Nikon N75 body on the way. Lenses? Opinions?

[KerrKid]

I bought a Nikon N75 body a couple of days ago on ebay. I'm leaning towards a 35mm f2 af-d lens for it, but I'm also looking at the 50mm f1.8 and f1.4.

Anyone else have any experience with the N75/F75? It's supposed to be very light and I'd like a lens that compliments it for a walk-about camera.

Thanks!

 

[MattKing]

I bought a Nikon N75 body a couple of days ago on ebay. I'm leaning towards a 35mm f2 af-d lens for it, but I'm also looking at the 50mm f1.8 and f1.4.

Anyone else have any experience with the N75/F75? It's supposed to be very light and I'd like a lens that compliments it for a walk-about camera.

Thanks!

It is always nice to have lenses that say nice things to your camera .
The field of view presented by 35mm lenses on 135 film format cameras nicely complements the way I see the world, and my 35mm f/2 Zuiko lens just about lives on my Olympus bodies, so I guess you can tell how I would vote.
I know, pedantry is a terrible thing

 

[Austintatious]

I owned one for a couple of years. It was the all black model. A very nice light weight and full featured camera. They came with a kit lens, the 28-80 plastic fantastic. And I kept the lens, it's that good. Also love the nifty fifty, the 50mm f1.8 AFD as a walk around kit. Kinda wish I never sold it, but I kept both the N70 and the N80.

 

[KerrKid]

It is always nice to have lenses that say nice things to your camera .
The field of view presented by 35mm lenses on 135 film format cameras nicely complements the way I see the world, and my 35mm f/2 Zuiko lens just about lives on my Olympus bodies, so I guess you can tell how I would vote.
I know, pedantry is a terrible thing

Thank you for your input. Not pedantry at all. For that you need to come to a bible study at my church. There's this one guy...

The 35 f2's on ebay are very expensive (for me). The auctions that started off reasonable are now climbing to the sky. It looks like there's nothing good under $200. Maybe a forum member could help a brother out. I have plenty of lenses in the 50mm range on my other SLR's (Minolta/Pentax) so I really don't need another one.

I guess I'm going to have a N75 sitting around without a lens for awhile

 

[KerrKid]

I owned one for a couple of years. It was the all black model. A very nice light weight and full featured camera. They came with a kit lens, the 28-80 plastic fantastic. And I kept the lens, it's that good. Also love the nifty fifty, the 50mm f1.8 AFD as a walk around kit. Kinda wish I never sold it, but I kept both the N70 and the N80.

I got the silver model. That's all that was listed in decent shape. Unfortunately, beggars can't be choosers. I haven't heard anything good about the 28-80 so I didn't buy the N75's that were listed with it. Maybe I should have. Oh well.

I've heard good things about the 50 f1.8 and even better about the f1.4 version. But, I've got the 50mm range covered with my other cameras. I guess I could just use my Olympus XA2 or Yashica T4 or my Pentax P&S camera's for 35mm, but I really wanted a SLR with a good 35.

 

[gone]

I was using a Leica R 90 2.8 Elmarit on my N70. I have no complaints on the pics that came from it

If you don't want to spend $400-$500 for one of those, I'm pretty sure that the N70 will meter w/ all sorts of lenses. Unlike the N65 and others below '70' (except for the N6006, which is a highly capable camera).

When you get to the n80008's you're in pro camera territory, and the size and weight is more. The N80 is cute but crippled, it won't meter w/ a lot of lenses that the N70 will meter with, and their viewfinders are like digital cameras, small and darkish.

Your camera has a darker viewfinder than some of the other Nikons, but if you don't use a red fltr you should be OK, assuming you have a fast lens on it.

 

[Bronson Dugnutt]

The 28-80 kit lens is a compact all-rounder for walkabouts and performs well when used at daylight apertures (f8-f16). Its a bit of a transition lens in terms of construction: it lacks an aperture ring (e.g. Gelded) but retains the screw-drive style autofocus coupling. Nikon also made an enormous 28-70mm f2.8 AF-D that retained the aperture ring but used a silent wave motor instead of screw drive.

