The Nikon 16-35 F4 Surprise

[NCV]

I needed a VR wide zoom for shooting architecture on those occasions when I cannot put my 12-24 on a tripod. I have an EM5 with the 7-14 that will do the job decently. But I wanted something FF for my higher resolution D810/D800.

I traded my old 5x4 with a pair of lenses of lenses for a Nikon 16-35. I was a bit reluctant to get this lens because the reviews are not too positive. It was paid for by a piece of old kit that was rotting away in my old darkroom, so I was risking very little.

So I went to Carpi near Modena to try this new lens out. I find if I am careful I can get good results with VR down to about 1/15, similar to my EM5's IBIS. VR has been a big surprise, It works almost as well as the more hyped IBIS.

But the thing that makes this lens a winner for me is the absence of flare blobs that dog my lenses with bulbous front elements like the 12-24 and the M43 7-14. Those mostly purple zones are impossible to repair or hide.

This lens really is a low flare king. It handles point light sources very well too. The resolution is not so disastrous as the reviews would have us believe. I can live with a bit of edge softness if flare does not destroy my images.

I am glad I added this lens to my collection as it really seems to handle those impossible indoor monument lighting situations remarkably.

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Duomo Carpi, Modena

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Palazzo Pio Carpi. Modena

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I made the same shot with the EM5 and the 7-14. The flare was terrible, with a huge purple blob. This one just has a slight fringe around the window.

 

[Randy]

I never liked this lens
Distortion at 16 was aweful

 

[pictureted]

I never liked this lens
Distortion at 16 was aweful

I agree, at 16 the distortion significant and the edges aren't very sharp. After using a 10-24 on my DX bodies, it was a disappointment in resolution and huge by comparison. After buying the 20/1.8 I never use the 16-35.

 

[Randy]

I agree, at 16 the distortion significant and the edges aren't very sharp. After using a 10-24 on my DX bodies, it was a disappointment in resolution and huge by comparison. After buying the 20/1.8 I never use the 16-35.

After a wasted day in Rome I sold mine when I got home

 

[pictureted]

btw Nigel - your shots are well done and I'm glad the lens worked for you. There are Nikon lenses that are iconic and loved by all and then others like the 16-35 that draw strong reactions. I think the 14-24 set the bar very high for it's time and the 16-35 didn't make that league.

 

[andreasb]

So you have to use lens correction in Photoshop with this lens and then the images mostly look very nice. I like this lens.

 

[Jonathan F/2]

I needed a VR wide zoom for shooting architecture on those occasions when I cannot put my 12-24 on a tripod. I have an EM5 with the 7-14 that will do the job decently. But I wanted something FF for my higher resolution D810/D800.

I traded my old 5x4 with a pair of lenses of lenses for a Nikon 16-35. I was a bit reluctant to get this lens because the reviews are not too positive. It was paid for by a piece of old kit that was rotting away in my old darkroom, so I was risking very little.

So I went to Carpi near Modena to try this new lens out. I find if I am careful I can get good results with VR down to about 1/15, similar to my EM5's IBIS. VR has been a big surprise, It works almost as well as the more hyped IBIS.

But the thing that makes this lens a winner for me is the absence of flare blobs that dog my lenses with bulbous front elements like the 12-24 and the M43 7-14. Those mostly purple zones are impossible to repair or hide.

This lens really is a low flare king. It handles point light sources very well too. The resolution is not so disastrous as the reviews would have us believe. I can live with a bit of edge softness if flare does not destroy my images.

I am glad I added this lens to my collection as it really seems to handle those impossible indoor monument lighting situations remarkably.

View attachment 1648381
Duomo Carpi, Modena

View attachment 1648383

Palazzo Pio Carpi. Modena


View attachment 1648382

I made the same shot with the EM5 and the 7-14. The flare was terrible, with a huge purple blob. This one just has a slight fringe around the window.

I think that's just a problem with bulbous front elements, you're more at risk for flare. The 16-35mm f4 VR might have distortion and soft'ish corners, but at least it's more flare resistant and you can handhold it in various shooting locations.

