mohawk51's reviews

  • Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    It's a Nikkor pro lens!
    It does give my arm a workout for sure.

    I use this lens along with the Nikkor 17-35mm F2.8. Both cover a lot of picture possibilities. Also have a Nikkor 50mm F1.4 AIS in the bag. This 80-200 lens, as many have said is brilliant in color. I love ED glass in my lenses. I shoot manual cameras only so I had to only move that M-A switch once. Even then I was worrried about it cracking. The lens is built well. We all know that. Used on manual only, I'm thinking I'll be shootng with it for 20+ years. The 80-200 & the 17-35 are shot on either an FM2N or FE2 (Trying to keep the weight of the duo down as much as possible) and sometimes the F3. Anyway it's a stellar lens IMHO.

    reviewed October 11th, 2011 (purchased for $799)

  • Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    It's a Nikon!!
    None noted

    Great lens. No complaints. I just got back from a 4,000 mile road trip. Took this lens along with a 50mm and a 80-200mm 2.8 95% of the 300+ pictures taken were with the 17-35. The sharpness, contrast & resolution are just fantastic. As always!

    reviewed July 31st, 2012 (purchased for $1,200)

  • Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AIS Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Build, Quality glass with SIC on the elements
    A little softer wide open than I would like. Probably great for portraits soft.

    I've been shooting Nikkors since 1968 and I like fast glass because I can handhold at higher shutter speeds. Don't like tripods. The one I have is the latest version made from 2006-Present with SIC. There's always been amongst the 50mm users, the battle over which one is better between the 1.8 AIS and the 1.4 AIS. I actually have both and I really like both to be honest. Both have their character. I think you can be more creative with the 1.4 as far as bokeh. This jewel is crafted very, very well, unlike the AF models. I usually shoot at 5.6-8 and the colors, contrast and resolution are outstanding along with no play in the focus ring. This is an excellent lens along with the 1.8 as well. Using these two will assure you that you will bring back some good pics. Unless the photographer messes up! It was worth it for me to add the 1.4 to the arsenal. Have never regretted it.

    reviewed July 10th, 2012 (purchased for $395)

  • Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor

    1 out of 10 points and not recommended
    None really come to mind!
    I've been spoiled by metal AIS lenses. Don't like the build of this one.

    This one feels like it could break at any minute. I personally like the earlier version of this lens, the 50 F1.8 AIS (metal, not the pancake one). The one that focuses down to 0.45 I believe. I've had this version for some 20+ years. I'm not sure the 1.8D would last for 20 years. I also have the latest version of the 1.4 AIS with SIC on the elements. Now that's a beauty! Big difference in build quality. Just can't excited about the 1.8D...

    reviewed November 8th, 2012

  • Nikon 24mm f/2.8 AIS Nikkor

    7 out of 10 points and recommended
    I like the angle of view on this lens
    Just doesn't seem as sharp as it should be

    I've owned both and I don't think either the 24/F2 AIS or the 24 F/2.8 AIS are that great. I've read many places that the "crown jewels" of the wide angle line up from Nikon are the 28's. I shoot with the 28 F/2 AIS and it is truly magnificent. Extreme sharpness from foreground to infinity. I just wish the 24's were like it. This 24 likes to flare like mad. Don't need flare in the pics. So, I just can't give it a high rating at all.

    reviewed December 21st, 2012