Nikon D750

[hap]

I've just purchased a D750 which will work with all my older glass up to my latest AFD glass. However, I do not have any G, AFS, VR(I or II) lenses. It seems like I should have at least one...right?

what would be a reasonable compromise lens (cost vs use v high tech) would anyone might recommend as a first timer with an itch to scratch?

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

I had a first gen 18-200 G lens when I had my D80 and then D7000. It cost me over $800 when new (ordered with the D80). I'd look for a gen II VR lens as the creep on the gen I was pretty bad. Great lens though if you don't want to carry a bunch of primes around all day.

 

[ellisson]

The older Nikon glass (non-CPU = Central Processing Unit, a program within the D750 and other modern D cameras) do not have all the contacts for the full range of D750 camera function. The D lenses will autofocus, but to get optimal color metering and flash function, you can enter the lens focal length and max. aperture into the camera's custom settings (see page 235 of the D750 manual, or just go to Menu --->custom settings ---> non-CPU lenses)
You can enter up to 9 non-CPU lenses into the camera.

As a new D750 owner, I chose the 24-120 F4 (not the 3.5-5.6) lens as my first modern CPU lens. The 50 mm 1.8 lens is another good choice (inexpensive, too) as well as several 35mm options. I have the Nikon AF 35mm f2 D lens, and the 60mm F2.8 D micro-nikkor macro lense. Autofocus and metering are fine, and I see no need to upgrade to the G or S lenses at this time. Maybe later😉

 

[hap]

Yes, I'd like to have one useful lens that accesses as much advanced technology available on the camera. a smallish zoom would be nice. typicallly, G, S, VR II lenses are bulky and expensive. 24-120 F4 a pretty good lens and might be satisfactory.

I am aware that you enter older lenses into the customs settings (Rockwell) for non cpu types. i'd like to see what the fast af-s vr lenses would do.

have you used the auto eye detection?

 

[ellisson]

Yes, I'd like to have one useful lens that accesses as much advanced technology available on the camera. a smallish zoom would be nice. typicallly, G, S, VR II lenses are bulky and expensive. 24-120 F4 a pretty good lens and might be satisfactory.

I am aware that you enter older lenses into the customs settings (Rockwell) for non cpu types. i'd like to see what the fast af-s vr lenses would do.

have you used the auto eye detection?

Do you mean face detection? I have not used this yet, but have not done any portrait work yet.

 

[Dogman]

I may be wrong but I think all D-series lenses have the ability to use all the functions of the G-series, like 3D metering and flash functions. The differences are only the G lenses have built-in motors and the D lenses use the screw driver shaft to run the lens on AF. The pre-D AF lenses didn't include the chip to read distance so they can't do flash functions like the G lenses.

If you just want a new tech general purpose lens, the 24-120/4VR is a good choice. It's a fairly heavy lens, however. For a lighter weight one, I personally like the 24-85/3.5-4.5VR. You won't get tired carrying it around all day like the 23-120. Both are noted for their distortion that I call "traumatic". However, it can be fixed in post or in camera or you can just ignore it unless you're shooting subjects with straight lines.

Whatever you do, don't dump the D lenses. The G lenses probably win on sharpness but the D lenses were generally better built and, subjectively, have a nicer character to their images.

 

[madNbad]

There are shops that can add a chip to your MF lenses. When I owned a Df for a while I had it done to several Ai-S lenses. It’s nice to have the exif data.

 

[hap]

Any shops in so Cal? to insert the CPU chip?

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

Bill's Camera in Huntington Beach might be able to give you a lead on one if they can't do it. Worth a call.
Samy's in Newport might be able to help too. I've never used them though.

 

[hap]

I may be wrong but I think all D-series lenses have the ability to use all the functions of the G-series, like 3D metering and flash functions. The differences are only the G lenses have built-in motors and the D lenses use the screw driver shaft to run the lens on AF. The pre-D AF lenses didn't include the chip to read distance so they can't do flash functions like the G lenses.

If you just want a new tech general purpose lens, the 24-120/4VR is a good choice. It's a fairly heavy lens, however. For a lighter weight one, I personally like the 24-85/3.5-4.5VR. You won't get tired carrying it around all day like the 23-120. Both are noted for their distortion that I call "traumatic". However, it can be fixed in post or in camera or you can just ignore it unless you're shooting subjects with straight lines.

Whatever you do, don't dump the D lenses. The G lenses probably win on sharpness but the D lenses were generally better built and, subjectively, have a nicer character to their images.

the D lenses STAY.

the 24-85 could be a winner. Would work nicely on the N80 too.

For someone like me who likes to use cameras like a barnack or a PEN FT....the smaller the better. It's weird, though I have an FT3. I really like shooting with it but I hate picking it up from the table.

 

[madNbad]

Any shops in so Cal? to insert the CPU chip?

Legacy2Digital is in Eugene, Oregon.

http://legacy2digital.com/nikon/

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

@hap - check the C-list in OC.
I just found this listed:
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/pho/d/newport-beach-nikon-nikkor-af-mm-f35-56/7364728236.html
I'd get that in a heart beat.

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

Or if you're worried about that being a DX lens how about this:


https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/pho/d/foothill-ranch-nikon-lens/7360457111.html

 

[hap]

Or if you're worried about that being a DX lens how about this:


https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/pho/d/foothill-ranch-nikon-lens/7360457111.html

That one could be a winner. Not much more than 2mi from me.

 

[hap]

Legacy2Digital is in Eugene, Oregon.

http://legacy2digital.com/nikon/

thank you
Hap

 

[PaulW128]

Hi Hap,

Congrats on the D750. I've heard only good things about that camera. You might want to check out Thom Hogan's website https://bythom.com. He's a well respected Nikon expert, tons of information available. From what I remember reading regarding a suitable lens for your camera, the 24-85 as some here have suggested what be a nice fit for your D750. Good luck and enjoy

best,
Paul

 

[Darthfeeble]

If you can hold out, I think that the 24-200 that is for the Z series will eventually be made for the F series. It's a great lens for that all around carry.

 

[hap]

Do you mean face detection? I have not used this yet, but have not done any portrait work yet.

Rockwell in his review of the D750 referred to auto eye detection and gave some examples.

 

[hap]

Hi Hap,

Congrats on the D750. I've heard only good things about that camera. You might want to check out Thom Hogan's website https://bythom.com. He's a well respected Nikon expert, tons of information available. From what I remember reading regarding a suitable lens for your camera, the 24-85 as some here have suggested what be a nice fit for your D750. Good luck and enjoy

best,
Paul

thanks Paul I will look at Hogans review.

The D750 was only 1/5 the price of my M240. It just seemed the right thing to do.

 

[hap]

If you can hold out, I think that the 24-200 that is for the Z series will eventually be made for the F series. It's a great lens for that all around carry.

If I can hold out. What does "hold out" mean?🙂