5 comments about Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6D ED AF Nikkor SLR Camera Lens.

1. First, I'm giving this 70-300mm lens a 5 stars rating partly because the price is quite attractive especially the used ones (the G version of the lens is even more cheaper and picture quality isn't too much different with this ED glass version in my opinion).
   
   If your primary objective is to take pictures in low light situation such as wedding and concert, then get the 80-200mm f/2.8 or the 70-200mm VR f/2.8 instead.
   
   Get this lens (or it's cheaper brother the 70-300mm G) by any means unless you already have those alternative and more expensive zoom lenses that I mentioned above.
   
   Pros:
   1. Inexpensive (with the VR version is released, many will sell this one)
   2. You can get up close and personal (300mm which is equivalent to 450mm if you attach it to a DSLR)
   3. Very sharp and fast in bright light situation (outdoor etc), though it gets a bit softer as you get closer to the 300mm
   4. Very light
   5. Bokeh is suprisingly good
   6. Great for portrait
   7. ED glass for better contrast and picture quality
   8. Metal mount
   
   Cons:
   1. Though more solid build than the 70-300mm G version, the external part of this lens is still made from plastic. (but I don't think you should care on this)
   2. Very bad on low light situation especially if the object is moving/sports photography, but still works fine for long exposure with tripod like photographing fireworks or night light building/city/car lights.
   3. Focus seems to be slower on low light situation (focus hunting a bit more)
   
   Bottom line: this lens loves a lot of light.
   
   If you give this lens a lot of light, it will take good care of you.
   
   Last but not least, after you get this lens, go and buy the nikon 50mm f/1.8 AF-D prime lens for $100 or less (equivalent of 75mm if used with DSLR which is very good for portrait and semi-zoom). This is a very fast lens and works extremly well in low light situation even without using flash. This lens will complement your 70-300mm ED lens very very well.
   
   Also check out the 70-300mm G (half the price of ED) and the 70-300mm VR (released Oct 2006). VR feature works really well on static object. If the obect is moving then you will be better off with fast lens like the 50mm f/1.8 AF-D, 80-200mm f/2.8 AF or the 70-200mm VR f/2.8 AF-S
   
   Happy photographing!



2. basically, the 70-300 ED is the perfect complement to the 18-70 kit lens for the nikon d series. it's worth having because of the 1.5 mag factor which means it's actually a 105-450mm, which gives you plenty of reach. add a teleconverter and you can get to 900mm (!). general consensus is it's also better than the 70-300 G lens, although if you're on a budget or don't plan on using telephoto that much, the extra $250 might be better spent elsewhere (like the 50mm 1.8 prime and/or a flash). this is a mid-level nikon lens with ED glass and decent build quality--not cheap, but not tank-like either. the lens extends way out at 300 mm, and you have to twist the manual focus ring (which is a bit stiff) to get it to fully retract. the plastic lens hood is big and has a cheap feel (not lined with velvet like tokina), but reverses for carrying around.
   
   still, it's nice and sharp with good bokeh and a reasonable value--if you want better bokeh, go for a long prime. no macro capability like the cheaper sigma APO variant but sometimes lenses are better if you don't ask them to do too much.
   
   optical quality is pretty consistent through the entire zoom range, which is a good thing; definitely a nice piece of glass, although not a head-turner. it's not a quick lens at 4-5.6, but what did you expect for $400? a 2.8? yeah right.
   
   with a steady grip, it's usable handheld out to 200mm; beyond that shake is noticeable. the rubber grip ring balances nicely on objects without worrying about scratching the finish for braced shots. if you plan on using it handheld fully extended, consider the VR version, although you'll still want a tripod for longer exposures. 70mm is a bit tight on the wide end, but passable for portraits. for a non-macro, it lets you get reasonably close with a shallow depth of field. no noticable lens creep. not super lightweight, but not too heavy either. doesn't take up much more room in the bag then the 18-70. middle-of-the road in most categories, except for optical performance, which is above average. good for nature or wildlife w/tripod, or for law-enforcement/private detectives, handheld "stakeout" surveillance shots (which don't require perfect clarity). if you plan on using it for sports or action in low light, good luck -- use a speedlight and a tripod/monopod, set up at a spot, lock focus, and wait for subject to come into view. wouldn't recommend it for tracking quick-moving objects beyond 200mm.
   
   the 70-300 ED is super-sharp stopped down to 5.6-8, beyond that performance didn't really improve; the images just got a bit more resonant. bottom line, you can get some nice long shots with this lens, which should be good enough for casual enthusiasts and prosumers. it's not a pro lens, but then again, it doesn't cost what a pro lens does. you might be able to find it used for a fraction of the price, but it might be worth it to get the warranty.