The 35mm f2 AF/D is a great lens and I was lucky to snag one before prices went into the triple digits. I prefer something wider for general use, but that incarnation of the 35mm sort of makes up for it with a remarkably close minimum focus distance of 25cm. You can get the same close-ups using a +3 diopter w/ a 35mm P&S but that technique is way more fiddly, especially with an AF camera.

A 35mm f2.5 series e might be a cheaper alternative but you'll lose metering & autofocus on the N75 plus the onus of an actual poorly constructed lens.

 

[Paul Howell]

I had a N75 and 80 that I had picked up at yard sales, the 75 came with a 35 to 105 kit lens, although slow compared to a prime, IQ was very nice, as good as any of my Pentax or Minolta kit zooms. Might get you by until you can a 35mm prime.

 

[KerrKid]

I was using a Leica R 90 2.8 Elmarit on my N70. I have no complaints on the pics that came from it

If you don't want to spend $400-$500 for one of those, I'm pretty sure that the N70 will meter w/ all sorts of lenses. Unlike the N65 and others below '70' (except for the N6006, which is a highly capable camera).

When you get to the n80008's you're in pro camera territory, and the size and weight is more. The N80 is cute but crippled, it won't meter w/ a lot of lenses that the N70 will meter with, and their viewfinders are like digital cameras, small and darkish.

Your camera has a darker viewfinder than some of the other Nikons, but if you don't use a red fltr you should be OK, assuming you have a fast lens on it.

Yeh, I think $400-$500 lenses will have to wait. I bet the Leica R 90 was sweet, though. Talk about a $50 saddle on a $5 horse.

I didn't know that about the viewfinder. Thanks for letting me know.

 

[KerrKid]

I had a N75 and 80 that I had picked up at yard sales, the 75 came with a 35 to 105 kit lens, although slow compared to a prime, IQ was very nice, as good as any of my Pentax or Minolta kit zooms. Might get you by until you can a 35mm prime.

I guess I could get a lens I don't really want, but I'd like to hold out rather than settle. Of course, money talks, and if there was one I couldn't afford not to buy, I would.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I bought the N75 because my girl friend won the just released Tamron f/3.5-6.3 28mm to 300mm AF Zoom lens and I needed a camera to go with it. I have available on the F100 the Nikon 28mm to 200mm AF Zoom lens [black & white]. Both of them share the Nikon f/2.8 D 20mm to 35mm AF Zoom lens. Only recently because the prices are so go I added the 28mm PC lens, the 20mm AF lens, the 24mm AF lens and the 35mm AF lens for when I want a PC lens or I want to travel lighter with specific wide angle lenses.

 

[Austintatious]

There are several of these on evilbay for ~ $50 that would get you up and running. Roberts Camera is a good source and can it be returned etc.

Nikon Nikkor AF 28-80mm f3.3-5.6 G Lens #150 | eBay

Local Pickup. We want you to receive the item as quickly as possible! Intentional or accidental abuse or neglect. This warranty does not cover original condition. Very rough looking.

www.ebay.com

 

[Austintatious]

Another nice little zoom that gets not enough respect is the Nikon 28-105 f3.5-4.5 D. Quite sharp and little distortion. Around $100 or maybe a bit more.

 

[Down Under]

Bite the fiscal bullet. Spend the extra $$ on the Nikon 35/2.0. You won't regret it.

One lives on my first N65 (not an N75, but to me, equally as good). It's my preferred walkabout lens, a tad less wide than my favourite 28, but that just makes me work a little more to get the 'width' I like in my ad hoc images.

On my second N65 is my all-time favourite lens, the Nikon 28/2.8. Both lenses are Ds, btw.

There are times when one just has to bite the bullet and go with what suits you best. For me it was the 28, closely followed by the 35. My third favourite is the 85/1.8. I have one, also a D series.

Life's too short, there is too little time, and far too many subjects out there crying out to be 'saved' for posterity on film...

PS My two N65s came with the kit 28-80 G lens. I liked it, especially the way it made slightly soft at the 'rounds' images and colors on the edge of pastels (both easily fixable in post processing if you prefer sharper/brighter). In time I sold them both to a collector/user to put my money in more D lenses. Again, it's about choices...

