I received the question below via email yesterday and I thought I would share both it and my answer (expanded somewhat for this post) since I’ve been receiving many similar questions lately.

—Peter.

 

Hello Peter,

I’ve been thinking a lot about your comments… trying to decide if I’m going to change anything.  

As much I love the [Leica] SL, I’m not going to keep it.  The autofocus is good, but I’d say not great.  Autofocus always seems to be a love/hate thing for me.  I suspect the [Nikon] D850 would probably autofocus better.  I’m getting real close to pulling the trigger on the D850 and likely the 58mm you have.  The only reason I haven’t, is the size of the outfit, and do I really want to start investing in another platform.

Then there is my [Leica] M10/M9 debacle.  I have and really like the M10, but in the end maybe I should just use my M9 once it’s back with the new sensor.  It would certainly make for a better travel outfit.  I’m curious why you didn’t keep one of your M9s just for travel.  If it’s dollars, it certainly makes sense.  While I considered keeping the SL + M10, I really felt it would be financially irresponsible for me…

Any thoughts on the [Hasselblad] X1D?  I love the size and sensor, but I’m sure it would not make as good all rounder as the D850.

Anyway, loved your image today of your wife and son.  It’s really nice.

Mr. TM.

 

My response:

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Hi TM,

Regarding the Leica M9 and M10:

• I once wrote an article for Steve Huff stating:  Always use the best camera you can afford (and learn to use) for your family.  The M9 — after 10 years — is no longer that camera.  The M10 isn’t either.
• The form factor and manual focus for M cameras are the main attractions for me, but I can no longer accept the trade-off of having an inferior sensor vs. something like the D850.

Regarding the Hasselblad X1D:

• I like it too (amazing form factor) but it’s outside of my budget.
• It’s still a product-in-evolution, so that makes the price point even more unattractive to me.
• The larger sensor is indeed the main draw, but for my use the D850 is much more versatile and will likely yield me more keepers.

Regarding the Nikon D850:

• All of the above comments, and:
• It’s not convenient as a carry-everywhere camera, so I can’t casually head out the door with it.
• But I would consider carrying it with the Nikon 58/1.4G for an outing with my family if I thought there would be opportunities to photograph.
• I mostly use it when I deliberately want to photograph, and want high quality output.

Thank you for your good words!

—Peter.

There’s a DPReview “user review” thread on the Nikon 58/1.4G that summarizes better than I ever could what is so special about this lens:

DPReview Nikon 58mm 1.4G User Review

Also worth reading is this response, also in the same thread:

Response re: Nikon 58mm 1.4G (practical advantage)

(pay particular attention to the ruler demonstration which reveals the practical advantages of this lens when shot wide open)

—Peter.

 

I’m going to request your assistance today with an admittedly niche “problem” regarding the Nikon 200mm f/2 that I haven’t been able to solve despite some research and a little trial and error.

What I’m trying to figure out is:  What is a suitable lens cap for this lens?

Nikon ships the 200/2 with this:

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It fits over the lens (and the reversed hood) and cinches closed.

The trouble is that it requires two hands to either place over or remove from the lens, and although that doesn’t sound like something to worry about, it is a real practical hindrance out in the field.

A replacement cap that is often recommended is the Don Zeck cap:

The Don Zeck is placed inside the lens barrel.  Admittedly, it looks a little goofy with the loop “handle” but some people swear by it.  Others say it’s a little rough around the edges (figuratively and literally) and it either scratches the inside of the lens or doesn’t fit well (too loose or tight).   Given the current price of this plastic piece of engineering is US$75, I’m not inclined to take my chances and order it.

The second lens cover often recommended is the AquaTech soft cap:

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This cap looks promising in that it is soft/flexible and also fits inside the lens barrel (with the unfortunate attention-seeking logo facing outward); it is removed by pulling on the lip in the top portion.

The cost is a more “reasonable” US$40.  The trouble with this one — despite the manufacturer’s claims — is that the cap can sometimes contact the front lens element and leave an oily residue.

The third solution that some people recommend is the Kaiser push-on cap (size 120mm) from B&H:

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The price of this is a relatively low US$18 (though I’m sure it costs $1 to manufacture).  What I don’t know is how well it fits on the lens, and — more importantly — whether it is prone to being accidentally knocked off (since it fits over the lens).   Lastly, I have no idea whether the 200/2 lens hood can be placed over it and, if yes, whether the Kaiser can then easily be removed.  I would be tempted to bite the bullet and buy it anyway but factoring in the $CAN-$US exchange rate, the price for delivery, and customs charges, the price for this simple piece of plastic would more than double.

The last recommendation is the Folgers instant coffee plastic cap that is legendary in internet folklore:

 

I’m not kidding… the internet says this is the best and most economical solution to place in front of your exotic telephoto lens (by the time you start considering this one you will have been secretly repetitively cursing at Nikon for not shipping a proper lens cap in the first place).

Well, it turns out the internet is wrong.  Or its information is out of date.  I canvassed two large stores with various sizes of Folgers coffee cans and none of them had the correct-sized lids.

I won’t even tell you about the Tupperware lids I tried 😩

So I’m humbly asking for your input.

I’m wondering if the Kaiser cap is ultimately the one I should get, or whether there is something better out there.

Thanks,

—Peter.