Some of the Finest Optics Currently Available for Any 35 mm SLR!!!
Written: Nov 20 '02 (Updated Nov 22 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Quality, Durability, Exceptionally Sharp Images. A lens without peer!
Cons: Limited focal range, rotating front barrel. Cost vs. overall versatility.
The Bottom Line: Without Equal! An optical and mechanical masterpiece that always, always delivers the sharpest images available.
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WOW, does this lens produce sharp images!!!! WOW, WOW, WOW!
Given its focal length, I believe Nikon owners would be hard-pressed to find a competing lens that provides sharper pictures with such clarity, color rendition and a constant aperture lens, especially in this price range. I first came into contact with this lens AFTER buying the Nikon 28-105 f3.5-4.5D zoom. I immediately wondered whether I made a mistake buying the slower zoom, realized I didn't and fell in love with this lens anyway. All I can say is that NIKON always offers up its fans wonderful objects to lust after. This lens is just one of them.
As paulphoto relates in his review at this site, the Nikon lens has some heady company. I also looked at the Tokina 28-70 f2.6-2.8 (since replaced by their well-received and reputed 28-80 f2.8)and kept coming back to the Nikon 35-70. Although the newer version of the Tokina added additional focal length at both ends of that lens's operating range, my usage of a demo lens from both companies revealed that from 35mm on up, the Nikon images were consistently sharper, with no perceptible image degradation or light fall-off. I even experimented with less than high quality film from Imation that I bought at my local PX and found that the Nikon still delivered despite the handicap of a less than desirable emulsion.
Of the lenses described by paulphoto, the Nikon lens is the oldest variant in this series and for some will have negative qualities that may disqualify it. This would be especially true of folks who are on a limited budget, who do not want every imaginable focal length and those turned off by the less than cutting edge push-pull focusing ring. Another turn off is the rotating front lens barrel. For myself, a big consideration was the limited overall focal length. Another for me was the fairly high cost when compared to the overall versatility of the lens vis-a-vis the differential in focal range, in actuality only 35 mm.
In places other than the NYC internet stores and B&H Photo, this lens, which doesn't seem to be in super high demand, has held a fairly high price for both new and good condition used lenses. The lowest price noted here at epinions doesn't even come close to what I would pay near where I live in NJ. To be fair, that is a consideration that affected my decision making.
This lens, basically unaltered since its first modification in 1992, to coincide with the introduction of the then new N90, has transcended time well and has fought off newer competitors. Nikon engineers are known for the brilliance of their designs and this lens proves that that reputation is well earned. The initial design of this lens and its optical quality have proven that this was a great lens from the get-go.
This lens is all metal and of acceptable weight for its overall size. As a D lens, it takes full advantage of the Nikon distance measuring technology and is equally adept with the 3D matrix metering of the N90s and the multi-segment metering in the N80 and F100. F5 users will not be disappointed because the sharpness of the optics allows the 1,005 pixel Red-Green-Blue sensor to perform with magical precision. This lens, when coupled with any of Nikon's more recent AF bodies will deliver results that will only bring smiles to the faces of its owners.
With a fairly compact size, metallic rigidity and strength, the lens is still heavier than its polycarbonate competitors. However, one must ask whether the after-market lenses will be able to deal with all the vagaries that accompany a busy photographer. I for one do not want to have to worry about nicks and dings and will the lens work after taking an unexpected knock. Nikon eliminates those worries with this lens.
In actual usage, this lens might confuse a new user. That's easily overcome after one gets used to the push/pull zoom. The zoom is well damped and I have not had reason to doubt its long-term viability. The front barrel rotates and this may annoy folks with a circular polarizer mounted on the lens. My response: "get over it! The image quality is more than worth the minor inconvenience." Another take is this: if this degree of inconvenience bothers you, then get rid of all your 35mm gear and buy a point and shoot!
The image quality of this lens MORE THAN COMPENSATES for minor inconveniences like front barrel rotation!! This is especially true when comparing this lens to those from other manufacturers. I won't go into great detail because paulphoto has provided excellent descriptions of his comparative findings, but rest assured, what he says is correct.
Many of the negative first impressions I had regarding limited focal length versus cost to own melted away after making comparisons that were far less extensive than paulphoto's. While I am a fan of Nikon products, all of my lenses are not from Nikon and I had to weigh versatility against cost of ownership, flexibility and how much money I'd have left to buy other lenses. To make my decision easier, I opted not to buy a brand new lens. My camera dealer offered me instead the chance to use a "near mint" lens to do my tests and help with my decision. That consideration helped mightily and offered me an otherwise unavailable option.
Ultimately, I decided to buy this lens used. I still paid dearly for it because it was in excellent condition and more importantly, functioned like new. But I am still awed by the shots I get from this lens.
Is this lens for everybody and is it viable for all situations? No, it is not. It is not for the limited of means or for the casual snap-shooter. This is a lens for the dedicated purist who will accept nothing short of the sharpest images available using the means now available.
Even with an inflated used cost, I have not regretted buying this lens. The fixed aperture offers a wonderfully bright view of the world through the viewfinder. It is a view you will relive every time you look at pictures or slides taken with this lens on the front of your Nikon body.
Recommended:
Yes
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