versatile zoom lens for my nikon FE

[adrian_freire]

What do you think about the zoom lens Sigma 28-105/2,8-4,0 AF Aspherical?
I own a Nikon FE with a excellent nikkor 28mm f2,8 lens but I feel limited in my possibilities since I want to begin to make portraits and travel photography. I need a versatile and bright lens but I don't need the AF. Any suggestion? (I can't afford too much money, my top is about 200 $)
Thanks.

 

[elekm]

If you want to make portraits, consider the AI/AIS 105mm f/2.5 lens. It's one of the sharpest lenses you can buy and excellent for portraits. And you should be able to find it used for less than USD200.

 

[eric]

If you want to make portraits, consider the AI/AIS 105mm f/2.5 lens.[snip]USD200.

The 105 2.5 is legendary. If you are just shooting B&W, consider the non-ai. Use your handheld meter. Its small and compact. Also, the 100 series E is soooo underatted. People love to read marketing material and base their pictures on it.

I have a book from 1975 called "The Nikon Image". Everything shot with 70's lenses and Kodachrome II and some Ektachrome. One would think that the photos are new cause the shots are awesome. There is abosolutely nothing wrong with getting a 105 from this era.

 

[elekm]

Eric makes a good point about the non-AI lens. I think you lose some of the metering capability, but you should be able to work around that easily.

In any case, you certainly won't be disappointed by the results.

 

[roteague]

Sigma's are good lenses, I own two, a 17-35mm and a 105mm f 2.8. Both lenses are quite sharp. The 17-35 I found is a great lens for travel photography since it covers most of the range needed for shooting in the city. I don't think you can get either under $200, but you could try eBay.

 

[Russ - SVP]

I have the non-AI Nikkor 105mm f/2.5. And it's legendary status, is well deserved. Love it!

Kiron Kid

 

[Julian Hart]

Adrian

Many Sigma lenses are good, the 28-105 f2.8-4 ASPH is NOT one of them. My Dad has one for his F801s and never uses it, it's so bad!
Add the 105mm to your bag that the others recommend and a 50 f1.8, you will not regret it.

Julian

 

[Nige]

don't be scared of the 85/2 either. Sometimes it gets a bad rap but I think it's unjustified. At f2 it may be junk (I don't use it at that for portraits!) but at f4 to f5.6 it's good... I have 2 105/2.5s (Ai and Ais) so can compare. The 85 shouldl be a lot cheaper.

 

[Russ - SVP]

The Kiron 28-105 f/3.2-4.5, is very well built, and very sharp. Also, the Vivitar Series 1 28-90, is a fantastic lens.

Kiron Kid

 

[KevinR]

Let me throw in another. The nikon 35-105. Gives a little more versitility, and I used one for years. Sharp lens and built like a tank. I love the 105, but I was often shooting in some pretty tight corners and had to shoot tight head shots and full body shots.

 

[Russ - SVP]

Yeah, I've heard that the 35-105 is a good one. It's just not wide enough for my style. I find that I am using the 28mm length, quite a bit.

Kiron Kid

 

[L Gebhardt]

Yeah, I've heard that the 35-105 is a good one. It's just not wide enough for my style. I find that I am using the 28mm length, quite a bit.

Kiron Kid

See if you can find a used 28-105 AF Nikon. It will still work on your camera and it is a fantastic zoon lens. It may not be fast enough for shallow depth of filed portraits, but it is a great travel lens. Given that many have gone digital, with the crop factor, I bet this lens has lost a lot of value on the used market.

 

[Russ - SVP]

See if you can find a used 28-105 AF Nikon. It will still work on your camera and it is a fantastic zoon lens. It may not be fast enough for shallow depth of filed portraits, but it is a great travel lens. Given that many have gone digital, with the crop factor, I bet this lens has lost a lot of value on the used market.

Gebhart

I have a couple of the Kiron 28-105 lenses. They are very good. Actually, they are better built, faster and sharper than the Nikon 28-105. The Nikkor version is pretty good though. Yes, your right, it's a great length for travel. I always have it, or my 28-90, with me. My 28-90, is an f/2.8-3.5 lens.

Thanks
Kiron Kid

 

[L Gebhardt]

Interesting info about the Kiron lenses. Until your post I had not even heard of Kiron before. Is this a company that is known by another name inside the US?

 

[Russ - SVP]

Interesting info about the Kiron lenses. Until your post I had not even heard of Kiron before. Is this a company that is known by another name inside the US?

Gebhart

Give me your personal E address, and I'll tell you all about them, and send info on them.

Thanks
Kiron Kid