That one lens you always wanted...

[Satyaa]

Do you have a lens that you always wanted (for whatever reason) but did not buy because it meant adding another mount/system, or it was too expensive?

I have had a few of those over the years. When Nikon introduced the 16-80/2.8-4.0 APSC zoom, it was way over my budget, but all the good reviews were tempting. I was happy with my 18-140 kit zoom.

Then there were a couple of fast Sigma zooms. Now the Lumix 10-25/1.7 and 25-50/1.7 zooms. They are both expensive and big for my comfort. I also like the Oly 12-100 and might but it one day.

One lens I am interested in, but not worth switching systems for, is the Sony 20-70mm/F4. I am also wary of adapting such an expensive lens to Z mount, because the performance on wide end might suffer. The lens corrections won't work either.

Another lens I wish Tamron made for Nikon Z mount is the 20-40/2.8 (may be a G2). Instead, Tamron made the 16-30/2.8 G2. This might be a good companion to my 28-75/2.8 G2, but I am not yet convinced because it will require changing lenses often, unless I have two bodies.

With ML cameras, we have the ability to adapt lot of old lenses. I tried both Canon and Nikon DSLR lenses on my M43 bodies but did not like the AF performance. I do it only with a couple of primes when needed, but not with zooms.

I think all mounts have standard lenses like a pair/trio of f/2.8 zooms, fast normal prime, portrait prime, telephoto macro, etc. I don't think anyone will miss those in any mount. Especially in the new ML mounts, all brands' lenses are very close in performance.

 

[Lensmate]

400mm f2.8 please!

-M

 

[yardcoyote]

The one lens I have always wanted is a modern technology replacement for my deeply loved Pentax 85mm f/2. It was just a little lightweight street lens, but it was my original "pointed stick", and it was stuck to my K 1000 SE for years at a time.

I may have found a spiritual successor to that camera in my Nikon Zf, but the lens just isn't there-- there are several 85mm options, but they all are way too big and fancy or require the use of adapters. The recently announced Viltrox 85mm f/2 EVO has me hoping for the first time in a while. It's just for Sony E to start with, but Viltrox has a pretty good record for supplying their lenses in Z mount eventually.

 

[Ron Poelman]

I think we've done the endless wishin' and hopin bit.

 

[ahaslett]

I always wanted a 20-70/4 G but thought the U.K. price was too high. Then my backup FE body died, the A7CR was heavily discounted, and the 20-70mm also discounted. It’s the ideal one-lens companion for the A7CR.

Now the 20-70mm is the lens I always want to carry, unless I’m out with the OM5 and Laowa 10/2.

Ten years ago I spent months on EBay bidding for Canon 24mm TSE-IIs, until I finally got one in good condition at a price I was willing to pay.

Andrew

 

[tclune]

For me, the Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF was too rich for my blood until people started dumping them when they went mirrorless. I've had the lens for coming up on two years now and it is wonderful -- fast as a barn swallow, sharp as a tack, and light as a feather (by birding standards.)

 

[Satyaa]

I saw the 85mm EVO announcement.

I had the same thought for a moment... will they make it for Z mount? I dismissed that thought right away because I use the TTA 75/f2 and am happy with it.

85mm would be too close to 75 and redundant in my case.

 

[Satyaa]

400mm f2.8 please!

-M

Wow. I never aspired for such large lenses. The idea of carrying them around took out the appeal for me.

I am OK with primes up to 135mm, then all zooms.

For those who are in situations where they need such lenses, I understand. You cannot shoot wildlife with a 135mm or an f/8 zoom.

--
See my profile (About me) for gear and my posting policy. My profile picture is of the first film camera I used in the early 80s, photo credit the internet.

 

[john isaacs]

I always wanted a Nikon Z 70-200 f/4 (to go with the 14-30 f/4 and 24-70 f/4 that I bought with the Z6 and Z7 when I traded in my D750 and D500).



They never produced it,or anything comparable.



Too late, I sold ALL of my Nikon gear.

 

[Lensmate]

400mm f2.8 please!

-M

Wow. I never aspired for such large lenses. The idea of carrying them around took out the appeal for me.

I am OK with primes up to 135mm, then all zooms.

For those who are in situations where they need such lenses, I understand. You cannot shoot wildlife with a 135mm or an f/8 zoom.

A sturdy tripod cushioned on the shoulder goes a long way for comfort.

A niche lens for certain. Toolbox stuff.

I do many photography genres...

-M

 

[John Crowe]

I have been very lucky to have found bargains and bought about ten lenses that I thought that I would never own. I still have five.

The one I've been wanting for three years won't likely happen. It's the Canon EF 800/5.6 L IS.

There are many dream lenses on my list but the two virtually impossible one's that I have been watching for twenty years are the Nikon 300/2 AI-S and Nikon 6/2.8 AI-S Fisheye.

The Canon EF 1200mm f5.6 L deserves mention too!

