mmroden's reviews

  • Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    sharp all the way around, 1:1 macro
    none; does exactly what it's designed to do

    I don't know if the original reviewer on this site had a bad copy of the lens or what, but I didn't experience any of the problems he describes. I've used this lens ery successfully for any number of macro photos, as well as portraits, and it's worked quite well in those functions. I've seen no flaring, nor have I seen left-sided blurriness.

    This lens is considered one of the sharpest, if not the sharpest, lens that Nikon makes, at least by the cogniscenti at dpreview.com's nikon slr lens forum. I bought the lens based on their recommendations, and I've had only good results since.

    A few caveats: I would not use this lens for bugs, as to get true 1:1 reproductions, you have to be quite close, and they'll probably scatter before you can get there. Spiders are an exception, as they tend to sit still when at the center of their webs. Handholding can be difficult when fully focused in, because any shake in your hands will immediately transfer to the image itself, so you will need good technique.

    reviewed September 8th, 2006 (purchased for $350)
  • Nikon 85mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    well built, light, sharp
    no af-s

    I like this lens. I don't really shoot in this range often (I tend to max out at 55-60 mm, just a personal preference), but when I do, I reach for this lens.

    It's small, not much bigger than my 50 1.4 and smaller than my 60 2.8, and isn't intimidating on the camera at all.

    It tends to hunt for focus in low-light situations, and has to be used manually when there's very little light (ie, on the street at night).

    reviewed September 8th, 2006 (purchased for $380)
  • Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF DX AF-S Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    a great, versatile lens that produces amazing pictures
    a big on the large side

    This lens has had more than its fair share of quality control issues from Nikon, so don't be ashamed to return it for another one. That having been said, I have no problems with my copy of the lens.

    I use it on a d70 body to great effect. It really is a great walkaround lens, as well as a great wedding lens. It produces very good photos wide open, and is quite sharp when stopped down just a bit.

    This lens is on my camera whenever I'm not sure of what shooting opportunities I'm going to have, ie, whenever I'm a tourist or covering an event.

    reviewed September 8th, 2006 (purchased for $1,150)