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Zoom Nikkor 35-200mm AIS opinions?


photo5

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I am interested in getting a zoom to go in my camera bag along with my

other AIS lenses. Shooting with an F3HP. I currently have a Sigma

14mm, Nikkor 28mm 2.8 AIS, Nikkor 35mm 2.0 AIS, Nikon 50mm 1.8E, Nikon

100mm 2.8E. I used to have a Vivitar 70-210mm 3.5 but gave it to my

brother in law a few years ago. I have felt the need to get a good

travel lens, manual focus of course. Since 35mm is my favorite lens,

I thought the Nikkor 35-200mm AIS zoom might be a good one. But I've

heard so little discussion of this lens here that I wonder if it's

worth it? It's selling on eBay pretty often so I'm in no hurry.

 

Anyone use it? Is it a heavy beast? Image quality good at all focal

lengths?

 

Thanks!

 

Dave

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I have come to the conclusion that any lens with THAT wide of coverage will not be a "great" lens. Some can be GOOD, but nothing to get excited about. I think the new , and pricey, DX lenses for the Nikon digitals may make my impression wrong, but....
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I agree. The lenses you have will likely put it to shame. Hey, I hate zooms but if you must have the flexibility and cover that range you better buy two of them. Get an older used autofocus 80-200/2.8 since the manual one costs 2-3 times as much and is extremely hard to find (Adorama does have one on eBay). Yes the 80-200mm f2.8 is heavier than your primes but it is a lightweight in the extremely good telephoto group of lenses. I have no idea what AIS has to offer in the 24-35-80mm range that is decent. Good luck.
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Dave,

 

It's a wonderful lens and a right choice for travel. I agree with those folks saying that any lens in this zoom range couldn't be great, but this lens is an exception. It's not like modern cheap technological stuff that is really bad especially at its long end. This lens gives you sharp and contrasty images at all focal lengths, even wide open. In combination with my 24mm f2.8 AIS it covers about 90% of all my travel/landscape works. These two lenses are the only my choice in backpacking or mountaineering trips. Drawbacks may include prone to flare (well, it's 17 element design, nothing strange) and some heavy distortions. I also have the Nikon 80-200 f2.8 ED AFD w/collar but it seems to me it's too heavy and bulky for travel. You can find on eBay in mint condition for about $450 USD, I believe, and you won't be disappointed. When you travel a lot, in some circumstances, this lens could be your day saver.

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I have one of these and love it, yes it will not match apples for apples performance against all ofthe primes it's range covers, but damn close for some. I think it is one of the sharpest zooms I have used. It is always on my F3, great walk around lens, this and a 20mm F2.8 AIS in the Tamrac 519 zoom bag and I am ready for most of what comes up.
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This lens is simply gorgeous and I like mine very much. Best build quality and rapid silky focusing mechanism. A great choice along with 20/24 for all around travel lens. No lens in this range seems to be the best optically but you won't be disappointed with this one.
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