Close focus is very fine and high picture quality is standard, particularly when shooting at f5.6 or f8.
35mm
2.8
62
Considered by many to be the’standard’ focal length for general purpose composition. The best picture quality occurs at f5.6 or f8, but subject characterisation at f2.8 and the DOF at f22 make this a very useful lens.
50mm
1.4
46
The basic focal length and relates closely to the field as perceived by eye. F1.4 makes this a very fast lens and also gives terrific DOF sharpness at smaller apertures. Best picture quality at f4 to f8.
55mm Micro
2.8
52
This is the ‘Micro’Nikkor, really a macro, and has close focusing down to less than 10”, 2.5cm . A very valuable portrait lens for small characters. Make the most of background softness at f2.8 and f4.
85mm
2
28.5
Favoured for full scale portraiture. Gives good results at a fast aperture but best when well lit.
ANIMATION LENSES, SHORT SET
*The natural lens angle based on a 35mm stills frame; 35 x 24mm, 8 perf.(Vistavision)
Recalculate the effective focal length on the basis of your format or sensor dimensions.
There is a very handy online calculator available at:
Full credit to Bjørn Røslett and his remarkable ‘Lens Survey and Subjective Evaluations’ of most current Nikon Lenses in both film and digital applications. Visit: http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_surv.html#rating