3. This is a truly outstanding bargain (for those who are willing to forgo the VR option of its' twice more expensive sibling). At F8 and below this lens produces results that are indistinguishable from 4-6 times more expensive 70(80)-200F2.8 lens. And it's very light and compact. I've been using it for 5 years or so, and, as you can see in photos I posted in "Customer images" section it was very good to me. You really can not go wrong with this purchase.
   
   A couple words of caution though, as with all consumer zooms one has to be careful about shot discipline (to avoid motion blur). That does limit the use of this lens for handheld pictures to fairly bright weather (or higher ISOs). It does benefit from stepping down a little. But for the price, its' an unbeatable bargain (IMHO).



4. I got this lens some time ago, after several shots I can conclude somethings on this lens. It's sharp at 70mm, not so sharp from 90 to 200mm, and soft from any focal lenght farther than 200mm. The build quality is good, a bit heavy but ok to my taste. The only ED element included in this lens is not enough for avoiding chromatic aberrations, I've heard and read that either the G or D version delivery pretty the same results. The macro performance is poor, you can not go closer than 5ft. The lens is good for shooting birds, as u should know, the lens mounted on a camera with APCs sensor goes to 450mm at long end. Focus speed is also one of its weakest points, mostly from 200 to 300mm. I have some sample images on my pbase gallery (see link below) images posted on that galley have been edited and resized to a lower resolution, and most of them were taken at 300mm. The bokeh is good although you wouldnt like to see the orignal pictures since the softness and the lack of contrast is clear when u see images at full res. [...] Im leaning towards the buy of the newest version, the nikon 70-300mm VR. Hope I could get one soon, in order to post a brief opinion.



5. In general I agree with previous reviwers, but not about sharp. To be sure that it was not my hand that afected the sharp, I did a test. Using a tripod I did a picture with 70-300 at 135mm and after with a 18-135mm (the one that cames with the D80) at 135mm too. The camera used was a D80 with the same adjusts and subject for buth lenses. The 18-135mm is much sharper them 70-300mm at 135mm.
   For sure I will sell 70-300mm and go to a VR.

5 comments about Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8D AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras.

1. This is probably the best value out there for a professional level Nikon lens. It is my favorite lens and most of my best pictures have been taken with it. I consider it to be my lucky lens, in fact, for that reason.
   
   Pros: Excellent contrast and clarity and virtually no pincushion at any focal length. Beautiful optics/output at a professional level. Market value extremely low, relatively speaking of course. (that last one of course is a pro for a buyer. for a seller I guess it would be a con)
   
   Cons: Telescopic (AKA "push-pull") focal length adjustment takes more time and energy and is more herky-jerky, weighs about a ton, and the bokeh is so good it's almost too much in certain instances!
   
   The cons here are really just getting into minutia for the sake of being thorough and objective. This lens is a slam dunk for the price it can be found regularly on the used market. I picked up this lens for exactly 1/5 of the price of the much lauded 17-35mm or 17-55mm "photojournalist" lenses. I realize the focal length range of 35-70mm is not as desired for many people as the 17-35mm or the 17-55mm, but at 1/5 the price c'mon! I am not able at this stage to afford the 17-35mm/17-55mm or I might have bought it instead, but I really don't feel like I got the short end of the stick by any means. This lens holds its own just fine thank you very much. Plus, I rarely have the need to shoot at a focal point less than 35mm. The vast majority of my work is between 35mm and 55mm. Also, I would be very surprised if the optics of the 17-35mm is noticeably better than this lens, at least by 99% of people looking at it. The output quality of this lens really is beautiful. When I first got the lens I spent several hours trying to find a place where I could be disappointed with the output, even zooming in with Photoshop to super close ranges. I was not able to disappoint myself. I found no negative issues with the optics/output of this lens then, and I still haven't at this point. If I do in the future I promise I will come back and edit this review, so if you are reading this now I haven't found any yet!



