Earlier this year, Nikon announced that it had manufactured more than 85 million F-mount lenses. Combined with all the other manufacturers, the number of lenses produced in the world, in all their different variations, is mind-boggling. A fair amount of these end up listed in the ads at the back of AP, and the advent of the compact system camera has given a new lease of life to many older lenses that would have once been left unloved and unsold. On pages 14-17, we explain how you can use conversion adapters to attach SLR lenses onto compact system cameras. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities, allowing you to use older lenses, or those for your existing DSLR, on your new CSC. By using a simple adapter, you can build up an entire kit at a very affordable price.
If you shoot with a DSLR, on pages 4-9 we bring together 17 second-hand, third-party lenses, available in a number of different mounts, including Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony. Again, these lenses can all be found at a fraction of the price of their new counterparts, particularly proprietary models. Hopefully, there will be something in there that will tempt you – and you might find some inspiration on pages 20-23, where we find out which are the preferred lenses of some of our favourite photographers.
Finally, on pages 11-13, our photo-science consultant, Professor Bob Newman, charts the development of a series of Nikkor lenses, starting with a 5.8cm f/1.4 from 1959. He tracks the evolution in the design and technology used, up until the current 50mm f/1.4G, and he explains how each lens reacts when used with a modern DSLR.
I hope you all enjoy reading this supplement and remember to browse the ads at the back of AP. You never know when you’ll spot a bargain!
Richard Sibley, Deputy Editor
Contents
Third-party bargains
Our guide to what to look out for when buying used, and a pick of some of our favourite second-hand lenses
Lens development
Professor Bob Newman looks at the evolution of lenses over the past 55 years by following the development of Nikon’s 5.8cm f/1.4 of 1959
Lens adapters
A compact system camera enables you to use a huge range of alternative lenses via widely available adapters. We look at the options
Get the most from your lens
You don’t always need to splash out on a new lens to boost your creativity, as this range of affordable accessories shows
Desert island lenses
If you were allowed to use only one lens, which would it be? Seven professional photographers tell us
