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Nikon 35mm f/1.4G AF-S FX SWM Nikkor Lens
Nikon 35mm f/1.4G AF-S FX SWM Nikkor Lens
posted by abcnoonoi 1 day 9 hours 2 minutes ago
Nikon 35mm f/1.4G AF-S FX SWM Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics) I love this lens. It is my favorite Nikon prime for FX. This 35mm lens is a little wider than a standard 50mm lens, which lets you add more context to your shots or get closer indoors. Yet it's not so wide to distort people's faces like 24mm and below. It is extremely sharp in the center at all f-stops, starting right at f1.4. It and the 85mm f1.4G are the only lenses that are sharp enough at f1.4 for me to voluntarily choose to shoot at that aperture. It is astonishingly sharp in the corners starting at f2.8 and peaking at f5.6. And here's a big surprise - this lens focuses closer than the 24mm f1.4G, the 50mm f1.4G, or the 85mm f1.4G. It's close-focusing prowess results in a useful 0.2x magnification, which works well for pictures of flowers or textures. My only complaint is that this lens' autofocus is too slow to capture moving subjects on my D3s. Nonetheless I wish I had purchased it sooner. .
Read more...Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical
Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical
posted by abcnoonoi 1 day 9 hours 5 minutes ago
Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens for Konica Minolta and Sony Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics) The lens was purchased to lighten the load in my camera bag by eliminating the kit lens that came with my Sony DSLR with a zoom range of 18-70mm, and another 45-200mm zoom lens that occupied some space. The zoomfunction operates flawlessly and the auto-focus function is extremely accurate, giving me the sharp close-ups that I shoot in my business.Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens for Konica Minolta and Sony Digital SLR Cameras Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens for Konica Minolta and Sony Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics) Bought this as a companion to the Minolta 5D and have been extremely pleased with the beautiful pictures it captures under all conditions..
Read more...Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens
Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens
posted by abcnoonoi 1 day 9 hours 7 minutes ago
Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Camera) This is a top-notch lens, tack sharp and fast (f/2.8) across it's entire zoom range. The built-in tripod collar will save a lot of stress on your camera mount, you'll see why when you lift this sucker - it feels like a brick. On the downside, auto-focusing can be a little slow. If you have an older camera body with an underpowered auto-focus motor it may not be able to keep up with a fast moving target. My N90s can handle it pretty well, but I don't do many action shots. If you shoot sports or other fast action, you should consider the AF-S version. It's internal motor eases the load on the camera and improves focus speed, but make sure you're body can use AF-S lenses.If you're a casual photographer who generally uses fast film, this lens is probably overkill. If you're very serious and shoot slow film, it will help you squeeze out every stop possible. The wide aperture is also great for minimizing depth of field, very useful if you shoot through wire at the zoo and for isolating subjects against a busy background (think great portraits). If you do get it, do yourself a favor and get a good monopod, your arms will thank you! I can't stress enough that this thing is *HEAVY*! .
Read more...Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor Lens
Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor Lens
posted by abcnoonoi 1 day 9 hours 10 minutes ago
Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics) I recently traded the 18-55mm VR lens from my D60 kit for this lens. I wanted something with more range than the 18-55 offered, and with VR, so it was a choice between the 18-200mm VR and this lens. Between the price of the latter, and the reports of worse distortion, zoom creep, and poor feel of the zoom & focus rings of the 18-200, I decided this was the best choice. The fact that this lens is a tad shorter and a good bit lighter (420g vs. 560g) make it an even better choice for a walkaround (or even only) lens for normal use. The fit & finish is much better than that of the kit lens, and while it is a bit heavier than the 18-55, it's not appreciably longer, if any. I'm not a good enough photographer to tell you how it compares on distortion to either the 18-55 or the 18-200, so I won't even try. But it produced a number of wonderful images for me today, under low light and handheld, without noticeable distortion, and they were very clear except if I was shaking badly (this is with shutter speeds of 1/40-1/10). I purchased it for $300 new, about half of the price of the 18-200mm VR. In all, I am quite satisfied with this lens as an all-around, do-everything lens. Update: Well, this lens lasted me about a year. No, it didn't break, I just upgraded to the 16-85mm VR and passed it on to a family member just getting into digital SLRs. So for an extra ~$450, the 16-85mm VR