 

[yardcoyote]

I have the TT 75mm as well (dandy lens), but 75 is 75 and 85 is 85 and I would have zero problem with having and using both. I always figure since I have no interest in wide angles or big fast portrait primes, that gives me extra slots to spend on a nice variety of modestly priced "small slows" in the 40-90mm range where I do most of my shooting. Not sure I would get a 90 if I had a 75 and an 85 in the same system, though. That might be too much.

(I just got the TT 40mm f/2 today and I am liking it a ton on the Zf.)

--

Instagram: @yardcoyote

 

[ajr images]

The Nikon 400TC and 600TC are relatively light compared to the old F versions. I carry them in either a Think Tank backpack or roller bag and use them handheld. I use Kirk Enterprise carrying handles attached to the RRS replacement feet to carry them around a location.

It's not as much trouble as some might think.

 

[stormgirl_lp]

Do you mean the Canon 1200mm that B&H sold for more than the value of my home a few years ago?



I'm amazed by some of the very basic gear that captured some of the most iconic images of old. With a mix of hopefulness and depression, I have to admit that it's not the equipment that makes the photographer.

 

[JohnSil]

The Canon EF 1200mm f5.6 L deserves mention too!

I think the 1200 even if I had one is just too much lens for any practical usage!?

I've looked at the Canon 600 f4's for 20 years. I move in and out of nature and I'm looking at moving back in that direction. I have a 500 f4 so it's never been an emergency but would be really nice for birds. The RF is pretty out of reach as even the used ones are way north of ten grand and even the EF mklll's are $9000!!

I may have to keep lugging around my heavy 500 for a while longer! BUT if those lenses keep holding their value like that, it would be like using one for free when you sell it!!!

John

 

[Hesman]

The Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN has been on my wishlist for a long time. If a Z mount version was ever made.... Been tempted to buy it along with a Sony E mount to Nikon Z mount adapter, but I have heard a lot of pros and cons about going that route, so haven't made the plunge yet.

I would love to add the Nikon Z 14-24mm and Z 100-400mm to my collection of lenses, but due to recent price increases, I don't think I will be able to afford them. Though I do periodically check for used ones that are in good shape.

 

[John Crowe]

At least my EF 500/4.5 L is handholdable and works very well with EF 1.4x III. My 800mm is the FD 800mm f5.6 L. It has CA but is still sharper than the 500 and 1.4x combo. Focus trapping works well at 10fps.

An EF 600/4 L IS original is really the only alternative that I can possibly justify. With a 1.4x it should beat the 800. I often use the 800 and 1.4x for motorsports, hence the desire for a 1200mm lens. The 600/4 with 2x could be the ticket.

Seems silly, but I'd have to keep the 500/4.5 for a "light" lens! It didn't cost me much so I'd risk the loss of focus.

 

[John Crowe]

It still sells for more than many homes! Essentially unfindable.

 

[Mathew Anderson]

Do you have a lens that you always wanted (for whatever reason) but did not buy because it meant adding another mount/system, or it was too expensive?

I have had a few of those over the years. When Nikon introduced the 16-80/2.8-4.0 APSC zoom, it was way over my budget, but all the good reviews were tempting. I was happy with my 18-140 kit zoom.

Then there were a couple of fast Sigma zooms. Now the Lumix 10-25/1.7 and 25-50/1.7 zooms. They are both expensive and big for my comfort. I also like the Oly 12-100 and might but it one day.

One lens I am interested in, but not worth switching systems for, is the Sony 20-70mm/F4. I am also wary of adapting such an expensive lens to Z mount, because the performance on wide end might suffer. The lens corrections won't work either.

Another lens I wish Tamron made for Nikon Z mount is the 20-40/2.8 (may be a G2). Instead, Tamron made the 16-30/2.8 G2. This might be a good companion to my 28-75/2.8 G2, but I am not yet convinced because it will require changing lenses often, unless I have two bodies.

With ML cameras, we have the ability to adapt lot of old lenses. I tried both Canon and Nikon DSLR lenses on my M43 bodies but did not like the AF performance. I do it only with a couple of primes when needed, but not with zooms.

I think all mounts have standard lenses like a pair/trio of f/2.8 zooms, fast normal prime, portrait prime, telephoto macro, etc. I don't think anyone will miss those in any mount. Especially in the new ML mounts, all brands' lenses are very close in performance.

This would make for a great Question of the Week! Nice idea, Satyaa.

 

[Mathew Anderson]

I have been very lucky to have found bargains and bought about ten lenses that I thought that I would never own. I still have five.

The one I've been wanting for three years won't likely happen. It's the Canon EF 800/5.6 L IS.

There are many dream lenses on my list but the two virtually impossible one's that I have been watching for twenty years are the Nikon 300/2 AI-S and Nikon 6/2.8 AI-S Fisheye.

The Canon EF 1200mm f5.6 L deserves mention too!

Do you shop at certain online bargain places? I'm considering a new camera and lenses at a local store, but at the same time I may want to trade in for something online.