5 Favorite Vintage Nikon Lenses
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- čas přidán 4. 07. 2024
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I've always loved the look of vintage Nikon lenses. After owning a lot of lenses over time, I pick my five favorite ones.
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50mm F1.8 E ebay.to/2RKx51Y
28mm F2.8 AI-S ebay.to/2DfGRDP
105mm F2.5 AI-S ebay.to/2TxlFA1
135mm F2.8 QC ebay.to/2GrC9Gl
35mm F2.8 PC ebay.to/2TzqLvJ
I like those vintage lenses because they are built like a tank, they seem more weather proofed and don't feel cheap like the plastic offerings of today.
This selection spot on , you couldn't even wrong.
The 180 and 200f4 are supreme.
24mm 2.8
50mm f1.4
105 2.5 the holy trinity of Nikon lenses
I’m really surprised that nobody in the comments mentioned the Nikon 180 f/2.8 lens. A legend!
I thought so too. But once I got my new 70-200 fl lens the old 180 just sits on the shelf. The old lens is no where near as sharp and has lots of CA, mostly wide open. The zoom is perfection.
mrca The new zoom has awesome micro contrast. I agree that the 180 has awesome micro contrast also and it’s a compact and beautiful lens but the zoom is king. Except for size and cost. The new zoom has the best prime characteristics, Nikon really did a brilliant job of it. My only wish is it had a focus ring lock so you don’t have to worry about your hand touching the front focus ring.
@@aussie8114 I can only assume you have the non-ED version of the 180. Mine is the later ED AI-s version, and it's among the sharpest lenses I own - right up there with the best! Astonishing performance, even wide open at f/2.8.
@@AntPDC It is the ED version, it’s the same one that they have continued making for decades. I always thought it was good but once I got the new 70-200 I realised differently. The 180 is nicely built and more compact than the big 70-200 but it’s not as good. C.A. at wider apertures and not as sharp. It has nice dimensionality but the zoom is just as good. It’s an odd focal length too. Don’t get me wrong it’s a nice lens but no use to me know that I’ve got the new zoom. I just need to build up some muscles to carry the zoom around 💪🏼
Erase this comment and don't let people know about that lens. Hahah
I got 50mm 1.4 sc auto, amazing lens, bokeh is amazing
I love my old to ancient Nikkors on M43 adapters, both glassless and especially 0.71x stop-adding sharpening glassed, which combines with the 2x M43 crop factor for and overall multiplier 1.42x to get the final effective focal length. My beloved 200mm f4 Micro-Nikkor becomes even more incredibly sharp, a stop brighter, and 1.42 times longer, the 284mm f2.8 close-focusing tool that bug and butterfly photographers dream of. An ancient cheap non-AI 400mm f5.6 becomes a 560mm f4, but okay, the amazing Leica 100-400mm f4-6.3 (200-800mm full-frame equivalent) is still my bird and wildlife lens of choice. Even though I don't do much architectural photography, and correct for perspective digitally anyway, I agree about the 35mm f2.8 PC-Nikkor. It becomes the world's sharpest 50mm f2 equivalent in the rare event that I need a fast "normal' lens. The 85mm f1.8 Nikkor is now a 125mm f0.9 way to snoop in dimly lit cabaret settings at low-noise ISOs. I must use these and other Nikkors manually, but Panasonic M43 bodies simplify this via manual focusing aids, exposure control, and image stabilization.
I'm no lens expert but it's my experience that when you put a full-frame on a M43 body you definitely want a speedbooster or at least use a lens that's good and sharp to begin with. I'm looking at the Metabones .64 for just that reason. If you put a so-so lens on that small sensor with straight adapter it can get quite soft.
Thanks for the video.
I have three of the vintage lenses on your list (28 and 105).
