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Recommended Manual Lenses for Nikon
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 11:53 pm    Post subject: Recommended Manual Lenses for Nikon Reply with quote
Hi,

I am building my collection of manual lenses. I am only familiar with Nikkor brand and Vivitar and some Tamron. There are so many lenses out there and I have no means of testing them all. I am looking for best affordable (less than $300) lenses that are manual. I went manual initially for budget reasons, but then fell in love with them.

Here is the list of what I own:


Nikon 50mm f/1.8 manual focus AIS

NIKON AI-S NIKKOR 200mm f/4

Nikon 80-200, 4.5 Ai lens

Nikon Nikkor zoom 75-150mm F/3.5 series E

Nikon 300mm, 4.5 Ai lens

Nikon 35mm f/2 AI Nikkor-O

Vivitar Series 1 35-85mm f/2.8 VMC

NIKON Nikor Micro-Nikkor-P C Auto1:3.5 55mm

Tamron 35-210mm f3.5-4.2 AI-S AIS

Nikon Tamron 28mm f2.5 lens Ai-S

SIGMA 24MM F2.8

Nikon 100mm f2.8 AI-S


Nikon 105mm F2.5 AI lens

Nikon 105mm MACRO

Sigma Super Wide II 24mm f/2.8 1:4 AIS


Voigtlander 40mm F 2 SLIIN Ultron

Camera D7000 and saving for the D800/D600

I made a similar request of what to get next on another forum and most of the recommendations were either the holy trinity of nikon or similar high priced modern VRII lenses. One gentleman after asking me to buy the holy trinity recommended i donate my current list of manual lenses to the thrift shop. So, I decided to come here instead and ask - what is a 'must' add to my collection?

Thank you in advance


PostPosted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 11:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Welcome! NIce to see you here! Look medium format lenses + Nikon adapter , Tamron lenses with Nikon mount.

Nikon have worst 35mm lens compatibility due longest register distance.


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 12:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Attila wrote:
Welcome! NIce to see you here! Look medium format lenses + Nikon adapter , Tamron lenses with Nikon mount.

Nikon have worst 35mm lens compatibility due longest register distance.


I am unfamiliar with medium format lenses. I wasn't aware they are different from normal lenses. Can you give me a list of names I can look up. Are you recommending I sell off my Nikon 35mm and replace it with Tamron 35mm or a MF lens that is 35mm?


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 12:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Attila simply means that the least number of lenses are adaptable to Nikon mount (compared to all other modern mounts). So your lens choice is limited to lenses in Nikon mount and medium format lenses (that have yet longer register than Nikon and therefore can be adapted). Many Tamron lenses were issued in "universal" adaptall mount that has an adapter to Nikon so they are potentially suitable for you.

Nikon MF lenses are really good, generally better than Tamron, so no need to replace your 35mm Laughing . As to what lens to get next, that depends on what focal length you'd like next.


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 12:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Medium format are no different than lenses for 35mm except that they are larger and have a longer focal lengths because they must fill a bigger frame. They generally are super quality and there are almost no independent manufacturers' lenses.

Because you have a APSc sensor you will only be using the centre of the image circle - the 'sweet-spot' so sharpness is pretty guaranteed over the entire aperture range.

You will need adapters but they are readily available.

Typical brands are Hasselblad, Pentax, Mamiya, Bronica. The Hasselblad lenses will be the most expensive but I've seen the others reasonably priced. Of course there will be nothing much wider than 40mm

You've got a varied collection of lenses.

Ones I would recommend are Jupiter 11 and Jupiter 11A both 135 f4 but different. Cheap enough, generally under £30. The native mount is M42 but both lenses have a removeable ring which is similar to a t mount. I use a t-mounted J11 on my Nikon and my J11A on my old Minolta. The t-mounts may need a little filing down but that doesnt affect the actual lens, which can be put back together when you need. I think some of the other Russian lenses have removeable mounts.

I use an old Helios 44-2 with an adapter on my D3200 (close focus/macro only but its a lovely lens)

Good luck.


