panos.v wrote:
I think the new 35/1.8 is going to be a legend. You just cannot buy more sharpness, colour, contrast and "pop" for that kind of money. And much better than the other "legend" I had, the 105/2.5 AIS, which might be a nice lens, but I certainly wouldn't get too excited about it. Yes it is sharp and has nice contrast and so on at f/2.5, but the 35/1.8 can do even better at f/2.
That's a pretty strong prediction.
Though I wonder if a DX lens will really be able to have the lasting power to become that highly sought after. But I'm no expert! Certainly a lens I will check out.
poisonpill wrote:
Are you trying to buy something or are you asking for a rather mundane list of the most expensive lenses Nikon makes??
Option C.. If it is that the insanely expensive (or just.. very expensive) are the Legends of the line up than that's what I want to know.
However a few people have mentioned lenses like the 105 2.5 etc that may be older but might still be worth a look.
I suppose its these type (the value legends) that would be of most interest... but one can always dream of a 500 VR!
Nikon SLR legends:
Nikon F - the original
Nikon F4 - The first pro body with decent AF
Nikon F5 - The first pro body that could AF better than you can MF
Nikon D1 - The original (practical) Nikon DSLR
Nikon D3 - The game changer for low-light shooting
Nikon Lens legends:
6mm f/2.8 pre-AI fisheye
14-24mm f/2.8 AFS
28mm f/1.4 AF-D
58mm f/1.2 Noct AI
85mm f/1.4 AF-D
105mm f/2.5 pre-AI, AI, AIs
24-70 f/2.8 AFS
80-200 f/2.8 AF-D (2-ring)
All of the tele-primes
200-400 f/4 AFS VR
105 f2.5, 55 f3.5 micro are two of the standouts that I own that were dirt cheap. I love the 80-200 f2.8. I like the 35mm f2 AIS, 50mm f1.8 AF and I'm ok with the 28 mm f2.8
After seeing how everybody and their mother is recommending the 105 f2.5 I am starting to kick myself for not seeing if I missed out on it's full potential. I purchased it in Mint condition at a pawn shop for $40 and did a quick turn on it making $140.
The legends of the Nikon lineup?
I submit John McFadden, Jack OBrian .... and Carlos!
They and others make ALL lenses work. And Carlos make them work for him!
bwield wrote:
What lens do YOU think are the Legends of the Nikon family
thanks!
Well, based on your current lineup, which is, I think, price conscious yet fairly well thought out, I'd say you're definitely missing a wide zoom and a normal prime. Personally, I'd ditch the 50mm f/1.8 for the 35 f/1.8 (you've got portrait covered with the 85), and pick up a 12-24 or 10-24 (that is, if you're sticking to Nikon only glass, if you're open to 3rd party glass, my favorite is the Sigma 10-20, and I've owned the Nikon and the Sigma).
Some may say you're also missing a mid zoom (Nikkor 17-55), but whether or not you need that in addition to your current lineup really depends on your shooting style.
6mm f/2.8 MF Fisheye - Ridiculous lens. One of the coolest looking optics out there.
14-24mm f/2.8 AF-S - The new bar in wide angle lenses, let alone zooms.
18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 AF-S - Supper affordable, excellent performing DX general purpose zoom. None of that f/5.6 junk. Brought a new level of quality to the entry level optics.
28mm f/1.4 AF-D - Hand made goodness and the only f/1.4 AF wide angle prime Nikon has made.
70-180mm f/4.5-5.6 AF-D Micro Nikkor - One of a kind.
85mm f/1.4 AF-D - Unique look for a head and shoulders portrait lens, very beautiful.
200mm f/2 VR - the ultimate volleyball lens and for a long time the only stabilized lens of its kind.
1200-1700mm f/5.6-8 MF Zoom - Ridiculous.
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I rather thought it'd be fun to think about the similar thing for Canon EOS.
24mm f/1.4L - Best fast wide angle prime out there
50mm f/1.0L - A monster of a lens, a showcase for the EOS mount's capabilities. The only AF f/1.0 lens.
70-200mm f/4L IS - The zoom that thinks it's a prime.
85mm f/1.2L - Another monster of a lens, gorgeous for people.
800mm f/5.6L - As long as it gets for AF, a birders friend.
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I've left out Nikon's PC-E lenses, Canon's 17-55mm f/2.8 IS, the 400 DO, 135L, and the 24-70 f/2.8 Nikkor. All of them are amazing, but not so much as the above IMHO.
Jammy, how can you leave out Canon's 135L? It is rightfully worshipped by Canonites. I've seen stunning work done with it, and I would unquestionably own it if I was a Canon shooter. It's just an amazing lens, and at a remarkable price, all things considered.
panos.v wrote:
I think the new 35/1.8 is going to be a legend. You just cannot buy more sharpness, colour, contrast and "pop" for that kind of money. .
Well, actually I think I might have. I tried the 35mm f1.8G and a Sigma 30mm f1.4 side by side for a weekend. I kept the Sigma 30mm f1.4. It's a better lens in every way! I bought it on eBay for $270 too, making the price very similar to the consumer grade Nikon.
As for Nikon's modern legends, the 70-200mm f2.8 VR certainly makes the list.
