What vintage lenses do you recommend for Df?

[PeterN]

If there is one place in the world to ask this question, it must be here.

But let me give a bit of background first. Currently I use the D750 with a collection of G and Art lenses. All 'state of the art' with all modern gimmicks. I am currently investigating what to add to the image-shooting experience next year.

Although initially I thought to add a Sony RX1 or Leica Q, recently I've been thinking about adding a Df to the collection with a set of "vintage" lenses with "character" in the 20-135mm focal length range.

Now my question: What set of prime lenses with "character" are your favorites (and perhaps why) would you recommend that I could use with the Df?
Let's assume they have to be reasonably priced (if not being a steal these days)?  AF is preferred, but MF is acceptable too. I do realize that the word "character" is a highly subjective term, so feel free to interpret it in the way you want.

Example Photos are very welcome!

Thank you so much for your advice.

[stenrasmussen]

35/1.4 Ai-S: Temperamental and with character from f/1.4-2.0. Sharp and easy from f/2.8 ->. Background needs to be watched wrt. OOF rendering.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

One lens is considered to be mandatory: a 105 mm f/2.5 from the late '70s is simply a 'must'. I said this before but bears repetition: the optical engineers of the 105 must have unconsciously known that the Df eventually would emerge and designed the lens accordingly. The 105 and the Df are synergetic. They are made for each other.

[Jakov Minić]

As Bjørn says the 105/2.5 is the one to go for. (attached)
I never liked that lens on my D700 and rarely used it, but now I do on the Df

I also like the 45P, 28/2 and the 16/3.5 fish-eye.

Most of all I probably use the 85/1.4 AF-D.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Any of the many 'normal class' lenses (ie. 45 to 58 mm) should be considered as well. Do note that most of them, except the elusive Noct-Nikkor, can rendered the out-of-focus background on the harsher side. Either the 50/1.2 AIS or the latest 50/1.4 AIS is better in this regard. Besides, they are very sharp lenses when stopped down a little. The 50/1.2 has more temperament and might need to be kept on shorter reins than the f/1.4.

Some users here on NG swear to the pancake-type 45 mm f/2.8 Nikkors. They are cute optics giving nicely drawn images,  but might be tricky to handle if your fingers aren't thin. Hopeless with gloves in the winter of course.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

On the wider side, the 20/2.8 AIS is better with the Df than I thought initially. Of course the new 20/1.8 bests it in sharpness terms, but not in handling and usage pleasure with the Df. The f/2.8 does flare easier though.

This night scene from Amsterdam was shot with 20/2.8 and the Df at ISO 25600.

[Jan Anne]

Would be an easy choice for me, the 50/1.2 Ai-S, my main lens on the D3s back in 2010 and one of my last remaining Nikkor lenses.

Loads of character wide open and razor sharp when stopped down. Would be a nice set with the 35/1.4 and 105/2.5 mentioned above, I did play with those but didn't own them.

From my favourite local pub

D800E & 50/1.2 wideopen, Amsterdam 2012

Cava in the making

D3s & 50/1.2 wideopen, Catalunya 2010

Petter at f/2.8 in Bergen

D3s & 50/1.2, Norway 2010

And razor sharp at f/5.6

D3s & 50/1.2, Norway 2010

Also at f/5.6

D3s & 50/1.2, Copenhagen 2010

[Olivier]

You will never get enough recommendations for the Nikkor 105mm F/2.5. It has not disappointed me from a D700 to Fuji X-T1, even with infrared modified cameras...

[PeterN]

Thank you so much for recommendations and photos. So this might be a nice set of lenses to start with:

1. 20/2.8 AIS (not the AF-D?)
2. 28/2 AIS or 35/1.4 AIS
3. 50/1.2 AIS or 50/1.4 AIS
4. 105/2.5 AI. Bjørn, I assume you refer to this version because it was produced until the late 70s?. So should I skip the AI-S version?

With the 85/1.4 AFD as another good option. But I feel I don't need that one with the 105 in the bag. Right?

I will look more into these lenses.

BTW: no 24mm lens? And what about non-Nikon lenses?

Thanks again for your advice. I love the photos!  The 50 1.2 looks spectacular!

[Jakov Minić]

Out of all the non Nikon lenses, just get the 60 mm Coastal Optics and you're set! (my dream lens)

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Nah. The 60 might be a fine optic, but its build is not Nikkor quality. I know from personal experience.

[Jakov Minić]

Would you say the same for the CV 125 then

[Bjørn Rørslett]

The reason for selecting the '70s version, and specifically the AI 105/2.5, is simple: it is the best of them, all things considered. The focusing throw is long to give very precise focusing feel,  the aperture blades are not straight-edged so bokeh improves, and it isn't bothered with the wobbling slide-out hood of the AIS.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Would you say the same for the CV 125 then

I'd say 'yes' unless you have Erik as your close friend and willing to fix the lens for you ...

[Jakov Minić]

Then peter, I have difficulties advising on a non Nikon lens.
No CO 60mm and CV 125mm, unless you would like to go the unorthodox route and acquiring a Heligon or Zenit

(although I am certain that there are plenty Zeiss and Sigma lenses out there)