIBs_A28kum/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8NHh4vG6mHLoUGeC9rvpA6AUpARfR-TVWGCtYJooCsehhFXOvGT5R1om5osU5bl7PWNNXzsJQ13R0Ag77k48jGjRsVpGW5HcyM2z92Ys7Kc_7JS81WrwQEy_Bkg1yPEkIc7gXiIHC-uD/s1600-h/scene_v3_crops_50_2.0_5.6K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_crops_50_2.0_5.6K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_crops_50_2.0_5.6K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUsZKFBBqXwQqgHxRuVlqzq2ByKfhrM7WD9QvcZD4NCXchgvhuTSNYyOZ5bIjRqH2En8KlryjBJ7Xop3BFj6CLHMt6qUa-fg3FUv33MBNPrP0D3TANA2XHvXp6WJWBEm3BTz6_grs4EgV/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></p> <p>Again the same conclusion: slight improvement of the center sharpness with the Speed Booster.<br> <h2><br>Testing the Nikon AF-D 35mm f/2.0</h2> <p>Another classic, in the ‘conventional’ wide angle range.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAoF4hCmVDfY2_Y1qKkuHkBzEoZSgbwQuqdzvegKiiqZBxhUdk03O8ZSYhgxOy-uJ-cnOAEbSbz1ptUMvd1410IyACW-vszFwmz8PSWfOGWewnpW2mIo4QUH5ZvdHr9zNHqNi1jjwbsBQ/s1600-h/annotated-43K%25255B7%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="annotated-43K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="annotated-43K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Vz9Z-pSsv2rjpywFNeh_SCuMLsFJ6zqaq-IjJAkaFKxo0Qcy320Msp_7JZKhYtaddZRaBufFQsRBh24s7agt3mQxUQLtEjVm1BiyFcMmnC81zE95xU0RFNVjPcL_4m-gE8G3P0AdXlmn/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="422"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqaBlwCaBg8jdy8Uyo54EUwdwQ2n93dBvgK2q0zHOtvA5eFwPi5mvafuCHy_X73Q2naVm2BB2HvzRRTDK-_A2Cx6y6QYCcRsWcplX1sAj8EuVASbtnnZgEeqdQ5eT5AnZ8XylzirApQ2e/s1600-h/annotated-20K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="annotated-20K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="annotated-20K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiug4jIxwRDGkfPZui7dLW0vMC35UJ2WZvuJqhs23o8jx_CQFpAbrawTObTGkEFv_xuWokyjKaRKxFNNlo7ofTjmDIlkKGLxLHCEfg_JguxAgozxfAmVk7HI_CgiYgLFzCK2CAXqq00ZJKP/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="422"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyQ65qwkryvtfD5TqvqW32UHr9nwAMDc8XJkoTQJ6fl0VW5mIi2Qa6eFuTP7Y4G1dc0iLsEs9HWf54Vm9_77ygPB1vSGJoADrvRIc8ivcDRaMX5lQo_64F5Hr_PomSEHvxgRH93NMzCLc/s1600-h/scene_v3_crops_35_2.0D_2.0K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_crops_35_2.0D_2.0K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_crops_35_2.0D_2.0K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Xlc5Ft_3v4JiEbhWC3DrSEvWwqR0bjssu80gQgXtNddCb6Xy-hb4JWQUeCgTT3S_X002onqyvieuf6HTtg20UF7eIvRMAPKDxE54E5ruMgVlzwnyEox4ooQ2PGE5xdpVG2K2As0v5UAM/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSpstI1PoUSw-pa8_NnaKQDQhLA64cGbKxBnrQ5mvWN9QUftcoi9Tw-ajTfxFcHkZG3qLnJjnZKLkIZqE2tsg3xfEf9m6L-1oiVuzwpQ58anxIOXrTUd4XjWK8YQUqu11dicyaYT_clKw6/s1600-h/scene_v3_crops_35_2.0D_5.6K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_crops_35_2.0D_5.6K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_crops_35_2.0D_5.6K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9lMTcwrPOyaP4KqkNl1X-ehUSTMOiIaNc3SaYbwSsW6knNDWa8Ui3WMI4a8C_EZIUvM-KrImMBkHsJVIcpKm7dxc5q_PT0dz4962y6K1kDGsllkTUH0QAEQTdRVUlVvtz88HRlhfX44h/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></p> <h2>Testing the Nikon AF-D 85mm f/1.8</h2> <p>One of my favorite AF-D lenses, currently filling a hole in the Fujifilm XF lens line-up. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqODAZot3AUaT0jQ737UHD-2pyuYAilgdZICdraoApV9sLRCnaU3UzJ_N9WM0KuKI9ruRdofhNppUOZKrdhMW4_MiDw3VwYQToe6Bl8ZW3B1N4nhsQ_JxBqE7-WgpkEeuMN23xQGqMIcg/s1600-h/annotated-47K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="annotated-47K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="annotated-47K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH83PXxhElIEqButnHd-czGrPzoAzMmgn6MTRgGsIxfeH8Zzk0sE8mkOlsmsItuTjvsMkHx1kpBhujbbT6HcqaSI6kcqIWNtfGCyiiH8J6Yt35Q_yVYEOOhawOTl0Ta-Is2LPPsXPh2yY/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="422"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCzgNnz_07Ci3c2J-JD1YClgt37s5fEF2_31Ay6MxPN2xFNyS_z9GETAzJaK62-7qRCZO7pyUUS0YrzwOixgzNXeOPdoKFTF1PgFCa7zJByyc5EcgLN7vMjEeQhKFifJlm6LfERrQhTbq/s1600-h/annotated-24K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="annotated-24K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="annotated-24K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DFlZk4RS49UJcsgxq3ZeFITCu85rKM9RLsy9jQKNywfAdEcflyZogCxXJ4g5QymG-yEF-kaQFIK1z0kups8m7WNWhBL2v-m9SHNKlXbfXoRBeGxLHQWt_rDjGttQHwCKIlWTmZ4_EkoF/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="422"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUj8E1qZc0j1cukNaJbZIJofxrDUIldoI4Sz22XaSBBAA5ncJC9FM5T66c32I78SZvZUs_BlvSVCaA4TxfDGy1KDJqawOwsvQYXi3qYmFixtD7QXd4DI7kA_KRQ9U-e9r29YGXK8kLAmca/s1600-h/scene_v3_crops_85_1.8D_1.8K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_crops_85_1.8D_1.8K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_crops_85_1.8D_1.8K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTELluK5Zl50NUUpxIY2E0or8k8CTO2_Q1OOpq1jRkqHNEs8xOBmWdB39yLwCiH9RBgn8UTQP_v49wQM2ayXOUcNz5swchhTNWtCsi9Mpw0tMBfyKFhTBJv97VeNukR77wXV6Up6o3FVx/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJRb9xa7Z8fDThcLWzv-Mz2LbnMte8TEYuCmetFlmIQebcUeiYiA0Y-lEF07EWpNoLCQl1xWDGgLwyTIXKEa8zZa0F7RfiOId8KPG_qQvbIqM_q-bNfVl8o-UEuwzYNQolB1XGjVWIb6g/s1600-h/scene_v3_vsD700_85_1.8D_1.8K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_vsD700_85_1.8D_1.8K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_vsD700_85_1.8D_1.8K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhNXa-CI_pwnXbMZf1k0X4btVk4n_4hZz_s9KseROq6mtV8fr9myKo-oSyPBkIboDt74eEHCoRUEupsjz5wFu6v6VyHv2mP_fVxOoKGlfqqkmZbbTbKUcM3U0DdNxw65H12JwxNT5Ni-0/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyL2PBwco_-qvuxYHNbw1EzzWfTdjCysnN7Sb-p5b0Xy_0HCfRMKbOpgkOSVZukNij-FC2f4s2-qAWmEWcqPvlm9h7U9nQp-tH5IfAzFEmG8sBI7P-81xvsLjixFYdhhOk2RU0NLQjRcd/s1600-h/scene_v3_corners_85_1.8D_1.8K%25255B3%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="scene_v3_corners_85_1.8D_1.8K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="scene_v3_corners_85_1.8D_1.8K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-Np_Jr9wnWQDSAfjz3dm2qNw9AbsA38-Eqw-5BxLhTthjfbhXlqpIAMJgc_80lr41bh5MqF3kXQCgi71tFGo8_aVg_7WMUlwXUFTflmb6iV79kLfRrVDZEQ5eeiguKNdD9uyw60hxlfc/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>The 85/1.8D shows itself as a strong performer fully open, taking good advantage of the Speed Booster in the center, and not losing much in the corner. <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"><i><strong>NEXT</strong>: More grueling image sharpness tests…</i></font></span></span> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"></font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> Rene Delbarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801589074738767200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180419015086214260.post-46445471883952281552013-09-03T17:30:00.001+02:002013-11-11T22:46:37.914+01:00Metabones Nikon F to Fuji X adapters – part III<b><i> <h2>The Metabones approach to aperture control</h2></i></b><br> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em><br>Click on any image or chart to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfJ69YSbCtBh2oSL0kn7Odqv18SySHEzjP17NOhphlLOQa1mjoB8Yd7oBUDe7Bz2hseic9Z1dBSStYhHuAqCSefALQNPxDNaUu6kKDMVCI0_HETF6X6CNHYGUfEUta9Dl9LYlH0brHSC7/s1600-h/_DXE6553K-2%25255B2%25255D.png" target="_blank"><img title="_DXE6553K-2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="_DXE6553K-2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSExJWJIO5bZGMZUVFLcECo43kCed2sYUlfLvu7_p4FUf9gEycuIrfNlCONZkiLSuiREWq5xX2fIrYs5OgpvaKGE_2o2WnS3t-3HpPpr-e2Dh5rQsUwGEAx2BqZJevfITd5N7aYr7zia8/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>Nikon started to introduce G-type lenses in 1996. These lenses come without an aperture ring: they retain the mechanical diaphragm coupling of other Nikkors but the aperture can only be set from the camera body. With the exception of a few early consumer zooms launched between 1996 and 2000, all AF-S lenses are G-lenses, and so are all DX lenses. <p>Fuji X-cameras with the latest firmware can set the aperture of XF and XC lenses from the camera even when such lenses have no aperture ring (today : XF 27mm and XC 16-50mm). This requires an electronic communication between body and lens. <p>With any current lens adapter installed, neither a mechanical nor an electronic communication is possible. So how can we then effectively use a lens without its own aperture ring? <h2><b>A little background on the Nikon F-mount</b> </h2> <p>Since the introduction of the F-mount in 1959, Nikon relies on a mechanical mechanism to control the lens aperture from the camera body. (Almost) every F-mount lens has a spring-loaded aperture lever on its rear bayonet mount, which can be pushed by a <i>linear</i> actuator on the camera, located inside the body mount. The image below shows the back of an AF-S 50mm f/1.4G, and a D700 body. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2561m3QtF7iT3TC_-GE1tlD4gt-8ELWwWbLNMwJC1lQ80X6b6s_kp3I9Qkd0yIo3LNrbEMk2glB4Cw9K2y1KDcaNa8KQj_512kQ-LanZBueOQFD6255fGbQyWL7onOn5ZWd8zs9hih5A-/s1600-h/_DXE6564EK%25255B8%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXE6564EK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="_DXE6564EK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgows6LC4NaL-Ao9WUnM2K5meTWsERFUkGAH89jcLzg-J1yPPXS5cgyaG3nOadn0Fw6vYBU2Jrn9BrseEolXauWxariwou1FXonVbfw-2NTMLhCJP6ke5aLPbrsVy7FBFNh2Qy7OVxEB8EX/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGsVi_3UtNTU_jlHnjyQmwJCRL-QCioN51RJk-dLQXb26Rk1yAArUS8KL_tvX1yOfJz8umOkX7_n_DRKo5_lQ0sAbvQe0oYpJyVfaic0iCy5zisK7yg3u-6KGeRvwIazgr6lJ7X6K169R/s1600-h/_DXE6560EK%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXE6560EK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="_DXE6560EK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_VShasEkvU2Kl2JB7_FkvztOPb7qVnH_S532X9ngHs6IqSeYcJAc91YyoF4XiXYcrwq8Me4BfrSyaRioOlxah_Izz4J4FiUigKyQUxF-qjvJrui9B6sZ3gDq6gw6-rL3PHWXxcKLT1Rj/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>Initially, this system was only used to force the lens iris fully open during viewing and focusing, and to fully release it when making the shot, letting the aperture close to the value set on the lens. <p>Beginning with the AI-S models released from 1982 onwards, Nikon made the lens apertures move in a standardized fashion in relation to their calibrated stop-down levers. Nikon AF cameras could now control the aperture by varying the precise position of the control lever. The correlation between this lever’s position and the opening of the diaphragm needs to be adjusted correctly, as well the correlation between the aperture ring on the lens and the diaphragm. Any slight variation in this internal adjustment will vary the exposures you get with that lens, and some lenses may give slightly different exposures than others. There lies the penalty for Nikon’s long-term compatibility with manual lenses, but the system works surprisingly well considering how little movement there is in the mechanism. