Nikon Lens Series E 100mm 1: 2.8 MKII review

For the opportunity lens review Nikon Lens Series E 100mm 1: 2.8 MKII many thanks Alexey Melnikov.

Nikon 100mm F2.8 Series E Review

Nikon 100mm F2.8 Series E Review

This is an “E” series lens. There are a lot of rumors about the “E” lenses. The main difference between lenses Nikon Series e from ordinary lenses Nikon: reduced weight and size of lenses. Almost always lenses Nikon Series e weigh much less than their counterparts. Also, the lens line Nikon Series e most often have a simplified construct, single-layer enlightenment. Such a decrease in the lenses of this series allowed to reduce the cost of lenses and attract more amateur enthusiasts to Nikon products. Yes, this series of lenses was originally aimed at a low price range, so you should not expect from Nikon Series e something special.

Lens view Nikon 100mm F2.8 Series E

Lens view Nikon 100mm F2.8 Series E

Typically, these lenses came as a kit with budget cameras for beginners Nikon EM. Personally, I really like lenses Nikon Series e, about one of them will be discussed below.

There are 8 Nikon lenses in total. Series e, of which 5 fixes and 3 zoom lenses:

  1. Nikon Lens Series E 28 mm 1: 2.8 MKI
  2. Nikon Lens Series E 28 mm 1: 2.8 MKII
  3. Nikon Lens Series E 35 mm 1: 2.5 MKI
  4. Nikon Lens Series E 35 mm 1: 2.5 MKII
  5. Nikon Lens Series E 50 mm 1: 1.8 MKI
  6. Nikon Lens Series E 50 mm 1: 1.8 MKII
  7. Nikon Lens Series E 100 mm 1: 2.8 MKI
  8. Nikon Lens Series E 100 mm 1: 2.8 MKII
  9. Nikon Lens Series E 135 mm 1:2.8
  10. Nikon Lens Series Zoom E 36-72 mm 1:3.5
  11. Nikon Lens Series Zoom E 75-150 mm 1: 3.5 MKI
  12. Nikon Lens Series Zoom E 75-150 mm 1: 3.5 MKII
  13. Nikon Lens Series E Zoom 70-210 mm 1:4

MKI versions have a black plastic case, MKII - with a chrome insert for the depth of field tags.

View of the Nikon 100mm F2.8 Series E lens on a modern central locking system

View of the Nikon 100mm F2.8 Series E lens on a modern central locking system

TTX Nikon 100mm F2.8 Series E
Bayonet mount: Nikon F AI-S type
Optical design: 4 elements in 4 groups
Focal length: 100mm
Diaphragm: 2,8-22
Number of aperture blades: 7 pieces
The weight: 220g
MDF: 1m
Front Filter Diameter: 52mm

Nikon 100mm F2.8 SERIES E Is a very compact lens. At its 100mm focal length, it looks very small. Smaller kit lens 18-55mm. Also, the lens is very lightweight. Most importantly, the lens delivers excellent image quality. The production of lenses started in the early 80's. Please note that the first versions of the lenses were Non AI (without a ring for transferring the f-number to the camera), then they came out AI-S lens version.

Example photo on Nikon 100 mm F 2.8 Series E

Example photo on Nikon 100 mm F 2.8 Series E

I used Nikon 100mm F2.8 Series E on the simplest camera without any problems Nikon D40. On amateur cameras exposure metering will not work, you can take pictures only in the M mode. Since this AI-S lens, then on more advanced cameras exposure metering and automatic iris control will work. On any Nikon ZCC, you can manually sharpen using the green dot in the viewfinder, or using Live View on some cameras. Using Nikon's old native optics on modern cameras is very simple. That's why I often do reviews on the simplest CZK Nikon D40to show that there is nothing complicated in lenses without auto focus.

Example photo on Nikon 100 mm F 2.8 Series E

Example photo on Nikon 100 mm F 2.8 Series E

Features Nikon 100mm F2.8 Series E

1. The lens has a very small size and weight. The camera looks very compact. The diameter of the front filter is only 52mm; finding a filter under 52mm is very simple. You can always take such a lens with you, for example, in campaignto be able to make wonderful portraits.

Example photo on Nikon 100 mm F 2.8 Series E

Example photo on Nikon 100 mm F 2.8 Series E

2. The lens has an excellent combination of aperture and focal length, which will achieve a very small depth of field. Given that the lens does not have distortion (distortions in the geometry of the image), it is ideal for photographing portraits. Actually Nikon 100mm F2.8 SERIES E just take as a portrait lens. The lens is very easy to achieve. background blur effect.

