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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
That and I had to get it serviced to get the aperture ring to stop sticking.
This lens is magic!