NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: richardHaw on March 14, 2016, 06:04:22

Title: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 14, 2016, 06:04:22
This came as a surprise (because I got this for $17 in a junkbox)...i was not expecting much after my experience with my so-so 36-72mm Series E (i might have gotten a lemon)  ::)

this lens' image quality is crazy! it is already pretty good at f/3.5 wide open. I got this lens because I got several requests for a tear down and if a lens is cheap enough for me to buy for my blog's sake I will get it!

I overhauled this thing in under 3 hours which came as a surprised because this is a zoom lens. (the 36-72E took about the same time). The insides of the lens will make most modern AF nikkors look like cheap chinese made toys because this thing's chassis is a solid block of cast metal! the only stupid decision I saw here was the rear crucible of the lens is made of plastic. it only holds the rear elements and the iris assembly but a simple drop to the floor can potentially split this lens in half! :o :o :o

this is a pretty simple lens and I hope that this will not take a lot of time for me to blog. if you guys dont have this, then I suggest that you get one just for fun. 75-150 might not be much but it will come in useful for landscapes because of the size and weight if you are hiking. the lens also has some nice out of focus characteristics.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Roland Vink on March 14, 2016, 06:26:21
It's my favorite zoom, taken many fine pictures with it. An excellent intersection of reasonable speed, compact size, useful focal length and close focusing ability.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 14, 2016, 06:44:25
It's my favorite zoom, taken many fine pictures with it. An excellent intersection of reasonable speed, compact size, useful focal length and close focusing ability.

yes! this thing focuses down to 1m  :o :o :o while the 36-72E and the 43-86's all focus down to 1.2m

i was told that Galen Rowell used this lens for that rainbow over the dalai lama's place photo.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: John Geerts on March 14, 2016, 07:57:11
yes! this thing focuses down to 1m  :o :o :o while the 36-72E and the 43-86's all focus down to 1.2m
Well, the also excellent Nikon 70-210/4 Series E focuses down to 0.56 m in 70mm position and 1.5m at 210mm.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Hugh_3170 on March 14, 2016, 08:36:47
Galen Rowell did a lot of photography from on foot and would frequently run or walk or very long distances to access his subject matter.  He was also an avid rock wall climber and mountaineer.  Lens selection and weight management was therefore an issue for him.  He would evaluate lighter weight lens offerings and those apertures that they would still perform adequately at maybe 2 or 3 proven apertures and he would just stick to those to ensure that he got sufficient image quality.  The 75-150mm zoom lens was one of his favourites.

http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,2040.msg23704.html#msg23704

yes! this thing focuses down to 1m  :o :o :o while the 36-72E and the 43-86's all focus down to 1.2m

i was told that Galen Rowell used this lens for that rainbow over the dalai lama's place photo.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Harald on March 14, 2016, 08:46:16
Hi,

Quote
the lens also has some nice out of focus characteristics.

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1696/25735273895_d855d3dfc8_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Fd91jT)

:) Just need to fix the zoom creep! Waiting for your tutorial.  ;D

Harald

Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Hugh_3170 on March 14, 2016, 09:11:09
Harald, try Googling for Richard Liu's treatment for the Nikon 75-150mm zoom creep issue.


Hi,

.....................................

Just need to fix the zoom creep! Waiting for your tutorial.  ;D

Harald
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Jan Anne on March 14, 2016, 09:35:39
Totally forgot about this lens but I should have a mint copy safely stored in one of my Storm cases  ;D

Never really connected with it so its been a while since its last use, should be a nice candidate zoom for a Df or a7.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on March 14, 2016, 09:39:37
Add a CPU, which in this case is extremely easy, and it finds its place on any modern Nikon.

If this is the version with a metal ring to the rear, I'll gladly take it off your hands. Or we can swap. My copy is CPU-modified.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: ArendV on March 14, 2016, 09:42:22
I have not used mine for a long time, the following shots are wide open @f/3.5, the first two on a D300 at 150 and 120mm respectively and the last one on a NEX-6 at 75mm.
(and talking about 3D rendition, the first image definitely has some to me).
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3320/4608145525_5cb84a19cb_o.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1410/4608605044_66822bb386_o.jpg)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8593/15850638445_04d563e775_o.jpg)
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Jan Anne on March 14, 2016, 09:53:34
If this is the version with a metal ring to the rear, I'll gladly take it off your hands. Or we can swap. My copy is CPU-modified.
Here it is, amongst some other tele's i used to own in the last decade.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8360/8370061779_4e655688d7_o.jpg)
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on March 14, 2016, 09:56:04
JA, please find it ... this is the version I'm looking for.

