3 replies to this topic

[outsider]

This is a bit of an odd issue, so please bear with me and read carefully.  Because I liked my 85mm 1.4D lens so much, I bought another one after about 4 years.  The seller posted the serial number, so that prompted me to look up known serial numbers on photosynthesis.co.nz  I learned that there were 3 separate productions of this lens beginning in 1995.  The first "batch's" numbers went from 200*** to 228*** and was produced from 1995- (unknown).  The second batch's number ran from 300*** to 303*** and all were produced in 2005.  The third and last batch's number ran from 400***-469*** and was produced from 2006-2010.  Here's what i'm saying:  I have one of the lenses from the first batch produced (serial # 225*** US Version) and one of the lenses from the last batch produced (serial # 456*** Grey Market).  I have noticed that the lens from the last production run is absolutely sharper, at least at larger apertures and definitely in the center, than the lens from the first production run.  Although the older lens seems "warmer" and has more character somehow, it's hard to explain (I shoot portraits and street photography).  I know this observation may seem irrelevant, but I guess i'm that 1% that looks at very subtle detail.  In my equipment and when i'm editing photos.  Is there anyone who can give some advice on this?  I have even noticed differences between the same model camera.  For instance, I have 2 D300's.  And one of them focuses noticeably (and substantially) faster than the other.  It hunts much less and attains accurate focus quicker.  Thanks so much for your input!

[Merco_61]

As new number series' usually mean new coatings or a change in the composition of the glass, the difference makes sense. The difference between the D300-s is probably just sample variation. 

[TBonz]

Merco's comments seem right on...I would definitely expect different runs to have changes on the lens...the body issue is very interesting to me...I think Merco is right here as well, but...

 

I got into sports photography on a budget and knew at the start that I would build my equipment as I was able to build my skills and bank account so I have changed gear quite a bit over the last 8 years or so as I was able to do it...

 

Many moons ago, I picked up a D90 when they were fairly new to market and picked up a second D90 several months later...Some time after the D7000 came out, I went through the process again replacing a D90 with a D7000 and then replacing the other several month later...I eventually did the same thing again to D600 bodies and finally over the last year I've done the same switching to D4 bodies.  All but the D4 bodies were new - the D4 bodies were lightly used.  All "pairs" were purchased several months apart.  I have not experienced any difference between the bodies that I have noticed other than between models where I obviously saw differences between D90 and D7000, D7000 and D600 (especially with DX/FX), and D600 to D4.  For low light sports photography, the improvements at each level in terms of low light capabilities was worth the change even without any other improvements.  I will also point out that I had motor bases on all of them.  

 

With my D7000 and D600 bodies, I tried to switch off between primary and secondary bodies trying to keep actuations about even.  I setup custom folder names so that I could easily determine which was the first purchased and which was second.  I've done the same thing with the D4 bodies although it is easier with them since I can actually tell which is which externally because it was a pain to have to check folders each time !  I have Aqua-Tech rain shield for my longest lens and have the viewfinder piece on each of the bodies...I put a touch of color on one just so I could easily tell which was first and which was second...now it is easier for me to keep them about even!

 

Just to be clear, I planned that process from the beginning to get to where I am now.  The previous gear was planned as stepping stones as I improved and moved forward with what will eventually be my career.  I am sure I will eventually purchase a third body and may eventually replace my D4 bodies, but I don't expect to do that for quite awhile!  I still need to improve the area behind the view finder (quite a bit!) and I would like to add some glass but I am quite happy with where my gear is...

[Merco_61]

The D300 that is slower and less precise in focus might need a calibration of the sub-mirror assembly. This isn't too expensive to have done when you have the body in for a normal CLA.