Manual Focus Nikon Glass
p.2659 #1Manual Focus Nikon Glass
jimmuller wrote:
I have a question, if you please. Since it involves Manually Focusing Nikon Glass this thread is appropriate. It's actually a question of what viewers, which is to say all of you, perceive. For that reason it's about composition but with a technical spin. I posed this question in the Photo Critique forum but I've given up on it being helpful.
A few pages back I posted a picture of purple flowers (specifically Violetflower Petunias) taken with a 200mm f/4 and uncropped.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55371118231_82d3e8c9ba_b.jpg
My question is about its focus. I wanted the viewer to feel immersed in purple, a sort of mini-landscape but...Show more →
The off centre focus works for me. In fact it looks like you are on a 'rule-of-thirds' grid point.
My eye did get drawn to the non purple area in the top right corner so I'd probably be cropping that out to maximise the purple blanket effect.
Colin
I have a question, if you please. Since it involves Manually Focusing Nikon Glass this thread is appropriate. It's actually a question of what viewers, which is to say all of you, perceive. For that reason it's about composition but with a technical spin. I posed this question in the Photo Critique forum but I've given up on it being helpful.
A few pages back I posted a picture of purple flowers (specifically Violetflower Petunias) taken with a 200mm f/4 and uncropped.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55371118231_82d3e8c9ba_b.jpg
My question is about its focus. I wanted the viewer to feel immersed in purple, a sort of mini-landscape but...Show more →
The off centre focus works for me. In fact it looks like you are on a 'rule-of-thirds' grid point.
My eye did get drawn to the non purple area in the top right corner so I'd probably be cropping that out to maximise the purple blanket effect.
Colin
Jul 06, 2026 at 03:32 PM
p.2659 #2Manual Focus Nikon Glass
DeltaSigma wrote:
The off centre focus works for me. In fact it looks like you are on a 'rule-of-thirds' grid point.
My eye did get drawn to the non purple area in the top right corner so I'd probably be cropping that out to maximise the purple blanket effect.
Colin
Thanks. The rule-of-thirds was not intentional though perhaps it just felt right that way. You mean the black area upper right? Hmm. Good point. It didn't bother me because I rarely notice stuff I'm not supposed to see. But obviously it drew your eye. I shall have to consider something like that more carefully in future.
Thanks.
The off centre focus works for me. In fact it looks like you are on a 'rule-of-thirds' grid point.
My eye did get drawn to the non purple area in the top right corner so I'd probably be cropping that out to maximise the purple blanket effect.
Colin
Thanks. The rule-of-thirds was not intentional though perhaps it just felt right that way. You mean the black area upper right? Hmm. Good point. It didn't bother me because I rarely notice stuff I'm not supposed to see. But obviously it drew your eye. I shall have to consider something like that more carefully in future.
Thanks.
Jul 06, 2026 at 03:40 PM
p.2659 #3Manual Focus Nikon Glass
leighton w wrote:
In this particular image, I like that the focus is off center. I didn't really think about you missing focus.
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lumenspixel wrote:
Note that it is not so easy at this size of pic to note all the dof variations, but nonetheless I think your focusing is perfectly fine.
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BLLX wrote
I really like this picture 👏
I focus differently - sometimes center, foreground, background or the sides.
Thank you, all!
In this particular image, I like that the focus is off center. I didn't really think about you missing focus.
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lumenspixel wrote:
Note that it is not so easy at this size of pic to note all the dof variations, but nonetheless I think your focusing is perfectly fine.
---------------------------------------------
BLLX wrote
I really like this picture 👏
I focus differently - sometimes center, foreground, background or the sides.
Thank you, all!
Jul 06, 2026 at 03:45 PM
p.2659 #4Manual Focus Nikon Glass
lumenspixel wrote:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_n96s1TtjBzMZC59SyU5MHGrnsf2qk-AVRB2MerVZWXuzUugwr4Q9iX1-e7BIta452qwJwczzByAYwCh7YSDlnUFD_9rvdej39Cbes6WkicyN5eUcPTWNaVYSTRUxG__a7aTEoByJUY4emSkb1dmLIZm2tHPcqVG_clm__CFGrLmv6l8Gp8Sfq45wI94/s1600/DSCF8745.jpgThat is a nice pic. Do you use an extension ring to focus that close with the zoom?
