2020-12-01 N-Photo the Nikon magazine

MINI TEST – L BRACKETS

Help me buy an L bracket

Shoot both horizontal and vertical compositions with ease – an L bracket
allows quick switching between orientations for landscapes

e all know the value of using a

tripod for shooting

landscapes. Not only

W does it keep your
camera rock-steady
through the duration
of an exposure, but
it’s also a vital
composition aid,

enabling you to

carefully compose your

scene, then wait for the

opportune moment just

before firing the shutter.

Jobbing pros also know that to

maximize the sales potential of their

shots, they have to shoot in both

landscape and portrait orientations, Zhiyou Universal L Bracket Benro BLB1

so that their images are suitable for both £18/$TBA £50/$TBA

double-page spreads and covers. www.amazon.co.uk www.benroeu.com

But tripods are primarily designed for

shooting horizontally. While most tripod

heads can be tilted by 90 degrees to flip

the camera into a vertical orientation, e were keen to see how a cheap enro’s bracket has a shorter base

this shifts the position of the camera to W generic product, found on the likes B plate than the Zhiyou but it fitted both
of Amazon and eBay, fared against a full-sized D850 and Z 7, thanks to
the side of – and often below – the its brand-name rivals, and plumped the camera screw that slides from left
for the Zhiyou Universal Camera L Bracket. to right along the base plate. The chunky camera-
original shooting position, so the carefully It feels solidly made, despite its low price tag, mount screw has a D-ring to enable hand-
and is constructed from two hefty chunks of tightening, but is also supplied with a hex key to
considered composition needs to be aluminium, joined together with a pair of hex bolts. fully secure the plate to the camera.
We were relieved that, when switching the camera Like most of the plates here, rubber pads run
redone from scratch. from horizontal to vertical orientation, the camera along the top of the plate to protect the underside
remained perfectly level. of the camera, and there’s a slot for a hand strap
It also shifts the centre of gravity from Both the base plate and the side plate have a to be attached. It’s constructed from two plates
measuring scale marked along their length, to of aluminium, joined securely with a hex bolt.
directly above the tripod legs, potentially make lining up the camera with just the right place Most of the side plate is open, with the tripod
on the tripod head easier for framing the scene. plate fitting running along two arms, the idea is
destabilizing the entire setup. It’s actually one of the longer brackets in the that this gives access to the camera connectors.
test, with the base plate measuring 13.5cm, and However, we found that on our D850, all the
What the L? the camera screw mounting slot extending a good sockets were obscured by one of the arms,
7cm of this, ensuring it fits a wide variety of blocking access to the HDMI, USB, headphone and
An L bracket is a camera plate that wraps cameras. However, it’s so long that it obscures the mic sockets, while on the Z 7 you could just about
around the camera in an ‘L’ shape, with battery door of even a big camera such as a D850. access the headphone/mic sockets, but the
the tripod mount running underneath The side plate blocks all the camera connection camera remote socket was also obscured, in
and to the side of the camera. So to ports too, being solid metal, though packed with a addition to the HDMI and USB ports, making this
change the shooting orientation from multitude of accessory mounting screw holes. feature rather redundant, at least on these Nikons.
horizontal to vertical you pop the camera
off the tripod and remount it using the PROS Cheap and cheerful solution; solidly made; PROS Design allows hot-swapping of batteries;
socket on its side. The composition is
materially the same, with only perhaps plentiful accessory connection points cheapest of the brand-name options
minor tweaks required to ensure that the
elements you want are in right place. So CONS Blocks the battery door and no attempt to CONS The ‘open’ side plate didn’t allow cable
when the light finally strikes the subject offer access to the various connector ports access to the Nikon cameras we tried
you’ve been waiting for it to, you can fire
the shutter for a horizontal shot, quickly Verdict 4 Verdict 3.5
remove and remount the camera in
portrait orientation, and capture your
vertical shot before the moment passes.

On the face of it an L bracket is simply a
right-angled piece of metal, but, as ever,
there’s a little more to it than that. Let’s
check out five L bracket options…

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Five 1 2 3 45
things
to look A universal bracket Most L brackets are Designs that enable Some brackets obscure Rubber strips on the
offers flexibility to Arca Swiss-compatible, you to access the the connection ports, base plate prevent
out for upgrade, but a but if your tripod head battery door are handy which may be scratches and scrapes
custom-fit bracket doesn’t have this should you run out of problematic if you on the underside of
ensures a perfect fit. mount, it won’t fit. juice mid-shoot. shoot tethered. your camera.

