New Nikon 180 2.8 versus my older one

[david lloyd]

Hi all...

 

I've an older Nikon AF 180 2.8 lens, which I'm quite fond of. It's about 18 years old now It's an older

marque- with the smooth plasicy barrel.

 

Now I'm wondering if I'd be wasting time and money to replace it with a new one. That's because my

current one now has fungus within - a white spot about 2-3 mm in diameter, one third in from the outer

edge of the lens element. I'm not sure if it's on the outside on inside of it.

 

I'm told it's not worth spending for a cleanup. I'm also told the fungus wouldn't affect image quality of

photos either. I was told this by a reputable Nikon repairman (over the phone).

 

But the other point is - would a new Nikon lens focus faster/better than my old one on a Nikon d70s and

d200? (The olde one kinda hunts around a bit compared with my 18-70 Silent Wave.)

 

I'd be interested in any comments.

 

I'm trying not to justify a new lens for the sake of a 'nice new lens' :)

[ShunCheung]

I am not a camera repair person, but as far as I know, fungus can grow and get worse inside a lens. Time is not exactly on your side. I would get it cleaned ASAP, unless the repair cost is so high (which I doubt) that it may make sense to replace instead of repair.

[alan_wilder1]

Focus speed will be the same. The changes made were stricly cosmetic although the new one will be "D" which will have a tiny improvement with flash exposure on Nikon flashes. If it bothers you, first try selling it at an attractive price on the net with full disclosure of the problem. You should get at least $200 if in decent shape other than the spot.

[dayton_p._strickland1]

The newer lens is great, but it will focus slower than the Silent Wave models. I loved mine, but wound up buying the 70-200/2.8 VR before switching to the "dark side." By the way, I'm thinking about switching back as soon as there's enough feedback on the quality of the D200.

[todd peach seattle, washi]

Since nobody mentioned it, I will: fungus is reputed to be contagious. Keep the nasty lens away from your other stuff when you store it.

[michael_bradtke]

Talk to these folks. They can fix your old lens. I am not sure but I would be surprised if it cost more then a new one.

 

http://www.focalpointlens.com/fp_intro.html

 

Michael

[arnabdas]

Another vote for Flocal Point Lens. Highly recommended.

[tristanlaing]

I've heard that fungus growth affects contrast, not resolution. I've also heard that UV light

kills it. Perhaps leave it next to a sunny window for a couple of weeks?

[lilly_w]

The common perception is that what we see inside the lens is the actual fungus. In fact what is visible is the by-product / result of the fungus and not the actual fungus. The fungus itself is essentially invisible to the naked eye and likely covers more area than the 'affected' area. Thus, it would stand to reason; the perceived problem is likely smaller than the real problem, unless the fungus is no longer spreading. The folks at Focal Point will concur.

 

Once you get an estimate I suspect you'll opt to either continue using it as-is or sell and replace.

[david lloyd]

Many thanks for your feedbacks :)

 

I think my best option is to either use this one for a bit longer - tho I'm wary of the fungus

being infectious - or sell it for a small sum, and that put it towards a more recent clean used

180. That would surely be more economical than a repair.