Review 2 of 3
Price Paid:
$139.00
from Miko's, Santa Monica Summary: For the dollar, this is the best lens I've ever owned. I have used it for many years [since it was introduced, almost 20 years ago] on Nikons, and it has always given me knife sharp pictures with excellent color and contrast. It also focuses very quickly, virtually instantly, in AF mode.
It is a very light and small lens, so it easily fits into a camera bag. The construction SEEMS flimsy, mostly plastic, but mine has gone around the world with me many times, and survived deserts, swamps, and Arctic cold. It has never failed to perform.
Like all wide lenses, it is prone to flare when pointed toward a bright light source, but so are my more expensive wide angle lenses.
Anyone looking for a wide angle zoom should take a good look at this lens! Strengths: Excellent sharpness
Excellent color
Excellent contrast
Fast focusing
Light weight
Compact Weaknesses: Feels fragile, but mine has never failed despite robust use
Must stay aware of flare when shooting toward light source, and control it Similar Products Used: Sigma 12-24mm
Sigma 15-30mm
Sigma 15mm
nikkor 16mm
Mikkor 20mm Customer Service: I've never had a problem with this lens. In the late 1960's I had an element come loose on a Vivitar 135mm lens, and they fixed it while I waited. That was some good service! [I live within driving distance to the distributor's headquarters.]
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