Nikon lens suggestion - DPChallenge Forums

09/26/2007 11:27:53 AM · #1

I am looking for a lens for my D200 that will behave like a 50mm f/1.4 on a full-frame camera. I currently have the 50mm f/1.8, but with the 1.5x crop, I find I am limited. My ideal would be a 33.3mm f/1.4, but that doesn't exist. I have looked at the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC lens, but I have not been too impressed with my other Sigma (the 10-20mm).

Can anyone recommend a lens to meet my need?

Thanks,
Adam

jaysonmc

09/26/2007 11:34:19 AM · #2

Here are your choices:

Sigma 30mm 1.4 as you suggested. I have heard it is quite nice.

Nikon 35 f2. I own this, excellent lens, but may not be fast enough for your.

Nikon 35mm 1.4 AIS. I plan on "upgrading" to this here soon. Though it is only a manual focus lens and can only be found in the used market.

Zeiss 35mm f2. It is also an AIS lens (manual focus only). Cost is high and only f2.

Good luck to you.

option

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

09/26/2007 11:39:51 AM · #3

Step one: 50 1.4
Step two: D3

Problem solved!

MonicaJames

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

09/26/2007 11:40:53 AM · #4

Originally posted by option:

Step one: 50 1.4
Step two: D3

Problem solved!

Step 3: OR step back (cheapest)

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

09/26/2007 11:51:19 AM · #5

Originally posted by option:

Step one: 50 1.4
Step two: D3

Problem solved!

I'd love the D3, but unfortunately, I don't have the spare $5K lying around. :) Also, I'm disappointed that it only takes sub 6MP images with the DX format lenses.

bmartuch

Nikon D7200

09/26/2007 11:54:03 AM · #6

I have a 35mm f2.5 manual focus lens from an old Nikon film camera that I love. I use it on my D50 and my old Nikon FM2.

Zal

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

09/26/2007 12:20:01 PM · #7

I have the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and it is fantastic--sharp even wide open. I would recommend it, but suggest that you get it from a local dealer where you could return/exchange if something should be amiss.

option

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

09/26/2007 12:21:20 PM · #8

Originally posted by adurity:

Also, I'm disappointed that it only takes sub 6MP images with the DX format lenses.

As far as I know, the crop factor is user selectable. If you feel like using your DX lenses on the D3, you can shoot at the full 12mp FF image circle, but alot of your wide angles will vignette like you wouldnt believe...

But ya, I hear ya on the price. If I had the change lyin around, I'd pick up a D3 and its partners in crime (the new lenses) in a heartbeat.

As far as real advice goes, a good friend of mine has the AF 35 f/2 D and gets alot of use out of it as his 'standard' prime. I would definitely be hard pressed to choose between that lens and the 50 1.4 (like I was when I bought my 50).

thegrandwazoo

Nikon D750

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

09/26/2007 12:23:14 PM · #9

Originally posted by adurity:

Originally posted by option:
Step one: 50 1.4
Step two: D3

Problem solved!

I'd love the D3, but unfortunately, I don't have the spare $5K lying around. :) Also, I'm disappointed that it only takes sub 6MP images with the DX format lenses.

You can turn off the automatic DX mode. But why buy it if you plan to use DX lenses. When I get my D3 no DX lens will ever get mounted...

ETA: Option is fast

Message edited by author 2007-09-26 12:23:34.

option

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

09/26/2007 12:25:39 PM · #10

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

You can turn off the automatic DX mode. But why buy it if you plan to use DX lenses. When I get my D3 no DX lens will ever get mounted...

ETA: Option is fast

What can I say, I've been reading up on Nikon alot lately... ;-)

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

09/26/2007 01:30:23 PM · #11

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

You can turn off the automatic DX mode. But why buy it if you plan to use DX lenses. When I get my D3 no DX lens will ever get mounted...

Because, at this point I am pretty heavily invested in DX lenses and would prefer to not waste that investment. Furthermore, I don't completely buy the FF is better than cropped argument, so therefore, I'm not completely convinced that a switch to full-frame is worth the $$$ for the body and lenses.

thegrandwazoo

Nikon D750

09/26/2007 01:39:49 PM · #12

Originally posted by adurity:

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

You can turn off the automatic DX mode. But why buy it if you plan to use DX lenses. When I get my D3 no DX lens will ever get mounted...

Because, at this point I am pretty heavily invested in DX lenses and would prefer to not waste that investment. Furthermore, I don't completely buy the FF is better than cropped argument, so therefore, I'm not completely convinced that a switch to full-frame is worth the $$$ for the body and lenses.

Hey I feel ya. And believe this Full Frame is no hype. I have played with a 5D raw file and it is just AMAZING! I can't wait for the D3. Not only that but to be able to take advantage of all the other benefits of the full frame like the more shallow DoF and making use of the true focal length of the non-DX lenses. Most of the kick ass Nikkor glass is not DX.

ETA: Looking at your profile you only show one DX lens.

Message edited by author 2007-09-26 13:40:45.

09/26/2007 03:44:32 PM · #13

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

ETA: Looking at your profile you only show one DX lens.

Have not updated in a while. I just put my 18-200 on the list. Also, the Sigma is a DC lens which is their DX equivalent. So that is three lenses. Yes it could be worse, but i love the 18-200 lens and do not know how I would replace its versatility.

