+Mike Sullivan I honestly was just making a list before the video and was going to comment to Ken when i saw you did all the work already! lol i'll double check mine. Thank you
+Mike Sullivan I added a little more information to the list you provided and put it in the order are mentioned in the video. Thanks, Mike! Nikon 300mm f/4.5 ais ED-IF, manual focus -- $150-200 used Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D -- $600 used Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6g VR -- $300+ used Nikon 180mm f/2.8 AF-D -- $300 used Nikon 200mm f/4 ai, manual focus -- $70-80 used Tokina 100mm f/2.8 macro -- $380 new Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8 AF-D -- $200 used Nikon 135mm f/3.5 ai -- $120-130 used Nikon 60mm f/2.8 AF-D macro -- $180 used Nikon 105mm f/2.5 ai -- $?? Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5g VR -- $200-225 used Nikon 35mm f/2 AF-D -- $250-260 used Nikon 35mm f/1.8g DX -- $200 new, $125 used Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E -- $?? Nikon 50mm f/1.4 ais, manual focus -- $120-130 used
upon your recommendation have started to assemble a collection similar to this one. some exceptions. 35 2.8, 50 pancake, 135 3.5, 200 4, 80-200 (pre D)... had issues with the 200. couldn't get it to focus past 300 ft. got another one on order. great video.
hi ken i have been watching plenty of your videos. i believe that you have the most honest reviews than any pro photographers that i watch here in youtube... i am a in the process of learning my d5300 camera and starting to invest on lenses one at a time... what would be the best lenses for my camera? i am trying to invest lenses for weddings and parties... i am a nearsighted person also so its hard for me to manual fucos but i do shoot now in manual mode on my kitlens and camera body... am i on the right track on lenses that i have in mind? 12-24mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8, 100mm 2.8 tokina lens...and 50mm f1.4 or 1.8 g? i hope you can read my comment here and could help me on my journey as photographer...
To be honest ,The af35-70f2.8 d and non d are dodgy now as the inner elements get cloudy from delamination and its very common as it can happen suddenly with sudden change in higher temperature .
Just picked up the 35mm f/2 again, don't know why I ever got rid of it in the first place. Absolutely love this one. The only leness i'm missing from my stable are the 20mm f/2.8 and the 180mm f/2.8 and i'm good for a while. Possibly a 300mm f/2.8 af or even the ais then I'm done for the next couple of years. that completes me, as far as lenses are concerned.
Is the 16mm Nikkor is good for FX as the 10.5mm Nikkor is for DX? Is the quality of both of these lenses about the same? Will Adobe LIghtroom take the distortion of out of them? I know Nikon Capture used to be able to take the distortion out of the 10.5. I found Nikon software to be painfully slow.
it is yes, i own both, its far cheaper to just buy the 10.5mm for the FX camera as well……both are nearly identical i cant tell a diff yes, but WHY take the distortion out…….thats part of its charm
Theoria Apophasis Sometimes charm is good and sometimes I can live without it. I am debating if I want to get the 16mm and put it on my D800 or the 10.5 and put it on my D500
Theoria Apophasis I read something about a filter that comes with the 16mm that goes in the back of the lens. There is a 10.5mm on ebay for $430 open box type thing. Supposed to be new condition.
First off love you’re videos! But I have to ask 60mm Nikon or 100mm Tokina ? I’m looking to do some macro shots on a D7000 but also most of my pictures are of my kids and just stuff hehe . I have a 50mm 1.8 a 180mm 2.8 and the 18-105 kit lens .
I've been watching your videos for a while now. Excellent information. My hunch was that your lens quality accuracy was spot on and I could trust you.. I was looking for a 50 mm and your first lens I took your offer up on was the 50 mm 1.8 E series.(I imagine the 50 mm 1.8 G might be equally as good however after shooting mirrorless for a couple of years now I've grown to have a love for a all manual lens. And OMG I am shooting it on my D700 and it is absolutely unbelievable. I have something I would describe as a disease in which case I find myself typically unable to shoot anything other than wide open so my lenses have to be decent or else I will just deal with a indecent wide open shot. LOL. I am not on my computer so maybe I can find it on there but I have not been able to find a link underneath your videos where I can contribute to show my appreciation. Please inform. Thanks again I think my last Lens I will add to my kit will be the 180 2.8
I want to be able to shoot prom pictures, outdoors, full light, from some distance, and nice blurred background on a D7000. I have the 35mm 1.8, the Tokina 100, and the Nikon 80-200 2.8. Was thinking of something between 50-80 or 135? I think I have to be too close for 35mm.
I just bought the Nikon AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (non VR) New for $100 with a $30 coupon discount, is it the same quality as the VR you always recommend? I read a review that said it was identical but without the VR? Any idea?
Oh I miss read the article, the comparison was with the ED version kenrockwell.com/nikon/70300g.htm . Still I checked flickr to see what photos looked like and it's certainly capable of good IQ shots at the long end. I was very surprised some of the shots were amazing at 300mm for $130 lens.
omg I see you this time. Also, thanks for you honest coverage of lenses and for encouraging the use of used and older, great performing lenses. I will most likely get a lot of those you mentioned, the 35-70, 70-300, and the 55mm 2.8 AIS (the 55mm you covered in a previous vid). You are helping a lot wince I'm kinda on a budget and am going to be getting a body and the lenses all at once; I'm ne wto photography but want to do the gear part right! Thanks again!
