Portrait Lens Question.
Andrew McCall
I still haven't received my new camera yet, but I suppose thats my fault
for ordering from the US to be delivered to the UK during the holiday
season...
While I am waiting, I have been reading a few books on photography, and
I realise that the 50mm f1.8 lens isn't going to be ideal for portraits,
and that a 135mm would be more suitable.
Can anyone recommend a 135mm lens that would work with a Nikon FM2n and
be compatible with a F100 or D100, the two cameras that I would like to
invest in over the next two years.
...and as ever, this is on a budget, so I am probably going to get a
second hand one from eBay. I have noticed that the sellers often say
"spec on front lens, doesn't affect picture". What does this mean? How
can there be a spec on the lens that doesn't show in the picture? Is
there anything to watch out for when buying a second hand lens?
I have seen these two so far:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2974717379&category=3343
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2975978595&category=30035
Any opinions?
Thanks,
Andrew McCall.
Paul Rubin
> While I am waiting, I have been reading a few books on photography,
> and I realise that the 50mm f1.8 lens isn't going to be ideal for
> portraits, and that a 135mm would be more suitable.
135 is kind of long for portraits. The traditional portrait lenses
are 85mm and 105mm.
> Can anyone recommend a 135mm lens that would work with a Nikon FM2n
> and be compatible with a F100 or D100, the two cameras that I would
> like to invest in over the next two years.
AF Nikkors work fine on both the FM2n and F100/D100. The 135/2 AF DC is
a great lens, though expensive.
> ...and as ever, this is on a budget, so I am probably going to get a
> second hand one from eBay. I have noticed that the sellers often say
> "spec on front lens, doesn't affect picture". What does this mean?
> How can there be a spec on the lens that doesn't show in the picture?
Marks on the front element really don't affect the picture much. They
are completely defocused by the lens. Think of a mirror lens, which
has an obstruction in the middle of the lens a third of the diameter
of the whole lens. Even a really nasty mark on the front element,
like a chip knocked out of it, isn't that big a deal. You can get a
huge discount on those lenses, then fill in the chip with black paint
so it won't scatter light all over the inside of the lens. You
effectively lose a little bit of lens speed and contrast, but
sharpness won't really suffer.
Marks on the rear element affect the picture more, so do be careful of
those.
> Is there anything to watch out for when buying a second hand lens?
Yeah, check the mechanics, make sure it focuses smoothly, doesn't
wobble, flick the diaphragm open and closed a few times and make sure
it operates smoothly and quickly, and that the diaphragm is
symmetrical when stopped down. If you're buying on ebay, you sort of
have to take the seller's word though.
Michael Benveniste
<http://phr...@NOSPAM.invalid> wrote:
>Andrew McCall <mcc...@h2o.demon.co.uk> writes:
>> While I am waiting, I have been reading a few books on photography,
>> and I realise that the 50mm f1.8 lens isn't going to be ideal for
>> portraits, and that a 135mm would be more suitable.
>
>135 is kind of long for portraits. The traditional portrait lenses
>are 85mm and 105mm.
Perhaps it's just a result of a small sample size, but I've noticed
that 135mm is a more popular portrait length in Europe than in the
U.S. I've shot portraits at 135mm and even at 180mm. The latter
distance requires some changes in lighting angles that I'm still
trying to work out.
Due to the longer distance from camera to subject, a portrait taken at
135mm tends to deemphasize the nose and slim down the face a bit. The
longer working distance can also be an advantage with skittish
children, but can be a disadvantage when trying to talk to your
subject or shooting in tight places.
>> Can anyone recommend a 135mm lens that would work with a Nikon FM2n
>> and be compatible with a F100 or D100, the two cameras that I would
>> like to invest in over the next two years.
>
>AF Nikkors work fine on both the FM2n and F100/D100. The 135/2 AF DC is
>a great lens, though expensive.
AI and AI-S (manual focus) Nikkors work on the F100 as well, albeit
with limited exposure modes and metering options. Non-AI Nikkors
don't work on any of the three cameras.
I wouldn't try to use any 135mm lens on a D100 for portraits due to
the 1.5x cropping factor. Either of the 85mm Nikkor's or the 90mm
Tamron Macro will give you a similar look. AI and AI-S lenses will
mount on the the D100, but can only be used in unmetered manual mode.
>>I have seen these two so far:
>>http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2974717379&category=3343
>>http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2975978595&category=30035
The first lens appears to be a 135mm f/2.8 AI-S, which is a nice lens.
Check with the seller and get a serial number if you can. I've never
tried the second lens. Instead of either I chose a 75~150mm f/3.5
Series E zoom, which is an excellent (and inexpensive!) portrait lens
at 85mm, 105mm, and 135mm.