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVk2zS0n7NwTbF9VJpPQgkg9Ye25CXhPX7zyPDxZImYAOLTjc8DL6pu6mqZ1DzP4317Kd0BiC0GM87TMi1yhQb0bSAMZARo_ktW-UFjLvhKZeJN8KQt0tz7zHhfJIpXKkH2hTMBW1xA9el/s1600-h/aperture_leverK%25255B9%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="aperture_leverK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="aperture_leverK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi059ynTm5Gg7Usjj-pI9YgV4hyp9fLf5wGMgn0ckeTP3QTHM_hAVxWStA9QGn5b1DfQjacQX3GwClTMCFfepMqeIfN6hrQpCF8Vxq-HLw5MYuLrmsYfXf1TB-fSpkfevHUSRNeO5kcO-bZ/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>It is important to note that the lever position does not correspond to an absolute value for the working aperture: rather, it represents the range from fully open to fully closed iris. F-mount lenses depend on another contraption to “communicate” the maximum f-stop of the lens to the camera: the <i>lens speed indexing post </i>(available on AI and later lenses). <p>Setting a lower-than-minimum aperture value on a lens with an aperture ring limits the range for movement of the control lever, as illustrated here by the minimum and maximum f-stop settings on an AF 50mm f/1.8. To enable camera control over the full exposure range, the aperture on the lens must be set – and locked – at its minimum value. Now you know why AI-S and AF(-D) lenses have that locking switch! <p>On G-lenses the spring-loaded mechanism keeps the iris fully closed unless some other device commands it differently. So without any further help, this lens will always be at its minimum f-stop setting, not very practical… <h2><b>The ‘classic’ lens adapters: keep it simple</b> </h2> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaCMOg1h4u0WqqpVPTUBdrP_l-lGSS3LOO_jysAfvn9NxhABZFraH0sgNTR3YpOKpkga-1CE0Bfaq06krWRhondnDX9-hNVV6Vfb_DpL-nStGuUEZnWv5sDCGc0oNBM8HqcfAZC5dPoq-/s1600-h/_DSF5727HK%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DSF5727HK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="_DSF5727HK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtirzspsLJwt02s5MpSo3uCvnm9x3Ocgs-o35O5O7eWNYf_KNufXjqgXyM1kM9SvnF3fLS9ld0nSwwuNla8hBRg72SjEXSTo62l9dRFTj0uvZ4L95Y5jNoqrB81YUESLTdWvJ6NOmRPdL/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>Well-established suppliers like Kipon and Novoflex offer adapters for Nikon G-lenses that come equipped with an aperture control ring. The range of control however is limited: each of the two models I have allows the ring to move between ‘fully open’ and ‘fully closed’ over only 30 degrees… The Kipon NIK G-FX does not provide any indication at all (even not which side is ‘open’ or ‘closed’). The Novoflex FUX/NIK has a symbol at each end but no intermediate markings. That means that there is very little precision and repeatability of the settings, other than at the extremes. <p>The recommended way to work with G-lenses on these adapters is to have the camera in aperture priority mode, first set the control ring to fully open, and then observe the exposure time increase as you ‘close’ the control ring, until the desired corresponding amount of f-stops have passed (starting fully closed and then opening up the aperture is another possibility, of course). <p>The same adapters can also be used with F-mount lenses that do have an aperture ring. In such case, make sure to move the adapter control ring to its fully closed position (remember how the lever mechanism works!), otherwise your lens aperture setting will have no effect over part of its range. You may even use this particular ‘collusion’ to your advantage, using the adapter’s ring to quickly move between ‘fully open’ (for composing and precise focusing) and the working aperture as set on the lens itself (when taking the shot). <h2><b>The Metabones approach: 8 stops to happiness (or not?)</b> </h2> <p>The designers at Metabones have equipped both the ‘regular’ and the Speed Booster version of their Nikon-G-to-Fuji-X adapters with a much more sophisticated aperture control ring, that according to their product page “<i>covers a 8-stop range with half-stop markings, clearly indicating actual number of f-stops</i>”. Unfortunately, that is not exactly the case, as we will see in a moment… <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61OdBTTxiHakNZCYb0DM6SErD3HRZek5LHf6EJcyBnMsWrIR-JJXgUP2_t2sIh_nirYpRkDKjvvCsCK9PBixptZmjLstAodBLdcyIQJKWuzFOiYKdNjnTONOHIy8JlVAaZQ_YiSZXCeJf/s1600-h/SB_front_backK%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="SB_front_backK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="SB_front_backK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFU7xoV0wxWmxJsPjVMngHk60if2VOaIlTtS4N3pOFGJYtF8CSFw2rnb4KAbvzd9X6bJji6OA08KXEw4SP3crDeoUOkYmc6G0kwKMLuDoD-duNeFlh6T3Ufr9LjEw1vYajc1nFU9yd6KzP/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="269"></a><br>The control ring has 8 positions labeled “F” through “8”, with 7 ‘half’ positions in-between. Each position clicks in firmly, which feels right to a still photographer (those focusing on video might prefer a ‘clickless’ approach, for smoother aperture changes during a sequence). So, we get 13 intermediate settings between “fully open” and “fully closed” in a clear and repeatable way. <p><em><font color="#0000ff"><strong>Update</strong> (December 2013): Metabones currently ships its adapters for Nikon G-lenses by default with a clickless diaphragm ring, ideal for video applications. A few extra hardware parts are coming in the box and two instruction videos were put on YouTube for those who want to convert to a clickable ring, or back.</font></em> <p>The settings are transferred from the aperture ring to the control lever on the lens via an ingenious system, attempting to simulate the linear movement of the camera body actuator described before. <p>Metabones points out that the aperture control ring should be put at the “8” position before mounting a lens onto the adapter, to ensure a proper coupling with the aperture lever. We will always make sure to do so! (Actually, the lens will not fully click into the mount if the ring is left at the “F” setting) <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHs-rhbS57p00oQmKpa73Kxy2cdx_y4YvroBdRvw2iX-nB9o9l6cO9VYq8gDjcQNebzU9WG3xC-8G4XTtifAxLccOLZ7xBoxLU__3oosEIsNskqaCbeBMZtn2cptFaZiCDJ9sSffo16vr2/s1600-h/_DXE5957K%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXE5957K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="_DXE5957K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHvIaalUBxdQiJk6hHxxfAnOCQOLK8Nk2It8QDL7xzgcrb76HrCsio9OHKlov5ypd0ZoTzUkjjXUFVpy_tSSvYQw9gfoJtmrM2hUe3HbjvINI68Oqa8GzC5eIpyCcGN-apjQ2n7CUYvR_/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p><b>Observation 1: the aperture control steps may not be uniform</b> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGe-RIn5MpCEKwS1Ud40Qtw3DAmBzaoMXyukelEcgxyshMX6Tj1Ms1O0S9tgCIG3d9g5QPiK7OpSBr8FjnKpXKQaGBbU9-VRXnb7O0P7Nc9-LpTi4yrADQgvB9S45gFCWXmb56DvRyQjM/s1600-h/aperture_control_compositeK%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="aperture_control_compositeK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="aperture_control_compositeK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktvc2OvVWQrE896J9s-r36j02zGfMEryumxhVHi4StuACS20Lmk0L3hxLzBXKp5RzPZ3Py3LwcRH2BUj71jZJ4FDw7WxHk2gZga9zLKnyB9hOa9AK0GIr7mcvjJmMgkbUY-Phppb4DoU2/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>When we move the control ring, we can already observe that the rotating actuator inside the adapter’s lens mount shows a visibly larger linear displacement from the “F” to the middle “4” position, compared to the displacement from “4” to “F”. It is therefore logical to expect that the steps on the control ring might not translate to uniform and equally spread f-stop changes. <p><b>Observation 2: the aperture control ring may not allow the iris to fully open</b> <p><b></b> <p>On many (but not all) lenses, the aperture control ring cannot be moved completely towards the “F” position: it gets stuck anywhere between the “F” and the first half-step. This is probably a mechanical alignment or tolerance problem, with potentially both lens and adapter contributing. I noticed this behavior first on my Speed Booster, but then also on the G-adapter that came in later. It feels like this effect diminishes as the adapter gets more used. <p>This raises the concern that the Metabones mechanism may prevent a mounted lens from fully reaching its full iris open setting, i.e. from working at its full maximum aperture. <p><b>Observation 3: the aperture control ring may not allow the iris to fully close</b> <p>My very first tests indicated that with many lenses – but again, not with all - there was little or no change to the effective aperture between the “7” and the “8” settings. This suggests that the iris for some reason could not completely close. <p>A quick visual test, mounting a non-G lens with its aperture ring at the minimum aperture (an AF 50mm f/1.8 set at f/22 in our case) first on an F-adapter (no interference with the aperture control lever) and then on a Speed Booster (with its ring set at “8”), confirmed that suspicion: <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_HeYgY6aTpRVhp_4vAvqdmbEunDaFCjG8t-o75WHAun5YDg8sN8DyF7MQbxH28UdE0FPhyphenhyphen_fQeChF7K7Gi_MP3MH7aaA3VXTsmD_7lfSa2eO5gKWHpqL4laB411py3flZviy5pZUWMiq/s1600-h/aperture_compare_compositeK%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="aperture_compare_compositeK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="aperture_compare_compositeK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqBJND4ZJY8ZukX5uARWeAXACQ6L2dUClwYNLbbXmUMzWxhScRXnZaFkq1ruOjablmF7-rwTqslUV8JKevI0TFv6dox7UTYyV8LL-nzCwGZEDMZavkY4BjznYrtbkU82ZRBrjxYmRj_CL/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>In practice, this might be a lesser concern than the one above, as we don’t use that often the smallest apertures on smaller-sensor digital cameras, because of IQ degradation from diffraction. <h2><b>Let’s do some testing now!