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 12:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
fermy wrote:
Attila simply means that the least number of lenses are adaptable to Nikon mount (compared to all other modern mounts). So your lens choice is limited to lenses in Nikon mount and medium format lenses (that have yet longer register than Nikon and therefore can be adapted). Many Tamron lenses were issued in "universal" adaptall mount that has an adapter to Nikon so they are potentially suitable for you.

Nikon MF lenses are really good, generally better than Tamron, so no need to replace your 35mm Laughing . As to what lens to get next, that depends on what focal length you'd like next.



It is interesting because I sold my Canon and bought the Nikon specifically to get their excellent D7000 & D800 camera and because of their backward compatability with manual focus lenses. I didn't consider other brands at the time, so I didn't check for cross-brand compatability. Considering my Nikon lens collection, I am not sure I would want to shift back to Canon - if that is the alternative. I haven't bought a full frame camera and while I like the D800 I am open to suggestion for a good full frame camera that has excellent adaptablity to 35mm lenses and can take my Nikon lenses. I've also considered buying old film 35mm cameras, but I am not sure how viable they are on a professional level vs modern digital.

For example, I saw this auction http://www.ebay.com/itm/Huge-Konica-LOT-HEXANON-28mm-50mm-Tamron-210mm-AUTOREFLEX-T4-35mm-camera-BAG-/140994886660?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item20d3f33c04 I am not sure to me if this camera can compete with modern cameras for good photo production or would I just be buying it to 'collect'. I am a newbie to old 35mm cameras, if that isn't very clear yet Smile

My goal is to use the collection to produce artistic work AS WELL as be able to produce professional paid job in a studio environment.

As far as to what I want to get next, I am looking really for 'must have' lenses even if they duplicate the ranges I have. In other words, a better lens of a range I have or a lens that add something to my tool box not covered by these lenses. Something that would make a difference or benefit me that I can't get out of my current collection. I don't do animal photography or sports. I shoot artistic nudes, landscape vestas, and do street / event photography.


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 2:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Pentacon 6 mount, hasselblad, Voigtlander Bessamatic mount lenses could be used on nikon camera with adapter...such as Zeiss flektogon 50/4, Biometar 80/2.8 120/2.8, and Voigtlander 135/4~


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 3:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
edited

Last edited by bernhardas on Mon Apr 18, 2016 5:53 am; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 4:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
maldaye wrote:

...... Considering my Nikon lens collection, I am not sure I would want to shift back to Canon - if that is the alternative.


Apart from the AI lens which I am not too sure, you will be able to use all your lens on your list on a Canon camera (with the correct adapters), if you ever decide to jump ship.


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 4:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
The Nikkor 50mm F2 is a must have in my opinion.

http://forum.mflenses.com/nikkor-50mm-f2-ai-s-t13007,start,15.html

http://www.mflenses.com/nikon-nikkor-50mm-f2-ai-lens-review.html

That's the first one you should buy and the good thing is that they are dirt cheap.


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 4:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
parabellumfoto wrote:
The Nikkor 50mm F2 is a must have in my opinion.

http://forum.mflenses.com/nikkor-50mm-f2-ai-s-t13007,start,15.html

http://www.mflenses.com/nikon-nikkor-50mm-f2-ai-lens-review.html

That's the first one you should buy and the good thing is that they are dirt cheap.


Over the 50mm f1.8??


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 4:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
You already have a 100 and a 105 so may not need this, but I really like the 85mm f1.8 for portrait work in low/natural light.
And, yes you may not need a 50mm f2 since you already have the 50mm 1.8. But it is just such outstanding value. Very Happy
OH


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 4:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
maldaye wrote:
parabellumfoto wrote:
The Nikkor 50mm F2 is a must have in my opinion.

http://forum.mflenses.com/nikkor-50mm-f2-ai-s-t13007,start,15.html

http://www.mflenses.com/nikon-nikkor-50mm-f2-ai-lens-review.html

That's the first one you should buy and the good thing is that they are dirt cheap.


Over the 50mm f1.8??


YEAP!