3-Legged Thing Ellie 3-Legged Thing Zelda Manfrotto L Bracket RC4

£65/$70 £89/$100 From £152/$179

www.3leggedthing.com www.3leggedthing.com www.manfrotto.com

vailable in a striking copper orange or riginally launched alongside Nikon’s Z 6 y far the most substantial bracket

A (slightly) more sober metallic slate O and Z 7, the Zelda is a custom-fit bracket B here, Manfrotto’s RC4 is a one-piece
grey finish, the Ellie certainly is designed solely for Nikon’s full-frame design and is constructed from
eye-catching. Like the Benro and mirrorless range. With their form magnesium, which is stronger
Zhiyou brackets it’s also crafted from two pieces factors being virtually identical, it also fits the more and lighter than aluminium. While all the other
of aluminium, but the key difference here is that recently released Z 5, as well as the Z 6II and Z 7II. brackets come with an Arca Swiss fitting, the RC4
while the previous plates are fixed in place, here The smaller Z 50 has its own variant, called Zayla. is compatible with Manfrotto’s own 410PL
hex keys can be loosened to slide the base plate Unlike the previous three brackets, this is quick-release plate; while Acra Swiss plates slide
along rails to snugly fit the shape of your camera. crafted from a single piece of aluminium; with no along the length into a tripod mount, this clicks
Rather than the camera attachment screw joins there shouldn’t be any danger of the right into in a fixed position on the tripod head. Further
sliding along the length of the base plate, here angle sagging over time. The camera connection variations are the Q2, fitted with 200PL-14 plates,
there are two slots for them to slide across the screw doesn’t slide along the frame but is fixed in and the Q5, which uses 501PL plates.
width of the plate, and this enables the opening place, and a notch next to it slips into a recess on It comes with a Y-shaped ruler to measure the
on the side plate to be aligned with the connector the underside of Z-system full-frame bodies, distance between the lens barrel and plate; the
door openings. On our D850 we were able to ensuring the camera is perfectly lined up with idea is you set the same distance between the lens
access the HDMI and USB sockets. The no possibility or ‘wiggle’. and both the base and side plates, so the centre of
headphone and mic sockets were still blocked The open side plate is designed to fit the ports the lens is perfectly lined up in both portrait and
by the bar across the top of the plate, but these of the Z cameras precisely, and there’s also a landscape orientation. Other features include a
aren’t used for stills shooting scenarios for which screw hole for attaching accessories. It fits the Z built-in level bubble, and a pullout peg to prevent
L brackets are designed. On the Z 7 everything cameras so well that it’s the obvious choice if you the camera rotating when using heavy lenses.
was accessible. own one of these mirrorless machines. It dwarfs the Z 7 to the point of being difficult
Another thoughtful touch is that the edges of The downside, of course, is that it won’t fit any to use the controls and even felt overkill on the
the slide plate are contoured, to enable flip-out other non-full-frame Z mirrorless cameras you D850. This is really designed for bigger cameras,
screens to be easily accessed. might have – now or in the future. such as the D6, or when using a battery grip.

PROS Customizable set up allows clear access PROS Custom fit prevents camera wiggle; all PROS Upmarket magnesium construction,
variety of Manfrotto-compatible plate fittings
to all the camera sockets; well considered design connection ports accessible; it’s called Zelda!

CONS The in-your-face colour scheme may CONS Won’t fit any other cameras you might CONS Expensive; dwarfs smaller cameras; feels
not be to everyone’s tastes own; a relatively pricey option over-engineered to do a relatively simple job

