jemaerca's reviews

  • Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF SP AF

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Constant f/2.8 aperture, sharp images, nice build quality, compact size and light weight
    Build quality compared to Nikon's tank like build quality, flimsy hood, works with DX sized sensor only

    PROS: Constant f/2.8 aperture, sharp images, nice build quality, compact size and light weight

    CONS: Build quality compared to Nikon's tank like build quality, flimsy hood, works with DX sized sensor only

    As I looked for a fast midrange zoom, I was initially drawn to the Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 lens. But the $1,200 price made me look at some alterntives and I'm glad I did. The Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 is about 1/3 the price of the Nikkor and most of the reviews you will find will say that performance is right there with the Nikkor. My experience so far supports these reviews. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind spending the $$ for quality optics but I need to see the benefit of the extra investment. In this case, it just wasn't there enough to justify spending an extra $800 for a Nikkor. The only reason I can think of to choose the Nikkor over the Tamron is if you are rough on your equipment. The build quality of the Tamron 17-50mm is first rate but isn't like the tank like build of the Nikkor. If you need that build quality, go for the Nikkor. If you don't, you'll be happy with the Tamron 17-50mm and will have $800 in your pocket to buy some other lens. Cheers!

    reviewed November 29th, 2006 (purchased for $420)

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

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    18-200mm focal length, VR II, compact size and weight (for the range it provides), easy manual override of auto-focus, fast and silent auto-focus
    Very difficult to find anywhere near list price, will not work with film cameras

    PROS: 18-200mm focal length, VR II, compact size and weight (for the range it provides), easy manual override of auto-focus, fast and silent auto-focus

    CONS: Very difficult to find anywhere near list price, will not work with film cameras

    This is a fantastic lens from Nikon. And based on the scarcity of this lens, it appears that a whole lot of people in the Nikon world agree. If I had to choose just one lens to go for everyday shooting, this is the lens I'd take. The 18-200mm range allows versatility and the VR II image stabilization system really helps. At $700 list, it's not a cheap lens but I consider it a great deal considering what it delivers.

    The only downsides in my book are the scarcity of this lens. I had to wait weeks to get my copy but the wait was definitely worth it. Also, this is a DX lens so if you use a film camera body, this lens will produce pictures with severe vignetting.

    Overall, a very nice lens from Nikon that I would highly recommend.

    reviewed November 29th, 2006 (purchased for $800)

  • Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF DX AF-S Nikkor

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    inexpensive, compact size and weight, easy manual override of auto-focus, fast and silent auto-focus
    Will not work with film cameras

    Strengths: inexpensive, compact size and weight, easy manual override of auto-focus, fast and silent auto-focus

    Weaknesses: Will not work with film cameras

    Comments: This is very nice DX lens from Nikon. It will work with Nikon digital SLRs like the D50, D70/D70s, D80, D200, etc. Using it with a film camera body will produce pictures with severe vignetting. The 18-70mm lens has a very usable zoom range although most will probably want a more length (of course, we almost always want more zoom power regardless of what lens we are using!). For about $250 gently used, this is great value for the performance it gives. It is sharp, contrasty, and keeps distortion under control.

    Overall, a very nice lens from Nikon that I would highly recommend.

    reviewed November 30th, 2006 (purchased for $250)