Very insightful and entertaining videos. Photography has been a passion and hobby since the 60’s. Do not a pro. I am in IT for about 40 years. I had been shooting Nikon DX (d300s) for years, most of my class except the 50mm are DX. I have switched over to the Z5 and have some Z lenses. I just had an opportunity to get a d700 with low mileage. It has that nice heavy beefy camera feel just like my d300s. This will be more of a part time camera and I am looking for a few lenses without breaking the bank. I have the 50. I was thinking about another longer prime and all purpose zoom. I saw your review of the 35-70. Any other suggestions would be welcome. I shoot mostly people and scenery sometimes. I like Dallas but not a very scenic place. Keep up the funny videos. On these crazy times laughter is healing
I got a 300mm f4.5 used thinking it was an AI but when it came it's min aperture is 22 leading me to believe its actually a pre-AI. Is it worth keeping or should I return it and hunt for an ED-IF AI?
easy there for $500, Tokina 100mm 2.8 for macro and portrait (perfect for both) and depends on HOW wide for landscape.....but since theres only $200 left, the nikkor 35mm F2 D AF (used mint on ebay)
Jeoffrey Enerva. you might give the sigma 18-250 macro a try.great for close work and a dood tele photo .a great all purpose lens lens. i know the angry photographer hates sigma. ps the sigma 17-50 2.8 os is a very good lens for $369 vs nikon at $1500 .
So I bought a 35-70mm on ebay yesterday and I am anxiously waiting for it, excited for that. Also are the older versions of the 80-200mm D any good? Is see a few of these going for $350 on ebay.
Theoria Apophasis Damn you, and thank you. I just bought that one off of ebay too... I'm gonna go broke with your recommendations, hahaha. Love your channel by the way, I've only known about you for about three days and you've already managed to take most of those days and shove me with a whole lot of info.
Theoria Apophasis One last little question, I found a 135mm f/3.5 for $70 on craigslist, (the lens almost looks like a light saber) should I spend my money on that one?
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6g VR or Nikon 135mm f/3.5 ai for my d7100?? not really intending to use for wildlife/action... want a tele for portrait/landscape/street..cant decide! i was decided on the 70-300 until i saw ur depth rendition vidz (which were awesome and makes sense). so pls suggest with ur reason. thanku
hey i have a d5200 with the kit lens and now i want to upgrade but I'm really confused between prime and zoom...please recomend one zoom and one prime budget lens
Borrowed my mother's 70-300 and I've gotta tell you I absolutely love it. I put it on par with the sharpness and image quality of the 24-85 3.5-4.5. Which is prett dang good. I've got to admit I didn't give this lens a chance because I was under the spell of DXO when I first started researching about lenses and they rated this lens only one point more than the 55-200 which I already had and knew was garbage. Thanks for the recommendation Ken.
Tommy Jonas Yes...I would. I have both and both are great in my humble opinion. The 50 won't be wide enough for general use but it takes pretty good portraits. I find the 35 to be wide enough for most general use and it too takes pretty good portrait shots.
Thanks for the feedback wanted to make sure that I was getting bang for my buck. The 50mm has served me well but I tested the 35mm in best buy today and the wider angle is awesome especially for wedding shots
Siegfried Landes the 80-200 in this clip is AF-D and the newest version is AF-S. Unless your body is D5xxx or D3xxx or dont have AF motor built in so buy the AF-s, buy the AF-D for cheaper and less plastic in it
Care to sell one of your 'spare' 180mm f2.8's? Actually I am still trying to find a decently priced 300mm f4.5. And as another poster mentioned, finding a 35-70mm is not easy either. I bought the Tokina the other week. Loving it so far.
Ken, I just picked up a D7100 and I am looking to get two lenses to get started. I would like something that would cover the lower spectrum of 18 - 70mm and a good portrait lens. I currently have the Nikkon 105mm lens that you have in this video, would it be worth getting rid of it in favor of the Tokina? What is your personal recommendation?
@Theoria Apophasis just got a D7100 and unfortunately couldnt get rid of the kit 18-55 from the 2 lens bundle (other one being 55-300mm). I am planning to keep the 55-300 for now. But want to get rid of the 18-55 but instead get a fast zoom lens, that i can use for landscapes as well as potraits. Any recommendations ? Thanks for the awesome down to earth video :)
+nirmal g well the world is littered with that cheapie 18-55, getting rid of it is HARD, because EVERYONE else tries to also just consider it a freebie knock around lens or gift it to someone
I didn't have the dough for the 80-200 f/2.8 unfortunately but i was able to snag the older f/4 model which i just received today and haven't shot too much on it but it is in great condition and from what i have done looks pretty awesome. My one gripe, and i already pretty much knew this is that it is a heavy sucker. It is the same weight as my camera and such, at 80 i can hand hold/focus etc, however when i get toward 200 i cannot hold it still for the life of me its just long heavy/awkward-So i'd like to get a tripod collar for the telephoto range, however being an old ass lens it is not available so do you have any recommendations for me Ken? I measured it with a slightly inaccurate wood school ruler and the only place i can see attaching a collar which would be right after the Aperture ring is around 5.8cm. The only thing i can think of is get a slightly larger one and shim it with something, i know either way i'm going to lose the end of my range but the lens struggles there anyway and I'd rather have a usable ~170mm than a fuzzy 200mm. +Theoria Apophasis
Yea from what I've found so far my only option is to find a larger diameter collar made for a recent lens by an off brand on amazon and somehow shim it on. I wouldn't mind putting it on the larger (wide) part of the lens and zooming in and out with the whole camera-though that'd be annoying, the bigger problem is focusing is done with the wide part and my camera would be spinning as i focus lol. I don't understand why Nikon did not include a damn tripod collar with it i mean really its nearly a 2lb lens extending out 6 1/2" from the mount! Oh boy, heavy solid metal old lens problems **yea nevermind, i'm looking at the lens and even if i jury rigged a lens collar I'd lose a lot more range than i originally thought as the lens zooms, the range just about doubles every mark...90,105,135,200 so i'd be stuck with a 80-135 best case scenario and just- no.. I'll have to be careful and learn to use it as is.. i am now understanding why no tripod collar is or was available for this particular lens
Watching this in 2024 I have realised I have 7 of these lenses featured 50mm 1.4 ais , 60mm pre D , 135mm 3.5 , 200 4.0 , 180 2.8 & tokina 100mm 2.8 & 75-300 VR G (the only one bought new in 2010) , a excellent video.
