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

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?
 
jonmanjiro said:
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?
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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 :D
 
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!
 
jrose125 said:
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 :D
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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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
jonmanjiro said:
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.
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Yes but if there weren't MC and SC lenses out, there wouldn't be all those fantastic threads comparing them. :D
 
Highway 61 said:
Yes but if there weren't MC and SC lenses out, there wouldn't be all those fantastic threads comparing them. :D
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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! :D:cool::p
 
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).
 
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):

32762424664_cd7b6959b4_z.jpg
 
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