Nikon AF Lenses and manual focus at DVinfo.net

Robert Castiglione · August 13th, 2006, 05:17 AM

Hi there,

Is anyone using the AF lenses? The issue: I was about to buy the Nikon 35 mm AF Nikkor f/2 which I heard was terrific but someone told me that I might be dissapointed with the "feel" of the AF focus ring which does not offer sufficient resistance and that I should stick to the earlier manual focus lenses.

Any thoughts from people who have used the AF lens series on their rigs?

Rob

Bob Hart · August 13th, 2006, 07:42 AM

Robert.

Up on the hill, I have a Nikon 85mm and a Sigma for Nikon 28mm. These autofocus lenses have a short movement and if you hit an end-stop, the ring itself rolls on like a PD150.

Temporary focus marks on the adjustment ring might not be precise enough but you can use an overhand technique with several fingers on the focus ring like an old radio dial because there is much less resistance than traditional lenses. Quick focus corrections are possible if you over-adjust.

Just takes a little practice and might even be easier in a run and gun environment which adaptors are not really suited to.

August 13th, 2006, 05:17 AM	#1
Robert Castiglione Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Fremantle, Western Australia Posts: 253	Nikon AF Lenses and manual focus Hi there, Is anyone using the AF lenses? The issue: I was about to buy the Nikon 35 mm AF Nikkor f/2 which I heard was terrific but someone told me that I might be dissapointed with the "feel" of the AF focus ring which does not offer sufficient resistance and that I should stick to the earlier manual focus lenses. Any thoughts from people who have used the AF lens series on their rigs? Rob

August 13th, 2006, 07:42 AM	#2
Bob Hart Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PERTH. W.A. AUSTRALIA. Posts: 4,477	Robert. Up on the hill, I have a Nikon 85mm and a Sigma for Nikon 28mm. These autofocus lenses have a short movement and if you hit an end-stop, the ring itself rolls on like a PD150. Temporary focus marks on the adjustment ring might not be precise enough but you can use an overhand technique with several fingers on the focus ring like an old radio dial because there is much less resistance than traditional lenses. Quick focus corrections are possible if you over-adjust. Just takes a little practice and might even be easier in a run and gun environment which adaptors are not really suited to.