An SLR user...again...

Stephanie Brim · Oct 9, 2006

Yes, I will have a Nikon FE coming my way very shortly...but only the body and no lenses. I'm going to be looking for two in the next few weeks, both primes: a normal 50mm prime and a wider lens, possibly something 20-28mm. I'd like to stick to Nikkors and I'd like to stick to the AI versions of the lenses. The 50mm is pretty much down to the f/1.4 version...that's the lens I had before and I took most of my best photos (IMO) with that lens. That leaves me the wide...uncharted territory for me. Give me your picks for a relatively cheap and decently fast (at least 2.8) wide prime, please?

Nick Zentena · Oct 9, 2006

The 35mm?

HerrBremerhaven · Oct 9, 2006

Hello Stephanie Brim,

I am still using an FE for work, along with lots of lenses. In the wide range, it seems many find the 24mm f2.8 to be an excellent choice. Compact and light weight, and much less than the f2.0 version, while in my opinion outperforming the faster lens in the corners. These 24mm f2.8 lenses are fairly numerous on the used market. I have used the 28mm f2.8 and 35mm f2.8, and just don't like the results at the corners; unless you are only going to use them at f8.0 or f11, where they are okay.

My favorite Nikon wide lens is actually a 35mm f2.8 shift lens, but those are not relatively cheap. If you ever have the cash to go for one, or find a good deal on one, it is a really outstanding lens design. Results wide open and unshifted are quite nice.

On the 50mm Nikon choices, I went through a few f1.4 versions prior to finding a nice one. I had trouble with decentering, which could have been abuse or lack of quality control. Hopefully you find a nice version. My favorite 50mm f2.0 is actually the AI long barrel version, which I also own. Anyway, hope you enjoy your FE and whichever lenses you find for it.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
Dead Link Removed

Stephanie Brim · Oct 9, 2006

My first version of the 50/1.4 AI was superb. It's why I want one again. The thing was fast enough for inside work but excelled at outside shots stopped down. I'm looking forward to shooting some TMZ at 1600 this Christmas with it.

Uncle Bill · Oct 9, 2006

Stephanie,

May I suggest the 24 f2.8 its a nice wideangle lens. I have the pre AI version I use with my F, F2 and Nikkormat, I think you would be happy. I would also look into the 105 f2.5 telephoto lens as well.

Bill

eddym · Oct 9, 2006

I like the 24mm f2.8 very much, too. Another vote for it!

Jeffrey A. Steinberg · Oct 9, 2006

The ultimate kit:

24/2.8
50/1.4
80/2
105/2.5 (I just bought the 105/1.8--Didn't even know they made that)

All AIS

Stephanie Brim · Oct 9, 2006

The 105/1.8 is a tempting lens, but I'm trying to stay budget conscious. I think I'm staying away from the AIS because they tend to be a little bit more than the AI versions but really not that much better in most cases.

Mick Fagan · Oct 9, 2006

Stephanie, I also prefer the 24mm for it's nice wide views compared to the 28m and 35mm.

I run a Sigma 2.8 24mm lens which I find excellent, especially from a money side, I bought mine new 21 years ago. I have run it against the equivalent Nikkor and there is a just detectable difference in the contrast but it hasn't been a problem for me. The Sigma also runs 1/2 stop aperture detents, which I find very nice.

I also have the 2.8 series E 28 Nikon lens. Picked it up about 15 years ago and have tested it against the AI version and found the difference to be minimal to not noticeable. They are really cheap and good value.

I also have the series E 35 2.8 but I don't think it is great, it is my loaner lens to people.

Mick.

eddym · Oct 9, 2006

I was shooting nature with my 105 f1.8 today. It's an incredible lens! A big handful of glass, but super sharp! I use it with a PK12 extension tube for closeups.

snegron · Oct 9, 2006

Stephanie Brim said:
The 105/1.8 is a tempting lens, but I'm trying to stay budget conscious. I think I'm staying away from the AIS because they tend to be a little bit more than the AI versions but really not that much better in most cases.

The only advantage to newer AIS lenses IMO is the coating. Newer lenses have newer coating. I have my newer manual focus AIS lenses on my old Nikon F, F2, and F3 bodies. I have an 20 year old 105mm 2.5 AIS with what appears to be some sort of fungus growing inside and it still delivers great images. I checked to see how much it would cost to get cleaned but it would be more cost effective to get a used one from KEH.

rpsawin · Oct 9, 2006

Stephanie,

Take a look at the 45mm 2.8 P AIS Nikkor. It's small and compact. When I mount that lens on my FM3A it has a similar feel as a RF kit. It's an excellent lens and worth consideration.

