afukuda's reviews

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

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    Very Sharp at the center, Great contrast (better than my 50mm f1.8D), VR sytem works perfectly, Amazing focal lenght, Very Fast Accurate and silent AF, Macro.
    Heavy, a bit soft borders even at f8, creep (sometimes - but I dont mind it)

    This is a very sharp lens at the center at all apertures and at all focal lenghts BUT it falls short on the edges even at f8 ("sweet point" at f10)
    The VR system is simply amazing. It works perfect and surpasses my expectations.
    The Autofocus speed is very fast and reliable - I use it mounted on my D50 (unmatched combo IMO).
    It's the best walkaround lens you can find on the market right now, no doubt on it.
    It's well-built, solid and reliable (I've used it under the rain with NO problems)
    The image quality at the center is comparable to any f2.8 Nikon lens, but as I mentioned above, it falls short on the edges....for arquitecture shots I suggest stopping down at f11 for better results (excellent results IMHO).
    Maybe my gallery could give you an idea how versatile this lens is

    http://www.pbase.com/afukuda/cusco_puno

    I highly recommend this lens to any Nikon DSRL user.

    reviewed January 29th, 2006 (purchased for $750)

  • Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6D ED AF Nikkor

    5 out of 10 points and recommended
    Focal Length, Price.
    Very soft at long end, cheap plastic construction, No VR

    I bought a used sample of this lens 6 months ago, I only paid $200 for the lens + hood,
    The maing reason for buying this lens was to use its huge focal length, however the image quality at long end is really disappointing, too soft to be true, to my taste is only useful from 70mm to 150mm.
    Autofocus is also disappointing: Slow.
    Built Quality: It feels cheap plastic.
    No VR.

    reviewed November 19th, 2006 (purchased for $200)

  • Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Very sharp at all apertures, lightweight, compact size, cheap, very fast (1.8)
    just a bit slow to focus (autofocus)

    This is an excellent lens, its even sharper than the old Nikon Kogaku 50mm f2.0, its small, lightweith and fast, very fast.
    At f1.8 is a bit soft but at f4.0is sharp from corner to corner, the perfect portrait lens.
    The autofocus is fast but not as fast as AFs lenses.
    The built quality is good enough for the price.
    Im totally satisfied with this lens.

    reviewed November 19th, 2006 (purchased for $90)