This lens is overlooked because of other 50mm lenses that are faster. I haven't tried the others but I know this lens is a damn sharp lens. Many think it's the sharpest of the lot. Read the review that is posted. Even mflenses.com rave about it! Cool Laughing


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 4:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
edited

Last edited by bernhardas on Mon Apr 18, 2016 5:53 am; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 5:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Oldhand wrote:
You already have a 100 and a 105 so may not need this, but I really like the 85mm f1.8 for portrait work in low/natural light.
And, yes you may not need a 50mm f2 since you already have the 50mm 1.8. But it is just such outstanding value. Very Happy
OH


For $50 or less lens - I can't say no Smile


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 6:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
maldaye wrote:
Oldhand wrote:
You already have a 100 and a 105 so may not need this, but I really like the 85mm f1.8 for portrait work in low/natural light.
And, yes you may not need a 50mm f2 since you already have the 50mm 1.8. But it is just such outstanding value. Very Happy
OH


For $50 or less lens - I can't say no Smile


Lens fever!

Laughing


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 7:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Oldhand wrote:
You already have a 100 and a 105 so may not need this, but I really like the 85mm f1.8 for portrait work in low/natural light.
And, yes you may not need a 50mm f2 since you already have the 50mm 1.8. But it is just such outstanding value. Very Happy
OH


I'll look into it. I am not sure how well it fits with the 100 and 105 and I am already looking into vivitar bokina, which is in the 90 range.


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
I think a nice addiction to your collection would be something around 20mm or wider, since you have a lot of lenses for longer focal distances.
The nikkors 20mm (f4 and f2.8 ) came in my mind and fit on your budget.


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
maldaye wrote:

It is interesting because I sold my Canon and bought the Nikon specifically to get their excellent D7000 & D800 camera and because of their backward compatability with manual focus lenses. I didn't consider other brands at the time, so I didn't check for cross-brand compatability. Considering my Nikon lens collection, I am not sure I would want to shift back to Canon - if that is the alternative. I haven't bought a full frame camera and while I like the D800 I am open to suggestion for a good full frame camera that has excellent adaptablity to 35mm lenses and can take my Nikon lenses. I've also considered buying old film 35mm cameras, but I am not sure how viable they are on a professional level vs modern digital.

For example, I saw this auction http://www.ebay.com/itm/Huge-Konica-LOT-HEXANON-28mm-50mm-Tamron-210mm-AUTOREFLEX-T4-35mm-camera-BAG-/140994886660?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item20d3f33c04 I am not sure to me if this camera can compete with modern cameras for good photo production or would I just be buying it to 'collect'. I am a newbie to old 35mm cameras, if that isn't very clear yet Smile

As far as to what I want to get next, I am looking really for 'must have' lenses even if they duplicate the ranges I have. In other words, a better lens of a range I have or a lens that add something to my tool box not covered by these lenses. Something that would make a difference or benefit me that I can't get out of my current collection. I don't do animal photography or sports. I shoot artistic nudes, landscape vestas, and do street / event photography.


If you want max compatibility with manual lenses, the camera to get is not Canon, it's any of the mirrorless cameras with short register: NEX, m4/3 or Fuji X. Since you are not doing sports, mirrorless would serve you just fine, older bodies often can be bought under 200 Euros. All those Hexanons for instances would work great on any of the mirrorless above.

As for "must have" lenses, they really don't exist as in MF world. For any really good lens there is a dozen of good alternatives, perhaps with a different rendering and different haptics. Looking at your collection and assuming that you stick with crop Nikon, I see several areas where you can get some improvement:
1. you have no wide angle, 17mm Tokina is often recommended and should be available in Nikon mount.
2. 24mm f2.8 Nikkor is a good lens and probably will be an improvement over Sigmas.
3. Nikkor-N, AI or AI-S 1.4/35 will get you faster normal compared to Nikkor-O.
4. Any 1.2 or 1.4 Nikkor will get you a faster portrait prime, that will surely come handy both artistically or for event photography.
5. You don't have a 85mm lens, again here you have a choice between various 1.8, 1.4, and 2.0 Nikkors. All are good.

