Recommend a Nikon zoom lens, please.

Steve Mack · Oct 26, 2010

I already own the Nikon 28-80 3.5 - 5.6 G lens, but I'm looking for another zoom of better build. If I want a fast zoom lens, I need to be ready to lay out big bucks (1000K+). Is there something less than a grand or two that would fill the bill? I prefer Nikon glass, but would consider other after-market brands.

Thanks to all who reply.

With best regards,

Stephen

Stan160 · Oct 26, 2010

The 35-70/2.8 AF-D is meant to be very good. I considered one of these and if you don't mind buying used there's no other fast zoom close to it in price.

Ian

j-dogg · Oct 26, 2010

I know nothing about Nikon AF lenses but I've heard good things about the Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS, compares well with Canon's 70-200 2.8L. You can get them pretty cheap too, under a grand if memory serves me correct.

RandomBlueStudio · Oct 27, 2010

If auto focus is not a requirement, there are some very good used Nikon zoom lenses out there for reasonable prices, such as the Series E 75-150 f/3.5. I have this one on my F3 and it is very nice for portraits.

The next one on my list, as a walk-around lens, is the 28-50mm f/3.5 Nikkor. These lenses are lightweight, built with a fair amount of metal, are only a half-stop slower than the huge f/2.8 modern zooms, and take nice, small 52mm filters.

tkamiya · Oct 27, 2010

With your budget of "grand or two", you can buy the current 24-70 f/2.8. This lens is incredible. Even at f/2.8 and at the long end where it's weakest, the contrast and the sharpness is entirely acceptable. I can see some degradation but I wouldn't hesitate to use it at that setting.

I've tried many third party lenses, some used and some new before coming to this one. Most I've tried had horrible performance at wide open (and especially at the long end). Some, I consider emergency use only and some I consider unusable. Also, sample variations were quite a bit.

Since I *was* buying this lens for wide open performance and I really needed it to work well at that setting, my choice became rather clear.

bblhed · Oct 27, 2010

Tamron 171A Zoom lens - 28 mm - 200 mm - F/3.8-5.6:

I paid less than $100 with shipping for mine and even though it is not a Nikkor I find that I get a lot of use out of it for chasing my 3 year old, hiking, rock climbing, a few trips to Disney World, and lots of general landscape stuff.

It works on all my Nikon bodies FA to D70, (except the Nikonos V), it's really light, and at f/3.8 I find it fast enough for me. The only complaint I have about it is that sometimes it will seek focus, other than that it has served me quite well. FYI I only bought this lens because I needed a lens to abuse on a rough hiking trip I was planing, I figured for $100 I would take the risk, it was worth it.

Prices on these dropped like a stone when Nikon introduced the Nikkor 18-200mm VR, and if your pocket can take the $750 price tag this is the better choice, but still the Tamron is a great little underrated lens.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

daleeman · Oct 27, 2010

I used to own a 28-50mm Nikor. Stunning lens and I paid about $ 200 US. Never as wide as I wanted but I added to the zoom factor by buying a pair of gym shoes.

There are a lot of lens rental places about. You may want to rent a "future purchase" before buying. Might tell you ahead of time if you really want it.

Lee

ann · Oct 27, 2010

i am thinking seriously about selling my 35-70 2.8, pm me if interested. I will check with my dealer to see what the current value may be and will consider selling for less to someone i know values film.

Pumalite · Oct 27, 2010

I have a 35-70 AIS that is great and I use with the F3HP and other MF. If you have an AF ( I have the F4, F90X and others); there is a 35-70 that is very good. I also have a 70-300 AF, very good that I use seldom.

narsuitus · Oct 28, 2010

Check out the following:

28-70mm Nikon f/2.8D ED IF AF-S (about $1200 for one in excellent condition on the used market)

24-70mm Nikon f/2.8G ED AF-S (about $1600 for one in excellent condition on the used market)

film_man · Oct 28, 2010

Either of:
Used Nikon 35/70/2.8.
Used Nikon 28-70/2.8.
Tamron 28-75/2.8.

meillana · Nov 1, 2010

another vote for the nikkor 28-70/f2.8 afs - the beast!

Henry Alive · Nov 1, 2010

Another option: the 28-105 AF-D; it is cheap and good.
Henry.

djacobox372 · Nov 10, 2010

Nikon 80-200 f2.8 AFD (around $500 used in mint condition)
Nikon 20-35mm f2.8 AFD (around $600 used in mint condition)
Nikon 35-70mm f2.8 AF (around $350 used in great condition)

These are all great lenses, just a quick warning on the 35-70mm; make sure it doesn't have hazy elements; it was prone to that problem.

Paul Sorensen · Nov 10, 2010

film_man said:
Either of:
Used Nikon 35/70/2.8.
Used Nikon 28-70/2.8.
Tamron 28-75/2.8.

I have used the 35-70 Nikkor and the Tamron 25-75 with Canon. I like both quite a bit. The Tamron can be had for around $300, so it is really a bargain. It is also very compact for a f2.8 constant aperture. The Nikkor 35-70 will cost more, and it is probably a better lens but it is still a great deal less than the newer f2.8 Nikkors.

Recommend a Nikon zoom lens, please.

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