</b> </h2> <p>Before discussing a number of test procedures and outcomes, there are a few things that should be made very clear: <ul> <li>I am not a qualified, experienced and patient testing expert. As a matter of fact, I am not so much interested in absolute and hard numbers, but much more in developing a feeling about what is reasonable to expect from these and other products: that helps me to decide whether they are practical and meaningful for <b><i>my</i></b> intended applications; <li>My background and professional experience as an engineer make me very much aware of the limitations, pitfalls and inconsistencies in my testing approaches. Therefore I try to mostly make <i>comparisons </i>between two alternative setups or situations, rather than trying to <i>measure </i>things; <li>One of the obvious flaws of my work is that everything is based on a sample of one: one copy of each camera, one copy of each lens adapter, one copy of each lens, etc. Not a very solid base to draw definitive conclusions from, especially since a number of the lenses used show some age. </li></ul> <p>The aperture control tests were done by shooting a 15x20cm Novoflex ZEBRA grey card, placed in a 60x60x60cm light tent, and filling as much of the frame as possible. The scene was illuminated from the top by a fluorescent bulb continuous light source mounted inside a medium-size Chimera softbox. Over the whole test period the light intensity was repeatedly verified to remain at the same level, using a handheld incident light meter. <p>The Fujifilm X-E1 camera was set to aperture priority mode, and to center spot metering (to avoid as much as possible side effects from e.g. lens vignetting). That allowed to record an exposure time with a ⅓ stop tolerance. A custom white balance (around 4100°K) and the same fixed ISO setting were kept constant during each test series. <p>Lenses were carefully mounted on the lens adapter with the latter’s control ring – if present – in the “8” position. <p><b>Test series 1: lens with aperture ring on F-adapter, aperture control from the lens</b> <p>Just to set a baseline, a few non-G lenses were put onto the F-adapter, and the aperture was varied over the whole f-stop range the lens offers. As expected, we find a nice linear relationship in diagram 1 (remember the ⅓ stop tolerance on the measured values). <p align="center"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0xaV05MSj4MKNhNpxzcFBBDiHUSeP4At5RIhrzrjenfg5r_H59wjpsDOsZChEWSmQSJFuU1g6mvWh2ItDkhVR1aFJ3-HjVgkcoRTkRyAYJfLK8XMrvyyBXA23z-96WXKJPOsZtX83XOV/s1600-h/f-stop_FK%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="f-stop_FK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="f-stop_FK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5I8KYX8DIlkJfKAmSeT6HrjVZeMnzXUTsFplVIeT-hwAbX0liNBnwZSYAqIYKHu7DMSJ-LKxTPWQtM9Fo-D9kIQ6nclUAmjE9G-e5OvpbsNVgNhjrtNtxBNzbsTWPHsquKnjyYeCBzKqx/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="577"></a>Diagram 1: F-adapter, aperture setting on lens</i> <p><b>Test series 2: lens with aperture ring on Speed Booster, aperture control from the lens </b> <p>Now we mount a number of non-G lenses on the Speed Booster. The control ring on the adapter is left at the “8” position, (theoretically) allowing full unrestricted movement of the aperture control lever on the lens. Again, the aperture was varied over the whole f-stop range that each lens offers. <p>Diagram 2 indicates that we still obtain a linear curve as expected, but also shows some strange behavior at the end: five of the tested lenses no longer show any change in the exposure times near the very end of the aperture scale (almost fully closed). This most likely is caused by the iris being hindered in some way by the Metabones mechanism, and therefore not able to close completely, as already visually observed before. <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ecGa61UifWd1yWx8HG64ifZQNxuF0nua1nVi2pSycCOeBzpdZo3t508sfCOIxNdQ4gVZL7r5060FdQ_uflNM6SxMj9HCHp_JVWNDEYSYg8QlYaWOme_3O7s8tUExl-8NjimF9oTxG_qd/s1600-h/f-stop_SBK%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="f-stop_SBK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="f-stop_SBK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03Du8TeINOUrJHaFeCRt6egiSfHBq3BnKYR1eZ7XyDQyQy3d81QcSbOhECEDBJRnbjSrnIreBrLaTQGYC3vb68MnQs98AgXM4cBgh7VMPjr0dDYmdtzntG5pqeKDoHTQzPdLxWDGsF7Cp/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="591"></a><i>Diagram 2: Speed Booster, aperture setting on lens<br></i> <p><b>Test series 3: aperture control using the ring on the Speed Booster</b> <p>Next, 16 lenses were mounted on the Speed Booster adapter, and for each lens the variation of exposure time as a function of the control ring position was recorded. Any lens having its own aperture ring was kept at its minimum aperture setting: the control ring on the adapter should thus be the only determining factor in controlling the lens iris. <p>Zoom lenses were tested at three different focal length settings (shortest, intermediate, longest; the graphs only show the curve for the intermediate position). <p>There is no longer an absolute scale to read the actual working f-stop from: the changes in exposure time as a function of the adapter ring’s position are therefore expressed as f-stops down from maximum aperture. <p align="center"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7IEaZxGdEvSZxESurZZ7W9rNytK4fXgfHDuRTA1IucIn6jaOPXWBJe32LBqpdz-U9mQihe4NyWJWGC0b3WHcGIolrlpPUcqtK2NuWJHut3gxT1pfe4F3uI3P0I9_AGWdCrPpH8eV-oLB/s1600-h/lens_response_MSBK%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="lens_response_MSBK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="lens_response_MSBK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNXDJ0YxFt9do7rMpJ5ceBHYzR4ydyMpUDF1gM_Jz3jlhz5ivZnDmOm17xPQdmOx9Rnjnno4jspn42QHj18JZZaI13l_gYXqza_fomE76ZJb8rSprDsDcXjxGCCeMQ9PqcMjmM7o_d4yv/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="369"></a><br>Diagram 3: Speed Booster, aperture control from adapter</i> <p>Diagram 3 gives a lot of information (remember: you can click on any chart to see a larger version): <ul> <li>Most lenses follow a similar curve (certainly when taking the ⅓ stop tolerance into account) that is however far from linear; <li>Four lenses (topmost curves) behave differently: the Nikkor 50mm f/2.0 HC (pre-AI, ca. 1970), a Vivitar Series 1 135mm f/2.3 (pre-AI, ca. 1973), a Super Carenar 200mm f/3.5 (AI, ca.1980) and a Tokina 17mm f/3.5 RMC (AI, ca. 1980?); these are all old copies, and with one exception not Nikon but third-party products; we will from now on exclude these from our “calculations” as they clearly seem not typical for the more recent lens population; <li>Several lenses don’t show much effect when moving from the “F” setting to the first half-step position: this could be a combined effect from a) not being able to move the aperture control ring on the adapter fully to the “F” setting, and b) some non-linear behavior of the transfer mechanism; <li>There still is the lack of change in exposure time when the aperture control ring moves towards the very end of its scale (the “8”position), similar to what we saw before; <li>Although some lenses offer a 7-stop aperture range (e.g. f/1.4 through f/16, of f/2.0 through f/22) we only get a 6 to 6 ½ stops out of the Speed Booster.<b></b> </li></ul> <p><b>Test series 4: aperture control using the ring on the G-adapter</b> <p>I was at first surprised to notice the non-linear behavior as well as the anomalies at the extreme ends of the aperture range, and I suspected an issue with my Speed Booster copy. Then, I found a similar report from another early user on one of the dedicated Fuji X forums. As soon as I received my Metabones G-adapter a few weeks later, I tested a subset of 11 lenses (excluding the four with non-typical behavior, and for some reason overlooking the AF-D 20mm f/2.8) on that adapter. <p>The results are shown in diagram 4: a very similar outcome. So the non-linearity and the anomalies at the extremes of the range are probably not just a one-time hiccup! <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1u8UAgOvQszpYv-9LKDa__Jl5_vUod0JN-wiPcnLv44KSPv5BbWbgv8XSpbGY0wdvia_vzMomIGUgBsJ0y2VbqjRF3zDJnXln4icUo6PEX3-gWD9SNYCSh-nvcsfHtUvwlFErVU56QFag/s1600-h/lens_response_MGK%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="lens_response_MGK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="lens_response_MGK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-F4w1nSfDm2MXmYPcK95GU4fUyjMOZTIct1JnqHC13djdhgO05-xl5p0XGoo9ZASSyX0ng9F4P67WcbWVtCj1G-X4AYtVABuBQfUjrr4mFi8yhHcYdXp3DPbelkUGfo821AmaBs-rCga/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="367"></a><i>Diagram 4: G-adapter, aperture control from adapter</i><strong> </strong> <p><b>Test series 5: how much better are other G-adapters?</b> <p>Late in the process I realized that I actually had never verified what range of apertures you can get from the “simple ring” G-adapters. Therefore I quickly ran two 50mm f/1.4 lenses through the five relevant lens adapters. I did not include the Speed Booster, as its behavior closely matches that of the Metabones G-adapter. Note that on the F-adapters the AF-S 50mm f/1.4G always stays at its f/16 setting, as there is no mechanism present to move the lens aperture control lever. <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjT8XcXPNUn0mlbxoup_MMOluYa-Dh7rAQnhNuN8joiH9Z5Fb-p2LoMolzEYN8-d4P0s9PpqYUmf8h0zkdiHTtL47vI-M_akrCCmq8qk2aThTbuvUJk6pMPS_no5M7Q2aQ0TtOJHx1LFU/s1600-h/aperture_controlK%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="aperture_controlK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="aperture_controlK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKeQO47d_wIbXU1koUVw3udnoPYvakToF3eCIPaSlr36RDffOXM-Qi2qKdK5zl8QrgWaE0mNtFmq0TPIPU0RoRG6UUhTxoo1TjZxLfZmL3hOR_0zmoFFwb4YalaKPrtgAsnNVSutQIZG6/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="201"></a><i>Diagram 5: available f-stop range on various adapters</i> <p>The results in diagram 5 teach us several things: <ul> <li>Only the Kipon F-adapter, the Metabones F-adapter and the Novoflex G-adapter fully support the 7-stop range offered by these two lenses; <li>Both the Metabones G-adapter and the Speed Booster reduce the available f-stop range to 6 stops; <li>The Kipon G-adapter even loses an additional ½ stop! </li></ul> <p>We can only conclude that properly managing Nikon’s aperture control lever setup is rather tricky – but also that it can be supported correctly, as the Novoflex result indicates. <p><b><i>Test series 6: a bit of good news – at last!</i></b> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijx8VId72gJsWGM5wOjKGhKSzhMpEPAMjFld0-z2Srvn_4-ZNDStzjZa6Vu_SqIBfMRK5xwlcTU3RadiqeLDAaoljZbLvdKxsZ7GUIuL65n1if-xqsWgGCQFyMqtGl0G6XQ8yFS3XD86Br/s1600-h/gain_chart_v2K%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="gain_chart_v2K" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="gain_chart_v2K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9yxd8sNh4fBdh9Eq3YDGnkpyrUa4w3qYAqnEDeoNb3VCRG2arqfrmCFajwO_fEdgVaO4T98yiaQoGO-2Kyk_T4QN1uxEn4kU1RugiAJxZsQj_AaG3j2yNK3aZuP5AzJhzSrkax0hvUh-/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="515"></a><i>Diagram 6: f-stop gain with Speed Booster</i> <p>By now we have collected enough measurements to have a look at one of the fundamental questions: does the Speed Booster indeed deliver the claimed 1-stop gain in aperture? <p>Four non-G lenses (one 35mm, two 50mm and one 85mm Nikon) were tested first on the Metabones F-adapter and then on the Speed Booster, across their full aperture range. <p>Diagram 6 is clear: <b><i>the Speed Booster boosts!