Hey man, my 85mm 1.8 is"stuck", the aperture won't change. Can you give some advice on what to do? I can't afford to send it to Nikon, hoping there's a diy trick somewhere.
LOVING the tokina 100mm 2.8 on D810. Fantastic stuff. Someone behind the counter at my local camera shop suggested Tokina is coming out with a new version of this lens. Odd that he was trying to dissuade from buying it. Have you heard anything about a new tokina 100mm? also want to echo everyone on the 70-300 vr-g. great zoom to carry around.
I’m getting the D7200, it’s offered with the 18-140 but it looks like it’s made entirely of plastic, can you recommend a better lens even if it’s more money within that focal length and do you think that tamron or sigma have a better lens? Thank you.
+RickBSO its not the plastic thats the issue , rather that isnt a very good lens. sigma is total junk. the good tamrons are not cheap. 18-200 VR2 nikkor G series
+RickBSO its not the plastic thats the issue , rather that isnt a very good lens. sigma is total junk. the good tamrons are not cheap. 18-200 VR2 nikkor G series
im battling myself right now trying to decide between the 35mm 1.8G or the 50mm 1.8G on a D7100. i want what ever will give be the most versatility. what do you think?
good to know question, should I keep my kit lens and other shitty lenses that I have? before I came across this channel, I bought 70-135 like you recommend and its fantastic at the fraction of the price. Keep up the good work, love channel
+Theoria Apophasis I bought mine about a thousand dollars brand new and I just love it... Just hard to find a second hand here in my place but great review right there... been watching your videos a lot! thanks.
I have been shopping around for the 70-300mm vrg. G meaning G Glass? I see all kinds VR but ED. Is that lens the good one? BTW Your vids really make laugh. Keep kicking ass.
Hello, my name is Luis and I am an amateur photographer. Question about using Nikon "Pre/Non AI" lenses in digital cameras. I want to buy a "modern" Nikon camera that accepts my Nikon "Pre/Non" AI lenses and the Nikon DF is the only one, all the others of my interest (D700/D3x/D3x/D750) do not accept these lenses. I have some Pre/Non Lenses, with my collection of Nikon F and also, they are cheaper than AI and AI-s, not to mention Auto-Focus. But the Nikon DF is a very expensive camera, even used. Do you think it would be better for me to buy a cheaper camera, like the D700 and some more AI/AI's lenses, or invest a little more, buy a Nikon DF and abuse the good prices of these legacy lenses (Pre/Non)?
Theoria Apophasis thanks mate.. You are too young in quikly responding to any questions :-). I am living in India, getting good used lens is a almost impossible here. I'm having D7100, tokina 11-16 2.8, Nikon 35mm DX and Tamron 90mm vc. I'm planning to add a nice portrait prime. What would your recommendation? Tamron 90 is too telephoto for liking and Nikkor 35 has distortion (for my eyes) for portrait use.
Theoria Apophasis with my tamron 90mm, I'm always ending up with close up portraits.. It looks beautiful.. But, when I try to frame the shot with some background. It doesn't look pleasing to eyes... There was not much separation between background and subject. May be that is the ken's theory of renditional distortion..:-). And saying that, for macro works and close up portraits I love this lens. I would like to know your opinion on this tamron 90 vc..
Theoria Apophasis Hi Ken, yesterday I grabbed a minty 50mm AI for $80. I absolutely the love the photos coming out of it.. Amazing sharpness and 3d like image... And manual focus on this is an absolute pleasure...
+Theoria Apophasis - Thank you (again). Obviously, I meant the 300mm f4 (not 30mm). Pleasantly surprised by the number of 300mm f4 on the market. Just purchased 70-300mm VR and waiting for it to be delivered. Will see if I need more than 1 stop (f5.6 → f4) ... because I can't justify the 300mm f2.8. Take care.
oops, funny what a year of lust will do: just purchased 300mm f2.8! Still love the 70-300mm VR and have put approximately 25,000 pictures on them at the kids' soccer games. For the money, great day time lens with more than fast enough AF! Thanks again!
Thanks you for the video. My question is do you have a list of the lenses you're describing somewhere. I'm not that familiar with Nikon lenses and want to make sure I am looking up the right lens.
Your insurance must be astronomical. Are all the 300 f4.5 ED-IF tripod collars in Nikkor heaven or something? Can't find one, been using my 300 Ais collar but it's not the same.
@Theoria Apophasis I am surprised you have the 35mm 1.8G on here not because its not awesome or anything but it was the first lens i purchased outside of kit! I love it though, and it is literally the cheapest new, DX lens Nikon makes and i put it now in front of my D7100 and it is even more amazing without the OLPF my old cam had. Looking forward to trying some of these screw drive lenses!
Looking to make the switch from Canon to Nikon here soon. Most likely picking up that d500 for wildlife photography. Great selection of lenses. Made researching so much simpler. Thanks!
Great video! Are all these lenses compatible with the D700? Also, if you were to buy only two or three of these lenses, for portrait work mainly, which ones would you buy? Thanks :)
I bought 180mm f2.8D IF ED for £400 mint condition.Now i have 105mm f2.5,135mm f3.5,50mm f1.8 Pancake,70-210 E Series and 28mm F2.8 (all AIS versions) and 180mm F2.8D.What else you can make me buy Ken?I don't think i need anything else 😂
Hi there! I just wanted to give a bit of helpful insight if I can. I am new to DSLR cameras and lens. In fact I don't own a camera or a lens yet though I have one in mind. Anyways watching your video I will say that this video would have been more useful to me in particular if you had given examples of specific photography you would use each lens for while you were explaining the specifications. I don't really know what all of those specifications you are saying mean yet so I am left clueless myself as to the actual value of each lens to myself. Or maybe you could do a video about great lens for beginners?? =D
For most of the manual focus lenses you recommend does it matter if you get the AI or the AI-S version? I just snagged a 200mm f4 AI from japan off of ebay. Any feelings about the 85mm f2 ai?