However, here are my five favorite vintage Nikon lenses:
1. 35mm f/1.4 (my personal favorite focal length)
2. 180mm f/2.8 (one of my three sharpest prime lenses)
3. 55mm f/3.5 macro (one of my three sharpest prime lenses)
4. 105mm f/2.8 macro (one of my three sharpest prime lenses)
5. 75-150mm f/3.5 Series E (great image quality for very low price)
My favorite vintage lens kit consisted of:
35mm f/2 (later replaced by f/1.4 version)
85mm f/1.8 (later replaced by f/1.4 version)
180mm f/2.8
Just found a couple of Nikkor rangefinder lenses online - should be fun to try
I have a Nikon 'E' series 28 mm f/2.8 lens which I purchased back in 1984. It is one of my favorite lenses. I have no issues with the 'build quality' of it..sure it may have more plastic construction on it versus the regular Nikkor version but for my purposes it is fine. Image quality is excellent. I always thought the 'E' series lenses were good buys. Only issue with them is that they don't have the meter coupling prongs on them to allow them to engage the meter pin on older Nikon/Nikkormat camera bodies. I've heard that meter coupling prongs can be installed; or can use Nikon mount lenses without the coupling prongs in stop down metering mode.
Nikon 2,8/28mm Series E AI-S , works on the fm2n? and do you think it is as sharp as the "non E" version? thank you so much!!!
I own the pancake, the 28mm and the 135mmQ ... They are GOOOOD and CHEAAAP
Thanks for alerting me to the 28mm f2.8 AI-S. It looks like the wide counterpart to the 55mm 2.8 Micro, which is probably my favorite all-around lens and certainly is, as Ken Rockwell put it, "hellaciously sharp at all apertures." Nikon's best lenses are worldbeaters IMHO.
I love the 200/ 4 Nikkor. I have the one I bought in the early '70's as well as an AIS version.
I shoot a Nikkor 28mm F/2.8 AI on my D780 and I love it. Crystal clear and incredibly versatile for everyday photography. Love it.
Great video! I've just started playing with vintage lenses but for Canon. My primary camera is a Nikon so the info you're providing is super helpful. Either way, vintage lenses give some beautiful images. Something about the color and sharpness stand out compared to modern lenses.
Yeah, I love the look. If you haven't seen this video check it out, vintage still holds up. czcams.com/video/ko_V6LZ-zqQ/video.html
Very helpful--great advice. Thnx
Did you go to UT Austin? (recognized greg and the construction stuff by PCL.) If so do you have any favorite places to take pictures at on or off campus?
No but I go to the Blanton and usually a photo walk after. On campus I like the area near the watchtower since there’s a lot of nooks and interesting scenery. Off campus I just go to an area and shoot, check out my instagram it’s Austin heavy.
I honestly can't tell you how grateful I am for coming across your channel and finding out Nikon does tilt/shift lenses! I'd appreciate it so much if you could tell me if the PC lenses would mount correctly on a Nikon FM2N... the whole ai, ai-s mount terminology gets so confusing :) Thank you! Best of luck with your channel!
Thanks! Yes should work fine and that was the camera body I used them on. It may not meter correctly but I used an external meter.
Agree with you about the 28 2.8 ais
I use it on my nikon z6 the for video. Amazing lens.
I want to buy another old lens but indecide.
What is beter for stll and video. the 105 or 135?
Better for stills. You want some type of vibration reduction for video.
The 20mm f3.5 is a great lens also.
I have the 28mm but in the 3.5 version; love it for landscape. Snagged it for $70 in near-mint condition.
+J Frank Parnell awesome!
While the 28mm 33.5 generally gets no respect, it started in 1959 and went through several updates. My copy of the last version from 1977 is extremely sharp shut down a stop or two. The 28mm 2.8 is at least as good, and it doesn't leave you wondering if you got one of the earlier 28mm 3.5 (not so good) versions. If you have the big bucks, the 28mm 2.0 is better yet - one of the best Nikkors ever.
Currently waiting for a 28mm F2.8 from KEH in the mail. Look forward to working with it.
+David Rothschild hope you love it!
Great to hear all the comments. I like to share with you guys that over the years (40+). I have had my share of Nikor lenses. At the end , I'm holding on to the following:
50mm f1.4 ais, 35-70 f2.8D, 55mm f3.5 and f2.8., 105 f2.5 ais, with noting is the 24-50D. It is a $120 lens but once I took a wedding shot side by side with a Canon 17-40 both at 5.6. nobody cold tell the difference. But the costed $450 then. So I kept the 24-50D. Another sleeper is the Tamron 90 f2.5 model B52? I took a picture of a building from a block away. I could read the sign on it! Thought I share this with fellow hobbiest . Happy Holidays.
