Nikon Lenses
Dec 3, 2023 08:56:34 #
Architect1776 wrote:
Just think how great they are when trying to do vintage portraits. A more modern lens cannot reproduce that look in my opinion. So for specific projects they are another tool that has a unique quality to take advantage of.
I do not seem to see the vintage look of old lenses when I shoot a portrait. The Nikon 105mm f2.5 was quite a remarkable lens, Steve McCurry shot "The Afghan Girl" with it in a refugee camp. That image was admired all over the world. Occasionally I use my lens to shoot a portrait and it still perfoms beautifully BUT, I do not see the vintage look. As good as it was and still is, it cannot compare with modern lenses in quality. The Nikon 85mm f1.8 is a great and beautiful optic and it is my understanding that it is the lens Steve McCurry uses today.
In regard to the Nikon 24mm f2.8 AI-S manual lens and, as I said, it was a favorite of the late Galen Rowell because it was perfect for his hiking in addition to been small and sharp. John Shaw, the nature photographer used often the 35mm f2 and he has several images made with this lens in his books.
Dec 3, 2023 09:25:32 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Architect1776 wrote:
With rain yesterday and looking the same today I w... (show quote)
Loved all of my Nikon AI-S lenses. Best manual focus lenses Nikon produced. Miss them, but I must always move forward or get run over.
Dec 3, 2023 10:13:48 #
[quote=Architect1776]When I shot Nikon (film) years ago I read an article in Modern Photography about the Vivitar Series 1 90mm macro 2.5. He said it was one of the best lenses he ever tested. Right after that Vivitar stopped making it and I was lucky enough to buy one of the last ones at retail with the adapter.
It sat in its case for a very long time - when I went Sony mirrorless I was able to use it with an adapter - it is exceptional for flowers. When Spring comes, I've got to get it out and use it.
It sat in its case for a very long time - when I went Sony mirrorless I was able to use it with an adapter - it is exceptional for flowers. When Spring comes, I've got to get it out and use it.
Dec 3, 2023 10:28:05 #
[quote=rwoodvira]
Interesting, Series 1 came made for the specific camera. No adapter needed. Are you sure that it was a series 1 lens?
Architect1776 wrote:
When I shot Nikon (film) years ago I read an article in Modern Photography about the Vivitar Series 1 90mm macro 2.5. He said it was one of the best lenses he ever tested. Right after that Vivitar stopped making it and I was lucky enough to buy one of the last ones at retail with the adapter.
It sat in its case for a very long time - when I went Sony mirrorless I was able to use it with an adapter - it is exceptional for flowers. When Spring comes, I've got to get it out and use it.
It sat in its case for a very long time - when I went Sony mirrorless I was able to use it with an adapter - it is exceptional for flowers. When Spring comes, I've got to get it out and use it.
Interesting, Series 1 came made for the specific camera. No adapter needed. Are you sure that it was a series 1 lens?
Dec 3, 2023 12:06:28 #
Architect1776 wrote:
Interesting, Series 1 came made for the specific camera. No adapter needed. Are you sure that it was a series 1 lens?
He said he shot Nikon so the Vivitar 90mm f/2.5 macro would be in Nikon F mount. So he used an adapter to adapt it to Sony mirrorless.
Dec 3, 2023 13:11:27 #
I also have a pretty extensive collection of pre-1990 made-in-Japan Nikkor lenses that I prefer to use, especially with my Nikon Df. The reason is simple, as was told to Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate, “Ben, I have just one word for you… ‘Plastics.’” Thank God for eBay and sellers in Japan who sell lovingly cared for vintage Nikkors.
Dec 3, 2023 16:26:39 #
Architect1776 wrote:
With rain yesterday and looking the same today I w... (show quote)
That's why I use the 200mm f4 macro
Dec 3, 2023 17:02:43 #
Architect1776 wrote:
Interesting, Series 1 came made for the specific camera. No adapter needed. Are you sure that it was a series 1 lens?
Of course it is used with an adapter; the lens dates from a time well before the advent of mirrorless. The only reason I don't use the Vivitar more is because I have the 90mm Sony Macro, which also an excellent lens.
Dec 3, 2023 18:25:54 #
rwoodvira wrote:
Of course it is used with an adapter; the lens dates from a time well before the advent of mirrorless. The only reason I don't use the Vivitar more is because I have the 90mm Sony Macro, which also an excellent lens.
Ok.
Dec 6, 2023 15:04:47 #
Retired CPO wrote:
So we read page after page and post after post here on UHH about how heavy gear is and where oh where can we find something lighter to carry all day! Now we are celebrating old, heavy lenses! Will the irony never end!!?? 
Heavy is just a frame of mind.
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