For those of you that wanted a list (in order):
Nikkor 300mm f/4.5 ED IF
Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D
Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 AF-S VR G
Nikkor 180mm f/2.8D IF-ED
Nikkor 200mm f/4 AIS
Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X
Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D
Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 AIS
Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 Macro
Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 AIS
Nikkor 24-85mm VR G
Nikkor 35mm f/2D
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8D AF-S DX
Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 Pancake
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 Pancake AIS
Thank you
Thanks so much for compiling the list in writing!
Thank you much appreciated
KEN'S 15 Top value best lenses for Nikon DSLR
Nikon 300mm f/4.5 ais ED-IF
Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6g VR
Nikon 180mm f/2.8 AF-D
Nikon 200mm f/4 ai
Nikon 135mm f/3.5 ai
Nikon 105mm f/2.5 ai
Tokina 100mm f/2.8 macro
Nikon 60mm f/2.8 AF-D micro
Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8 AF-D
Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5g VR
Nikon 50mm f/1.4 ais
Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E
Nikon 35mm f/2 AF-D
Nikon 35mm f/1.8g DX
Mike Sullivan badda bing :P
+Theoria Apophasis what about 28-70 2.8. can you tell us something about it?! tnx
+Mike Sullivan I honestly was just making a list before the video and was going to comment to Ken when i saw you did all the work already! lol i'll double check mine. Thank you
+Mike Sullivan I added a little more information to the list you provided and put it in the order are mentioned in the video. Thanks, Mike!
Nikon 300mm f/4.5 ais ED-IF, manual focus -- $150-200 used
Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D -- $600 used
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6g VR -- $300+ used
Nikon 180mm f/2.8 AF-D -- $300 used
Nikon 200mm f/4 ai, manual focus -- $70-80 used
Tokina 100mm f/2.8 macro -- $380 new
Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8 AF-D -- $200 used
Nikon 135mm f/3.5 ai -- $120-130 used
Nikon 60mm f/2.8 AF-D macro -- $180 used
Nikon 105mm f/2.5 ai -- $??
Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5g VR -- $200-225 used
Nikon 35mm f/2 AF-D -- $250-260 used
Nikon 35mm f/1.8g DX -- $200 new, $125 used
Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E -- $??
Nikon 50mm f/1.4 ais, manual focus -- $120-130 used
U got all those ?
would be rad if you had lenses and links in your description
Nikkor 85mm 1.8? Love it for portrait on DX, way better value than 1.4
Wow but how about the Nikon 18 to 105 lens.
upon your recommendation have started to assemble a collection similar to this one. some exceptions. 35 2.8, 50 pancake, 135 3.5, 200 4, 80-200 (pre D)... had issues with the 200. couldn't get it to focus past 300 ft. got another one on order. great video.
what about the 24-85 f2.8 af-d lens ?? should I go for the VR or AF-D f2.8
hi ken i have been watching plenty of your videos. i believe that you have the most honest reviews than any pro photographers that i watch here in youtube... i am a in the process of learning my d5300 camera and starting to invest on lenses one at a time... what would be the best lenses for my camera? i am trying to invest lenses for weddings and parties... i am a nearsighted person also so its hard for me to manual fucos but i do shoot now in manual mode on my kitlens and camera body... am i on the right track on lenses that i have in mind? 12-24mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8, 100mm 2.8 tokina lens...and 50mm f1.4 or 1.8 g? i hope you can read my comment here and could help me on my journey as photographer...
which 70 200 2.8???
To be honest ,The af35-70f2.8 d and non d are dodgy now as the inner elements get cloudy from delamination and its very common as it can happen suddenly with sudden change in higher temperature .
Any similar opinions/recommendations on the Canon side?
Just picked up the 35mm f/2 again, don't know why I ever got rid of it in the first place. Absolutely love this one. The only leness i'm missing from my stable are the 20mm f/2.8 and the 180mm f/2.8 and i'm good for a while. Possibly a 300mm f/2.8 af or even the ais then I'm done for the next couple of years. that completes me, as far as lenses are concerned.
Is the 16mm Nikkor is good for FX as the 10.5mm Nikkor is for DX? Is the quality of both of these lenses about the same? Will Adobe LIghtroom take the distortion of out of them? I know Nikon Capture used to be able to take the distortion out of the 10.5. I found Nikon software to be painfully slow.
it is yes, i own both, its far cheaper to just buy the 10.5mm for the FX camera as well……both are nearly identical i cant tell a diff
yes, but WHY take the distortion out…….thats part of its charm
Theoria Apophasis Sometimes charm is good and sometimes I can live without it. I am debating if I want to get the 16mm and put it on my D800 or the 10.5 and put it on my D500
Theoria Apophasis I read something about a filter that comes with the 16mm that goes in the back of the lens. There is a 10.5mm on ebay for $430 open box type thing. Supposed to be new condition.
First off love you’re videos! But I have to ask 60mm Nikon or 100mm Tokina ? I’m looking to do some macro shots on a D7000 but also most of my pictures are of my kids and just stuff hehe . I have a 50mm 1.8 a 180mm 2.8 and the 18-105 kit lens .
