BevanW's reviews

  • Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Exceptionally Sharp, Cheap, Smokin Fast, light
    None

    I picked up a non-d version of this lens at a local shop for $75 and love it. It is lightweight, very fast and ubelievably sharp. At f1.8 this lens is almost as sharp as my much more expensive 85mm f1.8. Makes a great portrait lens on a DSLR...Highly recommend.

    BTW...sort of surprised by the reviews of this lens (blur index). Based on test shots I have take my sample is tack sharp in the center wide open. The corners are softer, but this is desired for portraits. Stopped down a bit the corners catch up and this lens is sharp corner to corner. Hmmm...guess I just got a great sample.

    reviewed March 10th, 2007 (purchased for $75)

  • Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Nice build quality...very sharp
    105mm is probably better for macro

    I really question why they posted this review. Obviously they received a bad sample. Dropped? This is generally considered one of the sharpest lens Nikon makes. I would ignore the results above. Don't take my word for it though...check out the following links.

    http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/nikkor_60_28/index.htm

    http://www.photodo.com/product_42_p4.html

    Clearly the review at photozone and the MTF curves and photodo show this lens sharp wide open. Regarding the lens. The build quality is quite nice. This lens is great for macro and can be used for portraits. Although it is not as fast as the 50 f1.8.

    reviewed November 22nd, 2007

  • Nikon 50mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Very fast, sharp...good build quality
    More expensive than the 50mm f/1.8

    I struggled with the thought of buying this lens because I already have the 50mm f1.8 which is very fast and very sharp. I finally decided to pick one up when I got a like new copy for $230. First, thing I did was set up the tripod and do some test shots between the 50 1.4 & 50 1.8. In short the 50 1.4 is slightly sharper than the 50 1.8...these results compare favorably with the slrgear reviews. Now this lens is a little sharper at 2.8 than at 1.4, but all of my lenses are sharper when you stop down two stops. I would definately not call this lens soft at any aperture...even wide open. Of note...at f/1.4 the depth of field is very shallow so care must be taken when focussing.

    In closing if you want a little better build quality and the extra speed I would get the 50mm f/1.4. If you want to save a few bucks, get the 50mm f/1.8. You can't go wrong with either lens.

    reviewed December 21st, 2007 (purchased for $229)