Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 vr2 or 135mm f2 DC for portraits?

[studio460]

It works the opposite way. To introduce an extreme amount of spherical aberration (what the defocus ring actually does), you would set the aperture to f/x, then set the defocus ring to an extreme value (e.g., f/5.6).

AF DC-Nikkor 105mm f/2.0D @ f/2.0 with defocus ring set to R-f/5.6.

 

[hulk2012]

It works the opposite way. To introduce an extreme amount of spherical aberration (what the defocus ring actually does), you would set the aperture to f/x, then set the defocus ring to an extreme value (e.g., f/8).

So if I want to set f8 from what you saying I can't set DC of f2 to blurr the background nicely?

 

[hulk2012]

It works the opposite way. To introduce an extreme amount of spherical aberration (what the defocus ring actually does), you would set the aperture to f/x, then set the defocus ring to an extreme value (e.g., f/5.6).

AF DC-Nikkor 105mm f/2.0D @ f/2.0 with defocus ring set to R-f/5.6.

This I know but I meant opposite. F set to 8 and defocus ring to R f2.0

 

[studio460]

I don't have an example handy, but if shot at f/8, with the defocus ring set to R-2, the image would look similar to that of any other lens shot at f/8.

 

[hulk2012]

I don't have an example handy, but if shot at f/8, with the defocus ring set to R-2, the image would look similar to that of any other lens shot at f/8.

Yeah but defocus will be set to f2.0

 

[Derrel]

You can set the defocus "properly" to the aperture in actual use, either to Front or Rear defocus; or you can set the defocus "wrongly", either to Front or Rear. The whole thing is kind of difficult to explain. Added to this is that AFTER you set the defocus, you often need to refocus manually. Honestly, I do not use the DC on either my 105 or 135 hardly ever. Since I got the 70-200 VR, the two lenses have gotten less and less use. I bought them both used, wayyyyy back when, two for the price of less than one today.

If you Google search 105 DC front and rear defocus samples, there are plenty of threads; the 105mm DC is the much more-popular lens, with much more written about it.

Nikon 105 DC front and rear defocus sample photos - Google Search

I will also tell you that in the early 2000's, before the microfocus adjust concept was invented, there was a lot of consternation among people like my friend David, whose 105 DC sample did NOT focus properly at the Null position, whereas mine did. I can also tell you that if you accidentally set the defocus control wrong, you can ruin shots pretty easily (ask me how I know and I will blush...). Set to Front defocus, the lens can create some weird looks; set to Rear defocus, it can create some nice glowy looks.

Look here for a SMALL set of pics with the 105DC showing some of the range of the lens https://www.flickr.com/photos/59091368@N00/sets/72157617345797682/detail/

To me, the 105 DC's strong suit is its ability to shoot toward blindingly bright light sources, and not ghost or flare like a SOB...like say, the 85/1.4 AF-D is prone to doing.

Nikon 105 DC front and rear defocus sample photos - Google Search

 

[studio460]

I will also tell you that in the early 2000's, before the microfocus adjust concept was invented, there was a lot of consternation among people like my friend David, whose 105 DC sample did NOT focus properly at the Null position, whereas mine did.

Yes, as I recall, my 105mm DC is actually sharpest at R = f/2, and not in the detent position. It's also worth mentioning that the DC's effect on bokeh, per se, is often misunderstood, and/or overestimated. When setting the R-value equal to the aperture being used, its effects are actually quite subtle. And, as Derrel states, many have reported focusing issues with their DC lenses, and experiences vary by body as well. I consider the DC lenses specialty lenses. For brass-tacks, get it shot, and get it sharp, I tend to trust other lenses more. That said, it's a unique lens with a strong following among those who manage to shoot their copies in focus.

 

[studio460]

Here's a high-key, B+W conversion of a 105mm DC shot at f/2, where the defocus ring was also set to f/2:

Nikon D3s + AF DC-Nikkor 105mm f/2.0D