</i></b> <p>We can see the 1-stop advantage of the Speed Booster. There are a few minor remarks: <ul> <li>The AF-D 50mm f/1.4 is one of those lenses that do not allow the adapter control ring to fully reach its “F” setting: that causes the ca. ⅓ stop drop in performance at f/1.4; <li>All four lenses suffer from not being able to reach their “iris fully closed setting” when mounted on the Speed Booster, hence the flattening at the end of the curves. </li></ul> <h2><b>Aperture control with Metabones lens adapters: the conclusions</b> </h2> <p>If we average the measurements across all lenses and smooth the resulting curve, we get very closely matching relations between adapter aperture ring setting and f-stops down from fully open for both the the Speed Booster and the G-adapter: <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOhVtIVXkE-qxYYn50ZnGf61t0o-GBJly08EoWIYbwXvfGPbwEjKR56IjmbjRQgPuprbz-EhPiNsrYPRENanirDzT4XWvAmqF25h3sPxAgCAGg53HHCXfODwUMpOoo3-lQPUYK-xtp4_9/s1600-h/adapter_ring_average_2_setsK%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="adapter_ring_average_2_setsK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="adapter_ring_average_2_setsK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacDetIDVbSjVNeZc9KgagTp4Uwph6DyisV1XSR_mDNSz4rk-rInPZB3SUNT5sEhU79rq6jQSAlt-s4qCe3-Lq-lk76PInzsyu81lLzlZ494wQYkGIEr434uAtpeAa58dR5LJieUXpU3R1/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="367"></a><i>Diagram 7: Metabones adapter ring control curve</i> <p>From this, we can deduct the series of ‘<b>Seven</b> <b>Magic Numbers’</b>: <p align="center"><font size="3"><b>F </b>–<b> 2 </b>–<b> 2.5 </b>–<b> 3 </b>–<b> 3.5 </b>–<b> 5 </b>–<b> 8</b></font> <p>These are the control ring positions with each time a one f-stop difference between them. <p><b>If you use a G-type lens</b>, the adapter aperture ring is your only way to have control over the shooting aperture. Keeping the Seven Magic Numbers in mind will allow you to quickly reach a specific f-stop value, depending on the maximum opening of the lens used: <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdzQVZ_ow8mwRFIlOc5c1RbgXrBoNoHAbkUMrklbUffACymi_5k1VUUgaWu-EeZSByOg9AAptcRJA_o3x4T60adCOFYZykQS9En7tcdIxzgLspWb1kT0ncSaUgf_K19n8WMK25ALvliBd/s1600-h/adapter_settingK%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="adapter_settingK" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="adapter_settingK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUzXzm7p8hafnYtWOyCoiRspcO-MRnciZ8VNL9QMdjmmIPkNXicF_UQQJGCuGikzMCJIyTYk524SoJOBk9VUeo80_AEUZQiJ07P7EczMl2crDCs-RrFvBMHuTeohYllk6JogxPfL78XWN/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="126"></a><em>Diagram 8: aperture setting cheat sheet</em> <p>You will have to accept the limitation of a six f-stop control range. This situation is not perfect, but definitely workable, and a whole lot more precise and repeatable that using a ’simple’ G-adapter. <p><b>If you use a lens with its own aperture ring</b>, I recommend to leave the ring on the adapter on the “8” position and control the working aperture from the lens. That will give you a linear, well defined and clearly visible indication of the f-stop. You might still take advantage of the ring on the adapter to quickly move between “fully open” (for viewing and focusing) and the shooting aperture as set on the lens (ring back to the “8” position). <p>Leaving (and locking) the lens aperture at its minimum setting will also work, but you will end up with a non-linear and not-so-readable aperture indication. <p>If you set the adapter ring to anything but “8” <b><i>and</i></b><i> </i>set the lens aperture to anything but the smallest f-stop, two mechanical mechanisms will compete to control the aperture lever on the lens. That makes it very hard to keep track of which one will prevail, so not a recommended way of working! <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fZ-6bC8_shh1DsmR4XmNews8bWIEWglKbnytdnwy1WjBOSs_0ZqesR0K9KUsemcprCFMSs03-1fgYbm_fkmx4Fb0CSy-vzR7fEcxjZ7YH6Z9ZqMsD_U75mPBT4IRZ_18bK73SiKBBZyd/s1600-h/aperture_settingK%25255B5%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="aperture_settingK" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="aperture_settingK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsypKOiHCeTl7-FBaxvhG8DXsEtMH_J5mJpBbTUZFi1RYm5GvoWRWsAAeC_GhDQNbAEtRPR5HTtLe5PPFm0oW7Go4Wk1N6CDbZCVgvZYkX7VGM-gBEC7wEbhiygJbXySOhg4hLCRShMjG/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="189"></a> <p>The Metabones aperture control ring approach comes with the likely loss of the smallest aperture (which will exposes very closely to the one f-stop immediately before), and possibly a ⅓ stop loss at the fully open end of the scale (again depending on the lens used). If that is not acceptable, use a non-G type lens and an F-adapter. <p>Too bad Metabones doesn’t offer a Nikon-F-to-Fuji-X Speed Booster variant without control ring, for those – like me – that primarily use non-G lenses… <p align="center"><i><strong>NEXT</strong> (and <strong>FINALLY</strong>!): Speed Booster image quality</i> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"></font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> Rene Delbarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801589074738767200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180419015086214260.post-12427442116887664172013-08-31T01:26:00.001+02:002013-09-03T18:35:32.555+02:00Metabones Nikon F to Fuji X adapters – part II<h2><b><i>The Speed Booster: it’s a kind of magic!</i></b></h2><br> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span><b><i><br></i></b></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmwUsSnqPy1PGEyb3qppIWaWM2E9pP_LgU9mEYLiNtYtkM8Uy3Bp2ExNa9jaLedVhTZuNtV34oc3_sjjdMOGl58tkAzpwLz6kdSPNjR4Iu9a5pY9KoqKG76qq9n3UVY3q8nwMFbt33zio/s1600-h/SB_front_backK.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="SB_front_backK" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="SB_front_backK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHYTipwB3TEGuKrWNk3pKD6uPR_LRZYaP3YCx6UGoglfluZ3WGV3EYpgr-NWVNh-ke6q0Go3mf4HpeRRoUzUTIdVRvH-NciGJ3G-nF3l-usLTDS9JsBt11upfF41qRgBH1xRDj6V_Pa0w/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="269"></a> <p><font size="2">When Metabones originally announced the concept of its <b>Speed Booster</b>, in January 2013, the initial reactions ranged from rather skeptical to overly enthusiastic. Indeed, the claims for this product are all that is need to start us dreaming: a focal length multiplier of 0.71x (nearly eliminating the field-of-view reduction by APS-C crop sensors), a maximum aperture increase by 1 stop, and the promise of increased sharpness and reduced optical aberrations. Sounds too good to be true, isn’t it?</font> <p><font size="2">Yet, all I can say after five weeks of exploration and testing is that so far the Speed Booster has lived up to all my expectations – at least from the optical side. More about that later, when we look at detailed test results.<br></font> <h2><b><font size="2">So what is the Speed Booster?</font></b></h2> <p><font size="2">The Speed Booster is a <b>focal length reducer</b>, something you can think of as the reverse of the well-known 1.4x teleconverter commonly used with long lenses. Such a converter enlarges the image projected by the lens so that it covers a larger area than the film or sensor can capture: the result is a ‘cropped’ image and the reduced <b>field-of-view</b> (FOV) makes the focal length of the lens seem longer. At the same time the incoming light is spread over a larger area, so the amount of light captured by the film or sensor is lower: the effective aperture is reduced. Typically, a 1.4x converter will come with a 1 stop loss of light.</font> <p><font size="2">The Speed Booster too inserts between a lens and a camera body, but its optical elements create the opposite effect: the light from the lens is compressed onto a smaller imaging circle, better adapted to the crop sensor. As a result, the field-of-view is enlarged (countering the effect of the sensor crop factor) and the amount of light illuminating the sensor is increased (resulting in a larger effective aperture). Obviously, this can only work combining a full-frame lens (having a large enough imaging circle to start) with a crop sensor not exceeding the size of the reduced imaging circle.</font> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6ixnwyiwugxSpI49jz9OPvILEHAxrU9JUw5JNI34iQOmWn3E08vMxvhMjxoUHY-GSZJgPbrZt6ju-HptcPBsUoynPhm-h_6wXwB73K5oHQ6c7pvkITG8hbEkF1D41rqLNXTjNJL7ai-a/s1600-h/clip_image004%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XQ8uUlogqbOTtX_IPMXf04syuFMu7-gjdJ4K-cXDArGE65kybQI5X_4InwEq5gOAkU9UMCuwVRPMKHfHvsTIKR8n4-LuCNbMGeZDY6lIgUUKOwS6D_8nD-CS9uAN7rVo2uh4VQ1Sflj4/s1600-h/CSC_vs_SB_v2K-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="CSC_vs_SB_v2K-2" style="float: left; display: inline" alt="CSC_vs_SB_v2K-2" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVQgPOqzOfJKHIRm0DEfSihCu9r1xvw_A-uECG2DKThsNJGYwKOTjs2nDJvtVEhFIE7zL6DeFMpxgwrS0_tTg2A4KDNg5Q1ztXOzSDvFtR27FCSqHXcdJfl3X176AD9gjk4sc3F_tCk1J/?imgmax=800" width="420" height="404"></a></font></a> </p><font size="2"> <p><br> </p> <p>Here we see a full-frame lens mounted on a CSC with an APS-C sensor, via a ‘straight’ adapter. The required focal flange distance is restored. The lens still projects a full-frame image circle, of which the sensor captures only a cropped area.</font> </p><font size="2"> <p><br><br> </p> <p><br><br>The Speed Booster optics reduces the image circle to more closely cover the APS-C sensor, resulting in a field-of-view that matches the full-frame behavior of the lens. All available light now hits the sensor.</font> </p><font size="2"> <p><br> </p> <p>Here’s another way of looking at what’s happening:</font> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytuYHKYfF8xagR3gvah4noqQekmb2Mg3aXKPGdQVNlQGQLUnUUFW4nSrVm8lNM1z2_vCcIOqrbFTH8pqHfoPORfq0svoUOrzlMOWQlq3rGay5DykIRqOf8pe0t4PQByXEwxmMe2b-M8wY/s1600-h/clip_image006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6Kvep56ZlCwOcVBGbafh7iGkPGJHA69Zq_o45ikWbchGA4y_wz-xSLn3ak5DnQw_b48qr43uk9bKnUTffeFPJKmBpYiwcRVe3yZne01MW6dKA5QXW9O5T54W_X6_wM3RUD23oYJDiyBU/s1600-h/image_circle_compareK.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="image_circle_compareK" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="image_circle_compareK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-ztghXJagLg6ZqIt0TgfO7e3RnN-1evhRo0etEMs4DXVTpprobYz32SDHPElMX-xmXlLvkuTngAim3Nv3CMu6KjSSqYFZ3_73VdipdphI3CPqE8Fgk5X1-xwgxc_VJiB0qavCoQRDjK_/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="353"></a></font></a><br><font size="2">At left, the unmodified imaging circle of a full-frame lens: it adequately covers the full-frame sensor area (green rectangle). The Fuji X-cameras with their APS-C sensors capture only a reduced crop area (red rectangle). At right, the situation with a Speed Booster: the original imaging circle is reduced, and no longer covers the full-frame area. Instead, our crop sensor now captures the scene with a field-of-view close to the full-frame rectangle at left. In addition, the image gets brighter as all available light is concentrated on the smaller imaging circle.</font> <p><font size="2">The next two images (shot in my improvised table-top product studio) illustrate the difference in field-of-view. On top in the first image, the scene captured with a ‘regular’ lens adapter; at the bottom the same scene shot from the same position, this time using a Speed Booster. Also note the change in exposure time: the 1-stop gain in effective aperture is real!</font> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT82vPU_eMPZGYxaB26Ip6Uec5H78m7H2j-SCSsiARQ7bGqe6vu8sWoCqZtvT17FeJ6vQsC8P_Fx8I3C58Wg8pTkmwZf724WMVNufgMuwa9J_IGpEoo1-hHJfMMI7gkrD8RfXoeo8jNG2W/s1600-h/clip_image008%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iU9ckbkZ6ZzZCp51FpstVS-1LLFJo7rQ23W2N9jXT_WAd_ddArZC1O04Y4Lgiuzdg4jbYZ4ipJbhKnJdZ5ebFZ2mFzOMysAB2_w3KsapalKm8SxlaBSjjBqSIm9WIRXhlqBX16YU7-p_/s1600-h/SB_frame_compare_50_1.8_1.8K.