Pics on page 3 from my first AIS or MF lens - I'm stoked!
For whatever reason I've got this bug to hunt down AI-S (or just AI) lenses for my incoming D700. I like manual focusing, for whatever reason, and having smooth MF action is awesome.
From my limited reading, I gather the 105mm f/1.8 or f/2.5 (I'd prefer the 1.8) are great, as are the 85mm f/1.4 and f/2.
Right now, I'm trying to bargain into a 105mm f/1.8, but the seller may be wanting more than I'm willing to pay. I'm also strongly considering the 85mm f/2 - the f/1.4 is just too expensive for me - I'd frankly rather have an in-service AF-D for the prices they're commanding.
Are there any others I'm missing? I've got an incoming 16-35mm f/4 VR, so I'm not too sure if I'll be interested in wide angle primes, but are there maybe some interesting 1:1 macros I could land my hands on for fairly cheap, etc?
Also, are there any significant differences between the AI and AI-S versions of the 105 and 85, specifically? I was reading there may have been some multicoat changes between AI and AI-S, but I couldn't find specifics.
Stick with the 105/2.5. Seemingly every copy is a great one. The 105/1.8 is both more expensive and far more mixed in terms of results and sample variation.
I have the 85 2 and like it very much, but if you held a poll the responses on it would probably range from 'below average' to 'very good' with few calling it a gem. Which isn't to discourage you... I wouldn't part with mine, partly sentimental reasons you know.
Another vote for the 105/2.5 -- it's a great lens. I prefer the more compact size and better handling over the f/1.8, and it's exceptional from wide open.
One of the 85s to watch for is a late non-AI (K series, I think they were called) 85/1.8. Cosmetically, these late versions look like an AI, and many of them got factory AI conversions, so you'd think it was a stock AI lens. It was discontinued and replaced by the 85/2. Both are good, but the 85/1.8 is better. I sold mine when I bought the 85/1.4 AF-D, but I took many photos with it, and preferred it to the 85/1.8 AF.
The close-focusing 28/2.8 AIS is good, too. Not at its best at infinity, but still a very nice lens.
+1 for the 28mm 2.8 AIS.
+1 on 105 2.5 AIS.
+1 on the 55mm 2.8 Micro.
75-150mm 3.5 Series E. great lens, sharp sharp sharp, and I found mine for $50.
50mm Series E 1.8 - not the best optical quality, but the pancake quality makes it one of the most fun lenses to use (for me at least). It practically disappears on the D700. KEH has BGN listed for around 30-40.
200mm f4 AI.
I've got the 85 f2... It's alright, but the bokeh can be down right atrocious sometimes. Other times its great. Fairly sharp, same size as the 35 f2 (i.e. compact), but it does flare something wicked without a hood. 105 f2.5 AIS is a much better lens IMHO. I bring the 85 f2 for lowlight and women's portraits. The 105 is too sharp, even wide open.
