45mm f2.8P for Digital?

[icuneko]

<p>Has anyone used the 45mm f2.8P lens for digital photography? If so, what were your results? I have like-new one that I may gift to a relative who has a D5000. If not, I'll be selling it very soon.</p>

[Peter_in_PA]

<p>Some love this lens, many think it's overpriced. Price is not an issue here as you already have it.</p>

<p>Check out Bjorn's review.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_norm.html">Normal lenses (50-58 mm)</a></p>

<p>He gives it a 4.5 - 5 out of 5 for DX. I'd say that's pretty great!</p>

[williamting]

<p>It'll mount with the D5000 but with the small viewfinder it will be hard to manually focus.</p>

<p>Also, I'm not sure if the D5000 can meter properly with that lens.</p>

[ilkka_nissila]

<p>I think it's rather painful to use manual focus using one of the entry-level DSLR viewfinders with pentamirror designs. A 35/1.8 DX or 50/1.4 AF-S would be better gifts.</p>

[Peter_in_PA]

<p>The D5000 can absolutely meter with that lens. It'll work on any AF Nikon (meter-wise) and it will be okay to manually focus with the electronic assistance that the D5000 (or several other current Nikon DSLRs) provide.</p>

[Michael R Freeman]

<p>It is an Ai-P lens (Ai lens with a CPU), so as Peter Hamm has noted it will meter on ANY autofocus Nikon body (digital or 35mm), and also on any manual focus 35mm body.</p>

<p>Haven't used it, and would like to try it, but collectors have over-inflated the price for this little gem. :-)</p>

[JDMvW]

<p>There may be another part to your question--are you asking if a lens made for film can be used (aside from mechanical linkages, etc.) to take pictures on a digital sensor? Many old designs have been brought out in new "digital" versions, after all.</p>

<p>If that is what you are concerned about, there is some tendency for older lenses to bounce light around inside the camera in ways that may affect sensors, where film wouldn't have "noticed," so to speak. The main difference in many of these lenses is not actual optical redesign, however, but in simply developing better lens coatings to reduce flare. Older lenses, even uncoated ones, can be used to good effect with adapters on many modern digital bodies; you just have to be aware of flare-type problems. A little healthy "chimping" is not amiss.</p>

[paul_wheatland]

<p>I use this lens on my Fuji S-1 Pro DSLR, my N2020 and my FG. I could not be happier with this tiny gem of a lens. I bought one and a year later another when two different stores closed. Selling the second still in box with papers paid for both so I now have the original for "0" USD. It's great on digital!</p>

[flhotelin]

<p>I use it on a d200, d700 and d3, it is a very good lens, very sharp wide open corner to corner, quite a flat field and almost no CA. On a d5000, it would be a nice addition, no Af but meter fine (as all Cpu'ed lenses)<br>

At f/4 on d200:<br>

<br />http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/2340686668_e916ac0071_o.jpg</p>

<p> </p>

[walterh]

<p>D5000 is a light weight body so this lens could make a nice combo.<br>

Depending on the planned use I would consider Ilkka's comments.<br>

And yes it is overpriced compared to a 50mm AFD f1.8.</p>

[photo5]

<p>I've just recently begun shooting with this lens again. I owned it for a brief period three years ago and sold it. I enjoy shooting with it, I like the slightly wider focal length vs the 50mm 1.8 AF-D, and the color balance is more neutral and contrast is slightly higher. It is more contrasty and I prefer the way it handles out of focus areas. I've been shooting with Tessar type lenses for more than 20 years (Rolleicord, Rolleiflex and Rollei 35) and I've always liked the way they render scenes very much.</p>