Reasons for me are pure cosmetics, as there is no change of optics from first to second generation of SE lense..
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: simato73 on March 14, 2016, 10:47:57
I also have it - this is the first lens I chipped.
The chip (provided by Bjørn) cost me twice as much the lens  :)

Although I am not using it much lately this is a fine lens, a pleasure to use (apart from the zoom creep, which I tried to treat without really fixing it).
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Hugh_3170 on March 14, 2016, 12:04:14
A great lens, especially at the price. 

ArendV, I love your sample images from this lens, especially that of the cat.  Will be getting myself another cat later this year.  My old guy passed on in late 2014.

I have not used mine for a long time, the following shots are wide open @f/3.5, the first two on a D300 at 150 and 120mm respectively and the last one on a NEX-6 at 75mm.
(and talking about 3D rendition, the first image definitely has some to me).

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1410/4608605044_66822bb386_o.jpg)

Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Bjørn J on March 14, 2016, 12:08:53
I bought that lens on impulse (very cheap), the one with the metal ring. I haven't used it much, though, but looking at the images here I certainly should put it to use. It has the zoom creep, but performing Richard Liu's treatment seems a bit complicated, so I'll just leave it as it is.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: ArendV on March 14, 2016, 12:11:52
Quote from: Hugh
ArendV, I love your sample images from this lens, especially that of the cat.  Will be getting myself another cat later this year.  My old guy passed on in late 2014.

Thanks Hugh !
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Harald on March 14, 2016, 12:34:35
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1664/25704141686_d2740f7824_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/FaorNE)

One of our cats (We named him Dr. Jones!) shot with the zoom... :)
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 14, 2016, 13:26:17
I have not used mine for a long time, the following shots are wide open @f/3.5, the first two on a D300 at 150 and 120mm respectively and the last one on a NEX-6 at 75mm.
(and talking about 3D rendition, the first image definitely has some to me).
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3320/4608145525_5cb84a19cb_o.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1410/4608605044_66822bb386_o.jpg)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8593/15850638445_04d563e775_o.jpg)

Those are awesome pictures  :o :o :o
specially the cat!
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 14, 2016, 13:27:49
I bought that lens on impulse (very cheap), the one with the metal ring. I haven't used it much, though, but looking at the images here I certainly should put it to use. It has the zoom creep, but performing Richard Liu's treatment seems a bit complicated, so I'll just leave it as it is.
unfortunately there is no other way to get to those gaskets  :o :o :o
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 14, 2016, 13:29:10
Add a CPU, which in this case is extremely easy, and it finds its place on any modern Nikon.

If this is the version with a metal ring to the rear, I'll gladly take it off your hands. Or we can swap. My copy is CPU-modified.

not sure about this lens. might give it to my lovely assistant  :o :o :o
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 14, 2016, 13:30:12
Galen Rowell did a lot of photography from on foot and would frequently run or walk or very long distances to access his subject matter.  He was also an avid rock wall climber and mountaineer.  Lens selection and weight management was therefore an issue for him.  He would evaluate lighter weight lens offerings and those apertures that they would still perform adequately at maybe 2 or 3 proven apertures and he would just stick to those to ensure that he got sufficient image quality.  The 75-150mm zoom lens was one of his favourites.

http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,2040.msg23704.html#msg23704

guy's a legend. even now where nearly everybody shoots nice landscapes his pictures from a couple of decades ago still look amazing  :o :o :o
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 14, 2016, 13:32:22
I also have it - this is the first lens I chipped.
The chip (provided by Bjørn) cost me twice as much the lens  :)

