Older lenses query

dekeyboy

dekeyboy

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What is the main difference between an AI lens and an AIS lens. What would be the pros and cons (if any) to use these lenses on a Nikon d300?

Wrong section. Could mods please move to talk equipment? Many thanks.
 
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hyeongsoong said:
Manual focus is quite difficult due to the size of the view finder and the fact they are not designed for it.
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I use them on my D700, the larger viewfinder and confirmation dot make it a simpler task than on my D300, but it is not too difficult, you can always switch to live view to focus critical stuff if needed.

It would be easier with a split prism focusing screen, which is a simple DIY job to fit, but I have not felt the need to do so as I have not encountered any problems with the standard set up.

There are some great Ai / AiS lenses out there, one I would recommend is the 105 f2.5, tiny compared to the current AF lenses, but a joy to use and sharp wide open.
 
Thanks for the input Martyn. What is your view on the 135 f2.8 and the f3.5
 
dekeyboy said:
Thanks for the input Martyn. What is your view on the 135 f2.8 and the f3.5
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I have not used them, if you are interested in the AiS lenses, have a read of this thread on FM, most are covered LINK

Also worth a scan of Ken Rockwell's site he has some thoughts on a fair few of the older lenses, whilst not everyones cup of tea he will at least warn you off any outright lemons.
 
I've got a little collection of old Nikon glass to use on my D5000. If you can handle manual focus they are well worth a try. It its a bit harder as SLRS do have dimmer and smaller viewfinders but you can easily review focus on the LCD (live view can work like a big focusing screen). Also you will typically have to work in full manual exposure, but again not a big problem on digital where you can immediately review your exposure and correct as needed.

I would not recommend for sports or fast action for the most part, where auto focus and exposure is very handy. Great for landscape, portrait and macro.

Avoid older non-AI lenses as they will not mount and could damage the camera. Everything AI and later is cool. Ken Rockwell's site has a good compatibility guide which also makes it easy to tell non-AI lenses from ready to spot physical characteristics.

I do quite a bit of aquarium photography. It can be challenging, with small moving objects in weak lighting. I often use manual focus as auto gets thrown off by the glass, plants, rocks and other fish. I recently bought a 40 year old 55mm micro-Nikkor lens. One quarter the cost of a new equivalent (I had given up hoping to afford a macro lends) and from the first time I put it on my shots have improved immensely. Beautiful bit of gear to use - smooth and sharp.
 
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Thank you everyone for your replies, it might be worth trying one, just for the hell of it.
 
They used to be available relatively cheap, but prices have soared recently.

Best of luck sourcing one.
 
MJWC1 said:
I've got a little collection of old Nikon glass to use on my D5000. If you can handle manual focus they are well worth a try. It its a bit harder as SLRS do have dimmer and smaller viewfinders but you can easily review focus on the LCD (live view can work like a big focusing screen). Also you will typically have to work in full manual exposure, but again not a big problem on digital where you can immediately review your exposure and correct as needed.

I would not recommend for sports or fast action for the most part, where auto focus and exposure is very handy. Great for landscape, portrait and macro.

Avoid older non-AI lenses as they will not mount and could damage the camera. Everything AI and later is cool. Ken Rockwell's site has a good compatibility guide which also makes it easy to tell non-AI lenses from ready to spot physical characteristics.

I do quite a bit of aquarium photography. It can be challenging, with small moving objects in weak lighting. I often use manual focus as auto gets thrown off by the glass, plants, rocks and other fish. I recently bought a 40 year old 55mm micro-Nikkor lens. One quarter the cost of a new equivalent (I had given up hoping to afford a macro lends) and from the first time I put it on my shots have improved immensely. Beautiful bit of gear to use - smooth and sharp.
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The old 55mm Micro Nikkor was - and still is - a lovely lens. I've used it as a standard lens too, although the f3.5 maximum aperture is quite slow compared with the usual f1.4 - f2.0 alternatives.
 
I have two 135mm F2.8 Nikkors. One & AIS & the other an AI. I have never tried one with digital so can't say whether they suffer from any issues but with film they are lovely. Very sharp & easy to focus. I have read that the F3.5 is good also.

I was lucky enough to pick up most of my Nikkor primes up years ago off of ebay when they were peanuts because nobody wanted them. I paid £30 for the AIS 135mm in close to mint condition. Now they go for 3 to 4 times that amount.
 
Another vote for the 105mm f2.5 great little lens. However don't forget about the Series E 100mm f2.8 either. It is another cracker. And if you spot a 75-150 f3.5 grab it as well...

All work great on my D7000, I like the focus confirmation. But they are even nicer on my fm2n or fe.
 
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