a simple lens

[billsstills]

a lens can offer character... the right kind of bokeh for instance


There's a lot more to lens choice than DX or FX... I reckon that many older Nikkor lenses can offer greater photographic outcome.
I have discussed with other members of this forum in the past about New and older Nikon lenses.

The right lens may be the key along with a minds eye to composition.

There should be less technical charts and more photography with equipment available.

I hate technical charts for lenses.

"Take the pictures now then chit chat about them later"


Bill.

[MichaelMoenning]

Originally Posted by billsstills

I reckon that many older Nikkor lenses can offer greater photographic outcome.

Than what? Since the FX cameras have arrived, I have enjoyed revisiting my Nikkor prime lenses:

28mm f/2.8
35mm f/2
50mm f1.4
85mm f/1.4
180mm f2.8.

However, when I look at the pictures I made 20 years ago and equipment used to capture them, compared to what I'm able to do today with today's equipment there's a quantum leap in quality when comparing yesterday to today.

Even with the aforementioned "bag o' primes," I often find myself gravitating toward using my 14-24mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm and leaving my primes in the camera case. The image quality with the new lenses is outstanding and I find the nano-crystal coat to be a huge advantage in image quality on the shorter zooms.

I totally agree with you that there should be more pictures and fewer charts in discussions like these, but count me in as an advocate for today's gear over yesterday's gear.

M

[billsstills]

I don't think that there's anything wrong with modern lenses I am a fan of my new 24-70. I don't think I need the 14-24 Nikkor over my 12-24 Tokina to be honest, it's just my opinion that there's not much in it on my DX cameras. I'm saving for the D3 (I'll leave the D700 for now) not much longer till I order it while my D300 is fine so far.

I just mean that when I look at the results I got from my old 100 2.8 E on my D200 for instance I just feel that there's something there that I'd like to explore further. Some would say that lens was cheap and nasty. But the bokeh I get from it is WOW while I find it quite sharp.

I strongly suggest that anyone whom dismisses older lenses and their potential to add certain character quality to the final result should take another look.
I haven't worked it all out yet but I'm taking more photos to see for myself.

I'm in a mood lately for weddings I use the cheap AF-D 50 1.8 and use "foot zoom" for great results. while on my second camera is my 12-24 Tokina while my business partner uses the new 24-70 on his D700.
We compare results.

[Mark Swindler]

This thread does harken back to using a Leica M4 or M4-P and a 50mm Summicron or Summilux....If I were only Sebastiao Salgado... a 28, 30 or 50.
Oh, well. We are, however, getting a new 50mm 1.4 Nikkor!

Mark S.