D80 + Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 AF-D?

[luisarguelles]

Hi, since it seems that D80 bodies are at bargain prices these days, I'm planning to buy this camera. I don't like zoom lenses, so I'll use a

Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 AF-D, a 35mm f/2 AF-D and the Nikkor 45mm f/2.8 AI-P on it. However I don't know the resulting quality of the 20mm

attached to the D80 body. Any experiences or ideas? (I just love the resulting, 30mm equivalent focal length)

[gy]

I would like to know this as well as I am in the process of buying this lens for my D300. I do like the 30mm

focal and plan to use it as my general walk around lens. I hope the performance is similar to the 35mm f/2 which

I also have.

[ronald_moravec1]

My reads indicate the older wide lenses worked well on film, not so well on digi which is more demanding.

 

I ended up with the 12/24 Nikkor. Modern zooms work as well as older primes in general.

 

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests

 

These tests are the same as my experience.

 

The third party lens work, but not as well as the Nikkor. My only complaint with the Nikkor is its size.

[carl_becker2]

Bjorn at: http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2.html has good things to say about the 20mm, 24mm. and 28mm wide Nikkors. Even though he doesn't rate the 24mm as high as the others I seem to use it a lot. The wide zooms are good but bigger and heavier.

 

http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2.html

[luisarguelles]

Ronald, thanks very much for the link. However, no sample, test pictures are given for the 20mm. Have you got some

samples from your experiences with the Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 AF on the D80 or another Nikon digital body?

[luisarguelles]

Uhmm, a bit more research reveils that there are mixed feelings about it: http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00EtSD

</p>

Anyway, maybe it's a case of variation between samples. Maybe the AF-D version works better than the AF alone,

although theoretically it's the same optical formulation. In any case weight and size is very important for me.

[User_276104]

Here's a photo I took with the 20mm f/2.8D while shopping for a vehicle. Sorry, don't have any artsy or serious

photos to post.

 

I don't really use my 20mm lens on digital much, but the images look fine. For some reason, the 20mm f/2.8D

doesn't have a good digital reputation but now that it's come up again, I've never seen anyone post any photos

demonstrating why they think it's no good.

 

The number of people using the 20mm f/2.8D with satisfactory results is growing. I'd say go for it.<div></div>

[breogan_gomez]

It's funny but opinions vary a lot depending on where you ask. I know forums where members rave about the 20/2.8 AF on digital...

 

I would trust Bjorn R. opinion...

[wpahnelas]

as long as it's DX and not FX, the 20mm f/2.8 AF-D is a fine lens. if you're looking for 30mm equivalent, i'd say go for it, too. (i've used it both on D80 and D300). on a D700, however, you will definitely see dark corners, even stopped down.

[ivsimler]

Weird....I still shoot film with my f100, and I have never noticed dark corners with my 20mm. Its one of my favorite lenses.

[ronald_moravec1]

Film has different requirements than digital.

 

I only went as short as 24 with primes. I cover wide with my 18/70 or my 12/24.

 

Yes zooms are bigger, but do double or triple duty. I consider it the achilles heel of small sensors.

[luisarguelles]

Thanks a lot everybody for the information. Yesterday afternoon I bought the D80. New thread:

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http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00QlMN

</p>

Oh, and by the way: The 20mm AF-D also illuminates enterely the frame in my F4 :)