Can I Use Non-AI Lenses On My Modern DSLR?

This question seems to come up quite a bit so I felt I would take a short second to address it. The question is:

Can I use older, Nikon F-mount, what we retroactively call "Non-AI" lenses, on my modern DLSR. 

The short answer is: ONLY IF, the rear-most lip of the lens does not interfere with the AI tab, located on a rotating ring that is just outside the camera mount. In many cases however, this lip will interfere with the tab, ramming into it, and it can actually damage your DSLR.

There are a lot of great resources out there which cover the histories of Nikon's mount systems and the variations. I will try to link some at the bottom of this page. But for the impatient, the crash course is simply ensuring that the lens you wish to mount does not contact the AI tab located on the camera.

Nikon AI Mount (N/AI)

In the image below, you see a Vivitar 90mm f/2.5 (N/AI mount) mounted on a Nikon D750. This (1) is the indexing tab located on the lens mount, at the base of N/AI lenses. As you rotate the aperture ring to set it, this pushes the camera tab (2) further in it's rotation, telling the camera information about what aperture is being used.

These N/AI lenses have no electronic linkage to the camera so, after simply mounting the lens, the camera has no information about what lens is being used, what the maximum aperture is, etc. There is a solution for this. By navigating to the Wrench Icon in your menu and selecting "Non-CPU lens data" you can manually enter the focal length and aperture of the lens you are using. Now that the camera knows where to begin, it can calculate, via that little tab linkage between the lens and camera, what aperture you are using, as you rotate through different apertures.

Next, I have my Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art lens mounted on the Nikon D750. This lens is akin to Nikon's "G" mount lenses. The "G" stands for "gelded", which essentially refers to the removal of the manually adjustable aperture (and thus the AI tab) on the lenses. Since modern lenses communicate with the cameras electronically, there was no longer a need to maintain this linkage (Though, some users dismayed over this since these newer lenses now possess less backwards compatibility because some of the older film cameras cannot communicate with lenses electronically - it was all mechanical.). As you can see, the rear portion of the mount, clears the AI tab (3). It is said, though I have never owned any, that some older Non-AI lenses, especially those by third-party manufacturers, such as Vivitar, while not AI lenses, didn't have a very long rear mount and would clear the tab. These lenses can safely be used.

Conclusion

Now that you have seen what the Auto-Indexing linkage looks like. You can hopefully see what is meant about ensuring the back of the lens doesn't collide with the AI tab on the camera. To the original question: Can I use [Insert Lens] on my DSLR? You need to ensure the lens mount clears this tab, and doesn't ram into it when mounted. As long as this tab is free, you can use the lens. Albeit, at reduced functionality of an AI lens, or modified Non-AI lens (machined to index with the camera correctly).

105mm Kiron Iterations

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The Kiron 105mm is, in my experience, one of the most talked about third party macro lenses when it comes to manual focus lenses. It excels in performance, goes to 1:1 without the need for clumsy extensions or tubes, and most of all, is quite accessible. The lens can be had for a relatively modest price on auction sites (most of the time). I have heard many stories of them popping up at local shops and garage sales for a couple dollars. The best news is: There are plenty of these lenses to go around! Due to the popularity of this lens when it was first marketed and numerous branding variations, finding a Kiron 105mm really isn't the proverbial "needle in a haystack". In fact, aside from searching Kiron 105mm, there are a number of other cosmetic variations that may get you the same, or similar performance. You just need to know what you are looking for!

Model Variation

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The Kiron 105mm was incarnated in a number of other iterations. I am still finding (and people are bringing to my attention) more lenses that are rebranded Kirons. Thus far, I am aware that the Kiron 105mm f/2.8 lens can be found in these physical iterations:

- Kiron 105mm f/2.8
- Lester A. Dine 105mm f/2.8 (Dental lens, often labeled with a dental focusing guide)
- Rikenon 105mm f/2.8
- Rolleinar 105mm f/2.8
- Vivitar 105mm f/2.5
- Vivitar 100mm f/2.8

While differing cosmetically, each of these lens variations contains an identical optical formula and is manufactured by Kino Precision, according to everything I have read thus far. The Kiron and Lester Dine models look the same with only extremely minor differences (noted below). The Vivitar 100mm and Rikenon 105mm models also look relatively the same. The Vivitar Series 1 105mm is unique in it's appearance. I have also just been informed of a possible Rolleinar incarnation, the Rolleinar 105mm f/2.8.

