AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED

I just received my first VR lens. I was very excited. I tried to take some indoor shots with it right after I opened the box, handheld, at 1/10s. That is the meaning of VR, right? It didn't work. The pictures are blurred. It is still a lens, not a miracle. This lens is not for indoor, 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 will suit better for that purpose. It has other shortcomings too: it is rather bulky, much heavier than the non-VR 70-300mm G, auto-focusing is not that fast and easily get confused when shooting complex scenes (this might has more to do with the D50 body though).

At this point, I thought, maybe I should not give up searching for a good 180mm ED AIS manual focus lens (auto ones are good of course, but rather expensive and bulky). VR does have its limitation.

Once back to the real world, I become very happy with this lens. I am able to get sharp pictures handheld at 1/50s or faster, not guaranteed, but with high confidence. A new lens like this always brings you something fresh. For example, I found out today we have more than one racoons in our backyard:

From 70-300mm VR

I have not mounted it on a tripod yet. But the lens is sharp enough. There are more important things that I want to worry about than sharpness. What I like most about this lens is its color rendition. I know it will be great. Even the non-VR non-ED $100 70-300mmG has pretty good color rendition. This one costs five times more. It gonna give something.

From 70-300mm VR

A very small amount of color fringing can be seen at the long end when wide open when shooting backlit scenes:

From 70-300mm VR

It is very acceptable and stopping down the lens will totally solve the problem. Again, as I rememberd, CA is not an issue even for that non-ED non-VR version. Nikon's coating technique must be very mature now.

You can find more sample shots at my Picase web album:
http://picasaweb.google.com/westernfort/70300mmVR

AI Nikkor 35 mm f/2S: Introduction

From Photography in Malaysia
Nikkor 35mm f2.0 Wideangle Lens (Manual Focus)

Bjørn Rørslett says (referring to Nikkor 35 mm f/2 non-AI, AI and AIS) "Nikon developed this fast wide-angle for photojournalists in the '60s, and it stayed long in the lens line. The earliest version had a yellowish shimmering to the front element that later on became bluish when multicoating was added to it. The 35/2 is an 8-element design that delivers very sharp images throughout the aperture settings, peaking around f/4. There is a nice smoothness ("bokeh") in its pictorial rendition. Flare can be mildly annoying whilst ghosting is a real and troublesome issue under adverse shooting conditions. According to design drawings seen by me, Nikon made some modifications to the rear element groups in the 70's, so newer lenses may not be identical to the early sample (from '69) I own, and bokeh reportedly is less satisfactory also.

On the D2X, the AIS 35/2 I own performs superbly. It shows flatter field all-over than the faster 35/1.4 and CA is well under control. Image crispness is of the highest class, even when the lens is opened up (a little softer at f/2 than the 35/1.4, though).

By the way, the current AF version has a much simpler optical formula. Centre sharpness is great but corner quality isn't outstanding on this new design. "

AI Nikkor 28mm F2.8S: Introduction

From Photography is Malaysia
Nikkor 28mm f2.8 Lens

Bjørn Rørslett says (referring to Nikkor 28 mm f/2.8 AIS, 0.2 m Close-Focus version) "Nikon designed this lens to yield sharp images even used for close-up photography. This was achieved thanks to its advanced 8-element design and a CRC feature acting on the front elements as with the 28/2 Nikkor. Images taken up close really are extremely sharp in the middle part of the picture and sharpness extends quite gracefully into the corners. Optimum near-focus sharpness is obtained at f/5.6 and f/8. For distant scenes, however, corner sharpness isn't that remarkable and ghosting under adverse conditions can be troublesome. There is some corner colour fringing present, too.

The close-focusing 28 copes very well with D2X, and for near subjects, you are assured of high quality images with virtually no CA issues (not yet tested for distant subjects with this camera)."

AI Nikkor 200mm f/4: Introduction

From Photography in Malaysia
Nikkor 200mm f/4.0 Lenses (AI version)
Nikkor 200mm f2.0 ED IF & 200mm f4.0 lenses (AIS version)

Bjørn Rørslett says (referring to Nikkor 200 mm f/4 Nikkor non-AI, AI, and AIS) "The latest versions (AI & AIS) of this slender, nicely-handling and unobtrusive telephoto are optical gems. It's impressively sharp even wide open and attains peak performance already from f/5.6 onwards. Beyond f/16 the quality gracefully declines. It works great with extension tubes and also with close-up lenses great results can be achieved. As common with true telephoto designs it is susceptible to flare, but ghosting rarely is a problem with it. The AIS version which is the slimmest of the two focuses most smoothly, whilst the AI lens has a markedly stiffer focusing action. They both share the same optical formula, though.