Although I am not using it much lately this is a fine lens, a pleasure to use (apart from the zoom creep, which I tried to treat without really fixing it).
the zoom creep doesn't bother me at all (mine has it but only when focused to infinity) because i shoot this thing handheld on the street  :o :o :o
unfortunately, the zoom creep fix is not easy as the parts cannot be accessed easily ::)
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 14, 2016, 13:33:18
Here it is, amongst some other tele's i used to own in the last decade.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8360/8370061779_4e655688d7_o.jpg)
is that an F mount leica?  :o :o :o
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 14, 2016, 13:35:59
just look at that solid chunk of machined alloy (the barrel to the left,yes that is one solid piece) :o :o :o

its a work of art. must be a nightmare to machine after casting
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 14, 2016, 13:40:08
This is one of 2 places where you can fix the zoom creep. if you do not want to disassemble too far into the lens then this is the way to go. it's not difficult to fix, just put a layer or 2 of masking tape under that felt strip and you're good  :o :o :o
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Jan Anne on March 14, 2016, 14:03:29
is that an F mount leica?  :o :o :o
Yup, it's an Leica R 180/3.4 APO Telyt coverted to Nikon F using a Leitax mount.

And ordering one takes longer than to install one, 5 minutes or so and completely reversible.
http://www.leitax.com/conversion/leica/apo-telyt-180/index.html (http://www.leitax.com/conversion/leica/apo-telyt-180/index.html)

One of the best 180mm lenses I've tried btw, tack sharp and with very vibrant colours.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Øivind Tøien on March 14, 2016, 14:12:21
This is one of 2 places where you can fix the zoom creep. if you do not want to disassemble too far into the lens then this is the way to go. it's not difficult to fix, just put a layer or 2 of masking tape under that felt strip and you're good  :o :o :o

The tape fix was what I did with mine (too many screws very stuck, except the one for the focus follower that kept getting loose so I had to re-tap the threads for a bigger screw and epoxy it in place), which is the version with the metal ring, and it is of course chipped. This image was before chipping, with my D200:

(http://otoien.zenfolio.com/img/s6/v141/p1795034561.jpg)

It is really a lens that deserves to be used more.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 15, 2016, 03:14:38
older lenses sometimes will have stuck screws. there will be times when they would just disintegrate into 3 parts  :o :o :o

thats a sharp photo  8)
now, with this in the lineup, i do not see where the 70-200 series E fits in  ::)
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: JJChan on March 15, 2016, 04:06:05
Richard - you're a brave man with these lenses!
I had a plastic base 75-150 - traded for a 35-70 f2.8 AFD then got a mint silver 75-150mm for A$22 - the postage cost more than the lens and it came in the cylinder case too.

If you find one cheap you will love the 50-135mm f3.5 - similar optical character and build quality to the 75-150mm but even more crisp!

JJ
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: David H. Hartman on March 15, 2016, 13:03:14
When buying a 70-150/3.5 Series-E make sure not to buy the early ones with a stamped Maximum Aperture Indicator Post and opposing rear lens protectors. The early stamp parts bent quite easily. I'm generally pretty easy on my equipment and I bent one. I would not want to straighten one of those stamped parts twice. Roland Vink's site notes this group and its serial numbers here...

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html#70-xx

Photos of the early and late versions here...

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/e75150.html

I owned one of these early models briefly. The one I now own is the mid version with the black plastic grip ring and improved Maximum Aperture Indicator Post and rear lens protectors like those of AIS Nikkors.

Dave

---

This is one of 2 places where you can fix the zoom creep. if you do not want to disassemble too far into the lens then this is the way to go. it's not difficult to fix, just put a layer or 2 of masking tape under that felt strip and you're good  :o :o :o

I don't remember what I used to shim it but I shimmed up my 75-150/3.5 Series-E on the kitchen table of a camera repairman friend. The part shown in Richard's post above look familiar. The adjustment has held up pretty well.

Dave
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on March 15, 2016, 14:30:11
I do have a 75-150 with the black grip and, luckily for me, no zoom creep at all. A very good overall performer and handles IR well too.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Roland Vink on March 15, 2016, 20:30:03
The later ones with the chrome ring seem to be more resistant to zoom creep (in my experience at least). I have a chrome ring version which I have used for years and it is still pretty tight, just the barest amount of creep at steep angles.

