These days distance is the name of the game, but what lens can you slap on your camera, well we at CCR have come up with four options that will help you go long! Today we’re talking about telephoto lenses from the short to the long and even a couple of macro lenses thrown in for good measure!
Nikon AI Nikkor 105mm 1:2.5
You can’t go wrong with a classic, and the iconic Nikkor 105/2.5 is a favourite for everyone around the table. But for Bill, his choice of for the version of the 105/2.5 is the AI variant. While the original version of the lens came in a Sonnar design, with the AI (also the AI-S) Nikon had switched the to Xenotar construction. It’s a must-have for anyone who has a manual focus Nikon system.
Make: Nikon
Model: AI Nikkor 105mm 1:2.5
Focal Length: 105mm
Focal Range: ∞ – 1m
Aperture: f/2.5 – f/22, 7 Blades
Structure: 5 Elements in 4 Groups
Minolta Maxxum AF 100mm 1:2.8 MACRO
When it comes to lenses in the Minolta A-Mount there are some great lenses for a low price and there are equally excellent lenses for a big price. Usually, these are some of the short telephotos, we’re looking at you 85mm and 135mm. But how about a Macro lens? Well, when Alex was looking at a third prime to round out his Maxxum kit, a test of the 100mm f/2.8 MACRO yielded excellent results. And while he doesn’t do a lot with Macro, it works well for general use.
Make: Minolta
Model: Minolta Maxxum AF 100mm 1:2.8 MACRO
Focal Length: 100mm
Focal Range: ∞ – 0.352m
Aperture: f/2.8 – f/32, 9 Blades
Structure: 8 Elements in 8 Groups
Carl Zeiss Sonnar 1:5.6 f=250mm
While the words under-rated and inexpensive often aren’t included when describing a Carl Zeiss lens for the Hasselblad, John has this gem for the show today. The Sonnar 250mm is his telephoto of choice when working with his 500c/m. While it’s not cheap, it certainly won’t break the bank, especially if you go for the original chrome job. And honestly, the coating that comes with the newer versions isn’t worth the extra dollars. The lens design goes back to 1936 and despite being simple, produces excellent results, especially when shot wide open.
Lens Specs:
Make: Carl Zeiss
Model: Carl Zeiss Sonnar 1:5.6 f=250mm
Focal Length: 250mm
Aperture Range: f/5.6 – f/45, 5 Blades
Optics: 4 Elements in 3 Groups
Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm 1:4D
If you’re a serious macro shooter there is no other lens you’ll want in your collection. According to James, this is by the far the best macro or microlens that Nikon has ever produced. If you do a lot of work with bugs or need that tonne of details, you’ll want this lens as it produces a true 1:1 magnification factor. While it is designed to do macro work it does a great job for general use. It is a sharp lens at any aperture with next to no falloff so it might not be your first choice for portraiture, but it still will do the job.
Lens Specs:
Make: Nikon
Model: AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm 1:4D
Focal Length: 200mm
Aperture Range: f/4 – f/45, 9 Blades
Optics: 13 Elements in 8 Groups
Want a subscription to SilverGrain Classics and are a fan of Classic Camera Revival? Visit their shop online and buy a magazine or a subscription? Looking for a good spot to get your gear and material fix check out Burlington Camera (Burlington, ON), Downtown Camera (Toronto, ON), Film Plus (Toronto, ON), Belle Arte Camera (Hamilton, ON), Pond’s FotoSource (Guleph, ON), Foto Art Camera (Owen Sound, ON). Out West there’s The Camera Store (Calgary, AB) and Beau Photo Supply (Vancouver, BC). Additionally you can order online at Argentix (Quebec), buyfilm.ca (Ontario), the Film Photography Project or Freestyle Photographic. Looking for development options, check out these labs that have our support, Boréalis Photo Lab, Old School Photo Lab, The Darkroom, and Film Rescue International.
Also you can connect with us through email: classiccamerarevivial[at]gmail[dot]com or by Facebook, we’re at Classic Camera Revival, Twitter @ccamerarevival, and Instagram (@classiccamerarevival)!
