Is Nikon 65/f4 usable without a centre filter?

[Bogdan_B]

I am considering adding a 58-65mm to my lens range. On the top of the list is the Nikon 65/f4 followed by the Schneider 58XL. I know the Schneider needs a center filter but I'm not sure about the Nikon. I primarily shoot Velvia 50, so a digital center filter is not an option. I would also appreciate to hear if anyone had previous experience with both the Nikon and Schneider.

[eric black]

I have always liked the results with this lens without the CF- The falloff is not very noticable to my eye and my results (nature landscape work) have never shown a benefit from the CF (even when Ive used it with an additional shot just to be sure)

[Lachlan 717]

I have always liked the results with this lens without the CF- The falloff is not very noticable to my eye and my results (nature landscape work) have never shown a benefit from the CF (even when Ive used it with an additional shot just to be sure)

Are you shooting Velvia like the OP?

[lenser]

The purpose of the center filter is to balance the exposure across the film due to the normal slight exposure falloff toward the edges that these lenses produce. As such, the filter is only necessary if you don't like the look that the lens naturally produces. I agree with Eric. I use my 58mmXL for both architecture and landscape and really enjoy the look as is.

[eric black]

Are you shooting Velvia like the OP?

yep- and some provia as well- I dont use much more for movements with this lens than back tilt though

[Walter Calahan]

All depends on your style. Eric, if you want to stop by and test a Nikon 65 mm I own one. But you'll have to go by the Dublin Coffee Roaster in New Market and get me a pound of the house blend as a test payment. Ha ha ha ha ha

Seriously, we only live a few miles apart and I have the lens.

[anchored]

Shooting Velvia 50... yes, you'll most likely want to use a center filter, unless you like the vignette look on all your images (which indeed you may). I'm not sure about the gradiant on the center filter for the 65mm lens, but the one for the 75mm Grandagon-N is 2-1/2 stops... which is more than "slight" and will be highly noticable with Velvia 50.

Shooting B&W film you might be able to get by without a CF, but for color transparencies you'll very likely find that filter to be necessary (unless you do want heavy vignetting on all images). I personally always use a center filter when shooting color transparencies on all subjects when using Velvia or Provia films as I prefer to control vignette effects on images and not be stuck with them on all images.

[Bogdan_B]

Thanks for your comments guys, very helpfull. Because of a center filter for the Nikon would be quite hard to find, it looks like the Schneider is the logic option for my shooting conditions.
Once again, thanks all.

[Clive Gray]

I don't have the 58XL but have used the Nikon lens quite a bit for Landscapes with Velvia 100 I do find a centre filter necessary.


Nikon never made centre filters for there lenses but I find the Schneider 3A one works well and some Hoya 67mm ones I have.

You basically just need to try something with a suitable 67mm thread.

[Ed Richards]

If are you printing digitally, it is simple to correct the falloff from a 65mm. (The 47mm is a little harder because it can fall off enough to drop below the shadow threshold if you are not careful or if there is a lot of contrast.)