The Nikon 19mm PC-E Tilt/Shift Lens Review
Awesome Tilt & Shift
Product Rating: 5 Stars out of 5
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): This is the best Nikon wide Perspective Control Lens to date - amazing sharpness and professional controls.
I have a passion for wide-angle lens and I have a passion for PCE lenses - now what do I do? The only thing I could do, I bought this lens. This lens opens many opportunities that a normal lens cannot achieve, from artistic shots, distortion-free, in lens pano stacking, and focus control.
Given the fact this lens is mostly a manual lens with a specific design function, it will not appeal to everyone. But if you are reading this article I suspect you are interested in one for yourself. When I first became interested in the PCE lens, I did not think too much of them and passed them over due to my misconceptions. I was just misinformed and thought what do i "really" need a PCE for? After making my first PCE purchase, I began to understand the benefits, sure it is the manual lens, for the most part, this lens is a "thinking" photographer's lens, capable of providing some interesting effects + the ability to manage those converging lines.
I have two other Nikkor PCEs, but this version is a bit different so let us outline the differences:
Second: This new PCE has a better-engineered tilt-shift mechanism: this is the best-engineered PCE lens Nikon has ever made. Turning the knobs allow for fine incremental adjustments with the ability to lock in that setting for a no "creep" lens angle. The older PCE lens has tension knobs and if you did not torque tightly the lens had a tendency to creep during some situations. This new 19mm PCE deals with that issue much better and overall the 19mm PCE has better, user mechanics. You will enjoy using this PCE.
Third: Nikon designed the lens to support Tilt / Shift on the same axis. The other Nikon PCEs supported Tilt on one axis and you had to rotate the lens to shift on that same axes. The new setup is a blessing as it offers much more creative control for your shooting pleasure; Moving the tilt can provide focus control for objects not on the same plane, or provide focus from foreground to far ground. With this focus control, you are in control even at f/4 aperture.
Finally: The 19mm has a greater complexity in lens elements and groupings 17 elements and 13 groups vs 13 elements and 10 groups for the Nikkor 24mm PCE - most people don't really care about this, and neither do I. What matters most is the 19mm PCE is 1/2 stop slower than the 24mm. Given the fact these lenses are normally found on a tripod - 1/2 is not that concerning. Optically this lens is high on the charts for resolution capturing capability - it is SHARP edge to edge.
Cost: At nearly $3,400.00 USD the Nikkor 19mm is targeted to the professionals who make income with this lens but many others, such as my self will eventually acquire one because they are such a delight to use, maybe after the initial release as pricing hopefully falls by a couple hundred or wait until one shows up on Nikon's refurbished site. Anyway, gasp 3,400 USD for a PCE lens- but what a lens it is. What puzzles me is how can Canon offer their PCE at less cost overall as compared to Nikon. If you are a pro shooter making a living doing interiors or buildings - this is the must-have lens.
Functionally: Yes! Nikon knocked it out of the park with this PCE. It does everything you need it to do as a PCE. Nikon fans who have been waiting for a tilt/shift functionality on the same axis - your wait is over - Nikon finally did it, no more sending your PCE back to Nikon. Most PCE lenses are specialized lenses indeed and most people will not even consider buying one and thus why the price is probably higher than normal - due to less demand. I have both the 24mm and 45mm PCE lens, I plan on using my 19mm for indoor, outdoor, architectural, and nature photography.
Ergonomically speaking the Nikkor 19mm is superior over any Nikon PCE thus far. The Knobs are larger and easier to use, you now have sure lock click indents with positive stops and a non-creeping lens. In my images I posted, you might notice that small switch to allow you positive locking as you rotate the lens around the axis. All this makes the newer 19mm King of the PCE line, ergonomically speaking.
Sharpness and Image Quality: There are a few shots below, not my best examples but with time more will be added. From a technical standpoint, I find this lens to be extremely sharp and delivers exceptional images. Compared to my 24mm PCE, yes the 19mm does edge out for delivery of better images - but some may not like the exposed front lens element or ability to add a front filter.
