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Introduction

The Nikkor-SW 90mm f/4.5 is both huge and excellent. I bought mine new in 1993. I found it too big to carry around along with my 65mm f/8 Super Angulon, so I replaced them both with a 75mm f/5.6 Super Angulon and sold this 90mm in 2004 for $1,025, used, in it's original box.

Specifications

82mm front filter thread.

8 elements.

All of the Nikkor large format lenses are multicoated. Nikon never made any single or non-coated large format lenses.

Copal #0 shutter, T, B, 1 - 1/500

Performance

Performance is great. I met the brilliant photographer Joseph Holmes in 1991 who told me he thought that this was one of the sharpest lenses ever. That's why I bought it and he wasn't kidding.

F/4.5 makes it easy to compose, focus and make camera movements. I gave up on f/8 wide angle lenses since they're almost black when you try to peer at the ground glass at the steep angles you have to with wide lenses.

Of course don't actually shoot at f/4.5, where it's a little soft due to coma. This is the same as other f/5.6 lenses; stop down to f/8 or smaller for the best performance when you shoot.

Recommendations

It's so huge I don't bother carrying it anymore. Personally I have to carry all my gear with me when I shoot, not work out of the trunk of a car, so instead of carrying my 65 mm Super Angulon and this lens I just take my 75 mm f/5.6 Super Angulon instead and compromise. That's why you're welcome to buy this 90 mm if you like. It's a fantastic lens, just big.