On the D2X, images are stunningly contrasty and sharp at f/4 to f/8, but from there on, detail sharpness starts to decline, contrast gets progressively lower, and chromatic aberration (CA) becomes visible. The amount of CA is not excessive and judicious post-processing can largely eliminate it, but since I foresee situations in which stopping down beyond f/8 is necessary, I have to downrate this nice lens just a fraction for D2X applications."

AI Nikkor 35 mm f/1.4S: Introduction

From Nikkor -- The Thousand and One Nights
Tale 27: Fastest 35 mm lens by OHSHITA, Kouichi

From Photography in Malaysia
Nikkor 35mm f1.4s Wideangle Lens (Manual Focus)

Bjørn Rørslett says (referring to Nikkor 35 mm f/1.4 AIS) "Nikon has offered this superspeed lens for two decades now, so must believe the design is good. This is an excellent lens for low-light and general photography, although the results are not stunning when it is used wide open. Partly this stems from the tendency to internal flare that needs stopping down to f/2-f/2.8 in order to disappear. Its imaging capacity quickly increases when the aperture is set to f/2.8 and peak performance is reached between f/4 and f/5.6. In this quite narrow range it produces tremendously sharp images. To illustrate its imaging potential: In the peak range it is possible to discern objects that actually measure <1 mm within a recorded area of 5 by 8 m. You'll need at least 40X magnification to observe these tiny details on the film, but they certainly are there . This shows the unbelievable level of detail that can be resolved on film by this lens! At f/8, however, performance starts to decline and by f/16 it's just another ordinary lens. Flare isn't usually a problem with it and ghosting is well controlled, too.

The peak sharpness of the 35 mm f/1.4 lens declines towards the corners, partly because of curvature of field. Seemingly its optical design is optimised for central sharpness, which should suit PJ-style users. However, if you put this lens to use for nature photography, you do well to acquaint yourself with its sharpness distribution across the image area. For digital camera users, there is less noticeable decline of sharpness away from the dead centre of the frame.

The 35/1.4 features CRC and thus is a capable performer even up close down to its near limit at 0.3 m. There will be quite visible barrel distortion, though, when it is focused this close.

On DSLR cameras, you will observe some chromatic aberration towards the corners of the frame with nearly all models. Only the combination with D2X behaves nicely in this respect and although there is some CA, it is generally negligible (or caused by field curvature). On the other hand, D2X images are very sharp even at f/1.4 and excellent in the peak range f/2.8 - f/8. Critically sharp and contrasty images still can be had at f/16 with the D2X. Similar behaviour is seen on the D200."

AI Nikkor 180 mm f/2.8 ED: Introduction

From Nikkor -- The Thousand and One Nights
Tale 10 : Made the ED lens more accessible by OSHITA, Kouichi

From Photography in Malaysia
Nikkor 180mm lenses Telephoto Lens

Bjørn Rørslett says (referring to Nikkor 180 mm f/2.8 AIS ED) "This fast medium telephoto lens has, thanks to its ED element and modern optical formula, a superb optical quality. Images are rendered with high sharpness, contrast and vivid colour saturation. Even wide open quality images are produced, and stopped down to f/5.6 it's hardly possible to better the image quality. Beyond f/16 there is a noticeable decline in quality so these small f-numbers shouldn't be used unless absolutely necessary. Flare and ghosts can be a problem under high-contrast conditions. It performs marvellously with an extension ring added. The PN-11 tube is the best choice and brings with it a tripod collar to help the 180 ED give 1:3 close-ups with tremendous quality. I often use the 180 ED with my F2 Titan.

Be aware that the pre-ED versions (engraved Nikkor P) of the 180/2.8 are inferior in image quality in comparison with the ED 180. Not a bad lens, but the standard of the ED is a tall order to meet.

On the D2X, image clarity is excellent, but as the lens is stopped down, small traces of chromatic aberration (CA) detract from the purity of the image. The amount of CA is by no means excessive, and for many subject and shooting conditions would go undetected. However, to demonstrate I for one noticed this slight deviation from perfection, I have downrated the 180ED for D2X a wee bit."

AI Nikkor 105 mm f/2.5S: Introduction

From Nikkor -- The Thousand and One Nights
Tale 5: Best-selling Mid-range Telescopic Lens by SATO, Haruo

From Photography in Malaysia
105mm f/2.5 Nikkor Telephoto lenses
Nikkor 105mm f/2.5s

Bjørn Rørslett says (referring to Gauss Type 105 mm f/2.5 Nikkor-P·C (non-AI), AI, and AIS) "Nikon redesigned the popular 105 mm in 1972 and choose to use a new Gauss-type design (5 elements in 4 groups) instead of the earlier tested and tried Sonnar formula. Probably they did this because of the 105 mm's growing popularity as a portrait lens. Since the Gauss formula gave better performance towards the near focusing limit this seems a wise move. The first batch evidently were released without multi-coating and carried the 'P' designation (I own one of them), but these were quickly replaced by multicoated 'P·C'-labelled lenses.

