135mm f/2 - differences between AF & AI/AIS

[yossarian123]

Besides the obvious autofocus, is there a big difference optically between these two lenses? I had the AF version briefly but the accuracy of the autofocus was really hit or miss. I could not correct the inaccuracies with microadjust (I'd fix close focus, but then middle to far would be off and vice versa). I've never tried the manual focus version but I'm contemplating it. Also, how hard is it to focus an 135mm lens at f/2 - I'd be using an D700 or an F body.

 

[rlouzan]

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/135mmnikkor/135mm2.htm

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&message=32199607&changemode=1

 

[Nikon Bob]

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/specs.html#135

Looks like the AF version is a DC lens and has a different optical layout from the ai/ais lens which are not DC lenses. Probably some lens coating differences too.

Bob

 

[john_s]

Bjørn Rørslett has some comments here:

http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_short.html

 

[kanzlr]

the 135/2 AiS was my favourite short tele on the D700, if that means anything 😉