Thanks. No, just the long end of the lens. The lens does have a "macro" mode, but I rarely use it.
leighton w wrote
Another one with the 50-135mm.https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_n96s1TtjBzMZC59SyU5MHGrnsf2qk-AVRB2MerVZWXuzUugwr4Q9iX1-e7BIta452qwJwczzByAYwCh7YSDlnUFD_9rvdej39Cbes6WkicyN5eUcPTWNaVYSTRUxG__a7aTEoByJUY4emSkb1dmLIZm2tHPcqVG_clm__CFGrLmv6l8Gp8Sfq45wI94/s1600/DSCF8745.jpg
Thanks. No, just the long end of the lens. The lens does have a "macro" mode, but I rarely use it.
Jul 07, 2026 at 04:12 AM
p.2659 #5Manual Focus Nikon Glass
A couple of 20/2.8 ai-s shots
DF_20260614_BLX_7847.jpg by -Morten-, on Flickr
DF_20260614_BLX_7828.jpg by -Morten-, on Flickr
DF_20260614_BLX_7847.jpg by -Morten-, on Flickr
DF_20260614_BLX_7828.jpg by -Morten-, on Flickr
Jul 07, 2026 at 04:30 AM
p.2659 #6Manual Focus Nikon Glass
Jim, everyone's right, its personal preference where you place the focus in that situation. I tend to place it somewhere closer to the foreground, most often. But there's no right or wrong.
Jul 07, 2026 at 05:35 AM
p.2659 #7Manual Focus Nikon Glass
BLLX wrote:
A couple of 20/2.8 ai-s shots
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55378417402_dbc602008b_b.jpg
DF_20260614_BLX_7847.jpg by -Morten-, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55379751495_7233a148af_b.jpg
DF_20260614_BLX_7828.jpg by -Morten-, on Flickr
Pleasant compositions and colours!
A couple of 20/2.8 ai-s shots
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55378417402_dbc602008b_b.jpg
DF_20260614_BLX_7847.jpg by -Morten-, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55379751495_7233a148af_b.jpg
DF_20260614_BLX_7828.jpg by -Morten-, on Flickr
Pleasant compositions and colours!
Jul 07, 2026 at 05:35 AM
p.2659 #8Manual Focus Nikon Glass
My approach to composition is to shoot many variations. Many times, during post processing, a few or one emerges as clearly superior to the others. I think the process of transition from 3D to 2D can be hard to anticipate. I wasn't a "stay within the lines kid", so composition "rules" makes me bristle a bit. Even though I do use them, at times.
Jul 07, 2026 at 05:51 AM
p.2659 #9Manual Focus Nikon Glass
Question intended to the users of the Nikon 25-50 f4,0:
I have read conflicting reviews about the lens. Some arguing it is the best Nikon manual focus zoom others stating it reaches its limits on digital full frame despite nice colours and contrast.
I use a combination I like very much that is the 28 70 3,5 4 5 AF D with the E 75 150. Great quality size and weight
I am ready for a weight and size penalty using the 25 50 and the 50 135. But I would like to hear about the image quality benefit, if any, before committing.
I have read conflicting reviews about the lens. Some arguing it is the best Nikon manual focus zoom others stating it reaches its limits on digital full frame despite nice colours and contrast.
I use a combination I like very much that is the 28 70 3,5 4 5 AF D with the E 75 150. Great quality size and weight
I am ready for a weight and size penalty using the 25 50 and the 50 135. But I would like to hear about the image quality benefit, if any, before committing.
Jul 07, 2026 at 07:35 AM
p.2659 #10Manual Focus Nikon Glass
lumenspixel wrote:
Question intended to the users of the Nikon 25-50 f4,0:
I have read conflicting reviews about the lens. Some arguing it is the best Nikon manual focus zoom others stating it reaches its limits on digital full frame despite nice colours and contrast.
I use a combination I like very much that is the 28 70 3,5 4 5 AF D with the E 75 150. Great quality size and weight
I am ready for a weight and size penalty using the 25 50 and the 50 135. But I would like to hear about the image quality benefit, if any,...Show more →
Michel, the copy I use to own was super sharp - even on my highest resolution sensors (D850 and 5DS-R), In fact, all the "experts" predicting that the latest _insert camera name here_ would out resolve vintage lenses have proved to be full of caca. At least in my experience.
