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maldaye
Joined: 19 Jun 2013 Posts: 316
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Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 11:53 pm Post subject: Recommended Manual Lenses for Nikon |
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maldaye wrote:
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 |
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Attila
Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 57865 Location: Hungary
Expire: 2025-11-18
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Posted: Wed Jun 19, 2013 11:56 pm Post subject: |
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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. _________________ -------------------------------
Items on sale on Ebay
Sony NEX-7 Carl Zeiss Planar 85mm f1.4, Minolta MD 35mm f1.8, Konica 135mm f2.5, Minolta MD 50mm f1.2, Minolta MD 250mm f5.6, Carl Zeiss Sonnar 180mm f2.8
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maldaye
Joined: 19 Jun 2013 Posts: 316
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 12:08 am Post subject: |
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maldaye wrote:
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? |
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fermy
Joined: 17 Feb 2012 Posts: 1974
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 12:22 am Post subject: |
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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 . As to what lens to get next, that depends on what focal length you'd like next. _________________ Many lenses and some film bodies for sale here: http://forum.mflenses.com/canon-fd-minolta-md-c-mounts-m42-pentax-and-more-t50465.html
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/96060788@N06/ |
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philslizzy
Joined: 07 Aug 2012 Posts: 4744 Location: Cheshire, England
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 12:28 am Post subject: |
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philslizzy wrote:
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. _________________ Hero in the 'messin-with-cameras-for-the-hell-of-it department'. Official. |
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maldaye
Joined: 19 Jun 2013 Posts: 316
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 12:39 am Post subject: |
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maldaye wrote:
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 . 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
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. |
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the_x_vision
Joined: 28 Feb 2013 Posts: 19
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 2:21 am Post subject: |
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the_x_vision wrote:
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~ |
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bernhardas
Joined: 01 Jan 2013 Posts: 1432
Expire: 2017-05-23
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 3:53 am Post subject: |
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bernhardas wrote:
edited
Last edited by bernhardas on Mon Apr 18, 2016 5:53 am; edited 1 time in total |
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my_photography
Joined: 03 Nov 2008 Posts: 2772 Location: Pearl of the Orient
Expire: 2016-12-25
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 4:12 am Post subject: |
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my_photography wrote:
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. _________________
Zeiss: CJZ Flektogon 20/2.8, CJZ Flektogon 20/4, , CJZ Pentacon 29/2.8, CJZ Flektogon 35/2.4, CJZ Pancolar 50/1.8, Tessar 50/2.8, Biotar 7.5cm/1.5, CJZ Pancolar 80/1.8, CJZ Sonnar 135/3.5, CJZ Pentacon 135/2.8 CJZ Sonnar 200/2.8
Other Germany: Meyer Primoplan 50/1.8, Meyer Trioplan 100/2.8
Takumar: SMC 50/1.4 Super Tak 55/2, Super Tak 85/1.9, S-M-C 135/3.5, Super Tak 150/4
Russian: Zenith 16/2.8, Mir-24M 2/35, Volna-9 50/2.8, Helios 44M (58/2), Helios 44M-3 MC (58/2), Helios 40 (85/1.5), Tair 11A (135/2.8 )
Others: Sears 28/2.8, Sankor 35/2.8, Enna M�nchen Tele-Ennalyt 135/3.5
Zoom Sigma Zoom 28-85/3.5-4.5
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parabellumfoto
Joined: 06 Apr 2013 Posts: 413 Location: Sydney, Australia
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 4:15 am Post subject: |
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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. _________________ Minolta MC Rokkor f1.4 50mm
Minolta MD Zoom Macro 35-105mm f3.5-4.5
Nikon Nikkor 50mm F2
Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-S Auto 5cm F2
Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-Q Auto 135mm F2.8
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm F1.8G
http://www.parabellumfoto.com/ |
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maldaye
Joined: 19 Jun 2013 Posts: 316
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 4:28 am Post subject: |
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maldaye wrote:
Over the 50mm f1.8?? |
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Oldhand
Joined: 01 Apr 2013 Posts: 6005 Location: Mid North Coast NSW - Australia
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 4:45 am Post subject: |
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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.
OH |
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parabellumfoto
Joined: 06 Apr 2013 Posts: 413 Location: Sydney, Australia
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 4:45 am Post subject: |
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parabellumfoto wrote:
maldaye wrote: |
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! _________________ Minolta MC Rokkor f1.4 50mm
Minolta MD Zoom Macro 35-105mm f3.5-4.5
Nikon Nikkor 50mm F2
Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-S Auto 5cm F2
Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-Q Auto 135mm F2.8
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm F1.8G
http://www.parabellumfoto.com/ |
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bernhardas
Joined: 01 Jan 2013 Posts: 1432
Expire: 2017-05-23
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 4:50 am Post subject: |
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bernhardas wrote:
edited
Last edited by bernhardas on Mon Apr 18, 2016 5:53 am; edited 1 time in total |
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maldaye
Joined: 19 Jun 2013 Posts: 316
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 5:25 am Post subject: |
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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.
OH |
For $50 or less lens - I can't say no |
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parabellumfoto
Joined: 06 Apr 2013 Posts: 413 Location: Sydney, Australia
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 6:02 am Post subject: |
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parabellumfoto wrote:
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.
OH |
For $50 or less lens - I can't say no |
Lens fever!
_________________ Minolta MC Rokkor f1.4 50mm
Minolta MD Zoom Macro 35-105mm f3.5-4.5
Nikon Nikkor 50mm F2
Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-S Auto 5cm F2
Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-Q Auto 135mm F2.8
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm F1.8G
http://www.parabellumfoto.com/ |
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maldaye
Joined: 19 Jun 2013 Posts: 316
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 7:49 am Post subject: |
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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.
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. |
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flaviomaia
Joined: 15 Jan 2013 Posts: 120 Location: Portugal
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:04 am Post subject: |
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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. |
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fermy
Joined: 17 Feb 2012 Posts: 1974
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:32 am Post subject: |
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fermy wrote:
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
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. _________________ Many lenses and some film bodies for sale here: http://forum.mflenses.com/canon-fd-minolta-md-c-mounts-m42-pentax-and-more-t50465.html
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/96060788@N06/
Last edited by fermy on Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:41 am; edited 1 time in total |
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hoanpham
Joined: 31 Jan 2011 Posts: 2575
Expire: 2015-01-18
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:39 am Post subject: |
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hoanpham wrote:
or get a 5dm2, and use nikkor glasses with adapter. |
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Nesster
Joined: 24 Apr 2008 Posts: 5883 Location: NJ, USA
Expire: 2014-02-20
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 1:57 pm Post subject: |
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Nesster wrote:
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. _________________ -Jussi
Camera photos
Print Photographica
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maldaye
Joined: 19 Jun 2013 Posts: 316
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 2:57 pm Post subject: |
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maldaye wrote:
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). |
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maldaye
Joined: 19 Jun 2013 Posts: 316
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 3:06 pm Post subject: |
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maldaye wrote:
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?
. |
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maldaye
Joined: 19 Jun 2013 Posts: 316
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 3:13 pm Post subject: |
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maldaye wrote:
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? |
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fermy
Joined: 17 Feb 2012 Posts: 1974
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Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 3:16 pm Post subject: |
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fermy wrote:
Well nothing really is necessary, in principle one can do just fine with 3 lenses 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. _________________ Many lenses and some film bodies for sale here: http://forum.mflenses.com/canon-fd-minolta-md-c-mounts-m42-pentax-and-more-t50465.html
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/96060788@N06/ |
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