Nikon 35mm lens Questions!

B

benandaim

Well-known member
Hi Guys,

I ordered a LEX and rods and wanted some advice on Nikon lenses. A photographer friend gave me some old Nikkor's she had laying around and i'm not sure how to tell how good they are and if they'll do the trick. I have a pic of them all but i don't know how to post it.

I have a 50mm E series 1.8, a 105mm 2.5 & a 28-85mm 3.5 zoom lens. The last 2 don't say what series they are. Any info or advice on using these lenses would be great. Thanks.

Ben:thumbup:
 
Ai-s series are the best nikon's for use with 35mm adapters. The E series is a cheaper alternative but still not that bad. If you are looking to purchase some glass to use with your LEX go for Nikon Ai-s or Zeiss ZF lenses
 
I have a couple more questions.

1. How do determine Ai-s lenses from the others?
2. Should you always use UV filters on your 35mm lenses?
3. How do you how to check the condition of these older mostly second hand lenses, i mean what can you do to check that your not getting a crap one?

Thanks in advance!
 
I always google each lens as each individual lens has its own properties. Sometimes a cheap lense might be great, sometimes an expensive one might be dodgy etc.
 
benandaim said:
1. How do determine Ai-s lenses from the others?
Click to expand...
You can google the serial number to find this out. Ai-S lenses have more shutter blades than Ai lenses and series E lenses, meaning the out of focus highlights (bokeh) will be smoother circular shapes. IMHO, all three types are great for your adapter if in good condition, but Slinkii is right - Ai-S are slightly better, and Zeiss are the best for your Nikon mount. Get what you can afford - these lenses hold their value quite well if you are buying used, so you can always offload and upgrade when the time comes.

2. Should you always use UV filters on your 35mm lenses?
Click to expand...
No - You should use them when outside and UV rays are stirking the lens though. You can purchase clear filters for your lenses if you just want something to protect them from dust, etc. These filters can affect the look of your footage, so don't go cheap on them if you go that route. I rarely use filters on any of my video or still photography - only when the occassion truly calls for it. I also keep the lens caps on all the time and baby my nikons!

3. How do you how to check the condition of these older mostly second hand lenses, i mean what can you do to check that your not getting a crap one?
Click to expand...
Hold the lens up to a light to look for excessive dust inside or major scratches on the front and back elements. Small scratches will *probably* not affect the image too much, but that's going to be up to you to take the chance. Excessive dust or any fungus in the lens is a problem, and will probably just get worse with age, so you might want to pass if you see either.

Make sure that the aperture rings snaps to each f stop and doesn't get stuck anywhere. Focus should be smooth.

There is a LOT of info out there if you google "nikon lenses" or "nikkor ai-s" or "nikon series e"

Good luck!
 
I own a bunch of Nikons AIs lenses (20mm 2.0, 35mm 1.4, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.4, 105 macro 2.8, 135 2.0. They're great. But I believe the modern Nikon zooms are significantly sharper. In fact they've tested sharper than the Zeiss ZF's. Downside is they only open to a 2.8. However, they shoot wide open better than Nikon AI primes shoot wide open. Downside is trying to get a longer focus draw out of them. Maybe the people at RP can figure something out http://www.rplens.com/products.htm.

I don't think the ZF's are "better" lenses than the best of the Nikon AI's. A lot of people here are rez chart junkies. The ZF's outdo the Nikons slightly in overall rez but I think the Nikon's have a much better bokeh and the beat out the ZF's in chromatic aberration. Overall, I find their image quality better. In fact, Panavision Anamorphic lenses are re-housed Nikon still lenses. And the ZF's can't touch the Nikon zooms in terms of sharpness. In fact, I'd be surprised if Zeiss PL mount primes can match the Nikon Zooms.

The problem with Nikon AI's is that you may have to purchase a few before you end up with a good batch. They're used lenses after all. My 50mm despite it's "near mint" condition for whatever reason is out of collimation when I bought it. Unlikely event with a new lens. Buy them from someone with a good return policy like KEH or Adorama.

The last lens that I think is an absolute must have is the Nikon 135 2.0. It's sharpness is phenomenol and its focus draw is as fat as a film lens.

The day someone rehouses the zoom lenses for Cine use it's all over.
 
Thanks guys, there's some great info there. Off the topic a bit but can you use OIS when you have an adapter attached?
 
Actually I just looked into this a little more, and it seems to vary from lens to lens. I was assuming that based on the 35mm 1.4 lens - in which case the AiS does indeed have 2 more aperature blades. I'm not sure if this applies in every case though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top