Favorite old Nikon SLR lenses - or dogs?

jonmanjiro said:
For best performance, the trick with the 50/1.2 is to stop it down to about f1.8 - f2 where it really hits its stride. It changes personality completely, kind of like having two lenses in one. No doubt the Sigma is really good though, being a modern design etc.
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I don't generally use f1.4 lenses below f2 😀 It's certainly sharp at f2. I think I don't really like the Nikon look, whatever that means.

I'll list it at some point, it's just a question of getting around to it.
 
Nikkor 2/35 - Not the sharpest lens, but it looks great in b/w. Tonality that is smooth as butter.

The lowly Nikkor-H.C 2/50. This is a great, great lens. Stopped down a little it is very sharp. Reminds me a lot of the Summicron DR, but the Leica is better at f2. It's brilliant in black and white. This is one of my main 50's.

Nikkor 1.4/85 - It's great, fast and expensive.

Nikkor-H.C 1.8/85 - THE portrait lens of the 1960's. Modern 85's may be sharper, but few have this much personality. This is the lens from 'Blow Up'

Nikkor-P 2.5/105 - Mine is the single coated version. A little too long for my taste, but all the stories you hear about it are true.
 
Hi Harry and rbsinto - I had a 50/2 "H" and it was a fine lens, but never found anything "special" with it, just a good standard lens. I probably should have hung on to it.

rbsinto - never tried any of the lens you have yet, but the 35/2 is interesting, and I have an 80-200 F4.5 AI that is the precursor to the 2.8 I believe.
 
I have only a few Nikkor SLR lenses, but among those lenses I favor the old version 105mm/2.5 Sonnar. Unless I am mistaken, this version is optically identical to the RF version of the 105mm/2.5. Later SLR versions of this lens differed in design.


I also like the 50mm/1.4 and the 24mm/2.8 and the old 50mm/2.0.
 
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I've put together a kit I really like for use with my F2AS, F3 and FM3a. All use 52mm filters:

28/2.8 AIS (mine is nice and sharp out to the edges)
45/2.8 P (tiny with great color rendition and bokeh)
50/1.2 AIS (it's been said)
85/1.8 AI'd (if you can find one of these and get it converted, it is a fantastically sharp lens)
105/2.5 AIS (it's been said)
 
Lots of mention of the 105/2.5, but there were many versions - early ones were Sonnar types, later Gaussian, I think the 55/1.2 also had about 6-7 versions out there.

Anyone know how a 105/2.5 old lens gets a 7 digit s/n? here

Can't seem to reconcile it with this data here
 
Some MF Nikon slr lenses that I used:

24mm f2.0 AIS, Yes, many not very good reviews, but mine has been great, traveled with me extensively on my film bodies, and also has a surprisingly nice "look" on my D100.

28mm f3.5 NAI, my example had some vignetting, but otherwise very sharp, regret that I sold it along with a body many years ago

35mm f2.0 AI, no complaints, have used this successfully on D100, very sharp

35mm f2.8 AI, more compact than f2.0 version, and IQ is just a tad better, IMO, but I often prefer the extra stop of speed on the f2.0 version. I know many folks may not believe me, but I once tested this lens head to head vs. a 35mm M Summicron with some slide film and the results were indistinguishable to my untrained eye.

50mm: I've used a very large number of Nikkor 50mm lenses, f1.4 SC, F1.4 AIS, f1.8 AIS, f1.8 E, The f1.8 version is incredibly sharp, and a great all-around lens. The f1.4 version is sharp when stopped down, and just a little soft at f1.4, but with especially creamy results especially on a DX digital where it's a short tele.

85mm f2.0, I've traveled extensively with this lens on my film bodies, and it has been great. It doesn't get good reviews because most people prefer the f1.8 version, but I've never had anything but great results from this one.

105mm f2.5 NAI, I love this lens, my example has a smooth as butter focusing action, and it's very sharp with great bokeh.

105mm f2.5 AI, I bought this to use with my D100 because I didn't want my NAI version altered. I was pleased that this one is as good as my NAI version, and it works really nicely with my D100, and also with a 2x teleconverter w/D100.

200mm f4 NAI, AI-converted, I have both. One is the older, single coated version (NAI), and the other is a DIY conversion from a previous owner (multi coated). Both are great performers, very compact, but a little slow, must be careful to pay attention to shutter speed when working with these.

200mm f4 Micro-Nikkor AI'ed, I just acquired this great vintage lens. This is Nikon's first IF lens (I think). It's very well built, solid, and it's great because the IF makes for very fast focusing across it's long focusing range. This is a very sharp lens, and the focal length allows a nice working distance when using it as a macro.