adds: -VRII instead of original VR, and the Active-Normal switch that comes with this. Nikon claims 4 stops for VRII, instead of 3 stops. I didn't test them side by side, but I do notice both the new lens and my 70-300mm VR (which also has VRII) are less prone to shake than the 18-105mm was. Not sure if I'd claim a full stop better, but there is some improvement. -An extra 2mm on the wide end, and better image quality, at the cost of 20mm on the telephoto end. I honestly don't miss the 30mm on the long end, and I can switch to the telephoto lens easily enough. Honestly though, I don't find myself racked out at 85mm and wanting just a little more focal length much at all. The 2mm on the wide end is kind of a toss-up. It's nice to have, and actually noticeable compared to 18mm. But it won't replace a dedicated wide-angle if you like wide-angle shots, just add 2mm more overlap than you already get. Kind of makes you feel goofy buying a $1k wide-angle for only 4-6mm less focal length. -A metal mount, a distance scale, and overall better construction. The metal lens mount and distance scale are no-brainers, even though I hardly NEED the distance scale. But both that and the metal mount could've easily been added to the 18-105mm for negligible cost, especially considering the $400+ MSRP. It's kind of disappointing that Nikon skimped on a little plastic window and a little chunk of metal, even for a kit lens, to save maybe $10. The zoom and focus ring action of the 16-85mm VR is much more fluid-feeling than the plasticy feel of the 18-105mm VR, but it also weighs a good bit more. Not heavy in a bad way however, it just feels more solid. Honestly, while I don't regret buying the 16-85mm VR, I'm not sure if it's really worth the extra cost (compared to the normal ~$300 cost of an 18-105mm VR, not retail, which would be silly for a common kit lens). I upgraded for the image quality, and because it felt weird to have the most-used lens in my kit be the lowest quality (image and construction). If you can live with the plastic mount, slight distortion and softness, and cheaper feel, the 18-105mm is still a great value for the money. This lens and the 70-300mm VR still match or best the 18-200mm VR lens, at about the same overall cost, with more versatility. .
Read more...Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP AF/MF 1
Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP AF/MF 1
posted by abcnoonoi 1 day 9 hours 12 minutes ago
Tamron AF 90mm f/2.8 Di SP AF/MF 1:1 Macro Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics) This lens is a terrific value. I shopped around for months looking at Sigma, Tamron, Nikkor 50MM+ trying to balance value, construction, and usefulness to me. I eliminated the 50-60mm macro lenses as I would like to do some macro photography of bugs like dragon flies and butterflies which tend to become a little skittish when you are 2 inches away from them understandably so. The 90-110 range offers some choices so I went to a local camera store and tried them out. Based on build quality, price, and preliminary results I fell for the Tarmon 90mm f2.8. The lens is fairly fast especially in this price range and offers a beautiful bokeh and sharp image. I have been using it for about 7 months now and have no regrets at all. I get so much use for this and even use it for portraits and night photos. I was able to get some fairly sharp images of Holiday lights hand held something that would be impossible with a kit lens. Really a very useful lens to have in your kit. The auto focus may sometimes hunt a little but I have had this happen on every lens I have tried and it is no better or worse in my opinion it just depends on what you are shooting the good thing about this lens is how quickly and easily you can switch from Auto focus to Manual focus and back again with the override. .
Read more...Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom Lens
Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom Lens
posted by abcnoonoi 1 day 9 hours 15 minutes ago
Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics) I resently purchased this lens after reading a very postive review in Popular Photogaphy Magazine. I have been using it extensively for coverage of high school soccer, hockey,and football, and it has performed flawlessly. It has exceed all expectations and has become my favorite lens for shooting daytime sports. Each and every photo I've taken is tack sharp at all focal lengths. There is no perfect lens on the market today, but this one comes pretty darn close! I would highly recommend this lens to anyone involved in sports or nature photography. Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics) I have only had this lens for a few days and I feel that this is the lens that was missing in my arsenal. I will try to update my review in future, but here are my ten cents: - Heavy and huge but certainly handheld manageable - Fast autofocus, OS is great and excellent image quality - As expected requires a lot of light (tripod recommended for low lighting) - Solid built and its color makes reminds me of the B-2 Bomber - Nice hood - Comes with a durable case and 2 straps - Only 1 year warranty (why not 5 years) This is my 1st non-Nikon lens and I am very pleased by it..