I noticed that the amount of zoom creep depends on humidity - the felt ring which provides resistance to the zoom ring dries and shrinks in low humidity so the zoom creep becomes worse. I discovered this when I received the lens (bought on ebay), it was looser than I hoped, but it tightened up after a few days. I guess it came from a very dry climate, the felt strip must have swelled up a little in the wetter NZ climate.

This lens does show some weaknesses on DSLRs. Colour correction could be better, there is some lateral CA I have some pictures which show LoCA and "colour bokeh". When shooting sunsets there is a faint ghost image diagonally opposite the sun which I never saw when shooting film. But generally it still performs very well.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 16, 2016, 03:20:00
When buying a 70-150/3.5 Series-E make sure not to buy the early ones with a stamped Maximum Aperture Indicator Post and opposing rear lens protectors. The early stamp parts bent quite easily. I'm generally pretty easy on my equipment and I bent one. I would not want to straighten one of those stamped parts twice. Roland Vink's site notes this group and its serial numbers here...

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html#70-xx

Photos of the early and late versions here...

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/e75150.html

I owned one of these early models briefly. The one I now own is the mid version with the black plastic grip ring and improved Maximum Aperture Indicator Post and rear lens protectors like those of AIS Nikkors.

Dave

---

I don't remember what I used to shim it but I shimmed up my 75-150/3.5 Series-E on the kitchen table of a camera repairman friend. The part shown in Richard's post above look familiar. The adjustment has held up pretty well.

Dave
Hello, Dave. I was tempted to fiddle with the gasket/felt liner thing but i got lazy since I am just playing around with this  :o :o :o
i was even thinking that a strip rubber or leatherette would do...

good thing I got the later one. it did felt solid. the older one looks flimsy from the looks of it.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 16, 2016, 03:21:29
Richard - you're a brave man with these lenses!
I had a plastic base 75-150 - traded for a 35-70 f2.8 AFD then got a mint silver 75-150mm for A$22 - the postage cost more than the lens and it came in the cylinder case too.

If you find one cheap you will love the 50-135mm f3.5 - similar optical character and build quality to the 75-150mm but even more crisp!

JJ

no, just got these from the junkbox so it's ok  :o :o :o

50-135? looking for one but only saw the 3.5-4.5 versions...
i think that is a more useful lens to me but looks big
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 16, 2016, 03:22:18
I do have a 75-150 with the black grip and, luckily for me, no zoom creep at all. A very good overall performer and handles IR well too.
i think i saw another one at the junkbox (chrome ring). if you are still interested maybe i can get that for you  :o :o :o
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 16, 2016, 03:31:41
The later ones with the chrome ring seem to be more resistant to zoom creep (in my experience at least). I have a chrome ring version which I have used for years and it is still pretty tight, just the barest amount of creep at steep angles.

I noticed that the amount of zoom creep depends on humidity - the felt ring which provides resistance to the zoom ring dries and shrinks in low humidity so the zoom creep becomes worse. I discovered this when I received the lens (bought on ebay), it was looser than I hoped, but it tightened up after a few days. I guess it came from a very dry climate, the felt strip must have swelled up a little in the wetter NZ climate.

This lens does show some weaknesses on DSLRs. Colour correction could be better, there is some lateral CA I have some pictures which show LoCA and "colour bokeh". When shooting sunsets there is a faint ghost image diagonally opposite the sun which I never saw when shooting film. But generally it still performs very well.

mine seemed OK. and it's pretty dry this time of the year in tokyo.  :o :o :o
mine creeps a bit on certain focus positions but it's acceptable to me at least. i am thinking that a rubber foam strip should be best since it does not degrade much and holds it's shape pretty well...

i am thinking of migrating to NZ with my family! looks like im going to need lots of silica gel!
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Tristin on March 16, 2016, 05:56:05
i am thinking of migrating to NZ with my family! looks like im going to need lots of silica gel!

Sounds like an adventure!  Enjoy the Japanese camera shops while you are near them.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 16, 2016, 06:37:53
Sounds like an adventure!  Enjoy the Japanese camera shops while you are near them.
gonna miss them. we are more worried about our baby integrating into Japanese society  :o :o :o

gonna hoard everything that I can
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Hugh_3170 on March 16, 2016, 08:54:15
Richard, maybe you should budget on going back to Japan once a year and filling your suit cases with enough photographic treasures to keep you busy over the winter months.  In summer you should be out and about with your camera(s).