300mm f4.5 AI'd, I just acquired this (relatively) compact tele. Preliminary testing with the D100 has shown very nice resolution (and a great effective focal length of 450mm on the D100). I have not had a chance to use this much because the weather has been bad lately, but I will very soon.

500mm f8 Reflex Nikkor, I think this lens actually works better for me on my D100 (with effective focal length of 750mm) than on my film cameras because the crop factor eliminates some of the vignetting that is apparent on this lens. It is compact enough to hand hold if you're careful, and I've done it quite often when shooting auto racing for example.

Well, that's all for now. If anyone wants to see some specific examples, PM me and let me know and I'll try to find something when I have time.

--Warren
 
I used to own the rare Nikkor 500mm/5.0 mirror lens. It was large and it dsplayed the usual doughnutsin the bokeh. I replaced it with a Canon 500mm/4.5L.
 
Thanks Warren!

Thanks Warren!

That's a big collection of primes!

Lots of great info. One thing that I'm sure you're aware of is that often the designs changed independently of when the lens was sold as NAI or AI, for example, there are like 14 versions of NAI 105/2.5s, 7 versions of 55/1.2s, etc. where the differences are all the way from optical redesigns (probably the most significant factor), to coatings, and then to lettering and grip type, etc.

If someone is praising a lens, I always like to know what version.

Are there any Nikon primes you didn't like??

Warren T. said:
Some MF Nikon slr lenses that I used:

24mm f2.0 AIS, Yes, many not very good reviews, but mine has been great, traveled with me extensively on my film bodies, and also has a surprisingly nice "look" on my D100.

28mm f3.5 NAI, my example had some vignetting, but otherwise very sharp, regret that I sold it along with a body many years ago

35mm f2.0 AI, no complaints, have used this successfully on D100, very sharp

35mm f2.8 AI, more compact than f2.0 version, and IQ is just a tad better, IMO, but I often prefer the extra stop of speed on the f2.0 version. I know many folks may not believe me, but I once tested this lens head to head vs. a 35mm M Summicron with some slide film and the results were indistinguishable to my untrained eye.

50mm: I've used a very large number of Nikkor 50mm lenses, f1.4 SC, F1.4 AIS, f1.8 AIS, f1.8 E, The f1.8 version is incredibly sharp, and a great all-around lens. The f1.4 version is sharp when stopped down, and just a little soft at f1.4, but with especially creamy results especially on a DX digital where it's a short tele.

85mm f2.0, I've traveled extensively with this lens on my film bodies, and it has been great. It doesn't get good reviews because most people prefer the f1.8 version, but I've never had anything but great results from this one.

105mm f2.5 NAI, I love this lens, my example has a smooth as butter focusing action, and it's very sharp with great bokeh.

105mm f2.5 AI, I bought this to use with my D100 because I didn't want my NAI version altered. I was pleased that this one is as good as my NAI version, and it works really nicely with my D100, and also with a 2x teleconverter w/D100.

200mm f4 NAI, AI-converted, I have both. One is the older, single coated version (NAI), and the other is a DIY conversion from a previous owner (multi coated). Both are great performers, very compact, but a little slow, must be careful to pay attention to shutter speed when working with these.

200mm f4 Micro-Nikkor AI'ed, I just acquired this great vintage lens. This is Nikon's first IF lens (I think). It's very well built, solid, and it's great because the IF makes for very fast focusing across it's long focusing range. This is a very sharp lens, and the focal length allows a nice working distance when using it as a macro.

300mm f4.5 AI'd, I just acquired this (relatively) compact tele. Preliminary testing with the D100 has shown very nice resolution (and a great effective focal length of 450mm on the D100). I have not had a chance to use this much because the weather has been bad lately, but I will very soon.

500mm f8 Reflex Nikkor, I think this lens actually works better for me on my D100 (with effective focal length of 750mm) than on my film cameras because the crop factor eliminates some of the vignetting that is apparent on this lens. It is compact enough to hand hold if you're careful, and I've done it quite often when shooting auto racing for example.

Well, that's all for now. If anyone wants to see some specific examples, PM me and let me know and I'll try to find something when I have time.

--Warren
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Ted,

Yeah, can you tell that I prefer prime lenses? 😀

I also have a lot of MF Nikon bodies to feed.

If you're ever in town, bring your D40x and try some of these yourself 🙂. I didn't list the specifics of focusing ring type, coatings, etc., in my list because it would have taken too much time, but you will see for yourself when you see them in person. And I didn't mention my AF Nikkors because you asked about MF lenses only 😉. As far as lenses that I didn't like, I never owned one personally, but I have to say that my friend's 43-86mm was pretty bad. Maybe his example was particularly bad, but its poor sharpness was simply unacceptable. On the AF side, I've always had this nagging feeling that my Nikkor 24mm f2.8 AF Non-D seems not quite as sharp as I'm used to seeing on a Nikkor.

