iamunique127's reviews

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

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    sharp, contrasty, well built, good range, little distortion, relatively fast,acceptable macro
    front element turns while zooming

    This is truly a hidden gem in the Nikon lens line-up. It is sharp and contrasty, displays good colour rendition, has little distortion and is fast for a non-pro lens. It also has on-board macro built-in (really close focusing but close enough).

    I have an aversion to the 18-xx(x) zooms because of the distortion at the wide end and the cheap plastic feel. All those consumer grade lenses seem mediocre in all respects, from IQ to build quality to aperture speed. I've owned several and used most of them.

    In my experience this 28-105 outperforms the newer, wider lenses in all respects (except maybe lack of AF-S). Even at that, the 28-105 auto focuses and acquires focus as fast or faster than it's newer counterparts. In my hands this lens feels more well built, sturdy and rugged than any of the plasticy AF-S lenses.

    I've moved to mostly prime lenses for the image quality, colour and contrast but for an everyday, walk around, do everything lens, the 28-105 stays on my camera most of the time. If I have a specific task to do I'll chose the prime(s) for the job but if I need a zoom other than an ultra wide or long telephoto I'll take the 28-105 anytime.

    I needed a lens for an up-scale fashion show and decided I needed a zoom for the versatility of a fast paced environment. I chose the 28-105 and came away with some of the best images in my portfolio.

    As far as use on a crop sensor DSLR, I know I don't have the wider end with this lens but I am satisfied with the range I know I have if I decide to use it.

    Granted, the macro feature is not for 1:1 reproduction but it allows me to get close photos of flowers, tree buds and abstract objects that I would not otherwise be able to get with other than a dedicated macro lens.

    Flare can be a bit of an issue with this lens if the sun or bright lights are in the frame but I bought an inexpensive, collapsible rubber lens hood for the lens that I just leave on it all the time. Flare is now seldom an issue.

    The one area with which I am dissatisfied with the 28-105 is the rotating front element. I find having to try and remember to re-adjust my C. Pol. filter each time I zoom to be a real pain. Thankfully it is much easier to adjust the C. Pol with a rubber hood that screws into it than to adjust a C. Pol by reaching into the bayonet hood found on newer lenses.

    Choosing photography gear is all about making compromises. I feel I make the least compromises and come away with the most useful all around lens when I chose the 28-105.

    reviewed May 5th, 2011 (purchased for $125)

  • Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED DX VR AF-S Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    zoom range, sharp at all focal lengths, correctable distortion
    a bit heavy for my purposes

    I sought out this lens used for travel in place of my heavy 24-120 f4 and have been fully satisfied with it's performance. I use it mainly on my compact D5300. I've always owned only Nikon lenses and this one performs like a good Nikon lens.

    This lens simply does what I want it to do without me noticing any drawbacks in the resulting images. In most cases the zoom range was all that was necessary. If I needed more length I switched to the other camera with the longer lens.

    I made a preset for Importing into Lightroom that corrects the distortion so I never even see whatever distortion there may be.

    The only drawback I've noticed with this lens is it's size and weight. It is more heavy than I'd like for use on the camera I've coupled it with but that's the trade-off I chose to live with for the image quality and versatility.

    Call me more than satisfied.

    reviewed October 8th, 2015 (purchased for $250)