Kiron 105mm f/2.8

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The Kiron 105mm f/2.8 lens in its sleek, black glory.


Lester A. Dine 105mm f/2.8

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The Lester A. Dine version is typically identical looking to the Kiron, just marketed to dentists. It will have some extra markings on the distance scale and possibly a supplementary adhesive scale specifically designed for dental photography denoting intra-oral regions. The version pictured below on the left demonstrates the "field size" markings in contrast to the original Kiron version on the right.


Below is an image I found on the Pentax forums showing the adhesive dental scale:



Rikenon 105mm f/2.8

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Below is the rarer Rikenon 105mm version of this lens*.


Rolleinar 105mm f/2.8

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It has been brought to my attention (Thanks JC) that Rollei may well have rebranded a Kiron 105. The Rolleinar 105mm f/2.8 looks cosmetically and mechanically identical to the Kiron 105. I haven't yet come across any optical diagrams of the Kiron to compare with that of this Rollei but the current similarities lead me to believe the Rolleinar is Kiron's optically identical sibling. Here is a page on Rollei lenses with the 105mm midway down the page.

Vivitar Series 1 105mm f/2.5

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Vivitar 100mm f/2.8

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Similar to the Rikenon 105mm, the Vivitar 100mm iteration appears to have the same overall proportions, grip, and built-in hood, but with lens notation printed on front of the barrel, near the optics, rather than the outer edge.

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*Images I have not made on this blog will be noted by the originator (in this case, osgood521 and Samy's Camera). I request permission to use them. I do however often put them on white, tweak WB, add some curves, retouch, and finish the overall layout.

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Performance

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After collecting a few of these iterations, my curiosity led me to a comparison. First off, it should be noted, with any lens, there can be variation in image quality even between two identical models. So along with looking into differing image quality between these models, I also can be sure (if they truly are identical optical formulas) my assessment of the lens sharpness is accurate.

All the talk on the web tends to hyperbolize the greatness of this lens, namely that this is the greatest macro lens ever made. I would have to disagree with that statement, based on optical performance. Not that the Kiron 105mm isn't an excellent lens, but the best ever made, no. Below I have, as many others, used a $1 bill as a practical subject matter. The left crop is the eye in the tip of the pyramid while the right is a small detail near the upper right corner of the frame. I have only chosen to include the wide open performance crops. Stopped down, these lenses are excellent. Certainly as sharp as most anyone will need. Below is a key to where the crops came from:

I often interested in how a lens will do wide open (because why buy a fast lens, if it won't perform at that aperture?). At f/2.8 (the Vivitar 105mm version is marked f/2.5 but is actually f/2.8) this is the performance of each iteration:

Lester A. Dine 105mm f/2.8 Crop

Kiron 105mm f/2.8 Crop

Vivitar 105mm f/2.5 Crop

For the sake of argument, I actually do own a lens that is sharper wide open than these 105's. My favorite Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5. Interestingly enough, these lenses tend to go for a considerable amount less than any of the 105mm version lenses, despite being sharper. My assumption is this is due to the fact that the 105 can go all the way to 1:1 reproduction rate without the need for extension tubes or macro extenders (such as the 90mm).

Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5 Crop

Conclusion

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The Kiron and Dine do appear a tad sharper than the Vivitar. This could be due to tester error though I was sure to check focus every shot. Also, it could be due in part to the aforementioned sample variation. The Vivitar just may be a softer sample. Either way, the tests show consistent CA wide open. The S1 90mm has always been stunningly sharp wide open. In this test, center appears a tad softer than the center of the Dine but through field use, the 90mm always proves extremely sharp wide open (as well as MTF charts etc). This is the largest reason I love this lens. It is an f/2.5 lens, and can be used optimally, at f/2.5! Also the CA does appear to be more controlled (though upon very close inspection, especially under more severe circumstances, the 90mm definitely does produce some CA). The 105's are unmistakeably excellent lenses. Focusing distance, easy 1:1 focusing, beautiful industrial design, etc. Although I did not have the opportunity to test the other variations, I would believe they will perform very similarly.