Do you recommend the 180mm or the 300mm for outdoor portraits? I already have the 100mm Tokina.
still great list many years later. was wondering why 85mm 1.8 did not make the list though
I've been watching your videos for a while now. Excellent information. My hunch was that your lens quality accuracy was spot on and I could trust you.. I was looking for a 50 mm and your first lens I took your offer up on was the 50 mm 1.8 E series.(I imagine the 50 mm 1.8 G might be equally as good however after shooting mirrorless for a couple of years now I've grown to have a love for a all manual lens. And OMG I am shooting it on my D700 and it is absolutely unbelievable. I have something I would describe as a disease in which case I find myself typically unable to shoot anything other than wide open so my lenses have to be decent or else I will just deal with a indecent wide open shot. LOL. I am not on my computer so maybe I can find it on there but I have not been able to find a link underneath your videos where I can contribute to show my appreciation. Please inform. Thanks again I think my last Lens I will add to my kit will be the 180 2.8
I want to be able to shoot prom pictures, outdoors, full light, from some distance, and nice blurred background on a D7000. I have the 35mm 1.8, the Tokina 100, and the Nikon 80-200 2.8. Was thinking of something between 50-80 or 135? I think I have to be too close for 35mm.
I got the Tokina on your recommendation, what other non Nikon lenses are good?
@@polocash11 I bought almost all the lens recommended by Ken and all are excellent but 'Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f/1.4 SL II S AI-S Lens' is special.
I just bought the Nikon AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens (non VR) New for $100 with a $30 coupon discount, is it the same quality as the VR you always recommend? I read a review that said it was identical but without the VR? Any idea?
the VR G version
no, its not the same :/ who told you that?
Oh I miss read the article, the comparison was with the ED version kenrockwell.com/nikon/70300g.htm . Still I checked flickr to see what photos looked like and it's certainly capable of good IQ shots at the long end. I was very surprised some of the shots were amazing at 300mm for $130 lens.
Hi, Ken,
If you have to choose one mid range zoom from 35-70 2.8 and 24-85 VR 3.5-4.5 G, which one would you pick?
Thanks!
24-85 vr, great lens for the money. I owned it and am about to buy it again.
Is the 50mm f1.4 AF D lens as good as AIS?
omg I see you this time. Also, thanks for you honest coverage of lenses and for encouraging the use of used and older, great performing lenses. I will most likely get a lot of those you mentioned, the 35-70, 70-300, and the 55mm 2.8 AIS (the 55mm you covered in a previous vid). You are helping a lot wince I'm kinda on a budget and am going to be getting a body and the lenses all at once; I'm ne wto photography but want to do the gear part right! Thanks again!
Would you mind posting a list with the lenses and price ranges you quoted? Awesome video! Thank you!
Very insightful and entertaining videos. Photography has been a passion and hobby since the 60’s. Do not a pro. I am in IT for about 40 years. I had been shooting Nikon DX (d300s) for years, most of my class except the 50mm are DX. I have switched over to the Z5 and have some Z lenses. I just had an opportunity to get a d700 with low mileage. It has that nice heavy beefy camera feel just like my d300s. This will be more of a part time camera and I am looking for a few lenses without breaking the bank. I have the 50. I was thinking about another longer prime and all purpose zoom. I saw your review of the 35-70. Any other suggestions would be welcome. I shoot mostly people and scenery sometimes. I like Dallas but not a very scenic place. Keep up the funny videos. On these crazy times laughter is healing
I got a 300mm f4.5 used thinking it was an AI but when it came it's min aperture is 22 leading me to believe its actually a pre-AI. Is it worth keeping or should I return it and hunt for an ED-IF AI?
Does this list change at all if you have a crop sensor?
for beginner like me i bought d7100, and i'm working on a budget which two lenses you recommend to buy first just to get me started?
+Jeoffrey Enerva what budget and for WHAT USE?
portrait, landscape and macro photography, will $500 be ok?
easy there for $500, Tokina 100mm 2.8 for macro and portrait (perfect for both)
and depends on HOW wide for landscape.....but since theres only $200 left, the nikkor 35mm F2 D AF (used mint on ebay)
thanks for your advised, and time to answer my questioned...i hope to learn more from you..
Jeoffrey Enerva. you might give the sigma 18-250 macro a try.great for close work and a dood tele photo .a great all purpose lens lens. i know the angry photographer hates sigma. ps the sigma 17-50 2.8 os is a very good lens for $369 vs nikon at $1500 .
So I bought a 35-70mm on ebay yesterday and I am anxiously waiting for it, excited for that. Also are the older versions of the 80-200mm D any good? Is see a few of these going for $350 on ebay.
Adolfo Carrillo those are older push pulls, theyre "OK"< but if you can swing $600 for the NEWEST 80 200, get it.
Theoria Apophasis Damn you, and thank you. I just bought that one off of ebay too... I'm gonna go broke with your recommendations, hahaha. Love your channel by the way, I've only known about you for about three days and you've already managed to take most of those days and shove me with a whole lot of info.
Theoria Apophasis One last little question, I found a 135mm f/3.5 for $70 on craigslist, (the lens almost looks like a light saber) should I spend my money on that one?
are you kidding? hell yes :P
I love you man love your videos
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6g VR or Nikon 135mm f/3.5 ai for my d7100?? not really intending to use for wildlife/action... want a tele for portrait/landscape/street..cant decide! i was decided on the 70-300 until i saw ur depth rendition vidz (which were awesome and makes sense). so pls suggest with ur reason. thanku
hey i have a d5200 with the kit lens and now i want to upgrade but I'm really confused between prime and zoom...please recomend one zoom and one prime budget lens
Zoom, 18-200, prime 60mm 2.8
Borrowed my mother's 70-300 and I've gotta tell you I absolutely love it. I put it on par with the sharpness and image quality of the 24-85 3.5-4.5. Which is prett dang good.
I've got to admit I didn't give this lens a chance because I was under the spell of DXO when I first started researching about lenses and they rated this lens only one point more than the 55-200 which I already had and knew was garbage.
Thanks for the recommendation Ken.
Geoff Bosco DXO are smoking crack, nobody there has a brain at all. ROFL.
fist bump :P
Theoria Apophasis Unfortunately it took me too long to realize that for myself. lol
hehehehe, they pimping their software and new camera, theyre dogs and liars.
hes on crack
Alberts Kuks please tell me you have a link. Lol I don't want to believe anyone is this blind/ignorant/deceptive/what have you.