Verdict 5 Verdict 4.5 Verdict 4

www.digitalcameraworld.com 99

REVIEW – LAOWA 11MM F/4.5 FF RL 3
2
1

6 5
4
Specifications

Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL Mount Nikon Z

£769/$799 Full frame Yes

This Laowa is a super-small, crazily compact Autofocus No
ultra-wide – does its function match its form?
Image stabilization No
he Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL is Key features
Construction 14 elements in 10 groups
the latest in Venus Optics’ This lens is positively diminutive at a truly
pocket-sized 63.5x58mm, weighing a Angle of view 126°
long line of exotic lenses. ludicrously light 254g. And herein lies the
main advantage of this lens (one that may Diaphragm blades 5
T This ultra wide-angle override its numerous disadvantages): it is
offers an impressive so small that you won’t have to think twice Min aperture f/22
126° angle of view for about taking it with you.
full-frame mirrorless Min focusing distance 0.19m
cameras, in an optic Consider your typical ultra-wide, which
that’s just 63.5mm long is such a beast that you have to make a Maximum magnification ratio 0.1x
conscious and deliberate decision to shoot
and weighs just 254g. something in order to justify packing it in Filter size 62mm
your bag. But how many times have you
This affords full-frame been on vacation, or on a street walk, and Weight 254g
spotted a beautiful building, scene, or
shooters the kind of extreme ceiling and just wished you’d brought that bag and taking a knock – it’s a very solid
lens with you? The Laowa 11mm literally fits optic. While the aperture ring only has six
focal length that’s typically in your pocket, or in the corner of your stops, they’re spaced somewhat awkwardly
camera bag, so you can always have an apart (with f/16 disguised as a ‘•’ just before
reserved for crop sensor systems, ultra-wide with you. f/22), but they’re all clicked so you know
when you’ve fully stopped up or down.
even among the very best wide-angle Build and handling
The focus ring is just the right amount of
lenses – though, it doesn’t boast the The Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL boasts smooth, with about 90° of throw and
excellent build quality. Its metal enough resistance to give you the granular
manufacturer’s Zero-D designation, construction has enough weight to give it control you need. It also boasts a focus tab,
balance and substance, and you wouldn’t which is useful for manually focusing – the
meaning that distortion isn’t as well worry about it rolling out of your camera more you use the lens, the more you’ll learn
what ‘time’ to position the tab to achieve a
controlled as something like the Laowa zone of focus.

15mm f/2 Zero-D. Like all Laowa lenses it’s This isn’t a weather sealed lens, but it
does feature an integral lens hood – one
also fully mechanical, with no electrical that accommodates lens filters, enabling
you to screw in your existing 62mm filters.
contacts to communicate EXIF data or That said, it’s a tight fit and actually
attaching or removing filters is a fiddly affair
facilitate aperture or autofocus control. – and space is so tight that you won’t be
able to use step-up rings.
So is this a must-have lens, small enough

that everyone can keep an ultra-wide in

their camera bag, or is it a niche within a

niche? Let’s put it through its paces…

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It’s a solid, well-built lens but is completely Sharpness
manual and suffers from sharpness,
fringing and vignetting issues.

Line widths per picture height

Performance That said, there are compromises to Centre sharpness is superb, from wide open
achieve the super-small form factor: the at f/4.5 right through to f/16, but it’s not so
We were very impressed by just how sharp f/4.5 aperture means that you’ll need to good in the corners. Being such a wide lens,
the Laowa 11mm is in the centre. With consider your exposure, while corner shooting our large flat test chart at such
precise focus, subjects in the middle of the sharpness, vignetting, fringing and close range will always produce poor corner
frame can be captured with pin sharpness, distortion are all issues – albeit issues that, sharpness results, as the distance between
even wide open at f/4.5. Unsurprisingly, aside from sharpness, can easily be fixed in the lens and the corners of the chart is so
though, that sharpness drops off the post-production. much further than it is to the centre.
further you get from the centre – with
corners becoming very soft and smeary. Of course, larger (and pricier) lenses may Fringing
not suffer said flaws, but since they are
Speaking of that f/4.5 aperture, you’re larger and heavier, you may find yourself Fringing will tend to be more pronounced
obviously going to have to push either your leaving them at home most of the time. than when testing a longer lens, as the angle
ISO or your shutter speed unless you’re Would you rather have a flaw-free lens that of light entering the lens relative to the
using a tripod. This does impact its you seldom bring with you, or a lens with camera’s sensor plane is so extreme. This
usefulness as a handheld walkabout lens, some mostly forgivable flaws that always does help explain the high levels of fringing
particularly on the Nikon Z 50, which fits in your camera bag? we encountered when lab testing this lens.
doesn’t possess in-body image Real-world shooting shouldn’t produce
stabilization, so you’ll have to up the The Laowa 11mm remains a feat of fringing so severe.
sensitivity. Of course, for tripod shooting engineering, as ultra-wide lenses for
– arguably where this lens is designed to be full-frame cameras are not easy to make Distortion -3.12
used – this isn’t an issue. Something that is – and even less so, when they’re this small!
an issue, though, is vignetting. The Laowa It’s not an easy lens to use, but it is a fun Barrel distortion isn’t as pronounced as you
11mm exhibits heavy vignetting at all lens to use. If you’ve ever wanted to try your might expect from a full-frame lens this
apertures, and this is amplified if you add hand at dramatic wide-angle shots, this is a wide, but it is still noticeable.
filters to the equation. Likewise there is good place to start.
major ghosting and fringing, and enough N-Photo verdict
distortion to be noticeable too. Features
The Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL is crazy small and
These characteristics can be corrected 1 It’s a minute marvel at 63.5x58mm, and light for an ultra-wide, but there are compromises
without too much difficulty in post (and tips the scales at a featherweight 254g. to achieve this. Vignetting, along with distortion
Laowa provides a correction profiled that and fringing, can be fixed in post, but the slow
does the work for you), but the fact remains 2 The aperture ring has six stops, all clicked aperture and drop-off in corner sharpness aren’t
that the corners of your images will be soft, so you know when stopping up or down. so easily addressed. It should be remembered,
dark and fringed until you fix them. though, that this lens is so tiny that you can pop
3 There’s no weather sealing, although you it in your pocket and take it everywhere.
For this reason, the lens is actually most do get an integral lens hood.
effective as an APS-C lens on a Z 50, or Features Overall
using crop mode in full-frame Z cameras; 4 The manual focus ring has 90° of throw and Build &
shots benefit from the same excellent offers a pleasing amount of resistance.
centre sharpness, but avoid the worst of the handling
ghosting, fringing, smearing and vignetting. 5 Depth of field markings at the foot of the Performance
lens barrel are handy for zone focusing.
Verdict Value
6 Screwing in lens filters can be tight; so tight
The Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL is incredibly that you won’t be able to use step-up rings. 3.5
small, lightweight and compact for such a
crazy-wide lens. It is an ideal lens for
landscapers, architectural photographers
or interior shooters.

