Top rated, must-have lens for Nikon FE2?

[sevo]

I have both the 20 f2.8 and the 20 f3.5. I'm looking forward to discovering the characteristics of each.

Does anyone have thoughts on this?

The 20/3.5 is generally considered to be one of the best Nikon macro lenses, when used reversed and put on bellows - the f/2.8 is nowhere as good as that, as its CRC messes with that. But it has less fall-off and supposedly is sharper at mid to close range in regular use.

 

[FrankS]

The 20/3.5 is generally considered to be one of the best Nikon macro lenses, when used reversed and put on bellows - the f/2.8 is nowhere as good as that, as its CRC messes with that. But it has less fall-off and supposedly is sharper at mid to close range in regular use.

Thank you! So macro aside, 20f3.5 better at infinity, and 20f2.8 better close/mid range?

 

[maitani]

another vote for the ultron 40/2 plenty sharp, tiny, great build

 

[sevo]

Thank you! So macro aside, 20f3.5 better at infinity, and 20f2.8 better close/mid range?

I can't say that I ever noticed much difference - the 2.8 trades in less significant (but still prominent, compared to the current AF 20mm) fall-off for a bit less flare resistance.

 

[kxl]

Thank you! So macro aside, 20f3.5 better at infinity, and 20f2.8 better close/mid range?

In my experience, the 20/3.5 AI is not the best for infinity. Where it really shines is when you attach it to a K1 extension ring for extreme close focus, even though it does not have CRC. It is also incredibly flare-proof.

 

[nobbylon]

The great thing is the Nikkors aren't that expensive

28 2.8 Ais from €100
50 f2 from €20
105 2.5 Ai from €80
I'd also go for an 85 1.4 but they get pricey

 

[tunalegs]

Compared to what? Typically spec for spec, used Nikkors hold their value more than any other brand of lens (OEM or third party). They appeal to pretty much anyone with a Nikon camera since they're almost all interchangeable. I use my 70s era 50mm AI lens on my D7000 all of the time and it works wonderfully!

Compared to some M42 and Exakta/Topcon mount lenses, Nikkors are cheap.

 

[dtcls100]

Not clear what kind of photos you plan on taking. If you are interested in portraits and photos in which the people look good, I would highly recommend the Nikon 105 f2.0 DC (defocus control). A superbly built (largely metal) lens with AF capability, but with nice feeling manual focus and a real aperture ring (so compatible with all Nikon film cameras). The lens has the adjustable ability to throw backgrounds (or foregrounds) beautifully out of focus and renders skin tones unbelievably smoothly, even while being very sharp. I much prefer this lens to the 105 f2.5; this lens isn't talked about nearly as much simply because most people don't know about it. A bokeh beast even when the defocus control is set at neutral.

 

[mfogiel]

The answer, as usual is easy. The only must have F mount lens out there ,is called Zeiss Makro Planar 50/2.

2008090504 by mfogiel, on Flickr

 

[ray*j*gun]

Another vote for the 105 Ais, I use it on all my Nikon bodies from the D610 to the Fe2 and older F's. Its my fav fixed Nikon lens.