On Sat, 02 Oct 2004 20:27:18 -0400, Mike - EMAIL IGNORED
<m_d_berger_1900 DeleteThis @yahoo.com> wrote:
>I have two 50mm lenses for my FE and FE2, both f/1.8:
> Nikon Series E
> Nikkor
>Which is likely to produce better results?
>Thanks,
>Mike.
Mike,
For the most part, you will not notice any great difference in optical
performance between these two lenses. The Nikkor lenses have better
coatings than the Series E lenses so you may see some differences with
internal flare especially in photos that have bright light sources
included within the frame - the performance edge should go to the
coated Nikkor in those situations. You will also notice a big
difference in focusing feel and for pre-focused use I find the
focusing ring on the "E" models to be too loose to hold the focus
setting when moving around in crowded street settings.
I have the following:
50mm f1.8 AI Nikkor (early, deep set)
50mm f1.8 E Nikkor
50mm f1.8 AIS Nikkor (recent, shallow set like the series E)
50mm f2.0 AI Nikkor (hybrid. Late model 50mm non-AI with an AI
indexing ring)
50mm f1.4 AF-D Nikkor
By f2.8, these lenses are for practical purposes equivalent in
resolution.
With the exception of the 1.4, I picked these up over time at bargain
prices. I use them pretty much interchangeably with very little
preference given to any particular one. For coverage of events where
there I need a little operational speed, this is the lens of choice
because of the AF speed and the ease of view through the 1.4 aperture.
The 50mm f2.0 was made from two damaged lenses resulting in a rough
looking and rough mechanical lens. Optically I really like the lens
and it stays with my F3 kit. I find that at medium apertures, this
lens has the most pleasant out of focus treatment of all the 50's.
The three 50mm f1.8 lenses are a toss up in optical performance (with
the exception of the coating differences). The 50mm f1.8 E lens lived
on an ugly FG body till it wore out the body, now it is primarily a
loupe. It was one that I kept for cycling, motorcycling and hiking.
The lens never failed to perform and in spite of it's plastic mount
survived some tough situations. There have been only a handful of
shots where I could really tell a difference in the reduced coatings
in the E. Those mostly had to do with strong uniform light directly
into the lens and the loss of shadow detail. A typical situation would
be strongly lighted backlight situations, sunsets and very high
contrast back lighted glass windows (e.g. churches). The "modern" 50mm
f1.8 AIS (pancake) lens the most rugged in the "pancake" mount but IMO
like it's "E" sibling requires a hood and that adds to it's bulk.
By far, the favorite of all of these is the 50mm f1.8 AI (deep set -
early) lens. The front element of this lens is recessed in the lens
mount and the mount itself provides a lot of protection. This lens is
often on my f100 without a hood and in my bag (mostly capped). I've
never wanted more from a 50 when using this lens (except pleasing wide
open bokeh).
Last week I finally found a 45mm AI-P f2.8 lens. The first few rolls
really look good, great contrast, detail and flare suppression. The
out of focus characteristics of this lens beat any of the 50's. I hope
my "quest" is over now. This is now on my F100 and ready for a three
week business trip to the UK, France and China before returning to the
USA. I'm looking forward to some fun late-in-the-day photo
opportunities. I'll also be taking my 28mm f2.8 and 105mm f2.5 AIS
lenses and if the 45mm lives up to it's reputation, I'll be getting my
28mm "chipped".
Regards,
Roger<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
>> Stay informed about: 50mm Nikon E vs Nikkor 
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