www.digitalcameraworld.com 101

BIG TEST – FAST TELE-ZOOMS

Fast tele-zooms

Fast telephoto zooms are a favourite the world
over. Here are the best buys…

C onsidered one of the essential large-diameter lens elements, so
‘trinity’ zooms, 70-200mm f/2.8 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses tend to be
lenses are favoured by quite hefty, usually tipping the scales
professional and enthusiast at about 1.5kg. As such, they tend to
photographers for wide- come complete with tripod mounting
ranging shooting scenarios. rings, for balanced shooting on a
They’re great for sports, tripod or monopod.
wildlife, wedding and event
photography, and more If you’re willing to limit your
besides. The combination of a aperture aspirations to f/4, Nikon
and Tamron offer 70-200mm or
telephoto zoom range and fairly 70-210mm lenses respectively, which
fast, constant aperture enables quick are more lightweight and easily
shutter speeds for freezing the action, manageable, at 850g a piece. At the
and a tight depth of field for blurring other end of the scale, the Nikon and
the background. Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 lenses
bump up the telephoto reach and
There’s no escaping the fact that the weight, coming in at over 3kg.
wide apertures need relatively

The contenders £549/$599 Image: © Getty
£1179/$1379
1 Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD £1249/$1199
2 Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | S £1349/$1397
3 Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 £1999/$2347
4 Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR £2399/$2597
5 Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR £2699/$2599
6 Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S £9499/$9497
7 Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM | S
8 Nikon AF-S 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR

102 www.digitalcameraworld.com

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1LNRQ ȨW OHQV
buyers’ guide!

http://bit.ly/npbuyers

103

BIG TEST – FAST TELE-ZOOMS

Longer, faster, better

Here’s how to pick out the fast tele-zoom that’s best for your needs

he majority of Nikon-mount fast That said, you need to think about that exposure accuracy is more consistent
compatibility issues. Tamron’s SP during bursts of shots taken with a fast
T telephoto zoom lenses are 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 lens in our group is continuous drive mode. However, aperture
designed for FX (full-frame) only compatible with Z-mount cameras via control doesn’t work with older DSLRs
cameras, although the Sigma an FTZ adapter if it has a serial number of including the D300S, D3000 and D5000,
50-100mm (see below) is a notable 059178 or higher, or firmware 2.0 or higher. on which you can only use these lenses at
exception. You can put a 70-200mm f/2.8 Similarly, the Tamron 70-210mm f/4 is only their widest aperture setting.
lens on your DX (APS-C) camera body, compatible if updated via Tamron’s optional
where you’ll get an extended 105-300mm TAP-in console or through a Tamron service Optical VR (Vibration Reduction) is great
telephoto range, still with that fast, constant centre. There are no compatibility issues when shooting with telephoto lenses on a
f/2.8 aperture across the zoom range. with Sigma’s lenses in this test group. DSLR, but this is less of a ‘must-have’
If you go DSLR, F-mount lenses are the feature with Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless
only option. For mirrorless bodies, you can Another compatibility issue to look out cameras, all of which have IBIS (In-Body
either invest in the recently launched Nikon for is that an increasing number of Nikon, Image Stabilization). Even so, optical VR can
Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S, or use an F-mount Sigma and Tamron F-mount lenses use be more effective for telephoto lenses, and
lens via an FTZ mount adapter. Naturally, a electromagnetically controlled diaphragms. it’s interesting to note that the Z 70-200mm
native Z-mount lens is the more obvious Here, they include the Nikon, Sigma and features this, in which case the optical and
choice, but you can still expect great Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses, plus the in-body stabilizers work together for
performance with a premium F-mount lens. Tamron 70-210mm f/4. The advantage is enhanced performance.