2. I got this lens 2nd hand at about USD$300, and I love it! This f/2.8 lens is sharp and contrasty. The 35-70mm range translates to 52.5-105mm in the 1.5 crop factor format. It is like having 3 portrait lenses in 1, i.e. the 50mm, 85mm and 105mm. At the 35mm end is the ability to press a knob and go into macro mode, which is useful when you need it. Compared to the Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 lens, this lens is a mere fraction of the price, may not have the silent wave motor, but it produces comparable pictures.



3. First off, I didn't buy this lens on Amazon, but got it cheaper used through ebay. This lens is great. I used it on my D40 to take shots at Christmas. Took absolutely amazing and sharp pictures, and I'm only a beginner. The 2.8 aperture meant I didn't need the flash indoors and still got decent shutter speeds. It is a little soft wide open, but honestly, what lens isn't. This lens does add some weight to your camera, but that's only because of it's solid metal body. The macro setting does an OK job. It's not as good as a dedicated macro obviously, but gets the job done if you need it. I highly recommend purchasing this lens soon. They have been discontinued and the price is only going to go higher the longer you wait.



4. I got this lens as a functional and economical alternative to the AF-S 24-70mm and 28-70mm Nikkor lenses as my standard lens. Boy, did I underestimated the value I was getting into; this thing is a beauty both performance as well as construction.
   
   Cons - Slower and not as quiet AF without sonic motor (AF-S), 62mm vs the standard 77mm for contemporary Nikkor pro lenses, a tad heavy (heavier than it looks), doesn't go below 35mm focal length.
   
   Pros - Sharp pictures, metal and sturdy construction, macro mode with extreme close-ups (<10")
   
   As with all Nikkor lenses, this thing is built solid and great optics. Being a new amature photographer, this thing brought both pride of ownership to a piece of art as well as being able to appreciate the craftmanship of another era (90's). I love the pictures I've gotten from this lens, and it has become de facto lens for portraits and general use. For the money I saved from going to the 28-70 or 24-70, I'm ready for a ultra wide-angle lens to complete my lens kit.



5. Superb image quality, amazing sharpness, excellent contrast and colors. Focuses quickly on my D50 and with little trouble. The macro mode works great and is a nice addition. The focal range makes it nice for a walkaround lens. Sharp even at f/2.8.
   
   
   My only complaint is the weight of it, the lens is a tank. But all the good things definitely outweigh the bad. Well worth the $$$.

5 comments about Nikon FM10 Camera Kit with 35-70mm Lens.

1. I've been using Nikons for over 20 years, starting with my first used and battered Ftn. Over that time I've a accumulated a dozen Nikkor lenses and numerous accessories, as well as an assortment of bodies.

   One thing that's been missing in recent years from the Nikon line is a reasonably priced entry-level manual camera. The cheaper Nikons have tended to be fully automated cameras, and the cheapest manual Nikon still being made was, until recently, the FM2 at well over $500.

   If you work the way I do, you need a manual camera and don't have a lot of use for automation and autofocusing. If you own an old Nikon and some old Nikkor lenses, you may want a simple manual camera body that can accomodate them. If you're a student starting out, or an artist on a budget, you need a manual camera.

   If you fit into any of these categories, the FM10 is a great choice. It may not be as rugged as a $1200 F3 or a $2500 F5, but it's well made and should last many years. I'm not a fan of zoom lenses for my own work, but the included 35-70 is a good quality lens with a useful range, and you can add more lenses if you need them.

   All in all, a good value and a long-needed inexpensive entry into the Nikon system.




2. this is an excellent phone. it is basic, but works extremely well.



3. i took a beginning b&w photo class in college a year ago and this was the camera they had in the lab to lend out to people who didnt own a slr of their own. at first i was scared on how to use the thing, it seems complicated but its really not. once you get the hang of it, i loved it. its all manual which is great for control purposes. now that ive got some cash, im gonna buy the nikon fm10 slr for myself to use.



4. This is the best camera ever, when compared to others the FM10 blew it away, the FM was much more durable and takes better pictures (my friend has one of the competitors) and now that she's seen mine, she is very jealous! The pictures are outstanding. Built to last and if you're a beginner to a pro I think you'll be pleased! I was just starting out as a photographer and now after 2 years I still can't put it down. If you're thinking about buying this camera, don't, just get it!!



