I'm looking into buying some manual focus glass for my D700. First off, I'd like to get a wide angle prime. I use to own the Nikon 20mm f2.8 AF-D, but I was fairly unimpressed with the performance. I had the 24mm f2.8 for a little while, but I decided it wasn't for me. Right now, I'm using the 28mm f2.8 AF-D, but I think I want something a little more interesting. Soooo, I'm looking at the Nikon 28mm f2.0 (not sure which version I should be looking for... any help??), the 24mm f2.0 (again, not sure of the version), or the Voigtlander 20mm f3.5. I'm most interested in the Voigtlander because I believe it's a new design and it's so darn small. I feel like it would be a nifty little addition. However, I'm not sure if my 28mm f2.8 AF-D is gonna cut it, so I wanna know how much better is the 28mm f2.0 over the AF 28mm? And if anyone knows about the 24mm f2.0 or the 20mm f3.5, they're input on either one would be appreciated!
Okay, so what is your highest priority? FOV, sharpness, size or handling?
I've had every lens your considering. The 28/2.8 AF-D is a bad lens. It just isn't as good as any of the previous 28's aside from the even worse 28/2.8 E/ 28/2.8 AF-N.
The CV 20/3.5 is great, other slightly cheaper options that lack the CPU contacts that give you extra metering features, which I especially like on UWA lenses are the Nikkor 20/4 AI and 20/3.5 AIS.
The 24/2 comes in both AI and AIS versions, there is no difference optically. Either would be a brilliant choice. I have heaps of 24/2 shots on my flickr, just search for 24/2. It's goes from good wide open to even better stopped down a bit.
The 28/2 is amazing. There's not a bad version, from the Nikkor-N to the .25m focusing 28/2 AIS, but there were some minor tweaks during that lens production.
The 28/2.8 AIS is probably one of Nikon's sharpest lenses. It focuses to .2m and is very, very good close up. Some people say that the very distant corners are never razor sharp on it.
If you can deal with manual focus lenses I'd pick up a 20 and a 28 or a 17/18 and a 24. The Tamron 17/3.5 Adaptall is a great lens that's as good and a bit cheaper than the Nikkor 18mm lenses.
I am also looking for a good UWA option for FF. I have the Nikkor 20mm f/4 (thanks Nate!) which I love but will eventually need something slightly wider for certain landscape shots. That Tammy 17mm f/3.5 looks promising but I want to look at all options before shelling out the $$. Some versions of the Tamron use an 82mm filter (I think..) which can be pricey. Sorry to hijack the thread but are there any other options (wider than 17mm) which I should be considering. I would be using it stopped down a fair bit (rarely wide open) and need good sharpness throughout. Any suggestions? I have no interest in the massive 14-24mm Nikkor either.... A good MF prime is what I'm after.
First post in this forum but i couldn't resist, I have the Tokina 17/3.5 and I love it. sharp wide open and even better by f/4. the AF is instantaneous and the build quality is top notch. here are some sample pics. all shot on D700 besides the last one which was on a D90. Very minimal sharpening in post.
I have been using the Skopar 20mm and especially for the price, appears to be the ideal 20mm lens for the D700... so far.
I had posted some samples in another thread on this forum a few days back.
Yakim Peled wrote:
My head is spinning. Really. You have the best lens in the world for landscapes on the D700 and you are giving it away? O.K. If you insist, ZF 21/2.8.
Happy shooting,
Yakim.
Actually I would say the 24mm PC-E is the best lens in the world for landscape. IMHO
I half agree with you lol. I can't deny that I'm a darn jealous Nikon shooter with that 17mm coming out, but at the same time, I don't think I'd use it all that much on account of 17mm being almost too wide for a lot of landscape shots.
Don't get me wrong, the ultra wide style shots are cool for lots of subjects, but I do get a little sick of them at times too.
24mm I find is nice and wide, but gives a little more of a normal perspective.
One of the great things in the Canon system is that you could use both Canon and Nikon lenses. Poor Nikon shooters. They need to make do only with the Nikon ones.
Yakim Peled wrote:
One of the great things in the Canon system is that you could use both Canon and Nikon lenses. Poor Nikon shooters. They need to make do only with the Nikon ones.
Happy shooting,
Yakim.
Luckily we have 60 years of lenses to choose from !