For a person who owns the 50mm 1.8G already do you think it would be wise to purchase the 35mm 1.8 also mentioned in this video?
Tommy Jonas Yes...I would. I have both and both are great in my humble opinion. The 50 won't be wide enough for general use but it takes pretty good portraits. I find the 35 to be wide enough for most general use and it too takes pretty good portrait shots.
Thanks for the feedback wanted to make sure that I was getting bang for my buck. The 50mm has served me well but I tested the 35mm in best buy today and the wider angle is awesome especially for wedding shots
Tommy Jonas oh hell yes, its so cheap too.
is the 80-200 one touch, two touch, or if ed
Which 80-200 2.8 do you recommend or how can I tell which is which and is this different to the 80-200mm 2.8 with AFS
Siegfried Landes the newest one, just the newest one
Siegfried Landes the 80-200 in this clip is AF-D and the newest version is AF-S. Unless your body is D5xxx or D3xxx or dont have AF motor built in so buy the AF-s, buy the AF-D for cheaper and less plastic in it
Would you recommend the Nikon 28-105mm. f/3.5-4.5.D. I need something in this range for my D610, and my D7100.
+Allan Busta no , its a poopy lens :)
What about 24-85 f2.8 D IF ? I need a mid range zoom as single travel lens coupled with d750. is it worth it or better go with 24-85 Vr G 3.5?
Hey Ken what are your thoughts on the Samyang/Rokinon f/1.4 lenses such as the 85mm 1.4 or 35mm 1.4? Are they worth the money?
+OminousKill JUNK
Hi Ken, I got my D700, can you recommend some lenses? I got only the 50 mm f1.8 G, sports, some events landscape portraits.
Can anyone tell me if canon has some similar set of lenses? great video ken!
Brilliant and extremely valuable advice from The Master. Thank you very much for taking the time to put this out for all of us Nikon shooters!
Care to sell one of your 'spare' 180mm f2.8's? Actually I am still trying to find a decently priced 300mm f4.5. And as another poster mentioned, finding a 35-70mm is not easy either. I bought the Tokina the other week. Loving it so far.
Oliver Findlay hommie doesnt sell lenses :P
Hhahahahah
TOKINA AWESOME :P
Ken, I just picked up a D7100 and I am looking to get two lenses to get started. I would like something that would cover the lower spectrum of 18 - 70mm and a good portrait lens. I currently have the Nikkon 105mm lens that you have in this video, would it be worth getting rid of it in favor of the Tokina? What is your personal recommendation?
You are a photoGod and great inspiration for many photography novices! many thanks
@Theoria Apophasis just got a D7100 and unfortunately couldnt get rid of the kit 18-55 from the 2 lens bundle (other one being 55-300mm). I am planning to keep the 55-300 for now. But want to get rid of the 18-55 but instead get a fast zoom lens, that i can use for landscapes as well as potraits. Any recommendations ? Thanks for the awesome down to earth video :)
+nirmal g well the world is littered with that cheapie 18-55, getting rid of it is HARD, because EVERYONE else tries to also
just consider it a freebie knock around lens or gift it to someone
what pro grade lens would you recommend for doing short films on a canon 70 d crop sensor?
+williamjver you asked about canon, i cant be of help , hehehe
I picked up a 50mm 1.4 AF D Made in Japan for $152. I like the AIs too, but decided that the autofocus was worth the extra expense.
Of these which would you recommend for food/table top work? DX.
***** lens or camera? you said DX
perfect repro and macro lens, 60mm 2.8 D Nikkor.
lens, thanks
By any chance have you Theoria used the Tokina 11-16mm F 28? Just wondering if it is a great lens as some people rate it online.
+henrysitube it is a great lens, its ONE of only TWO Tokinas i can recommend
I didn't have the dough for the 80-200 f/2.8 unfortunately but i was able to snag the older f/4 model which i just received today and haven't shot too much on it but it is in great condition and from what i have done looks pretty awesome. My one gripe, and i already pretty much knew this is that it is a heavy sucker. It is the same weight as my camera and such, at 80 i can hand hold/focus etc, however when i get toward 200 i cannot hold it still for the life of me its just long heavy/awkward-So i'd like to get a tripod collar for the telephoto range, however being an old ass lens it is not available so do you have any recommendations for me Ken? I measured it with a slightly inaccurate wood school ruler and the only place i can see attaching a collar which would be right after the Aperture ring is around 5.8cm. The only thing i can think of is get a slightly larger one and shim it with something, i know either way i'm going to lose the end of my range but the lens struggles there anyway and I'd rather have a usable ~170mm than a fuzzy 200mm. +Theoria Apophasis
+Mark Acevedo finding tripod / monopod collars is nearly IMPOSSIBLE, theyre just never sold.
:/
Yea from what I've found so far my only option is to find a larger diameter collar made for a recent lens by an off brand on amazon and somehow shim it on. I wouldn't mind putting it on the larger (wide) part of the lens and zooming in and out with the whole camera-though that'd be annoying, the bigger problem is focusing is done with the wide part and my camera would be spinning as i focus lol. I don't understand why Nikon did not include a damn tripod collar with it i mean really its nearly a 2lb lens extending out 6 1/2" from the mount! Oh boy, heavy solid metal old lens problems
**yea nevermind, i'm looking at the lens and even if i jury rigged a lens collar I'd lose a lot more range than i originally thought as the lens zooms, the range just about doubles every mark...90,105,135,200 so i'd be stuck with a 80-135 best case scenario and just- no.. I'll have to be careful and learn to use it as is.. i am now understanding why no tripod collar is or was available for this particular lens
I have the d700 is it better than d3?
7:00 the Nikon Nikkor 35-70 mm F2.8 user guide: ruclips.net/video/wew6khDKl5w/видео.html
Many thanks for the excellent Nikon advice that you have imparted over the last 7-8 years..