What to look for…

Here’s a few things to bear in mind

VIBRATION FIXED LENGTH
REDUCTION All of the lenses on test
Optical stabilization have fully internal zoom
is great to have in and focus mechanisms,
handheld telephoto so the physical length
shooting. It’s a remains fixed at all
feature of every lens available settings.
in this test group,
including the TELEPHOTO REACH For a DX format lens it’s quite big, and
Z-mount Nikon. 70-200mm is the classic comes with a tripod mounting collar.
range for fast telephoto
TRIPOD MOUNT zoom lenses but it’s not A DX dream
COLLAR the only choice. Nikon and
No tripod collar is Sigma both offer longer Meet Sigma’s go-faster DX tele-zoom
supplied with the 120-300mm alternatives.
relatively lightweight f/4 There’s no problem using FX fast tele-zooms on a DX body.
lenses on test. They’re CONSTANT But by designing a lens specifically for cameras with APS-C
available as optional APERTURE image sensors, Sigma has been able to produce a lens
extras but are typically The aperture rating of all that’s faster, at a decent price of £949/$1099. The Sigma
pricey to buy. lenses in this test group 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM | A gives an ‘effective’ zoom range
remains constant of 75-150mm, not quite matching that of a 70-200mm f/2.8
WEATHER-SEALS throughout the entire lens. The Sigma weighs in at 1490g and measures 93.5x
Most of the lenses on test zoom range, rather than 170.7mm, so it’s physically in the same ball park as most
feature weather-seals, shrinking at longer 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses for full-frame cameras. Sharpness
which are useful for sport, focal lengths. and contrast are good, even when shooting wide-open at
wildlife and event f/1.8, and bokeh remains soft when stopping down to f/2.8,
photography in the rain. where sharpness becomes more impressive. The only real
The Nikon 70-200mm f/4 issue is that its AF system isn’t particularly speedy.
at least has a weather-seal
on its mounting plate. www.digitalcameraworld.com

104

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Tamron 70-210mm Sigma 70-200mm
f/4 Di VC USD f/2.8 DG OS HSM | S

£549/$599 £1179/$1379

It’s a downsized and straightforward affair Big is beautiful, with a recent price drop

his telephoto zoom from Sharpness igma’s long-running Sharpness

T Tamron stretches to a Good rather than great, the S 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS It’s not quite as impressive in
slightly longer focal length Tamron lags significantly HSM lens was a popular, the lab, but matched the Nikon
than the competing Nikon behind Nikon’s f/4 lens budget-friendly option. F-mount lens for sharpness in
f/4 lens, but has a virtually identical for sharpness. The replacement Sports edition is our real-world tests.
size and weight. The design looks completely redesigned, with a new
relatively basic, with no autofocus Fringing optical path that features 24 elements Fringing
range limiter switch, nor switchable in 22 groups, incorporating nine FLD
stabilization modes. There are only There’s not much to worry elements and one SLD element. There’s slightly less colour
two switches on the lens barrel, for VC about in terms of fringing, There’s also a well-rounded aperture, fringing than from the Nikon
on/off and AF/MF. however, it is slightly worse based on 11 diaphragm blades. through most of the
Despite the no-frills appearance, than average. The AF system can be switched to zoom range.
build quality is good, elegant handling auto-priority or manual-priority
and the inclusion of weather-seals. The Distortion modes, and has three customizable Distortion
lens is compatible with Tamron’s latest AF-hold buttons on the barrel. The new
teleconverters and TAP-in Console, for Barrel and pincushion optical stabilizer has switchable static Levels of barrel and
fine-tuning, customization and the distortion at the short and and panning modes, the latter working pincushion distortion are
application of firmware updates. long end are slightly less than in landscape, portrait and even typically low for a top-grade
from Nikon’s lens. diagonal orientation. 70-200mm lens.
Performance
Performance
Driven by dual microprocessors, the
AF and stabilization systems are very Sharpness and contrast are fabulous
effective, the former being quick and throughout the zoom range, even
accurate, the latter delivering 4-stop when shooting wide-open at f/2.8.
performance. However, stabilization Autofocus is rapid and consistently
during panning proved less effective in accurate, and while stabilization isn’t
our tests. Centre-sharpness is very quite as effective as in the Tamron G2
good at mid-zoom settings, but drops lens for static shots, it proved better
off more than competing lenses at the for panning during our tests. It’s bigger
long and short ends. Corner-sharpness and heavier than competing lenses,
is also a bit less impressive. but goes extra-large on performance.

