F5 + 20mm nikkor lens questions

puketronic · Feb 20, 2013

F5: Is a decent manual focusing screen difficult to find? I'd probably get AF lenses anyways but I'm exploring some MF options.

20mm: I have a 20mm f3.5 UD but I do not think it is that great...atleast not at close distances and wide apertures. Would the 20mm f2.8 AF-D/AI-S be a noticeably better lens at close distances? It has CRS but ultra wide angles are difficult to design, to begin with, so maybe that is wishful thinking.

I'm tentatively thinking of selling off my F + 20mm f3.5 UD for an F5 + 20mm f2.8 AF-D. I would then add a 50mm Finding a good/cheap 50mm is easy. I want the F5 because I can benefit from the heft, vertical release, and MLU on the F5 over the F.

BMbikerider · Feb 20, 2013

The Nikkor 20mm AFD or the AIS version (same Glasswear) is outstanding, so don't worry about it being 'difficult to design' The price of the AIS version is significantly more expensive than the AF, but this is down to the simpler mechanical construction of the AF version. The AIS is a real bit of engineering magic. If you want quality then you pay for it.

destroya · Feb 20, 2013

if you are planning to get the F5, then get the AF 20mm. while I love the F5 I save my manual focus lenses for my F4 and FE2. you lose matrix metering with the F5 and MF lenses. the matrix meter in the F5 is its strong point and does wonders with slide film. The 20mm AF D lens is great on the F5. its size is great and easily fits in your jeans pocket.

take a hard look at the 50mm 1.8 D lens. The best $115 I spent on a lens.

puketronic · Feb 20, 2013

that is my thought exactly. I'm thinking of sticking with an F or getting an F2 and getting an F5 for AF/more modern lenses. I think selling one for the other is too hasty of a decision...I might prefer MF and in that case I have a camera to fall back on with it's contemporary lenses. I would get the 50mm f1.8 D lens for my AF 50mm. I think most 50mm's are good enough and I do not need anything faster than f2.0 so no need to overspend on a 50mm.

ksa66 · Feb 21, 2013

20mm is quite extreme.Most people cant handle it. It just covers more. Takes a skilled photographer to handle extreme optics and make stunning pictures. Just my thuogts nothing personal.

Chan Tran · Feb 21, 2013

I have the F5 and the 20mm f/2.8 AF-D lens. They works very well as far as AF is concerned. The lens I have is good but not great in term of sharpness. The 20mm is quite wide and I use it as my widest lens. I use the 28mm much more often.

LJSLATER · Feb 22, 2013

I've not used the F5, but if its electronic rangefinder is as good or better than the one in the F4, it will be extremely helpful for manual focusing. Unless you find blinking LEDs disturbing or annoying, which some people do. The type J (microprism) focusing screen seems much easier to find than the A or L (split prism) screens.

I too love the 50mm f/1.8D. I often find myself using it instead of my 50mm f/1.2 AIS, which makes me feel slightly guilty. It's small and light, it's cheap enough that I don't worry about getting it wet, and most importantly, it's just a really good lens. It's better than the 1.2 for macro, either by using extension tubes or reversing it (I'll often pop it off and simply hold it backward over the lens mount with my left hand).

Regarding superwide lenses, I LOVE them. But it does take practice to learn how to use them. I recently went through a 6-month slump where I didn't take any photos at all; when I went back out with my 18mm, I found I had forgotten how to use it! It took me a few weeks to be able to properly "see" with it again.

skahde · Feb 25, 2013

puketronic said:
20mm: I have a 20mm f3.5 UD but I do not think it is that great...atleast not at close distances and wide apertures. Would the 20mm f2.8 AF-D/AI-S be a noticeably better lens at close distances?

If you are looking for a superwide with better performance up close, have a look at the 3,5/20mm Ai/Ais with 52mm filters.

LiamG · Feb 25, 2013

If you're already looking at an F5, and want a better wide than a 20 UD for close-up, you might as well just pass the proverbial 'go' and head straight to the 17-35 2.8 AF-S, notwithstanding it's still-high price...

Weasel_Loader · Feb 26, 2013

I just sold my F2AS and F3HP. Kept my fathers F for sentimental reasons. I just never did well with MF. Maybe it's my eyes. Purchased an F5 and should have it by Friday. Really can't wait to try it out with my AF lenses. I do have the 20mm f/2.8D and can't wait to try it out with the F5.

Chan Tran · Feb 26, 2013

Weasel_Loader said:
I just sold my F2AS and F3HP. Kept my fathers F for sentimental reasons. I just never did well with MF. Maybe it's my eyes. Purchased an F5 and should have it by Friday. Really can't wait to try it out with my AF lenses. I do have the 20mm f/2.8D and can't wait to try it out with the F5.

I had an F2AS and an F3HP. My F2AS got stolen so I use the F3HP often. I have the F5 which I paid good money for new but I rarely use it.

nyoung · Feb 27, 2013

Add another vote for the 20mm/2.8 AF D. Mine stays mounted on the F5 for instant access.

ksa66 · Feb 28, 2013

Fine ok i like cameras but in the final end it is all about the result, a great picture. If its a great pic or an masterpiece, nevermind the tools.

F5 + 20mm nikkor lens questions

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