1750Shooter
Established
Don't overlook the 28-50mm f3.5! It's a bit slow, but has a beautiful rendering. It's the "always on camera" lens on my FM3A.
Wide angle for Nikon FM3A
- Thread starter loupgarou
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dpaqu
Newbie
I'd be tempted by that 20mm pancake Voightlander for size reasons and one of the better zeiss MF lenses if I might shoot them digitally.
loupgarou
Member
I guess something not to big and heavy would be ideal..leaning more towards prime territory to begin with.
@mfogiel really like the look of those distagon shots.
@mfogiel really like the look of those distagon shots.
KyleCharles
Vagabond
I have wondered how the Voigtlander SL wides compare to their Nikkor counterparts (20 & 28mm). Does anybody have any input on their experience with these lenses? Preferences?
ornate_wrasse
Moderator
Another vote for the Zeiss 25 2.8 Distagon. I did some comparison tests with this lens and the Nikon 24 2.8 AIS. The Zeiss beat the Nikon 24 2.8 hands down in corner sharpness. After this test, my friend, who owned the Nikon, sold his lens and promptly bought the Zeiss 25. The Zeiss is a well built lens and, in addition, has a very short Minimum Focus Distance for close-up shots. The color, contrast and resistance to flare is excellent.
Here are a few images taken with this lens using a D300. It was a night shoot using flashlights. All the other folks in my photography group were having problems with their auto focus lenses as their lenses kept hunting. I was shooting with my manual focus Zeiss and did not have to worry about my lens trying to achieve auto focus.
I will also comment on the Nikon 20mm UD 3.5. Although I have not used this lens, I was in Eastern Oregon shooting steam locomotives and another photographer was using this lens with his F2AS. He raved about the lens, so much so that at one time I was considering purchasing it.
Enjoy your new camera with whatever wide lens you decide to purchase!
Ellen
Here are a few images taken with this lens using a D300. It was a night shoot using flashlights. All the other folks in my photography group were having problems with their auto focus lenses as their lenses kept hunting. I was shooting with my manual focus Zeiss and did not have to worry about my lens trying to achieve auto focus.
I will also comment on the Nikon 20mm UD 3.5. Although I have not used this lens, I was in Eastern Oregon shooting steam locomotives and another photographer was using this lens with his F2AS. He raved about the lens, so much so that at one time I was considering purchasing it.
Enjoy your new camera with whatever wide lens you decide to purchase!
Ellen
venchka
Veteran
The budget friendly solution. My introduction to Nikon way back when. A friend loaned me his 24/2.8 and Nikon F Photomic. I have been in love with the focal length ever since. See what KEH has in 24mm Nikkor lenses.
24mm, 50mm & 105mm Nikkors and one or two bodies. Nirvana!
Enjoy.
Wayne
ps: I just looked the KEH inventory. Lots of 24mm lenses.
ssmc
Well-known
Another vote for the ZF 25/2.8. I used one on a D700 and it was excellent. The strange effects seen at close-focus only appeared at very close distances. I found it very slightly less sharp - on-center - than the 28/2.8AIS but vastly better away from center. In addition, the falloff of sharpness away from the plane of focus was very smooth and well controlled. In other words a very balanced performance (and the "lack" of sharpness was not something I ever noticed without a direct comparison). Very resistant to flare. Mechanical construction is first-rate, focus is smooth and had a very long throw; smoothest-mounting F-mount lens I ever tried - felt like it was oiled (which it was not!)
The only real ding against this lens would be the light falloff which was quite noticeable, but nothing compared to, say, the ZM 35/2.8 Biogon which was one of the main reasons I sold that lens. Handling-wise, it feels kind of strange compared to the Nikkor wides, being rather long and skinny.
I am surprised to see the negative reviews on this lens re: corner sharpness for landscapes. Mine was fine. Maybe there is sample variation at work. Let me know if you'd like some samples and I'll dig them up and post them.