Jim
Question intended to the users of the Nikon 25-50 f4,0:
I have read conflicting reviews about the lens. Some arguing it is the best Nikon manual focus zoom others stating it reaches its limits on digital full frame despite nice colours and contrast.
I use a combination I like very much that is the 28 70 3,5 4 5 AF D with the E 75 150. Great quality size and weight
I am ready for a weight and size penalty using the 25 50 and the 50 135. But I would like to hear about the image quality benefit, if any,...Show more →
Michel, the copy I use to own was super sharp - even on my highest resolution sensors (D850 and 5DS-R), In fact, all the "experts" predicting that the latest _insert camera name here_ would out resolve vintage lenses have proved to be full of caca. At least in my experience.
Jim
Jul 07, 2026 at 09:00 AM
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p.2659 #11Manual Focus Nikon Glass
James Markus wrote:
I have read conflicting reviews about the lens. Some arguing it is the best Nikon manual focus zoom others stating it reaches its limits on digital full frame despite nice colours and contrast.
I use a combination I like very much that is the 28 70 3,5 4 5 AF D with the E 75 150. Great quality size and weight
I am ready for a weight and size penalty using the 25 50 and the 50 135. But I would like to hear about the image quality benefit, if any, before committing.Michel, the copy I use to own was super sharp - even on my highest resolution sensors (D850 and 5DS-R), In fact, all the "experts" predicting that the latest _insert camera name here_ would out resolve vintage lenses have proved to be full of caca. At least in my experience.
Jim
That is quite helpful and engaging Jim. Hope there will be a consensus that will tame the common issue of sample variation.
lumenspixel wrote
Question intended to the users of the Nikon 25-50 f4,0:I have read conflicting reviews about the lens. Some arguing it is the best Nikon manual focus zoom others stating it reaches its limits on digital full frame despite nice colours and contrast.
I use a combination I like very much that is the 28 70 3,5 4 5 AF D with the E 75 150. Great quality size and weight
I am ready for a weight and size penalty using the 25 50 and the 50 135. But I would like to hear about the image quality benefit, if any, before committing.
Jim
That is quite helpful and engaging Jim. Hope there will be a consensus that will tame the common issue of sample variation.
Jul 07, 2026 at 09:13 AM
p.2659 #12Manual Focus Nikon Glass
lumenspixel wrote:
Question intended to the users of the Nikon 25-50 f4,0:
I have read conflicting reviews about the lens. Some arguing it is the best Nikon manual focus zoom others stating it reaches its limits on digital full frame despite nice colours and contrast.
I use a combination I like very much that is the 28 70 3,5 4 5 AF D with the E 75 150. Great quality size and weight
I am ready for a weight and size penalty using the 25 50 and the 50 135. But I would like to hear about the image quality benefit, if any,...Show more →
Hi Michel
I do not have a high megapixel body, but do use the D750 (24 mp). I have found the 25-50 ais performs very well. It does produce saturated contrasty images. I shoot mostly landscapes at f8 so not much experience wide open. At f8 it is very sharp on the D750. At f4 it shows some softness at the edges, at least my copy does. The only weakness I have found it a bit of vignetting at 25mm. It is a nice lens for carry around (600 grams). One of my favorites.
Scott
Question intended to the users of the Nikon 25-50 f4,0:
I have read conflicting reviews about the lens. Some arguing it is the best Nikon manual focus zoom others stating it reaches its limits on digital full frame despite nice colours and contrast.
I use a combination I like very much that is the 28 70 3,5 4 5 AF D with the E 75 150. Great quality size and weight
I am ready for a weight and size penalty using the 25 50 and the 50 135. But I would like to hear about the image quality benefit, if any,...Show more →
Hi Michel
I do not have a high megapixel body, but do use the D750 (24 mp). I have found the 25-50 ais performs very well. It does produce saturated contrasty images. I shoot mostly landscapes at f8 so not much experience wide open. At f8 it is very sharp on the D750. At f4 it shows some softness at the edges, at least my copy does. The only weakness I have found it a bit of vignetting at 25mm. It is a nice lens for carry around (600 grams). One of my favorites.
