All Nikon Lens Technology Explained by Ken Rockwell

Nikon Lens History by Ken Rockwell
Best Nikon lenses kenrockwell.com/nikon/10-best.htm
Nikon Lens Compatibility www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm
Nikon FTZ Compatibility www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm
Nikon Lens Technology Decoded www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/nikortek.htm
Nikon Lens Reviews www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/nikkor.htm
Review of lens in title slide www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80200f4ais.htm
All Nikon Reviews www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/index.htm
Subliminal Seduction amzn.to/36OTsuQ
When you click on the links above to various merchants and make a purchase, this can result in me earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
History of Nikon Lenses
Mystery Text: 660 ORTF, A50dB, 40HPF, MP 11r6 dB

[@richsmith9063]

Finally Ken Rockwell speaks (I just stumbled across his channel). Im very excited (seriuosly). Ken I've been referring to your Nikon lems web pages for years. You've helped me so much. Thanks !!!!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

THANKS Rich!

[@nickgoodwood4812]

I second that. Over the years your website was invaluable for me in choosing lenses and not to forget your excellent manual of the D90. I am very glad you have come to KZbin Ken!

[@sofuckingannoying]

Thirded. A decade later, I'm still rocking the D3100 with 35mm F/1.8 I got based off of Ken's recommended cameras. This man could've monopolized KZbin's camera gear segment had he started earlier. Still, better later than never.

[@valueforvalue76]

@@sofuckingannoying He still could, he'd just have to make the right kind of videos. But I doubt he has any aspirations for that.

[@EddieInzauto]

And what a listenable explanation, too!

[@AdamAllen]

As a 20+ year Canon user who now shoots Fuji X professionally, I recently picked up an old Nikon DSLR for the age of the mount. This is exactly the video I needed!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Adam Allen thank you! I could do one for Canon, but as you hear Canon got it all right back in 1987 pretty much eliminating the need for such a video.

[@tedk2814]

Very good! So nice to put a voice with Ken Rockwell in the written world. Thanks you so much for the well done history lesson. It's like I'm in college again and listening to a lecture by a tenured professor. Thanks for all you've done for my photography education....Ted in Sebastian, Fl

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks Ted!

[@ousi00]

I was about to say the same :) I've read KenRockwell.com for more than a decade and finally I can hear you, Ken!

[@bobroberts2371]

Have a listen to the guy on the channel " lock picking lawyer " , sounds similar. Also, I know of Ken Rockwell by finding his Mercedes SL500 web site after I got my SL. Great SL revue the way. .

[@jonnyem.8859]

You convinced me to buy my first Nikon DSLR, the D40, many years ago. Thanks for all your excellent coverage of photography products, you're the best!

[@charris939]

Hi Ken, I've been following your review site for 7 or 8 years now, great to see you on KZbin. I've been a Nikon fan and professional user for the past 35 years. Your reviews are second to none. Thanks for posting😀

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU for finding it so helpful. Best for the new year!

[@LeandroBighetti]

Loved this! Have been reading your website for so many years ! It was a delight to find you here! Amazing video thank you!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!!

[@HerrSantander]

Fantastic video! You won me over from being your reader starting in the very early days of your website (with that soft yellow background and one-page lens reviews) to watching KZbin again! Thanks and keep up this great work!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Danke!

[@Sjorezz]

Hi Ken! After all these years of reading your pages. I'm pleasantly surprised to finally hear your voice! keep up the good work. Greetings from the Netherlands. Sjors

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!

[@cornwallonline]

26 minutes flew by! An excellent journey through the lenses of Nikon, thanks.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@mortalens]

You’re the best out there. I ALWAYS refer to your site if I have any questions, and NEVER leave unsatisfied. Thank you for your service to the industry

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!!!

[@monkeyfinger7949]

As a Nikon fan boy from my teen years, this tutorial was a really great tour of Nikon gear. I recently got back into photography and my internet searches landed me on Ken's website over and over. I have learned so much from this guy in just a few weeks regarding what gear is good, why, and how it should be used. Ken you are the guru of Nikon knowledge, man! I am really grateful you took the time to document all of this. Your website has been an immensely helpful resource in my quest to find some good gear and get shooting again.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!! You rule!!!!

