🌀 Older 'Must Buy' AF Nikkor 🤔 BEST CHEAP 'older' lenses

10.5mm 2.8 D AF Fisheye
50mm 1.8 DAF
60mm 2.8 D-AF
180mm 2.8 D-AF
105mm f2 DC and/or 135mm f2 DC
35mm f2 D-AF
85mm 1.4 D-AF
100mm 2.8 Tokina
300mm 2.8 AFS, or AIS
300mm f4 DAF
17-55mm AFS
28mm 3.5 PC Nikkor
70-210 F4 AF-D
80-200 2.8 AFS or AFD
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[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

10.5mm 2.8 D AF Fisheye 50mm 1.8 DAF 60mm 2.8 D-AF 180mm 2.8 D-AF 105mm f2 DC and/or 135mm f2 DC 35mm f2 D-AF 85mm 1.4 D-AF 100mm 2.8 Tokina 300mm 2.8 AFS, or AIS 300mm f4 DAF 17-55mm AFS 28mm 3.5 PC Nikkor 70-210 F4 AF-D 80-200 2.8 AFS or AFD

[@kamrulhasan-cd4kj]

@Shubham Chauhan He doesn't recommend those DSLR's at all. His only Nikon APS-C recommendations are D7100, D7200 and D500.

[@zfoxfire]

@Shubham Chauhan It will work fine. Just the 5xxx and 3xxx don't support screwdriver focus so you'll have to manually focus.

[@zfoxfire]

@Shubham Chauhan I'm still struggling a bit with manual focusing. Seems I keep missing the mark. Higher end Nikons have focus peaking mode. But I learned a trick. You can switch over to Effects choose the "color sketch" which highlights the focused area. This helps in sunlight or at an angle when I can't see the screen too well in Live View mode. Sadly i can't see the effect while actually recording video or it would make a good cheap alternative to having the focus peaking feature. Obviously the hardware can handle it so it's just a software limitation. Makes me wonder how easy it is to hack these Nikons.

[@zfoxfire]

@Shubham Chauhan I have enough difficulty filming my cat. I'm gonna have to upgrade to a D7xxx with screwdriver focus. Much of my lenses are D series.

[@andrelousada]

I remember you talking about the 20mm. What happened to it?

[@billb8262]

Ken, 2023 and these older videos about Nikon cameras and lenses still matter to many of us. I shot on a D750, hated the blues and greens, traded for two X-T1s, then found I don’t love Fuji controls as much as I thought I would. So now I’m heading back to Nikon via D700 and old D lenses. Your recommendations are helping guide me. I can build a very large Nikon kit in 2023, including D700, for less than $1400. But I want to buy as good as I can get and as much as I can get, so I’m taking my time. Message received on the 60mm and 180mm :) Looking at nearly all D lenses. I’m over the GAS and latest/greatest crap. Used high quality is all I need. Looking at 24mm 2.8D, 50mm 1.8D, 60mm 2.8D, 85mm 1.8 or 1.4 D, 105mm f/2 DC, 180mm 2.8 (first gen), 28-85mm 3.5-4.5D, Tokina 20-35mm 3.5-4.5, and 70-210mm f/4 (old!). Anything you’d recommend as “do this instead”? Thanks for all the work you put into these older videos!

[@413TomaccoRoad]

If youcan shoot with manual focus, the 180 2.8 ED is excellent. I have owned both the manual and AF. I sold the AF.

[@zfoxfire]

For some of us trying to find some of these lenses for ourselves, it does help to actually see them. Especially when it's a telephoto with about 20 different variations. If you won't drag them out, atleast throw up a still image showing the details.

[@zfoxfire]

if I took your "shut up and buy" literally I'd be homeless in a van filled with furniture made out of lenses.

[@quincylee2276]

I really don't see a problem with that though lol

[@jimmyhinAK]

And eating cat food!

[@Richard-mz7qu]

Whenever I have a few coins burning a hole in my pocket, I wanna get a new (new to me) Nikon lens. When this happens, I look to you for your expert advice. When you say this lens in the bees ta tas, I know I wont go wrong. On your recombination, I purchased two of my favorite mint lenses: Nikkor 135mm f2.8 AI-S, Nikkor 28mm f2.8 AI-S Thank you sir

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

Thanks for sharing

[@konradmroczek2496]

Tokina 100 2.8 all day every day for me. Thanks Ken!

