50mm f/2 Nikkor-H vs. 50mm f/2 Nikkor-H.C.

[jrose125]

50mm f/2 Nikkor-H vs. 50mm f/2 Nikkor-H.C.

Whats the difference and which one is better?

 

[jonmanjiro]

For SLR lenses

50mm f/2 Nikkor-H > single coating

50mm f/2 Nikkor-H.C. > multi-coating same optics

Better is subjective. Do you prefer the rendering of single or multi coated lenses?

 

[jrose125]

For SLR lenses

50mm f/2 Nikkor-H > single coating

50mm f/2 Nikkor-H.C. > multi-coating same optics

Better is subjective. Do you prefer the rendering of single or multi coated lenses?

Not really sure, but I just bought a H.C. for $50 bucks. If I don't like it, i'll sell and get the H 😀

 

[Dirk]

As a broad generalisation, the single-coated H lens may be better for b&w, the multi-coated one more contrasty and therefore better for color. However, it's all a matter of taste!

 

[jonmanjiro]

Not really sure, but I just bought a H.C. for $50 bucks. If I don't like it, i'll sell and get the H 😀

I reckon you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference. Take a look at the threads comparing the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm/40mm MC and SC lenses to see what I mean.

 

[Robert Lai]

Do you realize that lots of photographers use multicoated lenses for color and black and white?

In high contrast situations, the single coated (or for vintage lenses, uncoated) lenses will allow flare from the highlights to "fill" into the shadow areas, thus diminishing apparent contrast. In colour, this merely looks washed out. In black and white, it gives a more gradual tonal scale, which makes it easier to scan or print by enlarger.

For $50, I would not agonize and get paralysis by analysis.

 

[DanskDynamit]

you will never notice the difference more than the "C" on the front barrel.
Take your lens out and enjoy it.

 

[Steve M.]

I owned them both and the single coated lens had better IQ for my tastes, but maybe Nikon tweaked the optical formula for AI lens I had. Normally I shot non AI. Otherwise they're supposed to be the same lens. If you shoot B&W, generally uncoated and single coated glass has traditionally been preferred to multi coated, and even for colour I feel the same way. Just put a good hood on the lens.

I find it simpler and more intuitive to bump contrast after the neg is developed than to remove it, so you have more options available w/ the uncoated and single coated glass. These are some of the best 50's ever made. Nikon lenses usually are not known for smooth bokeh, but the 50 2 glass is superb.

 

[Fraser]

I would imagine you will notice sample variation before single or multi coatings in the 50mm F2.

 

[Highway 61]

I reckon you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference. Take a look at the threads comparing the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm/40mm MC and SC lenses to see what I mean.

Yes but if there weren't MC and SC lenses out, there wouldn't be all those fantastic threads comparing them. 😀

 

[jonmanjiro]

Yes but if there weren't MC and SC lenses out, there wouldn't be all those fantastic threads comparing them. 😀

We couldn't say for sure that you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference without those comparison threads lol. A tough job, but someone's gotta do it! 😀😎😛

 

[dreilly]

I thought I recall reading that both are actually multicoated just that the HC version has improved coatings. Certainly the color of the coatings are different. Anyway, I have both lenses and will do a little test of them side by side (on digital, but what the hey).

 

[jonmanjiro]

I thought I recall reading that both are actually multicoated just that the HC version has improved coatings

NIKKOR-HC Auto 50mm f/2 (on sale December 1972)

The optical system of this lens is unchanged from the NIKKOR-H, but has multi-layer coating.

Found here: http://www.nikkor.com/story/0002/

 

[dreilly]

I must have been confused, I'll take the official Nikon site at its word!

Here's a shot from the other morning with the Nikkor-H on a Canon EOS-M3 (aps-c):