 

[NCV]

So you have to use lens correction in Photoshop with this lens and then the images mostly look very nice. I like this lens.

I use the lens corrections in DXO which sorts out automatically the lens distortion and some sharpness issues.

I like this lens too, the VR lets me get the job done when I have to handhold in low light.

 

[NCV]

I never liked this lens
Distortion at 16 was aweful

I come from using M43 where all the lenses have horrible native distortion and have to be corrected in post as part of the lens design. I do not like the idea od software corrected lenses, but that seems the way things are going in lens design.

I needed a lens to photograph hand held in very dark places. The 16-35 seems like a good compromise. The DXO corrections do a good job too.

 

[pictureted]

I bought the 16-35 for dark places, but the 2+ stops and better IQ make my 20/1.8 more useful for me.

 

[snegron]

I have been seriously thinking of buying the 16-35mm f4.0 for my D750 as I need a lens in that focal length category. Reason I haven't gotten it yet is because so many folks (as evidenced by this thread) are so divided on it. Some people love it, equal amount of people hate it.

Is there any Nikon lens with a similar focal zoom range that performs better within the same price range?

 

[NCV]

I have been seriously thinking of buying the 16-35mm f4.0 for my D750 as I need a lens in that focal length category. Reason I haven't gotten it yet is because so many folks (as evidenced by this thread) are so divided on it. Some people love it, equal amount of people hate it.

Is there any Nikon lens with a similar focal zoom range that performs better within the same price range?

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A 16-24 shot on my D800

I wanted a super wide lens with VR to be able to hand hold at low shutter seeds, this lens fitted the bill quite well.

DXO sorts the distortion problem and I find the lens quite sharp enough on my D810.

All lenses are compromises, so do not be put off by the negative comments about this lens. I am glad I gave this lens a chance. Try it and see if it works for you.

 

[Palouse]

I love my 16-35. Mated to my D850 it's all I took to Belgium last year. Distortion is easily fixed in DXO-PL. Leave a bit of room around the edges for cropping after any straightening. The VR is truly superb.

 

[Jonathan F/2]

All lenses are compromises! What matters is what compromises you're willing to accept based on each lens. What might be acceptable for one person based on price/design/performance, might not be acceptable to another. What matters is the end result and most people viewing your images, don't care what lens/camera you used!

 

[Maurie]

The happiest day in my 16-35 life was when I traded it for the 14-30 S for my Z7.

 

[hotrod4x5]

I have had the 16-35 for years with personal success. I like the lens. However, I have become intrigued by the 19mm Nikon tilt shift. I know it is a manual focus but the technology in perspective control interests me. I have tried to rent one but my local store is closed due to Corona. I also know that the lens is useful in limited applications. Regardless, I still have an interest as an addition to my 16-35.

I also am considering a new wide angle zoom by either Sigma or Tamron as a replacement for the Nikon 16-35.

I would appreciate any advice regarding a Sigma or Tamron wide angle zoom and the Nikon 19 mm tilt shift. Thank you, Dale

I suggest you start your own thread with a good, descriptive subject to catch attention.

 

[Jonathan F/2]

I've owned the 16-35mm f4 VR probably 4 times now. My latest copy is a late model made in Japan version (new copies are made in Thailand), which is probably the best one I've owned. A couple things worth noting about maximizing the capabilities of the lens. If you plan on using filters, try several. I noticed even on some higher end filters, it would cause corner softness. I used a Nikon OEM filter and it was a night and day difference. Much better quality especially at the corners. Also if you plan shooting at the wide end majority of the time, I'd AF fine tune for 16mm, unless you have a D780 which allows adjusting for two focal lengths (ex: 16mm and 35mm).

I feel my copy of the 16-35mm is now performing at optimal quality. In fact I compared the lens mounted on both the D750 and the Z6+FTZ adapter and I actually liked the results on the D750. Strangely corner performance seemed better on the D750, while on the Z6 corners were slightly softer. I really can't explain the reason for the discrepancies, but it's worth noting.