Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/01/31

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Subject: Re: 85-90 M and SM lenses
From: Stephen Gandy <cameras@jetlink.net>
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 1997 18:25:29 -0800

seungmin@luxmail.luxcom.com wrote:
> 
>      Hi Stephen,
> 
>        What Nikkor lens do you think is best in 80 to 135 range for SLR?
>      Thank you in advance.
> 
My favorites are the 85/1.8 (either AF or MF)  and the 105/2.5 (2nd
version which has does not have a chrome barrel.  I don't like the
cheapened construction of the later built in hood version).   

I have the 85/1.4 and 105/1.8 as well, but seldom justify the much extra
weight in order to pull them out and use them.  

Herbert Keppler  once wrote a column in Modern Photography on the
praises of the 105 as the best Portrait lens focal length.  I tried it,
and loved it.   A great lens and my all time favorite Nikkor  (105/2.5.)

I've been told the 105/2.8 Macro is outstanding, but I have never used
one.

I don't shoot with a 135 in prime lenses(I just personally just don't
like the focal length) , covering the range with a zoom, and go on next
to the 180/2.8 AF. 

As a side note, the 135 focal length makes sense in RF because it is
generally the longest length which will couple mechanically with the
short Rangefinders found on cameras.  Yes, Marc, I know about the 180 RF
coupling for the Contax and the 154 for the Ektra, but these are the
rare exceptions.   In SLRs, however, it makes little sense to me and I
go from the 100 range to the 180/200 range in non zooms.

Stephen Gandy