Nikkor 600 mm AI f/4.0 IF-ED

[Sleeper]

Hi
Just wondering if this is a possibility to be used on a D80 as somebody has given me the option to buy.

Initial thoughts anybody. My early finding are metering being the issue, but the optics are good.

Appreciate any input or site you could direct me to.

Anybody know the price of a good condition one?
Thanks

[Andy Bright]

I'm not too sure why metering will be a problem? The D80 should cope with an old AI lens... but no promises, I could be wrong ;)

I wouldn't fancy paying much for this lens, aperture photographic have a newer 600/4 AIS ED for just £950 (albeit with minor mark on objective).

cheers,
Andy

[Helios]

I've been looking at something similar, and I've come to the conclusion that such a lens may be used in manual exposure, but will not meter.

I believe you need to have at least a D100, D200 or D300 for auto aperture exposure and matrix metering.

Look at DP review, second page usually in the camera reviews, and they list what's available for various lenses with that camera.

[Sleeper]

Mmmm

Thanks for replies I have got my hands on it to try but I wonder if this is going to be a poor option to get a better tele lens for bird photography.

Hope I get a chance to try it out very soon.

[I4ani]

Hi Sleeper,
Check the section of your D80 user manual, near the back.You should find a section on "compatible lenses", under the section "non-cpu lenses" you will see info on the functions available to you with this lens/camera combo.It will "probably be", manual focus and exposure, not a big deal with a big lens like this.
regards I4ani

[Sleeper]

Hi I4ani

Thanks for the advice I shall check that out.

I really hope this lens does work and that the IQ is good. Checked weather and may be a chance of better light in the afternoon tommorrow.

[Sleeper]

Ok
Got to grips today with light not great but better.
It works only in Manual mode as kind peeps mentioned. Couple of things I am struggling.

1) Metering : This does not use the spot, matrix etc so how does it meter and how best do I compensate for this?
2) EV compensation : When I adjust this in camera either way it makes no difference why not and how best to over come it?

I can get an overall well exposed picture but areas that are overexposed are present. If I make it so no overexposure is present the picture tends to be darker.

Am I right in thinking I have just to change these settings to get the best picture I can?
1) ISO value in camera
2) Manually changing the aperture on the lens
3) Shutter speed in camera

So many questions I know but again I would appreciate even the smallest bit of advice. Thanks

This image was taken through double glazing and the Greenfinch was about 35 foot away.

[GYRob]

1-2-3 all afect exsposure so your right - rembember almost every exsposure will be a compermise so aim for the main subject being right .
Rob.

[I4ani]

Hi again,
Firstly, I do not own a D80, so the following is offered as a possible help.
1.Set camera to manual focus for focusing.
2.Set metering to manual.
3.To obtain "correct" exposure turn both/either of the sub /main command dials until the
metering is shown at the zero mark in the view finder display.
The front sub command dial (in front of the shutter release button) adjusts the aperture and the command dial at the back of the camera should adjust the shutter speed.You will need to adjust both or either as required to get the exposure you require, ie faster speed to feeze movement of smaller aperture for greater depth of field.
If this does not give you the required combo you require ,then you can increase the ISO speed to give higher shutter speed or aperture.
4. If the overall exposure is not to your liking then you can increase/decrease by adjusting the exp. compensation dial on camera up or down as required.
Hope this helps, and your image is very good for early attempt, just think what you will be turning out when the rain stops.
regards I4ani.

[Doug Greenberg]

This lens lacks a CPU and consequently will NOT meter with a D80. You can't even use the "line up the arrow" type of metering, as all you will get in your viewfinder is a blinking F-stop indicator. With this lens you would actually have to set the exposure manually. This is hardly an oppressive task, but in this day and age most of us are fairly accustomed to TTL metering and we are reluctant to use external meters or to estimate exposures.

For an AI or AIS lens to provide metering you need to upgrade to a D200 or D300 body.

[Sleeper]

Thanks again for the replies and time taken to give advice.

Still can't get the seller to commit to a price though....wonder if I can afford it. Ihave found it great to have that great reach so maybe I would not be able to say no!

Thanks again

[Sleeper]

Slightly better light today and I feel it is worth adding to the lens collection

[Sleeper]

Could anybody recommend some extension tubes to allow this lens to focus closer?
I have seen some on ebay far cheaper than Kenko etc. Considering there is no glass involved is there a quality issue using cheap tubes? Thanks again in advance.

[Leo S]

I have the AI-S 600/4 IF-ED N, and find it to be much better on a Canon body (chromatic aberration is a big problem with my D70 in high contrast situations) - it will also meter and you can get adapters with focus confirmation chips if you like. I tend to use it with my 1Dsm2, but also have the 5D (which I have yet to try with the 600) and a D70. Together with the TC-14B and Canon's low noise/high ISO sensors, it's a great setup for birding, and I think yours will work just as well, as the optics are almost if not exactly the same I think.

Regarding tubes, even though there are no optics, I would stay away from the no name brand products. A poorly made tube might let the plane of focus tilt off axis too much. I got a set of Kenko tubes in EOS mount from an ebay seller in HK (do a search - there are a few recommended sellers), and they are fine (I heard that Kenko makes Canon's tubes, but not sure if this is true), although using them all at the same time is pushing it (so many joints is bound to have more give than one on its own, especially if you are also using an adapter and TC).

I also have a selection of Nikon tubes which I have picked up over the years, including the PN-11 which is perfect if you need lots of extension without the flex that multiple tubes can give. Using this together with the 600 allows you to get you within a few feet of your subject.

Although it's a great lens, I sometimes wish I had a Canon 600 AF... not only for the AF advantages, but the Canon 2x converters are reputed to work very well with the 600 (unlike the Nikon TC's), and I've even seen some very acceptable results using 2x 2x Canon TC's (2400mm effective!). I'm through buying 3K+ lenses for a while though, so it'll have to wait!!!

[Leif]

Could anybody recommend some extension tubes to allow this lens to focus closer?
I have seen some on ebay far cheaper than Kenko etc. Considering there is no glass involved is there a quality issue using cheap tubes? Thanks again in advance.

I have third party tubes (Teleplus) and a Nikon tube. The third party are poorly made, and wobble. The Nikon is vastly superior, but lacks electrical contacts.

[Duke Leto]

I use Kenko Extn tubes and the only thing loose are the caps they come with, when mounted they are fine

[Leif]

I use Kenko Extn tubes and the only thing loose are the caps they come with, when mounted they are fine

Mine look the same as Kenko. Same factory, worse quality control? A lemon? Who knows.

[Sleeper]

Thanks guys

I have already taken the plunge and ordered some cheap ones from HK. I will let you know if wobble etc is evident. Thanks again

[SLRShooter]

The long AIS lens will meter with the newer cameras if it is a "P" model. Some of the later AIS lens have the P on both the box and on the brass plate on the lens. These will meter with no problem. If it doesn't have the P, you will probably have to set your camera aperture manually. The D80 does offer manual settings.