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Archive 2013 · best affordable nikon primes

  
 
Jason_Brook
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p.2 #1 · p.2 #1 · best affordable nikon primes


Another vote for the 28/1.8, just an amazing hunk of glass.


Nov 22, 2013 at 07:24 AM
Frogfish
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p.2 #2 · p.2 #2 · best affordable nikon primes


Two23 wrote:
If I were going that route, I'd buy the Sigma f1.4 series. More performance, more value.

Kent in SD


Amen to that.

I have the 35 & 50 and the 85 will be next up. I just don't think that they are what some people would call 'affordable' though. That's well over US$2,000 right there. OK the 50/1.4 is a good price.



Nov 22, 2013 at 07:31 AM
sanjayg
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p.2 #3 · p.2 #3 · best affordable nikon primes


I have the 85mm f1.4D that you can get for $650 to $750 range - this lens makes me smile every single time I click a portrait. This may be a bit expensive option (and also impractical if you have a body that does not have a motor) so you are better off with an 85 f1.8G.

One more vote for the Nikon 180 f2.8D - amazing steal of a lens, when you consider they go for anywhere from $400 to $500 used. Again, you need a Camera body with a motor. No AF-S equivalent for this lens unless you pay an arm/leg for the 200f2 VR which is amazing (only seen the output from others, have never owned one).

The 50mm f1.8D is a steal again, for around $90 but, you need a Camera with a motor in the body. If not, the 50mm f1.8G is great for around $165 to $175 used.



Nov 22, 2013 at 09:28 AM
markhout
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p.2 #4 · p.2 #4 · best affordable nikon primes


sanjayg wrote:
One more vote for the Nikon 180 f2.8D - amazing steal of a lens, when you consider they go for anywhere from $400 to $500 used. Again, you need a Camera body with a motor. No AF-S equivalent for this lens unless you pay an arm/leg for the 200f2 VR which is amazing (only seen the output from others, have never owned one).


Oh yes, the 180mm is excellent. I thought that the OP may not have a need for that focal length given his 70-200mm... But see https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1250980/ for proof of quality.



Nov 22, 2013 at 02:54 PM
CGrindahl
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p.2 #5 · p.2 #5 · best affordable nikon primes


Clearly, with primes the best value for money is found in MF Nikkors but OP doesn't express an opinion on that particular subject so perhaps it is pointless to continue in that vein. But since I only own three AF lenses I can't really speak about them, at least beyond what I've read by others.

As Jorge mentions the 28 f/2.8 AI-s is an excellent performer that will go for around $200, though someone on the Manual Focus Nikon Glass thread recently reported finding one for $140 I believe. The 24 f/2.8 in its various iterations can also be a winner. I have both the AI-s and a converted N.C. that I love using. Going wider will cost quite a bit more. As mentioned above the 85 f/2 Ai or AI-s are bargains at around $200. And yes, the 105 f/2.5 in all its forms is a winner. I have the P, P.C. and AI-d, the cheapest for $90, the most expensive for less than $200. It is a lens hard to beat.

The 180 f/2.8 AI-s at around $300 is also a great lens, one of my desert island lenses in fact. I'm also fond of the 135 f/2.8 whether AI or AI-s, also for under $200.

When you absolutely have to have AF, it is clearly the way to go, but if you can handle manual focusing these lenses are amazing. They also are pure pleasure to use. Good luck sorting it all out.



Nov 22, 2013 at 03:53 PM
Avi B
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p.2 #6 · p.2 #6 · best affordable nikon primes


You need to define what price range is "affordable" and also what focal length you shoot at, as there are lots of good options both for AF an MF.

Personally, I would suggest the 35mm f/2D ($200-250) and 85mm f/1.4D ($650-750) as excellent choices. Also, the AI/AI-S 105mm f/2.5 ($100-200) is an awesome piece of glass for the price.



Nov 22, 2013 at 10:58 PM
Michaelparris
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p.2 #7 · p.2 #7 · best affordable nikon primes


Not to sound too redundant but I picked up a D800e and picked up the 28 2.8 ais, 105 2.5 ais and 180 2.8 off the buy and sell forum. Paid a grand total of $600.00 for all three. Happier than a pig in mud. All are sharp. Owned the 28 and 180 in the past so I already knew what I was getting with those. The 105 for a hundred bucks was a VERY pleasant surprise....


Nov 22, 2013 at 11:58 PM
Chris Court
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p.2 #8 · p.2 #8 · best affordable nikon primes


PeteT wrote:
I'd so love the 35/1.4 but at $1300 it's far from cheap!


Go Sigma and don't look back. I recently picked mine up new for $780, and although I own some nice glass, this one has shot straight to the top of my favourites.

The 60mm AF-S micro comes in handy for more than just macro work too. I'd pick that over any of the Nikon 50s for general usage, including the new 58 1.4.

C

Edited on Nov 23, 2013 at 01:34 AM · View previous versions



Nov 23, 2013 at 01:10 AM
cobradriver619
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p.2 #9 · p.2 #9 · best affordable nikon primes


Another vote for the 85mm 1.8g.


Nov 23, 2013 at 01:32 AM
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