--Warren


ampguy said:
That's a big collection of primes!

Lots of great info. One thing that I'm sure you're aware of is that often the designs changed independently of when the lens was sold as NAI or AI, for example, there are like 14 versions of NAI 105/2.5s, 7 versions of 55/1.2s, etc. where the differences are all the way from optical redesigns (probably the most significant factor), to coatings, and then to lettering and grip type, etc.

If someone is praising a lens, I always like to know what version.

Are there any Nikon primes you didn't like??
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Hi Warren

Hi Warren

Yes, we should definitely get together and test lenses, I have a few that you don't - the 28/2.8 long min focus non ai (.3m) which I like a lot on the D40, also I like the 43-86 but it's the earliest version (there were 5+ versions, but I agree, all reviews of it are bad) It is worse on FF/film than on a crop sensor. I also have the 80-200 fixed f4.5, noted as the best zoom every by Pop. Photography (or something like that).

I think I may have the 3 best Nikon lens ever made Warren! But by the time we meet up in the next month or two, I will likely have 2 or 3 more old primes, maybe a 50, 80, or 105. We'll see how the auction site is doing. I also plan to get an M42 to F adapter to put my magic 35/1.9 (vivitar branded, weighs a ton) lens, to be used on the Nikon body.

Warren T. said:
Ted,

Yeah, can you tell that I prefer prime lenses? 😀

I also have a lot of MF Nikon bodies to feed.

If you're ever in town, bring your D40x and try some of these yourself 🙂. I didn't list the specifics of focusing ring type, coatings, etc., in my list because it would have taken too much time, but you will see for yourself when you see them in person. And I didn't mention my AF Nikkors because you asked about MF lenses only 😉. As far as lenses that I didn't like, I never owned one personally, but I have to say that my friend's 43-86mm was pretty bad. Maybe his example was particularly bad, but its poor sharpness was simply unacceptable. On the AF side, I've always had this nagging feeling that my Nikkor 24mm f2.8 AF Non-D seems not quite as sharp as I'm used to seeing on a Nikkor.

--Warren
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I had the 28/2.8 Ai-S and 28/2 Ai, which are both among the best Nikkor wides you'll find. I still have the 45/2.8 Ai-P, basically the equivalent of the Elmar 50/2.8. Very pleasing rendition, bokeh, and so compact and light you can always keep it with you.

The Tamron 90/2.5 SP is also an extremely well-regarded macro telephoto.
 
current old Nikkors in stable:
105/f2.5 AI'd
85/f1.8 AI'd
50/f1.4 AI'd

keeping my radar on for:
28/f2 AI - one of favorites of Bjørn Rørslett
35/f1.4 AI - difficult to find cheap, but am not in a hurry 🙂
 
Ted,

The talk of macro lenses jogged my fading memory 🙂.

I left out a lens from my list.

It's the Nikkor 55mm f3.5 Micro non-ai w/extension tube. It's a superbly sharp lens, and one that I regrettably traded away many years ago. Happily, another, identical lens made its way back to me a couple of months ago.

--Warren
 
ampguy said:
Hi Harry and rbsinto - I had a 50/2 "H" and it was a fine lens, but never found anything "special" with it, just a good standard lens. I probably should have hung on to it.

rbsinto - never tried any of the lens you have yet, but the 35/2 is interesting, and I have an 80-200 F4.5 AI that is the precursor to the 2.8 I believe.
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Ampguy,
I've also got an 85 f2 AI, 50 1.4 AI and a zoom-Nikkor 35~70 3.5, all also good lenses, but not a nice as the ones I previously mentioned.
As for the 80~200 2.8, it's an exceptionally fine lens. ED glass and very sharp, even wide open. Weighs a lot though about 1900 grams (as I recall) and takes 95mm(!) filters. And quite a rarity, as only about 1,600 were produced, starting in 1982.
And I think you're correct when you say the f4.5 lens was the precursor to the 2.8. In fact, mine looks like the f4.5 lens on steroids.
 
nice selection

nice selection

I think I have a 50 or 55/1.2 and 85/1.8 or 85/2 on my radar, the 105s sound great, but are just too long with a crop sensor for my uses.

I like Bjorn's subjective reviews, and it's cool that he reviews for film and digital, and IR, but I think his needs are different from mine, he is looking, I think, for different things in lenses than I am. He also only tests 1 or 2 samples, of which he may have bad, or good ones of.

jarski said:
current old Nikkors in stable:
105/f2.5 AI'd
85/f1.8 AI'd
50/f1.4 AI'd

keeping my radar on for:
28/f2 AI - one of favorites of Bjørn Rørslett
35/f1.4 AI - difficult to find cheap, but am not in a hurry 🙂
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