--
Michael Benveniste -- mhb-...@clearether.com
Spam and UCE professionally evaluated for $250. Use this email
address only to submit mail for evaluation.
Matt Clara
news:8hl1vvs15otbm878j...@4ax.com...
> On 29 Dec 2003 16:17:23 -0800, Paul Rubin
> <http://phr...@NOSPAM.invalid> wrote:
>
> >Andrew McCall <mcc...@h2o.demon.co.uk> writes:
> >> While I am waiting, I have been reading a few books on photography,
> >> and I realise that the 50mm f1.8 lens isn't going to be ideal for
> >> portraits, and that a 135mm would be more suitable.
> >
> >135 is kind of long for portraits. The traditional portrait lenses
> >are 85mm and 105mm.
>
> Perhaps it's just a result of a small sample size, but I've noticed
> that 135mm is a more popular portrait length in Europe than in the
> U.S. I've shot portraits at 135mm and even at 180mm. The latter
> distance requires some changes in lighting angles that I'm still
> trying to work out.
135mm used to be a popular portrait focal length in the US, too, but has
fallen out of favor.
Joseph Meehan
choice. On a 35 mm I like something about 85 mm with a 1.8 or larger
opening. I like to be able to reduce the depth of focus. For much work a
lens that is not too sharp overall but fairly sharp in the center would be
my choice.
For groups or 3/4 or larger views, I would suggest something about 60
mm.
I don't like the results of a 135mm for many portraits because it
flattens the face too much and looses character. It really depends on the
subject.
Good Luck
BTW don't worry about a small chip, scratch or spot on the front element
of a lens. It can't focus that close. It will never be detected on the
resulting image.
--
Joseph E. Meehan
26 + 6 = 1 It's Irish Math
"Andrew McCall" <mcc...@h2o.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:bsqfg4$57l$1$830f...@news.demon.co.uk...
Matt Clara
"Andrew McCall" <mcc...@h2o.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:bsqfg4$57l$1$830f...@news.demon.co.uk...
>
> I still haven't received my new camera yet, but I suppose thats my fault
> for ordering from the US to be delivered to the UK during the holiday
> season...
>
> While I am waiting, I have been reading a few books on photography, and
> I realise that the 50mm f1.8 lens isn't going to be ideal for portraits,
> and that a 135mm would be more suitable.
>
> Can anyone recommend a 135mm lens that would work with a Nikon FM2n and
> be compatible with a F100 or D100, the two cameras that I would like to
> invest in over the next two years.
>
AF, AF-D, AF-S will work on all of those cameras you mention. AF-G lenses
won't work right on the FM2N--you won't have control of the aperture--but
will work fine on the other two. AI-S lenses, conversley, won't work right
on the D100 (don't think it'll even meter with it on), but will on the F100
(no shutter or program priority modes) and FM2N. AI lenses won't work
properly with any of them and can damage your camera trying to mount them.
AI and AI-S lenses have the "pig-snout" or "bat ears" couplings on them--you
can see them in the lens pictured in your second ebay example. AI-S lenses
have the smallest aperture, usually f22, printed in orange.
>
> I have seen these two so far:
>
>
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2974717379&category=3343
>
>
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2975978595&category=30035
>
> Any opinions?
>
The second one is AI, the first one doesn't say, and I can't tell from the
picture. You don't want AI.
> Thanks,
>
> Andrew McCall.
You're welcome.
Alan Browne
> Andrew McCall <mcc...@h2o.demon.co.uk> writes:
>
>>While I am waiting, I have been reading a few books on photography,
>>and I realise that the 50mm f1.8 lens isn't going to be ideal for
>>portraits, and that a 135mm would be more suitable.
>
>
> 135 is kind of long for portraits. The traditional portrait lenses
> are 85mm and 105mm.
Depends on the portrait. 135 is indeed considered a portrait length and
some of the best glass for portraits comes at 135, including the Minolta
135 STF lens which has a single purpose: portraits.
It's not a practical lens in a small studio, to be sure.
--
e-meil: there's no such thing as a FreeLunch.
Floyd Dennis
favorite portrait lens is the 105mm f2.5 AI.
In article <bsqfg4$57l$1$830f...@news.demon.co.uk>, Andrew McCall
<mcc...@h2o.demon.co.uk> wrote:
--------------------------------------------------------------
Floyd Dennis, Jr.
Sam Davis Lodge #661 F.&A.M., Smyrna, Tennessee
http://sam_davis.home.mindspring.com/
32° AASR, S.J. USA, Valley of Nashville, Orient of TN
fbde...@comcast.net
Original Text Copyright 2003 Floyd Dennis, Jr. - All Rights Reserved
JR
> properly with any of them and can damage your camera trying to mount them.