Photo on the Nikon 100mm F2.8 Series E, focusing on infinity

Photo on the Nikon 100mm F2.8 Series E, focusing on infinity

3. The focus ring rotates almost 180 degrees. It's nice to focus, the focus ring moves smoothly. The minimum focusing distance is 1 meter. The lens has a depth of field scale and focusing distance. On the lens, by itself, there is a diaphragm scale. When focusing, the trunk extends 2 centimeters, the front element does not rotate. Using all kinds of filters will not be any difficulty. When focusing, the entire lens block moves.

Photo at Nikon 100mm F2.8 Series E

Photo at Nikon 100mm F2.8 Series E

4. For low weight you have to pay by increasing the plastic in the case. But still, the lens gives the impression of a well-made solid piece of plastic, iron and glass. The focus ring is rubberized.

Bokeh on Nikon 100mm F2.8 Series E

Bokeh on Nikon 100mm F2.8 Series E

5. On Nikon DX cameras, it’s not so easy to handle the lens. because of crop factor the angle of view becomes like a 150mm telephoto on a 35mm film or full frame.

Sample photo on Nikon 100 mm F 2.8 Series E

Sample photo on Nikon 100 mm F 2.8 Series E

Image quality

Nikon 100mm F2.8 SERIES E gives an excellent result. The sharpness is excellent already at F2.8, I do not want to close the aperture at all. The only thing on F2.8 with contrasting details HA quite noticeable. HA disappear completely on F5.6, on F4.0 barely noticeable. The lens does not distort the picture by distortion. At F2.8 on Full Frame, the camera gives a lightweight vignette. Nikon 100mm F2.8 SERIES E has a good contrast. The color rendition slightly cools the picture, on the CZK it is easily adjusted with BB. Perhaps for portrait shooting the lens has excessive sharpness. The lens bokeh on F2.8 is excellent, when you close it, nuts appear due to the fact that the lens has only 7 aperture blades. I simply did not have time to test the control of backlight and side light, since they gave me a lens for 4-5 hours of use. In general, I was satisfied with the image quality, especially at full frame.

The sharpness of the lens is the Nikon 100mm F 2.8 Series E. Crops of images. Quality 70 percent. ISO 200

The sharpness of the lens is the Nikon 100mm F 2.8 Series E. Crops of images. Quality 70 percent. ISO 200

Sample photos on Nikon 100mm F / 2.8 Series E and APS-C camera (1.5X crop)

All photos were taken on Nikon 100mm F2.8 SERIES E и Nikon D40. No processing. Reduced size to 1600 * 1200. EXIF I typed from memory.

Personal impressions

I liked the lens. In general, I do not like only frankly bad lenses. Shoot on Nikon 100mm F2.8 SERIES E - pure pleasure. Personally, I use Jupiter-37A as a similar lens, I just love Sonnar's background and foreground blur, and Jupiter-37A is just a copy of CZJ Sonnar 135 / 3.5. The person who provided me with the lens says that Nikon 100mm F2.8 SERIES E gives a picture on a figure very similar to a film. As far as I know, then Nikon 100mm F2.8 SERIES E the only one hundredth (100mm) among all Nikon lenses. If you are looking for a similar native lens, then I recommend an excellent legendary Nikon 105mm f / 2.5 AI-s.

Sample photo on Nikon 100 mm F 2.8 Series E

Sample photo on Nikon 100 mm F 2.8 Series E

Sample photos on an APS camera (full frame)

Everything is filmed on Nikon D700, RAW -> JPEG, no processing, reduced size, data printed from EXIF.


Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Conclusions:

Nikon 100mm F2.8 SERIES E Is a good, inexpensive prime telephoto lens. Recommended for portrait photography. It is very interesting for its small size and excellent image quality.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Nikita

 

 

Comments: 44, on the topic: Review of the Nikon Lens Series E 100mm 1: 2.8 MKII

  • george737577

    I fully agree with your conclusions and assessment of this lens. I just want to add to the topic. Lenses of the E series were produced by order of Nikon by Cosina Japan Ltd. This is the reason why the lenses of this series do not have the traditional name Nikkor. But the lenses of this series are quite good, especially considering their cost, and have a good, reliable design.
    Best regards, Georgiy.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Thanks for the additional information.

  • Alex de Kairoy

    Which is better, this lens or Kaluinar?
    Arkady, what is your personal opinion?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Kaleinar-5n will be more interesting.

  • Alex

    This glass is offered in very good condition for 200 USD ...
    What do you think: is it worth taking for this price as a portrait on the D90?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I find it too expensive.

  • Nicholas

    What limitations will I have with this lens on the D3100, auto-focus is not relevant, usually I bring the circle in the viewfinder?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      There will be no metering, the aperture will be controlled only with the help of a ring on the lens.

  • Nicholas

    Will the circle in the viewfinder work at 3100?

    • Artuwok

      Will

  • Michael

    What is better nikon 100 mm 2.8 or sigma 105 mm 2.8?

  • Kirill

    Arkady, tell me, is it possible to install a chip on such a lens for more comfortable work with exposure metering and focusing (d3000 camera)? Thanks for the review.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Yes, you can.

