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Nikkor 35/45/50 prime vs. pro zoom, comparison
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PostPosted: Fri May 08, 2009 8:26 pm    Post subject: Nikkor 35/45/50 prime vs. pro zoom, comparison Reply with quote

Boring Friday, I admit Very Happy

Test shots with the following

Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S (f/4 to f/5.6 this is an incredible prime)
Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G @ 35/45/50mm (outstanding, except wide open)
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S (the sharpest of my Nikkor 50mm's)
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G (better wide open and better bokeh, but not the best 50mm)
Nikkor 45mm f/2.8 GN (contrasty and sharp but whew ugly bokeh)

Subject is what I find near my apartment, a CABLE sign 100m from where I laid the tripod down. Academically speaking, this was a waste of time. From a photographical perspective, it confirmed what field use of these lenses already has taught me.

NOTE:

1. Only the "CABLE" sign is still. Slow shutter 1/8 to 1/13s = trees and branches will move during exposure.
2. Sun was setting so there is a minimal but still existing difference in shutter speed.
3. MF lenses focused with liveview 100%, AF lenses with AF

On the comparable side:

1. All shots at same white balance to compare color rendition
2. All shots equal post-processing
3. All shots are at f/5.6, center crops 100%

All exposures taken with a Nikon D3 (full frame), Nikon MC-36 remote trigger and exposure delay mode (goodbye mirror slap). Same white balance, sharpening (5/10) and zero adjustments in pp. CA has NOT been removed in pp.

35mm focal length


1981 Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S @ f/5.6


2008 Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S @ 35mm f/5.6 35mm


45mm focal length


1969 Nikkor 45mm f/2.8 GN @ f/5.6


2008 Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S @ 45mm f/5.6


50mm focal length


2008 Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G AF-S @ f/5.6


2008 (made in Japan, 600xxxx serial) Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 Ai-S @ f/5.6


2008 Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S @ 50mm f/5.6

The 50mm f/1.4 Ai-S can take on both the 50/1.4D and 50/1.4G AF versions, and beat both AF versions at f/5.6. It also beats the fantastic 24-70/2.8 at that aperture!

The 45/2.8 GN is well, a Tessar: contrasty lens with cold colors. In terms of sharpness time has gone past it.

The 35/1.4 AI-S is interesting. Stopped down center sharpness is excellent, equals the modern pro zoom. It can't match corners when compared to the AF-S 24-70/2.8G though.


Last edited by Esox lucius on Thu Jun 18, 2009 8:03 am; edited 9 times in total


PostPosted: Sat May 09, 2009 12:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

This is an interesting comparison. I certainly agree about the 50/1.4 AIS. I find the 35 and 45 less good than I expected - my own experience with the 35 is that it needs to be down to 5.6 to sing and the 45 has a very special character that comes into its own for mid-range architecture/portraits. The nikkor 24-70/2.8 is a direct descendant of the 35-70 (which I have and which is a legendary lens). If you are a pro and need that range in a zoom format, it is a lens that is very very hard to beat.

Thanks for the samples


patrickh


PostPosted: Sat May 09, 2009 8:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The 1969 45mm f/2.8 GN is optically not identical to the newer 45mm f/2.8 P, the newer has improved coating and slightly different optical design. The newer is better in detail than the old GN version.

I'm thinking of borrowing a 50/1.4D to do a Nikkor 50mm comparison, they all seem to behave very differently in field use.


Last edited by Esox lucius on Sat May 16, 2009 8:04 pm; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Sat May 09, 2009 9:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Many thanks.