Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens USA

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

I waited a long time to purchase this lens and it was worth the wait! I takes a bit of getting used to but it produces results every time. You can easily focus (or not) on the subject. It moves left to right, up and down and also moves 90 degrees so the angles are endless. It is a bit heavy and needs two hands but if you take the extra time out to frame the shot, it's great. It's also all manual but I find that if i take a test photo with the lens zero'd and then move the lens, the aperture/shutter settings remain the same. Maybe a little tweaking but with digital camera's it's not that big of deal to get it right in the lens.

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

Actually took me a bit by surprise how sharp this lens is. Even though it obviously won't be a lens I use 100% of the time, I think it is defn worth the investment.

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

I was a little skeptical at first, needless to say I was about to spend some good money on an 'imported' lens. Straight from Japan, this heavy duty bad boy does a great job of making magic. In a world where everything is being automated to oblivion, I find this lens a true artist tool to go beyond the framing composition and camera settings. This lens adds a new dimension to my photography, manual manual manual! I love it.

Yes you could try to make similar effects or results on photoshop, or other image editing software, but the truth of the matter is you will not have the same angle resolution, depth, as you would with this lens. There is also the accidental surprise, which to me has gotten lost in the digital era. I have found different focus points within the same focus plain amongst a leafy landscape that creates such a depth and interesting image. Not having to sacrifice aperture means nice bokeh with an added bonus, manual control!

Coupled with a video capable SLR... well, that's just where our mind explodes and you can create amazing clips, or add a new feel to a video composition.

One of my favorite ways to use it is to compose panoramic landscapes, besides increasing the pixel resolution for my prints, it gives me the right perspective of view, and the best compositional element; I get to choose the plain of focus. It's just another dimension.

I am extremely happy with this lens, made a right decision, don't be afraid.

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

OK, so it doesn't afford all of the movements us old view camera users are accustomed to, but for the convenience of the small camera, this is the next best thing. The lens is sharp corner to corner and even surpasses my old 85 tilt shift Nikkor lens.

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

Crisp and sharp for landscape shots. Equally as good for still life shots. I haven't used for architecture as of yet - though I plan to. The manual focusing is precise, but easy to set. The tilt shift knobs are small, though easy to use with time. I set the focus in standard mode, then do the tilt/shift. Best used on a tripod.

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

There are things you can do with a tilt/shift lens that you cannot do any other way. The question becomes which one to get, this one (45) or the 24 or 85. For me, it is products and portraits, not architecture, so the 85 was a contender, but the optics are more advanced in this lens and for my purposes it is perfect. I will not use it every day, but when I want it, there is no substitute.

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

The PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D is a special purpose lens for tilting and shifting. Well constructed with a solid build, its overall performance is exemplary. The adjustments made in tilting and shifting are fine and accurate. Like all Nikon lenses, focusing is sharp and clear. However, being a perspective control lens, it only focuses manually.
Highly recommended overall for enthusiasts. It's an amazing piece of glass.

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

It takes time to make a picture. With this lens we must take a while. No one can tell you what to do. Shift tilt... and revolver...

My first picture was the front page of the manual. I took one picture and got one line of clear text. Then I shift a little and got five lines of clear text... I love it, wonderfull.

A new era of picutres opens in front o me. Lines blocks...

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

This is an excellent lens for photographing tall buildings in cityscapes. Properly used, it will remove the trapezoid appearance that occurs when photographing tall structures from close up. In aerial photography, this lens eliminates the "pin cushion" effect of building leaning outward from the center of the image. This is fully manual lens. If you are used to shooting manually, you'll love this lens. If you are used to using automatic features on your lenses, this lens will have a learning curve. Well worth the investment.

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

Incredibly sharp optics. Easy to use controls. Outstanding quality. For macro work, use with a macro focusing rail for easier framing while using the lens tilt feature. View camera users accustomed to adjusting both back and front standards need to modify their habits a little, since you obviously only have the controls on the lens body itself.

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

I recently purchased this lens to fill in between various others and WOW! I love this lens, great sharpness, great build as always and just super addition to the kit. Many complain about it's weight but if you think about the amount of metal in the construction and the professional purpose it's just fine. If you still have a complaint go lift some weights. :)

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

This lens delivers high quality images even at its most extreme settings. Macro capabilities are awesome too. You should be aware if you use it on a totally manual camera you have no aperture adjustments, only 2.8, but on digital cameras this is no issue. I found the lens controls easy to use but I have a long history of manual focus cameras. This lens opens up the door to new creative opportunities.