Incorrect...AI lenses will work on an F100, and D100 (without
metering)...I have a Nikkor 105/2.5 AI and I love it...works great with
my F100...you are thinking of the NON-AI lenses, and those will not work
on a modern Nikon Body, but AI, AI-S, and AI-P will all work on an F100,
as well as the AF, AF-D, AF-S, and AF-G lenses. The D100 will work with
them all except the AI series will lose metering...ALl will work on a
FM-2N exept the AF-G.
JR
JR
MINT one for $125. This is an excellent lens. I also have an 85/1.4
AI-S that I use as well. Another excellent lens, but a little pricey.
I got it for $400 used, and it is in great condition. I use them both
with my F100 and F70. For portraits, an 85 or 105 is where I would
start. But if you are shooting full body, I like the 50....It allows me
to get the full body and not be a mile away...and it's SHARP...But one
of my favorite portrait lenses is the 17 and 28...So it's personal. A
28-80/2.8 zoom would be an ok place to start, and then get a 105/2.5 to
go with it...or just use your 50 and see how you like the results, then
look into another lens as you get more comfortable with the 50....One
mistake people make (especially if they get a zoom) is they never quite
master certain key focal lengths. Your photography will be better if
you use the 50/1.8 and then maybe get a 85 or 105 later. A 50 isn't
horrible for portraits, just remember that it will not "flatten" the
subjects features...noses, ears, things like that may not look great on
film especially if the subject has a large nose or ears to begin with,
but many great portraits have been shot with a 50...
http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=1667714&size=lg
shot with a 50....
http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=1983420&size=lg
shot with a 17....
http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=2013986&size=lg
shot with an 85....
Just to give you an idea of the different lengths....
JR
Daniel ROCHA
Hello Andrew,
> I realise that the 50mm f1.8 lens isn't going to be ideal for
> portraits, and that a 135mm would be more suitable.
I love 50mm for portraits. All depends on the kind of portraits that you
want to shoot ! Samples at 50mm :
http://www.monochromatique.com/portrait/daniella_113.html
http://www.monochromatique.com/portrait/daniella_121.html
http://www.monochromatique.com/portrait/daniella_198.html
> Can anyone recommend a 135mm lens that would work with a Nikon FM2n
> and be compatible with a F100 or D100, the two cameras that I would
> like to invest in over the next two years.
What about a macro lens for portraiture ? You can get closer focusing
capabilities. Here it some samples at 105mm :
http://www.monochromatique.com/portrait/daniella_067.html
http://www.monochromatique.com/portrait/daniella_202.html
http://www.monochromatique.com/portrait/daniella_079.html
All is really a matter of taste !
--
-- Daniel Rocha <> Photographie --
http://www.monochromatique.com
croweflight
or to far and getting unflattering perspectives. So the lens (FL) choice
has more to do with how you are going to frame your pictures. Head,
head with upper body, total body, or groups. I find that shooting from
about 2 to 3 meters gives me the perspective I like. Choose the FL
for the framing you like. One of my favorite "portraits" of my cat was
when he was draped on my bent knee which I snapped with a 20mm lens. My
knee is only about 1/3 meter from my camera. Last time I took a
portrait I used my 80-200 zoom lens from a distance of about 3 meters.
It was a seated group of three from the waist up. The zoom was what was
on the camera at the time.
JIM
news:bt4pib$3b5cq$1...@ID-82323.news.uni-berlin.de...
> > Can anyone recommend a 135mm lens that would work with a Nikon FM2n
> > and be compatible with a F100 or D100, the two cameras that I would
> > like to invest in over the next two years.
Getting here late, so not sure who the OP is; however, no 135mm FL on the
FM2 or F100 is going to give you the same view on a D100(35mm equiv =
202mm). As far as getting a 135mm (35mm equivalent) on the D100, you need
something like a good 85mm or 90mm(about 127mm or 135mm). Nikon and Canon
both have excellent examples from about f1.2 to 1.8. Far as I know, about
all the Nikon lenses will work on the D100............
Jim
Michael Benveniste
wrote:
>Far as I know, about all the Nikon lenses will work on the D100............
"About all" Nikon autofocus lenses work on the D100. The exceptions I
can think of are the 80mm and 200mm lenses made for the F3AF and the 4
IX lenses made for the APS pronea.
All AI-P lenses work fine.
I _think_ all AI and AI-S manual focus lenses will mount on the D100,
but doing so disables all metering.
Trying to mount _any_ Pre-AI lens can damage either the D100 or the
lens, unless the lens has been modified.
Whether this interoperability matrix is A Good Thing or not is subject
to periodic and futile debate here. The last thread may still be
active.