Nikon Lens Reviews

Peter Burian tests this improved lens, one of the very best available in the “fast” telephoto zoom category

The preferred “workhorse” among many professional photographers since 2003, Nikon’s AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR model was also my favorite lens in the Nikkor series. It was just about perfect in all aspects, except for some slight corner softness at wide apertures with a full-frame digital SLR. Some reviews also mentioned less than ideal flare control, but frankly, that was nit-picking. In any event, Nikon has replaced that earlier model with a new VR II-designated version boasting a superior optical design, more effective VR stabilizer plus some other benefits.

Nikon’s latest 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is pricey, but it’s a professional-caliber product in all aspects, including the latest optical design, an incredibly effective autofocus system, and unusually rugged build quality. (Nikon D300s; ISO 400; f/7.1; at the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race, Milton, ON). © 2010 Peter K. Burian

An f/2.8 lens is desirable for several reasons. The very wide maximum aperture allows for faster shutter speeds than the more typical f/4.5-5.6 zooms. That’s valuable in low light or action photography, allowing us to use lower ISO levels for superior image quality. A maximum aperture of f/2.8 also allows more light to reach the AF sensor for faster autofocus. And AF is maintained even when a 1.4x or 2x teleconverter is used. Granted, this 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is very large and heavy, but it’s built to tolerate pro-level abuse and it’s also dust- and moisture-resistant. Read the rest of this entry »

AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Review

Peter Burian tests Nikon’s latest multipurpose lens with some valuable benefits over the previous model

One of the best selling Nikon lenses, the original 18-200mm VR model was a very competent performer but it has been replaced with a newer zoom that offers several benefits. The latest incarnation includes the best of its predecessor but gains improved Super Integrated Coating for better flare control, and features to prevent zoom creep. As a bonus, the diaphragm is equipped with more blades allowing for a circular aperture at many f/stops. This aspect allows the lens to render out-of-focus highlights as circular for a more pleasing “bokeh”.

The latest Nikkor 18-200mm lens is a fine performer capable of producing excellent image quality. Thanks to its new features, this model is even more desirable than its highly-rated predecessor. (D300; f/22; 20mm; Hoya Pro 1 Digital polarizer; Webster's Falls, Hamilton, ON) ©2010 Peter K. Burian

While this “all-purpose” zoom may be ideal for families who simply want nice pics, it’s suitable for more serious photographers as well. As the price (about $750 in the US) should suggest, this is a premium-grade 27-300mm equivalent lens. The most expensive in its category, the Nikon model is also one of the largest/heaviest. That’s understandable because of the solid construction, two Extra Low Dispersion (ED) plus three aspherical elements for superior image quality, a remarkably effective image stabilizer plus very fast ultrasonic Silent Wave focus motor. Read the rest of this entry »

Field Test Report

Peter Burian tests five lenses with great light gathering ability: the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM, Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro, Tokina AF 50-135mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX, Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX and the Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX HSM DC

Because most digital SLR camera owners demand compact, lightweight lenses, the vast majority of zooms feature a small maximum aperture. A typical kit lens is designated as f/3.5-5.6 indicating that the maximum aperture is quite small at the short end and becomes very small at longer focal lengths. In practical terms, that translates to moderate light gathering ability. The larger the numeral the smaller the opening in the lens and the less light that will reach the camera’s digital sensor.

A wide aperture lens is ideal for fast shutter speeds in low light conditions when you cannot use flash or a tripod. Shooting at f/2.8 allowed me to get many sharp photos at 1/125 sec. during a stage performance, using ISO 1000. With a more typical (smaller) aperture, much higher ISO levels would have been required for the same shutter speed and the images would have been seriously degraded by digital noise. (Nikon 17-55mm at f/2.8.) (c) 2009 Peter K. Burian

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A wide zoom when you need it, where you need it.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5~4.5G ED. Effectively a 15-36mm zoom (with 1.5X sensor factor), this lens is relatively compact and lightweight. It offers a choice between fully manual and AF with manual override via an onboard switch. And unlike a fisheye or even the 14-24, the front element is not bulbous enough to prevent use of a filter--77mm. Copyright ©2009 Jack Neubart. All rights reserved.