I now live in Australia, but I grew up in the south east corner of NZ's south island.  It is certainly wet and cooler in the south and it can be quite humid in the top half of NZ's north island, so silica gel and a dry room to keep your gear in is a good idea.  That said it is no where as hard to look after photographic gear in NZ as it is in places such as Drawin or Singapore where the humidity is much much higher.  Hay fever is an issue in NZ - I also suffer from that nuisance.  If you go to NZ, then we can at least sneeze together rather than six months apart!  ;D
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: JJChan on March 16, 2016, 12:55:23
Richard
Consider Australia

We have a dysfunctional society and govt but is still an amazingly blessed place to live!
We have essentially Universal health care, education that is affordable and labour laws that are generous and biased heavily to the worker, compulsory superannuation, pension plan for qualifying residents supplied by the govt.
Did I mention essentially free health care?

We have a lot that's not right, but that is massively outweighed by what is good.

JJ

Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: JJChan on March 16, 2016, 13:07:30
Back on topic
75-150E D800E ISO 720 1/320 F3.5

JJ
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 17, 2016, 04:47:50
Richard, maybe you should budget on going back to Japan once a year and filling your suit cases with enough photographic treasures to keep you busy over the winter months.  In summer you should be out and about with your camera(s).

I now live in Australia, but I grew up in the south east corner of NZ's south island.  It is certainly wet and cooler in the south and it can be quite humid in the top half of NZ's north island, so silica gel and a dry room to keep your gear in is a good idea.  That said it is no where as hard to look after photographic gear in NZ as it is in places such as Drawin or Singapore where the humidity is much much higher.  Hay fever is an issue in NZ - I also suffer from that nuisance.  If you go to NZ, then we can at least sneeze together rather than six months apart!  ;D
ill look forward to sneezing together hahaha  :o :o :o
the landscapes won me over to be honest. i had some nice offers from london and shanghai but NZ sounds like a nice place (with many polite people i imagine).

Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 17, 2016, 04:48:32
Richard
Consider Australia

We have a dysfunctional society and govt but is still an amazingly blessed place to live!
We have essentially Universal health care, education that is affordable and labour laws that are generous and biased heavily to the worker, compulsory superannuation, pension plan for qualifying residents supplied by the govt.
Did I mention essentially free health care?

We have a lot that's not right, but that is massively outweighed by what is good.

JJ
half of my wife's family is in sydney haha  :o :o :o
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 17, 2016, 04:51:04
i do not know if you guys noticed it but as i was recalibrating my infinity focus for this lens, i discovered that this lens has a focus shift from 75mm and 150mm. in short, infinity focus is NOT the same on both ends. there is a small difference. at 75mm the dot is solid while at 150mm the dot is blinking (close enough). i will show how to calibrate the focus on this thing. it is not difficult at all, very similar to the 43-86 and the 36-72. :o :o :o
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: rolubich on March 17, 2016, 07:38:02
50-135? looking for one but only saw the 3.5-4.5 versions...
i think that is a more useful lens to me but looks big

There is only one 50-135mm, and it is a f/3.5. It's a very good lens, possibly a little better than 75-150mm E.

Maybe you saw the 35-135mm.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 17, 2016, 08:02:42
There is only one 50-135mm, and it is a f/3.5. It's a very good lens, possibly a little better than 75-150mm E.

Maybe you saw the 35-135mm.

yes, the one with a macro mode.  :o :o :o
is that the 35-135? at some point they all become similar looking to me  ::)
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: John Geerts on March 17, 2016, 09:00:16
35-105 has a macro mode as well. 
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on March 17, 2016, 09:44:31
50-135/3.5 also has a "macro" mode.

This model is very well built and beautifully finished. It is substantially heftier and with more girth than the 75-150. In optical terms it is even better.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 20, 2016, 16:30:09
http://richardhaw.com/2016/03/20/e-75-150mm-f3-5/
OK, here is the tear down  :o :o :o
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on March 20, 2016, 16:31:16
50-135/3.5 also has a "macro" mode.

