Tech Monday – Old school……….

Over the weekend I did some lens testing and
got some surprising results, I have often wondered just how the old manual focus lenses stack up against the latest and greatest lenses of today. I’ve always had mixed feelings about the subject and even after the tests, still have some mixed feelings. First let me make it clear, my everyday, go to lenses are the most current lenses made by Nikon. Since I shoot Nikon and work for Nikon I can’t address what comparisons you might draw for Canon, Pentax. Olympus, Leica, etc., etc.

Here are some of my conclusions:

1. All lenses made today (most current) are spectacular, and function wonderfully. I cannot question their sharpness, color correction and functionality.

1. Older manual focus lenses have a certain feel that is wonderful, and many of the best “classic” lenses still perform optically at a very high order, even compared to the most modern lenses.

1. I think that improvements have been more significant in wide angle lenses, especially wide angle zooms. That’s not to say that telelphotos have not benefited from modern computer design and manufacturer, they certainly have, but some of the newest wide angle zooms far exceed the lenses of the past by huge margins.

1. I think it is safe to say that we have a
tendency to think of things of the past as
superior, but my tests and practical field
experience don’t support that belief. Today’s
modern glass is exceptional and we also
have the added advantage of auto-focus,
great correction of aberrations with ED
and Aspherical elements, and some with very
compact designs.

1. Now having said all of that, I still think the
it is fun to go back and use the classics from
time to time, and with the Nikon System you
still can! Since Nikon has chosen to make
all current pro grade cameras able to use
these old classics, it is at least and option.
The fact that a tremendous number of these
great old lenses are still available and it can
be done affordably is pretty cool.

So just for grins, in the next few weeks I’m going to go out and try to do some serious work with
some old manual glass. I will shoot the D700 in manual mode in center weighted or spot metering. I’ve chosen the old manual 24mm f2.8, 105mm f2.5 and 105mm Micro Nikkor f2.8 and the 50-135 f3.5 & 80-200 Nikkor f4 zoom lens to try and shoot some images for you and I to inspect.

It will be an interesting to see how the experience is going back to “old school” techniques and gear. It will be an emotional and technical throw back for me…..

It’s Monday and as I start a new week, I want to thank my Lord again for a great weekend with some wonderful photographer friends at the Kentucky News Photographers Association meeting in Louisville. It was great to see so many old friends.

Thank you Father for making my work life so satisfying……..

the pilgrim