5. My wife and I have owned an FM and an FE since they were first introduced in the middle to late '70s. Literally thousands of shutter openings have occurred since they were new and we keep promising ourselves we will get newer cameras some day. If and when these two cameras no longer deliver the quality they have for the last 30+ years.
   
   The FM is the grandaddy to the one being sold here and based on our use, this is absolutely the best camera available for users who want to become photographers. There are no shortcuts in photography unless you only care about snapshots.
   
   You who are new to photography will be well served to start with this fine camera and after a few hundred BLACK AND WHITE shots to develop your skills in focus, metering and composition, you MIGHT be ready to take a few color slides. One caveat, however: No Prints! Ever! The learning process and transition to photographer quality from snapshotter will be hard but fun if you spend time learning the craft with an FM 10.
   
   Of course, you get what you work for. If you want shapshots, get a simple little digital and be happy. If you want to produce art, buy a 35mm film camera like the FM 10 and use the only remaining Kodachrome film, KR64 to produce images that will last a lifetime.
   
   Our website, [...] has a few examples of our craft. It is all done in Kodachrome and about half were taken with the FM and the rest with the FE. We have toyed with the notion of going digital but film is so perfect for our art that we cannot bring ourselves to abandon it. We have also thought about upgrading to something more "automatic" but the FE is fine for that. Like I wrote above, if they finally fail us, maybe we will upgrade to something newer, like the FM 10.
   
   Nothing available will give you the results of an FM 10. Of course you have to want to take photographs, not snapshots.

5 comments about Nikon WC-E68 Wide Angle Converter Lens for Coolpix 4300, 4500 & 5000 Digital Cameras.

1. I bought this lens on an incredible sale. Including the adapter, which you have to purchase seperately, I spent right around $50.00. Many of my friends have larger, fancier, Nikons (the D-80's etc.) and are spending $600.00 or more on fisheye lenses. None of us are professional photographers. For what we do, my Cool Pix 5000 and this $50 lens take shots comperable to theirs. The bennefit of mine is it is much more compact. The lens does add quite a bit of wieght to the camera, but it is still much smaller and lighter than than a regular digital SLR. Very easy to use and assemble. Comes with a protective sack, though I think a sturdy carry case would have been nicer, still for $50.00 I'm not complaining.



2. Must be a mistake!
   Dollar for dollar, this lens rates as possibly best among the many accessories I've purchased for my camera. I have the CP4500, which I bought about 4 years ago and although I have several other digital cams, including DSLR, the 4500 is the most used. It seems that a few years ago only the expensive version of this lens was available from Nikon, so I alternatively bought other (far more expensive than this one) brands. They were clumsy to use and produced disappointing picture quality. This lens is great! Built well and pic quality is excellent! Very happy to have found it, even so long into owning the camera. I can't say how it compares to the expensive version but for the money, it can't be beat.
   Pete V



3. I bought it because I read that it did not gave any distortion when you photographed straight skyline.
   It is not true, you always get the horizon curved and that is a real pain.
   Same when you want to photograph a high rise building, you will get a curved line.
   Please do not buy if you are very serious about it.
   ALso I tried to return it and I could not get any answers from Amazon. Beware.



4. I bought this after seeing the price at Amazon. It is a discontinued item but for the price (or even 3x the price), go for it! I have a 24mm on my 35mm film camera (Minolta) and used it all the time. I find I use this lens (26mm equiv)quite a lot. It's a little bit of a pain to attach/de-attach/reset menu, but if you like photography, you'll like this. Excellent optics.



5. I will never buy any camera item on Amazon again. You can not beat talking to a real person to make sure you are buying the right item. I have a Nikon Coolpix P5000 and this lens and adapter were supposed to be a fit for my camera. Well, they were not! About 8 hours later, after talking to the folks at Keeble and Shuchat Photography, I tried to cancel the order but it was too late. So, I refused the shipment and ended up getting only $30.00 back from my $75.00 purchase (including shiping, restocking fee). I couldn't be happier with the lens from the local camera store. I then when back and bought a speedlight from them.

5 comments about Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras.