These are great recommendations :)
I use Nikkor 35 f2 lens as a "wider normal". Perfect all-around lens especially my lower light photography. It's easier to shoot at longer shutter speeds than 50mm because of shorter focal length and heavier construction.
+Blofeld76 I'll have to try that, so nice to have that lower F Stop at that wide of an angle
love vintage lenses got over 80 (wife not happy 😁) not got many nikon yet ,must give them a closer look
Very cool pod cast... thanks... you missed the 85mm 1.8 this is a classic lens and the 55mm f3.5 again a classic lens.
I use allot of old Nikon glass and my favourite lens is the older 50mm f1.4 lens the pre AI version. My copy is now AI converted so I use it on Nikon film bodies and adapted on an Fuji XE1
+Steven Namyah I had that for a second too. Good golly was that sharp lens as well.
Do you need an adapter to attach the lens to a full-frame Nikon? I'm thinking of buying the D800, and wanted to get some vintage glass for it as well.
Most likely not but I can’t guarantee it. Some of the really old ones have some issues but most of these vintage lenses should be fine. They won’t meter correctly though and all manual focus.
@@ShawneeUnion The Q lens looks like a non AI lens and as such should not be used on a camera that doesn't make provision for it. The D800 does not. The DF has a switch that can be pushed back to accommodate non AI lenses. Regarding metering if you use the Nikon menu system to define a non cpu lens and specify the maximum aperture then the camera will meter with the lens.
Excellent tips! Are Pentax lenses equal or sharper than Nikon?
I've heard the older Takumar lenses are super sharp. The K mount 50mm F2 is amazingly sharp and available too.
I have the 135 f2.8 QC Auto. Awesome lens. Another awesome one is the 300mm f4.5 ED IF. It’s small size for a 300mm being only f4.5 which is useful. It has super smooth focusing but the best bit is the sublime picture output.
are current Nikon digital F mount lenses able to be used on the FM2?
You will need an aperture ring so that would rule out G lenses onwards.
The micro Nikkor 55mm f 3.5 is very sharp. I use it now with an adapter for my Fuji XT-3 as a close focusing portrait lens.
Nikons have aged really well.
@@ShawneeUnion Yes they have.
i liked your video. You have super great lenses there. I have the 35mm f2.0(I'm a 35mm junkie, I have 3) and the 24mm f2.8.
I like those choices :)
Nikon made and still makes great lenses!
Thanks for this video ...I have just ordered a nikkor 135 mm 2.8 AIS MANUAL focus lense because of the bokeh and macro photography..I have macro lens the 60mm 1.8 .....it’s beast of lens
Please try the 60mm 1.8 d series ...it’s a beautiful lense for macro
I’ve own the same version of the 28/2.8 - it is incredibly sharp. The older 28/2.8, which doesn’t focus as closely, isn’t as sharp. Bought mine in the 1980’s. One lens you should try is the 180 with ED glass. Amazing.
180 is a little long for me, but I'll see if I can get a loaner.
Nathan Losman I almost never use my 180 but it is exceptional. Sharp and great micro contrast.
great video, thanks!
Glad you liked it!
Can pre-AI, AI and AIS lenses ALL be used on the Nikon F2 (or just some of them)?
I’ve never had issues. Some require additional steps if you want metering but it works fine for manual.
@@ShawneeUnion : thanks for the Info :-)
Hello! When you enjoy photography as a hobby, it's often fun to "try" different things, and I have to say that these older AI / AI-S lenses are the bomb.com. Just try getting quality or fast glass at a lower price point than these rock-solid, metal lenses. Ain't gonna happen. Yes, you can get the newer auto focus lenses but they are going to have a serious impact on your wallet. A nice example of a 50 mm 1.4 ai-s will run you about $125, and the awesome 28 mm 2.8 will run you about $225 for a good example of this lens. Good luck getting a new version for anywhere close to that. Anyway, thanks for your post and I'm enjoying messing around with these older manual focus lenses!