[@7LiquidSnake]

I have the Tokina 100mm too! Lovely lovely lovely...

[@konradmroczek2496]

@@7LiquidSnake Yes, it is fantastic!!!

[@14zapatosnegros]

The 100mm tokina is stupid sharp, love that lens and it was ken's fault I bought it lol

[@jamesonnorth]

I have the 17-55 f2.8, 80-200 f2.8, 70-210 f4, 50mm f1.8, and the 60mm 2.8. All of these are really fantastic, I can confirm.

[@edwinoudewesselink8313]

Based upon your recommendation I recently bought a 180mm 2.8D and I love it ! Thanks for making these videos, it's very helpfull!

[@joshblank1]

This is the best lens video I’ve ever seen. I will be buying 105, 135, 180, & 300 Nikon primes.

[@rexko381]

Based on your recommendation, except 28mm 3.5 PC Nikkor, I own all of them and can vouch for all of them. I tried all of the lens on D3, D800 and D500, No regret at all. You are right, your viewers need to try it out themselves before make any educational judgements. Of course, if you have the budget for all of those lens.

[@vitaliedarii4510]

Purchased a pre-owned D700 last week, with 35mm f2 D-AF and 85mm 1.4 D-AF. Hard to be happier than that, but as far as I see there is still more room to go :))

[@audiobrainiac]

Nice to see u digging back into D series lens recommendations, Ken. Your lens recs were my draw to your channel and u always want to save people money. I don’t always agree with u, but I respect your integrity. Solid dude fo sho.

[@audiobrainiac]

And I bought 3 lenses off your recommendations with satisfaction.

[@Cotictimmy]

I have and email from London Camera Exchange (British nationwide chain) the were suggesting I pre-order a Z 85mm f1.8S at £799 U.K. "But I have an 85mm f1.8G (which cost less than half that) and a very nice DSLR to use it on."

[@karney44m]

Have owned the 60mm f2.8 for years, totally agree with your comments on its versatility. Its my go to portraiture lens on a crop sensor camera and have taken stunning macro with it. As you pointed out, it is a bit short for that but the results "will make your nuts fall off and roll across the room". Really wish to find its 90mm big brother one day.

[@DavidPattonPhotography]

Excellent list Ken, I've been rocken the 50mm 1.8 DAF for a long time, sharp, light and very affordable, still using it on my D810 and see no reason to replace it, the 180mm 2.8 D-AF is on my list for owning some day.

[@bikegypsy268]

I have the Nikon 60 2.8 D and the 80-200 as well as the Tokina 100mm... I conquer fully with your statements. Particularly when it comes to the 60mm D. What a jewel of lens for just $125.... Anyone who is just getting into photography and has a small budget should get this one plus the 35mm DX and slap these 2 on a D7100 or D7200... nice little kit for less than $1000 that dishes out pro level images. Unreal!

[@michaelanderson5560]

concur not conquer

[@JohnSmith-qw3sb]

DAMNIT! I thought I bought them all and he comes out with more. OYE VEY!

[@brooksysdead]

I shut up and bought a tokina 100mm macro on your recommendation ken and ill say it's the best 400 bucks i ever spent... This lens is goat . Thank you!

[@CameraMystique]

I agree on most of them. A tip for those who have the 35 f2D/105 DC: images from these lenses can tolerate an incredible amount of sharpness correction in Photoshop - ESPECIALLY when used with the D810/D850. It's as if they have 50% more resolution and you have to uncover it somehow. With images from other lenses I didn't have this experience without some loss in color density. For the 85 focal, I would DEFINITELY prefer the Nikon 85mm f/1.4 *AiS* with the 9-blade aperture for portraits. I'm totally surprised you didn't include it. It's easier to focus than the Planar, the images are on the same level, a little sweeter than the Zeiss, and excellent bokeh.

[@djtoman6875]

Straight Out of Camera This video is about AF lenses, which is why the 85/1.4 AIS wasn't included.

[@CameraMystique]

Ah, ok, my mistake then.