The only real ding against this lens would be the light falloff which was quite noticeable, but nothing compared to, say, the ZM 35/2.8 Biogon which was one of the main reasons I sold that lens. Handling-wise, it feels kind of strange compared to the Nikkor wides, being rather long and skinny.
I am surprised to see the negative reviews on this lens re: corner sharpness for landscapes. Mine was fine. Maybe there is sample variation at work. Let me know if you'd like some samples and I'll dig them up and post them.
redisburning
Well-known
the 25/2.0 has poor corner sharpness but destroys 99% of the lenses on the market to the borders.
the 25/2.8 is an older design (replaced by the f2.0 when Zeiss went to Zf.2) and for all I know it has stronger corners.
as you can see, poor corner performance:
for comparison, from Photodo, the 28/2.8 AFS
both of these are measured, though not by the same people. but they should give you an idea.
the 25/2.8 is an older design (replaced by the f2.0 when Zeiss went to Zf.2) and for all I know it has stronger corners.
as you can see, poor corner performance:
for comparison, from Photodo, the 28/2.8 AFS
both of these are measured, though not by the same people. but they should give you an idea.
maitani
Well-known
I love the 28/2 hollywood on nikon cameras, it has replaced all y 35s on this system.
I'd love to try the 25/2 one day
bests
maitani
I'd love to try the 25/2 one day
bests
maitani
puderse
Established
My big 20mm will be the NIKKOR I'm buried with!
Mark C
Well-known
It's the budget solution now, but it's funny to remember now how out of reach the 24/2.8 seemed to me back in F2 times.
Agreed on the 3 lens outfit. I think the 24/2.8 and 105/2.5 are a couple of the finest lenses Nikon produced. The 50's are nice, but not quite the standouts the 24 and 105 are.
The 24/2.8 is my favorite, but somebody loved this old 28 F2 Nikkor-N very much.
28 f2 Nikkor - N by Yew Piney, on Flickr
Zorkiiglaza
Established
I have used the 28 for over 30 years and found it a great lens.
A few years ago I purchased a 20mm , referred to previously with the 52mm filter.
(I try to keep all the same filter size)
Also great for wide and close, great for street photography, documentary work- up close and personal.
A few years ago I purchased a 20mm , referred to previously with the 52mm filter.
(I try to keep all the same filter size)
Also great for wide and close, great for street photography, documentary work- up close and personal.
agoglanian
Reconnected.
Lucky you to get an FM3a for free!
nobbylon
Veteran
The 28 2.8 AIS is the nicest 28 I've used. Razor sharp close up at all apertures and can be bought for reasonable money. I just re bought one after a break from Nikon MF. Paid £50 for a very well used one with scratches front and rear and hardly any click stops left! Must have been used professionally. I've fixed the click stops by recutting the grooves and cleaned the elements in and out. I can see no difference between this lens and any of the other 3 I've had in the past.
As Phil says above, the lack of distortion is amazing.
As Phil says above, the lack of distortion is amazing.
BW400CN
Bessamatic forever!
If you mean wide - realy wide and affordable, have a look out for a Tokina RMC 3,5 17mm.
I´ve got this lens in Canon FD mount and love it - but you can find it in Nikon F mount too!
Canon-A-1-Kodak-EliteChrome-100-001_DxO von Michael Relguag auf Flickr
I´ve got this lens in Canon FD mount and love it - but you can find it in Nikon F mount too!
Canon-A-1-Kodak-EliteChrome-100-001_DxO von Michael Relguag auf Flickr
sparrow6224
Well-known
OK let's talk. My use and researches have led me to these convictions/conclusions:
Ai-S Nikkor 20mm f/3.5 -- I love this lens and love love love this lens. It's got corner issues as do most (except Zeiss) 20/21 mm lenses but they never bother me. Wonderful, small light. Many people swear by the f/2.8 but I doubt it is significantly better, it will cost you more, and it's bigger.
