Which Nikon lenses should I get first?

[Vilk]

...I just picked up the 28 F2 and I'm loving it

yup, this one is instant magic

along with pretty much every fastest-in-bucket nikon lens--their only problem is unrealistic expectations

 

[lxdude]

You have got me paranoid & going round shaking my Nikkors lol.

Don't get your Nikkors in a twist! Unless they're pre-AI, of course...

 

[John_Nikon_F]

The 35/2 didn't change much between 1965 and now, at least in the manual focus lineup. Even the single-coated Nikkor-O version is a solid performer. As solid as an AI or an AIS, in my experience.

With respect to the 50/1.8 AF lenses, the worst of the bunch is the newest version. Very cheaply made. Same optics as the Series E and compact AIS lenses, though. The second version, called the AF 50/1.8 New is the lens to get, if you wanted an AF lens. Has a double row rubber grip on the focusing ring and a little thicker plastic barrel compared to the D version, so it won't flex if you squeeze the barrel between your thumb and index fingers.

AI lenses have a longer focusing throw than the AIS lenses, which will make it easier to fine-tune the focus. One of the reasons why my 50/1.4 and my 24/2.8 are both AI lenses and not AIS lenses. I've never used a Nikon that required them anyway. All the bodies I've owned and used that had P or S modes were AF bodies, which can't use those modes with AI/AIS lenses.

With respect to KEH, you can use them for buying stuff. You may get soaked on shipping, but, if you can have someone in the states receive the package, then send it as a gift to you in the UK, it might be worth doing business with them.

-J

 

[Nige]

if you decide a walk around zoom is required, the 35-105/3.5-4.5mm Ais is a solid performer and built quite solid too. It also has a psuedo macro mode for closer focusing.

 

[vlasta]

24/2.8 - 35/2 - 85/2 - 180/2.8 (or 200/4),

In case you insist on 50 -> 50/2.

 

[narsuitus]

24/2.8 - 35/2 - 85/2 - 180/2.8 (or 200/4),

This is very close to the setup I routinely use:

24mm f/2; 35mm f/1/4; 85mm f/1.8; 180mm f/2.8

 

[Xmas]

This is very close to the setup I routinely use:

24mm f/2; 35mm f/1/4; 85mm f/1.8; 180mm f/2.8

...
24mm /2.8 AIs
28mm /3.5 AI
35mm /2.5 E
5cm /1.8 AIs long nose
85mm /2 AI
...

and 43-86 /3.5 AI

are in my gbag as a foot stool under my desk.

 

[Robert Ley]

I am not against prime lenses, but a nice 35-105 Nikkor zoom would be a great first lens. It is AIS, reasonably sharp and would give you an idea of the different focal lengths between 35 and 105. They can be gotten quite cheap <$100. The one draw back is they are fairly slow...f:3.5-4.5. I have one of these and use it quite a lot. Later you can decide what prime lenses you will want to get. I have the 105 f:2.5, 35 f:2,105 macro, 135 f:2.8, 200 f:4 AI (very sharp) 20 f:4 and several other zooms...love them all. There are very few dogs in the Nikon line and most will out perform 99% of the photographers ;-).


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[vlasta]

This is very close to the setup I routinely use:

24mm f/2; 35mm f/1/4; 85mm f/1.8; 180mm f/2.8

Yes, but my version is an economy one