G-volution- New Nikon G / Canon EOS Adapter

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Saturday, 01 August 2009 14:33

G-volution- New Nikon G / Canon EOS Adapter Mark from 16-9.net is releasing a Version 2 of his acclaimed Nikon G to EOS adapter. Comparing the phases of its evolution that has made this unlikely combination turn the heads of many photographers by previewing a prototype of what is yet to come.

A Step Towards the Light
When I like a new product , I tend to rave on about it a little too often. My product of the year had to be the fruition of a remarkable lens adapter from Mark Welsh at 16-9.net, an adapter that sorted out my wide angle gripes by pairing the impeccable Nikon G 14-24 f2.8 onto my Canon cameras. With nothing in the Canon wide angle line up to get close to it, the lens was the last link in the chain of consistently matched optics that I had been searching for. With the Contax 28mm f2, Contax 35-70mm f3.4 and the impeccable Canon 70-200 f4 IS seeming like a match made in heaven , it was clear to me that my Canon 17-40 f4L had to be retired from the equation. Although a good lens on the Canon 5D, the 21mp sensor was clearly inhibited in the corners and in comparison, the images were looking flatter, softer and unmatched with the other three.

Three 16-9.net adapters showing the evolution up to the new V2

G-volution - A rare sight indeed, three adapters from the initial rotating adapter to the new V2 Levered Adapter, the only one 16-9.net are offering. CLICK ON IMAGE for further information.

Nearly a year later and I am finding that the Nikon 14-24 is simply the most superb wide angle zoom ever made. With jaw dropping sharpness at all focal lengths and apertures, it has expanded my photography into new areas with complete image confidence..

I can't believe I ever survived without 14mm super wide imagery for interiors and landscapes, but it is the consistency of this optic that makes you adamant the only factor inhibiting spectacular creativity is your own minds eye and never the equipment. This is the way it should be.

Using the 14-24 at 14mm - Unsurpassable Image Quality


Absolute top left corner CLICK FOR 100%	Center Crop CLICK FOR 100%	Nikon 14-24 @ 14mm - Wonderful opportunities like these are completely impossible without 14mm or panoramic equipment. What's more remarkable is the image is almost as sharp in the corners as the center. This photograph was taken at f11 for 1/10thsec ISO 100

Working Method...not for some.
After the adapter started to ship in September 09, some users found the combo was not for them. No-filters and a quirking working method was just too restrictive for some, whereas I seemed to find the complete opposite. I'm used to operation lenses manually and I actually prefer using cameras this way, so it was easy to see the benefits completely outweighing the restrictions. The lens mounted on the rotating adapter became intuitive and quick to use. After testing and memorising hyperfocal distance data, I found myself using it for all manner of coastal, landscape and architectural imagery without any difficulty and very few mistakes, even on moonlight shoots. I am certain those that have sold this incredible optic and the adapter may not have given it a chance.

Polarisers, Grads and Computers - let us pray for the computerphobic.
To get the most out of the 14-24 lens in high contrast situations like sunrises, sunsets or even interiors, it its worthwhile remembering that your computer processing skills will have to be good, whether you shoot this on a Nikon or Canon body. You cannot rely on filter and polarisers so compromises will have to be made, but boy oh boy are the benefits worth it.

Grads - My experiments with hand holding 100mm graduated filters in front of the lens only seem to work on 24 - 21mm. You have to cup your hand over the top of the lens to stop light bleeding in through the gaps in the petalled hood, but it can be done. Any wider the 21mm and it's literally always a failure.

Polarisers and ND's- it is possible to use a polariser, again at the 24mm end. I have hand held a 77mm Heliopan polariser carefully in front of the front element without problems, but again it takes a little getting used to. As the lens is shot wider and wider the uneven effects of polarisation seem to do little to complement an image anyway. If necessary I go back to the 17-40 f4L or the 24mm TS-E.

Computers - Your computer skills must be very competent if you are to get the most out of this lens. I exposure blend my images when the camera cannot capture the full range of light, but it is this problem that turns people away from the idea of this superb optic more than any other. If you want to get the most from this lens, improve your computer skills. The synergy of computers and cameras is the future for sure, so mastering this essential photographic skill, just like 16-9.net Nikon adapter, will only make your imagery exemplary.

Almost Version 2.... v1.95 - The improvements.
After keeping in touch with Mark about the adapter, he was very pleased that I was as elated about the product as he was. I was offered a prototype of new upgraded V2 adapter to test. Mark assured me that this is still not the final product, more like a version 1.95 and that there will be some finer refinements to the production V2.

1. The use of the best quality Rayqual adapter over the older Fotodiox version.
2. Extended stainless steel lever to accommodate extra clearance required for the Canon EOS 5DmkII.
3. Improved accuracy of coloured markers used in visual aperture setting.
4. Aperture pin has now been altered to provide greater accuracy. This used to contain some play at the f22 end.
5. The adapter can be shipped with or without AF confirm electronics and EXIF data chip.