Over the years, I’ve become enamored of wide zooms–the wider the better. One of my faves is a Tokina fisheye zoom that I practically take everywhere. But there’s only so much barrel distortion one person can take, and only so far that distortion correction can take an image–when you want to employ it, that is. Sometimes you just want to start out with straight lines wherever you can get them. So, when I heard that Nikon had a new 10-24mm lens, I was on it like an egret on a fish (hey, it’s the first metaphor that popped into my head).

I’d worked with Canon’s EF-S 10-22 mm lens–and simply loved it. At the time, I still had an APS-C Canon, but I was fast moving toward full-frame and knew the lens would not be long for this world if I bought it. So I tested it, and sadly said goodbye. Now that I’m back in the APS-C camp with the Nikon D300–and loving it!–it was time to examine yet another zoom in the ultra-wide dimension (super-wide? potato, potato–you get what I mean).

Making Choices

Okay, I know, this looks an awful lot like another lens from Nikon. But there is a difference. Considering that only a few dollars separates them, it really is a tough call choosing between the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5~4.5G ED and AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED.

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This zoom has taken me far and wide, expanding my creative vision.

I wasn’t about to be swayed easily. Until now I was not a Nikon enthusiast–my camera allegiances lay elsewhere. So, if I was going to start using Nikon gear seriously, that gear had better prove itself. Accordingly, when I tested out the D300, I chose the one lens that I’d anticipated would either demonstrate the merits of this system or let it fall flat on its face. I wanted a lens wide enough for scenics and groups and long enough to capture people and wildlife unobtrusively. In an all-purpose lens, I also wanted image stabilization, or, as Nikon calls it, Vibration Reduction (VR)–or specifically second-gen Enhanced VR II Vibration Reduction–a nice adjunct when shooting by available light or stretching the limits of a low light-sensitivity rating (ISO).

What I really wanted was one lens that would do it all. I didn’t want to schlep around three or four lenses as I did with my other DSLR system. I wanted a compact solution, but one that would not involve compromise–at least, none that I would notice in everyday shooting.

And that search led me to Nikon’s 18-200 VR. Aside from a fisheye that I carry for an entirely different perspective on the world, this lens is all I’ve carried on recent trips to Germany, Miami, and Las Vegas. It has so much going for it that–well, maybe we should start at the beginning…

THE LENS. The AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED is fairly lightweight, and relatively compact when not zoomed out. Note the three switches: one governs focusing (auto with manual override or full manual), VR on/off, and VR mode ("normal" for camera shake and smooth panning or "active" for shooting from a moving vehicle). Frankly, I rarely used this last feature, and when I did, I didn't notice a measurable difference. When fully extended, this lens becomes obvious for what it is: a zoom with telephoto reach. The petal-shaped lens shade may not seem deep enough, but it does the job well. Photo Copyright ©2009 Jack Neubart. All rights reserved.

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If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below. Get information and user reviews for this lens at Amazon: Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

PhotoZone

The Nikkor AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED DX is a professional grade lens and it certainly shows up regarding its exceptionally high build quality as well as very fast AF speed. Optically it is, without doubt, a very good lens but it has a few issues. The center performance is nothing short of stellar but the borders are a little worse than desirable at 24mm @ f/2.8 and at 55mm (for such a lens). The level of CAs, distortions as well as vignetting is quite typical for a lens in this class but then thing aren’t substantially better either. So all-in-all there may be a few question marks regarding the price/performance ratio of this lens. It simply lacks the greatness suggested by its price tag. READ FULL REVIEW

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If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below. Get information and user reviews for this lens at Amazon: Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF Autofocus DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

PhotoZone

The Nikkor AF-S 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED DX proved to be a very good performer. Its center resolution figures are exceptionally high and apart from 12mm @ f/4 the border quality is also impressive though a little less field curvature may be desirable at 12mm. CAs as well as the distortion characteristic are very good for an ultra-wide zoom lens wMOREas vignetting is about average due to the reduced APS-C image circle. The build quality is, in principal, very fine but you would usually expect a little more from a lens in this price class. The primary competitor is probably the Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4 AT-X Pro – a lens which is just as sharp but with a higher degree of CAs and worse flare in contra light – all at less than half the costs and combined with a better build quality. Costs aside it’s a close race between the two with a slight edge for the Nikkor regarding optical quality. When taking the very different price tags in account the decision may be a little more complicated. READ FULL REVIEW

