Recommended Manual Lenses for Nikon

fermy · Joined: 17 Feb 2012 Posts: 1974

No what I am saying is that Bokina and fast 85mm are really different type of lenses. You should get first what excites you more Laughing

You already have 105mm Nikkor macro, Bokina is the same type of lens so it's a bit redundant in your kit, but it's an iconic lens, so nothing's wrong with chasing one Wink

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Houston, Texas

I guess if I were in your position, that is, already invested in a Nikon system, I would concentrate on some of the better MF Nikkors and also aftermarket MF lenses, such as the Tamron SP, Tokina AT-X, and Vivitar Series 1.

One lens that wasn't mentioned I don't think, and that would be a nice addition, especially if you go with a D800 or other FF Nikon, is a 17mm -- either the Tokina (or Tokina-made Vivitar) or Tamron. Most folks here seem to prefer the Tokina over the Tamron. If you have a 17mm, you won't need a 20mm. However, I personally like the Pre-AI 20mm f/3.5 U-D Nikkor and would be tempted to add it to my kit, just because.

Also, even though it would probably exceed your $300 budget ceiling, I'd recommend that you consider a fast telephoto, such as the Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED. The Tamron 80-200mm f/2.8 LD is actually a very good equivalent to the Nikkor 180. You might want to also consider a fast 300mm. Those get pricey, but occasionally I see the Tamron 300/2.8 LD go for reasonable prices on eBay. I bought one for $500 a couple years ago. It is fairly worn cosmetically, but the optics are perfect. And getting the compression plus blown-out bokeh with a 300mm wide open at f/2.8 is just downright cool. Plus, with an APS-C Nikon, you're getting a 450mm equivalent. At f/2.8.

Yes, the Nikkor 50/2 is a wonderful lens, but if you already have a 50/1.8, you really don't need the f/2. The difference in sharpness between the two is probably miniscule. But as another member stated, it's so cheap, so why not?

You mentioned the "Bokina" for a macro lens. It's an incredible lens, true, but the word is out. Whenever I see one for sale on eBay it gets bid up out of sight. And I question just how much sharper than other macros it is. A while back, I tested a few macro lenses: the "legendary" Vivitar S1 105mm f/2.5, a Tamron SP 90mm f/2.5, and an old Pre-AI Nikkor 55mm f/3.5. All three of these lenses did an excellent job, but the Tamron was the consistent winner, and even the old Nikkor edged out the "legendary" Vivitar in most comparisons. That Tamron 90mm is so sharp, and so well corrected optically, I just don't see how or why a person would need anything sharper. And it can often be found on eBay for quite a bit less than the Bokina.

You mentioned the possibility of also buying a film camera. Do you have any in mind? Here you have a wide variety of choices, many of which will provide you with an excellent film platform. The compact Nikons, such as the FE, FE2, FM, FM2 -- even the FG -- they are all great cameras. If you prefer something more robust, there are the Nikkormats, which can often be had for a song. If you prefer a camera as sturdy as a Nikkormat, but with more flexibility, that is, more of a system camera, then I'd recommend you consider an F2 or F3. The F2 is a manual mechanical masterpiece and can be had with a variety of metered finders. The F3 is an elegant design, works very well in its Aperture-priority mode, and can these days often be found for less money than the F2. Me, I've chosen not to choose. I own an FE, two F2s and an F3. And I plan to buy an F4 one day soon. Why? Because F4s are cheap, cheap, cheap! There are a few on eBay right now for less than $200.

RAART · Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 9:51 pm Post subject:

I have Tamron 90mm in Nikon F-mount (52BB) and can vouch that it is very sharp lens. Also I have Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm lens (1st version - Nikon mount) and is also an excellent lens. Very good performer on Nikon body as well as M4/3.

IMHO a must have if you have Nikon digital body.

YMMV!

Cool

maldaye · Joined: 19 Jun 2013 Posts: 316

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Houston, Texas

Trust me, you got a good deal. A clean F3 for $100 is a good deal just by itself. But the pin-registered back was an expensive option. Back in the heyday of film, such an option would have added a few hundred bucks to the camera's price.

Now it's time to think about an MD-4 for your F3. They can be picked up for cheap nowadays. I've seen them go for as little as $40 on eBay.