N-Photo verdict Features Overall N-Photo verdict Features Overall
Build & Build &
Compact and light, it’s Performance and
simple yet highly handling quality are as good as handling
effective. An optional Performance from Nikon’s latest Performance
tripod ring is available F-mount competitor,
for around £109/$129. Value but for less spend. Value

3.5 5

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BIG TEST – FAST TELE-ZOOMS

Tamron SP 70-200mm Nikon AF-S 70-200mm
f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 f/4G ED VR

£1249/$1199 £1349/$1397

Tamron’s second-gen lens ups the ante A lens that punches above its weight

ith exotic features and a Sharpness his lens is shorter and Sharpness

W wealth of upgrades packed It’s not quite as sharp as the T slimmer than f/2.8 Excellent sharpness is
into its metal barrel, this Nikon and Sigma F-mount contenders and only about consistently maintained
Tamron G2 lens feels every contenders, especially when half the weight. Even so, it throughout the zoom and
inch a pro-grade lens. Its optical design shooting wide-open. packs plenty of high-end features. aperture ranges.
has been refined to increase sharpness Unlike the competing Tamron f/4 lens,
and contrast, while reducing colour Fringing the Nikon has a more sophisticated Fringing
fringing, ghosting and flare. The AF control system. 4-stop VR (Vibration
system is uprated for faster, more Minor colour fringing at 70mm Reduction) comes with switchable As with sharpness, impressive
accurate performance, and the VC becomes entirely negligible Normal and Active modes, the former control over fringing remains
(Vibration Compensation) system when at medium to long featuring auto panning detection. An constant throughout the
boasts 5-stop effectiveness with three zoom settings. AF range limiter switch is also fitted. zoom range.
switchable modes. The third The optical line-up includes three ED
stabilization mode gives an Distortion (Extra-low Dispersion) elements plus Distortion
unadulterated viewfinder image. an HRI (High Refractive Index)
Along with a full set of weather- There’s very little distortion at element, aiming to boost sharpness As you extend through the
seals, the lens has a fluorine coating short to medium zoom and contrast while reducing chromatic zoom range, there’s more of a
on the front element. It’s noticeably settings, and just a little aberrations. Nikon’s renowned Nano swing from barrel to
smaller and 330g lighter than the pincushion at 200mm. Crystal Coat is also applied to keep pincushion than usual.
Sigma, and its tripod mount collar ghosting and flare to a minimum.
is completely removable.
Performance
Performance
Levels of sharpness are highly
As advertised, AF is fast and operates impressive, even when shooting
with precision. Image quality is less wide-open at f/4, throughout the entire
sharp than with the Nikon and Sigma zoom range. The autofocus system is
F-mount 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses, but fast and unerringly accurate, and
still highly impressive. Overall handling stabilization lives up to its 4-stop
and performance are excellent, claims. However, it’s pricey considering
especially considering it’s little more its f/4 aperture, costing more than the
than half the price of the Nikon lens. latest Sigma and Tamron f/2.8 lenses.

N-Photo verdict Features Overall N-Photo verdict Features Overall
Build & Build &
It’s a superb lens with Pricey for an F-mount
great handling, and is handling 70-200mm zoom that handling
outstanding value, but Performance ‘only’ has an f/4 Performance
it lacks the Sigma’s aperture rating, but it’s
custom modes. Value still a top performer. Value

4.5 4

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH NIKON INSTANT SAVINGS

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm Nikon Z 70-200mm
f/2.8E FL ED VR f/2.8 VR S