Bob

HerrBremerhaven · Oct 10, 2006

Okay, AI .vs. AIS, I have noticed a few things. The most obvious to me is the longer focus throw of the AI versions at most focal lengths. It seems more precise to me for wide angle lenses, though something that you have to try in practice to tell the difference. Another difference is (my opinion) better construction of the AI versions, and not just the extra screws in the lens mounts. The AIS version of some lenses allowed a tension adjustment in the focus mechanism, something that I found out about with my 50mm f1.4; that was once loose, and now functions like new. The only exception I have made for AIS is the 105mm f2.5, after trying it against an AI version I now own the AIS. My previously mentioned 35mm shift lens pre-dates AI, and is actually a preset lens.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat

Soeren · Oct 10, 2006

When I started out with my nikon I had three lenses. A 24mm 50mm and a 105mm. At that time the 24mm and the 105mm was Sigma lenses which I sold of later. Now I have the 20mm f/2,8; 50mm f/1,4; 85mm f/1,4 (all AFD)and a 180mm f/2,8 AIS. The gap between the 20mm and the 50mm is to big in my oppinion and I would like a 28mm to get a more moderate WA perspective. Though the 20mm is a great lens it is to wide for many occasions and a 24mm or 28mm would be a better choice. I don't know the 24mm nikors but the focallength is a good compromise between the 20 and 28mm and should I only carry three lenses I'd choose the 24mm as my WA. On the long end I really love the 85mm but a 105mm is also a great focallength and will propably be the best bet as a tele in a threelens kit.
Cheers
Søren

Stephanie Brim · Oct 10, 2006

I'm going three lens in this venture because I don't think I'd use longer than the 105...therefore the 24/50/105 combo is calling me. I figure that I can add longer or wider lenses as I see fit. Also, I'm eyeing that 85/1.8 AIS even though I shouldn't be.

Soeren · Oct 10, 2006

BTW Take a look on Bjørn Rørslett's Homepage. There is some info on the Nikors which he rates and there is some good hints and tips.

http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2.html

Cheers
Søren

HerrBremerhaven · Oct 10, 2006

I used the 105mm f2.5 AIS for a long time without ever thinking about getting or using an 85mm. In that time frame, I had tried out an 85mm f1.4, and didn't like the balance on my FE, then tried several 85mm f1.8 and f2.0 lenses. Finally, near the end of last year, I got an 85mm f2.0 AI lens. Funny thing is that currently I use that more than the 105mm f2.5 AIS. However, if I ever starting liquidating what I have in Nikon gear, the last lens I would sell (actually, probably keep it) would be that 105mm f2.5 AIS; probably the most amazing lens in the entire Nikon line.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
A G Studio

BrianShaw · Oct 10, 2006

HerrBremerhaven said:
I used the 105mm f2.5 AIS for a long time without ever thinking about getting or using an 85mm.

I'm just the opposite. I've used a Nikkor 85/2 for many years without ever getting or using a 105. I've read some bad reviews of the 85/2 but get great results with mine.

Jon King · Oct 10, 2006

Stephanie, have you looked at the 35/1.4? If your images lean toward the wider side, you'd have a 24 for a very wide view and with the 35mm still have the f/1.4 for low light. I used 35/1.4 and 105.2.5 as a two lens set for a long time, and added a 24/2.8 for a third lens, if I carried that many.

MattKing · Oct 10, 2006

It is just a coincidence that us "Kings" think alike.....

I heartily reccommend a 24mm, 35mm, 85mm trio. Mine are all Olympus Zuikos, but I'm sure the Nikon versions are acceptable

Matt

BrianShaw · Oct 10, 2006

35/2; 50/1.4; 85/2

Stephanie Brim · Oct 10, 2006

I may do a 35mm...depends on what prices I can get on the lenses. The 24, 50, and 105 are a given, though.

Oh, and the 50mm is a must in my kit. It is my go-to lens for almost everything.

Joe Brugger · Oct 11, 2006

Stephanie Brim said:
I may do a 35mm...depends on what prices I can get on the lenses. The 24, 50, and 105 are a given, though.

Oh, and the 50mm is a must in my kit. It is my go-to lens for almost everything.

Can't remember exactly what you shoot, but a 20/35/85 kit is pretty versatile and shouldn't break the bank.

Kensey · Oct 11, 2006

How about 28/ 50/ 105 Micro?
The close-focusing of the 28 AIS is not to be sniffed at! Personally, I no longer have a Nikkor 50; but I do have a 58 1.2... Those few extra phew mm make all the difference.

Drew B. · Oct 11, 2006

Stephanie Brim said:
The 105/1.8 is a tempting lens, but I'm trying to stay budget conscious

Hey Steph...why not skip groceries this week? Pull out all the food stuffs that are sitting (and have been sitting for some time) in the back of your cabinets... and consume that. Camera equipment must always come first!

An SLR user...again...

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