Would you spend $800 on a AIS Manual lens

[rodeo_joe1]

<p>As I see it you have two options:<br>

1) Use the 85mm f/2 Nikkor and be happy. It really isn't a bad lens at all going by my AI-S version bought from new around 1980. You really have to be a dedicated pixel peeper to find much wrong with that lens. It's also small, light and generally handles very well.<br>

2) Get the Samyang AE 85mm f/1.4, which IME is a far better lens than any non-aspheric design like Nikon's elderly 85mm f/1.4. You'll save money <em>and</em> get better optics and automatic coupling to a DSLR. The lens is fully useable wide open, and practically faultless at f/2 - where, yes, it will give you better corner sharpness than the f/2 Nikkor, but the corners probably aren't that important for the sort of use an 85mm lens usually gets.</p>

[mark_crown4]

<p>As others above have said, this has been a really interesting thread.</p>

<p>I've never really been into the 85mm focal length, preferring an Ai 105mm 2.5 instead from which I have got some wonderful images. The 105 is a deservedly 'legendary' lens.</p>

<p>I too have lusted over a 35mm 1.4 but never found one at the right price. I soon gave up on 35mm focal length when I realised that it is never wide enough for me. I once had the 'legendary' AIS 28mm 2.8, but found it to be a bit soft in the corners (so, so sharp in the centre though). So, I got a 28mm f2 Ai that I feel is a more balanced lens for landscapes as it is consistently sharp well into the corners. It is also excellent with the sun in the image whereas I've had really bad flare with the AIS 28mm 2.8.</p>

<p>I have the 35mm 1.8 DX - a lovely little lens which I use on my D40.</p>

<p>I've also had the really good 75-150mm E zoom too, but prefer the 50-135 Ais - this is truly and amazing lens at all apertures, it's only fault being that it does not cope with strong, direct light sources in the scene and flares badly. Other than that, its is VERY sharp.</p>

[robert_bouknight1]

<p>I have used the 85/2 AIS, 85/1.8 AI converted, 85/1.4AFD, 85/1.8AFD, 105/2.5AI, 105/2DC, and many others for portraits.</p>

<p>The recent 85/1.8AF-S G gets my vote as a lens that provides exceptional performance for a fair price in the short tele focal length. </p>

<p> </p>

[mervyn_wilmington]

<p>I should have mentioned in my earlier posting that I do have the Tokina 100mm f2.8 atx macro. Whilst I cannot compare it with any of the Nikons referred to, I can say it provides truly excellent images both for macro and portrait work. The defining power is such that some ladies might want the final product softening a little.</p>

<p>My lens, in near mint condition, cost £200 here in the UK</p>

 

[Rick Waller]

<p>".......but rather tact <a id="itxthook3" href="/nikon-camera-forum/00cl6t" rel="nofollow">sharp picture<img id="itxthook3icon" src="http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png" alt="" /></a> at f/8"<br /> <br /> If you are planning to shoot at f8, almost ANY Nikon lens will produce an excellent, tack sharp photo. Why on earth would you seek out a heavy 1.4 lens if you are not opening up the aperture.<br /> <br /> My advice if you are not satified with your 105/2.5 (not quite sure why you are not in love with that lens) and insist on an 85mm lens, is to buy either the 85/1.4 AF-D to save money, or for that matter, the 85/1.8 AF-D which is smaller, lighter and far less money. If you are shooting at f8 - what is the compelling reason to buy a fast lens?</p>

[BelaMolnar]

<p>Yes, I would. . . . Having most of the older Nikons, NON AI , AI and AI-S lenses, and using them, many are as good as the new plastic lenses. I would like to spend more then $800 dollar for a nikon 13mm f/5.6 AI-S, but I can't afford 50,000+, yes fifty-thousand dollar+ for it. I would happily settle for a 3000 dollar prize range. Or. . . . A Noct-Nikkor 58mm /1.2 AI-S, ( I haw the 50/1.2)(?) over or around 5000 dollar lens. Maybe, 1500.00 but not 5000.00.<br /> The 85mm f/1.4 AI-S is a stellar lens, and it is worth the price if you not get used to-mach of AF and all other automatization. I had the AF version, sold, trusted better the AI-S version.</p>

[richard_barron]

<p>I used the 85mm f/2.0 Nikkor for years, and can't say enough good things about it. Sharp, smooth to focus, lightweight, fun lens to shoot. I sold it in 2004 and sometimes think I want to get another one.</p>

<p><br /><br /><img src="http://www.richardbarron.net/test/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/abby-front-yard-01a.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p> </p>

[henryp]

<blockquote>

<p>If you can step back a step or two or three, the 105mm f2.5 is great for one quarter of the price.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>IMO the Nikon 105/2.5 manual focus lens is among the greatest slr lenses ever made. YMMV</p>

<p>Henry Posner<br /><strong>B&H Photo-Video</strong></p>

[Rick Waller]

<p>"IMO the Nikon 105/2.5 manual focus lens is among the greatest slr lenses ever made"<br>

+1. </p>

[rconey]

<p>Nice read, this series. I have recently gone back to manual focus lenses for things that do not need speed- landscape, and particularly closeups with or without an extension tube. As a hobbyist, it's mostly about fun and experience. The old MF nikkors handle so smoothly and are a pleasure to use. They feel like precision instruments especially with Live View as a guide. Recommended- 28 f2; 35 f1.4; 105 f2.5 and 105 f1.8 (I'm finding this one a little easier to focus than the f2.5), 75-150 f3.5 series E, and a zeiss 21 f2.8 I've had for years. I have an 85 1.4D AF that is marvelous, so I haven't needed the MF version. As far as price, if you can afford it and want the experience, why not. Look at new lens prices. These are a bargain (unless you need focus speed)</p>

[Matthew Currie]

<p>Mr. Posner can, presumably, try out any lens that exists at any price, and what he comes up with is the good old 105/2.5. I already have one, but if I did not, I think I'd take that recommendation very seriously.</p>

[StuartMoxham]

<p>The 105 f2.5 is great. I've got the earlier version, 5 elements in 3 groups.</p><div></div>

[jack_nordine]

<p>Recently I spent $1500 on an AIS lens and felt I got a bargain, so my answer is yes. I think you should use the 105mm 2.5 for the next week or two and give it a fair shot. You may forget about the 85mm.</p>