[@BabyBoomerChannel]

Ken - another thank you comment - I bought the Nikkor 85mm 1.8D based on your video's and I couldn't be happier - for the money, used on EBy it can't be beat. Thanks for your guidance.

[@janeklof2769]

Many thousand thanks for your interesting and useful videos !😀

[@EODM1]

I bought a Mint condition 10 .5 Fisheye lens last week for a bargain £150 Even Happier now you recommend it!!

[@thomasphillips5850]

Great video Ken. I love it.

[@nikonfe8598]

Thank you so much!!! The 50mm 1.8 D is so awesome on my d7100!!! Damn, that bokeh. I loooooove it! Will soon buy another one. 20mm 1.8 g bought of your recommendation too! Woho, what a lens!!! Amazing... can do a little macro with it too!!! Also got the tokina 100mm. Recently bought the 17-55 and the 70-300 vr g. Both cheap and in good condition. Can't wait to shoot them.

[@godofhope]

This is your best outfit so far! Now you look like a real lens guru!

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

made it myself :P

[@fredarmstrong8190]

Huge thanks Ken. Nikon d500 .70-300vr,200-500,tamron_10-24II and tokina100mm Macro all brought on you recommendations.keep up the good work much appreciated from a happy Western Australian. freddo

[@KSGArchives]

the photo yogi has spoken

[@alexshabotenko7228]

Perfect timing! Just the other day I realised (sigh) that my eyesight is a bit too weak for manual focusing and I need to buy me a couple of nice AF primes.

[@gilgemash]

What a jolly old chap you are 😳 Thanks for analysis 😷

[@jimsutherland2010]

You've saved me a bunch of money!

[@fxvsdx35]

Ken, the 28mm/f3.5 tilt/shift adapts awesomely on GFX. Full coverage and equals 21mm. cant beat it

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

i know, i made a video on that :)

[@matthewkeisling2776]

I think that you (with a little help from other legacy glass lovers) have opened a new door for me. My home cameras are D7200 and D3100, so I have thought more to stick with G-series AF-S lenses which will fully function on both bodies. I think I am scrapping that idea, other than my plan to get the 17-55mm DX, of course.

[@dougrobinson8602]

I packed 5 lenses for my D500 on my trip to Hawaii. I only ended up using two, except for a few wildlife frames. That would be the 17-55mm AFS, and Tokina 100mm 2.8. I was not left wanting in the glass department. I shot landscape, aerial, macro, and portraiture. Image output on these two lenses is excellent. Money well spent.

[@alexmirza5210]

Yes but the 85m f1.8 Daf rather than the 1.4 as it's at least as good. Also the 300mm f2.8 AIS won't be quite as perfect wide open as the 300mm afs f2.8.

[@jackoneil3933]

I agree, I have a copy of the 60mm f/2.8D Nikkor, and I find it a natural choice for shots of people and things. Just wish they did it in F/1.8.

[@mpk33]

No 35-70 2.8D? You said it in another video.

[@slowfinger2]

Hello Ken. Off your previous recommendation, I picked up a used 17-55. Awesome photographs. That honking huge front element. Also grabbed a used DX 35 1.8. It is also impressive paired with the D500. Thanks for doing these lists. Most of us don't get to try out a lot of glass.

[@antoniojperezcastro5013]

I just got a 24mm f2.8 nikkor D on ebay to be used adapted on fujifilm. I have the voiglander color skopar f4 also adapted but i'm not fully happy. Any comments on the nikkor 24mm f2.8 D? Please.

[@DavidFarquharsonPhotography]

The Yoda of optical knowledge and phenomenon

[@elit7538]

But, all of these lenses will not work with FTZ adapter..we need a FTZ adaptor for D series lenses..c'mon Nikon we need it for the successor of the Z7!

[@RodrigoAReyes95]

How did you know that I have been debating for weeks on which D lenses to buy? I like to shoot this old D1X (along with a D500) and I own the 300 f4 ED, which I love to death, I think I will pick up a 50, 85 and 180 and I will be set up for everything

[@hellasride2717]

I have the 60mm f/2.8D, the 180mm f/23.8D and the 135mm f/2DV. The latter is unbelievable! Looking for a 28mm f/3.5 PC lens now.

