Essential Must Have's as a NIKON owner is your NPS Member!
As a proud member of the Nikon Professional Services (NPS) program, I recently had the opportunity to consign the coveted Nikon Z8 paired with the NIKKOR 85mm f/1.2 for a two-week trial. The moment it arrived, I was ready. I hit the streets of Las Vegas with the gear locked, loaded, and ready to capture magic.
What started as a single-day test turned into an unforgettable three-day photography experience filled with vibrant street life, new connections, and a whole lot of shutter therapy!
Day 1: Monday, 5/12 – Vegas Vibes on the Strip
I kicked off the adventure at the Bellagio Botanical Gardens, surrounded by vivid florals, the buzz of tourists, and the subtle charm of nature right in the heart of the city. From there, I moved freely, capturing everything from quinceañera celebrations to lovebirds and birds in flight. Within hours, the Z8 had already proven its worth—lightweight, responsive, and incredibly sharp, especially at f/1.2 with that buttery bokeh.
Next stop: the Fremont Street Experience. I couldn’t have predicted the interactions waiting for me there. I photographed a heartwarming moment between a son and his mother, who was so touched that he gifted me $100 on the spot. That spontaneous gratitude reminded me why I do what I do. As the sun set, I caught more families, couples, and a high-energy live concert, all within less than 2 hours which I was happy plus the free parking.
To round out the day, I swung by the Kellogg Soccer Fields in Summerlin for some action shots. Let’s just say the Z8 + 85mm combo did not disappoint. Crisp action freezes at 1/3000 shutter speed, flawless subject separation, and dreamlike backgrounds at f/1.2. As the self-proclaimed FAB (Fashion, Athletics, Branding) Photographer, this moment sealed the deal for me—I was in my element.
Day 2: Tuesday, 5/13 – Back for More with a Fellow Photographer
The next morning, my friend and fellow photographer, Anthony of "Toglife Media" caught wind of my Nikon adventure and wanted in. So, naturally, I found myself back on the Strip for round two.
We revisited the Bellagio gardens, ventured outside to find the "Respect the Pack" dog training in progress and explored the Paris Las Vegas property across the street, one of my go-to spots for romantic engagement shots. But the real highlight? Meeting Paul, the legendary valet attendant with 50 years of service under the Caesars Entertainment umbrella. His celebrity stories? Priceless. Paul, if you ever write that book, I’ll be first in line.
It was one of those days that reminded me why I love photography: great company, even better conversations, and capturing life’s spontaneous moments.
Day 3: Wednesday, 5/14 – YouTube Collab & Lens Showdown
Day three was something special. Anthony had the idea to film a YouTube comparison between the Canon 85mm f/1.2 and the Nikon 85mm f/1.2—and if you know me, you know I was all in.
Once mic’d up, GoPro rolling, and fully in our creative flow. We compared everything from bokeh quality and dramatic lighting to stabilization at slow shutter speeds (1/5) and continuous focus performance.
The result? A passionate, tech-loving, hands-on photography experience with laughs, learning, and a shared obsession for glass and gear. I don’t know what the final YouTube edit will look like, but I’ll remember that day as one of those “living the dream” moments.
Final Thoughts
My time with the Nikon Z8 and the NIKKOR 85mm f/1.2 was more than a gear test—it was a creative recharge. I met strangers who became part of my lens story, collaborated with peers, and reconnected with my passion in a city that never sleeps.
Stay tuned for a full gallery of images from these three days—each photo tells a part of the story. And to Nikon and NPS: thank you for giving me the tools to elevate my craft.
With gratitude and focus,
London Howard
Favorite Go-To FAB Photographer – Fashion | Athletics | Branding