[@ropeyarn]

You touched briefly upon the filter size problem in the video. I still have my stack of 52mm filters that fit the fixed focal length Nikkors of the sixties. You did a great job covering the physical compatibility subject. Eventually we need a video on the evolution of the optical designs, if someone wants to step up to the plate.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@abhi8569]

As a young amateur photographer who uses Nikon, this is the best video I have seen. I have been through your website a lot while I was hunting for new DSLR and even now when I need to know about the lenses. You are legend!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you Abishek!!!!

[@clintondavis3363]

I’ll keep rocking my D750 with my collection of D lenses. Pics look as great as ever. I don’t even mind whipping out my D80 as a smaller, lighter rig. Your earlier instructions for Nikon cameras help me speed through initial set ups - thanks. I loved, loved the days of slide film, rocking my F5 with my beloved Velvia and some Sensia or print film in my smaller N70. Also, had my Dad’s Leica in tow, usually with Black-and-White film. I have such wonderful memories of trips, scenic hikes, gardens and friends and family. Nowadays, it’s the D750, Fuji x100t (bought used for $300) and my iPhone. It took me a while to accept the iPhone as a camera, but I must admit, it’s very handy. I haven’t had to buy a bunch of new lenses and I’m already proficient with the SLR system. Tech will always advance and I already dropped silly money on photography - my beloved F5, for example, not to mention the tons of film and processing. But, it has been satisfying, photo journaling and seeing the world through the lens. Such a wonderful memory aid to recall moments in our lives.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@lievenm2661]

I could’ve listened for another hour with any complaints whatsoever!!! Few are masters of their specific abilities, Sir you have mastered your craft so I’m grateful! (From an older dude making is way into macro photography using baby’s steps).

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!

[@Edgy01]

Good job, Ken. Although I know 99% of this stuff, I would never have attempted to do this in 25 minutes! You did what could have taken two hours and got it well edited into this concise package! (One of your 13mm buddies).

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!!!

[@rudedog34]

After so many years referencing your website, I now have subscribed here. You have been an invaluable source for so many nubes and pros alike over the years. Wish you great success here on YT.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!!!

[@marcoantonioregiltv]

I love, love, love this video!! Thank you so much!!! I really enjoyed it!!! Loving your channel!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks! Be sure to share it.

[@greenbrightly]

So pleased you’re doing this. I’ve been an avid follower of your site for a long time, whenever I want to find out about a camera or lens yours is the first place I go.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@mannolitto2196]

Just subscribed, that Nikkor fisheye lens is a gem! Best Nikon website in the world and now KZbin channel. Thank you Ken.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!!!!

[@Edgy01]

Actually, that old Fisheye-Nikkor, the 8mm f/8 is the pig in the Nikkor fisheye world. It was soon surpassed by the 7.5mm f/5.6 and was a nice improvement. I know Ken and would like to thank him for saving me the trouble of having to talk people through the complexities of the Nikon lens mount world, particularly with the advent of the Nikon F. And yes, I’m old enough in the Nikon world to have bought a Nikon F when you could buy one new! I personally have about 50 Nikkor lenses 7.5mm to the 1000mmm, including the incredible 13mm f/5.6 AIS ultra wide. Keep in mind another thing that perhaps Ken will touch upon some day-the glass. Two basic things to consider. Coatings, and the glass types. Over the decades Nikon has improved their coatings with multi-coatings, to nano. When buying a used Nikkor, try to find the latest coatings that you can . The simplest way to tell it by color. If it reflects a blueish color, it’s vey old and original. The better multi-coatings reflect more of a greenish color. That happened in the early 1980s, generally. Optically, it all comes down to the glass, right? I highly recommend that you only buy glass known as ED (Extra-Dispersal) for anything 100mm and longer. Until they used ED glass (like the APO glass within Leica) you have less sharpness at the focusing plane. Each color in the spectrum would focus a little farther or closer in relative to the prime focusing plane and you got softness in your focus. So, stick to ED glass, for the longer longest. They have even begun to adopt it for the shorter focal lengths. Just a few tips along with what Ken is putting o. -Dan

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Wow Ken. This was incredible. Thank for making it! Sorry I’m 3 years late hah. Great meeting you at the a9iii launch

[@KenRockwellTV]

Ditto! Thanks for checking it out. See ya!

[@Maxfli82]

Great History Ken. I too have only stumbled upon your KZbin page recently after reading your reviews starting about 12 years ago. Always loved your very high-res product shots on your page. Looking forward to great video content here as well!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!

