Information on Nikon Series E Lenses

 
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Nikon Series E 100mm f/2.8s telephoto lens

Here is a good lens for general photography such as head-and-shoulder portraits, travel and others. It was believed to have been introduced at the first quarter of 1980. Somehow, the Nikon 100mm f/2.8 E series lens fills the vacuum on the lower price range at this focal length. But it doesn't seem like it is here to challenge the status of other Nikkor such as the famed
Nikkor 105mm f2.5 but rather serves and targeted at another different crops of users who may be more conscious with budget spending but still like to enjoy to use Nikon optic in their photography. The 100mm E lens weighs only halve to that of the 105mm Nikkor counterpart. Optically, it has a simpler 4 elements in 4 groups design as opposed to the Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 's 5 elements in 5 groups.

Nikon Series E 100mm f/2.8 Ai-S lens type front view Nikon Series E 100mm f/2.8 Ai-S lens type Rear mount  view
Credit: Image(s) displayed here are courtesy of MISA® the very popular EBAY STORE hosted many good used photographic equipment. Image(s) copyright © 2006. All rights reserved.

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The version introduced at early stage has similar appearance of other Series E optic. It does not has a meter coupling prong on the aperture ring. The aperture ring and focusing ring was a square plastic grip design with 4 rows for the focusing grip. They are all matte finished externally and distance scales are conceal, displaying distance info in another separate rotating ring. The positive aspect of the lens is its light weight (only 215g) and compactness. The depth of field scales are also very well illustrated. And most of all, the lens is a Ai-S-spec lens in nature. The second upgraded version has improved its handling by adding an Aluminum aperture ring and the four rows square grips have been reverted back to a more welcoming Nikkor's rubberized grip design.

Credit: A beautiful image of the Ai-S 100mm f/2.8 Series E lense contributed by Mr. "Ernest Swersky" <newfie1@airmail.net> © Image Copyright 2003. All rights reserved

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However, despite its lack of quality finishes in its construction, optically this lens exhibits an entirely different impression. It is sharp and images are uniformly maintaining very high contrast for all apertures. The f/2.8 maximum aperture provides is quite adequate for general available light photography and it also provides a reasonably good manipulation of depth of field control control. Given its optical performance and affordable cost entry (especially the used ones). This lens is a very good alternative to other excellent Nikkor optic at this specific focal length.

Credit: Image courtesy of Emanuele "ebay-camera$®" <emanue20@pacbell.net> who operates a popular Ebay Store. All images appeared herein are Copyright © 2003. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.

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An interesting note is, this the the one and only lens Nikon has ever produced for the 100mm focal length and its f/2.8 is also the first within the lens family within the 100-105mm focal length .

Technical Highlights:
* 100mm focal length produces beautifully natural perspective suitable for portraits. * Relatively high-speed lens permits available-light photography and critically accurate focusing. * Extremely compact and lightweight. * Standard 52mm attachment size. * Ideal for head-and-shoulder portraits, sports, and travel.

Credit: Another view of the 100mm f/2.8s Series E lense contributed by Mr. "Ernest Swersky" <newfie1@airmail.net> © Image Copyright 2003. All rights reserved.
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Specifications:

Focal length/Aperture: 100mm f/2.8
Lens construction: 4 elements in 4 groups
Picture angle: 24° 20'; Diaphragm: Automatic
Aperture scale: f/2.8 - f/22 on both standard and aperture-direct-readout scales
Distance scale
: Graduated in meters and feet from l m (3.5ft.) to infinity (oo)

100mm topview.jpg



Exposure measurement: Via full aperture method with AI cameras; via stop-down method with Non-Ai cameras.
Weight: 215g; Dimensions: 62.5mm dia. x 57.5mm long (overall); 49.5mm extension from lens flange
Filters: 52mm front screw-in; Front lens cap: Snap-On

100mmsideview.jpg
Lens hood: HR-5 screw-in rubber type
Lens case: CL-31S hard leatherette, No. 61 soft; pouch, or CP-8 plastic.
Usable teleconverter(s)
:
TC-200, TC-201, *TC-14A

Note: A little updates from: -- Rick Housh --

<
<< ---- Early version of the Nikon Series E telephoto lens without the metal lens mounting ring

Warning: Certain AE modes (Programmed AE and Shutter Priority AE) on selective Nikon SLRs will not work efficiently with older TC devices. Use an Ai-S version for better compatibility, read the respective Tele-Extender(s) sections. Note: Serial Number for this lens could have been started with 1880701. Unknown for the subsequent version.



Nikon Series E 135mm f/2.8s Telephoto lens COMPARE THIS with the AUTOFOCUS version or check sections covering the MF Nikkor 135mm lenses

It shares virtually similar optical design, technical configuration and a maximum aperture with the more rigid Nikkor lens counterpart, but this lens only weighs a light 395g versus 610g of the early
Non-Ai Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 and 435g for more popular Ai-S Nikkor 135mm f/2.8 version introduced later. Naturally, this E-series prime telephoto lens also sells cheaper than the Nikkor as it was Nikon answer to budget lenses produced by 3rd party lens manufacturers.

