Initial Impressions: 1 NIKKOR 18.5mm f/1.8 Lens

Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
I've only had the 1 NIKKOR 18.5mm f/1.8 lens a couple days with just a little time to give it a detailed work out. First impressions are that this easily rivals my SLR 50mm AF-D prime. Bokeh is not quite as smooth, but focus (on my V1) is quick, no hunting, etc. This lens does not have an unlock button which also turns on the camera and has a shiny rather than flat or matte finish. This lens is incredibly light weight! The 1 NIKKOR 18.5mm lens is so good that I doubt my kit 10-30mm will be used much - if at all - in the future.

Focus on rain drops to test bokeh:

Lens_Test_01.jpg

This lens focuses very close!

Lens_Test_04.jpg

Stopping down slightly:

Lens_Test_05.jpg

Final sample:

Lens_Test_06.jpg
 

gqtuazon

Gear Head
That's what I noticed about MILC cameras. You get a lot of Dof wide open but getting more subject isolation is challenging. You must either more really close or use a longer focal length. Are you getting the FT1?
 

Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
The 18.5mm is turning out to be a great close-up lens. I was about 12 inches away and slightly cropped the image. I can't see any reason to get the FT1.

Similar view stopped down and not so close:

Poor Crocuses II.jpg
 
Last edited:

crashton

Senior Member
Nice photo Eduard. I really enjoy my V1. Having an FT1 makes sense if you want a super tele on the cheap. I bought a 55-200vr refurb & now have a nice small light weight 540mm tele in my bag.

Next 1 series purchase will be a 18.5 when I find a cheap refurb.
 

Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
Nice photo Eduard. I really enjoy my V1. Having an FT1 makes sense if you want a super tele on the cheap. I bought a 55-200vr refurb & now have a nice small light weight 540mm tele in my bag.

Next 1 series purchase will be a 18.5 when I find a cheap refurb.

I am really liking the 18.5mm. We're going on vacation next week and I will bring the V1 along with my D300. I'm planning on leaving the 10-30 at home and bring the 6.7-13mm, the 18.5mm and the 30-110mm. Part of the time we will be in a previously visited place so I'm planning to give the V1 a workout. Should be fun!
 

Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
Today's release of Lightroom 4.4 and Camera Raw 7.4 added a lens profile for the 1 NIKKOR 18.5mm f/1.8. Check out this thread for more info.
 

Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
Another example from yesterday in the market in Barcelona. Turning out to be a great walk around lens!

Jamon.jpg
 
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