Current versions are outfitted with rubberised focusing collars and the lens data are removed. Compared to the earlier type of the 105/2.5 Nikkor, the new formula offered even better image definition, enhanced close-range performance, and a much improved colour saturation for the multi-coated versions. It performed better than its predecessor wide open, and delivered tremendously sharp images from f/4 onwards. Flare is only a problem under the most extreme of adverse light conditions and ghosting is rarely a threat to image quality.

During the years, it has undergone some external changes, but the optical formula survived to this day. This is one of the truly great lenses of all times and a definite Nikon classic. It easily holds its own again any modern lens - what a pity that this prime lens lost its popularity during the onslaught of low-speed, medium-quality AF zooms. Oh well, the general public always get what they want - don't they."

AI Nikkor 20mm f/3.5S: Introduction

From Nikkor -- The Thousand and One Nights
Tale 20 : Ultra wide angle lens directed for an ultra compactness by OHSHITA, Kouichi
(The tale is about AI 20mm f/4, AI 20mm f/3.5s is also mentioned.)

From Photography in Malaysia
Nikkor 20mm Ultra-wideangle lenses - 20mm f/3.5

Bjørn Rørslett says (referring to Nikkor 20mm f/3.5 AIS) "This tiny lens is extremely well corrected for flare and ghosting; accordingly is the inside tip for nature photographers fond of shooting into the sun (I am one of those). Used in combination with the elusive, ultra-thin K1 extension ring it can give stunning close-ups with a very steep and dramatically emphasised perspective. Although there is no CRC feature, it yields excellent sharpness used up close this way. For landscape work, however, its pronounced field curvature can be a serious disadvantage. The corner sharpness isn't as good as the centre either. I tend to bring it with me just for those dramatic shots into the sun and set the aperture to f/22 to obtain a nice star-shaped sun. Otherwise, f/8 gives the sharpest results."

Useful Nikon links

My favorite, from the Nikon Japanese website:
The History of Nikon Cameras
The Thousand and One Nights

Nikon lens info:

Photography in Malaysia. Great coverage and detailed info. There you can find useful information about almost all bodies, lenses and accessaries that Nikon ever made.

Nikon Lenses Database. A very useful site if you want to get info on an old Nikkor lens. For exaple, you can find out through the serial number in which year a lens is made. Combined with the above Malaysia site, this can give you a good guide when buying an used Nikkor lens.

Nikon F-mount index by Lars Holst Hansen and Rick Housh.

Lens reviews:

Reviews of Nikon lenses by some pros :
Bjorn Roslett Nikon lens review.
David Ruether Nikon lens review.
Thom Hogan lens review.
momentcorp
(I know there are a lot out there, but you really don't need to read too much. In fact, there is even a guy named Ken who basically says every Nikkor lens is a good one, which might be true. It really about figuring out your specific need.)

If you like to see some lens tests and MTF curves:

www.photozone.de
www.photodo.com

Finally, http://www.nikonlinks.com/ have more links to interesting Nikon sites, but sometimes more is less. For example, of course, google have all useful Nikon links, but that might not help too much.

AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8: the old faithful

From My photo gear

From My photo gear

This was the first lens that I owned and still is my most frequently used lens. The lens is light, compact, and very affordable. Nikon people tend to believe that Nikkor 50mm f1.8 is the best f1.8 50mm lens. (Canon people may say their 50mm f1.4 is the best f1.4 lens.) The truth might be a 50mm is the easiest to manufacture, so almost all brand-name 50mm lenses are pretty good. The optical formula for Nikon's 50mm f1.8 lens has not been changed for quite a long time, because there is no need to change. That is another way to see that a 50mm lens is of very good optical quality.

For classical SLRs, a 50mm lens is considered as a "normal" lens. Basically, that means the angle of view of this lens is very close to the angle of view of your eyes. In digital SLR era, the crop factor narrows the angle of view of this lens. Many people will use a 35mm lens as their normal lens instead.

However, a 35mm lens is much more expensive than a 50mm lens. There are still a lot can be done using this 50mm f/1.8. What can it do? Many things, landscape

From Nikon D50 + A...

birds

From Nikon D50 + A...

portrait

From Nikon D50 + A...

still life

From Nikon D50 + A...

and even close up (with a Nikon close-up no. 4T)

From Nikon D50 + A...

Buy Nikon Prime Lenses .
Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

My Nikon N80 story: an unwise investment

I bought my N80 body late 2001 or early 2002. Wrong expectation and bad timing add up to an unwise investment.

