2nd hand MF Prime?

Tobyh · #1 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 10:44 AM

Hi,

While looking on a popular auction site I noticed that there were a couple of MF 500mm Prime lenses at a reasonable price.

With the difference in price of around £3k between a new AF Sigma 500mm prime and these 2nd hand ones, is it worth even considering one of these? Losing AF may be a pain but I'm thinking I could maybe live with it for the sharpness increase.

Any opinions / experiences please?

Currently using a 50-500 sigma on a D300.

Thanks

TobyH

NJP87 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 11:10 AM

I personally couldn't lose the AF, but thats because i have funny eyesight.

I would try using one of your current lenses in MF for a day and see if you like it.

eeyore · #3 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 01:12 PM

the old sigma mf primes don't work (that is the TTL metering doesnt function) with canon or nikon digital, this is also true of some of the older third party AF primes

Tobyh · #4 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 01:54 PM

Sorry, the way I wrote it is confusing.

The 2nd hand lenses I was looking at were Nikon. If I were to buy a new one I would probably go with the Sigma due to difference in price.

Are the 2nd hand Nikon primes worth a look? Or is there something I should watch out for.

Thanks.

TobyH

pressld2 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 03:55 PM

What body will you be using them with Toby? What Pete said about losing metering is true even with Nikon MF primes on some Nikon DSLR. If I attach any of my old MF lenses to my D70 body then I get no metering but if I bung them on my D300 I do get metering. I've no idea what the position is with the D40, D60, D80 and D90 but I'm sure Nikon Tech Support will be able to tell you.

Dave P.

Maccattack1 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 05:00 PM

Have a look at Bjorn Rorsletts site (should google easily) a wide range of lenses will work on the d300 , if you don't want flight shots and have great focussing technique you might be ok , would be just as good as modern primes for landscapes and still animals.
In fact if you do much macro shooting most of this is with manual focus so its not that strange an idea

Malcolm

Tobyh · #7 (**permalink**) 07-07-2009, 10:09 AM

Thanks for the responses.

As per my first post it would be on a D300, so that's good news. I do also shoot alot of macro so manual focusing isn't that much of a chore for me. I think I will look into it further and see what I can afford. I could keep my 50-500 still for those situations where AF is a must.

Thanks