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

I saw a lot of reviews about how difficult this lens was to use, and that it was a fully manual lens only for use by professionals, but none of that should deter you at all. If you are looking for a lens that has the capabilities of this one... get it. The 45mm is better than the 28mm (better bokeh, more usable focal length, wider aperture), and the 80mm is a little too long unless you have a lot of room.

To get maximum effect of this lens, it should be used on a full frame camera (D700, D3, etc...), it works on DX cameras, just nowhere near as well. Though the lens is fully manual focus, the focus ring is so well designed that focusing becomes very easy after a while... just do not rush it and use the very accurate focus indicators (if you have a Nikon D700/D3).

That said, before you make any kind of such purchase, it is always wise to do your homework. That means , read all the reviews and test it by renting it out for a weekend before putting down the money... it is an awesome lens, but it is very expensive for what it is!

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

I use this one with my 24 PC-E and 85 PC-E for landscape and architectural work. They all rock! I cut my teeth on a view camera so the tilts and shifts do not confuse me. For those who state these lenses are hard to use probably should study the view camera movements basics, one can find them on line just do the google thing! Key point is to use manual exposure. They are used on a Nikon D3 and Nikon D700. Yes it works on the D700.

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

I am not an architectural photographer, but I do have to deal with trying to keep lines parallel. I photograph books in my art and perspective control is needed. I also look to achieve a very shallow dof.

After losing my darkroom in a building fire, I made the switch from using a view camera to DSLRs. This lens has helped that transition more than any single component.

While i wish that the tilt/shift could have a greater range, I'm very excited to be able to get whatever amount I can. There's a lot of variation in the design of this lens to give a great amount of control.

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

I wish I could have my cake and eat it too. I wanted a lens for architecture (24mm PC) and one for Flower close-ups (85mm PC w/shift)and got neither by going halway. I currently have a D300 and F6. The rational.. I would use it on the F6 for architecture which will be close to a 24 mm mounted on a D300 and use it on the D300 which would be close to the 85mm PC mounted on an F3. Not so. I also wanted the f2.8 and pay less than than the 24mm f3.5. The lens works like a charm, is crisp and yes the tightening screws are delicate, but I like it like that. I seldom adjust them. I do have to step back a bit in architecture, but hey the depth of field on the flowers largely makes up for it. Its a keeper.

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

I use this for architectural scenes and some macro shots. This is a GREAT lens. It is extremely sharp and will allow you to get shots not possible with a regular lens. I am very happy with the lens (even at the price!). The manual focus is not an issue, even when not using a tripod. It is possible to take photos of windows and doors where it looks like the camera is dead center in front of the glass, but there is no reflection. Full building shots can be taken without the converging lines that a regular wide-angle gives you. The macro capabilities are enhanced with the lens's tilt option which can help you control the depth-of-field. Yes, there IS a learning period associated with this lens.
But, it is worth the time and effort for the shots you will be getting. And, I guess I would also have to say, it's worth the money. It's very well made and everything works smooth and precise. My ONLY complaint would be that the lens hood is somewhat of a PAIN to get attached - I can live with that.

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

This is a must have lens for interesting DOF. It's been on the rise as a trend lens in portraiture, and I'm glad I purchased it. It's very crisp, even though it's manual. It doesn't take long to get used to the manual function and is almost refreshing that it isn't autofocus. The learning curve is a little steep when using the tilt/shift features and you will need to experiment with it before using it on clients. You will not be disappointed with this lens!

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

this lens is incredible! most use it to correct landscapes and architecture. i strictly use it for fashion portraiture and sports! odd i know, but it gets better. the other day i used it for some AMAZING macro shots of a snail going across a dew covered leaf. beautiful lens! beautiful photos!

Comments about Nikon PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED Manual Focus Lens:

I am "farsighted" which seems to always mess up autofocus. So having a good manual focus lens is essential for me. This lens in wonderful - easy to fine tune the focus, super sharp, and I found using the tilt/shift was easy to learn and use. (Keeping in mind this lens is for serious users only). The PC-E 45mm 2.8 has become my "prime" for my D300!