SLR Magic 35mm lens or equivalent for D5000?

izash · Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Posts: 11

Hi,

My sister was impressed with the SLR Magic 35mm lens on my NEX-5 and I would like to buy her one as a gift.

The thing is she owns a Nikon D5000 and they don't make one for those cameras.

Is there an equivalent lens for that camera, with a similar "character"?

Since it's basically an adapted CCTV lens, is there an adaptor for mounting C lenses on a Nikon D5000?

Thanks!

Izhar

ManualFocus-G · Expire: 2014-11-24

I'm afraid they won't fit on a nikon. That lens will only work on NEX and micro 4/3 cameras due to the ultra short register distance.

izash · Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Posts: 11

Are there any recommended "budget" fast 35mm manual lenses for a D5000?

Thanks!

Arninetyes · Expire: 2013-03-26

Your choices are really limited by Nikon's rather long register distance. Most non-Nikon F mount lenses can't be adapted. Leica R lenses can, but you said cheap.

Voightlander makes a nice little 40mm f/2 that has a chip for exposure control, but cheap it isn't: over $400US. Another choice would be to get a good, used Nikon 35/2 or 28/2 (if you can find one) and modify it with a chip and contact block--or use it in manual exposure mode only.

Also, Samyang recently announced a new, manual focus 35/1.4. Known more for cheap crap lenses, this new one looks like it might be an inexpensive but very good lens, like their 85/1.4. Don't really know, since it's not available yet. My Samyang 85/1.4 cost $250 new, and it is very nice indeed.

Or, you could get the Nikon AF-S 35/1.8G DX and turn off the autofocus. They're only about $200.

I can't think of any others, but someone may have more suggestions.

james · Expire: 2011-12-28

dimitrygo · Joined: 01 Apr 2009 Posts: 561

izash · Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Posts: 11

Thank you Dimitry!

Does it need an adaptor for the D5000?

Izhar

dimitrygo · Joined: 01 Apr 2009 Posts: 561

Geoff C. Bassett · Expire: 2012-06-18

tkbslc · Joined: 02 Jul 2009 Posts: 194 Location: Utah, USA

The Nikkor DX 35mm f1.8 G is the best cheap 35mm lens for Nikon APS-C cameras.

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Camera-Lenses/2183/AF-S-DX-NIKKOR-35mm-f%252F1.8G.html

P.S. the SLR magic lens is actually a very poor lens optically. Most of the charm is the crazy curvature of the focal plane, not the optics.

Andrew G. · Joined: 18 Jul 2010 Posts: 159 Location: Pennsylvania, USA

Another seemingly dirt-cheap option is the Vivitar/Soligor 35mm f/2.8 T4. I picked one up with a Nikon F mount for $5. When stopped down a couple stops, it's actually quite decent.. one of the better T4 lenses, apparently.

izash · Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Posts: 11

Thank you for your wisdom, guys, your data was most valuable!

I made a decision and bought my sister the Mir 24N.

I am a big fan of Russian lenses and personally own (and use a lot, mainly for video on my NEX-5) the Helios 44-2 58mm, Jupiter 9 85mm and Jupiter 37A 135mm.

Izhar