billrogers945's reviews

  • Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    Focal length, speed, price.
    For my purposes and for the price, none.

    I purchased this lens because of its f/1.4 speed and its reasonable price. I am quite pleased with its performance, and I highly recommend it.

    The field of view on a Nikon DSLR with a 1.5 factor is perfect for me.

    Buying this lens has allowed me to use my backup Nikon D70 more effectively. I typically shoot an event using a Nikon D200 with a Nikkor zoom lens and SB-800 strobe/s, and a Nikon D70 with the Sigma 30mm lens and the ISO set to 800 or 1600. This allows me to capture both flash and available light photos quickly.

    reviewed May 8th, 2007 (purchased for $420)

  • Tokina 12-24mm f/4 AT-X 124 AF PRO DX SD

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    Price, build quality.
    Optical distortion, lack of internal focusing motor.

    As others have noted, this lens is a satisfactory alternative to the Nikkor 12-24mm when price is taken into account. The build quality is first rate, and the image quality is acceptable.

    It's a useful lens for shooting indoor events and landscapes. I don't use it often, but it's there when I need it, and it does a fine job.

    reviewed May 8th, 2007 (purchased for $500)

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

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Sharpness, wide zoom range, VR performance.
    Creep!

    This is my lens of choice for all-around shooting on my D200.

    The performance of the VR system is excellent. The sharpness is more than acceptable, and I love the wide zoom range. Lens distortion is easily corrected in Photoshop CS2 or CS3.

    I am extremely unhappy with the way this lens creeps. I sometimes use a short piece of gaffer tape to hold the focal length. Otherwise, lens construction quality is excellent, but Nikon really dropped the ball by allowing this lens to creep so readily.

    reviewed May 8th, 2007 (purchased for $800)

  • Nikon 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Price, size, image quality

    This is a little gem of a lens that is often overlooked. For the price, it delivers excellent performance.

    I originally purchased this lens because of my unhappiness with the 18-70mm kit lens that came with my Nikon D70. I have taken many excellent photos with the 28-200 lens.

    When I purchased a D200, I also purchased the Nikkor 18-200 VR lens.

    I kept the 28-200 lens, however, for use on the D70, and as a backup if the 18-200 VR ever needs to be repaired.

    The 28-200 is not a DX lens, it is not an AF-S lens, and it does not have VR. Still, it delivers excellent performance for its price.

    reviewed May 8th, 2007 (purchased for $320)