Archive 2010 · Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
p.4 #1Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
SoundHound wrote:
I kept my 105 F2.8 Macro and sold the F2.5
I'm glad I'm not the only one. I had the 2.5 first. I got the 105/2.8 micro in a package deal. I shot both side by side and felt that sharpness, contrast and bokeh were pretty much the same. In the end I decided the 1:2 macro capability was more useful than the 1/3 stop of light. I love the 2.8, it may be my most impressive lens, even compared to the 70-200 I, 24-70, and the 105 AFD. If memory serves, I sold the 2.5 for $150 shipped when I was shooting the D200. In the last year there has been much hoopla about it and wish I had it back to try out on the D700.
I kept my 105 F2.8 Macro and sold the F2.5
I'm glad I'm not the only one. I had the 2.5 first. I got the 105/2.8 micro in a package deal. I shot both side by side and felt that sharpness, contrast and bokeh were pretty much the same. In the end I decided the 1:2 macro capability was more useful than the 1/3 stop of light. I love the 2.8, it may be my most impressive lens, even compared to the 70-200 I, 24-70, and the 105 AFD. If memory serves, I sold the 2.5 for $150 shipped when I was shooting the D200. In the last year there has been much hoopla about it and wish I had it back to try out on the D700.
Mar 21, 2010 at 06:40 PM
p.4 #2Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
Got a short chance to pop off a more controlled portrait with the 105 f/2.5. Loving it!
http://jl-smith.smugmug.com/People/Thanksgiving-2009/Eli-and-Pops/816031059_s652k-X2.jpg
D700, SB800 cam-left and SB600 cam-right with -1.3 EV.
Slight adjustment to levels, no sharpening except what's included with "Neutral"
http://jl-smith.smugmug.com/People/Thanksgiving-2009/Eli-and-Pops/816031059_s652k-X2.jpg
D700, SB800 cam-left and SB600 cam-right with -1.3 EV.
Slight adjustment to levels, no sharpening except what's included with "Neutral"
Mar 21, 2010 at 07:45 PM
p.4 #3Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
Inspired me to break out the 105 for some concert photography last night.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0VzFgAlBmqA/S6Z-DGJCiCI/AAAAAAAAGvM/hwHde1N2jy8/s800/_EEJ7990.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0VzFgAlBmqA/S6Z-EX11fTI/AAAAAAAAGvU/tRl9g138rL8/s800/_EEJ7993.jpg
and one from the 85 f2 wide open.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0VzFgAlBmqA/S6Z-FkeWMJI/AAAAAAAAGvg/Dj0DHDOlt-w/s800/_EEJ8000.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0VzFgAlBmqA/S6Z-DGJCiCI/AAAAAAAAGvM/hwHde1N2jy8/s800/_EEJ7990.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0VzFgAlBmqA/S6Z-EX11fTI/AAAAAAAAGvU/tRl9g138rL8/s800/_EEJ7993.jpg
and one from the 85 f2 wide open.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_0VzFgAlBmqA/S6Z-FkeWMJI/AAAAAAAAGvg/Dj0DHDOlt-w/s800/_EEJ8000.jpg
Mar 21, 2010 at 09:11 PM
p.4 #4Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
105mm f2.5 probably one of the best nikkors I have ever owned.
Sadly sold to a friend who will not part with it
Also love the 50mm f1.2 but its not in the same league as the 105mm f2.5.
Sadly sold to a friend who will not part with it
Also love the 50mm f1.2 but its not in the same league as the 105mm f2.5.
Mar 23, 2010 at 05:50 AM
p.4 #6Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
Another vote for the 55mm Micro Nikkor f2.8 AI-S;
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac274/Gregory_Kouvatsis/DSC_4329.jpg
http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac274/Gregory_Kouvatsis/DSC_4329.jpg
Mar 23, 2010 at 09:48 AM
p.4 #7Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
I like the 105 F4 Micro. On a D700 the loss of a stop or two isn't the end of the world, especially since micro is often tripod mounted. Lots cheaper than the 2.8 versions.
Mar 23, 2010 at 02:25 PM
p.4 #8Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
I got mine for next to nothing because I convinced the owner it was worth next to nothing. I'm evil you see 
That and I had to get it serviced to get the aperture ring to stop sticking.
