Nikon F2 - Favorite Lens?

[jimithing616]

So, In an attempt to get back into shooting my Nikons. I figured I would start a thread here, On RFF, (since I abandoned my other Photography Forums since starting to shoot leica) I figured I would participate in the SLR section! So, what is your favorite lens on the F2 (F2-S, F2AS, Etc.) ??

My person Fave is the Nikkor-N.C. 35mm f/1.4 (non-Ai obviously)

Also, do you prefer Non-AI glass on your F2 or do you shoot AI/Ais? and why?

(Also, I have a really nice condition F2S and Nikkor-H 85mm 1.8 along with a bunch more Nikkor lenses. looking to trade for Lecia M/LTM gear if anyone is interested. See the "Trades" section of the Classifieds!!)

 

[kshapero]

CV 40/2, small, super sharp, covers a nice field.

 

[Pioneer]

My favorite is the Nikkor HC 50/2. Course I have never used it on a Nikon as mine has an LTM mount.

 

[Photo_Smith]

I use mainly the 50mm ƒ2 HC a truly underrated lens, the 55mm Micro ƒ3,5 is a good one also both pre-AI
Depends a lot on your photography though for wide the 20mm ƒ3,5 and 28mm are great also, the 105mm is sharp and good in non AI also.

I'd say the 50mm ƒ2 H C is probably the best though.

 

[biomed]

35/2.8 and 105/2.5 - the 105 sees double duty on a M4/3 body, too.

 

[Jamespics]

Several people have already beaten me to it with the 50mm F2!

I would also recommend the 35mm F2 "O" pre-Ai and the 85mm F1.8 pre-Ai - both have a distinctive look - always use a hood - rather prone to flare.

 

[Frontman]

My favorite is the 5.8cm f/1.4 Nikkor-S. I have all of the various 50's, the 1.2/1.4/1.8/2, but the 5.8 has some kind of something the other lenses don't. It is plenty sharp and contrasty, but seems to work better than the other lenses at larger apertures,

 

[maitani]

35/2 O-nikkor
40/2 ultron
58mm 'noct' nikkor

 

[NaChase]

50 f/1.8 AI-S and 105 f/2.8 Micro-Nikkor AI-S

 

[L Collins]

My favorite is the Nikkor HC 50/2. Course I have never used it on a Nikon as mine has an LTM mount.

Agreed. The LTM Nikkor HC 50 f2 is a gem. My standard lens for my M bodies.

 

[Paul Jenkin]

I have an F2 with a (fully working) DP1 head in my bag right now. I have one lens on it - an Ai-S 35mm f2 which is probably my most commonly used lens on that body. I also have an Ai 50mm f1.2 which is beautiful but the exceptionally shallow DoF makes it a bit of a pain wide open.

 

[helen.HH]

Don't have too much Experience with Nikkor Glass
But I must Agree wholeheartedly
The Nikkor 50 f2 HC ltm mount is Sublime..just a Delicate Sharp refined rendering...sadly I sold mine but will look for another

Its Stellar in Capturing a retro look and for the Price if you can Find One, can't be Beat

 

[furbs]

Interesting that so many people are bringing up an LTM lens that can't be mounted on the OP's F2. The F-mount Nikkor HC 50mm/2 has a different design and look compared to the LTM one a few people are talking about.

James, ever try a 24/2.8 AIS? Very fun as a walkaround lens, I have one mounted on my F2 right now 🙂

 

[helen.HH]

Interesting that so many people are bringing up an LTM lens that can't be mounted on the OP's F2. The F-mount Nikkor HC 50mm/2 has a different design and look compared to the LTM one a few people are talking about.

James, ever try a 24/2.8 AIS? Very fun as a walkaround lens, I have one mounted on my F2 right now 🙂

oops You are Correct indeed ...😱
silly moi, i used it on my M body not an slr/ F
me not thinking when I posted...brain needs some Caffeine...Apologies

the 28 2.8 is supposed to be Top notch...me wants with a nikon F3 or FE 2..yeah

 

[yanchep_mike]

35/2 and 105/2.5(later gauss type) or just 50/1.8(long nose) I have A type Finder so only use AI lenses, non AI go with F(fits better, my opinion)

 

[redisburning]

there are two 5cm f2.0 H.C. Nikkors, so it's easy to see how people could get mixed up. both are good, but the S/LTM version is a little more special IMO.

an ideal to me set of lenses for an F2 or other pro sized Nikon camera:

1. ZF 50mm Makro-Planar
2. ZF.2 135mm f2.0 APO Sonnar
3. ZF.2 25mm f2.0 Distagon
4. Leica 100mm f2.8 APO-Macro-Elmarit-R with Leitax mount conversion or Voigtlander 125mm f2.5 APO-Lanthar
5. Nikkor 85mm f2.8 D PC-Micro-Nikkor

 

[helen.HH]

Well while You are at it 'redisburning'
I would Include the Leica Elmarit R macro 60 2.8... Stellar for Portraits 😉

 

[furbs]

me not thinking when I posted...brain needs some Caffeine...Apologies

the 28 2.8 is supposed to be Top notch...me wants with a nikon F3 or FE 2..yeah

No worries, I am a fan of the Nikkor HC LTM as well, have it mounted on my M4 😉

Helen, the F3 is great - especially the F3hp. The F2 though is a unique little tank of a camera. I hear you must register it for concealed carry in some states!

 

[ferider]

Speaking about the 50/2 Nikkors, the F-mount Nikkor-H 50/2 is truly special, too. Very similar behavior as the early rigid M-Summicron, IMO.

My favorites are changing. I currently rather like my 6 element 35/2.8 AI, a very underrated lens.

 

[mfogiel]

From the older Nikkors:
50/2 HC
58/1.4 S
105/2.5 P
135/3.5 Q -last two are Sonnar types