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="SB_frame_compare_50_1.8_1.8K" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="SB_frame_compare_50_1.8_1.8K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWRo8T6ilrKKTDbIDEENkWO7eQwRhuNiOynrL0MSz1iGMOwN7Yovg8dhU95cTeofrAiHrO1EMAT09I3JAq7yfiKkbGGWNxgyyI53vPLmBqZfMaJgeWKgbpXaERlNN0yje6JmNkD4rr0JA/?imgmax=800" width="450" height="600"></a></a></font></a> <p><font size="2">The second image shows exactly the same top half part, but when using the Speed Booster the camera was moved in closer to obtain more or less the same size for the main subject. The change in vantage point explains the difference in perspective, causing more of the background to be visible.</font> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EgB86npfRzvEZ81OTeNe0bCzoGsd7qgeltPu_pOFxCI3kvhKfSyNDfs6XjQVQNUIx5ARpMkSh56viQo4GHtNjUq0tfL7XI-trdhO6d3gs0-_jR5P_bvzCmyEK9jboo537GP4arXEjxYU/s1600-h/clip_image010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1ckY77x5n5EbRBgZv2tefmRTemiLUnaVTxv83lMrfkbBDNjVEsZ0Cjnsde4GLkUhoAbhU5XttI455TeKLW5KZPQlu7iIQLRO5LRuA5tftk5P69rNjMfV0fRNAJDWSuaJVWhPPkSVUHcv/s1600-h/SB_frame_compare_50_1.8_1.8_recomposedK.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="SB_frame_compare_50_1.8_1.8_recomposedK" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="SB_frame_compare_50_1.8_1.8_recomposedK" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb_aUIE80HmAr4l9lVdvDczWOXZXTGaIShE9VuhkixzPk6cUFHHf0zDdYkkuv8SGG0J7HNrQNw3BmT1Mxsirn0BuH2dItLfIZfa9zoEpp27FN52aMaRvODI2C3fSxJaSUl4fyITT_7RHJ/?imgmax=800" width="450" height="600"></a></a></font></a> <p><i><font size="2">(Note that the darker corners are partly caused by the lighting on my makeshift test setup)<br></font></i> <h2><b><font size="2">Optical design and specifications</font></b></h2> <p><font size="2">The concept of a focal length reducer is not new: the approach is for example commonly used in telescope eyepieces. Some specialized lenses have focal reducers integrated into their optical design. A practical general purpose add-on focal reducer for photographic applications was never realized: one of the bottlenecks was the difficulty to create room for additional lens elements while maintaining the required focal flange distance. It is the difference in register distances between a full-frame (D)SLR lens and a CSC body that created the opportunity to build a Speed Booster.</font> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUi31Q1_Tw4thK2y4oUfIUZgg43er5DG6BLyt1BfbCHyh37W19FvSl0goqzcnMrOA3wHDGbhsqhJLU1vIPdRi6p5oUjJ6KYYH4HnL77zs6P0hGGIiPtJyXkhyphenhyphendDTF5LpU_kZVxHrDUAjY/s1600-h/clip_image012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnrTBx26LG0dOW5k8M-h7oeqoYfA7GsxBxoxyJqoFKVyuapOy1WAdRRErG56ejh9_XaEOEH6Lenqi5RSUUic5HpPUExxYWymN1V_qe4-Cxn2BwMVlHKQAyq_gfJxH73EbJLZtwT8L40p_x/s1600-h/_DXE5949K.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXE5949K" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="_DXE5949K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGpURODRKYHInnEUKvTftg9OZZ21fKQfjjOYyT1To9yvIXuAFyMuqQMUH_aBA48HqUPJPVpRJjJHIpVBJdjnqe6mokq6kp1Mzfgs-UUgTMWidJqb8AX7Lvtnwm0yjOzPdPQsCvOGJbfdp/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></font></a> <p><font size="2">The Speed Booster is designed by Brian Caldwell, a highly respected optical engineer, and Wilfried Bittner, a specialist in opto-mechanics. Both veterans have worked together on numerous product development projects. They jointly filed a US Patent Application (ref. 2013/0064532A1, should you want to read it) and Caldwell’s name proudly figures on the adapter’s barrel, next to a real serial number (as any precision optical device deserves).</font> <p><font size="2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqR7tTpOmhYU02kAE0c_zjzAqrmULY3FBuYeiC2GBH6qjSet_C5zw53C86BlP2u79notCYoHoll-vaoYhYSJgjg4T0UplUI0V1If9PMbt4V4GQtHVT52UYPaxjINSlRpTR07IGFF_ipMm/s1600-h/clip_image014%25255B1%25255D.png" target="_blank"><img title="clip_image014" style="float: left; display: inline" hspace="12" alt="clip_image014" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2KOx4rV9prrPafZTSHk2eXOnZWbtblvE1hmiNJ5P1-u8Yl_WHWoHkZj9m7VAXuiaLX4FMZMQfNLnRNbNrXsd1v-d36JV-cqBCOL6yJrXFFOmq1lCp31qLriUTf_skVFVLn1G1vqMtN6e/?imgmax=800" width="157" height="233"></a><br><br>The two inventors have published a </font><a href="http://www.metabones.com/images/metabones/Speed%20Booster%20White%20Paper.pdf"><font size="2">white paper</font></a><font size="2"> on the Metabones website with details and background on the design. You better have a minimal understanding of optical principles and basic lens design to appreciate it, but if you do the comprehensive document is very convincing. And if you rather have a second opinion from another independent qualified expert, I can recommend the initial </font><a href="http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2013/01/metabones-magic"><font size="2">test report</font></a><font size="2"> published by LensRentals’ Roger Cicala.</font> <p><font size="2"><br>Metabones currently offers two Speed Booster designs: one for APS-C sensors with either Sony NEX or Fuji X mount, and a slightly different one for Micro-Four Thirds.</font> <p><font size="2"><br>These are the specifications for the Nikon-F-to-Fuji X version: </p> <ul> <li></font><font size="2">4 lens elements in 4 groups</font> <li><font size="2">Magnification: 0.71x </font> <li><font size="2">Maximum ‘input’ aperture: f/1.26</font> <li><font size="2">Maximum ‘output’ aperture: f/0.90</font> <li><font size="2">Focal flange distance reduction: 4.16mm</font></li></ul> <p><font size="2">At this moment, there are also Fuji X-mount compatible Speed Booster variants accepting Alpa, Contarex, Contax Yashica and Leica R lenses.</font> <p><font size="2">The presence of additional optical elements causes a slight reduction of the flange focal distance for the lens+adapter combination. The Speed Booster therefore is some 4mm shorter than both the F-adapter and G-adapter.</font> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2m83XqnhyUU4n1T4yTvRc7e15XojG5v_S2f5MNuocoERjx4aCVj5VYR6spEM4yoh_liuUNboYPYjQ6ndXMo4Oockh34kgp9hsMwdsq-bVVqwtvYbfJ969zEHagE5M2vJ0abyFvjq-nZ9w/s1600-h/clip_image016%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhlj7oGrtQ6evvxhXq9gVT04fzqFz2GSBOxOspZGmajF6SqB5ph_GNLvWQt-xryrojpf0F3SqWUUkeWd6hcCY9m58232yQnUlXj5Um81_z_jhbfujSKqdLeRjev7wJrIVoQzt4f3IrQvA/s1600-h/_DXE6341K.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXE6341K" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="_DXE6341K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdrBgxjhRnPJoFhYT8FI2yltK-EoKQNgXdZtgjTail04WnXUIKw5LCU9_sFUAD6dxDrM-m2UYb3BE6SgTiCEB-8LB-Fa9535QTcBtFhhkZvaZfV2-p0aqh_sAWKmw9Lha_yZB1wyPNIFm/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></font></a> <h2><b><font size="2">Lens compatibility</font></b> </h2> <p><font size="2">The Nikon-F-to-Fuji X Speed Booster will accept almost any <b>full-frame (FX)</b> Nikon or F-mount lens, including pre-AI, AI, AI-S, AI(-S) modified, AF, AF-D and AF-S models. G-type lenses are supported as this adapter comes with its own unique aperture control ring.</font> <p><font size="2">The ‘native’ imaging circle for all these lenses covers the 43.3mm diagonal of the full 35mm frame. After the 0.71x size reduction, the resulting 30.7mm circle more than covers the ca. 28mm diagonal of the APS-C sensor.</font> <p><font size="2"><b>DX</b> lenses cannot be used, as in general their reduced imaging circle will fall short of the APS-C sensor requirements and cause heavy vignetting.</font> <p><font size="2">The Metabones website lists two older Nikon lenses as mechanically incompatible. In the case of the AI-S 20mm f/2.8, the reason is a plastic shroud surrounding the rear element that extends some distance and would hit the front element of the Speed Booster (in this specific case, it’s possible to remove the interfering part and keep a working lens).</font> <h2><b><font size="2">Product claims</font></b> </h2> <p><font size="2">Let’s summarize the list of features and benefits that the Speed Booster should (and actually does) deliver:</font> <ul> <li><font size="2">The <strong>effective focal length of the lens is reduced</strong> 0.71x. That means that the field-of-view is now 1.4x wider. Together with the 1.5x crop factor from the APS-C center, the final field-of-view becomes 1.5x0.71=<b>1.065</b> times what you get with the same lens on a full frame camera: almost the same in practice;</font> <li><font size="2">The <strong>effective maximum aperture is extended</strong> by one full stop: you can now use faster shutter speeds, lower ISO settings (and less noise), shoot with shallower depth-of-field or in darker environments;</font> <li><font size="2">All <strong>aberrations of the mounted lens are reduced</strong> in the image compression process; combined with the small aberrations introduced by the adapter optics the final outcome should be an increased optical performance (as indicated by MTF curves) in the center of the image, and a no worse than original performance near the outer edges.</font> <li><font size="2">And what happens to the <b>depth-of-field</b> (DOF)? The short and practical answer to this complex question is that a lens used with a Speed Booster on an APS-C crop camera essentially gives the same depth-of-field effect as if used on a full-frame camera body. That means a <i>shallower</i> DOF than obtained without the Speed Booster.</font> </li></ul> <p><font size="2">It takes an excellent test setup and a lot of expertise to verify these claims by the numbers, something that is well beyond the means and skills of a ‘normal’ photographer. All measurements executed and documented by Caldwell and Cicala indicate that the claims are not idle at all.</font> <h2><b><font size="2">So what do we get out of this?</font></b> </h2> <p><font size="2"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJau4toOFntPqI8X0Pu_fueoLH665m9uuDIaFD6hJXvKp-nf31qV2zPFd03XV0n1Ndd9kk_VwPb5E-iJAJsXr0D-q7NFMzx6_aYQCYitZ-AzAAVasoebzR6M37RkXuaFISOvFVTCRiWq2/s1600-h/_DXP4848K.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXP4848K" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="_DXP4848K" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qZ70w5PmEb6ASIQqwkk5a5nl1ZjU55Y9Tdgy0nWiAnZnf2iiKvAGPGDsJ-mNF3DUIifkGOSY8_T2MuWtnAEl0IxU0yLIUPUBZrW_XSJSkE06MSHvvbMi_Chmda_wmpd034vPyRB2OeH6/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a>A number of my prime lenses take on a totally new personality when used with the Speed Booster:</font> <ul> <li><font size="2">The AF 50mm f/1.8 becomes a compact 36mm f/1.3; </font> <li><font size="2">My AF-D 50mm f/1.4 turns into a 36mm f/1.0!</font> <li><font size="2">An AF-D 85mm f/1.8 becomes a sharp 60mm f/1.3 lens, great for portraits;</font> <li><font size="2">My old Tokina 17mm f/3.5 now works as a 12mm f/2.5;</font> <li><font size="2">My even older Vivitar Series 1 135mm f/2.3 now serves as a 96mm f/1.6;</font> <li><font size="2">The AF-D 180mm f/2.8 lives on as a 128mm f/2.0;</font> </li></ul> <p><font size="2">and so on…</font> <p align="center"><i><font size="2"><strong>NEXT</strong>: controlling the aperture with Speed Booster</font></i> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> Rene Delbarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801589074738767200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180419015086214260.post-26453380894177287582013-08-29T00:27:00.001+02:002013-09-29T11:27:02.264+02:00Metabones Nikon F to Fuji X adapters – part I<h2>The look, the feel, the features and the price</h2><br> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgSpKk4bvYganXiA2V3vZB4DxPFiKxUSgRtAL3pkrsGwV1DHSMWpw7Q7pvsB9Nam9txT8uDK5TV3SantPiMxxgB-GfMiY8-MAtiN7ocUrahRX4GZo9QIKkF77UFax3p5kHcxbri9lBqBu/s1600-h/MB_triow.