Scott
Jul 07, 2026 at 04:28 PM
p.2659 #13Manual Focus Nikon Glass
mp356 wrote:
I have read conflicting reviews about the lens. Some arguing it is the best Nikon manual focus zoom others stating it reaches its limits on digital full frame despite nice colours and contrast.
I use a combination I like very much that is the 28 70 3,5 4 5 AF D with the E 75 150. Great quality size and weight
I am ready for a weight and size penalty using the 25 50 and the 50 135. But I would like to hear about the image quality benefit, if any, before committing.Hi Michel
I do not have a high megapixel body, but do use the D750 (24 mp). I have found the 25-50 ais performs very well. It does produce saturated contrasty images. I shoot mostly landscapes at f8 so not much experience wide open. At f8 it is very sharp on the D750. At f4 it shows some softness at the edges, at least my copy does. The only weakness I have found it a bit of vignetting at 25mm. It is a nice lens for carry around (600 grams). One of my favorites.
Scott
Thank you Scott!
lumenspixel wrote
Question intended to the users of the Nikon 25-50 f4,0:I have read conflicting reviews about the lens. Some arguing it is the best Nikon manual focus zoom others stating it reaches its limits on digital full frame despite nice colours and contrast.
I use a combination I like very much that is the 28 70 3,5 4 5 AF D with the E 75 150. Great quality size and weight
I am ready for a weight and size penalty using the 25 50 and the 50 135. But I would like to hear about the image quality benefit, if any, before committing.
I do not have a high megapixel body, but do use the D750 (24 mp). I have found the 25-50 ais performs very well. It does produce saturated contrasty images. I shoot mostly landscapes at f8 so not much experience wide open. At f8 it is very sharp on the D750. At f4 it shows some softness at the edges, at least my copy does. The only weakness I have found it a bit of vignetting at 25mm. It is a nice lens for carry around (600 grams). One of my favorites.
Scott
Thank you Scott!
Jul 07, 2026 at 05:10 PM
p.2659 #14Manual Focus Nikon Glass
serge07 wrote:
Hi, everyone:
These were taken from approximately the same spot, a bit of a difference.
In case someone needed the address.
16/3.5 Ai
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55372100468_450ada29af_h.jpg
28/2.8 AIs
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55372153779_8f6135ed15_h.jpg
Fuji S5
Serge
Love these Serge and B&W was the perfect choice. Pity about all the extra crap that they put on the sign posts these days.
Andy
Hi, everyone:
These were taken from approximately the same spot, a bit of a difference.
In case someone needed the address.
16/3.5 Ai
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55372100468_450ada29af_h.jpg
28/2.8 AIs
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55372153779_8f6135ed15_h.jpg
Fuji S5
Serge
Love these Serge and B&W was the perfect choice. Pity about all the extra crap that they put on the sign posts these days.
Andy
Jul 07, 2026 at 08:26 PM
p.2659 #15Manual Focus Nikon Glass
Pano (just an Xpan crop iirc of a single image) in the mountains with the GFX50S and nikkor PC 28/3.5
The clouds were crazy!
_DSF4003-Edit by Andy MacDougall, on Flickr
Andy
The clouds were crazy!
_DSF4003-Edit by Andy MacDougall, on FlickrAndy
Jul 07, 2026 at 08:31 PM
p.2659 #16Manual Focus Nikon Glass
cadman342001 wrote:
Pano (just an Xpan crop iirc of a single image) in the mountains with the GFX50S and nikkor PC 28/3.5
The clouds were crazy!
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55362883772_cadbb3daeb_h.jpg_DSF4003-Edit by Andy MacDougall, on Flickr
Andy
Very nice Andy! So nice to see landscapes from your part of the world.
Pano (just an Xpan crop iirc of a single image) in the mountains with the GFX50S and nikkor PC 28/3.5
The clouds were crazy!
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55362883772_cadbb3daeb_h.jpg_DSF4003-Edit by Andy MacDougall, on Flickr
Andy
Very nice Andy! So nice to see landscapes from your part of the world.
Jul 07, 2026 at 08:48 PM
p.2659 #17Manual Focus Nikon Glass
saph wrote:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55378417402_dbc602008b_b.jpg
DF_20260614_BLX_7847.jpg by -Morten-, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55379751495_7233a148af_b.jpg
DF_20260614_BLX_7828.jpg by -Morten-, on FlickrPleasant compositions and colours!