Hi i'm Stratos from Greece what do you thing about Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 D ?
Pls add 55 2.8 ais ..champion lens
Watching this in 2024 I have realised I have 7 of these lenses featured 50mm 1.4 ais , 60mm pre D , 135mm 3.5 , 200 4.0 , 180 2.8 & tokina 100mm 2.8 & 75-300 VR G (the only one bought new in 2010) , a excellent video.
Nice video!!!
what about fisheye? do you think is a good lens to have?
14mm
Adriano Lucio well, these are TOP VALUE, ...... well yes, i have 4 fisheyes, but the only great value fisheye is the 10.5mm 2.8
+Theoria Apophasis Me too! thanks for your answer!
Congrats for the videos!
im confused in a previous video you made it seem like the 105mm f2 dc lens was ok. but in this video its the best portrait lens? explain please
nope, the 105mm F2 DC is "THE" portrait lens, youre confusing my talk about the 105mm f1.4, that new turd
Hey man, my 85mm 1.8 is"stuck", the aperture won't change. Can you give some advice on what to do? I can't afford to send it to Nikon, hoping there's a diy trick somewhere.
LOVING the tokina 100mm 2.8 on D810. Fantastic stuff.
Someone behind the counter at my local camera shop suggested Tokina is coming out with a new version of this lens. Odd that he was trying to dissuade from buying it. Have you heard anything about a new tokina 100mm?
also want to echo everyone on the 70-300 vr-g. great zoom to carry around.
I’m getting the D7200, it’s offered with the 18-140 but it looks like it’s made entirely of plastic, can you recommend a better lens even if it’s more money within that focal length and do you think that tamron or sigma have a better lens? Thank you.
+RickBSO its not the plastic thats the issue , rather that isnt a very good lens.
sigma is total junk. the good tamrons are not cheap. 18-200 VR2 nikkor G series
+RickBSO its not the plastic thats the issue , rather that isnt a very good lens.
sigma is total junk. the good tamrons are not cheap. 18-200 VR2 nikkor G series
im battling myself right now trying to decide between the 35mm 1.8G or the 50mm 1.8G on a D7100. i want what ever will give be the most versatility. what do you think?
Russell Whisnant 50mm 1.8 G sucks.
MOST versatility? 35mm F2 D .......much MUCH cheaper and a better lens and much smaller.
Theoria Apophasis what about 50mm 1.4G
GamesTech Fun BARF.
too expensive, too cheaply made, ACK
good to know question, should I keep my kit lens and other shitty lenses that I have? before I came across this channel, I bought 70-135 like you recommend and its fantastic at the fraction of the price. Keep up the good work, love channel
70 135??? i never recommended that :)
heheeh.
Have you used the 50-135mm 3.5 Ais?
Can you list the lens you recommend on the discription?
haha that is what i am looking for every time ken make videos.
Hi ken. I`ve been hearing a lot about how good is the Tamron 70-300, have you ever tested it? what do you think about it against the Nikon?
Jean Pierre Remón tested it yes, not the same build quality or fast AF.
the nikkor 70 300 is faster than hell
Please tell me, what about Nikkor 80-200 F2.8 AF-S (1999-2004 version)? Is it beteer than this 80-200 F2.8 D? Thank you! :)
Just managed to snag a mint version of the 135mm f2.8 lens for $90... what a brilliant lens! Thanks for the recommendation, Ken!
how about the AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED lens to that Nikkor 300mm f/4.5?
+Mark Domz its great ........and greatly MUCH MORE $$$$$ :P
+Theoria Apophasis I bought mine about a thousand dollars brand new and I just love it... Just hard to find a second hand here in my place but great review right there... been watching your videos a lot! thanks.
most 300mm F4.5 are about $160
so its a great option for peeps, and its sharp as nutz
I have been shopping around for the 70-300mm vrg. G meaning G Glass? I see all kinds VR but ED. Is that lens the good one? BTW Your vids really make laugh. Keep kicking ass.
How's the Tamron 70-300mm VC compares to the Nikon 70-300mm VR in your video?
Hello, my name is Luis and I am an amateur photographer.
Question about using Nikon "Pre/Non AI" lenses in digital cameras.
I want to buy a "modern" Nikon camera that accepts my Nikon "Pre/Non" AI lenses and the Nikon DF is the only one, all the others of my interest (D700/D3x/D3x/D750) do not accept these lenses.
I have some Pre/Non Lenses, with my collection of Nikon F and also, they are cheaper than AI and AI-s, not to mention Auto-Focus.
But the Nikon DF is a very expensive camera, even used.
Do you think it would be better for me to buy a cheaper camera, like the D700 and some more AI/AI's lenses, or invest a little more, buy a Nikon DF and abuse the good prices of these legacy lenses (Pre/Non)?
Hi, I saw someone seeking non ai 135mm 3.5 for $100.. Is it a good buy.. And is it as good as the ai lens?
+yogeshyot non Ai wont mount on your camera without be modded
Theoria Apophasis thanks mate.. You are too young in quikly responding to any questions :-). I am living in India, getting good used lens is a almost impossible here. I'm having D7100, tokina 11-16 2.8, Nikon 35mm DX and Tamron 90mm vc. I'm planning to add a nice portrait prime. What would your recommendation? Tamron 90 is too telephoto for liking and Nikkor 35 has distortion (for my eyes) for portrait use.
young? i dont feel young.
50mm 1.4 AIS Nikkor :)
you think 90mm is too tele???? really? :P
Theoria Apophasis with my tamron 90mm, I'm always ending up with close up portraits.. It looks beautiful.. But, when I try to frame the shot with some background. It doesn't look pleasing to eyes... There was not much separation between background and subject. May be that is the ken's theory of renditional distortion..:-). And saying that, for macro works and close up portraits I love this lens. I would like to know your opinion on this tamron 90 vc..