If you don't stick with Nikon, your choices multiply by a factor of about 15-20.

Last edited by fermy on Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:41 am; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
or get a 5dm2, and use nikkor glasses with adapter.


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 1:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
But the point of using a Nikon is that with Ai lenses you get metering and auto diaphragm, with the 'better' Nikon cameras, that is.
In the same vein, the point of a Pentax is the ability to do the same with K mount lenses.

The other solutions offer a greater variety of adaptable mounts, but AFAIK you are left to manipulate the diaphragm yourself.


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 2:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
flaviomaia wrote:
I think a nice addiction to your collection would be something around 20mm or wider, since you have a lot of lenses for longer focal distances.
The nikkors 20mm (f4 and f2.8 ) came in my mind and fit on your budget.


I have a Tamron AF zoom starting at 20mm. I didn't list my AF lenses since this is a MF form. I do however have a few. Once you go below the 24mm range, I find it hard to decide what ultra-wide should I get and whether an ultra-wide prime is worth it vs an ultra-wide zoom. There are the 18-55mm zooms and 10-24mm zooms and there are the 19mm Vivtar mf and 20mm mf. If i had the money, i would buy every lens in existence for multiple Cameras (shhh don't tell my wife I said that or she would kill me).


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 3:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
fermy wrote:

If you want max compatibility with manual lenses, the camera to get is not Canon, it's any of the mirrorless cameras with short register: NEX, m4/3 or Fuji X. Since you are not doing sports, mirrorless would serve you just fine, older bodies often can be bought under 200 Euros. All those Hexanons for instances would work great on any of the mirrorless above.


From a photographic perspective is their a tangible benefit to doing so vs relying on Nikon mount lenses. It would have to mean that investing in these bodies gives me an edge in the quality of my photographs vs what I have to work with now. Is that so? I have no experience with these kinds of cameras, which is why I am asking.

fermy wrote:

As for "must have" lenses, they really don't exist as in MF world. For any really good lens there is a dozen of good alternatives, perhaps with a different rendering and different haptics. Looking at your collection and assuming that you stick with crop Nikon, I see several areas where you can get some improvement:
1. you have no wide angle, 17mm Tokina is often recommended and should be available in Nikon mount.


I'll look into it. Thank you.

fermy wrote:

2. 24mm f2.8 Nikkor is a good lens and probably will be an improvement over Sigmas.


I had actually bought both on e-bay, but cancelled the auction on the 24mm nikkor because of the price difference. I felt that the money saved coule be spent on other lenses without much difference in output quality. I hope I wasn't wrong.

fermy wrote:

3. Nikkor-N, AI or AI-S 1.4/35 will get you faster normal compared to Nikkor-O.
4. Any 1.2 or 1.4 Nikkor will get you a faster portrait prime, that will surely come handy both artistically or for event photography.


I will put them on the list of future upgrades.
fermy wrote:

5. You don't have a 85mm lens, again here you have a choice between various 1.8, 1.4, and 2.0 Nikkors. All are good.

If you don't stick with Nikon, your choices multiply by a factor of about 15-20.


I was going to invest in the 90mm Bokinah, which is only 5mm more than the 85mm. I have heard some good things about the 85mm and I have it on my list of high consideration, but is it necessary if you own the Bokinah?
.


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 3:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I am looking currently at the following:

Nikkor

25-50mm f4
35-70mm f/3.5 AIS
35-70mm F/2.8 D AF
135/2 AIS
50mm f2
85mm (haven't decided on which version)

TOKINA AT-X Lens 50-250mm
Vivitar Bokina 90mm
Vivitar 19mm
Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm

Considering my collection, which one would you recommend I get first?


PostPosted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 3:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Well nothing really is necessary, in principle one can do just fine with 3 lenses Wink Bokina and and fast 85mm are different beasts. Bokina is big and heavy and at least 1 stop slower than any 85, it's a great lens for macros and close-ups. For people fotography fast 85mm is more versatile, not to mention that you already have a great slower option in 105mm f2.5 Nikkor.
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