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If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below. Get more information and user reviews for this lens from Amazon: Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

Photo Zone

Regarding some glowing reviews available on the web the expectation were rather high. Unfortunately the (tested sample of the) Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR II DX wasn’t able to convince completely. Weak points are rather hefty distortions and high vignetting (@ f/3.5) at 18mm. Apart from a few weak spots the resolution figures are quite good though and it is possible to get very decent images from this lens under field conditions. The VR can surely help to save the day in situations where similar zooms must fail utterly The build quality is a little soso for a lens in this price class and probably the biggest disappointment. All in all the Nikkor is a highly interesting lens but not without flaws (hardly surprising for a 11x zoom). … READ FULL REVIEW

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If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below. Get more information and user reviews for this lens from Amazon: Nikon 105mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Photo Zone

The Micro-Nikkor AF 105mm f/2.8 D may be a relatively old lens but it is still capable to deliver excellent results. Optically it is a near-flawless lens with high resolution figures, low vignetting, low CAs and non-existent distortions. The mechanical quality is very high but it also feels a little dated here with its independent AF-MF switch. Typical for most macro lenses it also suffers from a relatively slow AF speed. The new Micro-Nikkor AF-S 105mm f/2.8 ED VR has been improved in both respects (with VR on top) and regarding its similar price tag there’re probably few reasons left to prefer the classic lens. Nonetheless it is still a very fine lens. READ FULL REVIEW

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Shutterbug

Picking up a Nikon 300mm f/2.8 for the first time was certainly a humbling experience. This lens was not only large in physical size, it was heavy! Considering the larger 500mm and 600mm super telephotos have only one more lens element in roughly half again the overall length surely indicates this 300mm f/2.8 is one optically packed powerhouse. Would I recommend this new “II” for someone looking for a 300mm f/2.8 high-performance lens? Absolutely, and without reservations. READ FULL REVIEW

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Editor’s note: There are strikingly few expert reviews of this lens in existence. None of the major review shops known for their for lens reviews has published a review on this lens. This is surprising, given the quality and uniqueness of a 200-400 f/4 VR lens. If you know of an outstanding expert review on this lens, email the editor at editor@photocrati.com.

If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below. Get more information and user reviews for this lens from Amazon: Nikon 200-400mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

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If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below. Get information and user reviews for this lens at Amazon: Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Photo Zone

Thanks to a silent-wave AF drive and a VR (Vibration Reduction) mechanism the Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR is a worthy improvement over the previous high-speed tele zooms made by Nikon. However, these improvements also come at cost of a substantially higher price tag and increased dimensions/weight. Performance-wise the results are excellent and slightly superior to the old AF 80-200mm f/2.8ED. Vignetting, distortions as well as CAs are well controlled and not really field relevant. The mechanical quality of the lens is exceptionally high and it’s a joy to use this lens. … READ FULL REVIEW

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If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below. Get information and user reviews for this lens at Amazon: Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Photo Zone

The Nikkor AF-S 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED delivered a very impressive performance in the lab. The resolution figures are very good to excellent with a highly impressive peak performance around f/5.6. The level of distortions is exceptionally low for a zoom lens. CAs are moderate except at 40mm @ f/2.8. Vignetting is very well controlled. The build quality of the lens is superb and it´s a joy to handle it despite its comparatively hefty size and weight. Typical for most classic standard zooms it looses quite a bit of its attraction on APS-C DSLRs – a focal length range equivalent to 42-105mm may not be up to everybody´s taste anymore. READ FULL REVIEW

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If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below. Get information and user reviews for this lens at Amazon: Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

SLR Gear

The chances are, if you bought a Nikon D40x or D60 in 2008, you already have this lens. I can’t see a compelling reason to buy this lens separately unless you’re really strapped for cash.There might be some on the used market as people upgrade to the more capable 18-200mm or 16-85mm VR lenses. Optically it’s alright, maybe even better than alright if you get a good copy, but to get the best results you have to stop down to ƒ/8. Fortunately, the addition of VR does make that possible. In the final analysis it’s a good lens, not a great lens, excellent for the beginning photographer. … READ FULL REVIEW AT SLR GEAR