[@iSleepDoc]

Ken, I have been following for ages….Thank you for your great info and guidance!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you for reading all these years! I’m a little behind because I’m working with one broken arm and working on editing photos to publish from my October trip. Thanks!!!

[@lebaptiste3162]

Ken, you're the one! Didn't know you do videos too. I'm glad I've found you here. I'm a long time web page follower of yours and your recommendations helped me a lot. Many thanks buddy! You deserve much credit for your work over the years.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Merci bien!

[@lakshmanprasad2798]

Valuable guide for any one who wants to master true photography skills as opposed to people who are after bragging rights for owning the latest and greatest gear bought at ridiculous prices. Are you after great photographs OR owning the most expensive gear without knowing how to use it? Helps one make up their mind! Very helpful info.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@justinwatson384]

Such an incredible upload, a heck of a lot of fun to see all of that history!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you; it was fun to do!

[@jameslane3846]

Been using your reviews for years! I got my Nikon 80-200mm f4.5n thanks to your review raving over it! It's now my main lightweight telephoto zoom when doing 35mm landscape photography

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@paulw4487]

So glad you are on KZbin. It's better than reading 😂

[@KenRockwellTV]

Paul W thank you! So glad all you folks enjoy this. This is something that shows well on video so you can see everything.

[@marcoantonioregiltv]

Yessss

[@meesy498]

Wow, this was so interesting Ken and I learned a lot of new things, so thank you. I've been reading your website for more years than I care to remember, so happy to have found you on youtube, sorry am late to the party, all the best to you and yours Ken, take care.

[@KenRockwellTV]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@miketing6971]

What a fantastic upload. I really enjoy your highly knowledgeable and to the point website as well. Keep it up!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks Mike!!!

[@CloverPhotoandVideo]

I have always relied on Ken's site and his great chart to help figure out which of my Nikon lenses will work on my various Nikon cameras, and which older lenses may potentially not work or worse cause damage. Looking forward to watching this video in full.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Good point, I just added links to www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm where I cover compatibility in great detail

[@CloverPhotoandVideo]

@@KenRockwellTV Thanks! I find these pages quite helpful.

[@williamberger2178]

Thank you Ken, I've followed your web site for 15+ years, so strange hearing your voice on video. I hope to see and hear more from you.

[@KenRockwellTV]

That you will! Thanks!

[@crazyaboutprint]

I love your site and recently found your channel here. This video is not just to see one time. This is real history and reference.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank You!!!

[@AndrewWilsonOz]

Been using your web pages for years. Today, I 'discovered' your KZbin channel. Thanks for all your great reviews. Yours is the first page I visit before I go ahead and buy a lense. Particularly when I am buying an older, or secondhand lense. You are the lense man!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you! Yes, while these videos here are fun, if you’re actually about to buy something always read my site which will always be more up to date and detailed. Once published, there’s no way to edit KZbin videos except for the title and comments. I edit my site numerous times every day as things develop. Thanks!

[@360icon]

Your website has been a great tool for learning about old nikkor lenses- thank you!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you! Those lenses are the best thing nikon ever did.

[@360icon]

@@KenRockwellTVMy first camera was a Nikkormat from Fox Photo- Now im using a a7iv and a a7riii converted to infrared with a novoflex f to e - everyone of my modern lens, Voigtlander produce sensor hotspots- but with the old nikkors the images are spectacular at f16+_ so far ive i have 20 mint lenses ive ordered from Japan with great success! Cheers from Missouri

[@borzumo]

way above modern bloggers, thank you!

[@KenRockwellTV]

THANK YOU!!!!!

[@michaelspriggs5404]

Just like everyone else I’ve been relying of Ken’s lens site for all manner of lens info I’ve needed and ended up buying. Simultaneously my knowledge of my gear has quadruple’d or more, now I have the pleasure of listening to this wizard live and in colour, fabulous..

[@KenRockwellTV]

And in sometimes even in stereo! Thanks!

[@focusingbeauty]

Welcome to KZbin. You've been the point of reference for most of us here for many years :)

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks Matt!

[@hifienthusiast8768]

Very enjoyable video! You made me want to pop my 100/f2.8 E-series on my D2XS and go shoot.Llove how the arrows in the D2XS viewfinder tell me which way to turn the manual focus ring. Epic!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Yip, the E 100/2.8 is optically superb!

