Nikon D800 Lens Evaluations— Limitations of a Planar Target
The survey of lenses in my review of the Nikon D800 utilizes a real-world, but planar target, which is also a proxy for landscape photography or similar in which subject matter is all at a similar distance (~infinity).
I urge readers of my lens survey evaluations in the D800 review to carefully read my lens evaluation notes *first*.
Evaluating a lens on a planar target (only) carries limitations of its own, which is why my in-depth lens reviews always use numerous field shots with a variety of subjects, especially near/far “3D” subjects.
There are many good lenses which might not perform so well on a planar target due to field curvature (though my personal criterion is that by f/5.6 such issues should resolve).
For that matter, focus shift is an issue with some lenses too, and there a planar target becomes even more problematic. Focus shift and field curvature are covered in depth in Making Sharp Images.
See my list of Nikon gear with in-stock status at B&H Photo.
Lens evaluated
Can they deliver to a 36 megapixel sensor?
- AF-S 24mm f/1.4G
- AF-S 35mm f/1.4G
- PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED
- AI-S 45mm f/2.8P
- AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
- AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
- AF-S 60 mm f/2.8G macro
- AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
- PC-Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D.
- AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR macro
- AF-D 105mm f/2 DC
- AF-D 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF
- AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II and versus the 180/2.8D @ 185mm.
- Voigtlander 20mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar
- Voigtlander 40mm f/2
- Voigtlander 58mm f/1.4 Nokton
- Voigtlander 90mm F/3.5 SL II APO-Lanthar
