Inexpensive Glass of Fame

Type of thread I kinda liked at nikoncafe, but seems that we don't have one here. Idea is this- pick a street price level at which and below is considered inexpensive for lenses today and then post what lenses you got that fit this, how you like them, and of course some sample shots.

This could help some newbies decide on what their first few lenses could be and just be a fun kind of thread to show off the deals you manage to find.

For instance, 18-70s have pretty bad vignetting wide open at all focal lengths, but they are a tad faster and farther reaching than current beginner 18-55s. Also AF with manual override is a very nifty feature, especially at night when the body would hesitate to snap a shot due to its inability to focus, but a quick touch from the override would force it into manual and snap regardless of what it thinks.

Personally, all the old primes that are cheaper than their modern counterparts would potentially fit here as well since they mostly lack mechanicaelectronic gimmicks and not the quality of the glass itself (not to mention superb build quality).

So, thoughts on running a thread like this?

And then build an Index:

RAYNOX DCR-150 Macro Close-Up
Nikkor-E 50mm f/1.8
Tamron Adaptall-2 28mm f/2.5 Model 02B
Sigma 24mm Super-Wide II f/2.8 Macro (manual ver.) , Sample Post #2
NIKKOR 105mm f/2.5
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 Pre-Ai/Ai

Great idea! I say, go for it!

Could do the classic links-to-posts in OP with lens names and then everyone posts what they want to nominate for this list.

What budget would all of you more experienced graphers consider inexpensive? ~2-300 tops, ~3-400?

50 dollars . . . US . . . LOL, just kidding!

You could start at the high-end range, like 400-500 dollars, and then move down incrementally. As a matter of fact, I already have a Nikon lens in this range . . . an oldie but goodie. It could get really interesting as you move down to a price range of less than $100.

Well, I'm trying to figure what a sensible top end should be. After all, ~300 can land some snazzy new primes, but its no VRII of any sort, nor 1.4G.

And please post what you have and some shots with it.

Intent of the thread is to focus on oldies and perhaps cheaper Tammies and Sigmas if they offer decent enough of a daily performance.

Likely the next lens I will buy just because it is so cheap.

OK the old Sigma super wide 24/2.8 also sold as the quantaray 24/2.8 available for right around $100. I've never had one but I have heard tons of stuff about them. Only drawback is they feel and are cheap. Said to outperform many counterparts including Nikon version.

http://www.kameradoktor.de/testsigma24.jpg

But generally speaking, perhaps something like this-

Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 Pre-Ai/Ai. Got mine for $35 shipped and via some research deduced that its from 1966!

Straight out of the cam @ f/2


Same thing for the most part


With Clarity and shadow/highlight adjustments

Arguably the most famous Nikkor ever...bought both of my copies for less than $100 each! They are going up though better get one while the getting is good. Nearly all of my pictures I post on this forum are made with this one...(which may change tonight if I get to the post office before it closes )

105/2.5

Eye-level said:

Arguably the most famous Nikkor ever...bought both of my copies for less than $100 each! They are going up though better get one while the getting is good. Nearly all of my pictures I post on this forum are made with this one...(which may change tonight if I get to the post office before it closes )

105/2.5

Click to expand...

Just link a couple of shots using these guys in that post and keep the thread rolling!

Here is my contribution; 2/3 of the Cheap Prime Trilogy:

Series E 50mm/1.8 circa 1982-84 paid $45
Tamron 28mm/2.5 with Adaptall 2 for Nikon circa 1970's? paid $25 (Tamron Adaptall-2 28mm F/2.5 Model 02B)

Bird picture taken a few years ago with the Series E. Last sign of winter taken today with the Tamron (f2.5).

Added an interesting contender from another thread. In fact, I might just do that as well- pool links from the whole forum as I stumble upon them.

So, new contender and my fave lens thus far:

Sigma 24mm Super-Wide II f/2.8 Macro (manual version)



Paid whopping $41 + s/h for this absolutely mint condition, with all original accessories. Craptastic hood was broken, but nothing superglue didn't fix. And for once, I LOVED the straight up shots it produces.

Full-metal body, rubber focus grip with smooth and firm turn. f/2.8-22 with half-stops(!), and insanely close-focusing ability of 19cm for a wide prime.

The 1:4 "macro"



And some standards






Truly a gem, luckiest find thus far, and absolutely most favorite glass so far. Something that feels just right to me, and I've yet to feel that.

Thought I would try and resurrect this thread. Took the Tamron 28 f/2.5 out for a walk; been a while since I used this lens.