Theoria Apophasis Hi Ken, yesterday I grabbed a minty 50mm AI for $80. I absolutely the love the photos coming out of it.. Amazing sharpness and 3d like image... And manual focus on this is an absolute pleasure...
is the 18-300mm nikon lens good?
Depends on what you call good. From what I've read elsewhere, I would say "not good enough". But some people seem happy with it...
How big a difference between the 300 mm f4.5 and the 30mm f4 (auto focus, selling for >$350 used)?
+Phillip Cannatti that old AF lens is a winner (if its in good shape)
+Theoria Apophasis - Thank you (again). Obviously, I meant the 300mm f4 (not 30mm). Pleasantly surprised by the number of 300mm f4 on the market. Just purchased 70-300mm VR and waiting for it to be delivered. Will see if I need more than 1 stop (f5.6 → f4) ... because I can't justify the 300mm f2.8.
Take care.
oops, funny what a year of lust will do: just purchased 300mm f2.8! Still love the 70-300mm VR and have put approximately 25,000 pictures on them at the kids' soccer games. For the money, great day time lens with more than fast enough AF! Thanks again!
great reconmendation on the 100mm that lens is sharp just got mine and the detail is crazy, can't want to get my 60mm 2.8d in!!!
Thanks you for the video. My question is do you have a list of the lenses you're describing somewhere. I'm not that familiar with Nikon lenses and want to make sure I am looking up the right lens.
Can someone share the list of lenses in the video? Thank you
You forgot the 85mm focal length.... What model would be included in this list?
+Stefan Breton i have about 20 vids on 85mm lenses only
Thanks Ken, great to see those lenses and compare side by side.
I really like the AI nikkor's.
That 35mm f2 is such an amazing value and even great wide open.
Hahahahha all weekend I was going around telling people that I'm happier than a worm in a pile of poo!!
just out of interest what do you use each these lenses most commonly for
Epicmeerkat99 which ones?
all of them is possible
Have the 180mm F2.8 now by the way :D
+Oliver Findlay awesome isnt it? :)
Yes it is. ;)
Will all these lenses work on 5000 series nikon camera?
not any of the D series AF lenses
+Theoria Apophasis lol Welp I guess I'll be paying top dollar lol
will the 35-70 af on my d2300?
+Willem Shattuck nope, screw drive :)
You might want to get yourself a sturdier table. 12:02.
No wide angle (apart from the 35mm) in the top value lenses?
20mm 1.8G 24mm 1.8G 16mm fisheye
Yeah! Thanks! I love your videos and I will send you my contribution :)
Hi Theoria, what's your opinion on Sigma 18-300, great vids dude, keep up the good work :)
+Rob Jones that sigma, ...Aaaack. .....sticks finger down throat
:) thanks man ,,,,, winks **
+Theoria Apophasis Lol, thanks for replying
love ur videos!
Your insurance must be astronomical.
Are all the 300 f4.5 ED-IF tripod collars in Nikkor heaven or something?
Can't find one, been using my 300 Ais collar but it's not the same.
What picture is the "world's most famous photograph" that was taken with the 105?
+T Latz "the afghan girl" for national geographic
Ah ok. Thanks
@Theoria Apophasis I am surprised you have the 35mm 1.8G on here not because its not awesome or anything but it was the first lens i purchased outside of kit! I love it though, and it is literally the cheapest new, DX lens Nikon makes and i put it now in front of my D7100 and it is even more amazing without the OLPF my old cam had. Looking forward to trying some of these screw drive lenses!
+Mark Acevedo its an awesome cheap lens man!! :P
When I was 12 I got my first 35mm camera Minolta hi Matic nine it was used but it was what my dad could afford I was the happiest kid in the world
Looking to make the switch from Canon to Nikon here soon. Most likely picking up that d500 for wildlife photography. Great selection of lenses. Made researching so much simpler. Thanks!
Great video! Are all these lenses compatible with the D700? Also, if you were to buy only two or three of these lenses, for portrait work mainly, which ones would you buy?
Thanks :)
300 f4 awesome lens Bokeh is stunning
Summary:
Nikon AI-s 300mm f/4.5 ED-IF Gold Ring
Nikon AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED N
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR
Nikon 180mm f/2.8 ED AF
Nikon 200mm f/4 AI Nikkor
Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X M100 AF Pro D Macro
Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8 AF-D
Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AI-s
Nikon AF 60mm f/2.8D Micro
Nikon 105mm f/2.5 AI-s
Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 VR
Nikon AF-NIKKOR 35mm f/2D
Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX
Nikon 50/1.8 Chrome Series E
Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AI-S
I bought 180mm f2.8D IF ED for £400 mint condition.Now i have 105mm f2.5,135mm f3.5,50mm f1.8 Pancake,70-210 E Series and 28mm F2.8 (all AIS versions) and 180mm F2.8D.What else you can make me buy Ken?I don't think i need anything else 😂
Hi there! I just wanted to give a bit of helpful insight if I can. I am new to DSLR cameras and lens. In fact I don't own a camera or a lens yet though I have one in mind. Anyways watching your video I will say that this video would have been more useful to me in particular if you had given examples of specific photography you would use each lens for while you were explaining the specifications. I don't really know what all of those specifications you are saying mean yet so I am left clueless myself as to the actual value of each lens to myself. Or maybe you could do a video about great lens for beginners?? =D
Please list them next time so that we can click on the link etc. Thanks
For most of the manual focus lenses you recommend does it matter if you get the AI or the AI-S version? I just snagged a 200mm f4 AI from japan off of ebay.
Any feelings about the 85mm f2 ai?
+RockTheCage55 i made a vid about that lens, great stuff
the 85mm F2
Got the 135mm and it was exactly as described sooo I purchased the 105 and am awaitig delivery. Now I have to pay for the fucking things!