[@PaulMrPKcom]

Hi Ken. Whick of 70-210 and 80-200 here have better image quality do you think? Compared to 70200 vr (1) if price does not matter which zoom would you recommend when it comes to image quality?

[@theclassicsnapphoto]

Ken, I think you forgot the 18-35mm g series lens. Which I recently acquire for under $500 bucks.

[@michaelanderson5560]

Thank you!

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

You're welcome!

[@photografiaaustralis2131]

And let it be so! Awesome selection.

[@smkunder1]

This what you do best, saving us money on quality items!

[@blackicestudios]

I own a 70_210 AF ...... It needs servicing and STILL is insane.

[@alvinbroadcasts]

Awesome awesome lenses! Have the 50, 80-200, 300 F4. Unmatched quality at affordable prices.

[@SCtester]

For wedding photography, would you recommend the Nikkor 180mm f2.8 D over the Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8 AF-D? From what I understand, the 180mm has better image quality, but they're about the same price - and I wonder if the convenience of the 80-200mm would override the image quality advantage of the 180mm.

[@assists7]

I keep 35 f2d, 60 f2.8 macro, 180 f2.8d (sold 80-200 f2.8d) 85 1.4d (sold 85 f1.8d), and reward myself with 28 f1.4d (sold 20-35 f2.8d) 🙂

[@Bandalizo]

Hello there. I saw a previous video about the radioactive Nikon lenses list you made I have the 60 mm D and the 80-200mm ED but can you please tell me are these lenses radioactive? Thanks

[@jowilliebear]

Outstanding info. So, which of the 93 Z-compatible old Nikkors would you suggest?

[@jlyriq]

I watched this video and went out and got the 60mm f2.8D and that lens is tack sharp! It kills my 50mm 1.8g in sharpness so much I haven’t used the 50 since I got it

[@floatingpoints1507]

How does the AF perform? I have an 8008 / f801s and I'm curious if with the right lens maybe it'll be a great AF camera

[@jlyriq]

@@floatingpoints1507 I use it on the d700 and d7200 and the autofocus is fine. My cameras have built in focus motors though

[@marieta.s]

Out of all these lenses I have the 50mm which I bought many many years ago after following the advice of some people on a local photographic site. I am keeping notes of all these gems for future purchases. There are some lenses that I am interested in to start getting more serious about my imaging quality.

[@WaniMedia]

finally got me a mint 35mm f2, gonna test it out soon!

[@rschellie]

I am looking at getting Nikon 24-85mm F/3.5-4.5 VR Lens for landscape but is the 17-55mm AFS a better choice?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

ohhh helllll yes the 17 55 is tons better

[@SeanKimStyle]

Please make, must have vintage lenses for Fujifilm X series. That is if you have not...😬

[@loufonolleras5544]

Woo-hoo more of these! Thank you Ken!

[@maddoc68]

Jedi Master. ☺️

[@johnb4320]

I want to hear about adapting some of the Nikkor to the GFX .

[@anthonykago4428]

hi, I'm really into landscape photography and have a Nixon d5300. What's the best lens you would recommend to get for this type of photography? thanks!

[@jacobmcginnis7092]

Use the 300mm f/4D AF-S with a 1.4x TC-14E II with all my bird photography, but discovered the lens itself is AWESOME for portraits. My favorite lens I've used so far.

[@glendadewitt4557]

What Camera do you use with this lens?

[@MrTacoMan247]

Video would have been 10x better if you showd pictures of the lens and maybe a sample photo if you own one.

[@thering0010]

“...you’re a bit of an idiot” is one of my new favorite insults

[@RaySweeting]

Hey Ken great list I have the 60mm nikkor and the 70 210 nikkor great, picked up on your recommendations. Thinking about getting the new Tomron 15 30 G2 any comment? Ray

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

i havent used the G2 yet, i dunno

[@stealthworx4371]

Not sure if Ken has made a vid of it (if not plz make it for us noobs lol) but Nikon E series 70-150mm f3.5 is a major bargain i think. I recently visited Sri Lanka and I found out it should be worth way more than just $100aud.