Nikon Series E 135mm f/2.8s (Ai-S) telephoto lens
This lens was introduced quite late in 1981 and it was introduced with improved cosmetic right away (except the aperture ring that still retains the original rectangular grip texture but a metal lens mounting ring was added) (correct me if you have seen any of the version that bears black matte-finish). The aperture stops down to useful f/32 for greater control over depth of field. Nikon claimed it was well corrected optically to retain image flatness. It has also obviously benefited greatly from Nikon's "Nikon Integrated Coating" where all air to glass surfaces are coated which contributes to its outstanding and faithful image/color reproduction. Its shares 52mm standard filter attachment size and enable it to have good compatibility with many Nikon accessories.

Credit: Image(s) displayed here are courtesy of betteroffblu/Jenny® where the EBAY STORE is also one of my favorite spot to look for great images on used photographic equipment. Image(s) copyright © 2006. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.

It has a built-in telescopic lens hood. So, when it requires in situation such as shooting against the light, it can be readily avaiable by simply pulling it out from the lens froint. Optically, it has a slightly different arrangement in 4 elements in 4 groups from the Nikkor 135mm f2.8's 5 elements in 4 groups design. The Nikkor can be focus at closer distance of 1.3m (4.5ft). Overall, this is a good entry telephoto lens considering its modest price and performance it can offer. However, the only drawback you can pick on is, of cause the construction is not as rigid as the Nikkor lens counterpart. Optically, this lens could be comparable with the Nikkor optic. It may be a good consideration especially one can acquire them in reasonably good prices at popular online auction outlets, but I seldom see many of them surface as used item.

NOTE:- as all Series E lenses has no meter coupling shoe, but they can still be used with any non-Ai type Nikon / Nikkormat bodies. But the meter reading is via a more tedious stopped down metering method.

135mm E.jpg (12k)
Technical Highlights:

* Relatively high speed of f/2.8 is convenient for action shots and available light. * Outstanding contrast and color fidelity due to Nikon Integrated Coating. * Extremely small and light for a 135mm telephoto.* Its 135mm focal length provides natural perspective and brings distant subjects nearly three times closer. * Stops down to f/32 for additional depth-of-field control. * Built-in telescopic lens hood. * Uses standard 52mm filters. * Advantageous for shooting candid, head-and shoulder portraits, details in landscapes or architecture, travel photography, and sports.

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Among the few E lenses, the 135mm (and the E-Series Nikon Zoom 70-210mm f4.0 presents a lesser cosmetic feel of plastic presence. It weighs nicely the weight adds a layer of solidness but again the aperture ring still post a negative feel when turn and rotate. But I have no complaint on its optical quality, images produced are generally sharp and contrasty, with excellent color rendition.

Specifications:

Focal length/Aperture: 135mm f/2.8
Lens construction: 4 elements in 4 groups
Picture angle: 18°; Diaphragm: Automatic
Aperture scale: f/2.8 - f/32 on both standard and aperture-direct-readout scales
Exposure measurement: Via full aperture method with AI cameras; via stop-down method with Non-Ai cameras.
Distance scale: Graduated in meters and feet from 1.5m (5ft.) to infinity. Weight: approx. 395g
Dimensions: 62.5mm dia. x 88.5mm long (overall); 80.5mm extension from lens flange
Filters: 52mm front screw-in; Front lens cap: Snap-On
Lens hood: Built-in telescopic type; Lens case: CL-32S hard leatherette, No. 62 soft; pouch, or CP-9 plastic

Usable teleconverter(s):
TC-200, TC-201, * TC-16AS, *TC-14A

Depth of field reference / chart for Nikon Series E 135mm f/2.8s telephoto lens
Reproduction Ratio reference / chart for Nikon Series E 135mm f/2.8s telephoto lens

Reproduction ratio  reference / chart when use with Close-up attachment and /or accessories for Nikon Series E 135mm f/2.8s telephoto lens

* Used used with selective earlier AF camera models such as F801, F501, F401 etc., these camera may able to convert the manual focus lens into an AF lens. However, the focal length will be magnified 1.6X. while the effective aperture will be reduced 1 1/3 stop. The TC-14A may also be used as an manual focal length magnifier of 1.4X, the effective aperture will be reduced by 1 stop. Some limitation may apply, check with your local Nikon distributor for further details before use.

Recommended focusing screens for Nikon Series E 135mm f/2.8s telephoto lens
Warning: Certain AE modes (Programmed AE and Shutter Priority AE) on selective Nikon SLRs will not work efficiently with older TC devices. Use an Ai-S version for better compatibility, read the respective Tele-Extender(s) sections.

Note: Serial number for this lens could have been started with 188031


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Nikon Series E lenses:- 28mm | 35mm | 50mm | 100mm | 135mm | 36-72mm | 75-150mm | 70-210mm
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Recommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html

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