Which Nikkors to compliment a 50/1.4?

[rkm]

Well, I finally bought a Nikkor AIS 105/2.5 to compliment my 50/1.4. Hoping it will arrive soon. I've been shooting a couple of rolls of HP5 each week, and will hopefully have a film scanner soon so I can start sharing some of my results. Just wanted to thank everyone here for sharing their experience and knowledge.

I also have my sights set on an AIS 28/2.8. I've seen a few cheaper series E examples. Are they optically the same, just with more plastic in the construction?

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

I also have my sights set on an AIS 28/2.8. I've seen a few cheaper series E examples. Are they optically the same, just with more plastic in the construction?

The Series E 28mm is cheaper for a reason: It's different optical design and not as good as the 28/2.8 Ais. See Bjorn Rorslett's notes on these lenses.

 

[Dwig]

CRC is Close Range Correction, which means that the lens is optimised as the distance (to an object) changes. It basically means sharper photos and being able to focus closer. ...

Incorrect.

CRC does not mean that the lens will focus closer.

CRC lenses have moving elements that adjust the optimization as the focusing distance changes. In theory, this means improved sharpness, primarily at the corners, at close distances. At infinity or near it there is no advantage to CRC. Minimum focusing distance is not any shorter in CRC lenses.

Historically, CRC lenses have a downside. They are more likely to suffer from oil migrating to the iris blades, particularly those made from the late '60s into the early '80s (non-Ai, Ai, & Ai-s versions).

 

[agoglanian]

I'm relatively new to Nikon, but I started with an F3 and a 50mm f/2 H that has been AI converted. My 50 is pretty beat but still works well. I may shop around for an AI 50 f/2 as I really like the quality it produces.

I later picked up a 24 f/2.8 AI which I absolutely LOVE. I initially wanted the 28 f/2.8 AIS but I couldn't find one for under $300 when I was looking and I still like 24mm quite a bit so I started looking for one of these instead. I didn't pay too much for it and I am just super pleased with how it renders, I love the CRC as it allows me to get exceptionally close and still keep things nice and crisp.

I just recently got the 105 f/2.5 and I got a Sonnar version, I am impressed with how sharp this lens is, and if the newer versions are some how sharper then I would be doubly impressed. I initially wanted the AI version but I came across an AI converted Sonnar version for a good price that was in incredible condition so I went for it (based on some recommendations here on RFF). I've been quite happy with it so far.

So a 24 / 50 / 105 kit for me is working quite nicely.

 

[rkm]

I've found an AIs 28/2.8 that the seller describes as having a couple small notches in the front element (more significant than scratch). Apart from that the lens looks very clean. He has some sample photos that still look very good, although I don't know what sort of artifacts that kind of damage would produce. He's asking $150 for the lens which is less than the market value of $200-300 for other examples. Is it worth it, or should I just save my pennies for a better example?

 

[DNG]

I say:

Nikon 24mm f/2.8 AIS
Nikon 105mm f/2.5 AIS

You can use aperture priority with non-Ai lenses on the FE, I do it all the time, but, you must lock up the AI lever on the body before mounting the lens.

 

[semi-ambivalent]

I've found an AIs 28/2.8 that the seller describes as having a couple small notches in the front element (more significant than scratch). Apart from that the lens looks very clean. He has some sample photos that still look very good, although I don't know what sort of artifacts that kind of damage would produce. He's asking $150 for the lens which is less than the market value of $200-300 for other examples. Is it worth it, or should I just save my pennies for a better example?

All things said and done they probably will not make a difference you can see (they will, theoretically, lessen contrast), BUT, I would never buy a lens with damage to the glass. Full stop. I could care less about cosmetics but for me the glass has to be immaculate. Cool your jets and wait for a better sample, there's lots of them out there. The 2.8/28 AiS, like the 2.0/50 HC, is popular right now and the prices show it. (Don't get me wrong, they're both fabulous (although I prefer the 2.0/50 Ai)).

You should also keep in mind just how the lens handles tonality. All you'll ever hear about is sharpness, but if you shoot Tri-X like I do sharpness is the last of your concerns; every Nikkor ever made can out-resolve Tri-X. But how does it paint the image? I love the 35mm f/2.8 Nikkor-S. Actually, all the early non-Ai lenses. Later designs usually have more contrast and many people don't like this. The Leica guys are familiar with this.

 

[Jerevan]

Incorrect.

CRC does not mean that the lens will focus closer.

Yes, I know - sloppy wording on my part, sorry.

 

[rkm]

Ideally if you had 20/3.5, a 28/2.8, a 35mm of your choice, your 50mm or the f/2, the 105/2.5, and the 180 ED -- six lenses, five new to you, about $800 if you're careful and patient, you'd walk among the Nikon gods....

Clearly I've enjoyed myself thinking about this. Too much....

Well, I just picked up a clean looking 35/2.8 AIs, to go with my 50/1.4 AI and my recently added 105/2.5 AIs. Hopefully one step further to "walking among the Nikon gods"

 

[Chris Lange]

I use:

20/3.5 UD
35/1.4 Ai-S
50/1.4 Ai-S
85/1.4 Ai-S
105/1.8 Ai-S

with the 35 being a semi-permanent body-cap, and the 85 or 105 picking up the longer distance stuff. I might use the 50 or 20 sparingly, but it's almost always a 35 or one of the two teles. Never more than 2 lenses at a time, and almost always just one.

 

[Fraser]

I like to use with my Fs
all pre ai
24mm 2.8
35mm 2
85mm 1.8
135mm 2.8
180mm 2.8
and 300mm 4

And still looking for a 20mm.

 

[hellomikmik]

I guess it's too late but my advice would be to not get any new lens. Continue to use 50 and forget about the rest, it takes years or more to understand a lens.