Experiences with Nikon's 28-300mm Zoom?

[BradleyK]

As a "walk-around" lens to be left on one body exclusively ( I generally use primes when shooting with the film Nikons unless I am shooting "events" where the 17-35/28-70/or the 80-200mm can often be useful), I have toyed with the idea of purchasing Nikon's 28-300. "Googling" the lens for reviews has only added to my ambivalence: reviews are all over the map (and just for the record, I immediately discount anything written by KR). Is the sample variation this extreme with this lens? Does anyone here have experience with this chunk of glass?

 

[paulo_05]

I do have this lens, as you said, it's good for "events" (it's the way I use it) but the quality of the image is way far if I compare to the primes... the main advantage is how versatile the lens is. If I'm shooting events that doesn't require maximum quality it's highly reccomended!

 

[tkamiya]

Bradley,

I say this as a general but personal observation about some of Nikon lenses I own. I've noticed Nikon's professional (gold rim) lenses are exceptionally good and variances between "samples" or pieces are small. But it's consumer grade lenses are all over the place in terms of performance variances between samples. If you get a good one, it's great. If you don't.... it's not!

I once had a brand new lens in factory fresh box that came from an authorized dealer. I went through 5 and kept the best one but I still wasn't satisfied. So I sent it in under warranty complaining it's awfully soft wide open. (Yes, I manually focused) It came back with its front element replaced and auto-focus re-calibrated. Now it's pin sharp.

I mention this because it may be the reason why online reviews are all over the map.

By the way, this isn't unique to Nikon.... I also own a Tokina lens where it was purchased brand new, and service replaced the whole optical train under warranty!

 

[benjiboy]

I know nothing about this particular lens, but my experience tells me that even in these days of computer aided design to manufacture a lens with a focal length range of 28-300mm and retain quality throughout the range is pushing it.