Introducing my new lens: Nikon PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED Tilt-Shift Lens
Nikon PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED Tilt-Shift Lens
I decided to purchase a new lens! I was torn between a few options and was considering doing one of the following:
Buying a new Nikon camera (probably the Z6 III) to use as a secondary body alongside the Z8.
Buying the new Sigma BF with a 35mm f2 lens.
Buying the Nikkor 50mm f1.2.
Buying a tilt-shift lens.
Now, considering that all the options above are quite expensive, the plan was to finance the purchase by selling some lenses:
Sigma 40mm f1.4 (F mount)
Olympus 50mm f1.8 (for the Olympus OM1 film camera)
Sigma 105mm f1.4 (F mount)
Option 1 had many advantages: it would support the Z8, allow for faster shooting if I brought both cameras to events, and it would be lighter. However, since I’m not a wedding photographer, it wasn’t really necessary.
Option 2 intrigued me quite a bit. The new Sigma is truly beautiful, and the photos look great. However, there were several drawbacks. The main one was entering a new system and thus not being able to use the same lenses as the Z8. Also, the BF has no viewfinder. Everything relies on the rear screen, and I honestly don’t think I’m ready to shoot that way. The viewfinder is essential to how I work.
Option 3: I really like the 50mm as a lens. It would have been a good alternative to the Sigma 40mm I planned to sell. But since I already have the 85mm f1.2 for portraits, it didn’t feel essential.
So, Option 4 seemed the most appropriate. I’m an architect, and recently I’ve received some commissions to photograph buildings. Having a tilt-shift lens in my kit is definitely an advantage. I managed to buy one second-hand on Amazon in excellent condition. Unfortunately, my Z8 is currently in for repairs, so I haven’t been able to test the lens yet—but as soon as the camera is back, I’ll start shooting with the new lens.
A tilt-shift lens offers significant advantages not only for architectural photography, but also for product photography and landscapes. It allows you to keep more of the scene in sharp focus, producing more accurate detail. I can’t wait to share some new images taken with this lens.
See you soon,
Nicola
