Nikon D3s

Nikon D3s and Tamron 35mm f/1.8 lens.

Using an 85mm lens on a full frame camera ought to be a similar experience to shooting with a 50mm lens on a cropped sensor SLR such as the Canon EOS 30D. Strangely it feels rather different. This photograph was made with a Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 lens on a Nikon D3s.

Subject: A Cokin camera strap with a button badge. The strap is so old that I have forgotten how I came by it. The badge was on a birthday card several anniversaries ago. Equipment: Nikon D3s and Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 AI lens. ISO 12,800. Observation: I started photography with 100 ISO film. The ISO in this digital photograph is seven stops more sensitive to light. Can it be real?

Nikon D3s + Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 AI lens.

Nikon D3s + Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 AI lens.

Nikon D3s + Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 AI lens. 1/100th; f/3.5; 12,500 ISO.

Photographed with a Tamron 35mm f/1.8 lens on a Nikon D3s. f/2.5.

Nikon D3s + Tamron SP 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD lens. I used Lightroom to intensify black and white, and desaturate colours other than yellow. It's hackneyed and trite and I shouldn't be proud of it. I'll stand out in the rain as penance.

Nikon D3s and Nikkor-H 50mm f/2. 800 ISO. 1/125th at f/2.

Photographed with a vintage Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 lens circa 1971 on a Nikon D3s. For years the Nikkor-H 50mm f/2 lens was what you got with your new Nikon or Nikkormat camera. It was engineered to standards unimaginable today. Optically it is as good at f/2 as at any other aperture. It was pretty much unrivalled by any other standard prime lens during its period in production. This was shot wide open at f/2 at 1/200th. 800 ISO in available light.

Photographed with a Tamron 35mm f/1.8 lens on a Nikon D3s. This lens has climbed further in my estimation since being coupled with a D3s. I am not entirely sure why that should be, but there it is. Its particular benefits include ability to focus much closer than its rivals; vibration control allowing slower shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible hand held; weather proofing; and coatings of outstanding quality. 800 ISO; f/2.5; 1/50th.

A test of the Nikkor 20mm f/3.5 AI-S lens on a Nikon D3s. ISO 7200; f/5.6; 1/125th.

The light is endlessly fascinating.

Énigmatique, n'est pas? Tamron AF 70-210mm f/2.8 SP LD lens. Made during the Roman Occupation, or thereabouts.

Wadworth's Brewery at Northgate, Devizes. The company is planning to move production to another site. Nikon D3s and Tamron AF 70-210mm f/2.8 SP LD lens which is an early version and was in production between 1992 and 2003. Used here at 210mm at f/5.6; shutter 1/640th; 400 ISO.

Five bollards in Devizes Market Place. An approaching storm provided unusual light. Wadworth's Brewery in the distance at Northgate. The company is planning to move production to another site. Nikon D3s and Tamron AF 70-210mm f/2.8 SP LD lens which is an early version and was in production between 1992 and 2003. Used here at 72mm at f/5.6; shutter 1/640th; 400 ISO.

A pub in the Market Place of Devizes. Nikon D3s and Tamron AF 70-210mm f/2.8 SP LD lens which is an early version and was in production between 1992 and 2003. Used here at 122mm at f/2.8; shutter 1/2000th; 400 ISO.

Nikon D3s with AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8 lens at 70mm. ISO 720; f/5.6; 1/125th.