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="MB_triow" style="float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; margin-right: auto" alt="MB_triow" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqAdHt5BgOTqACz584Dr3tB7zC9OCur95r2j4t_Se3r3QIs8PhfhG-U6IUkMWRDH1ACP_8E5QATXsaWpcpOTvlLWOLJu7upsGroqYUJPMDAi4jdywzrodzBFxFr2mGSxam4V0Q8fZn00p/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="257"></a> <p>The above trio of Metabones lens adapters are the latest additions to my varied set of 9 ways for coupling a Nikon F-mount lens to a Fuji X-Pro1 and X-E1 camera. It started with the ‘regular’ <strong>F-to-X adapter</strong> (shown left) as I very much liked the idea of its compact tripod mount. Then, the remarkable <strong>Speed Booster</strong> (at right) was announced: it incorporates optical components reducing the focal length of the attached lens by 0.71x, and increasing its maximum aperture by one full stop. Obviously, I could not resist finding out for myself whether or not this optical marvel lives up to such bold claims. And finally, just two weeks ago, Metabones announced another purely mechanical <strong>G-to-X adapter</strong> (the middle one) equipped with the same aperture control ring as the Speed Booster, thus making it fit for use with lenses that have no aperture ring (like all AF-S and DX models). <h2>About Metabones</h2> <p><a href="http://www.metabones.com">Metabones</a> is a supplier of high-quality camera adapters and related camera accessories, with a design team based in Japan and Hong Kong, and its own production line in China. All of its products are available directly from the company’s web store (operating out of Hong Kong as Global Boom International Limited), and through selected resellers internationally. <p>Metabones currently makes lens adapters for use with Fuji X, Sony NEX and various Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras, and to a lesser extent for Leica M and S systems. Supported lens mounts include Nikon F, Canon EF, Leica M and R, Alpa, Contarex, Contax G and Contax Yashica. Not all combinations of course all available (or even technically possible). <p><em><strong>DISCLAIMER</strong>: I do not have any business or other relationship with Metabones. I have purchased each of my lens adapters for my own purposes as a ‘regular’ customer at full price.<br></em> <h2>Product distribution and pricing</h2> <p>In or around Belgium (where I live) the availability of distribution of Metabones products from retail channels is very rare to non-existent. A few AV/video specialists carry (or at least list) some models in Sony NEX or Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mounts only – which makes sense from a video perspective. No trace whatsoever of Fuji X-mount versions… <p>I therefore ordered my products on-line from the Metabones site, and had them shipped from Hong Kong by FedEx International Economy. Each time I have been very pleased with the quality of service and speed of delivery (5-8 working days). Obviously, you should expect the usual VAT, import duties and other ‘administrative fees’ added to your bill. I also threw a few follow-up questions by e-mail to Metabones’ after-sales support team, and received prompt answers (though not always the exact information I was looking for). <p>The Metabones adapters are more expensive than the comparable models from Kipon, but the full cost of the G-version is comparable to its less-featured Novoflex counterpart. The Speed Booster, of course, is quite expensive due to its comprehensive optics (and, no doubt, by its small-lot production setup and its unique position in the market). <p>These are the current list prices and my final costs:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI43Plt7nvNJ64xyUkSQmVTqF9NGlizE9iyluJKneBpj8VbgapjRLaRMUggnxMID_e1-dPneZ9zJqy2iHeafqH-zmWDtziPok6BDGpgSkA-ji6v7XgfRdO1ve3oL15Su0dlNWHb5D8LnX3/s1600-h/Metabones_pricing.png" target="_blank"><img title="Metabones_pricing" style="display: inline" alt="Metabones_pricing" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMpyOnqc3zto2Dkcc904e55IGZM8NjIdUnZHyPTF9ahZMthGpVRUZ0Ed8gR7vokek8uu_zgNxSh0QuTVj9fmYQIgLrM7ANcHlW_FUg40abzUBNhDkw-FATY5AW_UXIiBuKWdEoMGNtPkM/?imgmax=800" width="493" height="86"></a><br></p> <h2>Packaging and physical characteristics</h2> <p align="left">Approximate dimensions and weight:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiB1CkUnCKAi-H4PucbcqHqIbtgJCU1hsoPqL6tolFZ8BGCdlcW19CwWSKT9_FvbaLgVGfaDBDbv0CJL1W6SKWmOns_IULUrZudibv3maQhlh6tKFI6ECTnZdyPDpPVyXHs2Hupr9SQiS6/s1600-h/Metabones_dimensions.png" target="_blank"><img title="Metabones_dimensions" style="display: inline" alt="Metabones_dimensions" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGVk06W7lhoZ3mM04WjZVrwEW2JdwhfymX_lU-mXo9ks9IyJgFLe0aM5qMgSIH1dTE4YftNCp8AWCvKOqRjtqeq8WTMPmO8gvWGAsyKb_1OLi6uQplE2WaPK1gYS_7Vt8sGQJDn1bX02e/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="115"></a> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEOPTjQ5ETuosr-e_L-WqL7phzZNcxSbcZFh6r6WK9g7jts7sC7a8Ykbgo_DBqOi1CE16v0GhzDO2mp-pZr1WYkqSmYRWdiRPzrvhHtbXxNTe6uSmUV-bhn-vw5zjzhqS_DqkQXnzeCTI/s1600-h/_DXE6322Ew.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXE6322Ew" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="_DXE6322Ew" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfCB7H49_JGOCNhK0WEUjG30wRiFzYdFSLUL3yIgc8-6MzFt7X5OXVLLsudtKg76I_m-t4f7vDXSqLM0HaAab4-HJPFWZSx-Hy08a8Lo3n3yS0_73gXuTn02pyeNhytowS9CLPtr-lenZ/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br>Metabones clearly believes that more expensive products require bigger boxes. In the case of the Speed Booster, that results in a lot of foam rubber inside (the other two boxes have no padding). None of the products have user instructions or any other documentation included in the box. </p> <p>The Speed Booster comes with a few accessories: <ul> <li>A plastic front (F-mount) and back (X-mount) cap, very useful to protect the optical elements that –especially at the back – come very close to the end of the bayonet; <li>A larger allen hex key to remove the tripod foot, and two small plastic caps to seal the resulting screw holes (we will come back to these later); <li>A smaller allen key fitting the screws on the front and back bayonet rings. </li></ul> <p>I am not aware of any (good) reason why a customer would want to remove the bayonet rings, and my inquiry at after-sales support did not provide an answer either (just a confirmation that this was the intention for supplying the smaller key). <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXRD95jTUJd7pzKFcLjTjdhGJvoK28WvDt-jrfqKMe9DO-O72tDNA0N605VFltiZW2K_lrgIajRsSyuXPlzfU30LT6ur66AW8CbQ8rbjw0HuMEGzwW7P4n7tsB4eJ-Laf7NBmc598DI4j/s1600-h/_DXP4814w.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXP4814w" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="_DXP4814w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUFABkkBoGcz1k6cGZTNC3Aod0Lf1CVJAU8ztlHIhe5r_dw2oeeTdJ9ZqF8cb3NWmNU7wy0j7QiO3C1Xx95jqlyR5ddY3DtNS4DRRWygw-yGnxJzZyOpnZ435NPcF4pLjvKD_DQAtfpHT/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>As for front and read caps, an eBay reseller happily provided me for just a couple of euros with a dozen each of Nikon-style body caps and Fuji X rear lens caps, so all my adapters are now nicely protected against dust and other FOD when floating in my camera bag. <p>The Metabones lens adapters are beautifully executed. The aluminum barrel has a black satin surface finish with engraved white markings. Both camera-side and lens-side mounts are precision-machined brass with chromium plating. The front side mount features a leaf-spring structure to ensure proper alignment and tightening of the lens. The inside of the barrels got a rough matte-black treatment, to minimize internal reflections. <p>The adapters snap easily onto the camera, just like any other X-mount lens. There is no significant play here, just the familiar little wiggle that is equally there with native XF-lenses (and a bit more so on my X-E1 compared to my X-Pro1). At the lens side, all three of my copies initially felt rather (and almost too) tight; they loosened up after a little bit after usage, however without starting to feel less ‘solid’. The lens release lever is nicely done, and the unlocking mechanism works fine. In summary: I am very comfortable with the mechanical fit and operation of these adapters. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovep8Yi5qO0xn4-lorwfAzJ_xoebec1sBA-ZBsEnkm40IwodCqHmwhCDzUOCGTYyQvu9QINRMLVu9pDJ-kT0Jah_caUAyJM2mt5CJkn45T_uMQQAqCqlRHEpSJiY-5XA1F__Wdg2DRomB/s1600-h/_DXE5725w.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXE5725w" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="_DXE5725w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSME0EbRXY1Dg3EirC0mF4vELc7SAjD_YMxUyfIu6oMHIgy9yU3cesZQGKuOxk7yVQaEGd66MthzUukk2AX9PORWv-nJpeU2yuiG4OKX2cMbQAwt2UFGNhmHnQJfYqj3hEVLtDvve5A8u/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>All three adapters come with a tripod mount for use with Arca-Swiss compatible quick release clamps, and also offer the classic ¼ inch thread. The Arca plate matches perfectly with the ball head on my light but sturdy Benro carbon travel tripod. The foot extends some 9mm below the base of an attached X-Pro1 or X-E1. That is not very much, and I guess there might be a risk for obstruction if a tripod head has a larger top plate. With the original Fuji hand grip mounted on either camera model, the bottoms of the grip and of the adapter foot end up about flush. <p>The mounting foot is absolutely great when working with longer and heavier lenses, like an AF-D 180mm f/2.8 or an AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8: it takes away the stress from the camera mount and results in a better balance on the head. When the lens has its own tripod attachment, of course it is best to use that one. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmO8p3895H1pBqBZBe-f0aVXW3pNIT2oc4oGfnDypnvQKTXVLt1eN33PEp99PcNa0b896gjUHCzj2f2mCrZAfE7xspnnS7704SDGBFC1BSUgya_8lzFY2KyXTN4M1XZ7k5wbbf5jMSFZZu/s1600-h/_DXP4832w.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXP4832w" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="_DXP4832w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJn0i85PGQEUheVg2nqZNhudn9FJZ-CCV2zOSt_vdIQLZ1giDtHKAzbty0QwYnbsvWmAqpCE_aerJWbKC2Nq6QX6URrCI8jKv828yeFOHDVOu2HsyyrWqAyyU9P0K3W5StFfnNKluKxBPp/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrfhGU9WCj2t8GSOQlxhYma8bS1oLoFxxkB6W5gYSQf1SuBwoDMRcbqUpDjRHrDDUUeiIqV1BfkkwB6LqWiLLEBt0E8-R3AMEJmX9gjiHFq4TN74LJ7jaAx6DtG2idSwAqAo9pg-0F1Hs/s1600-h/_DXE4810w.