That and I had to get it serviced to get the aperture ring to stop sticking.Mar 23, 2010 at 02:42 PM
p.4 #9Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
E-Vener wrote:
105mm f/4 AI-S Micro-Nikkor.
how do you like the 105mm?
I just got a Nikon 55/2.8 AIS micro today its amazing for the price definite cheap gem.
Heres a few sample I took today after Fedex dropped it off. Will have to go venture out tomorrow for some more in hopefully less windy conditions. Only downside is the MF which can be a bit frustrating at times but all in all its worth every penny IMO.
d700 + pk-13 + 55/2.8 micro
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4483016422_c93448ac7e_o.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4482340393_016d67b57d_o.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4483105820_59e4bb253b_o.jpg
105mm f/4 AI-S Micro-Nikkor.
how do you like the 105mm?
I just got a Nikon 55/2.8 AIS micro today its amazing for the price definite cheap gem.
Heres a few sample I took today after Fedex dropped it off. Will have to go venture out tomorrow for some more in hopefully less windy conditions. Only downside is the MF which can be a bit frustrating at times but all in all its worth every penny IMO.
d700 + pk-13 + 55/2.8 micro
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4483016422_c93448ac7e_o.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4482340393_016d67b57d_o.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4483105820_59e4bb253b_o.jpg
Apr 01, 2010 at 07:08 PM
p.4 #10Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
Fun thread.
I have a set of three lenses that I use on either the F3 or FE2:
28 3.5 Ai'd - the "K" version which works very well on my IR modded D50;
50 1.4 Ai'd - also the "K" version;
75-150 Series E.
I really like this setup, and everything fits nicely in a small bag.
I have a set of three lenses that I use on either the F3 or FE2:
28 3.5 Ai'd - the "K" version which works very well on my IR modded D50;
50 1.4 Ai'd - also the "K" version;
75-150 Series E.
I really like this setup, and everything fits nicely in a small bag.
Apr 02, 2010 at 08:48 PM
p.4 #12Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
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50mm f/2.0
Apr 02, 2010 at 09:33 PM
p.4 #13Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
I continue to really like the 105 f/2.5 
This lens is magic!
I recently photographed my squadron commander's promotion:
http://jl-smith.smugmug.com/photos/826226518_QJcXd-XL.jpg
http://jl-smith.smugmug.com/photos/826226499_7BpEZ-XL.jpg
http://jl-smith.smugmug.com/photos/826226425_wntDr-XL.jpg
http://jl-smith.smugmug.com/photos/826226446_Etwkj-XL.jpg
http://jl-smith.smugmug.com/photos/826226470_go9oF-XL.jpg
This lens is magic!I recently photographed my squadron commander's promotion:
http://jl-smith.smugmug.com/photos/826226518_QJcXd-XL.jpg
http://jl-smith.smugmug.com/photos/826226499_7BpEZ-XL.jpg
http://jl-smith.smugmug.com/photos/826226425_wntDr-XL.jpg
http://jl-smith.smugmug.com/photos/826226446_Etwkj-XL.jpg
http://jl-smith.smugmug.com/photos/826226470_go9oF-XL.jpg
Apr 02, 2010 at 10:30 PM
p.4 #14Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
my latest AI gem has been an (UG) graded series E 70-210 F4. some would say it's a dud, but so far all I've seen is, amazing. It's a bit tricky to achieve perfect focus, just cause it has so much helicoid range, have to rely on the electronic rangefinder in the VF. I scored this lens in the "as-is" category at KEH for $18.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4483000041_0595425a77_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4483000041_0595425a77_b.jpg
Apr 02, 2010 at 10:38 PM
p.4 #15Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
looks great belly, what a deal
Apr 03, 2010 at 02:50 AM
p.4 #16Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
I just got a copy of the 180mm 2.8 ED AIS -- it is amazing!
My other favorite is the 55mm 1.2 AI (transition from K to AI)-- or the newer 50mm 1.2 AI or AIS-- great photos and super soft bokeh wide open. AI are good, but AIS will be the same or better design.
I'm also very happy with the 28mm 2.0 AIS, but like the 35mm 2.0, it has severe and interesting "horseshoe focus" (my term) of spherical aberration. If you focus a subject int the center, the focus follows out from the flangs toward the front -- great if you have walls or scenery tapering away from you and your subject is deeper in the frame. Strange, but I like it! This lens has the floating element CRC close focus correction, like the 24mm and the 2.8 version of the 28mm.
