Smackdown1976's reviews

  • Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF DX AF-S Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    SHARP! Fast AF, Build quality
    None that I know of...

    This lens has become my primary walk around lens. Previously I was using the 18-200 VR, and recently decided to upgrade to pro level glass....and boy am I glad I did! I use a D200, and this lens is the first that has truly demonstrated what the D200 can do.

    This lens is incredibly sharp throughout the zoom range. I rarely shoot at apertures smaller than f/8, but I have yet to see a shot from my lens that lacks superior sharpness.

    Colors are great and it locks into focus QUICK. I am a bit amazed at the speed of this lens when using AF.

    Lastly is the build quality. I have not pushed this lens very hard yet in terms of durability, but it seems to be built like a tank. Definitely worthy of its pro-caliber pricing.

    All in all I am extremely pleased and would highly recommend this lens to anyone looking to get the most out of their DX body.

    reviewed January 9th, 2007 (purchased for $1,400)

  • Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR DX AF-S Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Bang for the buck

    I wanted to throw my two cents in here so as to hopefully help people know what this lens is and isn't.

    What it is not is a pro piece of glass that will give amazing sharpness. I think a lot of people have established unrealistic expectations of this lens, which is unfair to say the least.

    Now, this lens is a great all-in-one walkaround type lens. You get consistently sharp(yes, sharp. Just not as sharp as the pro lenses) images throughout the zoom. The VR makes this lens usable in a number of circumstances without need for a tripod. The only place this lens can get in trouble is if you need a fast shutter speed in lower light...no VR can help that.

    So if you want one lens that can stay on the camera most of the time and do an excellent job of making images, then buy this lens. If you want razor sharp images for fine art work, save your pennies and buy the faster 2.8 zooms.

    reviewed January 11th, 2007 (purchased for $750)

  • Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fisheye Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended

    This is easily the most fun lens in my bag. Anytime I hit a creative block all I need to do is throw this on and go nuts.

    Obviously this is a fisheye and you get the crazy distortion effect, but come on, isn't that the point?!?!

    Lens itself is sharp, and quick to focus. f/2.8 allows you to get some interesting lower light effects as well.

    I love this lens and highly recommend it to anyone...anyone who understands it isn't to be used for everything, but is a heck of a lot of fun when you do use it!

    reviewed January 11th, 2007 (purchased for $600)