[@villemononen5303]

Very interesting! Well done! I prefer manual focus lens when not in a rush, out and about in the nature. The focusing experience itself is far more pleasing and the film lenses feel lovely. Great stuff!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Yes, and it's easier and faster to turn one ring a little rather than set seventeen autofocus menus! Thanks!

[@NickBelt]

I had to bring out my note book for this and was glad to do it! Amazing! Thank you!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!

[@GeoMatRay]

What a pleasant surprise to find you on KZbin! 😁

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@제이슨킴]

Thank you so much, Mr. Ken. When I was young (over 10 years ago) I visited your web site many times and I'd learn about Camera and Lens. I think you are legend of phography!

[@KenRockwellTV]

You make me a legend, thank you!!!!!

[@brianrobinson698]

Brilliant Ken how about a film on the best old lenses for DX FX and Z mounts ?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Coming...... Thanks!

[@akmmonirulislam3961]

Ken, I read lot of your reviews and watched some videos on Nikon. I loved this one too much. Thank you.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!

[@D-Professor]

Ken, this was such a delight. Thank you.

[@KenRockwellTV]

David Fraser thank you for watching!

[@jonyjonsy]

I've been using your website for years! You're channel is a gem! Please continue with this!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks! I’m back at it again after a slight lockdown hiatus.

[@jonyjonsy]

@@KenRockwellTV woohooo! Can't wait for new content. Best regards from across the pond 😊

[@teamrambocat]

Awesome, please keep stuff like this coming!

[@KenRockwellTV]

donteatsomtam working on it! I think I have a great idea I may just go work on now.

[@mikedowning4603]

Thanks for a really informative video Ken. I was very pleased to hear your positive comments about the E series lenses as I've recently got my Nikon kit out if the attic where it's been for about 30 years! I've got the E series 28/2.8 and the 100/2.8 plus an FE body plus a miscellaneous 135 and a Vivitar X2 converter and I thought it was about time it was pressed them back into service. The catalyst for this was being given my late father in law's FM2 body plus 85/2 and 35-105 Nikkors. I think I'm going to give black and white a go but I'm not sure whether to go for lab processing/printing, get a scanner and printer but I'm concerned that if I do that I might as well use a digital camera. In which case the alternative would be to set up a darkroom now that I've retired. Your advice would be appreciated. Cheers Mike in Worcester (England)

[@KenRockwellTV]

Hi Mike! I hate darkroom work. I send my film out to northcoastphoto.com and have them scan it all. I use the scans for everything. Some people enjoy the darkroom As its own hobby - not me. Be sure to calibrate your film speed www.kenrockwell.com/tech/film-speed-calibration.htm and if the sun is out you must use at least a yellow filter to keep the sky from Washing out www.kenrockwell.com/tech/how-to-shoot-film.htm#filters Thanks!

[@wilhelmw3455]

Great history lesson I subscribed immediately.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@GapBahnDirk]

Fantastic Ken and you have a great delivery style. You should do more of these educational videos.

[@KenRockwellTV]

I shall, THANKS!!!

[@EntropicRemnants]

Like Nikon, you don't stop either, lol. Nice to see you in the video game here -- your website has been a major resource for me for years.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks John!!!

[@ThrottleJunkie31415]

Love your website and your KZbin channel. Your output is prodigious, amazing. Thank you!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU for noticing!!!

[@bosragh]

Well covered Ken, I liked this. Me 70 year old Nikonion, like review of my old lessons.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks! Somebody in the know needs to document before it's forgotten.

[@iggynor5007]

Great video Ken, you bring a great depth of knowledge that no one else on KZbin has

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks Iggy!

[@josecolon8143]

Yikes! I just got a NIkon Lens History Minor Degree in 26m32s from KR University!!! I learned a lot!!!!!!!!! Thank you KR

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@JovanJ]

This is great. been reading your website for years. you own so much camera gear and have so much experience with nikon gear. can you create more videos on older nikon lenses and cameras?

[@KenRockwellTV]

I certainly can, but I usually borrow it as needed - no sane person would ever own it all at once. www.kenrockwell.com/about-old.htm#howmany

[@masterstacker2833]

Nice trip down memory lane. I've been a long time Nikon shooter but only recently freed myself from the "tyranny of auto focus". There are a lot of unappreciated AI-s lenses out there with their old school style.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@TCGhits]

Big fan of your lens Reviews. From AF-D to the G lens, Tokina etc. Keep up the great information coming! 📸

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!!!