Ai or Ai-S Nikkor 24mm f/2.8 By all reports -- and I do mean ALL -- the f/2.0 version should be avoided. I have had no few than five copies of the preferred f/2.8 lens. All were unimpressive, soft, low contrast, unintersting flat rendering. Has a greater tendency toward haze and other problems than any other Nikkor I've seen and bought and sold and worked with. If you want this focal length, go with the older (cheaper) Zeiss Distagon 25/2.8. I had this lens in C/Y mount. It's a kiiller. Will cost you more than 2x what the Nikon costs.
Ai-S Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 As all say, a beautiful lens. As a few will admit, it's much more beautiful close than at infinity. But it's not bad at infinity -- just not superb. The 28mm f/2 (Ai or Ai-S) which I have is better but on those closer shots, just not as dazzling. In any case both are superb lenses. VERY IMPORTANT: do not buy the Ai version of the 28/2.8 it's a totally different design and not well thought of by anyone knowledgeable that I've ever read. If you want to see what a 28mm looks like in street photography check out Garry Winogrand's stuff online. He used that focal length quite a bit.
It's like this: with the 40mm you'll want either 20mm -- 28mm -- 40mm or you'll want 24(25)mm -- 40mm. If you can afford the Zeiss ($600-700 used) then the latter is simpler certainly. If not, you'll get far far better image quality with the 20/3.5 and 28mm combination.
Do do do pick up an Ai or Ai-S 105/2.5 at some point. It's simply the most beautiful rendering lens I've ever used. It improves the world. It is sharp but not THE SHARPEST. It's just beautiful, and that's enough.
Other greats:
Ai 50mm f/2. Nikon's greatest 50mm. World class. there is no Ai-S version. Second best; Ai-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.2. Since you have a 40mm this is not really a necessary focal length for you. HOWEVER you'll not believe the sharpness and beauty of the 55mm macros, either older f/3.5 or newer f/2.8. they've gone up in price in recent years. That is a focal length of more use to you, when 40 feels a little wide.
85/1.4 ($$$) and 85/2
135/2 and 2.8
180/2.8 ED versions only
300/f/4.5 ED versions only
Zooms:
My first fave is an AF-D (auto focus) lens, which can feel a little strange on mf film cameras, though they're perfectly usable. The AF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D Really sharp, and very good macro function from 50mm and up.
Ai Zoom Nikkor 80-200mm f/4.5. Just beautiful.
The most reliable and interesting web site reviewing the older Nikkors is Bjorn Rorslett's, to be found here:
http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_surv.html
to check serial numbers, versions, design, dates, this is an irreplaceable site:
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html
Enjoy that FM3A. It's the culmination of Nikon's smaller SLR design and a truly great camera. If you find you don't like, send it to me. I sold mine recently and regret it.
Ai-S Nikkor 20mm f/3.5 -- I love this lens and love love love this lens. It's got corner issues as do most (except Zeiss) 20/21 mm lenses but they never bother me. Wonderful, small light. Many people swear by the f/2.8 but I doubt it is significantly better, it will cost you more, and it's bigger.
Ai or Ai-S Nikkor 24mm f/2.8 By all reports -- and I do mean ALL -- the f/2.0 version should be avoided. I have had no few than five copies of the preferred f/2.8 lens. All were unimpressive, soft, low contrast, unintersting flat rendering. Has a greater tendency toward haze and other problems than any other Nikkor I've seen and bought and sold and worked with. If you want this focal length, go with the older (cheaper) Zeiss Distagon 25/2.8. I had this lens in C/Y mount. It's a kiiller. Will cost you more than 2x what the Nikon costs.