[@kunalmarjadi]

TOKINA do you mean AT-X M 100mm??? Also what’s a goo adapter for AF NIKKOR lens on Fuji and manual ones as well.

[@GusSerrano]

So when you say "bad news" because Z cameras can't autofocus screwdriver lenses, is it just the Z line, or is it all mirrorless cams?

[@MikeK02048]

What do you think of the Nikkor 80-200 f2.8D EID? I bought it new for my N90 a zillion years ago. Shot Fuji Velvia with it.

[@michael2gen]

35-70 2.8d, it is my fav!

[@yeshwantshedde5144]

What about a wide angle for my d7100 for landscapes and street?

[@jimm5593]

Would these also make your list? 20mm2.8D, 20-35mm2.8D, 35-70mm2.8D?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

only the 35 70 2.8 D would

[@acabello72]

Hey Ken. Your thoughts on the 50mm 1.4D?

[@Ladybirdsin16mm]

300mm f2.8 now $2k + on Ebay...opps thats NZ$...$1300 US

[@isay19v]

Hey master Yoda you never talked in details about the difference between the D and E series,y i heard you mention many times that nikon cut some corners on the e series. Can you please make a video explaining the differences,are they only in build quality or image quality too?

[@shineymcshine]

E series predates the D series by a long while.... E was supposed to be 'consumer grade' for the film era, but lots of them were still excellent optically. the D series came about for Digital cameras and features screw-drive autofocus.

[@jonnypanteloni]

That was an effective video. Thank you. Sorry Yogi it's a long post today, understand if you don't read it Ken :P Also, have you thought about how you share the same first name with Ben Stonewell?!?! What do you think of 105/2 DC shadow reproduction? I have looked at a lot of images on flickr, and it appears the optics attenuate the contrast ratio in darker areas? Not sure how to word that correctly, but the shadow regions lack depth compared to the brighter areas - possibly some type of light transmission effect? - microcontrast/tonality or as I say 'spatial/tonal transient resolution' of the lens. You think after reading this: what a derp! Clearly this person doesn't understand wavelength equates to light energy, not intensity! That's why fringing occurs. I say yes I know how that works, but the optical transmission of the glass seems to have some type of "bell curve" or it's on "tone map/tonal gradation" that doesn't just apply to color, but also concentrates light at a certain amount per unit. i.e per unit of uniform light entering the front element a non-linear equation must determine the outcoming light from the rear element, equivalent to some type of logarithmic non-linear scaling/ratio. I have determined this effect to not be only from the sensor's Signal to Noise ratio (sensor conversion efficiency) due to the fact I looked at images also from a D800E in daylight under smooth gradients/transitions to dark and returning from. In these conditions the same characteristic decrease in tonal fidelity was apparent in shadow areas. This is typically something discussed when considering purchasing new lenses of 800USD and above in my opinion, as all the other issues that plague cheaper lenses (like severe fringing, the tamron beanbag pincushion and acuity etc...) get in the way of discussing this, however this lens is good enough this is the first thing that I notice about it. What I mean by mentioning this is that while I am being critical I do acknowledge for the price it's competing with much more expensive lenses. If someone was to account for this 'tonal scaling' when considering the lighting of a scene however, I think the lens could for its style compete with some of the nice, really tasty Zeiss stuff. The rendering of this lens for its perspective is the best I have seen anywhere near this price. I do not know why I am on the competing lens mount now, sadly. I like to use Canon because of the video options and ease of use (the lens turns the CORRECT way - take that Robe Yogi!), but this does hurt to see so much great glass, it makes me wonder if the EOS R or m5 (money option) will be a good investment because adapting all these lenses will pay off in the long run. Nikon lenses work on Sony cameras with autofocus. I doubt Nikon lenses will work on Canon Mirrorless with Autofocus, but one can hope.

[@deepblack67]

what about 24-85 or 120mm lens' for a Nikon D5300?

[@SixPhilippe]

Good day, could you consider making a video on which fuji lenses to buy as a beginner and maybe even the sequence of purchase you would recommend? Thanks for considering! Grtz

[@UrielX1212]

The 60mm 2.8 micro is god like.

[@830Video]

Where can we buy your amazing hand strap!

