Does anyone have a Nikon DC 105 or 135 defocus control?

cambsno

cambsno

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Simon
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Does anyone have or used the above? Ken Rockwell really rates it and as I do mainly portraits could this be a good lens? I do some baby photography at peoples houses so this could help with cluttered backgrounds? Is it easy to use and worth the money?
 
i have read loads of good things about these lens its only the price thats bad.
 
I recently sold my 105/2 DC as I found the 70-200/2.8 more useful (equally agreeable bokeh, more latitude for slower shutter speeds, sharp enough, +zoom). The DC is sort of useful, but I found it often tended to make hard points in the out of focus regions harder...which wasn't what I wanted. The most useful thing I could do with the DC was use f/5.6 for sharpness and still have the background smoothed.

Given your crop sensor (and the fact it's a stunning lens anyway) if you want a dedicated portrait lens at that kind of price consider the 85/1.4D. 105 on a crop sensor is pretty unwieldy indoors. I don't have the 85/1.4D, but it's high on my list and there're enough people vouching for 'the cream machine' that you're unlikely to regret it.

If you're doing dedicated baby work, couldn't you get a backing sheet to sort the background?
 
I have had my eye one a 70-200 as well, obviously a lot more versatile but the reviews I have read about this lens has made me think. I do use a backdrop for baby shots but could also be useful when its not used.
 
The 105 is a beautiful lens. I use mine for producing old style photographs as well as portraits - by putting the DC higher than working f-stop you can recreate the old world charm. I do classic bikes and cars this way sometimes.

For portraits it is critical to get the focus absolutely right, the DC alters the focus, usually further away. You need topractise hard with it otherwise you'll get back focus results when you fiddle with the Dc...it is only a matter of getting used to how it works. I think it more useful on full frame too. You can get a soft spot filter from B&W that does a pretty good of doing a similar thing.....sharp centre with softened edges, rather than actually altering the focus, but the final picture has a similar kind of look to it, but all around the edge, rather than by seected focus.

B&W filter about £50.
 
Those Nikon DC lenses are unique in what they do I think. Never used one, but I'd like to try. Expensive though.

If all you want to do is lose some difficult backgrounds you could try some soft focus techniques in post processing, or maybe a soft focus filter such as Lensflare suggests.

I've got a Hoya Softon A which works pretty well, and you're welcome to borrow that if you like. It's 67mm, cost £55. Drop me a PM if that appeals :)
 
For less money but a long wait, you could look out for a Tamron 70-150mm. They turn up on eBay a few times each year.
 
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