sgnirts's reviews

  • Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II EX DC HSM APO

    5 out of 10 points and not recommended
    Great range, easy handling, nice looking build, quick focus.
    Very soft from f2.8-f4, never gets tack sharp, lots of CA, not consistant in focus accuracy.

    I had the highest hopes for this new version of the Sigma 50-150mm HSM II, I really needed the range and a fast f2.8 ability. I guessed i would need to stop the Sigma down at 150mm to get sharpness, put you really have to stop this lens down a lot, at every focal length to get results you can be proud of. Sadly, my Nikon 55-200mm VR starter zoom is sharper at every focal length and every aperture..YES, the Nikon 55-200mm is sharper, focuses about the same speed ( the Nikon, hits the target more often), the Nikon has better contrast and color too...yes, I sent the Sigma back. I was told by 47th street photo on the phone, that they thought the lens was defective. Once the Sigma arrived at 47th street photo they told me their tech tested it and it was "fine without issues". Of course I am still fighting to get me refund from 47th street (I should have purchased from Adorama or B&H!!). Maybe the 50-150mm III will get it right.

    I picked up a used Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 ED today, the Nikon looks great stopped down to f3.5 and is built like a tank! Save your time/hassle and just pick up a Nikon zoom in this range...I only wish the Nikon was as light as the Sigma, nothing more.

    reviewed February 5th, 2009 (purchased for $600)

  • Nikon 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D AF Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    sharp!, great range (cept wide), nice macro, quick focus, nice handling, color, contrast.
    no cons, just find one and buy it!

    What a perfect walk around lens, the range is very nice, f3.5-f4.5 keeps this lens reasonably fast, quick to focus accurately, and plenty sharp wide open. The bokeh looks nice. I think the 28-105mm has a solid build, with all the color and contrast Nikon is known for. The 28-105mm is the hidden gem of the Nikon line. I have Many great Nikon lenses, but this stays mounted to my DSLR more than any of the others.

    reviewed February 6th, 2009 (purchased for $130)

  • Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    great pro image quality, fast!! sharp, reliable focus.
    high quality plastic :-)

    Every photographer should have at least one f1.8 or brighter lens in their bag for low light, and subject iso. The nikon 50mm f1.8 fits the bill so perfectly, if you get addicted to this little gem, go one step further and grab the Nikon 85mm f1.8 too(or 1.4) and get a little more of this low light performing drug.

    Instantly addicting every time you pick it up, day to day, week to week, decade to decade...take your timeless images with this timeless lens....easy!

    reviewed February 6th, 2009 (purchased for $100)

  • Nikon 28mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    fairly wide, smooth focus, reasonably sharp, bright and fast at f2.8, great color and contrast. Very light
    Not "extra tack sharp", a little distortion...get over it!

    A simple classic. This lens is easy to carry, performs in low light, classic handling. Primes always bring out creativity because you are not overwhelmed with options and over thinking, sure, some zooms match this lenses performance today, but who cares? You simply pop this lens on your camera, and the charm of it's limits guide you to nice photos.

    Forget the "bashers"....Just put it in your bag and use it, you will be happy!

    reviewed February 6th, 2009 (purchased for $155)

  • Nikon 85mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Great focal length, SHARP!, FAST!, great bokeh...just right portrait lens.
    We are not born with this lens. noisy focus.

    WOW!, just perfect, all the "right moves" for portrait and low light work, always sharp in the center (even f1.8!), fairly quick focus...I can't ask for much more...maybe add VR to it one day and a motor? Primes offer so much bang for the buck in the category. I have even shot some very nice landscapes with this lens, who says all landscapes have to be wide? just silly! :-)

    reviewed February 6th, 2009 (purchased for $275)

  • Nikon 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Sharp, reasonable range, versitile, better focus speed than expected, f2.8.
    None

    You just can't ask for better image quality, this is "the stuff", decent macro range for flowers and stuff that you can't "scare off". This 60mm is one of the sharpest lenses I have ever used, works for people, pets, flowers, big bugs, copy work, products..and whatever else life throws into it's focal length. Add one if you don't already have this range covered, and easy choice.

    The lens used for the SLRgear review must have been defective, i hope they test it again someday.

    reviewed February 6th, 2009 (purchased for $275)

  • Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 SP AF

    7 out of 10 points and recommended
    Sharp, f2.8,
    build

    I like the range of the Tamron 90mm macro. this is a fairly versatile lens, but best for macro work. the build quality leaves much to be desired, the autofocus cooked some time ago.

    reviewed February 6th, 2009 (purchased for $250)