[@shineymcshine]

i love my 35mm so much! such natural rendering, in any lighting conditions i throw at it.

[@davidcaldwell1778]

Thanks for the list

[@003RCruz]

You rock Ken

[@LockeLeon]

How would the Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 compare IQ speaking with these old lenses?

[@EvgeniyShulzhenko]

T stop not that great

[@costas4287]

What do you think about the leaked info of the Nikon d760 coming out in 2019.

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

doubt it

[@anasalas7832]

I really wanted to buy older lenses but I’m not sure if they will work with my d3400. Some say it will some say it’s a terrible idea.

[@nyctasiaselesq]

To my knowledge, D3xxx series do not have a screw drive. You can use older lenses on, but they will be fully manual. D7xxx series do have a screw drive though.

[@anasalas7832]

@@nyctasiaselesq thank you, manual focus won't be an issue once I'm learning and avoiding auto settings as much as i can, I'm saving up to get a better one, so i think I'll get this lens.

[@nyctasiaselesq]

Well, lens will stay while camera will change in the future. Good luck!

[@jimsutherland2010]

Talk about running through the list...

[@FreakHBB]

I have 80-200mm AF-S brilliant lens in market condition :) ,Ken? is that true the 80-200mm lates version i mean AF-S is better than first generation vr lens?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

yes, but not optically, the AF is superior

[@roiwow2]

How is 300mm f/4.5 ed if ais vs the f4 afd?

[@EvgeniyShulzhenko]

300 f4.5 ed ais is a lightweight lens (~800g without leg) i have one, but i d prefer 300afd easier to focus)

[@roiwow2]

@@EvgeniyShulzhenko regard the foucs system. Which one is better in image quality?

[@japamax]

Can you compare Samyang 135 mm f/2.0 ED UMC vs Nikkor 135mm f2 DC ? All 2 seem cheap and great. (excellent image quality, no aberration, no distorsion ...)

[@rayvicchio9094]

Thanks for the Antique Lens Road Show episode. Yes these lenses would look great on a mantel or in a glass display case in a basement man cave. On a new 40 to 50 mpix sensor these old pigs would be slow, soft and frustrating. Bad advice for any beginning or journeyman photographer. Spend your money instead on new technologically advanced lenses that match up with the newest cameras.

[@HI2LIFE]

WELL...my mate friend amigo Ken...On your recommendation about 2 years ago I bought the Nikon 180mm f/2.8 D....I hate it because every time I click the shutter and view the photo on the back of the camera I Have An Orgasm LOL! So after taking 50 plus photos and achieving an orgasm at every single photo I am exhausted...and the wife is not happy....LOL...Now jokes aside...Your recommendation on this 180mm nikon is nothing short of BULLS EYE! You have really hit the spot Ken...the bloody thing is AMAZING! Anyone who loves portraits need to try this lens! I had the Nikon 85mm f/1.4G for portraits and it was a WOW lens BUT THIS 180mm is WAY BETTER!!!!

[@chellmcwags6229]

Do you think this lens would be better than the 80-200mm? I have the push pull one and I’m stuck on whether to get this lens or not

[@pongrsu497]

ขอบคุณสำหรับคำแนะนำครับ

[@Redgolf2]

My Mamiya 50 mm 1.8 for me

[@taz24787]

But I love my Sigma Art lens .... It's SOOO SHAAAAAARP ... WHYYYY??? ... WHYYYYYYYYY?!?!?!?!?!?!?! (Sarcasm)

[@taz24787]

Dude, it has ART written on it ... that literally means everything it shoots is a documented masterpiece! PS It's also SUPER sharp!

[@quicktastic]

Hey, an ad popped up. This vid must be monetized.

[@DavidFarquharsonPhotography]

quicktastic hope so

[@johnreagan7596]

how is sober october working out for you? lol. jk. i know your on the straight and narrow. what music do you dig the most?

[@KenTheoriaApophasis]

sober? i never drank

[@minnesnowtan9970]

Shut up and buy: an elusive message. The 60 f/2.8 look interesting, but I have a 50mm f/1.8. Am I missing something on that?

[@marksturtz]

The 60 mm is an extremely sharp macro lens, hence its dual purpose with a slight loss of light compared to the 50 mm