Click on the images below to take a closer look at the new V2 prototype (above)and the older Levered Version (below)

New almost V2 prototype Older Levered Version, now discontinued.	The new lever at its maximum travel, doesn't interfere with the dismount button on the 1DsIII

Other than the lack of AF confirm contacts (which I specified that I wouldn't need, so Mark left them off) and a new shaped lever control, this version is even easier to use. The lever is smooth and positive, staying clear of the dismount button when pushed up to the maximum position of f22. There are the same three marker points on the side - f22, f8 and f2.8 although I believe it's far better to set the aperture using the in camera metering system.

How it works You can see clearly how the adapter works. As the lever is operated on the side of the adapter, a small silver pin slides the Nikon aperture lever into position. This in turn controls the aperture blades inside the lens and sets it at the correct f-stop.
This is the lens in f2.8 setting, the silver adapter pin pushes the Nikon pin.		The lens is set to f22, the Nikon aperture lever is at the end of its travel.

Removing the Weather Sealing Gasket.
All things come with a compromise, but just like the last Levered Adapter, it requires the removal of the rubber weather sealing gasket near the lens mount. Here's a few pointers to take into account -

1. The adapter doesn't have any weather sealing, so once mounted on a Canon camera the lens isn't weather sealed anyway, with or without the gasket.
2. Once the gasket is removed it is hard to get back in, but it can be done with a nail cuticle tool or similar. Without the gasket, you may effect the resale value of the lens so keep it safe. Put it in the original lens box in the loft.
3. Why you would ever want to part with the lens is beyond me.

I have thought long and hard about this and I can only envisage one scenario where this could prove troublesome - you are an extreme weather / harsh environment shooter carrying both Nikon and Canon bodies on the same bag and switch the lens between systems. It's of no consequence, so I have removed the gasket even for this test.

AF Confirm or Live View - the choice is yours...
The adapter can have AF confirm contacts as well as the EXIF data chip so that RAW software can distinguish between which lenses you use. Again, I have never seen the point in this, but my findings using AF confirm adapters, as well as AF lenses, has proved to me time and time again that LIVE VIEW is the answer. I literally never bother using AF anymore, as it can prove to be inconsistent. There have been many times that my Canon lenses mis-focus on static subjects, so I feel am far better off composing the scene and manually focusing the lens using Live View. This doesn't even prove to be a problem on 14mm scenes.


Centre Crop CLICK FOR 100%	Absolute top left corner CLICK FOR 100%	Nikon 14-24 @ 14mm - Focused using LIVE VIEW, this wonderful building made of wood and brick made a superb way of testing the 14-24's superb resolution at 14mm. Tests concluded there was literally no difference between f4-f11, making this a massively usable aperture range. This photograph was taken at f11 for 2secs ISO 100

Some Final Thoughts
For me, a user of the original Rotating Adapter, this is a worthy upgrade. Although not the final version, I am more than happy with this prototype on my 1DsIII and the change in working method has been extremely straightforward. When the final V2 goes on sale, the adapter will probably have reached its final stage of evolution. The base adapter will be even higher quality, the aperture lever will be larger to give easier operation on the 5DmkII, the markers and moment tuned to give greater precision.

The decision upon whether the 14-24 is right for your Canon camera will no longer be about the adapters operation, but about the lens and its technical compromises upon your own photography. Can you work without filters? If so, are your computer skills and image processing techniques advanced enough to gain the best from this incredible piece of glass? I serious think these are now the big questions. The adapter does exactly what it is supposed to do.

As for Mark, a one man band, whose original business model was based upon sharing his adaptation with a handful of enthusiast lens tinkerers, he has sure inspired a lot of photographers, professional and amateur alike. His personal ideal has always been the same - to get the best image quality out of his own gear, no matter what the lens mount, age or design. If your adapter has been delayed, relax, don't confuse him with Canon R&D. Be patient and persevere. The combo of 21mp and the only wide angle lens to match is well worth the wait.

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X-pro filters work to 14mm!

Hello!
I just wanted to thank you for the nice write up. My 5Dii drowned last summer so I switched to a D700 and have been loving this lens. This adapter has long been on my wishlist but other things have always come first. Regardless, I thought I'd share with you that you can indeed get filters working to 14mm with my setup. You can see the setup here:
http://gear.benjacobsenphoto.com/2009/new-gear/nikkor-14-24mm/
that's a cokin x-pro holder with a ring large enough to fit over a spare 14-24mm hood. You use the outer filter slot (so you can only use ONE filter at a time) with x-pro filters. Format will custom make you panel filters in this size if you have issues with Cokin's "red cast".

Thanks again!
Ben Jacobsen

Ben Jacobsen , 04, Feb, 2010 | url