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXE4810w" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="_DXE4810w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLYFOwqvVi-VYwzZlWy-2N4TcvNTIM888gF6FdheroSka-dAxR4cNatLbVXDtsrmcylGZgEujg52CG2KTMiDeuh_QyTwz68Nuv5mjsbxOO7mbDGvh-KpgN6MTamQ4szF5YkrRMBRhXl3x/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>The mount does not rotate for shooting in vertical orientation, something that is possible (but not always practical) with the optional and expensive tripod mount for the Novoflex adapter. <p>Metabones states that the tripod foot is detachable. Well, it is in the sense that it just takes a (2.5mm) allen key or wrench to remove the two holding screws and release the mounting piece. <p>With the F-to-X and G-to-X adapter however, that leaves you with two gaping holes that will let light into the system (unless gaffer tape comes to the rescue once again). <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqDgji0cqcipbb7ZMwX81E8MONpJSSAnuD0TtGzRJ24NvisqFOGA9JPB0ycLVmIPM587epu-GEJlNXkrizpBzE7Y4JUkKdiHjqg1MRFoJlVVFHL_ylksOoDRuQhYyjAiN17GrCACNEntU/s1600-h/_DXP6579w.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXP6579w" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="_DXP6579w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeJ3kVwKGbL_QzwKV_7jd_-LEsowfgxWSMA2nlkxdewkd_KEP36ZoqmnKTbreOt_EGVcMAXcp3x2GVfD4Ej5QS-SMUm3LQx2PZAywDxsrlecKrVEMBfxxZV_86ZYAxbpsBugdpL9B3XdT/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a> <p>The Speed Booster is the exception: it ships not only with the required allen key but also with two small plastic plugs to cover the screw holes (as mentioned above). It seems to be a small effort for Metabones to fix this inconvenience and add at least the two caps to each package, but I expect that most people – including myself – will simply leave the tripod foot in place. <br> <h2>Features and operation</h2> <p>The Metabones <strong>F-to-X adapter </strong>accepts virtually any lens with a Nikon F-mount, including pre-AI, AI, AI-S, AF and AF-D lenses. G-type lenses do not have an aperture ring on the lens and can be mounted but will remain set to their smallest aperture setting (highest f-stop number) making them virtually useless. The G-lens group includes all AF-S and all DX lenses. I have not yet found any non-G lens that did not work on this adapter; the oldest one I tried is a pre-1970 Nikkor H 50mm f/2.0. <p>The Metabones <strong>G-to-X adapter</strong> and the <strong>Nikon-to-Fuji Speed Booster</strong> are equipped with an aperture control ring on the adapter, which makes them compatible with G-type lenses as well. We will discuss the operation of this control ring later in great detail. <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5bdHTPSraXYzIhxdCxoABnfFxGEEF1NygifutFvI_BXV0zeYyFrTDCUBfSOHwTZ341bB6xqBfPn5aHiR0Fh1s1YfDiIELHmJZiIkP9N7ewxwAzLmUDLDKxGFbdB9EvN90tIqHBFq7ESd/s1600-h/_DXE6349w.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXE6349w" style="float: none; margin: 0px auto; display: block" alt="_DXE6349w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWEPzQYDmf8NyjiGK0SM3ItoxANq5WLhJBiMGq3SHw_7Fjtwxlw8_ij0rV6VS3MiLaB7BMLrpWG3sizJqDFKL5fGFRXe4HwKnzEPi2ynsWzO4lqTrv253Xmpg5jtN3Weh7dbiQk46Ex_3/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="218"></a>None of these adapters provide any form of mechanical or electrical communication between lens and camera. This implies that: <ul> <li>Focus is always fully manual; <li>Exposure modes are limited to A (aperture priority) and M (manual); <li>Viewing and metering will be at the effective aperture set either on the lens or via the adapter’s ring; <li>VR is not available; <li>No lens data will be passed on to the camera, so the EXIF data in the recorded image will at best be incomplete. </li></ul> <p>Make sure that SHOOTING MENU > SHOOT WITHOUT LENS is set to ON, otherwise no pictures can be taken. To pass on the focal length of the mounted lens to the EXIF data, select one of the six settings in SHOOTING MENU > MOUNT ADAPTER SETTINGS (remember that you can modify the last two settings at will). <p>OVF framing is possible on the X-Pro1 with lenses from 18mm to 60mm (provided that the focal length information is entered correctly). Focusing will usually rely on using either the EVF or back LCD in combination with the 3x/10x magnification and/or focus peaking capabilities. Older lenses usually have a smooth manual focus ring with a generous control range; many also have a depth-of-field scale making focus presetting or zone focusing feasible. <p>Viewing and focusing at the effective shooting aperture has the advantage to give a realistic depth-of-field preview, but requires boosting the EVF/LCD gain for an enhanced image, thereby increasing viewfinder lag. Opening the lens aperture to its maximum for composing and focusing clearly increases the viewing comfort and focusing precision, but don’t forget to return to the working aperture afterwards! <p>Finally, remember that the information from the live histogram is not reliable in M mode, and also not with a dark subject image (or a lens manually set to a narrow aperture). <p align="center"><em><strong>NEXT</strong>: the wonders of the Speed Booster optics</em> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"></font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> Rene Delbarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801589074738767200noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180419015086214260.post-68873032576699380712013-08-27T00:39:00.001+02:002013-09-03T18:52:44.977+02:00The Fellowship of the Ring(s)<h2><em><font style="font-weight: normal">or:</font></em> How I Learned to Stop Pixel Peeping and Love Old Glass</h2> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhRiaMWZ9tjswWI1yPd9-a6DG-EZVSRmJdJBzscNE5W5D4aoqdBqSGg-mB25pBS3GBHgnFldBJHgTWC7-X9gpxyI9uw055fwHUBlXxZAVSRYSbkvfqRHPV7BU9LjBWf7_ra5EZDtrhx8K/s1600-h/_DSF6547w18.jpg"><font face="Verdana"></a><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></font> <p><font face="Verdana"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"></span></span><em></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGiSq1K6zdtq7jFPojOhk4D_CpqC1lI4gEwtcx1UsTMUsI_bCKWdfLuuSLlv-bWr91EMxVcYtqVy3GKxEYPf5sSzqOb0tzo-qWb_uAyIis9BWdPAX4aP7U1ys-s4WukU8oGsnJx2EB6vtD/s1600-h/_DSF6547w.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DSF6547w" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSF6547w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGW87eH0se5QQ7MgLqD_XfdO71MqIL1gAIhtoKPKx8mkT2sFl2HBcVEnBznilZDzmjfiFGegnWCYLtmrbsuPO_v46j4tccCilWIi3FE9vqSZ5Renp9nbaQ-C5On3CxzDmnRXRrbHe_11w/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="352"></a></font></a> <br><font face="Verdana">One of the additional rewards of working with a <strong>Compact System Camera</strong> (CSC) lies in the ability to use other lenses beyond those directly available in your camera’s mount. Many more lenses, actually, as with a little investment and effort you can have access to literally hundreds of optical masterpieces originally designed for SLR and DSLR cameras. In most cases however, only as long as you are willing to forsake some (or most) automated features that come standard with recent models. </font> <p><font face="Verdana">No more automatic aperture control (which allows viewing and metering at the lens’s maximum aperture, stops the lens down to the working aperture during exposure, and returns the lens to maximum aperture after exposure). No communication between lens and camera body (to pass on focal length, aperture or distance information). No more autofocus. And certainly no vibration reduction/image stabilization. Although, because every rule requires an exception, some DSLR manufacturers offer an adapter – only for lenses from the same brand – that does preserve several functions when used on their own CSC models. <br><br></font> <h2>Less is more </h2> <p><font face="Verdana">How do we make CSCs compatible with (D)SLR lenses? </font> <p><font face="Verdana"><font face="Verdana"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPTn9H9M1iV4z1WAYevbSPK4qpTdR09htlqFrXm0CXJXGGJ6sA9nOvz_eoErbt8dS9gojUFRIZG1giGOKlFwTc91Y1ExY0hswjPqmUfqz3fUbawO-1FVUUINj6vsN76yFTZ-Or17Y9UBs/s1600-h/DSLR_vs_CSC_v2%25255B50%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><font face="Verdana"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJi8AtOBfTohSbaQCOwwhyb-2EZ0s1SokQH9UAJ9siD5bBhP65TC3vVKhXN2Ffw34-iZ7TzhuTYjV_c6y6AWK7rRM9jWd75atnguhSDq08dyiI1uyeNJwPUA3mrWk7NQ7o32WSifwrG2T/s1600-h/DSLR_vs_CSC_v2.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSLR_vs_CSC_v2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSLR_vs_CSC_v2" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89yDOfZep5iX4C04f-9bWzoAoLWMWj6ZIDd49JYJhj7Db2l93AYFJNbwV5fl_DOGm1ctTSYn4v-Akgcnl9fW7p7DCoWEMtq8ry_X0lSeUbyexuC6ieNbFEqMtGS-DO4AfbAZwmx95ctDE/?imgmax=800" width="413" height="600"></a></font></a></font></font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font> </p> <p><font face="Verdana"></font> </p> <p><font face="Verdana">The diagram gives the schematic of a DSLR camera in (1), with the essential components of its reflex viewfinder system: a mirror and a pentaprism. </font><font face="Verdana">The design of the associated lens is matched to the mechanical dimensions of the camera system. Specifically, the lens mount is expected to be positioned exactly at the <strong>focal flange distance</strong> or <strong>register distance</strong> <em>d1</em> from the camera sensor. </font></p> <p><font face="Verdana"><br>As shown in (2), the CSC design gets rid of the large mirror box – it makes them <em>mirrorless</em>. As a result, the lens mount can get closer to the camera sensor: the register distance now has a lower value <em>d2</em>. That makes it possible to develop more compact and lighter camera bodies, as well as smaller and lighter lenses dedicated to this system. </font> <p><font face="Verdana"><br>In order to make a (D)SLR lens focus correctly on the CSC sensor, the original register distance <em>d1</em> must be restored: that is the main task of the <strong>lens mount adapter</strong> (LMA), which as illustrated in (3) inserts between lens and camera. </font> <p><font face="Verdana"></font> <p> <p><font face="Verdana">Among the current (D)SLR classics, the Nikon F-mount has the longest register distance with 46.5mm, whereas the shortest distance is found at 44mm with Canon’s EF(-S). As for the popular CSC brands, Micro Four Thirds (MFT) has the longest register distance with 19.25mm, then come the Sony NEX E-mount and the Canon EF-M both with 18mm, then the Fuji X-mount with 17.7mm, and finally Nikon 1 with 17mm. The difference between the register distances for (D)SLR lenses and popular CSC models makes it at least mechanically possible to build an adapter for coupling them. </font> <p><font face="Verdana">Of course, the image circle projected by the lens at its designated register distance must be large enough to fully cover the CSC sensor. If not, strong vignetting will occur. In most cases, a lens originally designed for use on 35mm film or full-frame or APS-C crop digital reflex cameras will be mounted on a CSC with an APS-C or smaller sensor. The only remaining issue then is the “cropping” of the lens image by the reduced size sensor, reducing the effective angle-of-view of the lens. <br><br></font> <h2>The lens adapter: functions and features </h2> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FaAl8zg-eN-O41a5ias80lkdWkUJnNlFQpg0ekX8KCJVmdB41jU_HZEpKJxffYwzRS8VxEcnOdtiljSIwmOrVv8OhQyjREwbxni8P4LzEMqQFtTRGYXjnKrSgojbGgoNN-quAGYaRgVl/s1600-h/clip_image006%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font face="Verdana"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLk64Qy5pOdMeLLAeujCP-q21eCblErKVSp2GKm1lxB1W75tpLhLQSSFFqCfhOtLCJRaLpOPobn54HljDnQtBeOe5LhOuKr5Kwm1H48OsS_HzAtBsd_OvBVAtzgSQEyFms_P9f6GVY3kz/s1600-h/_DSF3775w.