17/18-XXmm lens for D300 and IR-Converted D80

[iancoxleigh]

I am in the process of trying to sell my 18-200mm AF-s VR lens. I just haven't

used the 70-200mm part of the range since I bought the 70-300 AF-S VR and I have

some fast primes for low light shooting these days. I also wanted better

performance in the 18-24 range.

 

I have been looking around at my alternatives and have found a number of lenses

that look promising. I had been fairly set on the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. But, I

recently had my D80 converted for full-spectrum IR/Vis./UV photography by having

the IR-blocking filter replaced with clear glass. Given that, it would be nice

if whichever lens I buy would work well in IR (i.e. no hot-spots). Some early

samples taken with the Nikon 35mm f/2:

http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=832540 .

 

I have read several places that the Tamron 17-50 produces bad hot spots in IR so

it is probably off my list. Looking through Bjorn's reviews, it seems that the

Nikkor 17-35 AF-S is the best choice. But, it is pushing my budget more -- much

more -- than I might have wished. I had hoped to get a replacement for not much

more than for what I get by selling my 18-200.

 

What are my other options? I have heard here and there that the Nikon 18-35

f/3.5-5.6 works well in IR. Anyone here have any experience with that? Do any of

the off-brand 17/18-XX zooms work well in IR? If the Tamron doesn't do IR well,

do the Sigma or Tokina comparable lenses fare better?

 

Maybe I should consider the Tamron 17-50 for my D300 and pick up a Nikon 18-55

for IR work on my D80?

[oskar_ojala]

How about the new 16-85? Bjørn thinks it's good for visible and IR light and the tests at photozone indicate that it's not bad. The 17-35 would of course be a very good choice if you plan to use it with full-frame in the future.

 

Planning for IR is a bit hard, since the hot-spot issues depend a bit on sensor, filter and lens combination. Also, there are quite significant differences in sharpness, contrast and ease of focusing in IR between lenses.

[tim_knight]

I have gone to a local camera shop that handles Tamron lenses and they let me try out the 17-50 inside their store. Might be worth a try and find out for yourself if it will work.

[iancoxleigh]

Oskar, thanks. I had forgotten about the new 16-85. I worry about the slow aperture at the longer end and about the distortions for architecturals. But, I should give it a try out in a store at least.

 

Tim, I would do that, but all three of the major camera stores in Toronto are sold out of the Tamron 17-50 in a Nikon mount at the moment. I'll go back in week or so and see fi their stocks have changed. Given the numerous variables as mentioned by Oskar, I owe it to myself to try out my own combo of D80, Lens and R72 filter before I dismiss it for hot-spoting when it might not.