How would some of Nikon's older, less expensive (on the used market) lenses perform on the D750? I can afford a refurbished body, but that will wipe out any funds for a new Nikon lens. KEH has several moderately priced, auto-focusing, older mid-range zooms listed for less than $200. Are the older lenses at least a half-way decent match for the newer bodies? Any recommendations for a used, inexpensive, mid-range zoom on the D750?
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D750 with older Nikon lenses
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sandy b
Veteran Member
The old D version of the 24-85 with macro might work, soft on corners, but a bargain. Also the 35-70 2.8.
I doubt you can find them under $200, but maybe close. KEH rates conservatively IMO, so I have good luck with their lens listed as bargain.
Good luck!
I doubt you can find them under $200, but maybe close. KEH rates conservatively IMO, so I have good luck with their lens listed as bargain.
Good luck!
briantilley
Veteran Member
This doesn't directly answer your question, but I regularly use older Nikkors (AF and AI-S) on my Df camera. I sometimes think we put too much emphasis on needing the very latest technology in order to take decent photos. In my experience, taking a step back in time can often prove enlightening and bring some of the enjoyment back 
The three shots below were taken with a 20-year-old AF 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5D, that I recently picked up on ebay for the UK equivalent of $100. They're not prize-winning images, but the quality isn't too shabby...
The three shots below were taken with a 20-year-old AF 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5D, that I recently picked up on ebay for the UK equivalent of $100. They're not prize-winning images, but the quality isn't too shabby...
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I use older primes on my D750 all the time. Love them, and some even outperform newer lenses in terms of general look (and sometimes, though less often, from a technical numbers) perspective.
I unfortunately don't really use zooms often, so I can't answer directly.
But if I'm honest, if you plan on eventually upgrading lenses, I would evaluate whether you'll need what the D750 offers now or if you should go with a cheaper body and better glass.
For example, you may be able to get better images with a D7000 + an older 28-70 F/2.8 (together for approx. $1000 USD) than you may be able to with a D750 + 24-85 F/3.5-4.5 which I'd assume would cost over $1500 together. Of course, you'll lose some features of the newer body and have a different FoV, but you'll get better glass. A used D7000 should be under $300 and shouldn't devalue too much more over time. I own both the D7000 & the D750--they're similar enough where you don't need to re-learn everything if you're used to one or the other.
Again, just a thought that may be worth exploring. I personally try not to skimp on glass--it's a very important factor. And I don't buy glass based on sharpness scores alone.
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Marcus nikonious
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You just saw images from a 35-105 AF D . You should be able to get a good one for well under $200. I have a lot of lenses but that is the one I use the most . It is fine with 36 mpx . I have found it to be their most practical zoom ,focal length & price . Ken Rockwell ,love or hate him used it when reviewing the D5. Check it out. It is small 52 mm and good wide open to f11.
Mike S.
Mike S.
barrym1966
Senior Member
not sure what is inexpensive, but the 24-105 F4 kit lens that comes with the d750 is very good but its around $500 used
a_c_skinner
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LordKOTL
Senior Member
I personally think older lenses are fine, but some of the newer ones can be much better. I think it all depends on what your requirements are for your shooting.
Nikon 28-100 f/3.5-5.6G - Kit lens from my film kit.
Nikon 50 f/1.8D
Nikon 70-300 f/4-5.6 G (non-vr version)
But quality-wise the 200-500 f/5.6 is a lot sharper IMHO (granted, you're comparing ancient $100-level lenses to a $1400 lens):
Personally, I think the older lenses are fine (even though the 200-500 keeps the 70-300 in my bag now for the long end), but if you are more stringent you might want to go newer.
I hope this helped a bit.
Nikon 28-100 f/3.5-5.6G - Kit lens from my film kit.
Nikon 50 f/1.8D
Nikon 70-300 f/4-5.6 G (non-vr version)
But quality-wise the 200-500 f/5.6 is a lot sharper IMHO (granted, you're comparing ancient $100-level lenses to a $1400 lens):
Personally, I think the older lenses are fine (even though the 200-500 keeps the 70-300 in my bag now for the long end), but if you are more stringent you might want to go newer.
I hope this helped a bit.
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David A. Hamments
Senior Member
IMHO, older lenses are far more than "at least half-way decent" on a D750... they have a pleasing way of "rendering" an image in my eyes and can be cheap as chips on the used market. I've tried many, and if I'm not pleased with the result, sold them with little difference in price. There are many examples of these classic lenses in my Flickr album here.... if you care to scroll through a few images. The exif is intact for each one.
Manual Focus Lenses
I've been experimenting with some classic Nikon manual focus glass on a full frame Nikon D700.
www.flickr.com
Cheers and good light, D. Hamments
My Flickr Page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dhamments2013/
Leonard Shepherd
Forum Pro
A basic is that you get more resolution with every lens at every aperture at every focus distance with a higher MP sensor than with a lower MP camera.
Another basic is that probably 95% of lenses (old or new) perform better 2-3 stops down from wide open.
On a budget superb images are possible with many older lenses when used around f8. These lenses may not be as good shooting into the light or wide open as more expensive recent lenses though on a budget older lenses are often an affordable route to good photography.
Usually being in the right place in the right light is more important than having the latest equipment.
The only detail to note is that very old pre CPU lenses cannot be used. You can view what cannot be used by checking out pages 323 and 324 of the manual on Nikon websites in advance of buying a D750
Another basic is that probably 95% of lenses (old or new) perform better 2-3 stops down from wide open.
On a budget superb images are possible with many older lenses when used around f8. These lenses may not be as good shooting into the light or wide open as more expensive recent lenses though on a budget older lenses are often an affordable route to good photography.
Usually being in the right place in the right light is more important than having the latest equipment.
The only detail to note is that very old pre CPU lenses cannot be used. You can view what cannot be used by checking out pages 323 and 324 of the manual on Nikon websites in advance of buying a D750
It's a 24-120 f4 and at one point was selling with the D750 and/or D810 for only about a $300 uncharge. I have one and find it indispensable, although I'm mostly a prime shooter, rather than zooms. I'd think you could find a good used one for less than $500.
There is a 24-105 f4, but it's a Sigma, is notably more expensive, and is pretty widely held to be a better lens than the Nikon, although that extra 15mm of reach is pretty useful for some of us...
-Ray
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We judge photographers by the photographs we see. We judge cameras by the photographs we miss - Haim Zamir
Leonard Shepherd
Forum Pro
Some lenses are "dual priced", a good example being the current Nikon 24-120.
In the UK a new it is about £850 and as a kit "white box" lens about £550.
Some retailers strip out the zoom and sell it as "white box" for about £650 new. That is how I recently upgraded mine.
The dual pricing means if you bought for £850 new it is difficult to see for £650 when new in a kit it is about £550extra.
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