As can be seen in the upper left hand corner of the Key image, the dollar tended to curl a tad despite being taped down. This test was improvised and a bit hurried.

Links/Resources

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For a larger scale test incorporating more than just the Kiron 105's check this macro comparison out.

Rainy Day Special

I don't have a whole lot to say today since I will probably be on my way out to shoot some more droplets and so forth. We are having one of our wettest seasons in years. Literally, it will rain for a week solid, and sometimes longer. The sun setting at 4:30pm doesn't make getting out to shoot any easier. Regardless, I have been itching to get outside so bring on the trash bags and rubber bands! I had my entire macro rig, the vivitar 90mm f/2.5, 1:1 converter, D700 w/ battery grip, SB-600, and a large homemade softbox in the trash bag with only the lenshood peeping out. Not only that, I went out before my shower, in athletic shorts, a hoodie, oversized DJ headphones, and long socks and shoes. Even I thought I looked ridiculous. Here are a few of my shots, uncropped. I simply love that lens.

Helicon Focus with the Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5

The above image was made from a series of 15 images stacked with Helicon Focus. In this case, considering the size of the subject, I could have just grabbed a long telephoto to compress the DoF...but that's not the point.

I hope to write more in depth on this later but I will need to at least pick up a year license to the program (a mere $30, unlimited is $200). I recently download HeliconFocus but my 30 day trial is running out and I have just been too busy. If you are wondering what the heck I am talking about, Helicon Focus is a photostacking program which, just as you would expect, creates images with an extended depth of field from stacked, inherently shallow DoF macro shots. The possibilities are for all intents and purposes, are limitless, providing you have a computer to handle this monstrosity your defiant imagination has just created in order to prove me wrong. Theoretically, you can do it with a series of images from any focal length I suppose, but it is most commonly used for macro work (as well as MICROwork, that is images taken through microscope) since at such high magnification, your DoF becomes so shallow. ANYwho...being the junkie that I am, my first, most accessible subject was none other than....(drumroll) Vivitar Series 1 90mm, muwaha! Ok, so perhaps not all that exciting. Sorry! I'm workin' on it!

I actually did one of these type shots (manually of course) in PS for the Vivitar Series 1 105mm f/2.5. It sucked. This program does everything it took me hours to do, in 1-2 minutes. And it's good. I can't wait to put some bug shots through it!

Vivitar Series 1 90mm 1:1 Macro Extender Comparison

I was curious whether or not there was a difference between the Vivitar and Tokina 1:1 Macro extenders for the Vivitar Series 1 90mm. So...

The Acquisitions

In anticipation of getting the famed Vivitar 90mm "Bokina", I came across (and quickly bought) a Tokina branded 1:1 extender originally made for the Tokina 90mm AT-X version of this lens. These lenses achieve only a 1:2 reproduction ratio on their own and were consequently designed with a paired 3-element extender for 1:2-1:1 reproduction. Finding these extenders sold alone is rare, and even more scarce in Nikon AI mount.

The article posted here claims the extender is a 3-element optic designed to minimize aberrations within the "difficult" 1:2-1.1 ratio. "A concept borrowed from astronomical optics".

As often seems to be the case, shortly after discovering this vivitar 90mm/tokina macro extender combo, a vivitar 90mm with macro extender appeared on the "in-transit" section of KEH's website. Well of course, I had to request a notification when it became available. KEH often has items, such as this listed at a book value. For a lens with more of a "cult" following this typically means prices well below those paid on auction sites. $150 in Bargain condition. Another policy of KEH is severely underrating lenses. My guess for this would be it is a result of a good number of returns due to very meticulous natured photographers scrutinizing every facet of their equipment and considering the slightest cosmetic defect less than EX condition. Placing anything that is essentially not "mint" in the "bargain" section frees KEH from a lot of misery! ANYWAY, I received the lens and other than minor dust inside the glass, which does not affect the image quality and is expected of a lens 30+ years old, it is in immaculate condition.