Ai-S Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 As all say, a beautiful lens. As a few will admit, it's much more beautiful close than at infinity. But it's not bad at infinity -- just not superb. The 28mm f/2 (Ai or Ai-S) which I have is better but on those closer shots, just not as dazzling. In any case both are superb lenses. VERY IMPORTANT: do not buy the Ai version of the 28/2.8 it's a totally different design and not well thought of by anyone knowledgeable that I've ever read. If you want to see what a 28mm looks like in street photography check out Garry Winogrand's stuff online. He used that focal length quite a bit.
It's like this: with the 40mm you'll want either 20mm -- 28mm -- 40mm or you'll want 24(25)mm -- 40mm. If you can afford the Zeiss ($600-700 used) then the latter is simpler certainly. If not, you'll get far far better image quality with the 20/3.5 and 28mm combination.
Do do do pick up an Ai or Ai-S 105/2.5 at some point. It's simply the most beautiful rendering lens I've ever used. It improves the world. It is sharp but not THE SHARPEST. It's just beautiful, and that's enough.
Other greats:
Ai 50mm f/2. Nikon's greatest 50mm. World class. there is no Ai-S version. Second best; Ai-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.2. Since you have a 40mm this is not really a necessary focal length for you. HOWEVER you'll not believe the sharpness and beauty of the 55mm macros, either older f/3.5 or newer f/2.8. they've gone up in price in recent years. That is a focal length of more use to you, when 40 feels a little wide.
85/1.4 ($$$) and 85/2
135/2 and 2.8
180/2.8 ED versions only
300/f/4.5 ED versions only
Zooms:
My first fave is an AF-D (auto focus) lens, which can feel a little strange on mf film cameras, though they're perfectly usable. The AF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D Really sharp, and very good macro function from 50mm and up.
Ai Zoom Nikkor 80-200mm f/4.5. Just beautiful.
The most reliable and interesting web site reviewing the older Nikkors is Bjorn Rorslett's, to be found here:
http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_surv.html
to check serial numbers, versions, design, dates, this is an irreplaceable site:
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html
Enjoy that FM3A. It's the culmination of Nikon's smaller SLR design and a truly great camera. If you find you don't like, send it to me. I sold mine recently and regret it.
sparrow6224
Well-known
PS oops right I forgot. The Tokina above reminded me. Some people swear by the Sigma Super Wide II 24mm f/2.8 which also comes as a Quantaray branded lens (Super Wide 24mm f/2.8. Apparently you used to be able to get these for like $30 but now folks have caught on and they're always up around $150 so I've never tried one out.
loupgarou
Member
Wow...thank you sparrow6224...that was highly informative!
rkm
Well-known
I've been following this thread with interest.
My modest kit:
FE
FM
Ai-S 105/2.5
Ai 50/1.4
Ai-S 35/2.8
I use the 105/2.5 (love, love, love) and the 50/1.4 the most. I keep wondering why I shy away from the 35/2.8. It's probably not its fault. I'm hoping to try an Ai-S 28/2.8 at some point when money permits (as everyone sings it's praises). However, I guess it's possible that wide just isn't for me. Incidentally, I would love an FM3A. Is it just me, or have they gotten a lot more expensive recently? I used to see them occasionally for $350-400, but no longer.
My modest kit:
FE
FM
Ai-S 105/2.5
Ai 50/1.4
Ai-S 35/2.8
I use the 105/2.5 (love, love, love) and the 50/1.4 the most. I keep wondering why I shy away from the 35/2.8. It's probably not its fault. I'm hoping to try an Ai-S 28/2.8 at some point when money permits (as everyone sings it's praises). However, I guess it's possible that wide just isn't for me. Incidentally, I would love an FM3A. Is it just me, or have they gotten a lot more expensive recently? I used to see them occasionally for $350-400, but no longer.
sparrow6224
Well-known
Check KEH. I think they might have a bargain rated one from time to time in the $350 range. En eBay everyone's smartened up and tries charging top of the market prices these days. There are very few bargains anymore. A lot of them go unsold as a result and I wonder what these people do with them since they never lower the price.