1. I use this lens mostly indoors to shoot my daughter's vollyball games. I was amazed at the clarity and quickness of focus this lens provides. The cost was more than i wanted to pay but after a month of shooting great action shots i see the value. Its not good for any macro photos also it is heavy (5lbs). Use a mono pole or tri pod and you'll see pro like shots.



2. I bought this Lens before one week , and i'm very happy to get like this lens it's amazing , clear , fast and very very sharp , because that I switched to NIKON



3. This lens is THE lens to own if you want to shoot indoor sports. The newspaper I work for has me out on a lot of volleyball, hockey and basketball beats, and this lens does not come off my camera. I have taken this lens out to soccer games and baseball games but use it mainly as back up. If you want to shoot these sports you'll want something up in the 300-400 range. Soccer especially.
   
   The 2.8 aperture is a must for these low (and orange/brown) light situations. I was using a 200mm f4 but fell just short of being able to freeze the action perfectly without any blur. The little bit of extra light makes a world of difference.
   
   I shoot with a D80 and find that I can keep my ISO down around 400 and be very comfortable with the results. In my situation (newsprint) I could go as high as 800 and be alright with it, but the glass in this lens lets me keep it low.
   
   If you are in the fence, pick this lens up. For under 1000 bucks you can't beat it. It's ultra wide, and doesn't lose any sharpness at 2.8.
   
   The only situation where you should not buy this lens is if you own a D40 or D40x. These bodies will not support the AF function of this lens, and seeing as how this is a great medium tele sports lens, not having AF would make this lens a bust.
   
   They make a version with a built in motor that will communicate the D40 and D40x but it'll cost you close to 800 more.
   
   As a side note this lens is heavy (as are most 2.8 tele lenses) There is a lot of big glass in this lens and after an hour or so of shooting hand held you will really want a mono pod. This lens has a great tripod shoe, so don't be afraid to throw it up on mono and go to town, your arms will appreciate the help
   
   One final note. If you are undecided about this lens because it does not have any sort of optical stabilization or vibration reduction consider what you will be using this for. If you are shooting sports or action you wont need and it wont use it. If you are shooting from a tripod or good mono pod, you wont need and wont use it. The VR is only good in handheld situations when the object you are photographing is stationary.
   
   This lens is a 5 star lens



4. Okay, if you got the dough to shelf out ~$1700 for the VR 70-200, go for it. Stabilization can really help with this kind of heavy lens. This sucker does weight close to 3 pounds by itself, and personally a beautiful lens to behold. It's very well constructed and takes great picture too.
   
   I use this on a D80, typically shoot aperature priority. It's very sharp but does exhibit slight distortion at widest aperature. Dial it down to around f/4, it gets super sharp. The AF is fast on the D80, and switching to manual zone is a breeze.
   
   If you're not a tripod/monopod person, you'll be looking for bracing a lot when shooting. Steady hands and a tree... Minimum focus distance is 5.5'



5. Autofocus works with all digital bodies except the baby Nikon SLRs (D40-60). This is a very sharp, fast lens yielding detailed, accurate colorful images. I use it to take candid shots in parties, weddings and similar occasions. It is unmerciful to the vain, because it brings everything out. I could not shell out the additional $1000 or so to acquire the more current Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras. Rumors are that Nikon is going to discontinue this lens. I hope it is replaced with comparable product at a slightly lower price. It is a solid looking, impressive beauty of a professional lens. Many people find it to be heavy. Not me. Feels just right, but a solid tripod or monopod is necessary if shooting in low light or using the longer focal length. I just purchased this and then learned about the new D90. Should I have bought the Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) or this lens? The Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) is probably too much camera for me. The D90 appears to be a D300 slightly disabled in a D80 body, plenty good for me and this lens.

5 comments about NIKON N65 35mm SLR Camera Kit with 28-80mm Nikon AF Lens.

1. Nikon's cameras are among the best in the industry - this one, which my wife generally used, is great. It produces much better pictures than most point and shoot cameras do, even if you leave everything up to the camera, and you can override the camera to produce real art.

   I had originally written this review angry because of how much trouble I was having to go to for a plastic part that had fallen out of the camera. I had been quoted prices of over a hundred dollars to fix it, and I had to either drive to one of the few support locations or ship my camera away and hope it came back. In the end, though, we got a hold of Nikon, and they sent us a replacement part for free. It showed up in less than a week, and I fixed it in about five minutes. For people who are less willing than I am to service an expensive camera, there still might be support worries - I'm satisfied again, though.




