Help me identify this lens

This is a picture of a lens from e-Bay. I think the seller is maybe

selling it from an estate or something, as he doesn't really seem to

know much about it or the camera this comes with. In the description

he only said this was a 35-70mm zoom lens. I asked if it was the

f/2.8-constant D-series lens. He replied: "This is what it says on

the box and on the lens. Nikkor 35-70mm f2.8 AF Macro Zoom. Hope

this helps." The "macro" part through me off. Anyway, here's the

picture, if you can help me figure out which exact lens it is, I'd

appreciate it. You can see both the lens and the box, although the

resolution is low. I'd at least like to know whether it is, or is

not, the f/2.8-constant D-series lens:

Sorry, forgot to give the picture! :o

 

<img src="http://www.jjr512.com/images/personal/lens1.jpg">

It is the constant 2.8 lens alright, but it isn't the D version.

Nikon calls their macro lenses "Micro" lenses. When Nikon say

"macro" they usually meann a lens that focuses a little closer at

some portion of the zoom range.

Yes, that's lens is for real. It's an odler lens, but probably very good design. You'd have to be able to try out that particular lens to know for sure. The 35-70 f2.8 AF is an older lens, possibly the "standard zoom" that would have been packaged with an N8008s or something else from that day.

 

How much is the bidding? My advice would be to find a similar lens in the Used section at B&H or Adorama and then be willing to bid up to 90% of their used price.

I purchased a lens just like this except the D model at a camera fair for $400 but with no lensehood. It was a very sharp yet fairly heavy lens. I used it about 2 months and found it not quite wide enought for my primary planned use for it (nightclub rockbands) and not quite long enought at 70mm for tighter face shots. I sold it for the same price I got it for online auction.

As others have said, it appears to be the constant f/2.8, but pre-D version. This is an outstanding lens (no changes in optics between this and the D) that sold new for around $600. It currently trades used for $200 and up, depending on condition.

 

A lot of people abandon this lens because it's not wide enough, or it doesn't have enough zoom range. What sometimes gets lost in a discussion of this lens is that it performs extremely well throughout its range, all apertures, all focal lengths. It's a superb lens for a wedding shooter as it gives some flexibility while still preserving an ability to deliver great enlargements.

 

I sold my personal copy to a friend, and I still wish I hadn't. I use the D version at work and it never disappoints. A buddy of mine uses two of them in his wedding photo business, and he's on the lookout for a third (just in case one dies on him for whatever reason).

<i>...The "macro" part through me off....</i>

<p>The "macro" part refers to the lens' ability to focus much closer at the 35mm setting. There is a button on the zoom barrel that allows the barrel to turn (when pushed in). The barrel otherwise just push-pulls. It's a convenient way to get close although I wouldn't have placed it at the 35mm focal setting. This macro-focus button was a carry-over from the manual-focus Nikkor 35-70 f/3.5 AIS (later 62mm filter size).

The lens is an AF Nikkor 35-70/2.8(non-D) zoom. If it were the D model there would be a "D" under the number "70" in the "35-70mm" marking. The D would be below and between the 7 and the 0. The last character in the photo on that line is the "8" in "1:2.8"

 

What this lens lacks in zoom appeal it makes up for with excellent image quality. I�d rather pair it will a 24/2.8, 20/2.8 or both when I want a wider view.