This is the infamous Samyang/Vivitar/Bower, etc lens that has been creating quite a buzz since its introduction. First thing first, DO NOT BUY this lens if you're a beginner. The reasons being:
1. This is a manual focus lens. 2. It will not meter on the low, mid-range DSLR (D40 -->D90) so u have to guesstimate the exposure urself in manual mode. It will meter on the D200 and above.
Reviews are all over the internet if you want to look (DPReview, Flickr). The conclusion is that comparing to the Nikkor 85mm 1.4, this lens is almost as sharp wide open, stopping down, it's not as sharp but still very respectable. Given that the Nikkor costs over a grand, this lens is worth checking out.
Just curious about #2. Why won't it meter on some of the lesser cameras? E.g. the D80 has the same sensor and either equal or slightly lesser metering as the D200, and the D90 is possibly much better at metering than the D200 and has more in common with the D300. Just looking for specifics, so I know why this wouldn't work on my D80.
JamesInLV said: Just curious about #2. Why won't it meter on some of the lesser cameras? E.g. the D80 has the same sensor and either equal or slightly lesser metering as the D200, and the D90 is possibly much better at metering than the D200 and has more in common with the D300. Just looking for specifics, so I know why this wouldn't work on my D80.
this is actually a nikon problem. they do not want to embed the metering with AI lenses on their lower-end bodies.
Compatible Lenses 1) DX AF NIKKOR: All functions possible 2) D-/G-type AF NIKKOR (excluding IX NIKKORlenses): All functions possible (excluding PC Micro- NIKKOR) 3) AF NIKKOR other than D-/G-type (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions except 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible 4) AI-P NIKKOR: All functions except Autofocus, 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible 5) Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure modes A and M but exposure meter does not function. Electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is 5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides
not sure about nikon mounts, but in canon mounts they have thouse metal touch pins, those r used to communicate body and lens for focus etc. when speed drops down to certain point it will automatically switch to manual, so u need to tape some of the pin to hack it. but be careful the reason they do this is auto focus in low light will cause the motor to run much harder in lens and might damage it since sometimes it will just keep searching.
ghostman
Senior Member
posted: Nov. 19, 2009 @ 9:25p
I don't see the Canon mount there, but a manual Nikon mount lens should still work nicely on a Canon camera. You'd just need the adapter for it. I consider myself a camera hobbyist and have dabbled with manual-focus lenses on my Canon XTi. I have a SMC Takumar 50mm 1.4, Nikon E Series 50mm 1.8 and a few others. I must say, even with an adjustable AF chip, manual-focus lenses are tough to get used to.
I actually shoot all my macros with a manual focus lens and its amazingly sharp. Its a Vivitar Series 1 90mm its at least 30 years old. So if you scared to get a manual focus lens see here for my results.
The metering on this lens should be a non-issue. This is a portrait lens and figuring exposure is relatively easy, especially when you're taking still images on a digital camera where you can take test shots and compensate. This is a decent lens, although with its limitations I'd probably look for an old Vivitar Series 1 85mm lens and and adapter ring or something comparable. There's a lot to be said about the older lenses for portrait work. Remember, for portraits you're more concerned about color rendition and bokeh than you are about sharpness. There's a reason a lot of the older Russian lenses are considered some of the best portrait lenses of all time, and it's not because they're sharp (because they're not).
Lucky all you Canon guys/gals who got this. Good deal for all you Nikon and Sony people. On Crop sensors its like having a 125-135mm lense that is super fast. I want to cry, because I did not get one in on this deal!!! :=(
I have more digital cameras than I need, and also a lot of old 35mm Nikon manual focus lenses, most of which I'll probably never use again. I'm guessing some of the better and more recent Nikon digital bodies will accept old Nikon manual focus lenses, albeit with some limitations.
For anyone with a Nikon digital camera body accepting the old AI type 35mm lenses, take a close look at the Nikon 75-150mm f/3.5 Series E. It will run rings around practically another other budget portrait zoom.
Galen Rowell used this lens for his very famous Dali Lama Tibetan rainbow shot.
These are available on e.Bay for a song--considering their quality--but getting scarcer by the day. I used to have two; fortunately I kept one. If buying one, make sure the barrel isn't too "loose."
rjr311
Member
posted: Nov. 20, 2009 @ 6:41p
get the new 35mm nikon f/1.8 ... $200 and it is DX AF-S
novon
New Member
posted: Nov. 25, 2009 @ 4:50p
Why is the price $260 for nikon? How did you get $200?
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