2. This camera takes great pictures. I use it mostly as point and shoot but some times I take protrait pictures and the sharpness is breath taking.
   
   The bult in flash is not very strong. But if you take pictures with sufficient light you do not need any flash. Make sure you get the Nikkor lenses too as some places sell with other lenses.
   
   I am now looking to buy the D70 Digital SLR. Just waiting for the price to come down a little more.
   
   This can be your entry level SLR and the price is great.



3. I purchased the N65 for a young nephew who's just getting involved in photography. For the most part, this camera fits his needs. It's highly automated and allows him to do high speed photography (sports), something many point and shoot 35mm cameras simply can't do.
   
   I've been using a Nikon N70, an older and somewhat more advanced camera, for about ten years. I've always been pleased with it, for the most part. One of the drawbacks, however, was its lack of a focus assist light. The N65 delivers this. The N65 also has a more advanced focus system, especially for moving objects. Again, great for shooting sports.
   
   The N65 has all the standard modes - Full auto, aperature priority, shutter priority, portrait, sports, night, landscape, manual, etc. As a hardcore user I find some these things unnecessary. Still, I can see why other users would like these extra fuctions.
   
   Unlike the N70, the N65 in low light situations, in auto modes (auto, portrait, etc.), will release the flash without input from the user. This is probably a great function for novice users. As someone who can take a handheld shot at 1/15 or even 1/8 of a second, without using a flash, I found this feature annoying. The user can circumvent this feature by using the manual modes (e.g. aperature priority).
   
   Another feature lacking on the N65 is a spot meter button. This comes in handy in difficult lighting situations (e.g. half the image is in sunlight, the other in shade) when a center metering system will fail completely.
   
   I also found the N65, like most of the modern SLRS, as just a bit too flimsy. (The heavier N70, when first released, was considered "cheap" by pro users.) It's mostly plastic and it feels like it will break easily if dropped. This is true with SLRs made by all the major manufacturers. The 28-80mm lens also shares this cheap feel.
   
   The N65 is a bargain for novice users with prices on 35mm cameras falling steadily as digital begins to dominate the market. Another good camera in this price range is the Canon K2. Still, if you want control over your images or you need something tough and sturdy, it would be best to either pay more for a better camera or, at the other extreme, buy an older used Nikon from the days when they built cameras to last.



4. Ok, so it's not digital, but it has features that most digitals don't have. Just have an N65 along with a digital like me because it's still nice to get same day or one hour prints developed. I just love the Auto Exposure Bracketing and Mulitple Exposure capability. The auto focus helps alot. It's a good flash photography camera too. The Vari-Program on the N65 is lots of fun for an amature like you. In certain modes you can set a desired shutter speed and aperture.



5. I have had this camera for about 7 months now and have shot many rolls of film through it and it continues to amaze me on how good of pictures I can get with it. I'm just starting out in photography so it fits me very well. It allows me to go all manual when I need to and has really given me consistent results. It has a ton of features that I haven't even tapped into yet to improve picture quality in different situations. I do alot of research before I purchase anything and this camera was highly recommended by proffesional photographers and amateurs alike as a perfect beginner to intermediate camera. I have also seen alot of pictures taken with this camera and they are incredible. Overall I love the camera and can't wait to take more pictures with it.

1 comments about Nikon 28mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras.

1. The 18-200mm lens on my Nikon D50 already gives very good results at 28mm, even at its widest aperture of f4. Is the 28mm f2.8D worthwhile? Sometimes.
   The main attraction of the 28mm to me is for night scenes. If the 18-200mm can acquire an autofocus target, it can focus accurately. If it can't, the distance scale is usually unreliable. The 28mm can be easily dialed to infinity, and that setting will be accurate. There is also the possibility of using f2.8. This is genuinely useful on the 28mm. There is slight vignetting and very slight softness, but it still performs well to the corners at f2.8. Stopping down to f3.2 eliminates the softness, and vignetting is gone by f4.
   Night scenes can be a challenging test of lens flare. The 18-200 is not bad for a superzoom, but the 28mm does better.
   A prime focus lens should be nearly perfect, but the 28mm falls a bit short of that. There is mild barrel distortion. (The 18-200 shows slight pincushion at 28mm.) In my challenging chromatic aberration subject, the 28mm shows a little red and cyan fringing. The 18-200mm shows purple fringing in the same scene.
   The 28mm f2.8D will autofocus with the D50/80/200/300. Switch the camera to manual focus, and it can manual focus. With a D40/60 it is manual focus only.
   My 28mm, which I bought from Amazon, comes with a 1 year Nikon U.S.A. warranty and 4 years extended service protection.
   Here's a catch on the extended service protection: To get it you must mail in the Lens ESC Registration card within ten days of purchase.

