Compatible Lenses for D70

[natz]

Does anyone have comprehensive list of lenses that are compatible with D70? I am looking to purchase a tele lens and have very little idea of which lenses to look at (other then the Nikkor).

[Justin]

With new lenses - anything with a 'Nikon' mount. From Sigma, Nikon, Tokina, Tamron etc.

For old lenses - someone will jump in here, but basically anything from about 1959 (but manual focus only on most of the older ones).

there are more technical answers, but that's the principle.

Cheers,
J

[Glen]

Justin has it roughly right. Most things will fit as long as they are AI or AIS (both manual) or AF, AFD, AFI or AFS. Just ask as I do not know of a comprehensive list.

[Justin]

Hmm actually I seem to recall in the d70 manual there is a table of compatible lenses.

[MCWB]

For old lenses - someone will jump in here, but basically anything from about 1959 (but manual focus only on most of the older ones).

All AI and AI-S lenses (1977 onwards), as well as AF (except the ones designed for the F3AF) are compatible with the D70. Pre-AI 1959-77 are NOT compatible with the D70. Be aware that AI and AI-S lenses are all manual focus, and the only ones that will meter on the D70 are the AI-S 45 f/2.8 P and AI-S 500 f/4 P.

[stubbsy]

natz

Have a read HERE where bjorn rorslett has very comprehensive reviews of Nikon lenses.

For a beginner I'd suggest the Nikon 18-70 mm f/3.5 - 4.5 DX G ED-IF (usually called the kit lens since it often comes standard with the D70), or the Nikon 24-120 f/3.5 - 5.6 VR as useful walkaround zooms. If you want to go further the Nikon 70-300 f/4-5.6 G is reasonably cheap, but a little soft. Finally if you want a one size fits all solution there is the Nikon 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 VR which has had mixed love/hate reviews.

[natz]

Thanks for the info ..... the whole thing is quite complicated really..... (for a beginner anyway).

I bought my D70 second hand and therefore didn't get a manual. Maybe I'll look around on the net and see if I can find a site to download the manual.

Can you also please explain what is meant by "soft" - I hear this mentioned a lot when discussing lenses? Am I to gues that it means "fuzzy".

Sorry for all the "dumb" newbie questions!

[losfp]

Soft is the opposite of sharp

So, a "soft" lens means that the images using it won't be as sharp when compared to a photo shot with a "sharp" lens.

[Glen]

Soft means fuzzy

http://www.nikon-asia.com/ has the manual, it actually tells you a few of what is not compatible, not totally comprehensive but most of what you would run in to.

[stubbsy]

Yep - soft means a little fuzzy. Genreally the sharper the image the better. soft is the opposite to sharp.

So when a lens is said to be soft it means it may not have nice crisp edges to things. Doesn't mean the lens is no good, just that it isn't as good (sharp) as some more expensive lenses. I've seen some impressive images from soft lenses, so that shouldn't put you off buying one.

SO far as a manual. Search is your friend. I just did a search here (I used D70 and manual) and found this thread which answers your question.

[digitor]

Soft is the opposite of sharp

So, a "soft" lens means that the images using it won't be as sharp when compared to a photo shot with a "sharp" lens.

Hmm, I wonder why then, we don't describe 'soft' lenses as being 'blunt'? Perhaps we can start a new trend - remember, you heard it here first!

(Bit of a slow day here, sorry about that )

Cheers