[@MatthewSaville]

BTW, I inherited my grandfather's Series E 50mm f/1.8 after he passed away, and absolutely treasure it. Even on a D850, the dang thing is sharp as a tack throughout most of the image frame, focusing is super smooth, and it's almost pancake-small. I'm really, really disappointed that Nikon's FTZ adapter didn't include an aperture position sensor, though. I thought that would be a given... Maybe they'll have a new FTZ adapter with added AI and pre-AI functionality...

[@KenRockwellTV]

You got it! Thanks!

[@peterwillstein198]

Ken Awesome! As a Nikon shooter since the late 1960's, thank you for a wonderful trip back into memory lane. Peter

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks Peter!

[@moncyn1]

Thank you Ken for coming to KZbin! Great expansion for a guy with so much knowledge about photography and maybe new generations of photograpers will benefit from this knowledge ❤️

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!

[@MiguelJuanez]

Definitely going to be a regular viewer of your videos Ken, thanks for dropping these nuggets of knowledge. Been a big fan of your site, so it's only natural :)

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Best video on Nikon lens history on KZbin, EVER! I believe I have watched enough KZbin videos to say that!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!!!!!!!!

[@marcoantonioregiltv]

I agree!!!

[@Grumpytortoise]

Great video! Such a wealth of knowledge. I always consult your website reviews especially for film cameras and lenses. I've been using my Sonys more and more but I still have my Nikon system film, digital cameras and lenses. Nikon has a rich history and as of yet l, I can't bear to part with them. Welcome to KZbin! 😊

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!!

[@DodoKing187]

little fun fact, that 60s fisheye at 7:40 was used by Stanley Kubrick in 2001: Space odyssey to make the glowing "Eye" for the HAL 9000 :)

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@DodoKing187]

@@KenRockwellTV no problem :) btw Mr. Rockwell I have a question, I built a pinhole camera using an old style hasselblad magazine 12, if I use the peep hole in the back to check my winding to the next frame, do I risk light leaks through the peep hole onto my film or is it made so you can always open the hole in normal light conditions?

[@altandrei.]

Greetings from Bukarest and thank you for this doc! Awesome history lesson, great new things I could have found on many different sites, however, as a master of the job and great profrssional, you managed to keep everything in one simple doc. Respect and wish you the best! Andrei

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks! Romania? My sister in laws from Sibiu!

[@altandrei.]

@@KenRockwellTV Great, you should come visit Romania, there's a lot of amazing places you and your family would love to discover. Hope to meet you around here! All the best!

[@Hero1117a]

Hooray you're on you tube

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@sjhstone]

Detailed storyline and beautiful demonstration, thank you! It would be superb if sample photos are attached.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Yes, but the photos look the same regardless of camera or lens, so it might be entertaining, but not informative.

[@sjhstone]

​@@KenRockwellTV Seeing these vintage super wide lenses on a Z mount body would be very intriguing :)

[@chirag4]

Thanks KEN

[@KenRockwellTV]

THANKS Chirag!!!!

[@hurleygreen927]

great video! I've been a Nikon user since 1977 with an old Nikkormat and love the lens systems and the fact that I can still use old Nikon lenses on my current Nikon D750...thanks for this history!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Exactly. Just avoid Nikon’s Mirrorless; nothing older than about 1990s will work properly on the weak FTZ.

[@josecolon8143]

Damn, I didn’t know you had a KZbin channel! 🤯🤗🤗🤗

[@KenRockwellTV]

Only had good stuff up a few weeks. Thanks!

[@valueforvalue76]

I'm very late coming to the party, but the Ken's website has been highly useful in the last year. Discovered the website because of his "how to win at ebay" article, which every dummy like me should read. Excellent work sir! Nice to put a voice to the written word, you've had me in stitches reading your more satirical work on the website.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Hee Hee. Thanks!

[@tomariko]

Two thumbs up nikon 105 2.5 is my favorite lens on my z6 😍😍😍

[@KenRockwellTV]

Arrigato!!

