ddk's reviews

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

    3 out of 10 points and not recommended
    Seems to be built well
    Price, Image Quality, AF

    This is one of those lenses that I always wonder what people see in it. Its very soft wide open and even up to f5.6 where it becomes acceptable but is never really crisp even at f11.

    The image quality is quite average and a little too contrasty for my taste. I guess Nikon wanted to compensate for the lenses IQ with extra contrast. The AF system is slow and not so accurate, I guess a limitation of all wide angles, but this is a $1500 lens. Overall I'm very dissatisfied with my purchaseee and can't recommend at its price, I guess I'd feel different if it cost $600.

    reviewed August 22nd, 2007 (purchased for $1,350)

  • Nikon 135mm f/2D AF DC Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Light weight, compact telephot with great IQ, one of Nikons best.
    Slight CA at some apertures

    This has to be one of my favorite all time Nikkors and portrait lenses. The rendering and IQ of this lens is extremely beautiful and elegant. Really and amazing portrait lens even without the DC control. The defocus adds another dimension to this beautiful lens. Its sharp without being harsh or gross like the 17-55/2.8, I just can't say enough about its woderful qualities.

    reviewed August 22nd, 2007 (purchased for $1,050)

  • Nikon 14mm f/2.8D ED AF Nikkor

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    ultra wide angle with low distortion and high image quality
    expensive

    Contrary to some of the reviews that I've seen I'm fairly satisfied with this lens. It has very good color and contrast, sharpness is acceptable and f2.8 but gets much sharper as you stop down.

    It has a substantial build which I like with good, smooth manual focusing. I haven't noticed any CA with my cameras but its prone to flaring, so don't point it towrds sun

    reviewed August 22nd, 2007