If you want cinematic lens flares in your videos or photos, Caleb Pike from DSLR Video Shooter has a real treat for you. In his latest video, he dives into a vintage gem: the Nikon NIKKOR Auto 43–86mm f/3.5. This old lens might just be the best bang-for-your-buck if you’re after rich, warm, and cinematic flares that instantly add mood and texture to your shots.
Caleb describes it best when he says this lens could “flare your socks off.” Let’s take a closer look at what makes it so special.
Why This Lens Is Perfect for Lens Flares
Caleb calls the 43–86mm one of the most “flarey” lenses he’s ever used. From the footage he shares, it’s easy to see why. Point it anywhere near a light source, especially at wider focal lengths, and you’ll get these beautiful, warm orange-red flares that just dance across the frame.
He shows off shots of a bonfire hangout. In this setting, the lens delivers dreamy, glowing flares even with the light source just outside the frame. It’s not just quantity—it’s the quality of the flares that makes this lens stand out. Unlike many modern lenses that give cool-toned or neutral flares, this one adds warmth and color that feels straight out of a vintage movie.
Even when stopped down to f/11, Caleb notes that the flaring effect barely fades, which is rare. He even says it gets more intense depending on how the light hits. Whether you’re filming music videos, moody portraits, or just love shooting into the sun, this lens gives you all the flare without the high price tag.
It’s Dirt Cheap
One of the best things about the Nikon 43–86mm is the price. Caleb picked his up for around $60, but you can often find it for as low as $30 if you hunt around on eBay or local used markets. He recommends using the “Make Offer” feature on eBay to score deals. I found one on Amazon for just under $50.
But here’s a hint: go for the original version. The easiest way to spot it is the silver ring around the front of the lens. Caleb points out that newer versions (without the ring) don’t seem to have that same flare magic. He suggests skipping the AIS or upgraded models. This will save your money and give you the lens flares that you’re after. Two birds with one stone.
It’s a Push-Pull Zoom with a Constant Aperture
Aside from the gorgeous lens flares, this lens has some other unexpected perks. It’s a push-pull zoom, meaning you zoom in and out by physically moving the lens barrel. It has a unique zoom range of 43–86mm, which might seem odd at first, but actually gives you a nice bit of reach for general shooting.
Even better, it has a constant f/3.5 aperture, which is super rare for a vintage zoom lens in this price range. Whether you’re zoomed in or out, your exposure stays consistent. That’s a huge bonus if you use it for filming and don’t want your image to darken mid-shot.
Adapter and Mounting Tips
To mount this Nikon F-mount lens on modern cameras, you’ll need an adapter. Caleb prefers adapting it first to Canon EF, then using an EF-to-E mount adapter to attach it to his Sony A7S. That way, he can swap around various vintage lenses using the same middle adapter, keeping things flexible and simple.
Out of more than 100 lenses he’s collected, Caleb says this Nikon 43–86mm is one of only seven he’s keeping as he downsizes. That says a lot. He loves the character, the warm vintage vibes, and most of all—the lens flares. This lens isn’t sharp edge-to-edge or clinical like modern glass, but if you ask me, that’s a part of its charm. So, if you’re after dreamy, vintage lens flares without splurging on anamorphics or rare cinema lenses, the Nikon 43–86mm f/3.5 might be your secret weapon.
[This $30 Lens Is the KING of LENS FLARES! | DSLR Video Shooter]
