Why Not A Blog 47

[stmv]

Build Quality has actually been about the same for the last few years.

When you have gear over a 40-50 year period, you can see general design and structure techniques.

So,, when I look at my 24-85 3.5-4.5 G lens that is about 8 years old, and compare it to the newest 18-200 VRII G, the design is almost identical, same look and feel, except that the newer lens is built in Thailand, and the older one still in Japan, but as far as look and feel, not a whole lot different.

From a consumer zoom period, I think the 28-105 generation had a nice build of a mixture of metal and plastic. It still feels like a significant piece of glass/lens, compared to the newer generation.

My favorite generation of Nikkor build can be seen in the 300 F4, and even 20-35 zoom era of crinkle metal finish, These lens feel like tanks, and have the super silky smooth focus. When you pick up this level of lens, they just ooze quality.

The lowest level are the total entry lens such as the 50 mm 1.8d and 18x55, these lens do not inspire confidence that they will survive, but.. if you are not rough,, they tend to hold up ok. I did notice a squeek in my 18x55 VR fairly fast, and the 50 1.8D seems to have loose peices, but works fine.

 

[STM]

My youngest AIS lens is over 15 years old and some date to the early to mid 80's and when I look at the lenses of today, even the higher quality ones, I am very disappointed. Gone is that traditional Nikon quality "feel" that Nikons became world famous for. Something Canon, Minolta, Olympus, Pentax or any of the other major lens makers were never able to achieve. They tried, but none ever quite succeeded. I could take my older 300mm f/4.5 AIS non-IF Nikkor, turn the focusing helicoid to the minimum distance, place it on the table and watch the weight of the interal sleeve slowly and smoothly turn the helicoid to infinity. It would stop with an audible muted click when it hit the infinity stop. No one, including Nikon, makes them to that standard any more.

 

[stmv]

yes,, my AI and AIS collection is fairly extensive, and are a match to any of the newer Zeiss lens.

My 50MM 1.2 is still a beaut.

Now.. the secret is that NIKON still sells brand new version with the same super quality. so anyone that complains of not being able to buy quality, go get one of these brand new versions.

here is a nice link
nikkor 50mm 1.2 ais| B&H Photo Video=


you can still buy AIS lens in:

20mm, 24, 28, 35, 55 2.8, 50 1.4, 1.2 105 2.8

folks,, get these brand new why you can,,, I suspect that soon, these will be gone FOREVER except
for the use market.