DaweP's reviews

  • Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR Micro Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    AF-S, IF and... yes VR
    size, weight

    I compared the performance of this lens with the previous version (AF 105/2.8 D) in summer 2006. The full text of my review can be found at my web:
    http://dawep.net/test.html

    The main results are:
    - this lens produces better bokeh compared to the old version
    - this lens is slightly sharper wide opened and also slightly sharper when fully stopped down
    - despite one ED glass element, some minor amount of CA was found between f2.8 and f4, which was comletely absent at f5.6. In contrast, the pictures made with old version had no trace of CA!
    - the new version is slightly better when focused at infinity
    - the size and weight make the new lens less pleasant to work with (of course only if you hand hold the lens; no problem on a tripod)

    Conclusion:
    According to my experience, the new version is NOT an significant upgrage in terms of picture quality, especially sharpness. I see the main benefits in AF-S, IF design and compatibility with the teleconvertors I possess. And I must not forget the potential use as a medium telephoto lens with VR.

    reviewed December 31st, 2006 (purchased for $1,190)

  • Nikon 105mm f/2.8D AF Micro Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    size, weight
    noisy AF, extends when focusing

    I compared the performance of this lens with the new version (AF-S VR 105/2.8 G) in summer 2006. The full text of my review can be found at my web:
    http://dawep.net/test.html


    The main results are:
    - the new version produces better bokeh compared to this version
    - the new version is slightly sharper wide opened and also slightly sharper when fully stopped down
    - the pictures made with this "old" version had no trace of CA even wide opened. Surprisingly, despite one ED glass element, the new version revealed some minor amount of CA between f2.8 and f4, which was, however, comletely absent at f5.6.
    - the new version was slightly better when focused at infinity compared to this version
    - the size and weight make the new lens less pleasant to work with. This old version fits much better into my hands.


    Conclusion:
    According to my experience, the new version is NOT an significant upgrage in terms of picture quality, especially sharpness, over this old version. If you do not mind slow and noisy AM (when shooting macro, you will probably MF anyway) and extending lens barrel and you do not need VR (for medium telephoto work), consider also the "old good" version for your purchase.

    reviewed December 31st, 2006 (purchased for $814)

  • Nikon 35mm f/2D AF Nikkor

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    size, weight, unobtrusive, fast
    not AF-S

    This lens is small, fast, unobtrusive and with very good image quality! At f2.0 it is a bit soft, but stop it down to f2.8 or f4 and the image quality is very good to excellent.

    My only complain is concerning the lack of AF-S. Although AF is fast on my D200 and D70, I would appreciate AF-S because of the reduced noise and the possibility to promptly mannually override the focus. Moreover, the rotating AF ring in your hand can be a bit annoying.
    Of course, the implementation of AF-S would negatively affect the size and weight of this little gem.

    reviewed December 31st, 2006 (purchased for $470)

  • Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF VR AF-S Nikkor

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    AF-S, VR, Image quality

    This is THE lens!

    I do not hesitate to give the highest marks to this lens. It was my first "pro calibre" lens and cost me a fortune and nerve-strain to get one (it would be a long story), but I NEVER regretted the invested money.

    This lens is sharp even at f2.8 and amazing at 5.6. Although I use it on my tripod whenever I can, the VR enabled me to take many photos that would be lost without it. The size and weight makes sometimes the lens a bit uncomforteble to hold and carry, but that is the price you have to pay for constant f2.8 zoom.

    This lens is no doubt THE BEST zoom in this range you can buy.

    reviewed December 31st, 2006 (purchased for $1,500)