85 f2 Nikkor( leica ltm)

[John Elder]

I plan on using early 85f2 Nikkor LTN for shooting bands in available light. How good is the lens wide open at f2? Hope it is good , cause I just bought one on the bay:ID #150193705548 for $201.26. What do you think? I know its big, but I only intend to shoot it for special purposes and didn't want to fork out the extra bucks for a 90 Summicron.

 

[John Shriver]

It's a famously fine lens. Sure, a modern Summicron 90/2 is probably a better lens, but not by a giant margin.

The real challenge with any fast telephoto wide open is really limited depth of field. Note well the DOF markings on the barrel, and appreciate how close they are at f/2...

Buy fast film, meter incidently, and stop down as much as you can get away with.

 

[splitimageview]

I really like my 85/2 and for $200 you can't go wrong.

And I like it wide open. 🙂

 

[ferider]

Great lens, good price. As good as the pre-asph Summicron, optically,
but heavy. Enjoy !

 

[payasam]

To what John said, I'll add that you might consider using a monopod.