Df short tele

[Fraser]

Looking for suggestions for a short telephoto for my df to pair with my 35 1.8.
Here my thoughts so far-
1) 85mm 1.8g, had the D version with my d200 and quite liked it but maybe a bit short and close to my 50mm 1.4D.
2) 105mm 2.8 micro similar to the above taking into account of crop factor and handy macro but a bit big.
3) Just get the a 70-200 f4 the new version but even bigger than the above.
4) Old version 70-210 f4-5.6 af had one years ago can't remember if I liked it or not nice size fits in the pocket, a bit slow at the long end probably the non D version would do which is very cheap especially compared to (3). would go well with the Df.
5) old version 70-210 af slow autofocus and a bit big also sold one that I thought I would never use about 6months ago DOH!

Has to be af got plenty of manual stuff, not too big as this is my camera when I'm not working (have canon stuff for work 135 f2 and 70-200 f2.8).
Open to suggestions maybe there is something I don't know about.

Thanks

 

[Ken Ford]

Are you looking for a two lens kit? If yes, the 85 seems to be the best choice. But if you're also carrying a 50, maybe a 105 would be a better fit. I've found 35/85 to be a very workable two lens kit with my Df, but then again I'm used to 35/70 on my Ms.

I had one of the D series 70-210s, it was quite good and I actually miss it.

 

[Godfrey]

35/2 and 85/2 was my standard Nikon kit for three years, supplemented about 2 years in with a 20/3.5. It's still one of the most compelling two/three lens kits around. Either the current 85/1.8 or 85/1.4 are an excellent choice.

G

 

[Fraser]

the 85 is also a lot cheaper than the 70-200!

 

[Freakscene]

If you can find a 105/2 DC at a good price get It. Its only downside on the DF is the old screw drive AF and the associated radial clutch on/off switch. The latter can (and often does) break, which Nikon can fix for now but will be the first part that will run out when Nikon inevitably decide to move that specification lens to a new design and discontinue the old lens. On newer cameras with higher pixel density, these lenses show their age a bit, with lower microcontrast and resolution of the finest details than the newest best lenses (remember they were designed for film in the early 1990s) but on a D700 or DF they are amazing.

Marty

 

[Ken Ford]

Back in the day I was a big 105/2.5 user, so I have to wonder how the current 105/2.8 is. It's just hard to justify when I already have the magnificent 85/1.4G.

 

[Fraser]

Back in the day I was a big 105/2.5 user, so I have to wonder how the current 105/2.8 is. It's just hard to justify when I already have the magnificent 85/1.4G.

That was one of my options but I'm leaning towards 70-200 I'm not really convinced I would use the 85 that much and would always want something a bit longer.
I'm kicking myself for all the lenses I've sold that would be great on the df ie 300mm af f4, 70-210 af twice! I've already bought the 28-70 f3.5-4.5d that I had years ago on an f90x.

 

[YYV_146]

Another vote for the 105 DC. You guys don't get a proper STF, but the DC comes close...

 

[peterm1]

In relation to the 70-210 AF I suggest getting the D version as the gearing is higher with noticeably faster auto focus. As you noted the older one is slower to focus. I has the older non D version and sold it in favor of the D model for this reason and do not regret it. The optics are the same. The lens is pretty good and although I am happy with it (do not expect great bokeh though). Where it excels is as a travel lens. I also have the 80-200 D f2.8 D which although it's a better lens is far too big for a non pro to carry about on extended trips unless you really need to. So I took my 70-210 to Hong Kong a couple of years ago and got many great shots. At the price you can get it for its well worth having.