Nikon f/1.2 lenses -- questions - DPChallenge Forums

02/16/2008 02:02:37 PM · #1

Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2
Nikon Nikkor 55mm f/1.2 AI
Nikon Nikkor 58mm f/1.2 AI-S

I've been looking at super-fast lenses on the internet. Take the above three, for example. My understanding is that all of these will mount on my DSLR (Nikon D300), but that they may lack auto-focus or require the use of an external light meter. Can anyone give me advice on these specific lenses? Any opinions or warnings? Suggested alternates? Would you use these mainly for portraiture?

Thanks,

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f2.8-4.0D

02/16/2008 02:26:42 PM · #2

Non-AI lenses will not mount properly on a Nikon dSLR because they do not have cut-outs on the mount and will damage the camera's contacts. AI and AI-S lenses will mount properly. You would obviously not have AF. On higher end cameras such as my D200 (or your D300), you enter the lens focal length and aperture into the camera via a menu and then the metering will work.

Azrifel

Fujifilm X100VI

02/16/2008 02:28:29 PM · #3

Reviews of these lenses

Nikolai1024

Nikon D300

02/16/2008 02:29:19 PM · #4

I suggest get 50 1.4 and have AF. Personally, I can't imagine having to use MF for everything. Other people maybe OK with this but not me.

echoman

Sony Alpha a6000

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 (E-mount)

02/16/2008 02:46:46 PM · #5

? Non-AI lenses will not mount properly on a Nikon dSLR because they do not have cut-outs on the mount and will damage the camera's contacts. ?

Don't get it? One of the major things Nikon has always done is that all Nikon lenses will mount to any Nikon body. You might not have AF or Matrix metering but it will mount. The mount on my N8008s and D70 are the same.

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 (E-mount)

02/16/2008 03:24:56 PM · #6

Originally posted by echoman:

The physical mount is the same, but as I mentioned the original pre-AI lenses do not have cut-outs for the electrical contacts on the modern camera bodies. Check here for more information, Nikon SLR Camera & Lens Compatibility Chart

echoman

Sony Alpha a6000

02/16/2008 03:33:18 PM · #7

Like the saying goes; "You learn something new everyday".
Did not know that.

Actually, I was just looking at the Nikon site and you can get the lens by special order. I'm assuming that if you can still get the lens from Nikon, that it would work on a modern DSLR. They don't seem to mention that it will not work on a DSLR.

Message edited by author 2008-02-16 15:37:40.

02/16/2008 03:40:30 PM · #8

Thanks, everyone.

Azrifel, that link was particularly useful. I thought about the 50 1.4, but I already have the 50 1.8 and was looking for a different focal length and more extreme low-light capabilities. Cost is a factor, too. For example, the 58mm "noct" lens looks like it's available for a mere $2,800 -- out of my league.

02/16/2008 03:53:23 PM · #9

PS: What about a lens that has been "factory converted to AI" -- is there any way that can damage my camera? I'm looking at an ebay sale. The seller seems reliable, for what it's worth.

02/16/2008 04:10:39 PM · #10

Originally posted by citymars:

PS: What about a lens that has been "factory converted to AI" -- is there any way that can damage my camera? I'm looking at an ebay sale. The seller seems reliable, for what it's worth.

If it has been converted to AI it should be fine (I believe the main part of the conversion is cutting holes into the mount where the camera contacts would go). I am also currently in an auction for an AI converted lens :)

02/16/2008 04:25:59 PM · #11

Thank you, Konrad. I was too ashamed to admit I had stupidly bid in haste before knowing for sure whether it would work with my camera or not. TI had been outbid, so I quit worrying, but then the bidder before me retracted and suddenly I'm once again top bidder for a lens I wasn't sure I could use! I may still be outbid later, but at least now I can relax a little about it.

02/16/2008 04:36:29 PM · #12

Originally posted by citymars:

If you want to be sure you could ask the seller if the lens works on a dSLR - likely the reason they converted it.

02/16/2008 04:49:03 PM · #13

Thanks again. I've done what you suggested and contacted the seller. I hope he has a positive answer for me.
It has been a long time since I've used ebay, and now I remember why. It's too easy to click that auction button!