Summer is definitely way behind us,
but I think I prefer the cooler weather for making this type of video.
In this one we're going to take a look at yet another vintage telephoto.
The Nikkor-Q 200mm f/4 was originally introduced in 1961,
which is 60 whole years ago. The revision I have is a little bit newer, and a little
bit different than that original model, and it's likely from about 1971 - which is 50 years ago!
Like a lot of vintage telephotos they're generally quite affordable. I got this puppy for $75 CAD,
and it's pretty much immaculate.
The optical design has four elements in four groups.
That's actually what the 'Q' in the name signifies - they're weird like that.
It has a seven blade aperture that goes from f/4 down to f/32.
This is a pre-ai lens, so if you plan on using it on a modern Nikon body
make sure that it is compatible. If your body doesn't have an ai pin that can be flipped
away - don't try to mount it. If you're adapting to mirrorless this shouldn't be a problem.
The minimum focus is about two metres, and the throw is just a hair over 180 degrees.
It's well dampened and relatively easy to use,
but still a bit more stiff than you might be used to (that's what she said)
As with many classic Nikon lenses it has a 52mm filter thread. It also has
a built-in lens hood with a little bit of girth to it. This lens weighs in at
640 grams. Focused out it's about 6 1/2" long. Focused in, with the hood extended,
it goes out to 8 3/4". It isn't a complete monster of a lens, but it isn't exactly compact either.
In terms of image quality it's decently sharp and contrasty, although far from clinical.
The colour and bokeh are extremely pleasant. I think this lens is a prime example of what
one wants in a vintage lens - flaws that give it a little something we call... character.
Getting in tight can render some really dreamy images.
Let's take a bit more of a technical look. There doesn't seem to be any noticeable distortion.
At f/4 it's soft as one would expect but it sharpens up at
f/5.6... and stays that way until f/22 when diffraction sets in.
Vignetting is really only there wide open. Corner performance isn't the greatest across all stops.
The build quality is pretty good although it does have a bit of a hollow feeling to it,
not that that is a bad thing, it's just that the later generations of these lenses feel a little
bit more solid and compact. Take that with a grain of salt though, that's just my opinion.
In terms of handling, it's a bit of a mixed bag.
I really like the design of the older style focus rings with their deep grooves. As I said earlier,
it is a bit stiff, and that sluggishness does give you a sense of accuracy, but it also makes
capturing action a little bit trickier. But, there's a good balance to it, and in daylight
situations shooting handheld is no problem. That said, at this focal length it'll never
be your everyday-walk-around kind of lens, but I think it is a welcome addition to the family.