Review 4 of 55
Price Paid:
$500.00
from New / eBay Summary: Have owned two of these. One I bought new nearly 12 years ago. Still works perfectly and is extremely sharp. Does vignette a bit at 28mm wide open but by 5.6 that is gone. from 50 - 70mm you can use this at any apeture without concern but stop down one stop (f4) and things do sharpen up a bit. I bought the second one on eBay for $250 and it is in perfect condition (like new). That happens to be a backup... lucky me! Be sure you get this model. The later versions are NOT supposed to be as sharp or as well made. This lens really is a steal. My used version of this lens cost me 1/8 the price of the slightly 'better' Nikon 24-70! Strengths: Built like a tank (metal, professional quality) and smooth zoom motion. I like the push / pull autofocus mechanism. It actually works well once you are used to it. Extremely sharp and contrasty even after all of these years. Very little distortion at all focal lengths. Did I say sharp and contrasty? Really, I just got a D700 and wanted either a 14-24 or 24-70. After doing my research, there are people who say this lens from f4 on is every bit as good as the 24-70. I decided I could live without the 4mm and got the superb 14-24 instead. I'm sure some day I will get the 24-70 and sell one of these 2 lenses but until then, I am a happy camper. Nikon 14-24, Tokina 28-70, and Nikon 80-200 all on a D700. For the first time in years I am actually NOT missing film! Weaknesses: Vignetting wide open at 28mm. A tad soft at 2.8, especially at wide angles. Other than that, none. Similar Products Used: Nikon 18-70. Customer Service: Never needed. Once got sand in the outside barrel but after cleaning it out it is as smooth as it ever was (I was worried I had ruined the lens).
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