Adam

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

09/26/2007 04:43:43 PM · #14

Originally posted by adurity:

I am looking for a lens for my D200 that will behave like a 50mm f/1.4 on a full-frame camera....

The Nikkor 35mm f1.4AI or AIs is a legend. Nærfoto Bjørn Rørslett, a very respected authority on Nikon equipment, even gave it a rare 5 rating when used on the D200 & D2x. Although I haven't owned one since before digital was an option, some of my best images were made with the lens. In fact the

breadfan35

Nikon D3

09/26/2007 05:29:30 PM · #15

Originally posted by adurity:

I am looking for a lens for my D200 that will behave like a 50mm f/1.4 on a full-frame camera.

I bought the Nikon 35 f/2 to for this very reason. Great lens.

levyj413

Nikon D7100

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

09/26/2007 05:46:33 PM · #16

Originally posted by adurity:

You love the 18-200, which by every account I've read is a good, but not fantastic, lens. Yet you weren't impressed by the Sigma 10-20, which I've read fantastic things about and which I've used to very good effect.

Sooooo ... what is it you don't like about the Sigma 10-20?

I know this sounds sarcastic, and I can't figure out a wording to make it less so. But I'm sincere - maybe you can help me avoid some mistakes with the 10-20!

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

09/26/2007 10:38:55 PM · #17

Levyj,

What I love about the 18-200 is that it is such a versatile lens and it is sharp given the kind of lens it is. The 18-200 is essentially my 9mm sidearm that I use for most shots, but I will pull out other things as I need them or can carry them.

I'm conflicted on the Sigma 10-20. The optics are not horrible, but it is not the sharpest lens in the bag. There is of course the usual distortion that comes with such a wide angle. I also find the build quality to be not on par with Nikon, and the motion is stiff, not fluid. The last point on the 10-20 is that I haven't exactly figured out how to use it. At 10mm, most of my shots simply end up with TOO much in them: too much sky, too much peripheral view. This last point is of course user error, but represents some of the frustration I have with the lens. I hope to reach a point where I come to respect the Sigma 10-20 more.

I hope this helps, but honestly if you like the 10-20, power to you! If you don't care much for the 18-200 because it is such a "swiss army" lens, I can understand that.

Adam

Creature

Nikon D70s

09/27/2007 12:22:09 AM · #18

I also have the Nikkor 35mm f/2 AF ... great lens, I think I use it more than my 50/1.8, but if you need the f/1.4 aperture then fuggedaboudit.

levyj413

Nikon D7100

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

09/27/2007 12:36:17 AM · #19

Originally posted by adurity:

I hope this helps, but honestly if you like the 10-20, power to you! If you don't care much for the 18-200 because it is such a "swiss army" lens, I can understand that.

Adam

It does help, so thanks! I have similar issues sometimes at 10mm of finding a good composition.

I'm still pretty positive on the 18-200. The funny thing is that when I decided to move up to an SLR, I chose Nikon specifically for that lens. Then I saw someone's 70-200 VR and fell in love. I know how much I appreciate the versatility of my Tamron 17-50, so I can definitely appreciate the full 18-200 range. I just happened to go a different direction.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

09/27/2007 12:58:51 AM · #20

I have an older manual focus AI 35mm f2, and it is one of the sharpest lenses that I have ever seen. It easily "outsharps" the sensor in my S3 Pro Fuji when the camera is steady. I paid $20 for it at the local pawn shop, and also got the metal Nikon shade, and both caps in the deal.
I don't use it often, but it truly is a great lens.

09/27/2007 10:18:26 AM · #21

Thanks for contributing to this thread, everyone.

I have figured out what I am going to do. I'm going to try to find a 35mm f/1.4 AIS, but if I can't find one for a reasonable price, I'm going to buy the 35mm f/2D.

Thanks again,
Adam

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

09/27/2007 11:06:53 AM · #22

Originally posted by adurity:

I have figured out what I am going to do. I'm going to try to find a 35mm f/1.4 AIS, but if I can't find one for a reasonable price, I'm going to buy the 35mm f/2D.

Great choice with the 35mm f1.4AIs, as I said earlier the 35mm f1.4 is a legendary lens. But I wouldn�t count out a lower priced AI or even AI converted lens as the 35mm 1.4 was originally introduced with multicoating, so there is no chance of getting one with inferior coatings.

FYI the AI and AIs versions of the same lens are optically identical and the only real difference when used on any camera other some older cameras like the FA and F4 are that the AI versions have stiffer focusing. I actually prefer the focusing action on the Ai lenses especially on macro lenses.

One other suggestion is if you can't find a 1.4 in your price range, skip the AF35mm f2D and get the 35mm f2 AIs. Unlike most AF versions of older lenses, the AF 35mm f2 isn't nearly as good optically as the manual focus version. The original 35mm f2 has 8 elements and is sharp corner to corner. The AF with its 6 elements is a little soft in the corners. The older version is also quite adept at macro, either reversed on the camera (or bellows) or on most 85 to 200mm telephotos. The AF version does have one small advantage (literally). Its tiny front element does make it quite resistant to flare.

jaysonmc