WTB: 1-3 F-Mount (Nikon) CHEAP lenses

kawasakiguy37 · Joined: 13 Jul 2010 Posts: 132

I just graduated from University here in California and I want to get some cheap lenses to donate to our school paper. I worked there as a photographer and they are totally broke (may be shutting down the actual print version of the paper; ie only online) and they have a severe lack of photo equipment (stupid sigma lenses keep breaking!!). However they do have a D2hs that I used for the past year which meters fine with old MF lenses. Im mainly looking for something that is decently low light and good for stuff like photojournalism (like a 28/2 or 2.8, any 50 really, etc). Zooms are acceptable too I suppose, although its not really my style Im sure it would suit others needs well.

Mainly looking for:

Cheap primes in the 28-85 range, preferably somewhat fast
Cheap zoom in the 28-200 range

Thanks

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

Older non-AI Nikkors can often be found on eBay for reasonable prices, and sometimes folks here have them for sale.

Also, don't overlook certain aftermarket lenses. Some of the old Sigmas are good, especially the ultrawides like their old 18mm. The old Vivitar primes are usually quite good. I have a 17/3.5, a 35/1.9, and a 200/3.5, all very nice primes.I also own a Tamron 24/2.5 that is on par with my Nikkor 24/2.8.

As far as zooms go, I think you will be quite happy with a number of the aftermarket models by Vivitar (especially their Series 1 line), Tokina (especially their AT-X models), and Tamron (especially their SP lenses).

A couple of my favorite aftermarket zooms are the Vivitar Series 1 28-90/2.8-3.5 and the Tamron SP 60-300/3.8-5.4.

I'm sure others here will chime in with their favorites as well.

kawasakiguy37 · Joined: 13 Jul 2010 Posts: 132

I dont think non AI nikkors will mount on the D2hs though? Or am I wrong......

Im open to other brands as well. I just found a sigma 80-200 AIS 3.5-4 for 6 bucks plus 10 shipping, might buy it.

Emphasize I am looking for cheap Laughing

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

Screamin Scott · Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 9:30 pm Post subject:

Cheap & fast are not doable , Nikon mount lenses are highly sought after by not only Nikon shooters but Canon & others as well, who use them via adapters...You can find fast & pricey or you can find slow & cheap, but not fast & cheap cause that's what everyone & their brother is looking for.

aleksanderpolo · Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Posts: 684

I have a really rough copy of 28/2, but I doubt the price will be cheap enough for you...

You best bet might be to look at the non-mfg prime for nikon manual focus on KEH. There are a few 24/2.8 and 28/2.8 for less than or around $50, don't know whether they are good or not though.

kawasakiguy37 · Joined: 13 Jul 2010 Posts: 132

Yea I found some lenses on KEH, I dont need too fast I just dont want really slow lenses. As for the sigmas that broke they were all newer plasticky AF lenses (we have one broken nikkor too, 28-70 2.8!!) but the one I ordered was an older all metal manual lens.

A cheap 28-70 would be ideal......F3.5 hopefully or better.

edit:

I think I am going to buy:

35-70 F2.8-4 SIGMA MACRO AIS (52)

and

80-200 F3.5-4 SIGMA AIS (52)

Both these are from Sigmas older all metal line so I think reliability should be fine. KEH wants 33 bucks for the first lens, which is pretty good I think considering its supposedly in excellent condition!

So if you have cheap primes let me know!!

Scheimpflug · Expire: 2011-11-18