What’s New: Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G

It’s nice to see that Nikon is focusing on prime lenses with this new release. What’s amazing is that this is taking place in the wake of Japan’s recent crisis.

This is an important addition to the Nikon lineup, as it adds a low-cost option for DX portraiture, or full-frame shooters taking a walk on the lean side. It may however be somewhat redundant to those who already own the AF-S 50mm f/1.4. If experience reveals that the 1.8 has superior bokeh, it might give it some competition. It will be interesting to see how it fairs in reviews.

Review: Nikon 28mm f/2.8 Series E

Nikon’s smallest, lightest 28mm AI-S lens offers impressive image quality at a modest price. Fine color rendition and contrast, no distortion and surprising sharpness make this manual-focus lens a true find on the second market.

Alternative Lenses for Nikon

If, like me, you enjoy working with manual focus prime lenses, at some point you may find that Nikon’s current list of F-Mount lenses is a quite limited. While the lenses that have survived are excellent examples, they are neither economical nor compact. However, there are alternatives for those willing to make some compromises in the name of classic photography.

Happy Worldwide Pinhole Day!

Nautica: Example of Lensbaby Pinhole/Zone Plaate Optic in pinhole mode.

Today, April 25, is Worldwide Pinhole Day. I had grand plans of attempting an infrared pinhole landscape, but the ensuing rain ended all that. So I decided on an indoor still life instead.

First Impressions: Nikon 28mm f/2.8 Series E

It was always part of the plan to eventually get a manual focus Nikkor AIS lens for my D90 and N80. The silky feel of a damped focus helicoid and the assuring click of an aperture ring are a part of the photographic experience one should still be able to experience even in today’s digital world.

Adapting Other Lenses to Nikon Bodies

While Nikon bodies do not serve as an ideal platform for use in experimenting with alternative optics, there are some interesting possibilities.

First Impressions: Gossen DigiSix Exposure Meter

For me, this little gem is not so much an exposure meter as it is a Photographer’s Swiss Army Knife. In addition to being a compact exposure meter, it also includes a clock, alarm, countdown timer and thermometer.