Challenges of this PCE: The front exposed element and shooting in less than perfect weather will show any water droplets in your images, yes it happened to me. Like all PCEs you need to be thinking of focus and exposure at the "normal" settings before you tilt or shift, trying to determine focus and exposure after you shifted/tilted will be a challenge unless you have a "Sekonic 858" light meter in your pocket.
In the meantime, let's take a look at the closest Nikkor PCE the 24mm, and see how the new lens stacks up.
Cost & Comparison of Technical Specifications
Nikkor 19mm | Technical Specifications | Nikkor 24 mm | Technical Specifications | |
Cost | $3,400.00 | Cost | $2,200.00 | |
Mount Type | Nikon F-Bayonet | Mount Type | Nikon F-Bayonet | |
Focal Length | 19mm | Focal Length | 24mm | |
Maximum Aperture | f/4 | Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | |
Minimum Aperture | f/32 | Minimum Aperture | f/32 | |
Format | FX/35mm | Format | FX/35mm | |
Maximum Angle of View (DX-format) | 73° | Maximum Angle of View (DX-format) | 61° | |
Maximum Angle of View (FX-format) | 97° | Maximum Angle of View (FX-format) | 84° | |
Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.18x | Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.37x | |
Lens Elements | 17 | Lens Elements | 13 | |
Lens Groups | 13 | Lens Groups | 10 | |
Compatible Format(s) | FX& DX in crop mode | Compatible Format(s) | FX& DX in crop mode | |
Diaphragm Blades | 9 | Diaphragm Blades | 9 | |
Distance Information | Yes | Distance Information | Yes | |
Nano Crystal Coat | Yes | Nano Crystal Coat | Yes | |
ED Glass Elements | 3 | ED Glass Elements | 3 | |
Fluorine Coat | Yes | Fluorine Coat | No | |
Aspherical Elements | 2 | Aspherical Elements | 3 | |
Super Integrated Coating | Yes | Super Integrated Coating | Yes | |
Minimum Focus Distance | 0.9 ft. (0.25 m) from the focal plane | Minimum Focus Distance | 0.7ft. | |
Close Range Correction | ? Not stated | Close Range Correction | Yes | |
Focus Mode | Manual | Focus Mode | Manual | |
Filter Size | Front Filters Not Possible | Filter Size | 77mm | |
Perspective Control | Horizontal and vertical shift and tilt | Perspective Control | Horizontal and vertical shift and tilt | |
Shift: ± 12 mm | Not stated | |||
Tilt: ± 7.5° | Not stated | |||
Rotation | Rotates 90° left and right with stops every 30°; tilt mechanism rotates 90° left with a stop at 45° can be tilted parallel or perpendicular to shift | Rotation | Rotates 90° left and right with tilt mechanism rotation as well. CAN NOT be tilted parallel or perpendicular to shift. | |
E-type | Yes | E-type | Yes | |
Approx. Dimensions (Diameter x Length) | 3.5in. | Approx. Dimensions (Diameter x Length) | 3.2in. | |
(89mm) | (82.5mm) | |||
x4.8in. | x4.3in. | |||
(124mm) | (108mm) | |||
Approx. Weight | 31.2oz./ 885 g | Approx. Weight | 25.7oz./ 730g | |
The Big Question You May Have: Which Nikon PCE lens should you start with or choose? Like any lens purchase, one focal length may be better suited to your needs but since you found this article may be your interest is in the wider lens? The choice between the 19mm PCE and the 24mm PCE is a matter of funds available and your intended use. If you have the funds, I would go with the 19mm. The 24mm is a fantastic lens, and sharp as well and is more compatible with older Nikon cameras overall because it retains the legacy aperture ring.
Does TrueToad recommend this Nikkor 19mm PCE - YES! It is a solid lens with great ergonomics and fantastic versatility as a PCE in the wide-angle end of the spectrum. If you can afford one, go for it, otherwise, wait for the price reductions for the 24mm PCE.
More links
- Woodland PhotographyWorking Wonders in nature