Review 3 of 92
Price Paid:
$250.00
from ebay Summary: Results dependant on what type of camera is used. In experienced hands a Small Nikon like DSLR 6MP sensor should do good or great. On Full Frame Film its no longer in the sweet spot. Strengths: Should not strip out after 3 or 4 years like Sigma, Quantaray, etc. Slightly better optics and only a bit more pricey than the disposables.
On the S2 Pro at 200mm (1.5x or 300mm) it actually holds its own against the 300mm 2.8 ED IF on a N90s (using Superia ISO 400-800 shooting stage venues) and Coolscan IV. Downsizing the 16MP scanned file to 6MP is needed to do the rough comparison (admittedly problematic).
The D100 is pretty soft to begin with and 6MP is not all that demanding so this lens is probably the best match for the price. Great setup for previewing Medium and Large format shots (not to mention an excellent Zone System spot meter).
In addition to the Nikon Small Sensor using the lenses' sweet spot do not underestimate filter capabilites with more than double the normal vignetting limit. Weaknesses: A step down in quality from the older AF model and newer faster VRs. Hunting at the long end may burn up DSLR motors faster. Its no AF-S either. Quality can (and will) vary from lens to lens in a consumer model.
At the long end f5.6 is the absolute limit for slow glass while remaining useable. Use of a Monopod or Tripod is required at the long end. Mirror lockup, Cable, Air release and Manual Focus also needed.
Unless you use E6 and C41 Film as gold standards the G version may be better. Not quite as useful as the 28-200mm version (but then you do not get to swap lens as much an get dirt all over your sensor either).
This lens would not be my first choice on the newer 12MP DSLRs. Similar Products Used: Tamron, Sigma, Quantaray, Kenko, Wollensak, Schnieder, Ziess, Seiko
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