Read more...Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF Macro Lens
Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF Macro Lens
posted by abcnoonoi 1 day 9 hours 18 minutes ago
Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF Macro Lens with Built in Motor for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics) All of you out there that are reading this review of the Tamron 70-200 are probably in one of two categories. 1) Looking for a fast low light zoom but don't wont to pay the price of the Nikon/Canon 2.8 tele or 2) Your looking for a backup telezoom for your Nikon/Canon. I do wedding, family, sports shoots as a side biz and I'm in category 1. You're probably worried about buying it and it not Auto Focusing fast enough or having some other issues that you've read......because that was a concern of mine. Let me put you at ease.....don't worry, the Tamron 70-200 is fantastic! In fact I was so pleased that I ended up purchasing other Tamron lenses. The 28-75 f/2.8 and also the 17-35 f/2.8-4mm and all 3 have been exceptional to say the least. AF - Lets get to what everyone is concerned about...Auto Focus. I have two Nikons that I've use this lens on. A D5000 (cropped 1.5x sensor) that I use for quick pics of the kids and vacations (non paying gigs) and a D700 full frame for my professional paying gigs and if the kids have very special events like my daughters kindergarten graduation. I'm really not seeing what everyone is fussing about this lens AF's just as fast as my Nikon DX lens....55-200 VR for example. I use this lens for in and out doors and have never had a problem with it auto focusing. It's like any lens you use.....take a person dressed in black standing in front of a black background and any lens will have a hard time trying to find the focus. Adjust your focal point on the face where the contrast is different and boom it finds it. This is only rare occasions but it does happen sometimes and it also happens with my Nikkors. One thing I do notice is my D700 AF quicker compared to my D5000. It's not by much but it is noticeable, but not an issue. I honestly believe it's due to the difference of the AF systems in the two cameras. D700 is known for its superb AF. AF Accuracy - Spot on, never a problem. I have my D700 set where it will not release the shutter unless it's in focus and I've never have had a problem with it being fooled or hunting for focus unless it's in a dark closet. AF loudness - Is the Tamron louder than the Nikkor lenses when Auto focusing? Yes it is. It's not quiet but it's not loud by any means. You have to remember you're the one looking through the viewfinder and of course you're going to hear it. Others won't even notice it. The shutter closing/opening when taking a picture is twice as loud as the Tamron AF system. It's not even an issue. I don't know if I would take it out to the Amazon taking pics of dangerous and exotic animals where my life depended on it......but then again you'd still probably be ok. Remember the shutter is louder than the auto focus.....again it's not even an issue I don't think. Sharpness - Super sharp at all focal lengths. I've actually have been very pleased with all of my Tamrons and the sharpness it produces. When hand held at 200mm 2.8 it is a tad softer but 95% of that is due to camera shake. I've tested this and have mounted it on a tripod at that setting with sharp as a tack results. Vibration Reduction or Tamrons VC would be a huge plus but it's not totally necessary. Construction - Very well made, very hefty and durable. I've used Nikons version and it's a fantastic piece of engineering that is weather sealed, built like a tank and is without a doubt more durable. I think this is where the price difference is. The Tamron is not cheap feeling by any means. When you hold it you know its made very well but the Nikon just takes that to another level which is why its $2000 plus US dollars and the fact this it has Vibration Reduction. If you're going to be going through some rugged terrain on a paid photo shoot it would only make sense to purchase the Nikon. Honestly if you took care of the Tamron and kept it clean I'm sure it could make it out fine also but I wouldn't try it. Overall - Superb sharpness, old school but very effective AF system and AF accuracy, AF noise is not a problem and is really not even loud enough to even mention in this review but I know people have brought it up and are concerned. I'm 100% pleased. Even if I would have paid more I still would have been pleased but that's the beauty of Tamron. Giving you a great professional lens at a great price. Quick story: I was outside under the patio just a couple of days ago taking pics of the massive storm that we had here in Oklahoma using this lens. I would AF on the clouds and press the shutter and to my surprise the shutter would not release. Remember I have it set where it will not take the pic unless it's in perfect focus. After a few times of this I was getting very frustrated and thought to myself........this is what everyone must be talking about when they mean the Tamron has trouble AFing. Few seconds later the shutter goes off taking pics of nothing.
Read more...Nikon 60mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Micro-Nikkor Lens
Nikon 60mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Micro-Nikkor Lens
posted by abcnoonoi 1 day 9 hours 21 minutes ago
Nikon 60mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Micro-Nikkor Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Electronics) There's nothing to say but perfect! It's my first Micro lens and really worth it. I compared the price with other websites and J&R was the cheapest. And yes, it's Nikon USA version. Shortest range taking picture is 0.185m(0.61ft) as you know. For close-up picture it's about 0.05m(0.165ft) closest that you could reach(I've tested). / Cons; After close-up shot, it takes time to AF in normal range. Nikon 60mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Micro-Nikkor Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Electronics) I upgraded from the old 60 mm macro lens. This is definitely a step up. It's a very sharp lens and focus is lightning fast comparatively. The one thing I did notice, however, is that you can't shoot at f/2..
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