Greg Cassidy a lot of times i prefer manual focus except when shooting fast moving or sports
Do you need an adapter to fit these on a new nikon body? (D5300)
No they should all fit fine. But I’d do an internet check just to be sure.
Thank you ;)
I have the 50, 28 & 135 on my D5300 .... They work great
I have a Nikkor-S 50mm f1.4 I think it's a non Ai. Made from 1970s? I guess? I really want to sell that since I don't have any Nikon body anymore (the lens just freshly came from japan)
try 85mm F/2 AI-S and if you missed the 105, go get the 105mm F/1.8 AI-S superb lens
I am very happy with my 85mm f2 AI lens with an adapter on my Fuji XT3.
I have two of those - the 28mm and the 135mm.
The Nikkor 24 mm AI lens is even sharper than the 28 mm AI lens.
Prove it! JK, I need to try that one now too.
50mm 1.2 ais amazing!
serviola3 I had it, and compared it to other 50mm lenses. I really tried to like that lens and I actually spent a lot of time to find one not used. But honestly there's nothing special about it, and I'm not a pixel-peeper. Resolution, color rendition, and bokeh were almost even sub-par.
Now of course the 58mm Noct version is a completely different story.
well done. informative. thanks,
Dale
+dale gravatt you're welcome. Thanks for watching.
Great video! Your 28mm 2.8 is an AI or AIS version?
The AIS version. Insanely good
Do one for Sony E frame too..
Basically the 28mm 2.8 AIS, it’s basically a macro/normal lens and one of Nikon’s sharpest. I’ll never sell it.
"The Angry Photographer" agrees with you...;)
+Otokichi786 dude. May have to delete this whole video after hearing that 🌋
50mm f1.2 AI nikkor. 105mm f2.5 AI nikkor. 80-200 f4.5 N AI nikkor. 1000mm f11 nikkor.
105mm 2.5 ai is a sick lens
Nikon 45mm f/2.8 AI-S!
+Jr Ganiban the king of pancakes 🥞
AI-P??
28mm ais or ai?
Most important thing is close focus, should be ais
Ai-s was pretty much Nikon’s attempt at making the best possible 28mm on the market, supppppper sharp and a super close focus. If you can afford to pay the extra $$ for the AI-S instead of the AI, definitely do it.
"our era"
I'm unclear why one would choose a 50mm 1.8 Series E lens, one of the most pedestrian, under-performing 50mm Nikon lenses, over the late/last model MF 50mm 1.8 lenses, which is not arguably the best optical and mechanical 50mm Nikkor ever made. Any size differential (normal v. "pancake")is trivial. The Series E isn't a terrible lens, but it was built as a cheap, single coated, plastic bodied kit lens to help hit a low price point on the accompanying Nikon EM - Nikon's first venture in marketing a camera by "race to the bottom line". Spend the extra $50 for the real Nikkor.
+Randall Stewart 🤷🏽♂️
Why not indeed; a very nice lens in all of its dozen or so versions. I was offering a comparison to the Series E 50mm lens. However, arguments for the %0mm 1.8 Nikkor/Nikon over the 50mm 1.4 might include:
1. 1.8 costs less than $100; the 1.4 costs about $200-250.
2. The 50mm 1.4 has higher distortion, if not so much as to be a deal killer.
For the 1.4: While an extra 2/3 of a stop over the 1.8 isn't going to be a big deal in night photography, the 1.4 is optimized to do a bit better in its widest stops compared to the 1.8.
Lilith Nox i prefer the 50mm 1.8 ais (not e series) because i've notice distortion when i use the 1.4 and 1.2 variant
The current g lenses are so flat looking.
list all five lenses in video description if you don't want dislikes (i didn't leave dislike)
These are all late model lenses. Do yourself a favor and get the even better older lenses.
Especially the early pre-AI 105/2.5 Nikkor-P Sonnar, get it AI'd and have a far better lens than that AIS thing.