Second time around for the Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 Z

Back in 2024, I purchased a Viltrox 16mm f/1.8 Z. Wide angle lenses have always been a challenge for me, but I continue to give them a try. The Viltrox is a sharp lens, with a bit of vignetting and flare, but it is a wide angle. Build quality is pretty good, and it balances fine on the Z7. Autofocus speed is fast, but I noticed it hesitating at times, requiring a release and re-press of the shutter button. This lens is Viltrox's first one for the Z mount, so I returned it as I didn't want to be stuck with a dud.

A few months later, Viltrox released a firmware update that was supposed to fix the AF issue, but the lens had gone back up in price. I made a mental note to keep an eye out for a used one, and a year later I found one on FB Marketplace. One firmware update, and so far the AF has behaved. The street fairs and festivals are over though, so I'm unsure when I'll be able to give the new firmware and lens a good workout. 

In the meanwhile, here are some photos from last year's tests.

Third try with a fast lens: the Minolta MC-Rokkor 58mm f/1.2

 I really need to stop looking for old lenses. This time around, it's a Minolta 58mm f/1.2 in MC form. Another impressively solid fast normal lens designed in the 60's. 

I've only used it on two outings, and so far I haven't managed to connect with it. Veiling flare galore wide open, slightly more than the Nikon or Canon that I also own. It definitely doesn't like a strong light source outside of the frame though. My initial photos were sorely lacking in contrast, and even showed a slight rainbow flare in one image. I had a hood on it for the second outing, but that makes it a little more unwieldy with all the weight out front, and I think the hood is vignetting a bit.

I think it's time to throw in the towel, and get a modern f/1.2.

On a sitekeeping note, I've updated all the broken image links. I had to re-edit some of the photos, as the original posted ones are not on my hard drive.

Getting sloppy in prep

 I went to a low rider parade yesterday, and got my kit ready the night before. Two spare batteries went into the bag, followed by the Z7 and 24-200mm. My earbuds were a little low on charge, so I plugged the case in to top them off.

When I got on BART, I realized I hadn't put the earbuds back in my bag. As the ride continued, I also realized that the camera batteries in the bag were for the wrong camera. I checked the Z7, and the battery in it had a 90% state of charge. Not a good start to the day.

During the event, I made sure to turn the Z7 off after every photo. The battery ran out after almost 600 images, which wasn't bad. But the event wasn't over yet, so I missed out on more photo opportunities. 

Turns out my DJI Pocket 3 went into slow motion mode for about 3/4 of the vids. That means a resolution of HD (still workable), but no sound. Disappointing, because there were dancers and several bands in the parade. I really need to use my phone to set up the Pocket, and monitor the recording status.

Sigh. I need to step up my preparation game at the least. I've been too complacent, and probably also a side effect of getting older. I also have to be more familiar with the Pocket 3. I found a setting to have it default to rearward facing, which would reduce a step when I have it mounted to my bag strap.

Still learning after all these years.

When several years go by

 Yikes, I didn't realize how much time has passed since I last posted on my blog. The kit has grown a lot since 2022. I sold the Nikon D5200, loaned out the Fuji X-T1 for a Canon 7D, and bought a Fujifilm X100VI. I also added a DJI Pocket 3 to the kit. My desktop computer has also been upgraded. So there's quite a bit to blog about.

Lens count is now up to 50! My dry cabinets are full, but it's not the right time to buy anything new at the moment. I still have a backlog of lenses to evaluate, but with summer ending, not many opportunities to go on photowalks.