I've been rounding up these manual focus lenses for my Canon cameras, originally for HD video, but now I'm intrigued by the difference of the Nikon lenses.
I have a "junker" coming -- 24mm 2.0 AIS with scratched rear element.
I've got two 35mm 2.0, one an AI and the other an AIS -- the AIS is slightly sharper, so I'll sell the AI.
I have a really nice 50mm 1.4 AIS, but the 1.2 is sharper at 1.4 and the rest of the range (softer at 1.2, compared to the 50mm at 1.4). I'll probably sell this one too.
Next I'll look for the 85, 105, 135 range to fill that hole. And I'm always looking for a bargain on a 35mm 1.4!
My other favorite is the 55mm 1.2 AI (transition from K to AI)-- or the newer 50mm 1.2 AI or AIS-- great photos and super soft bokeh wide open. AI are good, but AIS will be the same or better design.
I'm also very happy with the 28mm 2.0 AIS, but like the 35mm 2.0, it has severe and interesting "horseshoe focus" (my term) of spherical aberration. If you focus a subject int the center, the focus follows out from the flangs toward the front -- great if you have walls or scenery tapering away from you and your subject is deeper in the frame. Strange, but I like it! This lens has the floating element CRC close focus correction, like the 24mm and the 2.8 version of the 28mm.
I've been rounding up these manual focus lenses for my Canon cameras, originally for HD video, but now I'm intrigued by the difference of the Nikon lenses.
I have a "junker" coming -- 24mm 2.0 AIS with scratched rear element.
I've got two 35mm 2.0, one an AI and the other an AIS -- the AIS is slightly sharper, so I'll sell the AI.
I have a really nice 50mm 1.4 AIS, but the 1.2 is sharper at 1.4 and the rest of the range (softer at 1.2, compared to the 50mm at 1.4). I'll probably sell this one too.
Next I'll look for the 85, 105, 135 range to fill that hole. And I'm always looking for a bargain on a 35mm 1.4!
Aug 30, 2010 at 11:48 PM
p.4 #17Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
Avi B wrote:
No, the 2.5 is better than the 1.8. Go for that one instead. PM panos.v for his experiences (maybe he will post here).
I agree with you on the 85/1.4 AFD instead of the AIS.
The 55/3.5 or 55/2.8 AIS Micro-Nikkors are also fantastic gems.
I agree with AviB here about the 55/3.5 AIS lens. This is a fantastically sharp gem of a lens.
No, the 2.5 is better than the 1.8. Go for that one instead. PM panos.v for his experiences (maybe he will post here).
I agree with you on the 85/1.4 AFD instead of the AIS.
The 55/3.5 or 55/2.8 AIS Micro-Nikkors are also fantastic gems.
I agree with AviB here about the 55/3.5 AIS lens. This is a fantastically sharp gem of a lens.
Aug 31, 2010 at 05:44 AM
p.4 #18Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
After reading this thread I'm starting to get interested in trying some older lenses with my D700. I think I would be primarily interested in the longer macro type stuff. I saw someone mentioned a 200mm. I'd really like to be able to reach 1/1 and I want it to meter. Any suggestions on what to look for and what a fair price would be? Thanks
Aug 31, 2010 at 07:38 AM
p.4 #19Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
85 f/2 best avoided. One of Nikon's worst lenses.
35/2 never seemed very good, either.
105 f/2.5 and 28 f/2 are great.
35/2 never seemed very good, either.
105 f/2.5 and 28 f/2 are great.
Aug 31, 2010 at 10:20 AM
p.4 #20Nikon AIS Manual Lenses - cheap gems?
Ernie there's a 200mm AI-s macro that seems to get good reviews... although it still commands a pretty fair price on the used market. Likely worth it, but if you're just looking to get your feet wet... unless you really want 1:1 macro, the 200/f4 AI-s is really good. Longer minimum focus distance but still for $150 or so would definitely get you started off. The 135/f2.8 AI-s and 105/f2.5 AI-s are also exceptional.
If you wanna spend more money but get top build and beautiful rendering, the Zeiss 100/f2 Makro-Planar is a 1:2 lens, although obviously more expensive.
If you wanna spend more money but get top build and beautiful rendering, the Zeiss 100/f2 Makro-Planar is a 1:2 lens, although obviously more expensive.
Aug 31, 2010 at 10:30 AM