NIKKOR IX APS-C Lenses

Before the APS-C DSLR came the APS film SLR, and with it a series of 1.5x crop factor lenses known as the IX series. Even though they have angles of view and coverage circles comparable with APS-C DSLRs You cannot use them. Why? because they reach further into the lens mount, interfering with the mirror. It would be possible to use them with full-time mirror lock-up, but then you wouldn’t be able to focus, or , on all but professional cameras, set the aperture. But, just for fun, here’s a rundown of what was available between 1996 and 2000.

20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 (1996-2000)
Optics: 9 elements in 7 groups.
Close Focus: 1.2 feet (0.35m).
Filter Size: 52mm.
1998-1999 actual selling price: $380.

24-70mm f/3.5-5.6 (1996-2000)
Optics: 7 elements in 7 groups.
Close Focus: 1.2 feet (0.35m).
Filter Size: 52mm.
1998-1999 actual selling price: $160.

30-60mm f/4-5.6 (1998-2000)
IX-Nikkor 30-60m f/4-5.6.
Optics: 6 elements in 6 groups.
Close Focus: 1.2 feet (0.35m).
Filter Size: 46mm.
Diaphragm Blades: 7.
Weight: 3.275 oz. (92.5g), measured. (Nikon specifies 3.4 oz. or 95 grams).
Performance: Sharp at all apertures and focal lengths. Very fast AF; a great little goofy lens.
AF Speed: Probably Nikon's fastest; it's almost instant even on the crappy APS SLRs. 1 full turn of the AF screw pulls focus from infinity down to 1.8 feet.
Close Focus: 1.2 feet (0.35m)
Made in: Thailand.
1999 actual selling price: Not sold separately. Came as a kit with the Pronea S.

60-180mm f/4-5.6 (1996-1998)
Optics: 11 elements in 8 groups.
Close Focus: 4 feet (0.35m).
Filter Size: 52mm.
1998 actual selling price: $245.

60-180mm f/4.5-5.6 (1998-2000)
No one was buying the more expensive 60-180mm f/4-5.6, so Nikon made this cheaper version to replace it.
Optics: 10 elements in 7 groups.
Close Focus: 4 feet (0.35m).
Filter Size: 46mm.
1999 actual selling price: $150.
2000 actual selling price: $100.