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DSF3775w" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSF3775w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyIf_Z9pUcxan1vFdfFdS56iwLQichQZlZTr8j_c8VE_ZlLxzxIyOM34AEW_qNasLxqIhHrpIWWpSehM0mHRieFavyaqYF3xbij2I7xWrHzoOJjdvwQbWvUwHgYDWRY519VPn1AJp4iSm/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></font></a><font face="Verdana"> </font> <p><font face="Verdana">Here is what a lens adapter should do, for example to use a Nikon lens on a Fuji X camera: </font> <ul> <li><font face="Verdana">Enable the mechanical coupling of a lens and a camera body, using the appropriate mounts at each end of the adapter: a Nikon F body mount at the front, a Fuji X lens mount at the back; </font> <li><font face="Verdana">Restitute exactly the original focal flange distance the lens was designed for, so that a sharp image can be obtained over the full focusing range (including infinity): in this case this means adding 46.5mm -17.7mm = 28.8mm; </font> <li><font face="Verdana">When and if possible, support relevant electrical or mechanical communication between lens and camera body (to assist with aperture control, autofocus, VR/IS, record lens data…): alas no such opportunity in our example; </font> <li><font face="Verdana">When required, provide an alternative way to control the lens aperture setting from the adapter, if the lens itself does not have an aperture ring and the abovementioned communication between lens and camera is not possible: the blue ring on the Novoflex FUX/NIK adapter in the picture provides this for Nikon G-type lenses (including AF-S and DX models); </font> <li><font face="Verdana">Optionally, have a tripod mounting support that comes handy for mounting longer and/or heavier lenses: the Novoflex adapter has this as an option. </font></li></ul> <p><font face="Verdana">In addition, some adapter models come with creative ways to take good advantage of the ‘missing’ register distance that needs to be added: </font> <ul> <li><font face="Verdana">Some offer tilt, shift or combined tilt/shift mechanisms, turning the setup into a very portable view camera; </font> <li><font face="Verdana">Some add optical elements into the adapter to reduce the resulting focal length (virtually eliminating the crop factor) as well as boost the light gathering power.<br></font></li></ul> <h2><b>Why use a lens adapter?</b></h2> <p>Lenses designed specifically for your CSC in most cases will be the preferred option: they are lighter and more compact, usually offer autofocus and sometimes image stabilization, support all camera shooting modes, communicate information data for inclusion with the EXIF data, and are computer designed with the most recent optical formulas and materials. Fujifilm XF-lenses certainly belong to the best you can get, and companies like Zeiss and Samyang offer interesting complements. <p>So why would you decide to work without the benefits of modern lens technology? <ul> <li>The lens choices offered within your CSC system may be limited; for a Fuji example: there was no wide-angle wider than 28mm (FF equivalent) until the XF 14mm appeared, no long tele option before the XF 55-200mm, and still no fast portrait lens while we wait for the pre-announced XF 56mm f/1.2; <li>If – like me and many others – you have been shooting (D)SLRs for a long time, you may own an assortment of lenses for that system, often manual focus primes: there are great to use with your CSC until an appropriate ‘contemporary’ alternative becomes available, or you simply can save some money if you do not often use that focal length; <li>Some of these older lenses may take a special place, because of their specific image rendition characteristics, or just for the memories: it is always a pleasure to ‘revive’ them; <li>If you are into close-up or macro photography, you can find and use accessories like extension rings and bellows (these are seldom available with today’s CSC systems); <li>Extra features of the lens adapter, such as a tilt and/or shift capability, open new shooting opportunities at a minimal investment;And probably some more that may be relevant to you…<br></li></ul> <h2>Guilty as charged </h2> <p><font face="Verdana">While I gradually switched to the Fuji X-system, I thinned my Nikon collection, keeping one full-frame body, three f/2.8 zooms and a lot of primes. The lenses are made by Nikon and by third-party suppliers and span the range from 17mm to 200mm. Some are fairly recent and others are with me since the early 70s. It would truly be a shame to let these lenses sit in the drawer and gather dust. There’s so much photographic delight left with them!<br><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFq6RQ1TPR_sr9vspNoDmveyKApkfPNojJNFaYSBRgK0i1SPLWvyyovDmoUPoHBB8gHs6AmpASTWcmJfSXDK99GAB-wDUeMmym5nXt-jlUPpZrzx_3DqqjYvHRKnHXgMEIPFkyklqw1mO/s1600-h/2%252520rows%2525209w.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="2 rows 9w" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2 rows 9w" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyWVl5AYQqH0iLpNSf42E7LfI0z0KiQa0EckTzbyuXwXQHvp7vpDp6UUqBe3ztE1B_QVsg5SXpXs2QuRob-kdufTz5tB18yvgiQ9ICt61sOrWG3H54qjdSJK_yEu7dWE6B7MtXFtFEvid/?imgmax=800" width="600" height="274"></a></font></a><font face="Verdana"> </font> <p><font face="Verdana">I currently own no less than 9 different adapters for combining Nikon F-mount lenses with Fuji X-mount cameras (no, my second name is not Imelda). They represent the entire range of available adapter types, as far as I am aware. And then one more, for Leica legacy lenses with a 39mm screw thread. </font> <p><font face="Verdana">In follow-up blog posts, I plan to offer extensive reviews of all of these. To begin, we will have a thorough look at the top-end models from Metabones, including their amazing Speed Booster. I know that some of you are waiting to hear more about these!</font> <p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2"></font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><a><font face="Verdana"></a><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on any image to see a larger version</em></span></span></font></p> Rene Delbarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801589074738767200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5180419015086214260.post-4961019179850196832013-07-19T17:34:00.001+02:002013-09-03T18:53:58.490+02:00Welcome, X-freaks!<p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">Just over two years ago I bought a Fujifilm X100, and my approach to photography changed completely.</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBACfScMMdlnZ71MlHvo2fw2fI3glwgupHgiFpU0HSGPHaF9yxPputlE4UHERo-BKC2SBO0Qq_rV4fkMHcp3bQirwjG4fmH4qO8WY44yxl13LG_GUyKWFpwY7bh3T0_dzymb9Xn7ewKAR4/s1600-h/DSCF0523-Editw.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="DSCF0523-Editw" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSCF0523-Editw" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwty84VxpwV8yHZDPoDGRqQrLCIuUivVwjIkWopfNvA4m8q9XQeWU4sWvU8bNtm5dIHwkHwVn1wxnPvD9hn4lPJCKeSekn6X83ByDEc27TUe4lmVhduSTgoy031j3Gx-1byuMbHv6E_gX4/?imgmax=800" width="419" height="620"></a></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">After more than 40 years of Nikon (D)SLR shooting, I rediscovered the fun of ‘deliberate photography’ that I somehow had lost over time. Working slower than before (admittedly not without some frequent cursing in the beginning), shooting more often in manual mode, turning the limitations of the camera into creative challenges… all turned out to be fresh sources of inspiration and satisfaction.</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">I jumped on board as soon as Fujifilm introduced its X-cameras. Today I have an X100s, an X-Pro1 and an X-E1 and all are frequently used. I own many of the fine XF-lenses, and have no less than eight (yes, eight!) different adapters for my collection of Nikon primes and zooms.</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchGMaOILUYgOjlHDT_gINci_DjxbLByAU0mBUUdaZ7tTZOKEnoKARB0q6JaHWJEJU_ZqW3HLuRgNhAC2gfzH4qr21qjrKi00TpMJxfJjj7_Vc5jggWTEQb8tFV1Qj1Xpzb2su-gEO6_i-/s1600-h/_DSF0293_HDR.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DSF0293_HDR" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DSF0293_HDR" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjkG0rBmKgAQPVEdceiwUZIT0gBmQqZFArQsKKRZqOutvC5b4FskRdThXD6vV7hqHYtdBm7C3L379w-Y_paAgsZa_9CDRv7CK2pgYhSbjhpNzZELaFENVBCvu2RkGApTLYGkmSJZ4Wrk3/?imgmax=800" width="620" height="357"></a></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">Over the past months, I have experimented a lot with these lens adapters. I left some posts on the various forums dedicated to the Fuji X system, but I did not want to add more substantial comments to my other blog, <a href="http://renedelbar.blogspot.be" target="_blank"><strong>Dare to see!</strong></a>, where I focus on content rather than technicalities. </font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">So that is what this new, second blog will be all about: impressions, experiences, comments, examples… regarding X cameras, lenses, accessories from all kind of vendors. I will discuss the use of (D)SLR lenses, but also special applications like tilt and/or shift photography. Who knows where this will take me/us?</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2T-stwMjzvOXGsI9JOh3UGhh8I-n8S0UUdKjBF_GGDZwt8qt6WPQNnzIEhL-b6JKjCOvv9ZUkPajN205g6Hl6lsU4Ys5IayKDtuzh0E3tseqLjPJxmhmzVkxhgz2TLLakRtF9vKRflXgx/s1600-h/_DXE3455Ew.jpg" target="_blank"><img title="_DXE3455Ew" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="_DXE3455Ew" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83_M-w3os5YT98-g-8B08Fk6xm_oKsplQm4aygrX2RQhChmqoeR5EYNB-EvglYZOwi4Ehul4SnMHrYKoRjS1bK2jP4Q9jX8hbKYgDg25vt2Zlu2GEKpkSwwSHO_0sFTp3xSni_zRHZu-c/?imgmax=800" width="620" height="420"></a></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">I will update some of the information I posted before on forums, as well as mix in new content on my current investigations.</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">I hope this may help you to get the most of your Fujifilm camera system, and to find you visiting this blog on a regular basis.</font></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="2">Until then: grab that camera and go out shooting!</font></span></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: verdana"><span style="font-size: 85%"><em>Click on the image(s) to see a larger version</em></span></span></p> Rene Delbarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10801589074738767200noreply@blogger.com0