[@jeromemckenna7102]

I've learned so much. I had been told that the Nikon F was based on the SP, but I've never seen an SP in person. If one wants to talk about hard to use cameras, I've used a Crown Graphic handheld to shoot bar license photos in Newark NJ.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Hi Jerome, Man, you're a REAL photographer. If someone can't load film holders and work a dark slide, they may was well just use their iPhone. Thanks!

[@frankthespank]

Love me some Ken Rockwell!!

[@segzeeman7356]

Ken Rockwell is such a legend!

[@KenRockwellTV]

frankthespank Thanks Frank!!!!

[@richardsimms251]

I have learned a great deal from Ken Rockwell and I am glad to fund him

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!!!!

[@nattapongp]

Great Story!!!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Tech Life TV thanks for watching!

[@colynbarrett8127]

Fantastic video in depth, concise, no nonsense just what Every Nikon Owner, user, collector admire Needs. Well done to you Sir. Many thanks and Kind regards Colyn.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank You! And I had to keep it short to fit it in half an hour.

[@btrdangerdan2010]

Series E is like E for everyone!

[@KenRockwellTV]

YES!!! Thanks!

[@danc2014]

I heard it was Economy for lower cost version. Or maybe that was the name given it by the haters.

[@arthurspooner6082]

Brilliant video. I have been a Nikon user for 25 years and still gained a lot of info.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks Arthur!

[@drfarzinjazayeri9442]

And now the Chuck Norris of lenses speaks up loud an clear !

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks! How do I sound?

[@lanatrzczka]

I am someone who studied your website for endless hours. I cherished the finds where you still hosted a nearly 20 year old page on F100, or D100, etc... I made my kit by reading pretty much every page you hosted. I got an F6 (did installments on a used one), and decided that AF-D lenses were the best bang for the buck. Based on your reviews over literally decades now, I've got a kit that just destroys. Ok, MAYBE I can't use fancy software to capture an eagle's eyeball without Z whatever... But my F6 with AF-D and Velvia/Provia is a winning package. Friggin' amazing lenses. All of which I learned from you. Oh yeah, North Coast Photo. Learned that from you as well. Bonnie. They changed the name but it's still the same people and amazing service. All learned from a silly little website.

[@KenRockwellTV]

I got my F100 in 1999 when I started the site. Ought to be 25 years in October 2024. Thanks!

[@craigconway4093]

LOL, subliminal sexual satisfaction, that's so funny !!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Craig Conway it’s real, read Subliminal Seduction by Bryan Wilson Key amzn.to/2Nur9sg

[@craigconway4093]

@@KenRockwellTV After reading from your site for years, it's nice to communicate with you. Keep up the good work Ken :)

[@chrisguli2865]

@@KenRockwellTV Maybe Nikon should designate an SX line of Z camera bodies and lenses for eXceptionally SeXy and Seductive.... introducing the Z 8 SX with the new SX line of lenses.....for the advanced connoisseur....

[@allanredford6070]

read Ken's 'Leicaman' diatribe, priceless. like the best humour, there is a good deal of real truth in it. A.

[@kgnash]

It was kinda funny the 1st time. After that it was just creepy!

[@boostedmaniac]

Thanks Ken for doing this awesome video on the history.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks for watching! Thats why I do all this.

[@leonardgrant6876]

Great video, I also love Nikon because they did not change the mount like crazy, and also the lens quality.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Perfect! Thanks!

[@manojchandramishra906]

Simply superb! Great contribution. How about making a video on Leica lenses.one on your beloved M3, with actual demo with all your M glass collection. Looking forward to it.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Good idea, but real LEICA shooters never talk about our gear; we’re too driven to create every waking moment, and since we’re so much at one with our gear, never even notice it’s there. Thanks!

[@emanuelbinder4263]

Congratulations from a fan in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! Great and informative video!!!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@sam_stone]

Thanks for doing these videos Ken. Always appreciate your perspective and throughout commentary

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@odysseusreturns9133]

What a great video. I have used Ken's reviews to help me choose every lens I now have for my D7000, D7100 and D80, as well as the cameras themselves. I particularly like the older AFd lenses for their quality feel compared to the cheap and plasticky feel of the more modern AFs. Legends like the the enormously heavy 80-200 f2.8. I need a massage after carrying that around all day but, oh boy! are the results worth it! Another favourite, the 105 f2.8 macro for close ups. A little slower on the AF but spectacular results, good for portraits too.

