Sweet Nikkor Tool Kit

Here we see six of Nikon's "Nikkor" lenses. The 400mm f/3.5, 300mm f/2.8, 200mm f/2.0, 180mm f/2.8, 135mm f/2.0 "DC" and the 85mm f/2.8 "PC".

Although expensive, when used right all of these lenses will create outstanding images. The 180mm & 135mm lenses are auto-focus. The 85mm is only offered in manual focus. The other 3 lenses are manual focus, however they are nowadays all made only as autofocus lenses.

With the speed and superior optics of these lenses they are some of my very best. They're all great for portraits; good color, very sharp, nice contrast, shallow depth-of-field (DOF) and good to great bokeh (depending on the lens and f-stop)

Sweet Nikkor Tool Kit
above image - Nikon D800 - AF Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 D - 1/100 second - f/5.6 - 100 ISO

The 400mm f/3.5, although not the fastest 400mm Nikon makes, is great for those on a budget needing a fast long lens. At f/3.5 it's less than a stop slower than the 400mm f/2.8, it's also lighter and just as sharp... maybe sharper.

The 300mm f/2.8 is legendary, and for good reason. It's very sharp, even wide open, fast and gives a good amount of reach.

The 200mm f/2.0 is not as common as the 300mm f/2.8 but is a great choice when 300mm is to long for your needs or space.

The 180mm f/2.8 is often overlooked, but it is, in my opinion, one of the best buys for the money of all Nikkor lenses. Here I show my earlier version, which I use to this day. I have the newer version, still in the box, just in case they stop making them or this one breaks... it should be legendary!

The 135mm f/2.0 DC is a unique lens. Defocus (DC) allows for tweaking the background or foreground Bokeh.

The 85mm f/2.8 PC is another unique lens. This lens allows for tilting and shifting, much like a view camera, which allows for images only possible with such a lens. Nikon makes a 19mm, 24mm, 45mm and the 85mm in the "PC" type. Of these, the 85mm is best suited for portraiture.