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If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below. Get information and user reviews for this lens at Amazon: Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Photo Zone

The Nikkor AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED is a professional grade lens and it delivers accordingly specifically regarding its superb build quality. The optical quality is on a very high though not unprecedented level. The center resolution is superb followed by generally very good borders. Distortions are quite pronounced at 17mm but not a real problem beyond. Vignetting is very well controlled except at 35mm @ f/2.8. CAs are very low for a zoom lens. All-in-all the performance is very similar to the AF-S 17-55m f/2.8G IF-ED DX in the overlapping range so for (APS-C) DSLR-only users it may make sense to stick to the dedicated lens. For a dual-use strategy (film + digital and possibly full frame DSLRs in the future) the AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED remains a quite obvious choice. … READ FULL REVIEW

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If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think in the comments below! Get information and user reviews for this lens at Amazon: Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D ED-IF AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Photo Zone

The Nikkor AF 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D ED is capable to produce very good to excellent images when shooting at and beyond f/5.6. At max. aperture the border performance is far less impressive due to the lack of contrast and resolution (specifically at 35mm). The level of distortions is very high at 18mm so it’s not a lens that you’d use for serious architecture photography. Vignetting is generally a non-issue whereas lateral CAs are very pronounced at 18mm (less so beyond). The build quality of the lens is fine for a consumer grade lens although it’s nothing to rave about either. All-in-all the lens had its time but there’re simply better alternatives out there by now. … READ FULL REVIEW

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If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below. Get information and user reviews for this lens at Amazon: Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

Photo Zone

There’s no such thing as a free lunch and the Nikkor AF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED DX is no exception to the rule. The build quality is downright miserable … However, the optical quality of the lens is not all that bad. The resolution figures are actually very good … The contrast level at large apertures leaves something to be desired though (dull colors). The distortion characteristic is about average whereas the vignetting is surprisingly well-controlled for a DX-type lens (APS-C image circle). Chromatic aberrations are quite high and can be field relevant in some situations. Naturally this has all to be seen in the context of the extremely low price tag so all-in-all it is almost surprising what the lens is capable to deliver. If you use f/8 or f/11 you’ll be a happy camper in most situations. The question may be whether such a limitation makes sense with a high priced DSLR. … READ FULL REVIEW

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Photo Zone

The Nikkor AF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED DX II is a marginal update to the original mk I variant. The optical design has not been changed so the general observations regarding image quality remain the same. The tested mk II sample has a sightly better centering thus resulting in an improved center quality… The resolution figures are actually very good … The contrast level at large apertures (primarily wide-end) leaves something to be desired though. The distortion characteristic is about average, whereas vignetting is surprisingly well-controlled for a DX-type lens (APS-C image circle). Chromatic aberrations are quite high and can be field relevant in some situations. Naturally this has all to be seen in the context of the extremely low price tag so all-in-all it is almost surprising what the lens is capable to deliver. If you use ~f/6.7-f/11 you’ll be a happy camper in most situations. … READ FULL REVIEW

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If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below. Get information and user reviews for this lens from Amazon: Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF Autofocus VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Photo Zone

A general-purpose lens that covers a useful focal length range for Nikon’s FX DSLRs. Nikon’s AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 G IF-ED lens covers a 5x zoom range and provides a suite of convenient focal length settings for owners of the company’s D3 and D700 cameras but is also usable on DX models where the 1.5x crop factor gives it an equivalent focal length range of 36-180mm. Its affordable price tag makes it attractive to amateur photographers. … READ FULL REVIEW

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If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below. Get information and user reviews for this lens at Amazon: Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

Photo Zone

The Nikkor AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED DX is a lens with many souls. The lens is capable to deliver very good resolution figures and low CAs but on the other hand distortions as well as vignetting are very pronounced specifically at 18mm. However, most users will rarely use large aperture settings at 18mm so the vignetting problem is usually no show stopper. The build quality of the lens is very decent and the Silent-Wave drive provides a speedy and silent AF. All-in-all the price performance ratio of the Nikkor is very sound. … READ FULL REVIEW

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