I vaguely remember that I read Phil Greenspun's article on building a 35mm SLR camera. Then I eagerly wanted to buy a SLR camera. It seems at that time, I believed deeply that once I own a SLR camera, I would begin to take professionally looked pictures. Like all eager newbies, I read many photography magazines and reviews on the web about SLR cameras. According to Phil, learning photography should start with a 50mm prime lens and Nikon makes the best 50mm 1.8 lens. This part is still true, I guess. So I decided that I wanted to buy a Nikon. Phil also said N80 is a good body. One reason is that it has two dials. To tell the truth, I didn't even know what that means except two is more than one.

So as a poor student by then, I spent quite a lot of money buying this N80 body with a 50mm f1.8 lens. The reality is that my photography skills did not improve with this N80 body. I believe I took less than 1000 photos with this N80, mostly "I've been here" type, then sold it at a low price after a couple of years of possession and switched to D50. Basically, I realized possessing a cool SLR camera does not mean learning photography.

Only after I bought the D50, I figured out that I can only improve by taking pictures. With film cameras, however, taking tens of thousands of pictures to learn photography is not really sustainable for a poor student. It seems right after or even before I bought this N80, people had already started switching to digital cameras. I just felt those digital cameras were like toys. I failed to foresee what was coming. Soon, we bought our own digital camera, which cost only half as much as the N80. Then I shoot less and less with the N80. The convenience of a digital camera is so overwhelming. I remember by the time I sold the N80, there was an unfinished roll of film in the body which must had been there for more than half a year. I never got that roll finished or developed.

There was nothing wrong with the N80. It was me not figuring out my specific needs.

Nikon close-up NO. 4T.

From Micro

Nikon close-up no. 4T is a close-up attachment lens. It enables a normal lens to focus on closer subjects. In other words, it is a cheap way to get a macro (or shall I say "micro") lens. In its manual, Nikon said it is "designed primarily for use with telephoto lenses ranging in focal length from 85mm and 200mm." I just use it with my 50mm lens. Here is a sample shot

From Micro

This is taken directly from my D50 camera. No cropping or post-processing. The diameter of the coin is 4cm. You can do some math to figure out the magnification ratio. I guess this one is around 1:4 and I believe you can do at least 1:3.

In the manual, it says, used with 105 f/2.5, it can give a reproduction ratio of 1:2.2-3.2.

You can buy this from Amazon.com .

Sample shot added 11/17/2006:

From Micro

taken with D50, AF Nikkor 50mm f1.8 + 4T @ f/4 and 1/160s, handheld. I did find some support for my arm.

Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI

From My photo gear

Solidly built, metal construction, typical of an old Nikkor manual focus AI lens. The distance scale and the DOF scale are engraved on the lens barrel, much better than those on later AF lenses. The marks on the DOF scale are color coded, corresponding nicely to the numbers on the aperture ring. The click sound when turning the aperture ring is also very pleasing.

From My photo gear

I bought this lens used at a very reasonable price. Optically, I can't really tell it apart form my AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8. For snapshots, however, AF is so handy. So on the field, I use the AF 50mm f/1.8 more often. Even for indoor shots, I still use the AF 50mm f/1.8 more. I don't really miss the f/1.4 very often, especially when considering that D50 give very good results even at ISO 400 (pictures taken with ISO 800 is also quite acceptable.)

This lens does have its time. For example, for macro work with extension tubes, this one works better. Since my extension tubes are not auto ones, I will not have AF even with an AF lens. Manual focusing is much easier with this lens than with the AF one. On the web, people also say this AI version has a longer focus throw than an AIS version, which means the focus ring need to be rotated more to go from the closed focus distance to infinity. This implies that focusing with an AI lens might be slower but more accurate, which is very suitable for macro work. Here is a sample shot of part of a dollar bill taken with this lens mounted on an extension tube

From D50 + 50mm f1...

I think the reproduction ratio here is higher than 1:1.

Nikon EL2

Of course, I need to show you some Nikon gear. This is a Nikon EL2

From D50 + 50mm f1...

I bought it recently from a guy who upgraded to digital. I have not taken a single shot using this camera yet, but I really like the construction.

The gears that I am thinking to buy.

I compiled the stuff that I am thinking about buying in a list at Amazon

http://astore.amazon.com/experimental-20

The rumor says, if you buy from the link above, I can earn some money.

Actually, I already have the D50 and 50mm f/1.8 lens and I don't really want to buy a new body soon. But I am really interested in two lenses on the list. (The following links will lead you again to Amazon.com.) The
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
and the
Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

Every Nikon fan is talking about these two.

First post.

This page is used to display my Nikon gears.

Some people like to take pictures. I like to play with cameras and lenses. However, I am still not rich yet. So what I have now is not impressive at all.