 

[KerrKid]

I bought the N75 because my girl friend won the just released Tamron f/3.5-6.3 28mm to 300mm AF Zoom lens and I needed a camera to go with it. I have available on the F100 the Nikon 28mm to 200mm AF Zoom lens [black & white]. Both of them share the Nikon f/2.8 D 20mm to 35mm AF Zoom lens. Only recently because the prices are so go I added the 28mm PC lens, the 20mm AF lens, the 24mm AF lens and the 35mm AF lens for when I want a PC lens or I want to travel lighter with specific wide angle lenses.

That 20-35 sounds real nice.

 

[KerrKid]

Bite the fiscal bullet. Spend the extra $$ on the Nikon 35/2.0. You won't regret it.

One lives on my first N65 (not an N75, but to me, equally as good). It's my preferred walkabout lens, a tad less wide than my favourite 28, but that just makes me work a little more to get the 'width' I like in my ad hoc images.

On my second N65 is my all-time favourite lens, the Nikon 28/2.8. Both lenses are Ds, btw.

There are times when one just has to bite the bullet and go with what suits you best. For me it was the 28, closely followed by the 35. My third favourite is the 85/1.8. I have one, also a D series.

Life's too short, there is too little time, and far too many subjects out there crying out to be 'saved' for posterity on film...

PS My two N65s came with the kit 28-80 G lens. I liked it, especially the way it made slightly soft at the 'rounds' images and colors on the edge of pastels (both easily fixable in post processing if you prefer sharper/brighter). In time I sold them both to a collector/user to put my money in more D lenses. Again, it's about choices...

28mm? I have one for my Minolta's and my Pentax. Have not used them, yet, but I like the view through the viewfinder. I dunno. Seems the 35 would be treading the middle ground and would be the better all round choice even though in tight quarters the 28 would be better.

What do you like about the 28 over the 35?

Oh, yeh. It seems like the 85 is everyone's darling with a price tag to match.

I like your advice on biting the fiscal bullet. I don't see any honor in getting a lens I don't really want just because I can't afford it right now. I can save up for a quality lens and be proud of having it.

 

[KerrKid]

Another nice little zoom that gets not enough respect is the Nikon 28-105 f3.5-4.5 D. Quite sharp and little distortion. Around $100 or maybe a bit more.

I will look into that. I'd like to keep things short and handy if I can and I'm not sure a zoom of that range would fit the bill, but it is a nice range.

 

[ic-racer]

I just got back from an outing with my N75 and the 35mm f2 AFD lens. Nice compact outfit.
I like a 28mm a little better, but my 28 f1.8 is massive so I usually put it on the bigger f100 or f6 bodies, and have the 35 on the N75.

BTW, the 28 f1.8 won't autofocus on the N55, but works on the N75.

 

[KerrKid]

I just got back from an outing with my N75 and the 35mm f2 AFD lens. Nice compact outfit.
I like a 28mm a little better, but my 28 f1.8 is massive so I usually put it on the bigger f100 or f6 bodies, and have the 35 on the N75.

BTW, the 28 f1.8 won't autofocus on the N55, but works on the N75.

I’m jealous. Seems like the perfect combo.

 

[KerrKid]

What would happen if I put my 18-55mm DX lens on the N75?

Is there a quality adapter that would allow me to use my Minolta MC/MD lenses or the lenses off my Pentax KM?

 

[M-88]

What would happen if I put my 18-55mm DX lens on the N75?

You'd get heavy vignette at all focal lengths up to 28 mm. So much that at 18 mm the image would be a round photo inside a black rectangle.

I would vote for a zoom lens, something like 28-70 mm, or even better - 28-105. I used to have 28 mm f/2.8, 35 mm f/2, 50 mm f/1.8 and 50 mm f/2 AI. 28-105 effectively eradicated the need for every lens, other than 50 mm f/1.8. Although it's massive when compared to N75. If it has to be the prime, then go for 35 mm f/2, no doubt about that.

Is there a quality adapter that would allow me to use my Minolta MC/MD lenses or the lenses off my Pentax KM?

Neither options are possible. The difference in flange focal distance between F and K is just 1.04 mm. Difference between Nikon and Minolta is 3 mm, but apparently still impossible to fit an adapter. There are adapters with optical elements, of course, but they degrade image quality.