Above is the lens I received, "Bargain condition" indeed!

The Vivitar branded macro extender with built-in rotating tripod mount.

Now owning both macro extenders, I began analyzing the various physical differences and wondered whether there was any optical performance difference. While the Vivitar lens and extender were produced in the 70's (still by Tokina), the Tokina AT-X version wasn't manufactured until the 80's. Although the optical formula did not change, it does appear some differences in coatings did occur.

Physical Appearance

Right off the bat, the two extenders can easily be differentiated by Vivitar's prominent built-in rotating tripod mount. Also, the Vivitar version has a glossy, reflective black sheen matching that of the Vivitar 90mm lens. The Tokina on the other hand, has more of a brushed, flat black finish with a rubber grip. In terms of build quality, the Vivitar feels like a rock, solid and heavy. The Tokina feels tinny, clanks, and is considerably lighter. I really love the tripod mount since this lens can get rather long as it gets cranked out there. Also, the ease of rotating the camera from this mount is unmatched. Overall, the Vivitar just feels more engineered. Optically we can easily see the hue difference in the two coatings, as the Tokina takes on a vivid red cast while the Vivitar maintains a more subtle gold.

The Test

I went for a walk at my new favorite park and ended up down by the recently flooded creek. I found a perfect littly clam shell half buried in the sand. I set up a tripod and used the timer function to take an image at each aperture. I used the same 90mm lens with both extenders.

The Results

**I have updated my thoughts on this test since its initial release**

OK, so in the end, the results are not extremely ground-breaking but still enough to fulfill my curiosity! The extenders produced virtually identical images at each aperture. However, for the pixel peeper, there may appear to be a couple differences. It appears as if (at least in these wide-open samples), the Vivitar produces a slight bit more color fringing than the Tokina branded extender but it a hair sharper. Now initially, I just noticed the color fringing and labeled that as the only key difference. However, after discussing this with my girlfriend, she pointed out she though the Vivitar looked sharper. Looking closer, as well as at other aperture samples, she's right. The Vivitar branded extender does produce slightly sharper images (at least between the two extenders I have, more on this later) Below is a side-by-side of the extenders shot at f/2.5 and an extreme close-up demonstrating the color fringing evident. Also, it is fairly easy to see based on the texture of the shell and in the grains of sand, the difference in sharpness. In analyzing the plane of focus, both shots appear to be in very close proximity if not just about exact. The camera did not move and I did everything in my power to merely switch out the converter. The lens remained cranked all the way out to 1:1. Take a look and see what you think!

Again, this is only fodder for pixel peepers, but hey, it's something I wanted to know! Understand also, these results are based on tests from a single sample of each extender. Not every sample produces the exact same results and the extremely minor difference in the two extenders may merely be a result of leniency in factory standards (even between months of production). That is, not all Tokina extenders or Vivitar extenders may behave this way. It would take some testing on a random group of samples over the course of production from each to really by exact. So if you have one, send it to me, haha!

Wrap Up

So perhaps this test is a little extreme. With either the Tokina or Vivitar, I don't believe you will notice much difference in almost all cases. I find the build quality, addition of the rotating tripod collar, and the added sharpness (by a hair) to outweigh the extremely minor difference in image quality between the two extenders. Honestly, the solid feel of the Vivitar alone is enough to sell me on it. Given the choice, while being sharper, though it appears to produce more color fringing (barely), I would choose the Vivitar branded extender.

Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5 VMC 1:2 "Bokina"

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The legendary "Bokina".