3 comments about Nikon 20mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras.

1. The Nikon AF20mm f2.8 was designed as a "pro" wideangle lens back in the days when 20mm in autofocus was as wide as you could get. Originally introduced in 1989 it was the AF equivalent of the manual focus design of 1984 and uses the same optical formula as the MF. The subsequent addition of the D chip has changed nothing else. In it's day an AF 20mm was pretty radical and it was only superceeded in 1993 by wider primes as the pros sought wider and wider views. For most amateurs however 20mm on film will get you into the "superwide" range without breaking the bank. For digital shooters, dealing with the 1.5 magnification factor in Nikon D-SLRs, it becomes effectively 30mm, which is still wide enough for most situations.
   Optically it delivers typical Nikon high color saturation and contrast, with distortions well controlled for it's focal length. While it is reasonably free from flare I strongly recommend the optional HB-4 lenshood designed for it and polarizing will be dificult for film shooters due to vignetting caused by the thick polarizing filter mounts of a "standard" polarizer. Digital shooters should not have this problem because the camera's sensor is only using the central portion of the projected circle - inside the area of vignetting.
   Mechanically it is all metal and well constructed with an nice "solid" feel to it for an AF lens but those of us who still miss the old manual focus "tanks" will find the undamped focusing ring a little too "loose" when manually focused. As part of a planned outfit, it can form the wide angle anchor for a travel kit standardized on 62mm filters. Add Nikon's 28-105AF 3.5-4.5 and 70-210AF 4.5-5.6 and you have a lightweight kit for either film or digital SLR's



2. This is an excellent lens for landscape photography, other travel photography, and perhaps even interior photography, if you need to cover a wide area. This 20mm Nikkor is a relatively old design, dating at least twenty-odd years, but it is still a capable performance with fine contrast and resolution. Without question, it is a fine lens for both digital and film photography. If I was still using Nikon equipment, I wouldn't hesitate adding this lens to my kit.



3. I use this lens with D80, specially for landscape photography. This is an excellent wide angle lens; sharp and fast.

5 comments about Nikon 24mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras.

1. I have three nikon primes: 50, 35, & 24. they're all great, but I prefer this lens because I use manual focus quite a lot, & it focuses much more smoothly. with the 35 & 50, there is a slight feeling of the gears rotating inside the lens (not just my copies -- I tested it on a friend's copy of the 35 & 50). with the 24, I don't get that feeling -- it's perfectly smooth -- perhaps because of the heavier & more complex lens elements.



2. I am one of the dinosaurs still shooting 35mm films. I am used to Nikon primes and wont change them for any zoom. I already own AF 24mm N and wanted (just for passion) to replace it with a newer 'D' version, just to fully use the Nikon 3D Matrix metering capability.
   
   First of all, the lens arrived in an oversized package without ANY inside protection, no foam, polystyrene, air filled bags, nothing, so the small lens box could have been jumping and bumping through the delivery package at will. This is not the way how professionals pack and ship the precise and high quality optics!!! Just week ago I got Nikkor 180 from BH photo, you should have seen how this one was carefully packed and secured - like a nuke transport.
   
   Second, the lens has somewhat wobbling front element, the focus ring is a bit loose, when you try to move it manually, you hear and feel slight inner bumps at the beginning as if the moving mechanism was not really tight. Funny thing is that when you hold the lens 90 degrees right, the focusing becomes smooth. Definitely there is a bit loose element inside. I know I might be too picky in these days of plastic consumer photo gear, but still, this could by acceptable for cheap zooms, but not for nikkor primes!!! This feels like my cheap chinamade Nikkor 50mm 1.8.
   