 

[Moose22]

I'm not going to respond to individual posts.

If I had an N75 -- which is awesomsauce, btw -- I'd be thinking about lightweight kits. Get an AF50 1.8 or 1.4, but the 1.8 is cheap as and a spectacular lens. Just over $100 new, 70 used. Light, sharp, and will work perfectly.

For the 35mm range I carry a 28mm G. 35mm is also really good, but the n75 will handle the G lenses and I'd recommend it if you're interested. Slightly wider, but not into the very wide or ultrawide range. It's great for street photography, or anything where you want to get the scene in the shot. I'd say the same for 35mm, rangewise, but I don't have one at the moment so I won't recommend from experience. From reputation, I'd say go for it if you like. I use and love 35mm on my Leica, it's a good street shooter focal length.

I'd, personally, not start with a zoom. Now, if you already have one you love, use it, but lightweight and fast primes are my recommendation. I like the depth of field and sharpness wide open for portraits or street work. If you don't care about fast, though, there are some good recommendations in this thread. And that camera will handle G lenses and even VR! It's a gem of a cheap camera body.

 

[KerrKid]

I'm not going to respond to individual posts.

If I had an N75 -- which is awesomsauce, btw -- I'd be thinking about lightweight kits. Get an AF50 1.8 or 1.4, but the 1.8 is cheap as and a spectacular lens. Just over $100 new, 70 used. Light, sharp, and will work perfectly.

For the 35mm range I carry a 28mm G. 35mm is also really good, but the n75 will handle the G lenses and I'd recommend it if you're interested. Slightly wider, but not into the very wide or ultrawide range. It's great for street photography, or anything where you want to get the scene in the shot. I'd say the same for 35mm, rangewise, but I don't have one at the moment so I won't recommend from experience. From reputation, I'd say go for it if you like. I use and love 35mm on my Leica, it's a good street shooter focal length.

I'd, personally, not start with a zoom. Now, if you already have one you love, use it, but lightweight and fast primes are my recommendation. I like the depth of field and sharpness wide open for portraits or street work. If you don't care about fast, though, there are some good recommendations in this thread. And that camera will handle G lenses and even VR! It's a gem of a cheap camera body.

Thank you for the info! I’m looking at the 50 f1.8. Hard to beat the value, but I sure would like a 35. I’m not sure I like 28. I don’t have enough experience with those to fairly say.

Aren’t the G series AF-S DX lenses? I’m confused. I thought M-88 said those wouldn’t work. My understanding is that the FX lenses will work. Could you give me a specific model number for the 28 and 35 you are referencing?

Thank you!

I was looking at the 24-85mm zoom. Too big for the N75? Not sure if it’s a model that will work. Again, I’m confused about what will and what will not work on the N75.

 

[M-88]

Aren’t the G series AF-S DX lenses? I’m confused. I thought M-88 said those wouldn’t work

Wait wait wait. "G" is for "Gelded", which means the lens doesn't have an actual manually operated aperture ring. These can be either FX (full frame), or DX (crop). And that is what matters: DX lenses will vignette on full frame camera. You asked about 18-55 mm DX lens, so it will vignette. But 28 mm G lens, mentioned by Moose22 is most probably this one:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/856064-USA/Nikon_2203_AF_S_NIKKOR_28mm_f_1_8G.html

And since there's no "DX" marking, it will work perfectly fine with a full frame camera like N75. Same goes for cheap plastic zooms like 28-80 G or something. So "DX" is the key.

I was looking at the 24-85mm zoom. Too big for the N75? Not sure if it’s a model that will work. Again, I’m confused about what will and what will not work on the N75.

There are two versions of 24-85. One is 24-85 f/2.8-4 D and other one is 24-85 mm f/3.5-4.5G. N75 is a new camera released in 2003, so both of these lenses will work with N75. Heck, maybe the VR (vibration reduction) feature will also work in case of 24-85 mm f/3.5-4.5G

 

[KerrKid]

A seller on eBay contacted me with a reduced price of $70 for a mint-looking 50mm f1.8 with box. I can live with that for now, but I’m still very interested in figuring out what 28 and 35’s I can use on my N75.