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October 2010

Though I still absolutely love this lens for its build, I must say at the time I wrote this, I had not yet experienced the Tokina 90mm f/2.5 AT-X. The Tokina although not built quite as bomb-proof, seems to handle flare, color, and contrast just a step above this older Vivitar. Also, having an OEM hood that was actually designed for the lens is more than convenient! While both are exceptionally sharp, meticulous pixel-peepers point out the fact that the Vivitar's aperture maintains a round shape at f/4 whereas the Tokina 90mm takes on a bit of that "sawblade" shape. This difference is said to render the Tokina 90mm's bokeh slightly harsher at this aperture than that of the Vivitar 90mm. Congrats if you can even make this distinction because I don't think I could see it if I tried!

Quick Links

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Specifications
Vivitar Series 1 90mm and Tokina 90mm Comparison
Vivitar and Tokina Macro Extender Comparison
Tokina 90mm f/2.5 AT-X


Original Review

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The Vivitar S1 (Series 1) 90mm f/2.5 macro lens is one of the sharpest lenses made for 35mm. NOTE: This Series 1 version is NOT to be confused with the non-series, Komine-made Vivitar 90mm f/2.5 or f/2.8 (although the non-series f/2.5 and f/2.8 are the same lens just labeled differently). It is not the same optical formula, nor was it manufactured by the same company. You can easily see who manufactured your lens by checking the serial number. If you see a "37" it was Tokina, maker of this famous lens. If you see a "28", you've the lesser-known Komine-made. I personally find the S1 version far superior in many respects to the Komine-made. The Vivitar S1 90mm can, however, be considered synonymous with the Tokina 90mm f/2.5 AT-X. They are rumored to be one and the same optically and both Tokina-made.

This lens has a maximum reproduction value of 1:2 on its own and was uniquely designed with a paired 3-element macro extender for 1:1 magnification. This extender was designed to correct for aberrations as the magnification increases. When I originally purchased this lens, it was without the 1:1 extender however I did come across the Tokina version's 1:1 and thought I would give it a shot. Since these lenses are optically identical, it worked great. For my own aesthetic purposes, I have since picked up another 90mm with the Vivitar extender and sold the other combo.

Allow me to interject before all of these links and images: This is my favorite lens of all time bar none. Everything about it. The build quality is like no lens you will find today: solid, heavy, metal construction. The optical capabilities, especially wide open, are outstanding. The f/2.5 usable aperture is the best part. It is a 2.5 lens, able to be used, just about optimally even, at f-2-point-5! It is fallible, however. As seen below based on MTF charts it is not "perfect". I have seen some CA here and there, which tends to be the case with many of the original series 1 lenses. But that's all minor. With all of our technology today, we still have lenses with these problems. This lens truly is something special. It all comes together. My recommendation: If you are looking to do a lot of macro and want a high performance lens, for a great price, and especially love that substantial, rock-like feel of older manual focus glass, buy the Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5 or Tokina AT-X 90mm f/2.5. You'll never think twice.

Compared to another cult favorite, the Kiron 105mm, many people like the ability with the Kiron, to go from 1:1 without having to mount and un-mount a separate adapter. That is a bit inconvenient, however, in use, the Vivitar Series 1 90mm is a sharper lens wide open.


Pictured above is the Vivitar 90mm with the 1:1 extender as well as the Tokina 90mm's dedicated hood. Unlike the Tokina 90mm, the Vivitar version was never marketed with a dedicated hood, that I can see. Having become interested in both these 90mm versions, I saw the Tokina hood for sale on eBay for around $10, and I picked it up hoping perhaps a lens might come along with it, ha! Well no lens then, but when I did eventually purchase one, I had the perfect accessory. The Vivitar 90mm is actually prone to some flare since it has no built-in hood, and the front element is relatively exposed. The Tokina hood mounts via a spring loaded clip system which is matched to a groove that runs the circumference of the top of the Tokina 90mm's barrel. Since the Vivitar does not have this notch, and is a 58mm thread instead, it took some DIY. Through a modded step ring, I now used the Tokina's hood on my Vivitar. (turns out a Fotodiox brand 55-52mm step ring fits snugly inside the hood, so long as it has been notched to accommodate the clips. I then throw a 58-55mm step ring onto it, and presto, right onto the front of the Vivitar!)

