PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D

[christiand]

Hi all,

what are your findings regarding the PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D
lense on a D70 ?
I am currently putting a Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 D through the paces.
I quite like it.
I'm also very interested in the tilt and shift of the PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D.

Regards,
Christian

[sirhc55]

I had this lens for a time with my D1 - my impression would be that the viewfinder on the D70 is effectively no good with this lens, being too small.

Ideally this lens is for architectural use or specialised use as in taking pics of framed glass paintings from an angle but retaining perspective, thereby eliminating reflections. Some might say use a CPL in this case, but professionals would, not due to colour shifts.

It is bulky and, of course, manual.

If your main interest is macro then you can’t really do better than the 105mm Nikkor IMO, and I am a Sigma macro person

[christiand]

Thanks Sirch55,

that is exactly the information I am looking for.

Cheers,
CD

[Sheetshooter]

Christian,

In my limited experience with this lens it is an absolute cracker. As for using it on the D70s that is an entirely different matter. As Chis pointed out, there would be viewfinder issues in fully utilising the benefits of the tilt mechanism.

There is no point in Tilt/Shift lenses being made 'auto-focus' since a great deal of their purpose is about 'manually' placing a plane of optimal focus - something that only Sinar, to my knowledge, ever addressed win computerised fashion and then at a cost of tens of thousands.

I don't doubt that the Nikkor T/S functions in similar fashion as my Canon TS-E. Metering and assisted focussing must be carried out with no lens movements engaged. In my own practices I find it best just to use a hand-held meter and manual exposure but others, less confident in their metering abilities, may find that prospect somewhat daunting.

The 85mm focal length on a 1.5 crop camera would make this a sensational lens for still-life and catlogue/advertising work - better in fact than the same focal length on 36x34 capture.

It is a specialist lens at a specialist price. To the right person it would be worth its weight in gold as a learning tool but as a GP lens you would have to question its ease of use, bulk and price-tag. Having said that, if I had settled for the Nikon system as my mainstay I would definitely have included one of these in my hit list.

Cheers,

[birddog114]

CD,
I had one not while ago, it works very nice in manual with macro and only nice with macro, though I'm talking on the large viewfinder on the D2 and F5.
Much suffering on the D70, I could not find much uses with it at all, so it's gone.

Settle for a Nikkor 200 micro or at least get Sigma 150/2.8 or Sigma 180.
These lenses can be your good prime when needed.