Nikon Series-E 100mm f/2.8

[Roland Vink]

There is a new article on the development of this compact telephoto here:
https://imaging.nikon.com/history/story/0080/index.htm

The 4-element optical design is very similar to the series-E 135/2.8 and also the AI 135/3.5. The author says it compares favorably with the AI 105/2.5 at medium-far distances, implying the AI lens performs better at close range (probably due to its more symmetrical optical arrangement).

I haven't used my copy for a long time but it produced excellent pictures some years ago when I needed the smallest, lightest possible kit on a 4-day hike.

[Bill De Jager]

I wish I'd known about that lens when I decided to get my first telephoto lens in 1986.  I bought a Vivitar 70-200mm f/4.5-5.6, definitely not one of the well-regarded Series 1 versions but a later and inferior model.  It had mediocre performance with very low contrast at longer focal lengths.  I lugged that thing all over the mountains on hiking and backpacking trips, when I would have been better off with a used Series E 100mm offering much better optical performance, better low-light performance for my ASA 64 Kodachrome, and much less weight.

[Birna Rørslett]

Together with the 50/1.8 SE, 135/2.8 SE, and the 75-150/3.5 SE, the 100/2.8 nicely added to the impression that the Nikon SE lenses were lower in weight and price, but not equally pared down in their imaging performance.

[David H. Hartman]

The Nikon Series E prime lenses never interested me. The prime Series E lenses lacked multi-coating and that was a deal breaker for me. The day after checking out the newly advertised Pentax Super Multi Coated Takumar lenses and before Nikon started advertising their Integrated Coated lenses I sold my first Nikon system. As planned I started my second Nikon system when Nikon released the Nikon F2As and multi-coated AI Nikkor lenses. The exception to my aversion to Nikon Series E lenses was the 75-150mm f/3.5 Series E zoom. I bought one as soon as it was available in Los Angles camera stores. The 75-150mm f/3.5 E was multi-coated. I Also gave a 75-150mm f/3.5 Series E to my mother as a gift. I own that lens today.

Dave

If buying a 75-150mm f/3.5 E one should know that the very first lenses had a very cheap stamped lens protection at the rear bayonet. The parts (can't think what to call them) could easily be bent and broken off.

[Roland Vink]

The blue coating on the 100mm reminds me of the blue coating on the Nikkor-Q 135/3.5. While not as effective as multi-layer coatings it still performs well if the lens is well shaded. This is what the 1001 nights article says:

"Considering all aspects of lens construction, including the coatings used, the AI 105mm f/2.5 achieves deeper colors and more beautiful rendering under harsh shooting conditions, including backlighting."

[Zang]

I think I saw two version of the lens. The later looks a bit nicer. Do you know if there are any differences in the optical design?

[Roland Vink]

The two versions are the same optically. Early series-E lenses have a focus ring with the coarse square rubber focus grip, and the rear lens protectors are tabs of folded sheet metal. The newer versions have an appearance similar to AIS lenses, with same style rubber focus grip, chrome grab ring and solid rear protectors.

[Zang]

Thanks Roland. Both version are going on sale cheap and almost no one wants them. I was tempted sometimes to get one but I have too many lenses with similar focal length.

[Roland Vink]

I have too many lenses with similar focal length.

I know the feeling
The Series-E 100mm is a useful option if you need the smallest, lightest telephoto, but otherwise the AI 105/2.5 or the macro lenses with similar focal length are generally better options.

[Hauge]

Had the 100mmE, and the 50mmE as well.
Traded the 50mm for a Nikkor AI/S 50mm/F:2 and got a way better optical performance there.
Same story when i sold the 100mmE, and bought a 105mm f:2.5 that i had converted for AI.

My conclusion, back then, was that i were lucky to save my investment.
I'd not go after a E-lens at all...