Performance

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The Vivitar S1/Tokina 90mm f/2.5 can be found ranked among the top few lenses on Photodo's greatest lenses chart. Below are Photodo's top 5 ranked lenses, based on an array of scientific performance tests:

1. Grade: 4.8 35mm/AF Canon EF 200/1,8L USM
2. Grade: 4.7 35mm/AF Contax G Planar 45/2,0
3. Grade: 4.6 35mm/MF Tokina AT-X 90/2,5 macro (Vivitar Series 1 90mm)
4. Grade: 4.6 35mm/MF Pentax SMC-A 85/1,4
5. Grade: 4.6 35mm/MF LeicaR Elmarit-R 90/2,8 discontinued

This rating is performance based, not a rank relative to other glass. Out of 5, this lens scored a 4.6 in testing. This lens was designed and manufactured in the 70's. Not bad for a "vintage" piece of glass.

Click HERE for some of my thoughts and images with the Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5.

Specifications

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Focal length: 90mm
Filter thread: 58mm
Max. Aperture: f/2.5
Min. Aperture: f/22
Angular field of view (diagonal): 27°
Elements/groups: 8/7
Macro Extender Elements/groups: 3/3
Min. focusing distance: 15.5" (39.3 cm)
Min. focusing distance w/ extender: 14" (35.5 cm)
Dimensions: 3.5" (90mm)
Dimensions w/ extender: 5.4" (138mm)
Weight: 23 oz. ( 644 g)

I cannot fully describe my joy at finding such a beautiful sample of this lens. No optical issues, no DIY adapters (it's the right mount, eh hem NIKON!), not even so much as a cosmetic defect. Everything about it is pure sweetness.

Discovered this lens diagram including the 1:1 macro extender on an asian site. I cannot understand anything on the site save for a few keywords still in english. Nevertheless here is the images source and below is the diagram.

Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5 Lens Diagram


Also, to address the rumors that this lens and the Tokina 90mm share optical formulas, I have put together this comparison. Assuming the source of the formula for the Vivitar 90mm and the box of the Tokina 90mm are correct, the results look fairly conclusive to me:


Original Packaging

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A reader of this blog, Jack Middlebrook, recently informed me that he found a New Old Stock (NOS) Vivitar Series 1 90mm f/2.5. Admittedly, this must be a truly amazing experience. Kindly he sent me some images. Here is what the Vivitar 90mm looked like coming out of the packaging.

Similar to the Tokina 90 (or perhaps the other way around since the Vivitar lens came first), the Vivitar S1 90 came with a leather case containing two compartments. The top portion for the extender and the lower portion for the lens. Due to the materials/construction of the case, cracking is fairly common from what I have seen.

Note that in the first profile of the box, a sticker stating Vivitar retro-fitted this lens from Nikon F-mount (N/F) to Nikon AI (N/AI). After seeing this, I look at my sample to find the lens mount was engraved with N/F while the presence of the indexing tab and lower aperture ring of the barrel was marked N/AI. Contrastingly, the macro extender was engraved N/AI on the bottom. It would appear Vivitar did a number of factory retro-fittings on these lenses when Nikon moved from their F-mount to AI mount.

Links/Resources

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Here is some Vivitar corporate literature on the Series 1 90mm:
These articles were scanned in by Flickr user: Nesster. You can see his photostream and many more vintage ads by clicking the links. A Hirsch Photo Ad:

I especially LOVE this! Some of the comments on the photostream were similar to my thoughts, "I'll take that lens for THAT price!". Particularly I am thinking about any/all the original Series 1 primes!


In searching around for more specs on this lens, I discovered this old review posted on photo.net from the Modern Photography publication.

Again, this snippet is from the Modern Photography Buying Guide, 1978. I found it on a post by Robert Bohl on photo.net. MTF charts, retro advertising, and more praise - awesome!

Notable eBay Siting

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Wow! A beautiful condition Tokina version of this lens just went off on eBay and I can't believe the price. Wish it had been just a tad less, it would have been mine! I suppose it's a GREAT price for the seller!