I recently purchased the non-vc version of the tamron 17-50 and although i finally have a wide lens, i miss the feel and look of the prime lens on my 7D. Has anyone used the AIS 20mm f2.8? I need something with a longer throw on the focus, the tamron feels too flimsy compared to my other primes. Thanks!
nikon 20 f2.8 (AIS)
- Thread starter rcolazo89
- Start date
Samuel H
Major Contributor
I haven't, but I've had pratty bad luck with very wide vintage primes, and my 17-50 non-vc is super sharp on the wide end, si I'd guess there's not a lot to gain: http://www.similaar.com/foto/lenstests/lenstestsa.html - yes, it has a short throw on the focusing ring, and pretty nasty bokeh (http://www.similaar.com/foto/lenstests/bokehtests.html), but both issues are less of a problem on the wide end
Samuel H
Major Contributor
on my brand of choice for vintage glass (leitz), I know that the 24mm is already too soft for my taste; the elmarit-R 90mm is amazing (weighted MTF at f/2.8: 0.81), and the summilux-R 50mm too (weighted MTF at f/2.8: 0.81); even the elmarit-R 35mm f/2.8 is great (weighted MTF at f/2.8: 0.78); but on my tests the elmarit-R 180mm is already a bit soft (weighted MTF at f/2.8: 0.74); so I'd never get the 24mm (weighted MTF at f/2.8: 0.71), which is also not cheap at all!! those MTF numbers come from here: http://www.photodo.com/lens/Leica-ElmaritR-90mm-f28-944 - http://www.photodo.com/lens/Leica-SummiluxR-50mm-f14-941 - http://www.photodo.com/lens/Leica-SummicronR-50mm-f2-940 - http://www.photodo.com/lens/Leica-ElmaritR-35mm-f28-937 - http://www.photodo.com/lens/Leica-SummicronR-35mm-f2-938 - http://www.photodo.com/lens/Leica-ElmaritR-180mm-f28-952 - http://www.photodo.com/lens/Leica-ElmaritR-28mm-f28-935 - http://www.photodo.com/lens/Leica-PC-Super-AngulonR-28mm-f28-936 - http://www.photodo.com/lens/Leica-ElmaritR-24mm-f28-934
DavidBeier
Veteran
I've used the Nikkor 24mm f2.8 quite a bit and think it's great. I use it mostly for video and have never had an issue.
Jordan Scott Price
Veteran
I own the Nikon 20mm 3.5 AI and love it. It's a tad slow compared to my other primes, but I shoot at F4 - F5.6 with all my lenses, anyway. I've heard nothing but great things about the 2.8 AI-s version, which is still made today.
It's really a great FOV on an APS-C or S35 sensor. I often use it when tracking handheld with someone or for establishing wide shots low to the ground, which really characterizes the architecture of the scene.
It's really a great FOV on an APS-C or S35 sensor. I often use it when tracking handheld with someone or for establishing wide shots low to the ground, which really characterizes the architecture of the scene.
thanks for the info, I am leaning towards picking one of the f2.8s in the near future. I feel like the zoom will be fine for now. I just have to adjust to having a wobbly, short throw. I did some FoV tests and I think 20mm widest would be fine compared to the 17mm end on the tamron - but im not rushing.
Have you looked at the 19mm f/2.8. The second version works on crop Canons but not on FF (According to Pebble-Place)? I can't afford one myself, but have heard good things about it
I haven't, but I've had pratty bad luck with very wide vintage primes, and my 17-50 non-vc is super sharp on the wide end, si I'd guess there's not a lot to gain: http://www.similaar.com/foto/lenstests/lenstestsa.html - yes, it has a short throw on the focusing ring, and pretty nasty bokeh (http://www.similaar.com/foto/lenstests/bokehtests.html), but both issues are less of a problem on the wide end
i have a question about vintage lenses...
are they great for video, as in same quality as "newer" canon lenses?
rossfinnie
Member
I've got a 20/2.8 AF-D Nikkor, which is optically identical to the last generation AI-S manual lens. I came from using it on a full-frame Nikon stills camera (D700) and am now using it adapted on a 600D(T3i). I've not a lot of experience of using it for video, but certainly when it came to stills it wasn't fantastic wide open, but it got real nice once you stopped it down a wee bit. Of course, most of the "problems" were out in the corners on full-frame, so it should hopefully look a lot better when you're using it on a crop sensor. I do love the feel of Nikon's manual lenses too, they're rock solid.
Another option to consider if you fancy something a bit special is the Olympus Zuiko 21mm f/2.0, I've heard some amazing things about that lens (a friend used to use one on a Sony NEX) although it's a bit more difficult to find than the Nikkor.
Another option to consider if you fancy something a bit special is the Olympus Zuiko 21mm f/2.0, I've heard some amazing things about that lens (a friend used to use one on a Sony NEX) although it's a bit more difficult to find than the Nikkor.
Samuel H
Major Contributor
my tests now include a Nikkor 20mm UD f/3.5 non-AI (1967); not impressive, to say the least
http://www.similaar.com/foto/lenstests/lenstestsa.html
http://www.similaar.com/foto/lenstests/lenstestsa.html
I too got the nikkor 20mm 2.8 af for stills and have been using it on the FS 100. I have been surprised at the very nice quality of the footage. I usually use it fairly wide open for shallow depth of field (for a wide angle).
I like it so much I recently shot an entire short corporate video with it that is slated to be shown at Lincoln Center in New York for a fundraising event. I will post a link when its done.
I look off and on for a wider Nikkor prime manual focus but there are none to be had.
My most used go to zoom is, believe it or not the Tokina Atx pro 28 to 80 which is no longer made. Excellent image quality even if its not very wide. I use it often for sit down nterviews.
I like it so much I recently shot an entire short corporate video with it that is slated to be shown at Lincoln Center in New York for a fundraising event. I will post a link when its done.
I look off and on for a wider Nikkor prime manual focus but there are none to be had.
My most used go to zoom is, believe it or not the Tokina Atx pro 28 to 80 which is no longer made. Excellent image quality even if its not very wide. I use it often for sit down nterviews.