Many thanks 🙏
BLLX wrote
A couple of 20/2.8 ai-s shotshttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55378417402_dbc602008b_b.jpg
DF_20260614_BLX_7847.jpg by -Morten-, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55379751495_7233a148af_b.jpg
DF_20260614_BLX_7828.jpg by -Morten-, on Flickr
Many thanks 🙏
Jul 08, 2026 at 01:38 AM
p.2659 #18Manual Focus Nikon Glass
cadman342001 wrote:
Pano (just an Xpan crop iirc of a single image) in the mountains with the GFX50S and nikkor PC 28/3.5
The clouds were crazy!
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55362883772_cadbb3daeb_h.jpg_DSF4003-Edit by Andy MacDougall, on Flickr
Andy
Beautiful place and beautiful pano - agreed those clouds - wow 👏
Pano (just an Xpan crop iirc of a single image) in the mountains with the GFX50S and nikkor PC 28/3.5
The clouds were crazy!
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55362883772_cadbb3daeb_h.jpg_DSF4003-Edit by Andy MacDougall, on Flickr
Andy
Beautiful place and beautiful pano - agreed those clouds - wow 👏
Jul 08, 2026 at 01:39 AM
p.2659 #19Manual Focus Nikon Glass
Jim, think rule of thirds. Does the Z5 allow you to put the grid on the viewfinder? I didn't think you missed focus, just that you were attempting the rule of thirds.
jimmuller wrote:
Best.Merci for the response. It's a good suggestion but it didn't really answer my question. To put it bluntly, when you first saw that picture was your impression that I missed the focus, which is to say, I didn't handle the camera well? As a generality it's a question of how firm is the visual requirement that the comfortable resting place for the eyes be the central object? If the answer is that it does look like I missed it, then I must not try that technique again. That's really all I was asking.
jimmuller wrote:
lumenspixel wrote
Jim I don't know if this will answer your question but if you want more purple and less dof I would lower the camera to be more level with the flowers. The higher the more you include some green. Then I would come closer to the flowers of your choice and experiment with focusing.Best.
Jul 08, 2026 at 01:42 AM
p.2659 #20Manual Focus Nikon Glass
jimmuller wrote:
I have a question, if you please. Since it involves Manually Focusing Nikon Glass this thread is appropriate. It's actually a question of what viewers, which is to say all of you, perceive. For that reason it's about composition but with a technical spin. I posed this question in the Photo Critique forum but I've given up on it being helpful.
.
.
It was an experiment that I've tried before. I'm not sure it works. Oh, you viewers may or may not experience the effect I wanted but you may also come away thinking I simply missed the focus. (I are jus'...Show more →
Almost got me, Jim. Almost. I think the effect you intended would be stronger if the purple filled the frame more. Specifically, it's pretty close, except for the top right corner where there's more green than purple. Also wondering if it would have worked better with a shorter lens such as your 55mm, that can get close. That way you could score more depth of filled, more flowers in the frame, and perhaps be less concerned about which of the flowers you focused on.
Having said all that, my initial impression was "Cool, petunias, summer green"...and then you asked for an opinion. I hope that despite my opinion, you still enjoyed taking the picture, because most times that's all that matters to me. Thanks for sharing it.
I have a question, if you please. Since it involves Manually Focusing Nikon Glass this thread is appropriate. It's actually a question of what viewers, which is to say all of you, perceive. For that reason it's about composition but with a technical spin. I posed this question in the Photo Critique forum but I've given up on it being helpful.
.
.
It was an experiment that I've tried before. I'm not sure it works. Oh, you viewers may or may not experience the effect I wanted but you may also come away thinking I simply missed the focus. (I are jus'...Show more →
Almost got me, Jim. Almost. I think the effect you intended would be stronger if the purple filled the frame more. Specifically, it's pretty close, except for the top right corner where there's more green than purple. Also wondering if it would have worked better with a shorter lens such as your 55mm, that can get close. That way you could score more depth of filled, more flowers in the frame, and perhaps be less concerned about which of the flowers you focused on.
Having said all that, my initial impression was "Cool, petunias, summer green"...and then you asked for an opinion
. I hope that despite my opinion, you still enjoyed taking the picture, because most times that's all that matters to me. Thanks for sharing it.Jul 08, 2026 at 04:09 AM