£1999/$2347 £2399/$2597

Do you get more for the extra outlay? The ultimate Z-mount tele zoom

hen launched, this F-mount Sharpness his Z-mount 70-200mm Sharpness

W 70-200mm f/2.8 lens from In both the lab and in-the-field T zoom has a stellar optical There’s incredible sharpness
Nikon became our tests, the Nikon delivers design that includes two on tap, throughout the whole
favourite telephoto zoom. absolutely superb sharpness aspherical elements, six ED zoom range and right across
Compared with the previous edition, it at all settings. (Extra-low Dispersion) elements, the entire image frame.
has an uprated optical design that a fluorite element and an SR (Short-
features a fluorite glass element, six Fringing wavelength Refractive) element. Dual Fringing
ED elements, one HRI element and the coatings include both ARNEO and
bonus of Nano Crystal Coat. It’s worse than average when Nano Crystal Coat. Colour fringing is entirely
The revised dual-mode VR system you’re at 70mm, but is better AF is rapid yet virtually silent, based negligible, throughout the
has automatic panning detection plus controlled at those mid to long on two synchronized stepping motors. whole zoom range and at all
a ‘Sport’ mode that doesn’t interfere zoom settings. There’s highly effective 5-stop optical aperture settings.
with the viewfinder image and avoids a VR, based on voice coil motors, which
slowdown in continuous shooting. An Distortion works a treat on the DX format Z 50. Distortion
electromagnetic diaphragm is also Trick features include an OLED
added, to ensure greater exposure There’s basically no distortion display for viewing various shooting Aided by Nikon’s automatic
consistency in rapid continuous drive at 70mm, but there is a little parameters, along with dual corrections in Z-mount
mode. A dual-mode AF system gives pincushion at mid to long customizable L-Fn (Lens function) cameras, it performs as a
priority to automatic focusing or focal lengths. buttons. As well as zoom and focus virtually distortion-free lens.
manual override, and there are AF on/ rings, there’s a third stepless control
lock buttons on the barrel. ring, which is also customizable.

Performance Performance

Sharpness and contrast are legendary, It’s the sharpest lens in the group, by
throughout the zoom range. Again quite a margin, not only in the central
though, the Sigma Sports lens goes region of the frame but right into the
toe-to-toe with the Nikon for sharpness extreme edges and corners. Vignetting
in real-world shooting, while matching is minimal and there’s excellent
other aspects of the Nikon’s image resistance to ghosting and flare.
quality, AF speed and the effectiveness Overall performance and handling
of stabilization. are stunning.

N-Photo verdict Features Overall N-Photo verdict Features Overall
Build & Build &
This superb lens is It’s an expensive lens,
better value than it handling but you do get what handling
used to be, but it’s still Performance you pay for. This optic Performance
nearly twice the price of is sure to become an
the competing Sigma. Value instant classic. Value

4.5 5

www.digitalcameraworld.com 107

BIG TEST – FAST TELE-ZOOMS

Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 Nikon AF-S 120-300mm
DG OS HSM | S f/2.8E FL ED SR VR

£2699/$2599 £9499/$9497

Extra reach, with no compromise in aperture Similar to the Sigma but way pricier

t’s a big ask to deliver 50 Sharpness or seven years, the Sigma Sharpness

I per cent more telephoto Excellent centre-sharpness F 120-300mm has been an There’s plenty of sharpness,
reach than a 70-200mm extends to the image corners, exclusive, combining a long but the Sigma 120-300mm
lens while maintaining a if you don’t mind stopping telephoto zoom range with beats at practically every
constant f/2.8 aperture. The result is a down a little. a fast and constant f/2.8 aperture. zoom and aperture combo.
big lens that weighs in at almost 3.4kg. Nikon has now gone into competition
That’s more than twice the weight of Fringing with its own F-mount lens, which offers Fringing
most top-flight 70-200mm lenses. an identical zoom range and aperture
The first launch in Sigma’s Sports You’ll find very slight fringing rating, but at near four times the price. Levels of colour fringing are so
line, this lens features a Custom at the short end dies away Optical highlights include an ED low that they’re entirely
modes switch. Autofocus speed, almost completely at mid to element, two fluorite elements and one negligible, even at the extreme
autofocus limiter distance and long settings. SR (Short-wavelength Refractive) corners of the frame.
stabilization effects for these modes element, along with Nano Crystal and
are customizable via the optional USB Distortion ARNEO coatings. There’s a fast and Distortion
Dock. It was also Sigma’s first lens to near-silent ring-type ultrasonic AF
feature weather-seals, although it lacks The amount of pincushion system, an electromagnetic There’s a little pincushion
the 70-200mm Sports lens’s fluorine distortion is minimal and diaphragm and a 4-stop VR unit with distortion in evidence,
coatings, dual switchable autofocus virtually imperceptible at the switchable Normal and Sport modes. especially towards the long
modes and AF-on/hold buttons. Both short end. Solid build quality includes a full set of end of the zoom range.
lenses have an SLD (Special Low weather-seals and a fluorine coating on
Dispersion) element, but this one only the front element.
has two top-grade FLD (‘Fluorite’ Low
Dispersion) elements, whereas the Performance
70-200mm lens has nine.
The Nikon 120-300mm lost out to the
Performance competing Sigma for sharpness at all
zoom and aperture settings, apart
Even at f/2.8, this lens delivers ace from when combining the shortest
contrast and centre-sharpness across focal length with the widest aperture.
the entire zoom range. It’s undeniably In other respects, the Nikon had
a big lens, but handling is good and AF marginally less colour fringing, but
is very fast yet highly accurate. more pincushion distortion.

