Question for Nikonians !

[slm]

Hello Nikonians !

Let me start off by saying, I know very little about Nikon camera system(s), but I'll be getting a Nikon FA shortly 🙂

So, my question is regarding manual focus lenses. The camera has a Nikkor 50mm f1.8 AIS lens with it. I would like to add either a 24 or 28mm, and 35mm.
From what I've read here the choice lens in 28mm is the f2.8 AIS version with 0.2M CRC.
How can I identify between this and the 28mmf2.8 that is 0.3M (which isn't as good apparently)?
Are only the AIS versions the ones that close focus to 0.2M ?
Also, factory AIS lenses can be identified by the smallest fstop marked in orange, is this true for every AIS lens ?

From what I've read, the 28mm f2.8 AIS & 35mm f2.0 would be the best affordable choices ? How about the best choice in 24mm ?

Are all series E lenses to be avoided ?

Any other lens suggestions ?

Cheers.

 

[pphuang]

Try this link:

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/28mmnikkor/28mmf28.htm

 

[peter_n]

From what I've read here the choice lens in 28mm is the f2.8 AIS version with 0.2M CRC.
How can I identify between this and the 28mmf2.8 that is 0.3M (which isn't as good apparently)?

Too many questions so I'll answer the only one I can since I have the lens (and it is extremely good). The 28/2 with 0.2M closest focus has it marked on the barrel, in fact the barrel is marked at the close end 0.3 0.25 0.2. Presumably the last engraving on the barrel of the 0.3M lens is 0.3M. Keep the 50/1.8 - one of the best 50's Nikon made.

 

[fgb2]

This site has links to images of most Nikon F-mount lens versions and serial number ranges:

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html

 

[wotalegend]

I can't comment about the 28mm Nikkors because I don't have one. However I can say that AI-S lenses do have the smallest aperture marked in orange on the aperture ring, as do Series E lenses and AF lenses. But I find the easiest way to distinguish a genuine AI-S lens from an AI or AI-converted lens is the machined "semi-circular" depression in the rear face of the lens at about the 10 o'clock position when viewed from behind. This depression is also present on Series E and AF lenses but is not on earlier ones.

I would also like to say that I have a Series E 100/2.8 (the only F-mount 100 that Nikon ever made) and I have no complaints about either build quality or optical quality. The 35mm, 50mm, and 100mm Series E lenses have single coating on their elements rather than multi-coating but this does not seem to detract from their performance (in the 100 at least) and is even considered by some to be an advantage for black & white photography.

 

[Bijesh]

However I can say that AI-S lenses do have the smallest aperture marked in orange on the aperture ring, as do Series E lenses and AF lenses.

There are also a few AI lenses with the smallest aperture marked in orange. The correct way to identify AIS lens is the semi-circular depression.

The AIS 28mm has 0.2 marked on the distance scale.

Contrary to the popular view, the E series lenses are pretty good. Especially the 75-150mm, 100mm and the 50mm. The latest pancake 50mm AIS is actually same as the series E 50mm. I've both the E and the AIS and the image characteristics are indistinguishable. Any Nikon 50 is good anyway for most people.

 

[dof]

I've no experience with the Nikon 28mm lenses, but can say that the 24mm f2.8 AIS is a fine wide-angle.

The 35mm f2.0 is not among their best in my opinion. It handles very well, but somewhat lacks in overall contrast for my taste.

I've also owned the E-Series 50mm f1.8 and foolishly gave it to a friend. I do miss it for its size and image qualities. As I understand it, the major difference in construction between the E lenses and their AI/AIS counterparts is that the focus mechanisms of the E-Series are made of plastic bushings. I've owed several AIS lenses for more than 20 years and have yet to see them need repair. I didn't own the 50 long enough to know if that would become an issue or not.


-J.