[@KenRockwellTV]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@antoniolazarski9361]

Thanks Ken for this great video. There are not many people that know what their talking about. I appreciate your knowledge.!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

I love to share. Thanks!!!

[@genghisbunny]

Great stuff. I don't have anything pre-ai, but still have a treasured collection of vintage Nikon glass from older family members.

[@KenRockwellTV]

And those are Nikons best lenses ever. Been downhill ever since autofocus. Thanks!

[@ronaldosantana9845]

Absolutely outstanding! This is my first and unique comment on KZbin and you, certainly, deserved it! thanks a lot!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks Ronaldo!!! That means a lot to me, glad you enjoyed it. Took forever to borrow all those lenses !

[@vittoriopassaretti7207]

Thanks a lot! Finally a video about Nikon history that goes truly in depth. Merry Christmas Sir!

[@vittoriopassaretti7207]

Also, turned on notification, please make more video like this!

[@KenRockwellTV]

THANK YOU!!!!!! Buon Natale!

[@deltaforceaviation7924]

I shouldn't say, but I love your style! Maybe you are the biggest asset for any lucid photograph in the world! My humble thank you!

[@KenRockwellTV]

And THANK YOU!!! You folks make it all possible.

[@Scubadooba2]

Greetings from the UK! I have been following your website for number of years now - great to watch the video!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!!

[@opticsculture]

Hi Sir, I'm Amal Pal, from Kolkata, India and I've been among the lots of your staunch followers and I'm highly benefited by your advice on "Nikon Dream Team Lense". I also advise others to go just through your review and not to get distracted by the rivews made by any other. Thank you sir..... 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!!!!!

[@budi0251]

Very nice video, I've been reading most of your articles since 2012 when I first learning photography with Nikon D70s & D1x, always love it. That nikon GN lens really surprise me, nikon ingenuity in the age of fixed GN flash. Anyway, you missed to mention those "new" E nikon lenses, one with "internal electronic aperture control" like one use used in Nikon's PC-E lenses (similar to Canon's electronically controlled aperture system). I suppose those "old" nikon aperture feeler control system has evolved quite nicely, first it was very crude with very large stepping, but you could always have a bright viewfinder with the lens at max opening right after you took the picture and set the aperture properly when you press the shutter button (hence the word "AUTO" on the lens). I believe older Nikon DSLR would simply fully release those aperture feeller to fully close the aperture during exposure, (auto) indexing on the lens aperture ring is the one decides where to stop closing the aperture. Newer DSLR like D300 with AI lens compatibility, you need to fully closed the aperture to the smallest value and the aperture feeler will "step" in precisely to the aperture value set in the camera exposure setting. It's like 5mm distance with fixed linear steps from likely say f/1.4 to f/22 with 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments, how many steps is that? 8 stops? multiply by 2 if 1/2 stop increments or multiply by 3 if 1/3 stop increments (equal to 24 linear step in 5 mm with each one mayber around 0.2mm! and the DSLR has to do it very fast and precisely or risking wrong exposure even if it missed by a fraction of mm). Heck, I once did a "forced" metering on D70s to support my junked 50/1.4 pre-AI using salvaged kit lens electronics; yeah, you got a wrong exif information, but provides you with focus confirmation (nikon always provide focus beep) and proper light meter during exposure in A or M mode (mind you the aperture still has to be set on the lens aperture ring but at least they meter properly and back to fully open once the exposure has completed). Learning nikon DSLR and try to understand nikon's flash system (pretty advanced and D70s/D200 support for wireless commander) was the best experience in my memories, today I've almost got no time to play with photography. Pity, still follow the news but slowly gets left behind.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@nouneyhill9795]

Very interesting. The G lenses don't work with all autofocus camera, a big issue might want to focus a video on this impact...as they are relatively new in Nikon's digital line...great to hear about the z-line improvements. BUT did Nikon throw our investment to the wind, meaning do AF-S D,G,E lenses work well with Nikon's converter ring?

[@KenRockwellTV]

The FTZ? Only works with AF-S lenses. Doesn’t give AF with AF or AF•D or manual lenses, and doesn’t couple to manual lenses either. Just go Canon for Mirrorless. www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/index.htm

[@clivechampion4727]

Darn informative!! Thanks Ken from a Nikon user of 40 years.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks Clive!