   I am going to return the lens, disappointed. As said, I do have nikkor primes, even older AF 24mm f2.8 N, so I can well compare and said that this one piece does not make a good name for the brand. I am sure or hope though, that it is just an exception and that even these days Nikon's primes are still reasonably well built, in most cases.
   
   So although I know the good one should have 5 stars for its optical performance, I gave just 3 as this should not happen for this product line. I am rather not rating the Amazon's packaging, it would be unfair to give the lens just one or two stars



3. This lens is a necessity when shooting with the Letus Extreme or Redrock 35mm adaptor!



4. I have a slightly older version of this lens (pre D), but the important point I want to make is the same: This is a great prime lens for events and general shooting on a cropped DSLR. On a D70 (what I have) it acts like a 36mm with the crop factor. It is wide enough to take shots of groups but not so wide that you can't get a nice portrait.
   
   But, this is for people like me who prefer prime lenses, most people will be much happier with a zoom, like the 18-55mm VR. The prime lens lets more light in so you can shoot without a flash more often. But, if you are going to shoot with a good flash like the SB-600, you will be better off with the flexibility of a zoom.
   
   These AF lenses will not auto focus on a D40 or D60. They will auto focus on the D50, D70, D80, as well as the higher end pro models.



5. When used on a Nikon D300 that applies a 1.5 multiplying factor to the length (this 24mm acts like a 36mm on a DX sensor), this lens is clear, collects lights well, and is extremely sharp. This is a great walk-around lens for scenery, touring, quick crowd shots, and snapshots. With this lens, if you can get the shot quickly and in focus, you will have something that can be easily edited (expecially cropped) in a photo-editing program. Highly recommended as a basic "on the camera all the time" lens.

5 comments about Nikon 24-85mm f/2.8-4.0D IF AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras.

1. this is a lense which you can carry for all purpose. it can shot the potrait and also landscape with the aspected value. it is wide angle so dont worry. It can help you in your all kind of need. closest to longest, it can cover



2. I'm am very happy with this lens. With macro enabled, I can REAllY get up close to the subject matter, It rarely needs to hunt around much wit the auto-focus.
   
   There are a few issues. First, I think this lens really could benefit from a UV filter, as I do notice some purple fringing. Also, in bright situations, some color seperation is apparent. Given the size of the lens, a good filter might cost something around $60, but thats just the breaks there. My biggest issue with the lens is the hood. It's always trying to fall off, or twist away, For the price, I would have expected some little type of button catch or something to keep it in place. I've hit the point where I rarely use it, and it just gets in the way in my bag.
   
   Even with all that, this is the first lens I reach for, and it would be the one I keep on my camera to start with if it wasnt for the lack of protective filter, and the fact that the camera sits oddly in my bag with this lens attached.
   
   Overall, I gave it 4 stars. The chromatic abberations may get to me if I start printing out my stuff really big, but by that point, I'll have the filter I need to help correct that.



3. I have used this lens for over 3000 photographs and it is sharp but...I use it on a Nikon D200 and the four auto focus sensors can cause much frustration--desired objects out of focus!-- when having to shoot moving objects, say in a parade especially under low light conditions. I am still thinking it is me so I continue to practice hoping to figure out which setting on the d200 to use. However, when the subject is not moving it works great. It is heavy but that is what you pay for to own a good quality lens. See Ken Rockwell's review for more technical aspects. I also concur that the lens hood, although it gives that pro look, does not seat well on the lens. Overall, I highly recommend it.



4. This lens received mixed revews everywhere I checked. Having used Nikon products for the past 37 years, and owning three Nikon lenses for my D80, I ordered it. Beach Camera's service was excellent and the lens arrived in factory fresh condition. In the past month I have used this lens shooting several indoor events, both available light and with my SB-600, with excellent results. Its performance as a Macro lens is also outstanding. For those of you who want to take this lens to a lab to find fault, have at it! It works for me!



5. NICE LENS;I DONT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT;IT TAKES A WHILE TO GET USED TO INTERNAL FOCUS IN MACRO MODE ALSO, BUT IT DOES THE JOB FINE;I NEVER GO WRONG WITH NIKON(SO WHAT ELSE IS NEW) KEEP YOUR CANONS, IM A NIKONIAN FOR LIFE,LOL....PS-AMAZONS PRICE WAS 200- LESS THAN I COULD GET WITH A RITZ DISCOUNT!!! HMMMPH!!