N-Photo verdict Features Overall N-Photo verdict Features Overall
Build & Build &
Big in size, telephoto It’s a trusty beast for
reach and general handling the most discerning handling
all-round quality, it’s a Performance and demanding pros, Performance
humdinger of an f/2.8 but adds little to the
zoom lens. Value original Sigma recipe. Value

4.5 4.5

108 www.digitalcameraworld.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH NIKON INSTANT SAVINGS

The winner is…
Nikon Z 70-200mm
f/2.8 VR S

This Z-mount lens is the last

word on fast tele-zooms

e’ve seen some spectacular photographers are a die-hard ‘own-brand’ lens supporter to
likely to go for the Nikon pay four times as much for the Nikon, as
W zoom lenses in Nikon’s growing AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, they’re both fabulous lenses.
Z-mount stable, but the but the newer Sigma ports
70-200mm f/2.8 is one of the competitor matches the If you want to downsize to a 70-200mm
best yet, along with the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Nikon in pretty much every aspect of f/4 lens, the Nikon is the pick of the crop for
standard zoom. Both have a similar design handling, performance and image quality. image quality and handling, whereas the
ethic and handling characteristics, along That’s no mean feat considering that the less sophisticated Tamron still performs
with class-leading all-round performance Sigma is little more than half the price to well and is rather better value at about
and image quality. If you’re a Z-series buy. The similarity in performance and half the price.
camera owner in search of the best difference in price is even more pronounced
telephoto zoom, look no further. when comparing the Nikon and Sigma
The flip side is that most of us still shoot 120-300mm f/2.8 lenses. You’d have to be
with a Nikon DSLR. Top-flight professional

How the Tamron Sigma Tamron SP Nikon AF-S Nikon AF-S Nikon Z Sigma Nikon AF-S
lenses 70-210mm 70-200mm f/2.8 70-200mm f/2.8 70-200mm 70-200mm 70-200mm 120-300mm f/2.8 120-300mm
compare f/4 Di VC USD DG OS HSM | S Di VC USD G2 f/4G ED VR f/2.8E FL ED VR f/2.8 VR S DG OS HSM | S f/2.8E FL ED SR VR

Contact www.tamron.com www.sigma- www.tamron.com www.nikon.com www.nikon.com www.sigma- www.nikon.com
global.com global.com
Target price £549/$599 £1179/$1379 £1249/$1199 £1349/$1397 £1999/$2347 £2399/$2597 £2699/$2599 £9499/$9497
DX/FX FX FX FX FX FX
Effective zoom (DX) 105-315mm 105-300mm 105-300mm FX FX Z 180-450mm 180-450mm
Elements/groups 20/14 24/22 23/17 23/18 25/19
Diaphragm blades 9 blades 11 blades 9 blades 105-300mm 105-300mm 105-300mm 9 blades 9 blades
Min aperture f/32 f/22 f/22 f/22 f/22
Optical stabilizer 1 mode, 4 stops 2 modes, 4 stops 3 modes, 5 stops 20/14 22/18 21/18 2 modes, 4 stops 2 modes, 4 stops
Autofocus type Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Ultrasonic
(ring-type) (ring-type) (ring-type) 9 blades 9 blades 9 blades (ring-type) (ring-type)
Internal zoom/focus Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes
AF limit/hold switches No/No Yes/Yes Yes/No f/32 f/22 f/22 Yes/No Yes/Yes
Min focus distance 0.95m 1.2m 0.95m 1.5-2.5m 2.0m
Max magnification 0.32x 0.21x 0.16x 2 modes, 4 stops 2 modes, 4 stops 5 stops 0.12x 0.16x
Filter size 67mm 82mm 77mm 105mm 112mm
Weather seals Yes Yes Yes Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Stepping motor Yes Yes
Included accessories Hood Hood, soft case Hood (ring-type) (ring-type) Hood, soft case Hood, soft case
Tripod foot Option Supplied Supplied Supplied Supplied
Dimensions (dia x length) 76x177mm 94x203mm 88x194mm Yes/Yes Yes/Yes Yes/Yes 121x291mm 128x304mm
Weight 850g 1805g 1485g 3390g 3250g
Features Yes/No Yes/Yes Yes/Yes
Build & handling
Performance 1.0m 1.1m 0.5-1.0m
Value
Overall 0.27x 0.21x 0.2x

67mm 77mm 77mm

Yes Yes Yes

Hood, soft case Hood, soft case Hood, soft case

Option Supplied Supplied

78x179mm 89x203mm 89x220mm

850g 1430g 1440g

www.digitalcameraworld.com 109





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ll the gear and no idea’. It’s a evidently believe high-end gear should be
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