Close-ups with a Nikkor 35/1.4 AIS

Gurdie · Expire: 2013-02-20

Here are some tulip shots with a Nikkor 35/1.4 AI-S, to test the close-up capabilities of this lens.

1. Wide open

2. Wide open with the PK-13 ring (27,5 mm extension) - too close for comfort

3. Wide open with K2 + K3 rings (10,8 mm extension)

4. Wide open with K2 + K3 rings (10,8 mm extension)

No PP applied, just resizing.

This lens is from member BenediktW (Thanks!). More difficult to focus than my 35/2 (which I sold to member Alex/hk300), but the KatzEye screen helps a lot. I don´t use the green focus confirmation dot any more, because it is not exact enough.

Shiladitya · Joined: 31 May 2008 Posts: 306 Location: New Delhi, India

The surreal quality of the second shot is amazing...creamy.

All shots are fantastic. I used this lens quite a lot back in the early nineties for a lot of close shot candid potraitures in B&W.

Thanks for sharing

kds315* · Expire: 2021-03-09

Well, I would say that is a bit over stretching that lenses capabilities.

ChrisLilley · Joined: 01 Jan 2008 Posts: 1767 Location: Nice, France

Very good focusing at this 1.4 aperture.

However, the 35mm f/1.4 is mainly noted for is dreamy (ie, blurry) rendition. Its not a sharp lens wide open. It needs to be stopped down to f/2 to f/2.8 at minimum to deliver crisp results.

But perhaps crispness is not what you were seeking (in which case this may be a good lens choice).

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

I really like the first image.

shad309 · Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 453 Location: Illinois, USA

#4 for me

I tend to like macro shots with a bit of creamy blur to them. To me they are a bit more interesting than shots that are razor sharp. Post more Very Happy

greg · Expire: 2012-12-03

I can see perfectly focused shots in any nursery catalog. These are from the photographer's view point and appreciated by me.

Gurdie · Expire: 2013-02-20

Thanks for the comments.

Chris is right, I didn´t try to find best possible sharpness, but a very shallow DOF with acceptable sharpness in the focus point. Soft fields of clour with some sharp details.

scsambrook · Expire: 2011-11-18

I think picture #2 is very impressive indeed - congratulations on recognising that pushing a lens outside its designer's intentions can produce stunning images! Art triumphs over technology once in a while ...