Nikon AI vs. AIS help for digitial

[chris91387]

I've been an avid nikon user for 30 years (FM, FM2N, F3HP, FA, F2AS) and am most likely going to bite the bullet and pick up a D3 next year. But first there's still a few "dream" MF lenses I want. I'm not much of a "zoom guy" and am looking forward to using the classic MF lenses on my D3 and still be able to use the meter. I get the whole AI vs. AIS thing with the older film cameras and as you can tell from my cameras only the FA has matrix metering....which I rarely ever use.

My question is if I should be concerned about getting AIS lenses to use on the D3 rather than AI? Will it matter?

Thanks,
chris

 

[Pickett Wilson]

Here you go!

http://www.nikonians.org/nikon/slr-lens.html

 

[willie_901]

Both AI and AIS lenses work fine on the D200/300/700/3/3X.

It will not matter at all.

The AIS versions have newer coating technologies and some AIS lenses may have improved optics. But any mechanically competent AI lens is also 100% compatible. In my experience metering (M or A) with both AI and AIS lenses works really well. You can program the function button (along side the lens) to let you scroll through a list of lenses which means telling the body what lens is attached does not require navigating menus and takes just a few seconds.

I center weighted mode (probably because I was a F3 user), but spot mode can be very useful.

 

[peterm1]

For the most part it probably will not matter BUT research individual lenses before you buy. In some cases it will matter. There is a consensus for example that the AIS (close focusing) 28mm f2.8 is far and away the best model of this lens made. I would have to say this kind of thing is in the minority but it pays to do your research before you buy, even if only for your peace of mind as you plop that credit card down on the counter top. The other thing to be said is that you shouldd not necessarily discount the pre AI lenses that have been AI converted. Some of these are very respectable and stand up to the best of the later lenses.

 

[peter_n]

Also don't discount the zooms. I bought into Nikon DX last year and I'm staggered at the quality of a used 17-55/2.8 that I picked up. Nikon have put much more development into zooms than MF in the last decade and it really shows.

Also I second Peter's comment above about the 28mm AIS. Make sure you get the one that has 0.2M closest focus.

 

[chris91387]

thanks everyone.

funny, i don't even have a 28mm lens. i'm just not find of it. would rather put on my 24mm or my 35mm. i LOVE my 24mm.

what i'm really looking into getting is the 35mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.4. i have them at 2.0 but want the extra stop. AI versions seems to be $100-$200 less than that AI-S.

and yes, i too am a center weighted kinda guy ...

 

[dufffader]

hi chris, the 35mm f1.4 (nikon's summilux ;-)) isn't very impressive below f2 at all. Even on a DX body I try to keep it above f2.8 if I can help it, where it really shines.

Of course, if you can't help it, D3 at ISO6400 and 35mm at f1.4 should allow you to shoot in almost no light.

 

[chris91387]

hi chris, the 35mm f1.4 (nikon's summilux ;-)) isn't very impressive below f2 at all. Even on a DX body I try to keep it above f2.8 if I can help it, where it really shines.

Of course, if you can't help it, D3 at ISO6400 and 35mm at f1.4 should allow you to shoot in almost no light.

hmmm, really? i do love my 35mm f2. nice at all apertures. was hoping the 1.4 would give me an extra stop at the top and equal, if not better, my f2. big lens i know, but that's not so much of a factor.

argh, too many choices to make.

thanks.

 

[peter_n]

You may be familiar with this resource but good lens reviews here:

http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2.html

Click on Lenses on the left.

 

[robbo]

With the ability to crank up the ISO and still get superb results, I wouldn't worry too much about F1.4. I use a D700 and it's taken a while for me to feel comfortable with ramping up the ISO, but the results speak for themselves.

 

[HarryW]

Chris,

One other difference between AI and AIs which I don't think has been mentioned to date is the focus throw which may or may not be important to you - generally the AIs version has a shorter turn.
See this site for full specs on all Nikkor lenses.
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/specs.html

Regards
Harry

 

[willie_901]

Harry,

Good point about the focus-throw difference.

 

[former member]

Watch out for oil seeping onto the aperture blades on Early AIS lenses. Nikon used a miserable lubricant for a couple of years on when AIS lenses came out.

AI lenses tend to be a little heavier made- little things like 5 screws holding the mount on rather than 3, on a number of lenses. The 24/2.8 is great in all incarnations. Also, the 28/2 is an underrated lens.

 

[chris91387]

had no idea about the focus throw. thanks for that link.

thanks, everyone.

-chris

 

[punkromance]

I have the 35/2 AIS, and after falling in love with that focal length I was more than willing to sell a kidney or two and fork out for the 1.4 on fleaBay.
The only reason I didn't is because after browsing flickr, the photos from it seem really bad. The bokeh from the 35/2 is pretty bad, but useable.
The 35/1.4 on the other hand has horrible bokeh.
But of course, it's completely subjective. Just have a look on flickr, see what you think.
Just my £0.02