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Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 Pre-AI Review

    
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 Pre-AI  
Evaluation (maximum rating is 5)
features
performance
IR performance
build
value
 
Introduction
Positives
Drawbacks
Verdict
Alternatives
Sample Pictures

Introduction

This Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 Pre-AI dates back to 1972. It does not have a multi coating on the lens, thus it should perform better for IR then the later H.C version. The Pre-AI Nikkor's needs to be converted to fit today's cameras. The latest camera these lenses can be used on without modification is the Nikon D40(x). To convert a Pre-AI lens to AI'D is not a hard thing to do if you have the right tools. The question is, is it worth it to convert this lens to fit today's cameras?

Specifications

Lens Construction: 6 elements in 4 groups

Picture Angle: 46° (35mm)

Minimum focus distance: 0.45

Filter Size: 52mm

Lens Hood: HN-5, HS-2

Included accessories: front cap, rear cap.

Size: dia 63.5mm, length 41mm

Weight: 220g

Diaphragm: 6 straight blades.

Price from: $ Discontinued

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

  • Performance on close focus. On close focus the lens is sharp even wide open.
  • Price, both the AI and the Pre-AI version can be bought second hand for about $50 USD

Drawbacks

  • Performance on infinity. On infinity the lens don't perform acceptable un till f/4.
  • Needs to be converted to fit today's camera's

Verdict

If this lens had performed as well on infinity as it does on close focus, it would have been a winner. Close focus on this lens is sweet, and would probably be a good lens for use on bellows. IR performance is ok, there is no hot-spot at any aperture, but the infinity problem is definitively not a good thing for Infrared photography. The price difference between a used AI and a Pre-AI lens is minimal, so unless you already own this lens I can't say it's worth it to convert this lens to fit today's camera's. The build quality of the lens is of usual Nikkor MF quality. It has been built really well.

Alternatives

Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8D From: $104.95 USD

Nikon AF 50mm f/1.4D From: $259.95 USD

Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AIS From: $299.95 USD

Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AIS From: $499.95 USD

*Prices are subject to change. Listed price is from April 11, 2008.

Sample Pictures


Camera: Nikon D200 and D1X IR
Pictures converted to .Jpg in Nikon Capture 4.4.0
Infrared pictures converted to .Jpg in PS CS3

  


Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/2
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/2 1/8000sec		 Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/2.8
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/2.8 1/6000sec		 Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/4
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/4 1/3200sec
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/5.6
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/5.6 1/ 1600sec		 Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/8
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/8 1/800sec		 Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/11
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/11 1/350sec
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/16
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/16		 Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/2
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/2 1/3200sec		 Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/2.8
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/2.8 1/1250sec
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/5.6
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/5.6 1/640sec		 Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/8
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/8 1/320sec		 Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/11
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/11 1/160sec
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/16
Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/16 1/80sec		 Nikon D1X IR Nikkor-H 50mm f/2
D1X IR + Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/16 1/20sec		 Nikon D1X IR + Nikkor-H 50mm f/2
D1X IR + Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 @ f/8 1/320sec

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© 2007 Fredrik A. Rasmussen. All rights reserved.