      • кирилл

        but there is no ais in the name of the lens. Lushnikov’s website indicates that dandelion will only help such lenses. thanks for your project

        • Arkady Shapoval

          Nikon E are automatically Nikon AF-S lenses.

          • Nathanmessenger

            Arkady, did you mean AI-S?

  • Paul

    Arkady. Everything seems to be correct. But in the examples of the photo for a typical portrait lens, there is not a single portrait: ((

  • Tamara

    Good day!
    Tell me please! I got a Nikon 100 mm f 2/8 lens, can I use it on my Canon 650d?

  • Basil

    Arkady, you probably misspelled the comment, not AF-S, but AI lenses.

  • Kirill

    Arkady, thank you for a super useful resource for amateur photographers !!!
    Question. Is it needed for, weaving, for a portrait if I already have 85mm 1,8d and 70-210 f4 (I bought it after reading the review)
    Question 2. How convenient and fast you can focus on this lens. I tried to twist the lens with my hands on the green dot at 85mm and 50mm also 1,8, on these lenses it’s not very convenient to do this, especially at 50 mm
    Question 3. What is better in terms of the price-quality ratio of niccor 135mm f2, 105mm 2,5 or 100 mm f2,8?
    I'm waiting for the answer.
    Thank you

  • Kirill

    beginning see above.

    Voros 3. Which one is better for a portrait, rented on d90

    • Lynx

      any.

  • Nikita

    An excellent lens considering that this particular instance was with me and transferred to Alexei for further use)

  • Vitaliy PhotoInterSeller

    Unshaken is more relevant, independent of those who want to (here we will not give a finger) trying to go ahead and forward by seeing the moderator on the OLX website.

    Dodge! 063-788-50-45

  • Alfn the Greek

    although the topic is old, but where the examples on the D700 are “RAQ -> JPEG”, I think it should be “RAW -> JPEG”

    • Arkady Shapoval

      fixed.

  • Anton

    A lens for the soul!
    After the purchase, I did not take it seriously until I began to get it out of my bag more often.
    Regarding the dimensions and sizes - a fluff, it feels like you are carrying only a carcass.
    Gives a nice soft picture.

  • Michael

    I bought this lens (first version). Personal impression - Kaleinar inferior to him.
    Can someone tell me which hood is right for him?
    Will this not give vignettes?
    Link

  • Anastasia

    On the issue of shooting against the sun, this lens + D7000:

    DSC_9790

  • Alexey de Paris

    Today, on occasion, I got this lens and how good it is! I just did not expect it. Yes, the review says that it is sharp with an open but damn it! It is sharp with an open even on the D800 when viewing pictures at 100 percent increase! The edges of the picture are even good and clear!
    I did not expect this. Great purchase, I can safely recommend it on any compatible camera!

  • Robert

    Will he work for Nikon d50. Ken says it won't work because of the diaphragm

  • srsberg

    Bought it recently. Works with a Fujifilm xt20 mirrorless camera. An excellent, sharp lens for an amateur with good contrast. The Nikkor 105 f2.5, touted by the author (see the link in the review), can now also be exclusively an amateur lens. However, in comparison, 105 has no chance compared to 100. Yes, optically 105 is somewhat better than 100. However, the weight is 200g versus 600g, the price is 4-5 times less and the quality is quite sufficient for an amateur clearly determine the winner.

    • B. R. P.

      Sure sure. So tell me - the price. Otherwise there are a lot of smart words just to justify your poverty. Or greed.

      • Rodion

        Both lenses have the right to life. 100/2.8 Nikkor, judging by the photo, is quite a good ernostar, light and small, but not too sharp. 105/2.5, which is double-gauss, is much sharper, but subjectively I don’t like it from the picture. But 105/2.5, which is Zonnar, is a very pleasant glass in all respects.

      • srsberg

        Sure sure. But weight and size have nothing to do with this. If you want to carry a brick, that’s your right, but others may have a different point of view.

    • srsberg

      Full images
      https://ibb.co/fFdwYZZ
      https://ibb.co/yYbZHf3

  • srsberg

    Well, as I wrote. Camera jpg, reduced in accordance with the requirements to 1mb, dimensions reduced to 1920x1280
    For comparison, the distances are about 950m to the obelisk, about 3 km to the arch.
    A lens with which you can run 15-18 km. Small, light and sharp. They want to film. No car is required in addition))).

    • srsberg

      And one more. Also reduced.

  • B. R. P.

    Why is this in 1 photo? for 2 cats, everything is clear here.

    • srsberg

      Paris. Luxor obelisk and triumphal arch.

      • srsberg

        I ran around Paris with 2 lenses: this and ttartisan 17mm f1.8 without a tripod. I like it. All other lenses were left at home, incl. and Fujifilm.

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