Could someone recommend a sharp lense for the N80?

[kevin_johnson3]

I'm looking at buying an N80 body and lense separate. I've been

warned to stay away from kits. Could anyone recommend anything in

the 70-120 range that is decent?

 

thanks

 

kevin

[arnabdas]

Would suggest the 28-105 f3.5 - f4.5. Excellent value for money.

 

For primes, the 85/1.8 is good.

[jbq]

You didn't specify a budget :)

 

Did you mean 70-120 dollars, or 70-120 mm?

 

The 50/1.8 will fit in the 70-120 dollar range. It's the second cheapest nikon lens currently (second to the "kit" 28-80 G), and it's also Nikon's sharpest lens. You can't go wrong with it. As a 50mm, it's also considered a boring lens by many.

 

In 70-120mm, it's very easy: all the current Nikon AF primes in that range are absolutely excellent (85/1.8, 85/1.4, 105/2 DC, 105/2.8 micro). Some people complain that the out-of-focus rendering of the 85/1.8 isn't as good as it could be, but other than that they're said to be fantastic (and that of the micro is pretty much "perfectly" sharp, which makes it not perfect for portrait).

 

On the zoom side, there's the whole range of 70-200 and 80-200 f/2.8, which are all excellent. The 24-85 G AFS is said to be surprisingly good for its price, and it looks like the new 24-120 VR is also pretty good (if you shoot hand-held, VR is a blessing, giving youapertures small enough to not be bothered by the lens' imperfections or by the depth-of-field).

 

It doesn't seem like Nikon is making any non-pro telephoto zoom those days any longer. Reportedly both versions of the 70-300 share a design with Tamron. It looks like there are several different used ones that are said to be very good. It appears that the 75-300/4.5-5.6 is really really good, with the 70-210/4-5.6 only being really good. I will mention the odd-ball 70-180 micro, ultra-close-focusing medium telephoto zoom - I only see it useful for cases where you *really* need a zoom that can focus extremely close, otherwise I'd get an 80-200/2.8D and enjoy the extra 2 stops.

[ken_mai]

For a normal zoom range the 28-105 or 24-85 AFS are good. For something in the 70-120 range (a strange range to want) you could go for the new 70-200 AFS VR. It's pricey, but very sharp.

[laurents_rupar]

I also bought the F80 and a 50mm/1.8. It is a great lens! Quick, sharp and a good way to get to know your camera.

 

Laurents

[david_blackburn1]

be careful with the n80 not metering with manual focus lenses. you will need a separate meter if you want to take advantage of dirt cheap, optically and mechanically excellent used lenses.

[stanley_rogouski]

I'll get slammed for this but:

 

1.) A used Sigma 28mm 1.8 for available light photography, $135.

 

2.) A used 35-70 3.3-4.5, about $75.

 

3.) A new 70-300 G, about $125.

 

For about $350 you have every focal length covered and they're all perfectly good lenses, light, sharp, cheap.

[stanley_rogouski]

Of course for the purists out there, replace the 35-70 with the 50 1.8 and you still have pretty much every focal length for $350.

 

I use the 50 1.8 on the n80 all the time, but I honestly find that the Sigma 28mm 1.8 is just as good for low light shooting. It's also a bit larger and heavier and balances the camera better.

[jason michael]

You want sharp in the 70-120mm range...here's sharp:

 

1) 85mm F1.4 AFD IF

 

2) 105mm F2 AFD DC

 

3) (outside of range specified) 180mm f2.8 AFD ED IF

 

4) 85mm f1.8 AFD

 

 

I think these lenses qualify as decent...

[kevin_johnson3]

Thanks for the replies...... any thoughts on the Nikon 28-80mm. My situation is that I sold my FE a while back and bought a Contax G2 (which is great) but am feeling the need for an SLR again. I don't want to spend to much but want something decent.

 

thanks again

[jason michael]

Decent (optically) and relatively affordable zooms:

 

1) 28-105 f3.5-4.5 AFD IF (w/ bonus half decent macro)

 

2) 24-120 f3.5-5.6 AFS VR (AFS and VR!)

 

3) 24-85 both versions

 

 

I'd stay away from the 28-80 or the 28-100 and seriously consider the 28-105 f3.5-

4.5.

 

Cheers,

[brent_andersen]

If money is a factor, the 50/1.8 AF or 28-80 G will get you by. Of course, the 50mm will give you great images. The 28-80 is not too bad, actually I used the 28-100 G, and images are more than acceptable. AF isn't too good, and build quality looks pretty shabby. The 28-105 D or 24-85 AFS are the way to go but will cost at least $300. I'm pretty sure the 50mm is sharper than both, but the $300 zooms, and I have owned both, are really very good. The 24-85 has the better AF, but the 28-105 has less distortion.

[pramod_kumar]

I bought Nikon 28-105 AF-D Lens and I love this Lens .. You have to spend above $300.00 for this lens and its well worth it.