This model is very well built and beautifully finished. It is substantially heftier and with more girth than the 75-150. In optical terms it is even better.

i was looking at all these zooms nikon made and they all look pretty similar to me. i cannot differentiate them now  :o :o :o maybe i need to sleep ZZZzzzz....
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: wesstl on April 01, 2016, 21:06:36
I have the chrome ring version of the 75-150 and it has the creep problem. Still, very nice lens. I once read somewhere that the 75-150 was made by Kiron in Japan and similar versions are also available branded as Kiron and Vivitar. I recently bought the (alleged) Vivitar version which is a 70-150 3.8. I have yet to compare them optically but the Vivitar does have a couple of advantages: it's even a bit smaller than the Nikon 75-150 and does not suffer from the creep. Anyone know if that rumor is true? I'll do a comparison one of these days.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on April 02, 2016, 03:01:01
the vivitar is a rebadged kiron if im not mistaken.it seems vivitar does not develop or make their own lenses because there are many clones of what they have under a different brand. as for the nikon lens being made by kiron. it is possible :o :o :o
if you read my blog post, i mentioned that nikon subcontracts stuff to other companies. this is what we usually do here in japan, subcontract to smaller companies
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Matthew Currie on April 26, 2016, 00:28:53
I was at the shop today and could not resist a series E 75-150 for five bucks.  It's pretty decent, though this one has serious zoom creep.  It's reasonably sharp, and comfortable to use.

I have long had the 35-105 AIS, which is reasonably sharp, and a nice length for walking around on a full frame, but has to be one of the most ergonomically awkward lenses ever made.  The macro mode only works at wide angle, the zoom creeps, it's of course not a constant aperture, and it's wildly far from parfocal.  Considering that it came out at about the same time as the splendid 80-200 F4 AIS zoom, it's curious, as if Nikon forbade its engineers to talk to one another. 
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: David H. Hartman on April 26, 2016, 02:14:02
Matthew,

If you are using the 35-105mm on an autofocus camera you might consider an AF 35-105/3.5-4.5D Nikkor. It has a single aspheric element and turns in a very nice performance. The focus throw is maybe 50 degrees so it's not comfortable for manual focus.There is also an AF 28-70/3.5-4.5D Nikkor with an aspheric element with very nice performance that has about a 100 deggrree focus throw. That's  acceptable for manual focus though perhaps not ideal. Both of these lenses are well made by today's standards. They are also small and light so they make great walk around lenses.

Dave

Please note that only the AF-D model of the 35-105mm has the aspheric element.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on April 26, 2016, 02:44:27
The AFD 35-105/3.5-4.5 also has the advantage of being excellent for IR. The same can hardly be said of its manual predecessor.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on April 26, 2016, 03:04:50
I was at the shop today and could not resist a series E 75-150 for five bucks.  It's pretty decent, though this one has serious zoom creep.  It's reasonably sharp, and comfortable to use.

I have long had the 35-105 AIS, which is reasonably sharp, and a nice length for walking around on a full frame, but has to be one of the most ergonomically awkward lenses ever made.  The macro mode only works at wide angle, the zoom creeps, it's of course not a constant aperture, and it's wildly far from parfocal.  Considering that it came out at about the same time as the splendid 80-200 F4 AIS zoom, it's curious, as if Nikon forbade its engineers to talk to one another.

knowing how japanese corporation works, its most probably that it was a different team who worked on the other lens. :o :o :o and communication between teams is not so good sometimes and the only way the 2 communicate is on the pub ::)

the 75-150E is a superb lens. i am thinking of fixing the zoom creep (mine developed one pretty quick) now that i got the proper material for that
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: Matthew Currie on April 26, 2016, 04:06:41
By the way, I barely had time to do anything with this lens, as I was actually supposed to be out getting supper not rummaging at the camera shop, but I did stop long enough to aim it at a back lit pussy willow, and found it rather pleasing.
Title: Re: 75-150 Series E
Post by: richardHaw on April 26, 2016, 04:11:41
"I was actually supposed to be out getting supper not rummaging at the camera shop"
i know the feeling, man. my curse is that the grocery is close to the camera shop :o :o :o and i pass by that shop multiple times a day ::)

so far, i have tried all of the series E lenses and i likes the 70-210 and this lens the most. the 36-72E was such an under-performer (at least the one that i have). this also makes for a great portrait lens. try it.